DGUSA: Freedom Fight PPV
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (ECW Arena)
January 26, 2010 (aired 01/22/10)
Commentators: Lenny Leonard & Chikarson
Report by: Josh Boutwell of WrstleView.com
The show opens up with all 6 of the first matches competitors inside the ring. Tonight is DGUSA’s one-night mini-tournament to crown the very first Open the Freedom Gate Champion!
Freedom Gate Tournament Semifinals
6-Way Match
Gran Akuma vs. Lince Dorado vs. Johnny Gargano vs. Nick Jackson (Young Bucks) vs. Matt Jackson (Young Bucks) vs. Hallowicked
The Bucks are easily the most over guys in this first matchup. This is a one-fall match, which means the first man to get a pin or submission earns his way into the Final 4-Way Match to crown the first DGUSA champion. As the bell rings all hell breaks loose with everybody going at it! Action spills out to the floor with the Bucks and Dorado leaving Gargano and Akuma double-teaming Hallowicked in the ring. They whip Hallow into the ropes and go for a double clothesline but he ducks and then connects with a hurricanrana on Akuma! Hallow whips Gargano into the corner and connects with a nasty leaping front kick to the face of Gargano sending him out to the floor! Akuma charges at Hallowicked but he backdrops Akuma up and over the top rope out to the floor! Hallowicked then hits a Tope Suicida through the ropes onto Gargano and Akuma! Now Matt Jackson and Dorado in the ring! Jackson whips Dorado into the ropes only to eat a shoulder block from Dorado. Matt nips quickly back up to his feet and connects with a shoulder block of his own. Dorado backflips onto his feet and then hits a wheelbarrow into an arm drag! Dorado hits a dropkick in the corner but then Matt comes back with a big superkick! Matt whips Dorado into the ropes and goes for a clothesline but he ducks and then connects with an insane spinning head scissors takeover that sends Matt through the ropes out to the floor! Dorado then fakes like he’s going to dive out onto Matt and turns around to eat a sickening Spinning Enziguri from Nick Jackson! Nick sets up for a dive but Gargano flies through the ropes with a nice Diving Spear on Nick! Gargano whips Nick into the rropes and goes for a backdrop but Nick kicks him in the chest. Gargano comes back with a clothesline attempt but Nick counters into a Backslide attempt. Gargano blocks it and hits a Diamond Cutter! Gargano attempts to whip Nick into the ropes but he blocks it and connects with a spinning back kick as Matt climbs back into the ring. The Bucks whip Gargano into the ropes and connect with a Double Hiptoss followed by Double Backflip Dropkicks! Akuma and Dorado climb back into the ring but both eat boots from the Bucks. Matt then lifts Nick up into a Dropkick on both Dorado & Akuma sending them back out to the floor! Hallowicked comes charging in but eats a Double Gutbuster from the Bucks and then Nick holds Hallow over his knee as Matt comes flying in with a Spinning Neckbreaker over Nick’s knee! The Bucks are left alone in the ring now and they circle each other until Gargano and Akuma come in and connect with kicks on the Bucks. They kick the Bucks out of the ring and start trading kicks and forearms with each other. Akuma connects with spinning back kick and then comes off the ropes but Matt trips him up from the floor and drags him out. Matt slams Akuma’s head into the apron as Gargano was preparing for a dive. Nick trips him up and pulls him out to the floor as well! Nick and Matt now back into the ring and circle each other again. This time both Dorado & Hallowicked connect with Missile Dropkicks off the top sending both Bucks out to the floor again! Hallow goes for a Mafia Kick on Dorado but he rolls underneath it and then hits a running headbutt into the gut on Hallowicked. Dorado comes off the ropes and connects with a beautiful Hurricanrana, 1?2?NO Hallow kicks out! Dorado then hits an Enziguri and follows up with a Springboard Flying Cross Body, but Hallowicked catches him in midair and counters into the Go 2 Sleepy Hallow (think of a Go 2 Sleep but he kicks the opponent instead of using his knee)! Hallowicked then hits a Sky High (Sitout Spinebuster)! 1?2?NO Dorado kicks out! Hallow picks Dorado up and lifts him up onto the top turnbuckle. He goes for a Superplex but Dorado shoves him off and connects with a gorgeous Shooting Star Press! As he covered Hallow Akuma came in and grabbed a hold of Dorado and goes for a Release German Suplex, but Dorado lands on his feet and hits a spinning back kick. Dorado then goes for the Wheelbarrow move but this time Akuma blocks it and then flips Dorado up into a Tombstone type of position, but Akuma drops down on his back sending Dorado’s face into his knees! 1?2?NO Nick Jackson breaks it up! Nick whips Akuma into the ropes but Akuma holds onto the ropes and then backdrops Nick over the top. Nick lands on the apron and hits a shoulder block though the ropes and follows up with the Slingshot X-Factor and then quickly hits a Moonsault off the ring apron onto Dorado on the floor! Gargano climbs back into the ring and attempts to whip Akuma into the ropes but he blocks it and then eats Gargano’s legs up with some nasty leg kicks. Akuma comes off the ropes but Gargano levels with a nasty Superkick! Gargano then connects with a Back Suplx! 1?2?NO Matt Jackson breaks it up! Gargano connects with a series of stiff forearms and then an Enziguri! Gargano comes off the ropes but Matt connects with a Spear! Nick springboards off the ropes with a Springboard Frog Splash as Matt hits a Standing Moonsault on Gargano at the same time! Nick covers Gargano, 1?2?NO Hallowicked makes the save! Hallow lifts Matt up and goes for Sleepy Hallow but Matt catches his foot and holds it allowing Nick to destroy the masked one with a Superkick! The Bucks then connect with a nasty Double Superkick! Matt with a Rolling Fireman’s Slam, Nick dives off the top with the 450-Splash, and then Matt hits the Diving Moonsault! It’s the More Bang For Your Buck! Matt covers him, 1?2?NO Nick breaks it up and the Bucks have a stare down! They shove each other and then trade forearms and slaps! Matt gets the advantage but Nick comes back and quickly climbs to the top rope while holding onto Matt’s arm and connects with a Diving Armdrag! Nick then hits a sickening Running Knee Strike in the corner! Nick connects with a Spinning Back Elbow and then goes for a Lariat, but Matt avoids it with a backflip! Nick grarbs a waistlock on Matt but he connects with a back elbow and then a Superkick! Nick comes right back with a Superkick of his own! Matt then connects with the Worst Case Scenario (Victory Roll into a Wheelbarrow Facebuster)! 1?2?NO Akuma breaks it up! Akuma covers Matt but Dorado breaks it up with a kick to the face! Dorado with a Springboard Moonsault but Gargano came in and dropkicked him in midair! That was nasty! Hallowicked hits a Yakuza Kick on Gargano and then goes for a Running Powerbomb but Dorado counters into a hurricanrana over the top rope sending Hallowicked crashing to the floor! Dorado then hits an insane Springboard Phoenix Splash onto Hallowicked on the floor sending them crashing into the 1st row! Back in the ring Matt hits a Sliding Dropkick through the ropes onto Hallowicked and then Nick goes flying over the top with a Corkscrew Plancha onto both Hallow & Dorado! Gargano connects with a dropkick on Akuma in the ring and then goes for a Tiger Suplex, but Akuma blocks it and counters into one of his own! Akuma picks Gargano up and puts him on his shoulders, but Gargano blocks it and locks in a Waistlock. Akuma backs him into the corner and then runs to the opposite corner, but Gargano is right behind him and connects with a Double Knees to the face! Gargano then picks Akuma up and throws him (literally tossed the guy) into the turnbuckles! Gargano climbs to the top but Akuma crotches him and hits an Enziguri and then climbs up to the top as well! Akuma hits a Hanging Suplex off the top (he had his legs hooked on the top rope so he remained on the top after he suplexed Gargano) and then conncets with the Moonsault! 1?2?3! All the other opponents attempted to break it up but it was too late.
Winner: Akuma via pinfall (Moonsault)
(An insane opener to this match that definitely had the crowd going crazy. They built up to the eventual showdown between Nick & Matt Jackson nicely that paid off with some great action. It was a spotfest but damn it was a fun spotfest. This was my first chance to see Gargano in the ring and I have to say he hung in there with some of the top INDY guys (in my opinion) and looked good. Dorado is still one of my favorites right now. ***1/2)
In the back Chikarson and Leonard hype up what we just saw and then send us right back to the ring for the next match.
Freedom Gate Tournament Semifinals
BxB Hulk vs. Brian Kendrick
Hulk is so over even here in America that it’s not even funny. Kendrick got a nice ovation as well. Hulk and Kendrick circle each other as the fans chant for BxB Hulk and then they lockup in the center of the ring. Kendrick quickly connects with a drop toe hold and locks in an Armbar. Hulk is able to counter into a Front Chancery but Kendrick counters out and then stomps on the arm of Hulk and locks in the Armbar again. Hulk counters the hold with a kick to the head from his back and then locks in an armbar of his own. Kendrick rolls over into the ropes to break the hold. Kendrick and Hulk lockup again but Hulk kicks him in the gut and then locks in a wristlock. Kendrick reverses it and then Hulk cartwheels through and locks in a side headlock but Kendrick shoves him off and climbs out to the floor to catch a breather. They lockup again and Kendrick locks in a Front Chancery and transitions into a side headlock. Hulk shoves him off into the ropes but Kendrick connects with a shoulder block. Kendrick then taunts him and Hulk trips him up and then comes off the ropes and hits a beautiful arm drag followed by a dropkick. Kendrick thinks about charging at Hulk again but backs off to take another breather as the fans get behind Hulk. Hulk goes for a spinning heel kick but Kendrick avoids it by backing into the corner but Hulk comes charging in with a kick and then lights Kendrick up with some knife-edge chops. Hulk puts the boots to Kendrick in the corner and then connects with some nice knee strikes and then a snapmare takeover. Hulk locks in a Rear Chinlock and drives his knee into the back of Kendrick. Kendrick is able to break the hold by getting to the ropes but that doesn?t save him from the kicks of Hulk. Hulk attempts to whip Kendrick into the ropes but Kendrick holds onto the ropes and then connects with a nasty leaping kick and tosses Kendrick out to the floor. Kendrick climbs out with Hulk and whips him into the ring post! Kendrick puts the boots to Hulk and then sends his elbow into the back of Hulk’s head. Kendrick rolls Hulk back into the ring and gets a nearfall. Kendrick with a series of right hands on Hulk on the mat and then chokes him with his boot. Kendrick locks in a Camel Clutch on Hulk and then transitions it into a modified Dragon Sleeper. Kendrick then releases the hold and gets another nearfall. Kendrick chokes Hulk on the middle rope and then starts leg kicking the hell out of Hulk which seems to wake him up as he connects with a barrage of kicks of his own until Kendrick pokes him in the eyes! Kendrick puts the boots to Hulk again and then locks in the Camel Clutch again. He transitions into a sleeper as he lies on his back and locks in a body scissors as well, but Hulk is able to get his foot on the bottom rope. Kendrick attempts to whip Hulk out of the corner but he counters it with a cartwheel and then climbs to the top and connects with a Missile Dropkick as Kendrirck charged at him. Hulk follows up with a series of nasty leg kicks and then goes for a front kick but Kendrick catches his foot. Kendrick spins him around and Hulk goes right into a spinning heel kick, but Kendrick ducks only to eat a spinning leg sweep from Hulk! Hulk then hits a gorgeous Standing Corkscrew Moonsault! 1?2?NO Kendrick gets his foot on the bottom rope. Hulk picks Kendrick up and goes for a Suplex but Kendrick blocks it and goes for a German Suplex. Hulk blocks it with back elbows and then an Enziguri! Hulk grabs Kendrick and hits a crazy Backflip T-Bone Suplex on him! 1?2?NO Kendrick kicks out! Hulk charges at Kendrick but eats a Back Heel Kick! Kenrick grabs Hulk and goes for Sliced Bread #2 but Hulk blocks it and throws Kendrick out to the floor! Hulk then goes to dive onto Kendrick but he leaps over the guardrail into the crowd so Hulk cant dive out onto him. Hulk climbs out to the floor and lights Kendrick up with a chop and a kick and then rolls him back into the ring. Hulk climbs to the top but Kendrick crotches him and then grabs him and rolls him up into a small package off the top! 1?2?NO Hulk kicks out! Kendrick comes back with a Leaping Enziguri for another nearfall. Kendrick locks in the Camel Clutch yet again but Hulk is able to fight out of thee move with elbows and then Kendrick comes off the ropes but Hulk connects with the Mouse (backflip kick) followed by a Lariat! Hulk then goes for the EVO but Kendrick blocks it and rolls Hulk up! 1?2?NO Hulk still kicks out! Hulk connects with a Rolling Hurricanrana! 1?2?NO Kendrick counters into a rollup of his own, 1?.2?NO Hulk kicks out! Kendrick goes for a clothesline but Hulk ducks and hits a back kick to the gut! Hulk then kicks Kendrick in the face and hits the EVO (Pumphandle Sitout Sideslam)! 1?2?NO Kendrick was able to kick out! Hulk grabs Kendrick and goes for the EVO again but this time Kendrick is able to roll him up! 1?2?NO Hulk kicks out and then connects with a Superkick to a seated Kendrick! Hulk with a La Magistral cradle! 1?2?3!
Winner: BxB Hulk via pinfall (La Magistral Cradle)
(Pretty solid match from both guys. You would expect a lot more high spots and things of that nature but there was a ton of nearfalls, counters, and mat wrestling here. Good match and good showing from both guys. ***)
Kendrick grabs the microphone and starts taunting the ring announcer and screaming at him for trying to hurry Kendrick out of the ring. He says he has an injured neck and says that he wrestles for himself because he is an artist not for the fans. Kendrick calls the fans slobs and says he doesn?t expect us to understand or appreciate his artistry. He talks about smoking weed in WWE and how he did what he wanted there because they tried to control him. He says we question nothing as another referee runs out and tries to get Kendrick to leave the ring. Kendrick yells at him too and tells the referee to make him leave. More referees come out to get him to leave and then INDY wrestler Jon Moxley walks out. Moxley gets in the ring and takes the microphone from Kendrick. Moxley says he sees a lot of talk but not a lot of action but he doesn?t blame him because he needs to get rid of that last ?McMahon gene? from his system. Moxley says all the fans are insects and then he turns around and blasts some of the officials and then Kendrick does the same! They clear the ring and even throw some of them into the guardrail! The audio on the microphone was HORRIBLE.
Freedom Gate Tournament Semifinals
Fatal 4-Way
CIMA vs. Skayde Sr. (Jorge Rivera) vs. Mike Quackenbush vs. Super Crazy
This is one of the more intriguing matchups in the whole tournament. It was Jorge Rivera (Skayde) who trained both CIMA and Quackenbush. He was the head trainer of the Toryumon Gym with Ultimo Dragon as CIMA was being trained and was the head trainer for CHIKARA’s gym when Quackenbush was being trained. It was Skayde who initially took the mask of Super Crazy way back in 1988 when Crazy was but 14 years old (before Crazy was Histeria in AAA) when Skayde was wrestling as the masked El Siminarista. That was both of their first Mask Matches in their careers. Quackenbush and CIMA bow to Skayde before the match but Crazy refuses to do so. Quack and CIMA will kick the match off. They lockup and Quack trips CIMA up and then goes for a Surfboard but CIMA fights to his feet and leg trips Quack. CIMA locks in a Knee Lock but Quack counters with a Armbar. CIMA blocks it and both men get to their feet. They lockup again and CIMA locks in a Full Nelson and then quickly transitions into a snapmare takeover. CIMA locks in a rear chinlock and then Quack counters into a wristlock. CIMA counters it into a hammerlock and Quack quickly counters himself and into an arm drag. Quack then locks in a Half Boston Crab and transitions into a Deathlock. CIMA fights out of it and hits an arm drag. I have to say right now keeping up with these two is hard to do. Quack charges at CIMA but he lifts Quack up and sits him on the top turnbuckle and then slaps the back of Quack. CIMA then attempts to armdrag Quack off the top but Quack holds on as he hits the mat and armdrags CIMA! CIMA rolls out of the ring so Super Crazy takes his place as we are under lucha libre rules here! Crazy comes off the ropes and hits a shoulder block and then flips over the back of Quack as he went for a backdrop. Quack quickly rolls out to the floor to catch a breather which allows Skayde to enter the match and give us a chance to see this 20+ year old rivalry renew. Skayde trips Crazy and then goes for a Monkey Flip but Crazy blocks it. Skayde lands on his feet and turns Crazy around but eats a nasty chop from Crazy. Crazy taunts Skayde and he trips Crazy and then goes for a clothesline, but Crazy ducks and hits one of his own! Crazy whips Skayde into the corner but Skayde nips up into the ropes bouncing himself back into a head scissors takeover on Crazy! It is so hard to believe this guy can still move like this at the age of 46. Skayde connects with a springboard arm drag and then leg sweeps Crazy and covers him. Crazy quickly shrugs Skayde off rolls out of the ring allowing CIMA to enter. CIMA quickly rolls Skayde up, 1?2?NO he kicks out! Skayde rolls out and Quackenbush enters! He rolls CIMA up and gets a nearfall of his own! Crazy comes in now and rolls up Quack! 1?2?NO Quack kicks out! All four men are in now and they all 4 go for dropkicks at the same time! All 4 men now stare at each other as the fans give them a standing ovation. They begin shaking hands but as Skayde offers his hand to Crazy he eats a chop from the insane luchadore! Crazy charges at Skayde but he monkey flips Crazy over the top rope to the floor! CIMA whips Skayde into the ropes and both Quack & CIMA go for a double slam but Skayde backflips and lands on his feet! CIMA & Quack then chop Skayde and whip him into the ropes but Skayde connects with a head scissors takeover sending CIMA out to the floor! Quack goes for a Somersault Senton Splash but Skayde moves and then goes for a clothesline. Quack blocks it and then traps the arm but Skayde chops him in the chest and springboards out of the corner with an arm drag! Skayde runs the ropes as CIMA climbs back into the ring and connects the Fireman’s Carry Slam on Skayde! CIMA then hits a Double Foot Stomp in the corner! 1?2?NO Skayde kicks out! CIMA locks in a crazy submission hold on Skayde as Quack hits a Flying Cross Body over them onto Crazy as he came into the ring! Quack then hits a dropkick on CIMA! Crazy whips Quack into the ropes and Quack goes for a Cross Body but Crazy ducks and Quack nails CIMA & Skayde! Quack then connects with an arm drag on Skayde sending him to the floor. CIMA goes for a Senton Splash on Quack but he moves out of the way and then connects with a Springboard Reverse Cannonball on CIMA as Crazy ducked. Crazy charges at Quackenbush but he backdrops Crazy over the top to the floor! Skayde hits a running back elbow on Quack and then whips Quack into the ropes. Skayde goes for a clothesline but Quack ducks and CIMA hits a slingshot Sunset Flip on Quack! 1?2?NO Skayde breaks it up! Skayde comes off the ropes but Crazy dropkicks the hell out of his knees! CIMA checks on Skayde but Crazy kicks him and then hits a Sling Dropkick to Quack on the floor. Crazy then starts kicking the hell out of Skayde’s knees as the fans boo him for it. Crazy then hits a Basement Dropkick to that knee again and then connects with a Standing Moonsault! CIMA runs in and shoves Crazy out of the way and checks on Skayde again, but Crazy grabs CIMA and throws him out to the floor. Crazy with a springboard dropkick to Quack as he gets back in the ring sending Quack right back out to the floor. Crazy whips Skayde into the corner but Skayde comes back with a hurricanrana on Crazy and then a Spinning Arm Drag! Crazy goes for a roundhouse kick but Skayde blocks it and goes for a hurricanrana again but misses. Quack comes in and whips Skayde into the ropes and Skayde goes for another arm drag but Quack blocks it. Skayde with a crazy reverse victory roll and then he steps through and locks in the Campana (or Rocking Horse) on Quack! CIMA comes in and nails Skayde with an Enziguri! CIMA whips Skayde into the ropes and goes for a dropkick but Skayde stops his momentum and then locks in a kind of a Reverse Deathlock. CIMA almost taps but Crazy comes flying in with a dropkick on Skayde! Crazy connects with a series of forearms on Skayde until Quack comes over and slaps Crazy and then whips him into the ropes. Quack goes for a clothesline but Crazy ducks and slides out to the floor but he is not safe there! Quack dives over the top with a Somersault Plancha over the top onto Crazy on the floor! Skayde gets ready to dive out but CIMA connects with a Superkick on him! CIMA then knocks Quack off the apron and rolls Skayde up with an insane rollup that I can?t even begin to call! 1?2?3 and CIMA advances!
Winner: CIMA via pinfall (crazy rollup)
(What a great match. The story to the match was very intriguing and all guys involved worked extremely hard. It got sloppy near the end with Skayde botching a couple of times but all in all it came off pretty smooth. Great match, ***1/2)
After the match Quack and CIMA shake hands with and bow to Skayde. Skayde then raises the hands of both men but suddenly Quack shoves CIMA and CIMA shoves him back! CIMA says he’s going to obe champion and then Quack tells him to win tonight so he can take it from him!
Freedom Gate Tournament Semifinals
Davey Richards vs. YAMATO
This is the final opening round matchup leading into the Championship bout. YAMATO and Davey lockup and Davey gets the advantage with a wristlock but YAMATO reverses it and Davey rolls through and then bridges and kicks YAMATO in the shoulder. They lockup again and YAMATO locks in a hammerlock but Davey with an inside heel trip and then he transitions into an armlock, but YAMATO counters out into a Waistlock. Davey reaches under his legs and grabs YAMATO’s leg and rolls through and locks in an Ankle Lock! YAMATO rolls over and counters into a Rear Chin Lock but Davey reverses right back into a hammerlock. Davey transitions into a side headlock but YAMATO shoves him into the ropes and they run into each other with shoulder block attempts. Neither man gives and YAMATO screams in Davey’s face which causes Davey to hit another shoulder block but again YAMAT does not move. Davey hits anther one and then follows up with a series of roundhouse kicks but YAMATO catches the last one and drops his elbow onto the knee of Davey. Davey grabs YAMATO’s arm and locks in the Cross Armbreaker! YAMATO was in the ropes though and that breaks the hold. Davey grabs the arm of YAMATO and slams his elbow into the elbow of YAMATO and locks in a modified armlock and then he stomps the arm of YAMATO. Davey starts kicking that arm and then he locks in a Hammerlock and hits a Hammerlock Back Suplex! 1?2..NO YAMATO kicks out and Davy goes for the Kimura! YAMATO fights it and Davey locks in a side headlock instead. Davey then stands up and stomps on the arm of YAMATO again and then tosses him out to the floor. Davey and YAMATO exchange stiff forearms on the floor and then Davey whips YAMATO hard into the guardrail and follows up with a running Mafia Kick that sends YAMATO over the guardrail into the crowd where he walks around dazed and confused! Davey tosses YAMATO back in the ring and grabs him but YAMATO fights him with body shots but Richards connects the headbutt and then he whips YAMATO into the ropes. YAMATO attempts a leapfrog but Davey nails him in midair with a spinning heel kick! YAMATO crashes out to the floor and Richards looks down and can?t find him as YAMATO went under the ring and crawled to the otherside. YAMATO sneaks in the ring and hits a sliding dropkick to the knee of Richards! YAMATO grabs that leg and locks in a Half Boston Crab! Richards crawls to the rope to break the hold. YAMATO then stands on that knee of Richards and follows it up by simply stomping it. Richards continues to stomp on that knee and then he chokes Richards. YAMATO with a big chop and then he dropkicks the knee of Richards again. YAMATO locks in a modified Ankle Lock while putting his knee into the knee of Richards. He then lets Richards up only to hit a huge kick to the jaw of Richards! YAMATO elbow drops Richards and then covers Richards and gets a nearfall and quickly rolls Richards over into an Ankle Lock! Richards is able to crawl to the ropes again but YAMATO grabs the leg and slams it into the mat. YAMATO with a stiff chop and then another one but Davey comes back with chops of his own! Richards then connects with a roundhouse kick but his knee buckles selling that knee again. YAMATO chokes Richards in the corner and then he hits a back elbow in the corner and attempts to whip Richards into the opposite corner. Richards reverses it and charges at YAMATO but he gets his boot up and then climbs to the top! Richards charges again but YAMATO gets his boot up again. This time Richards grabs the foot of YAMATO, yanks him off the top and connects with a nasty Roundhouse kick! Richards continues to sell the knee. Richards and YAMATO trade forearms and Richards comes off the ropes and connects with a Spinning Backkick followed by a series of forearms, but YAMATO comes back with a series of forearms of his own. YAMATO then comes off the ropes only to eat a Release Belly-to-Belly Overhead Suplex from Richards! Richards clotheslines YAMATO over the top to the floor and then hits the Tope Conhilo through the ropes onto YAMATO on the floor! Richards grabs YAMATO and tosses him back into the ring. Davey climbs to the top and hits a Missile Dropkick! Davey with more nasty kicks to YAMATO, just sickening! Davey attempts to whip YAMATO into the ropes but he reverses it and Davey connects with the Damage Reflex (Back handspring Enziguri)! 1?2?NO YAMATO kicks out! Davey grabs YAMATO and goes for a German Suplex but YAMATO bocks it and comes off the ropes only to eat a spinning back kick followed by a Running Front Kick to the face! Davey goes for the German again and again YAMATO blocks it the back elbows. Richards ducks one of the back elbows which causes YAMATO to spin all the around and then Richards connects with a Northern Lights Suplex into a bridge! 1?2?NO YAMATOO Kicks out and Davey quickly locks in the Kimura! YAMATO fights the hold and is able to drag himself to the ropes and get his foot on the bottom rope! Davey stomps the arm again and then goes for a German but YAMATO holds onto the ropes so Richards kicks him in the back. Davey once again goes for the German but YAMATO stomps his foot and then hits a Sliding Dropkick to the knee and locks in the Ankle Lock again! Richards crawls to the ropes but YAMATO pulls him back to the center. Richards is able to roll over and get to his one foot to attempt an Enziguri, but YAMATO ducks it and cinches in the Ankle Lock again! Davey again fights to the ropes to break the hold and YAMATO cant believe it! YAMATO stomps the knee and leg of Richards repeatedly and then taunts him as they begin exchanging forearms again! Richards with a headbutt and then he comes off the ropes but YAMATO connects with a Roaring Elbow followed by a series of forearms. Richards comes back with a series of round house kicks and then a spinning back kick, but YAMATO refuses to go down and he screams at Richards. Richards responds with a sick spin kick and then a big Enziguri! YAMATO comes right back with a Back Suplex only to eat a Lariat right back from Richards! Both men are down now! Both get to their feet and connect with Yakuza Kicks at the same time twice and then Richards connects with a Running Forearm! Richards attempts to whip YAMATO into the corner but he reverses it and hits a Running Forearm Smash of his own! YAMATO grabs Davey and hits a Scoop Slam and then climbs to the top. Davey jumps to his feet and connects with a Leaping Enziguri! Davey climbs up with YAMATO and connects with the Superplex! YAMATO gets right to his feet and Richards goes for a Lariat, but YAMATO ducks only to eat the Alarm Clock (Gorilla Press into a kick to the face) followed by a Lariat! Richards hits the German Suplex finally! 1?.2?NO YAMATO still kicks out and Richards cant believe it! The fans chant ?that was 3? at that. Davey signals for a high spot and then drags YAMATO closer to the corner and climbs up top. YAMATO gets to his feet and climbs up with Davey but Davey hits a headbutt knocking YAMATO back to the mat! Richards goes for the Shooting Star Press but YAMATO gets his knees up! YAMATO locks in the Choke Sleeper! Richards almost goes out but fights it and breaks the hold with back elbows. YAMATO and Davey again exchange forearms but Davey gets the advantage with a flurry of rights and lefts followed by a spinning back kick! Richards comes off the ropes but YAMATO connects with a kick to block the Lariat and then he locks in the Choke Sleeper again! YAMATO then hits the Sleeper Suplex! YAMATO punts Davey in the head! 1?2?NO Davey still kicks out! YAMATO lifts Davey up and connects with the Brainbuster! 1?2?.NO Davey still kicks out! YAMATO picks Davey up and hits the Gallaria (Michinoku Driver II-B)! 1?.2?3 and YAMATO advances!
Winner: YAMATO via pinfall (Gallaria)
(What a match! Those two damn near killed each other! Great back and forth action all the way through. Good mat wrestling, great counters, sick strikes, good high spots, good finish. ****)
Shots of all four of the finalists getting ready for the Finals are shown (YAMATO is laid out on the floor) as cheesy music plays.
Speed Muscle (Naruki Doi & Masato Yoshino) vs. Dragon Hawk (Shingo Takagi & Dragon Kid)
Speed Muscle are considered by many to be the greatest tag team ever in Dragon Gate (myself included believing that). Dragon Kid is the Japanese version of Rey Mysterio Jr. (the 90’s version) in my opinion. Yoshino and Dragon will start this match out. These two might be the fastest men in all of wrestling and Yoshino is most definitely THE fastest. Mike Quackenbush has joined commentary for this match. Dragon shoots in for a lockup but Yoshino grabs his arm and locks in a wristlock. Dragon rolls through and hits a gorgeous armdrag and locks in an armlock. Yoshino gets to his feet and counters into a Snapmarre Takeover and then a rollup for a nearfall. Yoshino locks in a Front Chancery and then Dragon trips him only to have Yoshino counter right back and lock in a side headlock. Yoshino with a side headlock takeover but Dragon rolls through and locks in a headscissors. Yoshino quickly breaks it and they both get to their feet. Yoshino and Dragon lockup again and Yoshino hits a snapmare takeover and then Yoshino whips Dragon into the ropes but Dragon reverses it and connects with an armdrag. Dragon charges at Yoshino and he trips Dragon and covers him for a one count. Drragon trips Yoshino and Yoshino comes back with a trip of his own. Both men get to their feet and stare each other down. Yoshino tags in his buddy, the Open the Dream Gate Champion, Naruki Doi and Dragon Kid tags in Shingo Takagi. They lockup and Shingo locks him in a side headlock but Doi shoves him off and they run into each other with shoulder blocks. Doi hits another shoulder block but Shingo bounces off the ropes and hits Doi with one. They continue this sequence with Shingo bouncing off the ropes into Doi until he finally takes Doi down. Shingo then knocks Yoshino off the apron and then he throws Doi into the corner and lights him up with chop. Shingo hangs the leg of Doi up in the corner and puts the boots to that knee and then hits a series of back elbows. Shingo tags in Dragon and he dives off the top with a Flying Axe Handle Drop on Doi as Shingo held him. Dragon hits a Snapmare Takeover followed by a series of Knee Drops for a nearfall. Dragon tags Shingo back in and he connects with a Snapmare Takeover followed by a Fist Drop. Shingo with a big chop but Doi comes right back with one of his own. They exchange chops and forearms now but Shingo connects with a huge right hand that drops Doi! Dragon tags back in and they whip Doi into the ropes. Shingo connects with a Knee to the gut and then Dragon comes off the ropes and spins around the body of Shingo into a Spinning Double Kick! 1?2?NO Yoshino breaks it up! Dragon throws Doi into the corner and connects with a chop and then a standing dropkick. Dragon hits the Hesitation Dropkick on Doi in the corner! Dragon goes for a Vertical Suplex but Doi blocks it and hits a Scoop Slam with authority. Doi grabs Dragon and tags in Yoshino. Yoshino and Doi take turns hitting Axe Handle Drops off the top onto Dragon’s arm as the other holds the arm! Yoshino then hits a sick Diving Foot Stomp onto that arm! Yoshino hits a Leaping Backbreaker and then he puts the boots to Dragon. Doi tags back in and they whip Dragon into the ropes and hit a Double Back Elbow and then they grab Dragon’s legs and roll him back to his feet. They whip Dragon into the ropes again and Doi hits a Drop toe hold and Yoshino connects with a sliding dropkick as soon as Dragon hit the mat! Yoshino grabs Dragon and rolls him up right into a kind of seated Octopus! Doi stomps on the head of Dragon as Yoshino holds onto the move! Shingo climbs into the ring to stomp this onslaught but Doi kicks him and then tosses him out to the floor. Dragon is able to drag himself to the ropes to break the hold. Yoshino tags Doi back in and Speed Muscle whip Dragon into the ropes. They go for a double clothesline but Dragon ducks and hits a forearm on Doi and then a knee to the gut on Yoshino! Dragon comes off the ropes but Doi grabs him in a Flapjack as Yoshino bulldogs him at the same time! Doi then connects with knee strikes on Shingo as Yoshino gets a nearfall. Doi whips Dragon into the ropes and hits a Spinebuster and then locks in an Abdominal Stretch as Yoshino keeps Shingo out of the ring. Doi releases the hold and then covers Dragon for a nearfall. Doi hits a forearm and then attempts to whip Dragon into the ropes but he reverses it and then goes for a backdrop, but Doi kicks him in the head and then goes for a clothesline. Dragon ducks the clothesline and then Doi goes for a Tilt-a-Whirl Backbreaker but Dragon counters into an armdrag! Dragon then hits a Spinning Headscissors Takeover! Dragon tags Shingo in and he nails Doi with a shoulder block and then connects with a series of jabs to Yoshino as he gets in the ring. Shingo attempts to whip Doi into the corner but he reverses it and then charges at Shingo with a Leaping Back Elbow attempt, but Shingo catches him in midair and hits a T-Bone Suplex! Doi rolls out to the floor as Dragon whips Yoshino into the corner! Dragon charges at Yoshino but he backdrops Dragon over the top to the apron. Dragon then hits the Bermuda Triangle (Asai Moonsault off the middle turnbuckle from the apron) onto Doi on the floor! Shingo connects with a running clothesline and then he whips Yoshino into the opposite corner and connects with another clothesline followed by a DDT! Shingo hits a Knee Drop, 1?2?NO Yoshino kicks out. Shingo picks Yoshino up and goes for a Brainbuster but Yoshino bocks it and then attempts to whip Shingo into the ropes but Shingo reverses it. Yoshino goes for a Sunset Flip as he comes off the ropes but Shingo blocks it and deadlifts Yoshino up into a Brainbuster! Shingo charges at Yoshino in the corner but Yoshino gets his boot up and then leaps up onto the shoulders of Shingo. Shingo shoves him off but then eats a back elbow. Yoshino misses a clothesline and then Shingo misses one and Yoshino comes back with the Sling Blade! 1?2?NO Shingo kicks out! Yoshino attempts to whip Shingo into the ropes but he reverses it and Yoshino counters right back into the From Jungle (Spinning Headscissors into Octopus)! Dragon Kid comes in to try and break it up but Doi stops him and Dragon hits the Cristo (spinning headscissors into an armbar) on Doi! Yoshino and Dragon start slapping each other from the backs of their opponents until they both release their holds! Yoshino and Shingo roll out to the floor as Dragon hits a drop toe hold on Doi draping him over the middle rope. Dragon goes for the 619 but Doi moves and hits a clothesline. Doi then hangs Dragon up in the ropes and hits the Shotgun Dropkick! 1?2?NO Dragon kicks out! Doi whips Dragon into the ropes but Dragon floats up and over the top rope to the apron. Dragon connects with a forearm as Doi charges in and then hits a Springboard Somersault Stunner! 1?2?NO Yoshino breaks it up! Shingo kicks Yoshino out to the floor and Dragon Hawk whips Doi into the corner. Shingo whips Dragon into a Spinning Heel Kick on Doi in the corner and then Shingo charges but Doi gets his foot up! Shingo shrugs it off and connects with the Freight Train Lariat! Shingo lifts Doi up and holds him for the Diving Double Foot Stomp off the top from Dragon! Shingo lifts Doi up for the Blood Fall but Doi blocks it with back elbows. Shingo & Dragon whip Doi into the ropes and go for a double clothesline but Doi ducks and then shoves Dragon into Shingo. Doi then attempts a Brainbuster but Dragon counters into a Stunner in midair! Shingo then hits the Blood Fall (Torture Rack into a Reverse DVD)! 1?2?NO Doi kicks out! Shingo goes for thee Made In Japan but Doi blocks it so Shingo throws a series of forearms and then comes off the ropes but Doi hits a Press Slam into a Spinebuster Bomb! 1?2?NO Shingo kicks out! Yoshino comes back in and goes for Another Space but Shingo blocks it. Shingo goes for a Lariat but Yoshino ducks and goes for Another Space again. Finally Yoshino lifts Shingo up into the Another Space (Spinning Hammerlock Bomb)! Doi hits a Running Forearm on Shingo in the corner and then Yoshino dives off the back of Doi into a forearm of his own on Shingo! Doi slams Shingo as Yoshino climbs to the top. Dragon comes in and Doi holds him as Yoshino comes flying off the top with the Front Missile Dropkick to Dragon and then falling right into a Backsplash Senton on Shingo! God, I love that move! 1?2?NO Shingo still kicks out! Dragon rolls out to the floor and Doi follows. In the ring Yoshino charges at Shingo in the corner but Shingo lifts him up onto his shoulders and then climbs to the top! Yoshino hits a series of back elbows on Shingo to block whatever he was attempting and then we see Doi and Dragon brawling on the apron beside them. Dragon climbs up top and hits the insane Superrana on Yoshino as he was on the shoulders of Shingo! Holy crap! 1?2?NO Doi breaks it up! Doi and Dragon continue to brawl out to the floor as Shingo attempts the Blood Fall on Yoshino in the ring. Yoshino blocks it but then eats a back elbow from Shingo. Shingo comes off the apron but Yoshino nails him with a forearm to the chest and then he locks in the From Jungle again. Shingo counters it into a Powerbomb attempt but Yoshino counters into a rollup! 1?2?NO Shingo barely kicks out! Yoshino comes off the ropes but Shingo nails him with a Press Slam into a DVD! Dragon Kid then hits the hurricanrana! 1?2?NO Yoshino still kicks out! Dragon goes out to the apron and goes for the Ultra Hurricanrana but Yoshino sees this and quickly gets out of the way. Dragon climbs up onto the shoulders of Yoshino and attempts to spin into a hurricanrana but Yoshino reverses it into a stiff Powerbomb! Yoshino goes for a clothesline on Shingo but he blocks it and hits a sickening Gutwrench Powerbomb! Doi in now and he eats a Lariat from Shingo! Doi comes right back with a series of nasty open hand strikes to Shingo but Shingo comes right back with a huge right hand! Doi connects with a running back elbow as Shingo came off the ropes and then Shingo levels him with a Lariat! Dragon springboards off the top for the Ultra Hurricanrana but Doi blocks it and turns it into the Doi 555 (Fireman’s Carry into a Sitout Facebuster)! Everybody is down now and it looks like a car crash in the ring! Doi and Yoshino charge at Dragon in the corner with running forearms and then Yoshino hangs Dragon up in the ropes as Doi dives off the top with a Somersault Senton onto Dragon! Yoshino climbs to the top but Shingo stops him and Dragon climbs up to the top with Yoshino. Doi runs over and knocks Shingo off the apron and then lifts Dragon up in a Powerbomb position and he hits a Powerbomb as Yoshino springboards off the top into the Springboard Sling Blade at the same time on Dragon! 1?2?NO Dragon still freaking kicks out! Yoshino hits a spinning palm thrust on Yoshino and then he goes for Lightning Spiral but Dragon blocks it and then hits the D?j? Vu (spinning headscissors crucifix takedown)! 1?2?NO Yoshino kicks out! Dragon comes off the ropes but Yoshino catches him with Lightning Spiral (Leghook Swinging Firemans Carry Slam)! Doi then connects with Bakatare Sliding Kick! 1?2?NO Shingo breaks it up! Shingo whips Yoshino into the corner and charges but Yoshino sidesteps him and drop toe holds him into the middle turnbuckle! Doi then hits a Running Back Elbow on Dragon in one corner and the Dai Bosou (cannonball splash)! Yoshino connects with the Tobellino (spinning headscissors into singe-arm DDT) on Dragon! Yoshino then locks in the Sol Naciente (straight jacket triangle choke) on Dragon! Dragon fights it but finally he has to tap!
Winners: Speed Muscle via submission (Sol Naciente)
(Holy crap what a match! I?m beat just attempting to keep up with everything! These guys worked their asses off and pulled out absolutely every stop along the way! ****1/2)
After the match Yoshino offers a handshake to Dragon & Shingo but Shingo shoves him instead and then they begin shoving each other further.
In the parking lot we are introduced to Jon Moxley. Moxley says he doesn?t do songs and dances and nobody pulls him by the strings like a puppet. He says people say he’s trouble and indy trash and says that’s because he likes to make his own decisions and he’s not some legends kid. He says when you?re as good as he is you don?t have to listen to anybody unless you want to. He says he knows exactly who he is and where he is and he says wrestlers like him are extinct. He says he doesn?t want to hurt anybody, he just wants what’s his.
Open the Freedom Gate Championship Tournament Finals
Fatal 4-Way Elimination
CIMA vs. Gran Akuma vs. YAMATO vs. BxB Hulk
Akuma is the only non-Japanese wrestler in this one. The referee shows all the wrestlers the Freedom Gate belt (which is gorgeous by the way). This is elimination rules! All 4 guys start diving at each other but everybody avoids each other. YAMATO and Akuma look at each other and shake hands and then smile at each other. Hulk proposes a partnership between he and CIMA but CIMA says NO and slaps him! CIMA then tosses him in the corner and suggest that he, Akuma, & YAMATO team up to take Hulk out! Akuma and YAMATO jump CIMA from behind instead and put the boots to him. They whip CIMA into the ropes and connect with a Double Powerbomb on CIMA! They then run over and put the boots to Hulk in the corner. They whip Hulk into the ropes and both connect with back elbows on him. YAMATO & Akuma continue to beatdown n Hulk and then whip him into the ropes. They go for a double clothesline but BxB ducks and then connects with a crazy double kick where he kicked YAMATO and then rebounded right into a kick on Akuma! Spinning Back Kick on Akuma and then a Waistlock Slam on Akuma! CIMA and Hulk whip Akuma into the ropes and hit a Double Dropkick and then CIMA nails the Superdrol (Codebreaker) on Hulk! CIMA climbs to the top but Akuma connects with a Leaping Enziguri on CIMA and then connects with the Hanging Exploder Suplex off the top on CIMA! Akuma follows up with the Moonsault! 1?2?NO CIMA kicks out! Akuma goes for the Falcon Arrow but CIMA blocks it and then locks in a Full Nelson and slams Akuma into the middle turnbuckle. CIMA follows up sliding dropkick to Akuma’s butt sending his head into that turnbuckle! CIMA charges at Akuma but he gets his boot up and then climbs to the middle rope and dives off with a Sunset Flip. CIMA rolls through and hits the Double Foot Stomp! 1?.2?NO Akuma kicks out! CIMA climbs to the top but YAMATO shoves him off the top to the floor! YAMATO and Hulk charge at each other in the ring now! Hulk ducks a clothesline but then eats a T-Bone Suplex from YAMATO! 1?2?NO Hulk kicks out! Hulk with a series of open palm strikes and kicks and then he goes for a spinning heel kick, but YAMATO ducks only to eat the leg sweep! Hulk goes for the Standing Moonsault but YAMATO gets his knees up! YAMATO hits a Running Forearm in the corner on Hulk and then whips Hulk into the ropes and levels him with a Spear! YAMATO goes for the Gallaria but CIMA kicks him in the back and then continues to throw round kicks at YAMATO! CIMA comes off the ropes but Akuma trips him from the outside and then YAMATO hits the sliding dropkick on CIMA! YAMATO hits a Flapjack on Hulk and then he and Akuma choke CIMA in the corner! Akuma whips CIMA into the opposite corner but CIMA floats up and over a charging Akuma. Akuma starts to charge at CIMA but he stops as CIMA leapfrogs and then he kicks CIMA in the nuts! YAMATO rolls CIMA up, 1?2?3 and CIMA is eliminated!
Hulk charges at YAMATO but Akuma cuts him off and the heels/rudos put the boots to Hulk. They stand on the back of Hulk’s head and then Akum leg kicks Hulk to the corner. They choke Hulk in the corner and then YAMATO chokes Hulk over the middle rope. Akuma even stands on the back of Hulk as he was draped over the ropes. Akum and YAMATO trade kicks and forearms on Hulk. Hulk connects with a forearm on YAMATO and then a back kick on Akuma but the numbers game gets the better of him again. YAMATO levels Hulk with a Lariat for a nearfall and then he turns YAMATO right over into the Half Boston Crab! Akuma comes over and locks in the Camel Clutch on Hulk at the same time! Akuma then lets the Camel Tluch go and hits a leg drop on Hulk! YAMATO transitions into a CBV (Armtrap Crossface)! Hulk struggles in the move for awhile and almost gets to the ropes but Akuma grabs his feet and squats down on his legs so he can?t get them on the ropes. Hulk still refuses to tap which frustrates YAMATO who releases the hold and drops an Elbow Drop down on Hulk. YAMATO and Akuma put the boots on Hulk further. Akuma & YAMATO whip Hulk into the corner and then Akuma whips YAMATO at Hulk, but Hulk backdrops YAMATO over the top to the apron. Akuma charges at Hulk now but Hulk gets his boot up! YAMATO grabs ahold of Hulk from the apron as Akuma charges in with a Forearm, but Hulk ducks it and Akuma nails YAMATO! Hulk hits a Springboard Spinning Heel Kick on Akuma! 1?2?NO Akuma kicks out! Hulk hits another spinning heel kick on Akuma and then hits a Scoop Slam and climbs to the top, but YAMATO stops him and pulls him down. Hulk then hits a Dropkick Salto on YAMATO and landing on Akuma with the Moonsault! 1?2?YAMATO tries to break it up with an elbow drop but Hulk moves and he hits Akuma with the elbow! Hulk with a series of round kicks and a spinning kick to YAMATO sending him out to the floor! Hulk and Akuma trade leg kicks in the ring. Hulk goes for a spinning heel kick but Akuma ducks and then Akuma goes for one of his own but Hulk blocks it with his elbow. Hulk goes for another spinning heel kick but Akuma catches his leg and lifts him up in the Electric Chair but Hulk counters with the Reverse Hurricanrana! Hulk climbs to the top and hits the Phoenix Splash! 1?2?NO YAMATO breaks it up! Hulk grabs YAMATO and throws him back out to the floor and then spikes Akuma with the EVO! 1?2?3 and Akuma is eliminated!
It’s down to just BxB Hulk and YAMATO now! Hulk attacks YAMATO with kicks and then he goes for EVO but YAMATO blocks it and goes for the German Suplex. Hulk blocks it with back elbows and then goes for a Leaping Enziguri, but YAMATO ducks and then goes for the German again. Again Hulk blocks it and then they exchange forearms in the ring. Hulk hits a spinning back kick and then YAMATO hits a headbutt. Hulk comes off the ropes but YAMATO hits a Snap Powerslam! Both men are down! YAMATO gets to his feet first and climbs to the top rope. Hulk gets to his feet and hits a spinning heel kick right to the head of YAMATO as he was on the top rope! Hulk climbs up with YAMATO and connects with a One-man Spanish Fly off the top! BxB sells it like he hurt his knee on the way down. 1?2?NO YAMATO kicks out! From their knees they exchange forearms again as the fans really get into it. They fight to their feet and Hulk connects with a barrage slaps and kicks but YAMATO answers right back with a series of forearms and slaps of his own! Those shots look nasty! Finally YAMATO comes off the ropes but Hulk connects with Mouse followed by the Lariat! Hulk grabs YAMATO and hits EVO! 1?2?NO YAMATO barely kicked out! Hulk with a big running front kick followed by a Superkick! 1?2?NO YAMATO still kicks out! Hulk grabs YAMATO and hits the EVOP (Vertical Suplex into a Sitout Side Slam)! 1?2?3 and Hulk is the first ever Open the Freedom Gate Champion!
Winner & NEW Freedom Gate Champion: Hulk via pinfall (EVOP)
(This was a great Main Event but it had the misfortune of following 2 spectacular matches. It wasn?t a letdown either and we saw some great action. ***1/2)
Final Thoughts
An awesome PPV! Definitely the best PPV so far this young year. Every match was good to great. Anybody that loves high flying, counter wrestling, or just some hard hitting action should see Dragon Gate USA. This was my 2nd time seeing a DGUSA PPV (missed the 2nd one) and this one was the best. The best match of the night was the tag match with YAMATO-Richards right behind it and we got a different style of match with every matchup.
The opener was just a high flying bout between a bunch of young high fliers. The 2nd bout saw a more mat wrestling tap of wrestler try and ground an athletic high flyer. The 3rd one had a great story to it with all the wrestlers history. YAMATO-Richards was extremely brutal. The tag match was an insane back and forth tag match full of counters, nearfalls, high spots, and submissions. The Main Event was a mixture of everything but also had good psychology with the heels trying to team up to take out the faces and the babyface making his comeback.
OVERALL RATING: ****
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