Anderson picks up first NEVER defence against old rival

The semi main event in Kobe on September 25 saw the NEVER Openweight Championship on the line as Karl Anderson wanted his first defence of the NEVER gold against Hiroshi Tanahashi.

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The Ace was confident in Anderson never being able to beat him in a non tournament setting, sparking early one upmanship, both fighting for a headlock before Tanahashi opted to go down to the knee. The Ace was in strong form, but the presence of Doc Gallows in the champion’s corner was enough of a distraction to see his neck snapped on the top rope by the Machinegun; Gallows then followed with a chokeslam on the apron out of sight of the referee.

The champion pushed the advantage and rocked the Ace with heavy elbows, but doing so left his leg open to a Dragon Screw. Taking advantage of the break, Tanahashi flew with a forearm and flipping senton, before giving Gallows a Dragon Screw through the ropes for good measure.

Again though, the momentary distraction saw Anderson regain control with a TKO. The champion wound up for Gunstun but instead ate more Dragon Screws from Tanahashi; the challenger followed with a Texas Cloverleaf that made the champion tap, but the referee never made the call, Gallows again making sure Anderson avoided disaster.

This drew Toru Yano to ringside, and as hope spring for Tanahashi, Slingblade connected. Closing in on victory, Tanahashi flew but High Fly Flow only found Anderson’s hurt knees. As Gallows tugged on the challenger’s heels, Anderson went for Gunstun, and though an initial counter saw hope, a second try saw success for Anderson.

Yet the night was not entirely done for BULLET CLUB. As a celebratory attack saw a surprising twist in the tail, it may be Hikuleo who looms next and large for the Machinegun.