BULLET CLUB clean up at July 4 event
The semi main event of July 4’s Independence Day card in Korakuen hall saw the IWGP Junior Heavyweight tag team Championships on the line, TJP and Francesco Akira of Catch 2/2 defending their titles against the BULLET CLUB War Dogs team of Clark Connors and Drilla Moloney.
Animosity palpable and tensions flaring, these four men began to brawl before the bell could even be rung. Immediately taking things to the outside, War Dogs assaulted the champions and forced members of the crowd to run for safety. Unable to be contained, the fight moved into the stands of Korakuen Hall as Moloney and Connors attempted to lawn dart TJP down the stairs into the concession area, but a soaring Akira was able to save his partner.
Returning the action to the ring Catch 2/2 gained their first foothold in the match, rapid-fire tandem offence giving them the advantage until a Connors chop block opened the door for Moloney to reassert his dominance. The BULLET CLUB men ensured a methodical pace to take away Akira’s speed superiority, a snap suplex from Moloney only able to earn a two count. A springboard dropkick off Moloney’s back gave Akira the time needed to make a needed tag to TJP, the veteran immediately increasing the pace as he flew around the ring and washed War Dogs’ faces with two corner boots in tribute to Shinjiro Otani.
Stood on the apron, Catch 2/2 landed their signature Take Picture senton with Akira bombing to the floor, and back in the ring a flying DDT and Pinoy Stretch from TJP almost saw the champions retain their tag titles. Quickly isolating TJP, Drilla and Connors aimed high and low with their chop block and spear combo almost earning the three count, but a quick save from Akira kept the match alive. A deadly Canadian Destroyer put Moloney down, the follow up Alley Oop and Speedfire from Akira almost forcing another near fall. The champions finally landed their signature 2/2 knee strike with victory secured, but this time it was a last minute save from Moloney keeping the match alive.
An enzuigiri from Moloney had TJP dazed and the devastating Drilla Killer eliminated Akira. The numbers against him TJP would succumb; No Chaser from Connors allowing the set up for the Spear Suplex combination dubbed Full Clip and BULLET CLUB War Dogs being crowned IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions.
