Post by 円相! TV on Aug 25, 2024 18:09:59 GMT
The atmosphere inside the Mirai Dome was filled with excitement as fans took their seats. MAX-J received clearance to add a standing room only section in the arena that would allow for another 250 seats and these filled up like hot cakes. Needless to say, the arena was packed!
As the show was about to begin, the lights once more dimmed...
... a massive holographic display on the outside of the Mirai Dome featuring past J1 SUMMIT winners lit up the arena, cycling through their images and iconic moments in the ring. A particular pop from the crowd came from seeing J1 Training Camp Head Coach Mike Musket, the first J1 SUMMIT winner and inaugural MAX-J Heavyweight Champion, who was also seated ringside with other trainers to watch the show, spitting out the fountain drink he was enjoying as this stylized image of his likeness appeared before the Tokyo public:
Then, as the hologram shifted to highlight the 2024 tournament, GM Masaaki Sano entered the ring, announcing that this year's winner would have their likeness immortalized in a special holographic display at the entrance of the Mirai Dome, a first for any MAX-J wrestler as the following image appeared:
The announcement sent waves of excitement through the crowd, setting the stage for a high-energy night!
El Refresco IV vs. Satoshi Kamakura
The opening match saw El Refresco IV square off against the powerful Satoshi Kamakura. Kamakura dominated the early minutes with strong grappling and power moves, using suplexes and slams to wear down the fourth-generation luchador. However, El Refresco’s experience and agility came into play as he dodged a running lariat and countered with a spinning headscissors takedown, sending Kamakura crashing into the turnbuckles.
El Refresco capitalized on the momentum, flying off the ropes with a diving crossbody and following up with quick strikes to keep Kamakura grounded. Despite Kamakura’s attempts to regain control with a spinebuster, El Refresco managed to escape and hit his signature Tornado Alley, stunning the crowd with his rapid-fire spinning chops. With Kamakura dazed, El Refresco quickly set up and delivered the Caffeinator (snap Northern Lights DDT), securing the pinfall at 10:25.
J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK A: Zenki vs. Eiichiro Yamazaki
ZENKI entered the ring to a massive ovation, his eyes locked on Eiichiro Yamazaki. This match held personal stakes for ZENKI, as he sought to truly avenge his loss of the MAX-J Heavyweight title to Yamazaki back in 2019 by actually picking up a fall - something he could not do in the sport form rules match on Day 2. From the opening bell, ZENKI used his speed to dodge Yamazaki’s powerful sumo-style strikes, frustrating his larger opponent. Yamazaki tried to corner ZENKI, but the Demon Lord slipped away with lightning-fast evasions, constantly targeting Yamazaki’s legs with low kicks to keep the giant off balance.
Midway through the match, ZENKI’s strategy paid off as he managed to take Yamazaki down with a series of expertly executed judo throws. Yamazaki struggled to regain control, but ZENKI’s relentless assault continued, with rapid strikes and precise grappling. In the final moments, ZENKI dodged Yamazaki’s last-ditch attempt at a Tiger suplex and connected with a brutal shining wizard, finally pinning his long-time rival at 13:44. ZENKI stood victorious, raising his arms as the Demon Brigade faithful in the crowd roared their approval. The Demon Lord had finally avenged his 2019 loss and stands in full control as the group stage ends and the single-elimination begins.
J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK B: AJ Knight vs. Rhythm Saitoh
AJ Knight entered his match against Rhythm Saitoh with determination, knowing that a victory would secure him the #1 spot in Block B. Saitoh, though winless in the tournament, was no pushover, and from the outset, he pushed AJ to his limits. The match began with an intense sequence of technical exchanges, both men jockeying for control with wrist locks and counter holds. Saitoh surprised the crowd with several near-submissions, coming close to trapping AJ in a crossface, only for Knight to narrowly escape each time.
Despite Saitoh’s best efforts, AJ’s experience and cunning proved to be the deciding factor. After narrowly avoiding Saitoh’s signature sliding knee strike, Knight capitalized on the opening, ducking under a lariat and hitting a spinning back kick to the gut. With Saitoh staggered, AJ quickly locked in a front facelock and transitioned into his patented Tiger suplex hold, bridging perfectly for the pinfall at 11:30. Climbing up to the turnbuckle, AJ raised a finger into the sky to let the world know that he had won Block B of the group stage!
J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK D: David Troy vs. Alexander Irvine
The highly anticipated match between Alexander Irvine and David Troy was a brutal and hard-fought contest, with the winner securing the top spot in Block D. Both men came out swinging, with Irvine focusing on his striking and grappling while Troy utilized his superior speed and technical prowess. The match saw several momentum shifts, with Troy nearly securing victory early on with a perfectly timed moonsault, something that surprised fans as it occurred - but Irvine kicked out at the last second.
As the match progressed, the intensity only increased. Troy unleashed a series of suplexes, including a Fisherman’s Suplex that was a carbon copy of Irvine's patented Flawless Plex, but Irvine refused to stay down. In a pivotal moment, Troy attempted to set up his Rough Divide, but Irvine countered with a knee to the midsection, followed by a series of stiff forearm strikes. Sensing his opportunity, Irvine hit the Battle Cry (running forearm smash), dazing Troy. With Troy barely able to stand, Irvine delivered another devastating Battle Cry, forcing the referee to stop the match at 20:54. This hard-fought victory resulted in Irvine winning Block D and marked Troy’s first loss in the tournament, though he will still advance but do so from the 2nd place position.
J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK D: Hayato Hamada vs. Earth Warrior
In a surprising upset, Earth Warrior managed to defeat Hayato Hamada, who had been struggling throughout the tournament. Hamada, known for his MMA background and member of the Demon Brigade, came into the match with intensity, aiming to secure at least one victory in the J1 Summit. The match began with both men exchanging stiff strikes, with Hamada taking control early on with a series of knee strikes and an impressive overhead belly-to-belly suplex.
However, Earth Warrior’s resilience proved to be too much for Hamada. After reversing an attempted powerbomb into a hurricanrana, Earth Warrior shifted the momentum in his favor. Despite Hamada’s attempts to lock in a guillotine choke, Earth Warrior used his agility to escape and counter with a flurry of dropkicks. The match came to a sudden end when Hamada attempted a running lariat, only for Earth Warrior to dodge and roll him up with a surprise inside cradle, scoring the pinfall at 14:29.
The highly anticipated match between Alexander Irvine and David Troy was a brutal and hard-fought contest, with the winner securing the top spot in Block D. Both men came out swinging, with Irvine focusing on his striking and grappling while Troy utilized his superior speed and technical prowess. The match saw several momentum shifts, with Troy nearly securing victory early on with a perfectly timed moonsault, something that surprised fans as it occurred - but Irvine kicked out at the last second.
As the match progressed, the intensity only increased. Troy unleashed a series of suplexes, including a Fisherman’s Suplex that was a carbon copy of Irvine's patented Flawless Plex, but Irvine refused to stay down. In a pivotal moment, Troy attempted to set up his Rough Divide, but Irvine countered with a knee to the midsection, followed by a series of stiff forearm strikes. Sensing his opportunity, Irvine hit the Battle Cry (running forearm smash), dazing Troy. With Troy barely able to stand, Irvine delivered another devastating Battle Cry, forcing the referee to stop the match at 20:54. This hard-fought victory resulted in Irvine winning Block D and marked Troy’s first loss in the tournament, though he will still advance but do so from the 2nd place position.
J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK D: Hayato Hamada vs. Earth Warrior
In a surprising upset, Earth Warrior managed to defeat Hayato Hamada, who had been struggling throughout the tournament. Hamada, known for his MMA background and member of the Demon Brigade, came into the match with intensity, aiming to secure at least one victory in the J1 Summit. The match began with both men exchanging stiff strikes, with Hamada taking control early on with a series of knee strikes and an impressive overhead belly-to-belly suplex.
However, Earth Warrior’s resilience proved to be too much for Hamada. After reversing an attempted powerbomb into a hurricanrana, Earth Warrior shifted the momentum in his favor. Despite Hamada’s attempts to lock in a guillotine choke, Earth Warrior used his agility to escape and counter with a flurry of dropkicks. The match came to a sudden end when Hamada attempted a running lariat, only for Earth Warrior to dodge and roll him up with a surprise inside cradle, scoring the pinfall at 14:29.
Warrior's win would cap off a string of failures for Hamada that is almost too surreal to contemplate, as Hamada would go 0-6 in the group stage. The current one-half of the World Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champions managed to walk with his head held high, but the fans could see the disappointment and fury mixing in his gaze as he stared forward while walking down the aisle to the backstage area.
The "J9" Fighting Spirit Invitational!
During an intermission, GM Masaaki Sano took the stage once more to make an annoucement regarding the last three days of the tournament. He unveiled that ENSOU! TV had agreed to fund a "Fighting Spirit Invitational" that would feature the competition of all the fighters who did not make it out of the group stage to compete in their own single-elimination tournament. Some reporters are describing this in colloquial terms as the unofficial "J9 SUMMIT" because it will essentially determine the 9th place fighter from the tournament. We are being told that there is a ¥7,500,000 (nearly $52,000) prize that will go to the Invitational's winner, a very solid chunk of change!
J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK A: Akira Nakamura vs. NEXUS
Akira Nakamura finally earned his first win of the tournament, defeating the cybernetic wrestler NEXUS in a hard-hitting contest. NEXUS, despite coming into the match with a solid record, struggled to keep up with Nakamura’s relentless offense. The match began with Nakamura focusing on his strikes, delivering stiff kicks to NEXUS’s legs and midsection. NEXUS tried to mount a comeback with a series of power moves, including a backbreaker and a stalling suplex, but Nakamura refused to stay down.
As the match wore on, Nakamura’s experience and perseverance shone through. After avoiding NEXUS’s Neural Spike (Brainbuster DDT), Nakamura caught his opponent off guard with a spinning heel kick to the face, sending the cybernetic warrior crashing into the ropes. Sensing victory, Nakamura hit the Gauss Cannon (running lariat) with full force, dropping NEXUS to the mat. Nakamura quickly followed up with a release Tiger suplex, bridging for the pinfall at 17:57 and finally putting himself on the scoreboard.
Akira Nakamura finally earned his first win of the tournament, defeating the cybernetic wrestler NEXUS in a hard-hitting contest. NEXUS, despite coming into the match with a solid record, struggled to keep up with Nakamura’s relentless offense. The match began with Nakamura focusing on his strikes, delivering stiff kicks to NEXUS’s legs and midsection. NEXUS tried to mount a comeback with a series of power moves, including a backbreaker and a stalling suplex, but Nakamura refused to stay down.
As the match wore on, Nakamura’s experience and perseverance shone through. After avoiding NEXUS’s Neural Spike (Brainbuster DDT), Nakamura caught his opponent off guard with a spinning heel kick to the face, sending the cybernetic warrior crashing into the ropes. Sensing victory, Nakamura hit the Gauss Cannon (running lariat) with full force, dropping NEXUS to the mat. Nakamura quickly followed up with a release Tiger suplex, bridging for the pinfall at 17:57 and finally putting himself on the scoreboard.
J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK B: Katsuhiko Himura vs. Thunder Mask
In a match that determined the #2 spot in Block B, Thunder Mask faced off against his protégé Katsuhiko Himura. Both men knew that a victory here was essential for advancing to the next stage, and the intensity was palpable from the start. The two engaged in a masterclass of chain wrestling, with Himura attempting to outmaneuver his mentor with technical holds and reversals. Thunder Mask, however, displayed his veteran instincts, using his experience to counter Himura’s every move.
As the match progressed, Himura became more aggressive, attempting to wear down Thunder Mask with stiff kicks and a brutal lariat that nearly scored him the win. However, Thunder Mask’s resilience and strategic acumen allowed him to weather the storm. After countering an attempted armbar, Thunder Mask lifted Himura up and delivered a vertical-drop brainbuster, stunning the crowd. With Himura down, Thunder Mask covered him for the pinfall at 16:12, securing his advancement to the next round. Himura, one of the top choices to win the tournament, was eliminated, leaving the crowd in shock.
J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK C: Jimmy Winner vs. Ryan Samuels
Ryan Samuels, known for his brutal and methodical style, managed to secure a victory over Jimmy Winner in a hard-fought contest. Winner, despite his underdog status, came out strong, using his judo background to keep Samuels off balance with well-timed throws and submission attempts. Samuels, however, relied on his power and size advantage to overpower Winner, delivering punishing strikes and slams that wore down the former judoka.
The turning point came when Winner attempted a flying armbar, only for Samuels to counter with a thunderous powerbomb that left Winner gasping for breath. Sensing his opportunity, Samuels pulled Winner up and hit a backdrop driver, spiking him into the mat with authority. Samuels hooked the leg and secured the pinfall at 11:40, ending Winner’s tournament run and earning a hard-fought victory.
In a match that determined the #2 spot in Block B, Thunder Mask faced off against his protégé Katsuhiko Himura. Both men knew that a victory here was essential for advancing to the next stage, and the intensity was palpable from the start. The two engaged in a masterclass of chain wrestling, with Himura attempting to outmaneuver his mentor with technical holds and reversals. Thunder Mask, however, displayed his veteran instincts, using his experience to counter Himura’s every move.
As the match progressed, Himura became more aggressive, attempting to wear down Thunder Mask with stiff kicks and a brutal lariat that nearly scored him the win. However, Thunder Mask’s resilience and strategic acumen allowed him to weather the storm. After countering an attempted armbar, Thunder Mask lifted Himura up and delivered a vertical-drop brainbuster, stunning the crowd. With Himura down, Thunder Mask covered him for the pinfall at 16:12, securing his advancement to the next round. Himura, one of the top choices to win the tournament, was eliminated, leaving the crowd in shock.
J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK C: Jimmy Winner vs. Ryan Samuels
Ryan Samuels, known for his brutal and methodical style, managed to secure a victory over Jimmy Winner in a hard-fought contest. Winner, despite his underdog status, came out strong, using his judo background to keep Samuels off balance with well-timed throws and submission attempts. Samuels, however, relied on his power and size advantage to overpower Winner, delivering punishing strikes and slams that wore down the former judoka.
The turning point came when Winner attempted a flying armbar, only for Samuels to counter with a thunderous powerbomb that left Winner gasping for breath. Sensing his opportunity, Samuels pulled Winner up and hit a backdrop driver, spiking him into the mat with authority. Samuels hooked the leg and secured the pinfall at 11:40, ending Winner’s tournament run and earning a hard-fought victory.
J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK C: Tiger Mask Red vs. METAL HERO
In the main event, Tiger Mask Red faced off against METAL HERO in a highly anticipated match that would determine the winner of Block C. METAL HERO, still nursing a knee injury, once employed the defensive strategy reminiscent of Antonio Inoki’s infamous match against Muhammad Ali, dropping to the ground and focusing on kicking Tiger Mask Red’s legs to wear him down. This strategy worked initially, as Tiger Mask Red struggled to get a hold of his opponent and was forced to retreat several times.
However, Tiger Mask Red’s patience and tactical brilliance soon came into play. He began to corner METAL HERO in the ring, forcing him to either sit up or roll out of the ring to avoid being trapped. On the outside, Tiger Mask Red continued the assault, chasing METAL HERO around the ringside area and delivering brutal strikes whenever his opponent attempted to stand. Despite METAL HERO’s efforts, Tiger Mask Red slowly gained control, wearing down his opponent’s defenses.
In the main event, Tiger Mask Red faced off against METAL HERO in a highly anticipated match that would determine the winner of Block C. METAL HERO, still nursing a knee injury, once employed the defensive strategy reminiscent of Antonio Inoki’s infamous match against Muhammad Ali, dropping to the ground and focusing on kicking Tiger Mask Red’s legs to wear him down. This strategy worked initially, as Tiger Mask Red struggled to get a hold of his opponent and was forced to retreat several times.
However, Tiger Mask Red’s patience and tactical brilliance soon came into play. He began to corner METAL HERO in the ring, forcing him to either sit up or roll out of the ring to avoid being trapped. On the outside, Tiger Mask Red continued the assault, chasing METAL HERO around the ringside area and delivering brutal strikes whenever his opponent attempted to stand. Despite METAL HERO’s efforts, Tiger Mask Red slowly gained control, wearing down his opponent’s defenses.
METAL HERO would eventually have to stand and rely on his stand-up game, picking and choosing his spots to attempt a head kick to catch Tiger Mask Red off-guard. However, the patient PMLL Heavyweight Champion wouldn't bite. Eventually, HERO would shoot in and take his opponent's rear and catch him with a backdrop hold, but it would only be a two-count.
Tiger Mask Red would catch a roundhouse kick from METAL HERO and turn it into a captured buster - and this move was the true turning point. Tiger Mask Red would pick up METAL HERO for a Tiger Bomb - but only get a two count. He'd then hit a half-nelson suplex, flinging HERO on the side of his neck and shoulder - but HERO would get a foot on the ropes. Finally, Tiger Mask Red truly seized his opportunity, hitting a devastating sliding Boma Ye knee strike that left METAL HERO incapacitated as Tiger Mask Red covered for the pinfall at at 26:45 to pick up the victory and win Block C.
METAL HERO would be unable to get to his feet and the referee called for the stretcher as the fans watched in horror. As METAL HERO was carried out of the arena, Tiger Mask Red stood victorious, his sinister expression sending chills through the crowd as the fans truly understood that they were watching not simply a man but a force of nature who had just won in the main event.
POST-SHOW FALLOUT
The biggest question of the night would be the status of METAL HERO, who on the receiving end of a devastating sliding knee from Tiger Mask Red, was confirmed to be in an infirmary in downtown Tokyo. With the single-elimination bracket of the J1 SUMMIT only a few days away, what will happen if METAL HERO is unable to compete? More details are expected to unfold within the next 24 hours.
One of the stories that our reporters kept hearing about was the fatigue that the group stage had taken all on the participants. All of the fighters put forward valiant efforts and their bodies were definitely showing from it. We've already mentioned that METAL HERO is in the hospital - but Alexander Irvine was spotted with a brace on his arm, David Troy with tape around his rib-cage, Thunder Mask was walking with a limp, and AJ Knight spotted with an icepack strapped to his shoulder. Everyone's banged up, and while the short reprieve will do the body good, one might argue that the most intense days of the tournament are still ahead of us.
In a more lighthearted moment after the event, reporters were able to catch up with J1 Training Camp Head Coach Mike Musket to ask him his opinions of the show. He said he was proud of all the fighters who advanced and that everyone should be happy with their performance and that he was rooting for METAL HERO to have a fast recovery. He also said that he nearly spit out his beef jerky when he saw the holographic version of himself from the J1 SUMMIT 2017 wearing the MAX-J Heavyweight Championship broadcast all over downtown Tokyo. He laughed and commented that while he appreciated the rendering of his likeness having such big muscles, "a man would have to eat two steers a day to bulk up like that - and while I always been known to enjoy a good meal, I dabble in them biscuits and grits a bit too much to get a body like that".
SUMMARY OF RESULTS
J1 SUMMIT 2024 - Day 6
Date: 8/25/2024
Location: Mirai Dome, Tokyo, Japan
Attendance: 20,250 fans
1. El Refresco IV defeats Satoshi Kamakura (10:25) via pinfall after the Caffeinator.
2. J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK A: ZENKI [11] defeats Eiichiro Yamazaki [6] (13:44) via pinfall after a shining wizard.
3. J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK B: AJ Knight [10] defeats Rhythm Saitoh [2] (11:30) via pinfall with a Tiger suplex hold.
4. J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK D: Alexander Irvine [10] defeats David Troy [10] (20:54) via TKO after the Battle Cry.
5. J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK D: Earth Warrior [4] defeats Hayato Hamada [0] (14:29) via pinfall with an inside cradle.
6. J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK A: Akira Nakamura [2] defeats NEXUS [4] (17:57) via pinfall after the Gauss Cannon.
7. J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK B: Thunder Mask [8] defeats Katsuhiko Himura [4] (16:12) via pinfall after a vertical-drop brainbuster.
8. J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK C: Ryan Samuels [4] defeats Jimmy Winner [2] (11:40) via pinfall after a backdrop driver.
9. J1 SUMMIT 2024 - BLOCK C: Tiger Mask Red [10] defeats METAL HERO [8] (14:45) via pinfall after a sliding Boma Ye knee kick.
STANDINGS
The final standings for the group stage are in below as we can now eliminate 8 fighters from the J1. That being said, all of the group stage eliminated wrestlers will be invited to the Fighting Spirit Invitational.
The biggest question mark on this list at the moment is METAL HERO as he is currently hospitalized. MAX-J officials in conjunction with the All-Japan Sports and Wrestling Commission are going to convene an emergency committee meeting this evening to decide on a path forward if HERO cannot continue. Because none of the eliminated fighters have more than 4 points, there is not an obvious answer to determine who might be selected to advance. It's hard to imagine that the committee will simply force HERO to forfeit without putting another fighter in his spot, so we have a lot more to figure out.
BLOCK A
ZENKI [11] - 1st place
Eiichiro Yamazaki [6] - 2nd place
BLOCK B
AJ Knight [10] - 1st place
Thunder Mask [8] - 2nd place
BLOCK C
Tiger Mask Red [10] - 1st place
METAL HERO [8] - 2nd place
BLOCK D
Alexander Irvine [10] - 1st place
David Troy [10] - 2nd place
PREVIEW OF DAY 7
Day 7 will feature the quarter-finals of both the "J9" Fighting Spirit Invitational as well as the J1 SUMMIT itself.
- The Invitational's quarter-finals will all essentially be 3rd place matches for their respective blocks. All of these fighters have fought each other twice already, so fighters will need new strategies if they want to overcome their opponents.
- ZENKI vs. Thunder Mask will be a CRUISERWORLD II rematch that will be a treat for fans. While ZENKI won their initial encounter, remember that it was an impromptu match. Perhaps surprisingly, the three days of preparation that Thunder Mask will have for the J1 will be infinitely more than he had last July. But will this be enough to defeat ZENKI, a fighter who has not yet tasted a loss in the tournament?
- AJ Knight vs Eiichiro Yamazaki will pit tag team partners from Pollo Road against one another, a team that nearly won the PMLL Tag Team Championship. On 8/28, however, they'll be in opposite corners. Given their partnership, these will be two men who know each other very well, so it will be interesting to see how that plays out.
- Tiger Mask Red vs David Troy also represents a PMLL civil war. Both men have been on fire this tournament, each sustaining a single loss. Who will come out the better? Tiger Mask Red has been sinister and serious, but Troy for most of the tournament has looked unstoppable until this evening. Has Troy's magic run out or was tonight just a blip on the radar?
- There are a million questions swirling vis-a-vis an Irvine vs METAL HERO showdown that is slated for the main event. Will HERO be healthy enough to fight? And if he is, his Inoki-inspired strategy was just exposed by Tiger Mask Red tonight. Does he have another arrow in his quiver? Alexander Irvine seems to be riding with all the momentum, avenging a sport form loss to Troy with a pro-wrestling victory tonight, and he seems to be riding a wave. But waves come crashing down often unexpectedly in the J1. Can Irvine keep his hot streak going in the single-elimination? We've only got a few days to wait to find out!
Date: 8/28/2024
Location: Mirai Dome, Tokyo, Japan
1. Fighting Spirit Invitational - Quarter-finals: NEXUS vs. Akira Nakamura
2. Fighting Spirit Invitational - Quarter-finals: Katsuhiko Himura vs. Rhythm Saitoh
3. Fighting Spirit Invitational - Quarter-finals: Ryan Samuels vs. Jimmy Winner
4. Fighting Spirit Invitational - Quarter-finals: Earth Warrior vs. Hayato Hamada
5. El Refresco IV vs. Dark Feather II
6. J1 SUMMIT 2024 - Quarter-finals: ZENKI vs. Thunder Mask
7. J1 SUMMIT 2024 - Quarter-finals: AJ Knight vs. Eiichiro Yamazaki
8. J1 SUMMIT 2024 - Quarter-finals: Tiger Mask Red vs. David Troy
9. J1 SUMMIT 2024 - Quarter-finals: Alexander Irvine vs. METAL HERO