Dragon Gate USA: Open the Ultimate Gate ’12 iPPV
Miami, FL (Deauville Beach Resort)
March 30, 3012
Commentator: Lenny Leonard
Report by: Josh Boutwell of Wrestleview.com
Rich Swann makes his way down to the ring as “Open the Ultimate Gate” kicks off rapping his entrance music. The stream is unbelievably choppy so far, not a good start. I barely heard Swann’s opening promo.
Lenny Leonard is handling the announcing duties alone for this one (shout out to Twitter user @307x for telling me it was Leonard).
Rich Swann vs. AR Fox
I believe this was supposed to be Swann vs. Yoshino but Fox is replacing him for some reason. Fox and Swann start the match off with some back and forth wrestling trading armdrags and holds. Swann catches Fox with a gorgeous dropkick and Fox answers with a wild Fisherman Buster but Swann comes back with an Asai Moonsault as the action spills out to the floor. Fox with an insane Running Shooting Star Press onto Swann IN THE CORNER (that’s the only way I can describe it, just think running somersault cannonball in the corner but a Shooting Star instead). Fox decides to ground Swann with a headlock now and then starts to beat on him in the corner. Swann hits a Split Legged Moonsault off the top and gets a nearfall. Fox takes it back to the ground with a chinlock but the fans get behind Swann only to have Fox take him out with a Sliding Cross Body to the back of a seated Swann for yet another nearfall. Swann attempts to fight back but Swann catches him with a Flatliner! 1…2…NO Swann kicks out! Swan comes back with an Enziguri to a perched Fox on the top and then he hits a Hurricanrana as he leaped off the mat snapping Fox off the top! Fox and Swann exchange punches and kicks in the center of the ring with Swann getting the advantage with a Scissors Kick and then Rolling Thunder for a nearfall of his own! Swann goes for a float over in the corner but eats a DVD from Fox and then a Somersault Senton Splash off the top! 1…2…NO Swann kicks out! Swann rolls out to the floor but he is NOT safe! Fox its an IMPLODING SPRINGBOARD SOMERSAULT PLANCHA off the top onto Swann on the floor! Fox puts Swann on the apron and then dives off the top with a Guillotine Leg Drop but Swann rolls out of the way and Fox eats every bit of the apron! Swann hits the Springboard Swann Cutter! 1…2…NO Fox kicks out! Swann climbs up top, Frog Splash! 1…2…NO Fox kicks out again! They exchange rollups and nearfalls with countless nearfalls here but neither can get the pin! Swann with a Superkick staggers Swann and then he climbs up top. Fox answers with a Bicycle Kick to Swann and then he springs to the top and hits the Lo-Mein Pain (Springboard Spanish Fly)! 1…2…3!
Winner: AR Fox via pinfall (Lo-Mein Pain)
After the match Fox and Swann shake hands.
The Open The United Gate Champions CIMA & Ricochet make their way down to the ring. CIMA says hello to everyone and says he loves the United States and Miami, but he can’t wrestle tonight because of a neck injury. He apologizes to the fans and then a “CIMA” chant erupts. CIMA says because of this he and Ricochet must vacate the belts and then he apologizes to Ricochet. Johnny Gargano & Chuck Taylor of Ronin make their way down now, they were scheduled to face the champs tonight.
Chuck Taylor says they’re real sad about CIMA’s neck but since they were supposed to wrestle them tonight they should just give the belts to Ronin. Johnny Gargano (the Open the Freedom Gate Champion) says as much as he would love to take the belts and go to the beach right now he doesn’t want to win the belts like that. Gargano talks about the night he won the Freedom Gate belt and says that night was so good because he EARNED it, but if they just take those belts they wouldn’t have earned it and they will cheat themselves and the fans. Gargano says if they are going to win the belts they will do it by showing that they are the best tag team in the world. Masato Yoshino comes out now!
Yoshino says he will be Ricochet’s partner to defend the belts! Ricochet says he knows Yoshino has a shot at Gargano’s belt tomorrow so if CIMA is okay with it and if the fans are okay with it then he’s okay with it. CIMA says he’s cool and shakes Ricochet’s hands. Ricochet places the belts in the middle of the ring and the two teams stare each other down. Gargano offers a handshake but Yoshino walks away.
The Scene (Scott Reed & Caleb Konley) w/Larry Dallas vs. Bobby Fish & Tommy Dreamer
The Scene make their way down to the ring with a slew of gorgeous females. As one of the chicks grinds on Reed the announcer says “The Scene may catch something before this weekend’s over” and he calls this the most disgusting entrance ever, but I would argue it’s the most awesome ever. Bobby Fish comes out alone and Larry says if he hasn’t noticed he’s alone and The Scene is the hottest new tag team “on the scene.” He suggests Fish save himself a beating and go to the back, but Fish says he does have a partner. TOMMY DREAMER walks out! Dreamer & Fish hit the ring but The Scene attacks them! Fish & Dreamer hit a pair of Hip Tosses and then Dreamer hits Conley with a Pump Handle Slam and locks in a Crippler Crossface and then Fish kicks Conley in the face! They drag Reed into the ring and then Fish lifts Reed up in a Sidewalk Slam and Dreamer dives off the top with an Elbow Drop as well! Fish and Dreamer take turns beating on Reed in the face corner and then Fish connects with a Dropkick before knocking Konley off the apron. Reed rolls out as well and then Fish fakes a dive only to see Dreamer dive off the apron onto The Scene! Conley comes back and crotches Dreamer on the guardrail much to Tommy’s dismay. One of the chicks hits Dreamer with the guardrail but then Fish chases her away. Back in the ring Reed covers Dreamer and gets a nearfall. The heels beat on Dreamer in the corner now and then whip him into the opposite corner. Konley puts the boots to Dreamer and then Catapults him into the bottom rope throat first. Reed tags back in and the heels hit a Double Elbow Drop on Dreamer. Reed hits a Brainbuster on Dreamer for a nearfall. The heels continue the beat down on Dreamer as a “stupid hair cut” chant starts aimed at Reed (I would agree). Conley charges at Dreamer in the corner only to eat a boot and then a Flatliner into the corner! Fish tags in and Reed tags in as well! Fish hits Reed with a nasty series of kicks and then does the same to Conley. Fish now with knee strikes to Reed and then a Cartwheel Back Elbow before locking in a Kneelock! Conley breaks it up but then Dreamer locks him in a Texas Cloverleaf! Larry Dallas gets on the apron and Dreamer drags him in but then one of the chicks jumps on Dreamers back! Dreamer grabs her but another one of the girls comes in and attempts to slap her. He grabs her as well and makes out with both of them and then Piledrives the first chick! A big “ECW” chant starts. Konley comes back in and nails Dreamer with a Backstabber but then Fish locks him in the Fish Hook out of nowhere! Konley taps!
Winners: Fish & Dreamer via submission (Fish Hook)
The Scene’s chicks try to wake them up and Dreamer ends up slapping one of them on the ass. She gets offended but then jumps on him and makes out with him. Dreamer puts her over his knee and spanks her ass.
Sami Callihan (D.U.F.) vs. BxB Hulk
BxB Hulk has a much darker look than the last time I saw him. He spits a red liquid in the air like Gangrel back in the day. The stream goes out right as Hulk made his entrance and when it came back on Callihan hits a series of scoop slams onto the ropes on Hulk and then he slams Hulk’s leg into the ring post. Callihan going after Hulk’s leg to take away his kicks. Callihan spits on his hand and then starts chopping Hulk before hanging him up in the ropes. Callihan puts the boots to Hulk and then starts chopping at Hulk’s knee. Callihan climbs up top and dives off with a stomp onto Hulk’s knee. Hulk comes back with a back kick and then a Bicycle Kick on Callihan! Hulk stomps Callihan down in the corner and then stands on his head. Callihan spits at Hulk so Hulk hits a dropkick to the back of his head. Hulk hits a Arm & Legs Trapped T-Bone Suplex for a nearfall! Hulk then hits a series of elbows on Sami’s elbow as we see a shot of Christina Von Errie standing in the entrance way. Hulk hits a series of round kicks and then a front kick to the face of Callihan. Callihan gets fired up so Hulk kicks him in the head again. Hulk hits him in the face a third time and then again. Callihan flips Hulk off but then eats a back kick followed by Backflip Kick. Callihan answers back with an Enziguri on a charging Hulk and then a DVD! Callihan hits the Shotgun Splash off the ropes on Hulk for a nearfall. Callihan hits a Roundhouse Kick and then a springboard Lariat on Hulk! Hulk falls out to the floor and Callihan follows with a Tope Suicida through the ropes! Callihan then hits a running chop that sends Hulk over the guardrail into the front row. Callihan goes to grab Hulk over the guardrail but eats a Roundhouse Kick from Hulk. Hulk rolls Callihan into the ring and then hits a Springboard Spinning Heel Kick! 1…2…NO Callihan kicks out! Hulk puts Callihan up on the top rope and climbs up with him but Callihan headbutts him repeatedly and then goes for a Sunset Bomb, but Hulk blocks it! Callihan then Superkicks Hulk’s knee causing Hulk to crash to the mat! Callihan blows a kiss to Christina and then locks in the Half Crab! Hulk gets to the ropes and then Callihan goes for a Brainbuster but Hulk blocks it. He goes for it again but Hulk blocks it but then his leg buckles and Callihan hits the ropes only to eat Mouse from Hulk! Hulk sweeps his legs and then hits a round kick followed by a Standing Moonsault! 1…2…NO Callihan kicks out! Hulk goes for a springboard move but his leg gives out and Hulk crashes to the mat. Callihan climbs up top and hits a Splash onto Hulk’s knee and then locks in the Stretch Muffler! Hulk counters into a rollup! 1…2…NO Callihan kicks out and then eats a kick from Hulk! Hulk goes for Flash but Callihan kicks his knee and then sets up for Stretch Muffler again! Christina gets up on the apron and spits something into Callihan’s face! Hulk hits a suplex and then First Flash! 1…2…3!
Winner: Hulk via pinfall (First Flash)
After the match Christina raises Hulk’s arm revealing she’s the new member of Mad Blankey. Callihan says he shouldn’t have ever trusted a woman because D.U.F. (Dirty Ugly F*cks) don’t trust women. Callihan says what happened with Hulk and that “slut” is past him but what he really cares about is tomorrow and his Street Fight with Sabu at Mercury Rising ’12. He says that’s all he can think about and tomorrow he will end Sabu’s career. He calls Sabu an “extreme loser” and old but then the lights go out! They come back on and Sabu attacks Callihan! Sabu locks in the Camel Clutch but Arik Cannon runs out and blasts Sabu! Pinkie Sanchez out as well and the D.U.F. beat on him until Jon Davis & AR Fox run out to even things up! The brawl is on now. Sabu hits a clothesline on Cannon in the ring and then locks in a Camel Clutch! The announcer announces the Street Fight between Pinkie Sanchez & Arik Cannon against Sabu & on Davis is on now!
Street Fight
Sabu & Jon Davis vs. Arik Cannon & Pinkie Sanchez
Davis Press Slams Pinkie onto the apron! Davis hits a Snapmare Takeover using his shirt to choke Pinkie as Sabu and Cannon fight on the floor. Davis chops the hell out of Pinkie and then goes for a Buckle Bomb but Pinkie blocks it and then dropkicks Davis’ knee. Pinkie hits a sliding dropkick but then eats a Leg Lariat from Davis! Sabu and Cannon back in the ring and Sabu stabs Cannon with a spike repeatedly! Cannon is busted open now. Sabu sets up a chair and then stabs Cannon again before diving off the chair with Air Sabu in the corner! Sabu actually throws the spike into the crowd and then dives off the chair for Air Sabu again, but Cannon catches him in midair and hits Total Anarchy! Davis breaks up the pin attempt and then starts beating on Cannon and connects with a Spinebuster! He follows up with a Running Knee for a nearfall before Pinkie breaks it up! Arik lifts Pinkie up in the air and drops him down with a Senton Splash and then Cannon hits a Senton Splash of his own on Davis. Cannon follows up with a Superick and then a clothesline to Sabu! Sabu tries to set a table up but Cannon clotheslines him. Pinkie climbs up top and then Cannon shoves Davis’ head into Pinkie’s ass which pisses Davis off. Davis tosses Pinkie off the top to the guardrail and then hits a nasty Lariat on Cannon! Sabu lays Cannon out on the table and hits Arabian Facebuster through the table! Davis then hits the Pounce on Pinkie followed by the 3 Seconds Around The World! 1…2…3!
Winners: Sabu & Davis via pinfall (3 Seconds Around The World)
After the match Sami Callihan attacks Sabu and then blasts him with a beer bottle! Sami says he wants Sabu to think all day tomorrow about how it will be his last time in a wrestling ring because he will end Sabu’s career.
Masaaki Mochizuki w/CIMA vs. Akira Tozawa w/Christina Von Errie & BxB Hulk
After I lost the stream again in the early parts of the match it comes back on as CIMA has come to have Masaaki’s back. Akira and Masaaki exchange stiff strikes in the ring. Masaaki with a big kick sends Akira out to the floor where CIMA talks trash to him. Akira comes back in the ring and Masaaki starts to beat on him with more stiff kicks. Masaaki with a running kick to Akira’s leg and then locks in a knee lock on Tozawa. They continue to exchange stiff strikes and now Masaaki starts working on Akira’s arm as he slams it to the mat and then locks in an Armbar. Masaaki goes for a Brainbuster but Tozawa blocks it only to have Masaaki counter into a Fujiwara Armbar! He even starts bending Akira’s fingers back as well during the hold. Tozawa finally gets to the ropes and rolls back out to the floor. Masaaki follows him out and kicks him in the head. Masaaki attempts to whip Akira into the ring post but Akira reverses it and then puts him on the apron and goes for a German Suplex! Masaaki blocks it and then hits a round kick followed by another attempt at a Brainbuster! Akira blocks it again so Masaaki hits the Divorce Court slamming Akira on the apron! Back in the ring Masaaki puts the boots to Akira and then starts slapping him on the head. Akira answers with a Forearm Smash and then a Side Suplex Driver! Masaaki rolls out to the floor and Akira follows out with a Tope Suicida through the ropes onto Masaaki on the floor! Akria quickly slides back in the ring and sets up for another dive but this time Masaaki catches him with a leaping kick in midair! Akira answers back with a kick of his own and then hits another Tope Suicida through the ropes onto Masaaki on the floor! Back in the ring Akira starts stomping on Masaaki now and then hits a dropkick for a nearfall. Akira hits a Front Slam for another nearfall. Akira slams Masaaki into the corner and then puts the boots to him and starts choking him. Akira screams at the referee and then Christina starts choking Masaaki as well. Akira locks in a Front Facelock and then hits an elbow to the back of the head. Akira hits the ropes but Masaaki catches him and goes for a Tombstone but Akira reverses it into one of his own! 1…2…NO Masaaki kicks out and then Akira locks in a modified Camel Clutch! Masaaki gets to the ropes and then Akira starts taunting him while mockingly kicking him in the face. Masaaki fights back with a nasty Lariat! Masaaki hits a Running Elbow but Tozawa gets fired up and hits Masaaki with chop after chop! Finally he punches him in the face but Masaaki answers with a big right hand of his own laying Akira out! Masaaki kicks Akira but Akira answers with a Running Yakuza Kick! Tozawa charges at Masaaki but Masaaki hangs him up in the ropes and hits a nasty kick! Masaaki hangs him up in the ropes again and then hits a Running Knee! Masaaki hits a Running Kick for a nearfall. Tozawa rolls through a hurricanrana and hits a Shinning Wizard for a nearfall! He goes for another one but Masaaki blocks it and sweeps his legs and then hits a series of disgusting kicks to the head of Akira! 1…2…NO Akira kicks out! Masaaki goes for a Roundhouse Kick but Akira counters into a Rolling Elbow! Akira and Masaaki fight on the top rope and Akira hits a German Superplex! Akira goes for another German but Masaaki blocks it only to eat a Bicycle Kick to the head! Akira hits a Bridging German Suplex! 1…2….NO Masaaki counters into an armbar! He transitions into the Cross Armbreaker! Akira fights it and counters into another German Suplex! 1…2…NO Masaaki kicks out! WOW! That was an insane sequence! Akira goes for another German but Masaaki blocks it and elbows him. Akira hits a Bicycle Kick but Masaaki answers with a kick of his own. They exchange slaps and chops in the center of the ring both men swinging wildly! Akira hits another German Suplex! Masaaki comes back with another nasty kick! 1…2…NO Akira kicks out! Masaaki springboard off the ropes with a Flying Kick! 1…2…3!
Winner: Masaaki Mochizuki via pinfall (Springboard Flying Kick)
After the match Christina Von Errie says she has a message from Mad Blankey and punches Masaaki in the nuts!
——————————-INTERMISSION——————————
Johnny Vandal vs. Samurai del Sol
Samurai del Sol is the mystery luchador from Mexico that DG-USA has been teasing they recently signed. He debuted last night against Yoshino in Hollywood, FL. Vandal is a Miami native. Ricochet on commentary here. Samura hits a crazy springboard corkscrew armdrag followed by another armdrag and then a dropkick. Samurai hits a gorgeous Corkscrew Fosbury Flop over the top onto Vandal! Samurai hits a Slingshot 450-Splash onto Vandal for a nearfall. Samurai attempts a float over in the corner but Vandal counters into a Spinebuster followed by a cross body on the ropes. He follows up with a nasty running kick to Samurai as he was draped over the ropes and gets a nearfall. Vandal goes for a Forearm but Samurai counters into a spinning kick and then he goes for a Fireman’s Carry. Vandal counters into a TKO! Vandal climbs up top and dives off with a Flying Double Knee Drop! 1…2…Samurai kicks out! Vandal lights Samurai up with chops on the ropes and then sends him into the ropes but Samurai springs off the ropes into a CRAZY Reverse Hurricanrana! 1…2…3!
Winner: Samurai del Sol via pinfall (Reverse Hurricanrana)
PAC vs. Low-Ki
This is a first time ever matchup here as the British high flyer PAC faces off against the “World Warrior” Low-Ki. Arik Cannon on commentary here with Lenny. PAC and Ki lockup and they brawl into the corner before breaking clean. They lockup again and this time they go for a test of strength. PAC gets the advantage forcing Ki back into a bridge but Ki bridges back up and forcing PAC back down to the mat into a bridge of his own. Ki tries to slam his knees down on PAC but PAC stays bridged holding Ki up. Ki starts kicking PAC while pretty much kneeling on PAC’s chest. Finally the two get back to their feet with PAC hitting a Bridging Northern Lights Suplex for a nearfall. Ki reverses into a nearfall of his own. Both men get to their feet and get a standing ovation. PAC takes Ki down and starts twisting on the foot of Ki. Both men stalemate again and then Ki swings his leg with a wild roundhouse kick but PAC was able to avoid it. PAC shakes his head at Ki and then they lockup again and PAC gets a Waistlock on Ki. Ki counters into a wristlock and then starts twisting on the arm. PAC flips through it and hits a Hip Toss. PAC locks in a front facelock but Ki forces him to the ropes to break the hold and then hits a nasty kick to the chest of PAC. Ki hits a Scoop Slam and then follows up with a Muta Elbow! 1…2…NO PAC kicks out! Ki goes for a Suplex but PAC blocks it and forces Ki to the corner where he slams his shoulder into Ki. PAC hits a series of back elbows to Ki and then he charges at Ki but Ki moves and then kicks PAC in the chest. Ki whips PAC into the corner but PAC springs off the ropes over Ki and hits a cross chop. PAC hits a Fireman’s Carry into a backdrop! PAC hits a Knee Drop and then slams Ki into the corner. PAC follows up with a Snap Suplex for a nearfall and then locks in a headscissors on Ki. Ki bridges into a nearfall but PAC slams him back to the mat with the headscissors. Ki rolls to the ropes to finally break the hold and then Ki answers with a nasty chop. Ki follows up with a series of headbutts and then Ki hits a European Uppercut. Ki chops away at PAC in the corner and then hits another European Uppercut. Ki with a disgusting running chop! PAC answers with a Forearm Smash and Ki answers back with another DISGUSTING chop! Ki attempts to whip PAC into the ropes but PAC reverses only to see Ki back handspring off the ropes into a Cross Body! 1…2…NO PAC kicks out and Ki immediately goes to a headscissors of his own! PAC bridges backwards into a pin but Ki counters into a pin of his own for a nearfall. Ki hits a Snapmare Takeover and then dropkicks PAC in the back of the head for another nearfall. Ki locks in a Waistlock on the mat but PAC fights to his feet and backs Ki into the corner and hits a series of back elbows. Ki answers with another headbutt and then tosses PAC out to the floor. Ki grabs PAC by the hair and brings him up on the apron. He attempts to suplex PAC into the ring but PAC blocks it and then tries to suplex Ki over the top. Ki counters with a knee to the head of PAC! Ki goes for a kick but PAC moves and hits a forearm. PAC slingshots into a hurricanrana that sends Ki to the floor! PAC fakes a dive and when Ki moves he sets up for another one quickly but Ki grabs his legs and trips him on the apron! Ki follows up with a nasty chop and then he grabs PAC’s feet but PAC kicks him into the guardrail. PAC climbs up top and dives off with a Corkscrew Moonsault! THE TORNEDO! A “that was splendid” chant starts up. PAC rolls back into the ring and Ki almost gets counted out but Ki is able to roll back in at 9. PAC immediately covers Ki and gets a nearfall. PAC whips Ki into the ropes and hits a Running back elbow followed by another one. PAC comes off the ropes with a Flying Forearm now! PAC whips Ki into the ropes again and goes for a backdrop but Ki stops and kicks the hell out of PAC! Ki hits the ropes but PAC lifts him high up into the air with a Press Slam! 1…2…NO Ki kicks out! PAC starts to climb the ropes but Ki grabs his legs. PAC pushes him away and goes for a German Suplex but Ki blocks it and sends PAC into the corner! Ki whips PAC into the opposite corner and hits the Tidal Wave! 1…2…NO PAC kicks out! Ki covers PAC again and again gets a nearfall. Ki with another nasty chop followed by another one. Ki whips PAC into the opposite corner and hits a Running Forearm followed by a Backbreaker! Ki climbs up top and goes for the Phoenix Splash! PAC rolls out of the way and then climbs up top and hits an INSANE Phoenix Splash off the middle rope! 1…2…NO Ki kicks out! PAC goes out to the apron and goes for a springboard move but Ki moves and then goes for Shining Wizard, but PAC ducks and Ki follows up with a nasty back heel kick! Ki climbs up top and sets up for the Warriors Way but PAC crotches him on the turnbuckles! PAC climbs up with Ki but Ki hits him with body shots knocking him off the top. PAC climbs right back up and hits the Frankensteiner! PAC climbs back up and goes for the Corkscrew Shooting Star Press! Ki rolls out of the way and PAC eats the mat! Ki climbs back up now and dives off with the Warriors Way! 1…2…3!
Winner: Ki via pinfall (Warriors Way)
After the match Ki grabs the microphone and says that PAC is incredible. Ki says that was the true sport of professional wrestling and then says that he would be more than happy to do that one again. PAC shakes Ki’s hand and then says that was a Championship quality match. He says he wants to call out every member of Dragon Gate & EVOLVE and he thinks EVOLVE should consider creating their own championship because of the level of competition here. He says he doesn’t do what he does in the ring for himself, he does it for the fans.
Main Event
Open The United Gate Championships
Ronin (Chuck Taylor & Johnny Gargano) w/Rich Swann vs. Ricochet & Masato Yoshino w/CIMA
Ricochet and Yoshino wearing matching pink and black tights. Gargano and Yoshino will kick this one off, these two face off tomorrow night for the Freedom Gate belt. Arik Cannon still on commentary with Lenny. Yoshino & Gargano lockup and then Yoshino breaks it with a big chop. Gargano answers with one of his own and then the two start exchanging chops. Yoshino hits the ropes and connects with a dropkick and then charges at Gargano but Gargano hits a back kick followed by a diving double foot stomp to the back of Yoshino followed by a Knee Strike and then a neckbreaker! Yoshino rolls out and Ricochet comes in with a Missile Dropkick to Gargano that sends Gargano out and Taylor replaces him and kicks Ricochet. Taylor leapfrogs Ricochet and then Ricochet dives off the ropes but Taylor catches him in midair and hits a Belly-to-Belly Suplex! Gargano tags in and puts the boots to Ricochet. Gargano goes for a clothesline but Ricochet ducks and hits a dropkick and then tags in Yoshino. Yoshino & Ricochet treat Gargano’s legs like a wishbone and then Yoshino slams Gargano’s leg to the mat. Ricochet climbs up top and dives off with an Axe Hanlde Drop onto Gargano’s arm and then Yoshino dives off the top with a Diving Double Foot Stomp onto Gargano’s arm. Ricochet puts Gargano in a weird submission and then covers him for a nearfall. Ricochet locks in a modified Guerrero Special! He then takes Gargano to the corner and slams his head into the turnbuckles repeatedly before slamming Gargano to the mat for a nearfall. Gargano attempts to reach for a tag but Ricochet cuts him off and then dropkicks Taylor off the apron. Yoshino tags in and the faces whip Gargano into the ropes and connect with a Double Back Elbow followed by a Double Suplex! Ricochet follows up with a Standing Moonsault for a nearfall! Ricochet and Yoshino beat on Gargano in the corner and then whips Gargano into the corner. Ricochet sets up for a dive but Gargano spears him and then dives onto Yoshino on the floor! Taylor hits a Lionsault on Ricochet and gets a nearfall! Lots of fast paced action, hard to keep up. Taylor puts the boots to Ricochet and then hits a Scoop Slam. SUPER STRENGTH! Taylor rolls Ricochet up but Ricochet kicks out at 3 and then Gargano tags back in. Gargano hits a Scoop Slam and then rakes Ricochet’s eyes before going to work on Ricochet’s legs with stomps. Gargano then locks in a crazy submission hold before Yoshino breaks it up. Taylor tags back in and hits a body shot on Ricochet followed by a Forearm Smash. Taylor whips Ricochet into the ropes and then nails him with an AJ Styles like dropkick. 1…2…NO Ricochet kicks out! Ricochet tries desperately to get to his corner but Gargano comes in and kicks him. Gargano whips Ricochet into the ropes but Ricochet rolls underneath him and then goes for a Standing Moonsault but Gargano kicks him in the back in midair! Gargano slams Ricochet into Taylor’s foot and then tags Taylor back in. Taylor climbs up top and dives off with a Diving Forearm onto Ricochet before standing on Ricochet’s throat. Taylor follows up with a Back Suplex and then climbs up top and attempts a gorgeous looking Moonsault, but Ricochet moves out of the way! Ricochet hits a Running Spear followed by a Leaping Enziguri and then a Diving Clothesline off the top! Yoshino tags in and Gargano tags in! Yoshino hits the ropes and connects with the Slingblade! Gargano rolls out and Yoshino attempts to whip Taylor into the corner but Taylor reverses it. Yoshino dives off the top but Taylor catches him only to have Yoshino counter into a Spinning DDT! 1…2…NO Taylor kicks out and then Yoshino climbs up top and dives off. Taylor moves and Yoshino goes for another move but Taylor blocks it and locks in a Half Crab on Yoshino! Yoshino gets to the ropes to break the hold and then Taylor goes for a Brainbuster but Yoshino blocks it and then locks in the From Jungle! Gargano comes in and breaks it with a Leaping Enziguri! Ricochet comes in and eats elbow from Gargano. Gargano floats over Ricochet only to eat a Diamond Cutter! Ricochet then hits a Double Revolution Standing Moonsault! 1…2…NO Gargano kicks out! Ricochet goes for a Backslide Driver but Gargano blocks it and then Lawn Darts Ricochet into the corner followed by a Superkick! Gargano hits a Standing Sliced Bread! 1…2…NO Yoshino breaks it up! Crazy action! Gargano chops Ricochet and then hits the ropes but eats a back kick followed by a backflip kick! Several crazy moves by both Ricochet & Yoshino that I cant keep up with but it leads to a Running Shooting Star Press off the back of Yoshino onto Gargano! HOLY SH*T! Taylor with a running hurricanrana on Ricochet and then a Tilt-A-Whirl Backbreaker on Yoshino followed by a Running Knee from Gargano! Ricochet with a Running Enziguri and then he dives off the top but Taylor catches him and tosses him into a Cutter from Gargano! Good lord! Gargano goes for the Hurts Doughnut but Ricochet backs him into the corner and then Yoshino dives off Ricochet’s back with an elbow! They hit a double kick/elbow in the corner! Yoshino dives off the top with a Missile Dropkick on Taylor and then a Senton Backsplash at the same time on Gargano! 1…2…NO Gargano kicks out! Yoshino with a series of strikes and then he sets up for something but Gargano rolls him up! Yoshino counters into a Crossface! Taylor breaks it up by kicking Yoshino in the head and then the Soul Food! Hurts Doughnut from Gargano! 1…2…NO Taylor pulls Gargano off of Yoshino and covers him himself! 1…2…NO Yoshino kicks out and Gargano can’t believe it! Taylor grabs one of the belts and then shoves Rich Swann and Gargano takes the belt from Taylor! Yoshino with a DDT on Taylor and then Ricochet hits the 630! 1…2…NO Gargano breaks it up! Gargano and Ricochet exchange STIFF strikes! I mean STIFF! Gargano hits a flurry of forearms and then hits the ropes but eats a knee from Ricochet! Ricochet hits a Superkick but then walks into an Enziguri from Garagnao followed by a Spinning Lariat! The fans are on their feet! Ricochet comes back and sends Gargano out to the floor and then dives with a Corkscrew Suicide Plancha on Taylor! Yoshino hits the Torbellino and then locks in Sol Naciente! Taylor taps!
Winners & NEW United Gate Champs: Ricochet & Yoshino via submission
After the match Yoshino points to Gargano and says he’s got him tomorrow. CIMA comes into the ring and says it was an awesome match and then says he respects Ronin. He offers a handshake to Gargano and he accepts but Taylor attacks him from behind and then Superkicks Gargano! Yoshino and Ricochet chase him off as Taylor smiles and the fans chant “F*ck you Chucky.” Yoshino asks CIMA if he is okay and then says tomorrow he will be the Freedom Gate Champion. Yoshino thanks the fans for coming and then asks the fans if they liked what they saw. He says he and Ricochet love Miami as a “please comeback” chant starts. He says he will see them tomorrow and then starts a “USA” chant.
FINAL THOUGHTS
WOW! What a show! The last hour was so hard to keep up with it’s not even funny, especially the Main Event. Before I get to the positive, let’s start with the biggest negative. The stream itself. It was choppy all night and that was by far the worst part about the whole show. The last DG-USA iPPV I got was the same way so it doesn’t seem that have advanced too much in that department. They did get it worked out by Low-Ki/PAC (which is worth the $1.99 price tag alone and then some). I think the $1.99 price got them a ton of more viewers and hopefully for them a bunch of new fans because the action was stellar.
They dropped the Stable Shootout without any noticed (though two of the advertised matches still took place) which isn’t a big deal but still would have been nice for them to at least mention it.
The opener was a great matchup between two young high flyers and was my first chance to see AR Fox in a full match. Both were impressive and put on a really fun match to get the crowd going early.
They confronted CIMA’s injury early and gave a good resolution that everyone could live with.
The Scene were a pretty entertaining team together (and had a ton of eye candy with them) but Fish is really impressive. Dreamer I could do without but it was still a solid match.
Hulk/Callihan had a solid back and forth match with the odd Christina Von Errie turn.
I didn’t enjoy the Street Fight at all and it was just more of the same for the most part (plus I can’t personally stand Pinkie Sanchez).
Masaaki/Akira was so damn stiff that it made ME hurt. The no selling got a little carried away (like it can do in Dragon Gate) but the false finishes and counters down the stretch were amazing.
Samurai del Sol’s match was really just there for him to hit a few high spots and look impressive which he did. I’m all for DG-USA bring in a luchador so it should be interesting to see where they go with him.
Low-Ki/PAC was amazing and surprising a bit. I really expected a balls to the wall throw everything out there with break neck speed action, but they really paced themselves well with a lot of mat wrestling early. They built up to the high spots and counters and though both still had a lot to offer and it COULD have gone a lot longer, I believe we’ll likely see this one again down the line so no need to throw everything out there at once. Stellar match though.
The Main Event was that break neck speed type of match I expected in the previous match, what a match. The double teams, counters, submissions, strikes, everything were just crazy. All 4 guys laid it all out and the crowd was hot as hell for it. For the most a spotfest but damn what a fun spotfest. Ricochet & Yoshino have supposedly become a really good team in Japan so it was good to see them together here in America and they didn’t disappoint. It was good to see them build back on the dissension Ronin showed last year and Taylor finally turned on them completely.
Really great show that I would suggest to go completely out of your way to catch the final two matches at least. Also, kudos to Lenny Leonard for holding down commentary alone for half the night (Ricochet and Arik Cannon joined him in the 2nd half of the show) as well as doing the ring introductions.
QUICK RESULTS
1) AR Fox def. Rich Swann
2) Bobby Fish & Tommy Dreamer def. The Scene
3) BxB Hulk def. Sami Callihan
4) Street Fight: Sabu & Jon Davis def. D.U.F.
5) Masaaki Mochizuki def. Akira Tozawa
6) Samurai del Sol def. Johnny Vandal
7) Low-Ki def. PAC
8) Open the United Gate Titles: Ricochet & Masato Yoshino def. Ronin to win the vacant titles!
– Promo/Segment of the Night: Arik Cannon’s rants
– Match of the Night: Main Event (****1/2)
– Overall Grade: A