NJPW, OVW, and Rina’s 5★STAR coronation (Aug 18–25, 2026)
🟦 OPENING Lead‑In
Ed: “Fans, welcome back to the sports desk. Three stories dominated the wrestling world this week — New Japan’s post‑G1 fallout, OVW’s steady march through Overdrive, and the rise of Rina after her breakthrough 5★STAR Grand Prix victory. Each promotion moved in a different rhythm, but all three pushed their narratives forward in ways that matter.”
Gordon: “New Japan spent the week absorbing the shockwaves of Ryohei Oiwa’s G1 triumph and the generational shift that came with it. OVW kept its engine running with another round of Overdrive action. And in Stardom, Rina didn’t just win a tournament — she announced herself as a future centerpiece. Let’s break down how these three threads shaped the week.”
🟥 New Japan Pro Wrestling — post‑G1 fallout (Aug 18–25, 2026)
Ed: “Fans, New Japan just came off one of its most important weeks of the year. The G1 Climax 36 wrapped on August 16, and while there haven’t been new shows since then, the aftershocks from that tournament are still rolling through the company.”
Oiwa’s G1 win and title challenge
NJPW officially confirmed Ryohei Oiwa as G1 winner and highlighted his plan to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at King of Pro Wrestling on October 12.
In post‑tournament media, Oiwa:
Called himself “Mr. Summer for the Reiwa Generation.”
Spoke about inheriting the spirit of Hiroyoshi Tenzan, whose horns he wore to the ring for the final.
Emphasized that his style—long matches built around headlocks and technique—is his way, not a template for everyone, and praised the diversity of styles in NJPW.
Ed: “So from this week onward, the story in New Japan hasn’t been new cards—it’s been what this G1 win means. Oiwa is locked in for King of Pro Wrestling, Uemura has proven he can hang with the champion, and Tenzan’s retirement gives the company a clear generational handoff.”
Gordon: “In other words, New Japan is in a reset window—no matches this week, but a lot of narrative weight. The next big pivot is King of Pro Wrestling, and Oiwa’s challenge is the centerpiece.”
🟦 Ohio Valley Wrestling — Overdrive & Race for the Crown (since Aug 18, 2026)
Ed: “Now we swing to Louisville, where OVW keeps grinding on TV and streaming. This is a promotion that lives on weekly rhythm—Overdrive, TV, and a lot of hungry talent trying to climb the ladder.”
OVW Overdrive #200 — August 18, 2026 (Online Stream, Davis Arena)
Full results:
TW3 def. Thomas Heim
Ashton Adonis def. Jake Redondo
Erik Surge def. Nick Hamrick
Jay DeNiro def. Glenn Spectre
Gordon: “Overdrive #200 wasn’t about titles—it was about positioning. TW3, Adonis, Surge, and DeNiro all picked up wins that keep them relevant for future TV and Race for the Crown opportunities.”
Ed: “So while New Japan is in a holding pattern after the G1, OVW is in full weekly grind mode—Overdrive #200 keeps the pipeline moving, and the picture is starting to take shape.”
🟩 Rina — 5★STAR Grand Prix 2026 winner (Stardom)
Gordon: “Now, let’s talk about one of the biggest individual stories of the week: Rina winning Stardom’s 5★STAR Grand Prix 2026.”
Tournament path (from your Stardom results)
From the shows you provided:
Tag 15 — Korakuen Hall (Aug 18, 2026):
Red Stars Quarter Final: Rina def. Rina Yamashita (11:22).
Red Stars Semi Final: Rina def. Konami (17:17).
Tag 16 — Ryogoku Kokugikan (Aug 23, 2026):
Semi Final: Rina def. Maika (16:51).
Final: Rina def. Starlight Kid (27:03) to win the 5★STAR Grand Prix 2026.
Ed: “That’s a brutal run—Rina Yamashita, Konami, Maika, and Starlight Kid in succession. That’s not just winning a tournament, that’s cutting through four very different styles and proving you belong at the very top of Stardom’s card.”
Who Rina is (career snapshot)
Rina is a Stardom homegrown wrestler, debuting at the age of 11 and evolving from undercard roles into a key player in the Oedo Tai unit over the years. On May 12, 2023, at New Blood 8, Rina won her first championship by defeating Ami Sourei to win the Future of Stardom Championship. Currently she is a member of H.A.T.E.
She’s known for:
A striking‑heavy, aggressive style that blends youthful energy with growing ring IQ.
A character presentation that leans into attitude and edge, fitting Stardom’s modern heel aesthetics.
What this win means
Gordon: “Winning the 5★STAR Grand Prix has historically been a launchpad to world title contention in Stardom. For Rina, this is the moment where she stops being ‘promising’ and starts being central.”
The 5★STAR winner traditionally earns a World of Stardom Championship shot, and Rina’s victory positions her as a top challenger going into the fall.
Beating Starlight Kid in a near 30‑minute final at Ryogoku signals that Stardom trusts her to carry main‑event length matches on big stages.
Ed: “So, Rina’s week is enormous: She didn’t just win a tournament—she redefined her ceiling. From Korakuen to Ryogoku, she proved she can hang with veterans, bruisers, technicians, and high‑flyers, and still come out on top.”
🟦 CLOSING — Sports Desk Sign‑Off
Ed: “That wraps up our sweep of New Japan, OVW, and Rina’s rise. NJPW is entering a reset phase with Oiwa’s title challenge looming, OVW continues building momentum through Overdrive and tournament qualifiers, and Rina’s Grand Prix win signals a major shift in Stardom’s future landscape.”
Gordon: “Each of these stories is heading toward a major turning point. Oiwa’s challenge will define New Japan’s fall, OVW’s competition is tightening by the week, and Rina’s next move could reshape Stardom’s championship picture. We’ll be right here at the sports desk tracking every development as the road ahead unfolds.”
Ed: “Fans, today’s sports desk takes us on a world tour — five promotions, five very different atmospheres, and one shared truth: pro wrestling never sleeps. The global scene has been buzzing with title fights, tournament drama, faction warfare, and a few surprises that shook entire locker rooms.”
Gordon: “And what makes this week special is the contrast. Ring of Honor brought its trademark grit with back‑to‑back specials. Stardom delivered speed, precision, and the kind of intensity only their roster can produce. wXw kept the German scene roaring with heavyweight clashes and technical showcases. NOAH leaned into its hard‑hitting identity with battles that echoed through Korakuen. And All Japan continued its steady climb, mixing tradition with a new generation hungry for spotlight.”
Ed: “Five promotions, five stories unfolding at once — champions defending, challengers rising, and entire divisions shifting in real time. We’ll break down every match, every result, every standout moment, and the rumors swirling behind the curtain.”
Gordon: “And when we’re done, we’ll unveil the Top 25 Power Rankings — the athletes who defined the week across the entire global landscape.”
Ed: “Let’s get to it.”
🟥 Ring of Honor — HonorClub (August 18, 2026)
Taped at Broadmoor World Arena — Colorado Springs, CO
Ed: “Fans, ROH rolled into Colorado Springs with a special HonorClub showcase — seven matches, a few surprises, and a clear push toward Death Before Dishonor. The crowd got a little bit of everything: high‑flying, knockouts, tag team chemistry, and a main event that had more moving parts than a Swiss watch.”
Gordon: “And what stood out most was the pacing. ROH didn’t waste time — every match served a purpose, every segment nudged a storyline forward. Let’s break it down.”
🟦 Komander vs. Ariya Daivari (w/ Mark Sterling & BEEF)
Winner: Komander
Komander opened the night with the kind of aerial precision that’s become his trademark. Daivari tried to slow him down with interference from Sterling and BEEF, but once Komander found his rhythm, the match tilted sharply. He sealed the win with Cielito Lindo, leaving Daivari frustrated and Sterling scrambling to regroup.
Ed: “Komander’s rope work is like watching a man walk on air.”
🟦 AR Fox & Lio Rush vs. Action Andretti & HOOK
Winner: Fox & Rush by DQ
This one was crisp until it wasn’t. Andretti and HOOK controlled early with smooth tandem offense, but Rush’s speed turned the tide. The finish came suddenly — HOOK snapped and hit Rush with his own ROH TV Title belt, forcing the referee to call for the disqualification.
Gordon: “A moment of frustration that cost them the match — and maybe a friendship.”
🟦 SkyFlight (Scorpio Sky, Dante Martin, Darius Martin) vs. Manny Lemons, Tommy 2 Scoops & Dave Cole
Winners: SkyFlight
SkyFlight looked sharp, blending Scorpio Sky’s veteran timing with the Martins’ trademark explosiveness. Daniels and Sydal coached from ringside as the trio hit fluid combinations and controlled the pace from bell to bell.
Ed: “SkyFlight is becoming one of ROH’s most reliable trios — smooth, fast, and always in sync.”
🟦 Anthony Ogogo vs. Aaron Solo
Winner: Ogogo by KO
Ogogo didn’t come to play. Solo tried to stick and move, but Ogogo’s boxing background turned this into a short, violent affair. A clean shot dropped Solo cold, giving Ogogo a decisive knockout victory.
Gordon: “Ogogo’s power is no rumor — that punch could’ve stopped a truck.”
🟦 Mina Shirakawa & Queen Aminata vs. The Hex (Allysin Kay & Marti Belle)
Winners: Shirakawa & Aminata
This was one of the night’s most competitive bouts. The Hex brought veteran savvy, but Shirakawa and Aminata matched them strike for strike. The finish saw Shirakawa lock in a bridging figure‑four, forcing Marti Belle to tap.
Ed: “Shirakawa’s technique was picture‑perfect — that bridge was a thing of beauty.”
🟦 Adam Priest vs. El Phantasmo
Winner: Adam Priest
Priest leaned into his gritty, no‑nonsense style, grounding ELP and attacking the legs. Phantasmo fired back with bursts of speed, but Priest caught him in a single Boston crab, wrenching back until ELP had no choice but to submit.
Gordon: “Priest doesn’t need flash — he just needs leverage.”
🟦 Main Event: Red Velvet & Zayda Steel (w/ Christopher Daniels) vs. Marina Shafir & Skye Blue
Winners: Red Velvet & Zayda Steel
The main event delivered strong tag chemistry and a few well‑timed momentum swings. Shafir’s grappling and Blue’s speed kept Velvet and Steel honest, but Daniels’ ringside involvement repeatedly shifted the balance. Velvet and Steel capitalized on the chaos, scoring the win and building momentum heading into Death Before Dishonor.
Ed: “Velvet and Steel looked sharp — but Daniels’ fingerprints were all over that finish.”
🟦 Notable Moments & News
Nigel McGuinness Promo: Nigel addressed his knee injury from AEW Collision, hinting at personal and professional reasons he might still appear at Death Before Dishonor, despite being out six weeks. The crowd buzzed at the possibility.
Death Before Dishonor Build: Multiple matches tonight served as stepping stones toward the pay‑per‑view — especially the main event, which tightened the women’s division storylines.
Gordon: “ROH used this show as a launchpad — and they stuck the landing.”
🟥 Ring of Honor — HonorClub #180 (August 20, 2026)
Taped Aug 19 in Baltimore — Aired Aug 20
Ed: “Tonight’s sports desk takes us to Baltimore, where ROH delivered a tight, efficient HonorClub episode — proving ground bouts, rising stars, and a few matches that pushed Death Before Dishonor into sharper focus.”
Gordon: “And what made this show click was its rhythm. Quick finishes where they needed them, competitive bouts in the middle, and a main event that tied directly into the women’s division storylines. Let’s run it down.”
🟦 ROH Women’s World Title Proving Ground Match
Athena vs. Gia Scott
Winner: Athena (2:53)
Athena wasted no time. She overwhelmed Scott with speed and aggression, keeping her grounded until she hit the decisive sequence that sealed the win. Another dominant outing for the champion, extending her 2026 streak to 8‑0‑1.
Ed: “Athena didn’t just win — she made a statement.”
🟦 Singles Match
Preston Vance vs. Danny Grandview
Winner: Vance (1:00)
Vance bulldozed Grandview in under a minute, flattening him with power offense and reminding everyone he’s still dangerous despite Dark Order’s internal doubts.
Gordon: “Short, sharp, and decisive.”
🟦 Tag Team Match
Action Andretti & HOOK vs. The Dark Order (Alex Reynolds & Evil Uno)
Winners: Andretti & HOOK (9:09)
This was the first match of the night with real back‑and‑forth drama. Dark Order leaned on experience and teamwork, but Andretti’s explosiveness and HOOK’s composure carried the day. A clean win that builds momentum heading into Death Before Dishonor.
Ed: “HOOK and Andretti looked like they’d been teaming for years.”
🟦 Singles Match
Daniel Garcia vs. Alec Price
Winner: Garcia (8:39)
Garcia and Price delivered a crisp, competitive match. Price brought energy, but Garcia’s technical precision and ring IQ kept him one step ahead. Garcia closed it out clean, continuing his strong 2026 form.
Gordon: “Garcia’s confidence is becoming a weapon.”
🟦 ROH World Television Title Proving Ground Match
Lio Rush vs. Joe Keys
Winner: Rush (1:09)
Rush improved to 9‑1 in 2026 singles action with a lightning‑fast victory. Keys barely had time to adjust before Rush overwhelmed him with speed and sealed the win in just over a minute.
Ed: “Rush is operating at a different speed than everyone else.”
🟦 Tag Team Match
Queen Aminata & Mina Shirakawa vs. Erica Leigh & Brittany Blake
Winners: Aminata & Shirakawa (7:16)
Aminata and Shirakawa continued their strong run as a duo. Leigh and Blake fought hard, but the chemistry on the winning side was too sharp. Another clean win for a team clearly being positioned for bigger things.
Gordon: “Shirakawa and Aminata are becoming a quiet force in ROH.”
🟦 Singles Match
Nick Wayne vs. Jordan Oliver
Winner: Wayne (10:28)
Oliver cut a promo earlier in the night hyping the match, and both men delivered. Wayne remained undefeated at 6‑0, surviving Oliver’s aggression and closing with crisp execution. A standout match on the card.
Ed: “Wayne’s confidence is growing by the week.”
🟦 ROH Pure Title #1 Contendership Match
Katsuyori Shibata vs. Wheeler Yuta
Winner: Shibata (7:11)
A pure wrestling showcase. Shibata and Yuta traded holds, counters, and rope breaks with surgical precision. Shibata’s victory earns him a Pure Title shot at Death Before Dishonor — a match fans have been waiting for.
Gordon: “Shibata’s discipline carried him straight into a title match.”
🟦 Tornado Tag Team Match (Main Event)
Marina Shafir & Skye Blue vs. Red Velvet & Zayda Steel (w/ Christopher Daniels)
Winners: Shafir & Blue (10:44)
The main event delivered chaos, teamwork, and storyline progression. Velvet and Steel leaned heavily on Daniels’ ringside involvement, but Shafir’s grappling and Blue’s firepower proved too much. A strong win that pushes the women’s division narrative toward the pay‑per‑view.
Ed: “Shafir and Blue fought like they had something to prove — and they proved it.”
🟦 Notable Promos & Storylines
Dark Order reflected on their AEW/ROH history; John Silver questioned Preston Vance’s credibility.
Athena vs. Hazuki video package teased their Death Before Dishonor showdown.
Andretti vs. Lio Rush hype package aired for the PPV.
Jordan Oliver cut a promo building his match with Nick Wayne.
Deonna Purrazzo addressed her issues with Steph De Lander.
Dalton Castle & The Outrunners hyped Lethal Twist’s return.
Gordon: “Every promo tonight pointed straight at Death Before Dishonor — ROH is tightening the screws.”
🟥 Ring of Honor — Death Before Dishonor (August 21, 2026)
Live on PPV — 2300 Arena, Philadelphia, PA
Ed: “Fans, tonight’s sports desk takes us to the legendary 2300 Arena — a building that’s seen every kind of fight imaginable. ROH came in promising violence, heart, and championship stakes, and they delivered a marathon of action that honored the building’s history while pushing the company forward.”
Gordon: “And what made this show special was the variety. Technical wrestling, pure rules, lucha brilliance, tag chaos, and a Fight Without Honor that felt like a love letter to the arena’s past. Let’s break it down from Zero Hour to the final O‑Face.”
🔶 ZERO HOUR
🟦 Queen Aminata & Mina Shirakawa vs. Vertvixen & Viva Van
Winners: Aminata & Shirakawa (pinfall)
A hot opener with fast tags and crisp chemistry. Viva hit a hurricanrana early, Aminata answered with the Hip Train, and Shirakawa’s Diamond DDT sealed the win after Aminata headbutted Vertvixen to set it up.
Ed: “Aminata and Shirakawa are becoming one of ROH’s most polished duos.”
🟦 Adam Brooks vs. El Phantasmo
Winner: ELP (pinfall)
A technical start gave way to escalating offense — springboards, counters, and near‑falls. Brooks nearly stole it with a codebreaker, but ELP hit the Cutthroat Driver and followed with the ELP Splash for the three.
Gordon: “ELP’s timing was razor sharp.”
🟦 A.R. Fox vs. Soleil vs. Komander
Winner: Komander (pinfall)
A nonstop aerial showcase. Fox hit a rope‑assisted splash, Soleil landed a tokusatsu‑style cutter, and Komander sealed it with a tightrope 450 after intercepting Soleil’s momentum.
Ed: “Komander walked the ropes like they were a sidewalk.”
🟦 Brian Cage & Hechicero vs. Bustah & The Brain (Alec Price & Jordan Oliver)
Winners: Cage & Hechicero (pinfall)
Bustah & The Brain showed great teamwork early, but Cage’s power and Hechicero’s precision took over. Cage threw Price onto Oliver outside, Hechicero hit the finishing DDT, and the Don Callis Family stood tall.
Gordon: “Cage was a wrecking ball — Hechicero was the architect.”
🟥 MAIN CARD
🟦 ROH World Six‑Man Tag Team Championship
Dalton Castle & The Outrunners vs. The Lethal Twist (Jay Lethal, Blake Christian, Lee Johnson)
Winners: The Lethal Twist — NEW Champions
A chaotic opener with constant tags and brawls. Castle’s suplex flurry popped the crowd, but Christian’s rope‑assisted roll‑up — aided by Lethal — stole the win.
Ed: “Castle had the building rocking, but Lethal Twist played the numbers game.”
🟦 ROH Women’s Pure Championship
Deonna Purrazzo (c) vs. Steph De Lander
Winner: Purrazzo (submission)
SDL burned through her rope breaks early. A ref bump opened the door for chaos, but Purrazzo regained control, hit Venus De Milo, and forced the tap.
Gordon: “Purrazzo’s technique carried her through every curveball.”
🟦 ROH Women’s Television Championship — Four‑Way
Red Velvet (c) vs. Skye Blue vs. Zayda Steel vs. Marina Shafir (w/ Jon Moxley)
Winner: Red Velvet (pinfall)
A wild four‑way with weapons, submissions, and constant momentum swings. Shafir powerbombed everyone out of a tower of doom, Skye used the title as a weapon, and Velvet hit a frog splash on Shafir to retain.
Ed: “Velvet survived a storm — and stole the moment when it mattered.”
🟦 ROH Men’s Pure Championship
Lee Moriarty (c) vs. Katsuyori Shibata
Winner: Moriarty (pinfall)
A brilliant Pure Rules match. Shibata attacked the legs with figure‑fours and suplexes, Moriarty countered with Tiger‑Style offense, and after a flurry of reversals, Moriarty caught Shibata with a stacking pin to retain.
Gordon: “Moriarty proved he can think as fast as he can strike.”
🟦 ROH World Tag Team Championships — Four‑Way
Sky Team (Mistico & Mascara Dorada) vs. The Kingdom vs. Guevara & Mortos vs. Top Flight
Winners: Sky Team (pinfall)
A breathtaking lucha‑heavy tag war. Mortos hit a massive dive, Guevara landed a shooting star to the floor, Top Flight dazzled with speed, and Mistico finished Dante with a top‑rope La Mistica.
Ed: “Sky Team turned chaos into choreography.”
🟦 AEW Continental Cup Play‑In
Adam Priest vs. Daniel Garcia
Winner: Garcia (submission)
A grueling technical fight. Both men targeted legs, traded figure‑fours, rolled through submissions up the ramp, and battled past the ref’s count. Garcia finally locked in the Dragon Tamer for the tap.
Gordon: “A match built on pain tolerance — Garcia endured just a little more.”
🟥 ROH Men’s World Television Championship — Fight Without Honor
Lio Rush (c) vs. Action Andretti
Winner: Andretti — NEW Champion
Weapons everywhere: brooms, dustpans, tables, glass, doors, chains, umbrellas, barbed wire. Lio — dressed like Sabu — fought with reckless creativity. Andretti answered with brutality. HOOK interfered, Bowens joined the chaos, and Andretti hit Lights Camera Action through the red door for the win.
Afterward, Lio opened the black box and drank the Black Heart, black liquid pouring from his mouth.
Ed: “Violence, creativity, and heart — a Fight Without Honor worthy of the 2300 Arena.”
🟥 ROH Men’s World Championship
Bandido (c) vs. Nick Wayne
Winner: Bandido (pinfall)
A blistering match. Suicide dives, barricade crashes, mask‑grabbing, Shiranui, poison ranas, German suplexes, and Wayne bleeding heavily after hitting the steel steps. Wayne hit multiple Prodigy Plexes, Bandido hit the 21‑Plex, and after a low blow and Wayne’s World, Bandido reversed the final pin attempt into a winning cradle.
Gordon: “Bandido survived everything — including Wayne’s desperation.”
🟥 ROH Women’s World Championship (Main Event)
Athena (c) vs. Hazuki
Winner: Athena (pinfall)
A war. Hazuki countered early, Athena cheated often, and Billie Starkz & Diamante interfered repeatedly. Hazuki hit an avalanche crucifix bomb, spike DDT on the apron, double Codebreakers, and a splash through a barely‑breaking table. Athena answered with a stomp, tombstone, and finally two O‑Faces — one from the apron to the floor — to retain.
After the bell, Athena showed rare respect to Hazuki.
Ed: “Athena and Hazuki tore the house down — a main event worthy of the name Death Before Dishonor.”
🟪 World Wonder Ring Stardom — 5★STAR Grand Prix 2026 (Aug 18 & Aug 23)
Korakuen Hall • Ryogoku Kokugikan — Tokyo, Japan
Ed: “Fans, Stardom’s 5★STAR Grand Prix hit its final stretch this week — two massive cards, quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final that shook the entire promotion. The pace was blistering, the stakes sky‑high, and the roster delivered the kind of drama only Stardom can produce.”
Gordon: “And what stood out most was the contrast between styles. Power, speed, technique, chaos — every block brought something different. Let’s start with Korakuen Hall.”
🟦 5★STAR Grand Prix — Tag 15 (August 18, 2026)
Korakuen Hall — Online Stream
Quarterfinals
Blue Stars QF:Starlight Kid def. HANAKO (13:58) Kid used her agility to stay ahead of HANAKO’s power, countering big swings and sealing the win with sharp timing.
Red Stars QF:Saya Iida def. AZM (10:22) A high‑speed clash where Iida’s raw strength overcame AZM’s precision.
Blue Stars QF:Ruaka def. Hanan (11:27) Ruaka muscled her way through the match, shutting down Hanan’s momentum.
Red Stars QF:Rina def. Rina Yamashita (11:22) A bruising fight — Yamashita brought the violence, but Rina’s composure carried her through.
Semifinals
Blue Stars SF:Starlight Kid def. Ami Sourei (12:16) Sourei’s power nearly overwhelmed Kid, but Kid’s counters and ring IQ pushed her into the finals.
Red Stars SF:Maika def. Saya Iida (12:49) A hard‑hitting bout where Maika’s technique edged out Iida’s explosiveness.
Blue Stars SF:Suzu Suzuki def. Ruaka (10:13) Suzuki’s relentlessness and striking precision proved too much for Ruaka.
Red Stars SF:Rina def. Konami (17:17) A tactical war — Konami targeted limbs, Rina absorbed the damage and struck back with sharp offense to reach the Grand Prix final.
Ed: “Korakuen gave us clarity — four women stood tall, but only two would reach the Finals in Ryogoku.”
🟪 5★STAR Grand Prix — Tag 16 (August 23, 2026)
Ryogoku Kokugikan — Pay‑Per‑View
Semi‑Finals
Starlight Kid def. Suzu Suzuki (16:56) A dramatic, momentum‑swinging match. Kid survived Suzuki’s blistering offense and countered late to punch her ticket to the final.
Four‑Way Tag:Koguma & Matoi Hamabe def. Cosmic Angels, HATE, Neo Genesis (4:40) A quick, chaotic sprint with Koguma’s creativity shining.
God’s Eye (Ami Sourei, Hina, Kiyoka Kotatsu, Lady C & Tomoka Inaba) def. HANAKO, Maki Ito, Neo Genesis (AZM & Miyu Amasaki) & Waka Tsukiyama (8:31) God’s Eye controlled the pace with crisp teamwork.
HATE (Azusa Inaba, Natsuko Tora & Ruaka) def. Mi Vida Loca (Akira Kurogane, Itsuki Aoki & Rina Yamashita) (10:10) A bruising trios match where HATE leaned into their trademark chaos.
Kikyo Furusawa & Ranna Yagami def. Cosmic Angels (Aya Sakura & Sayaka Kurara) (15:11) A competitive tag bout with Furusawa and Yagami outlasting the Angels.
HATE (Momo Watanabe & Saya Kamitani) def. STARS (Hanan & Saya Iida) (12:44) Watanabe and Kamitani’s chemistry carried them past STARS’ resilience.
Natsupoi def. Saori Anou (25:32) A show‑stealer — fast, emotional, and beautifully paced.
5★STAR Grand Prix 2026 Final
Rina def. Starlight Kid (27:03)
A dramatic, exhausting, emotional main event. Kid threw everything she had — speed, counters, aerial offense — but Rina absorbed the punishment and kept coming. The closing stretch was a war of willpower, and Rina’s final surge crowned her the 2026 5★STAR Grand Prix Champion.
Gordon: “Rina didn’t just win a tournament — she arrived at the top of Stardom’s mountain.”
Ed: “And Kid pushed her to the absolute limit. A phenomenal final.”
🟩 wXw — King of the Catchers 2026 Field Confirmed
Turbinenhalle Oberhausen • September 25–27
Ed: “Fans, the sports desk shifts to Germany, where wXw officially unveiled the full lineup for King of the Catchers 2026 — the technical wrestling tournament that anchors the Pro‑Wrestling Grand Prix weekend. Eight wrestlers, two groups, round‑robin format, and a final that crowns one of the most respected titles in European wrestling.”
Gordon: “This tournament is pure sport. No gimmicks, no shortcuts — every competitor faces every opponent in their block. The two group winners meet in the grand final, and the winner walks out with bragging rights that echo across the continent.”
🟦 Tournament Structure
Eight participants
Two groups of four
Round‑robin matches within each group
Group winners advance to the final
Three‑day event as part of the wXw Pro‑Wrestling Grand Prix 2026
Ed: “Round‑robin wrestling exposes strengths and weaknesses. You can’t hide behind one good night — you need consistency, conditioning, and adaptability.”
Gordon: “And wXw always selects a field that represents the full spectrum of European and international wrestling.”
🟦 Official Participants — King of the Catchers 2026
1 Called Manders A bruiser with Midwest grit — Manders brings raw power and a brawling style that forces technicians out of their comfort zone.
Axel Tischer One of Europe’s most respected grapplers. Disciplined, precise, and dangerous in long tournaments.
Dennis “Cash” Dullnig A wXw stalwart with sharp fundamentals and underrated toughness.
Dieter Schwartz A rising technician with a methodical approach — thrives in structured formats like round‑robins.
Elijah Blum Young, fast, and fearless. Blum’s hybrid style makes him a wild card in the field.
Katsuhiko Nakajima A world‑class striker and former champion in Japan. His kicks alone can change the trajectory of a match — and a tournament.
Peter Tihanyi Hungary’s top technician, known for fluid counters and crisp chain wrestling.
Thomas Shire A powerhouse grappler with a throwback style — suplexes, holds, and relentless pressure.
Ed: “That’s a stacked lineup — veterans, prospects, international killers, and a few names who thrive in tournament environments.”
Gordon: “And the beauty of King of the Catchers is that every one of them has a path to the final. It’s all about matchups.”
🟦 Group Assignments Coming Soon
wXw confirmed that the official group placements will be revealed on:
📺 wXw Shotgun — Thursday, August 27 💻 Free on YouTube
Ed: “Once we know the groups, we’ll know the storylines — who’s stuck in the striker’s bracket, who’s trapped with the grapplers, and who lucked into the chaos block.”
Gordon: “And that’s when predictions get interesting.”
🟦 Event Details
Dates: September 25–27
Venue: Turbinenhalle, Oberhausen
Tickets: events.wXw‑Wrestling.com
Presented by: Wrestling‑Infos.de
Ed: “Oberhausen is going to be electric — three tournaments, three days, and a crowd that treats technical wrestling like a religion.”
Gordon: “And King of the Catchers will set the tone for the entire Grand Prix weekend.”
🟩 wXw — Full Tournament Fields Announced for the Pro‑Wrestling Grand Prix 2026
Ed: “Fans, the sports desk stays in Germany as wXw continues rolling out major announcements for the Pro‑Wrestling Grand Prix. Earlier this week we learned the full lineup for King of the Catchers — and now we have the complete fields for Femmes Fatales and the World Tag Team Tournament. Three tournaments, three trophies, and three days of wrestling that define wXw’s identity.”
Gordon: “And what makes this festival special is the variety. Technical wrestling, women’s championship stakes, tag team chaos — all happening under one roof in Oberhausen. Let’s break down the new announcements.”
🟪 Femmes Fatales — Tournament Field Confirmed
Winner becomes the new wXw Women’s World Champion
Ed: “This year’s Femmes Fatales carries extra weight — Shortcut to the Top winner Kanji forfeited her guaranteed title shot and demanded that the Women’s World Championship be reinstated as the tournament prize. That’s gutsy, and it raises the stakes for everyone involved.”
Gordon: “And the field is stacked. Eight women, knockout format, quarterfinals to finals — no second chances.”
Participants
Chihiro Hashimoto — A powerhouse with elite grappling credentials.
Jane Nero — A rising force with sharp striking and confidence.
Kanji — The wildcard; she gave up a guaranteed title shot to fight for the belt the hard way.
Killer Kelly — One of wXw’s most intense competitors; thrives in tournaments.
Madison Marley — Young, fast, and unpredictable.
Manami — Brings speed and precision from the Japanese scene.
Mercedes Martinez — A veteran with unmatched toughness and ring IQ.
Stephanie Maze — A technical standout with a growing fanbase.
Ed: “That’s a field with power, experience, and a few dark horses who could shock the bracket.”
Gordon: “And with the title on the line, every match becomes a career‑defining moment.”
🟦 World Tag Team Tournament — Eight Teams Confirmed
Ed: “Tag team wrestling is one of wXw’s calling cards, and this year’s tournament looks like a celebration of every style you can imagine — high‑speed duos, bruisers, technicians, and last year’s champions returning to defend their crown.”
Participants
10/10 Next Level — A crisp, athletic pairing with strong chemistry.
Best Bros — International favorites known for creativity and pace.
Better Together — A team built on synergy and smart tag strategy.
Greedy Souls (defending champions) — Last year’s winners; heavy hitters with a mean streak.
Hyperactive — Fast, frantic, and fearless.
Planet Gojirah — A powerhouse team with size and intimidation.
Quick & Dirty — Opportunistic, scrappy, and dangerous in tournament settings.
The Grind — Hard‑nosed workers who thrive in long, physical matches.
Gordon: “Eight teams, single‑elimination — one mistake and you’re out. And with Greedy Souls returning, the target is already painted.”
Ed: “This tournament always produces surprises, and this field guarantees at least one upset.”
🟦 Group & Bracket Reveal Coming Soon
📺 wXw Shotgun — Thursday, August 27 💻 Free on YouTube
Ed: “Shotgun will reveal the first‑round matchups for both Femmes Fatales and the Tag Tournament — plus the group assignments for King of the Catchers.”
Gordon: “And once we see the brackets, we’ll know who’s in for a smooth ride and who’s stuck in the gauntlet.”
🟦 Event Details
Dates: September 25–27
Venue: Turbinenhalle, Oberhausen
Tickets: events.wXw‑Wrestling.com
Presented by: Wrestling‑Infos.de
Ed: “Oberhausen is shaping up to be the epicenter of European wrestling this September.”
Gordon: “And with three tournaments running side‑by‑side, the Pro‑Wrestling Grand Prix might be the most ambitious festival wXw has ever produced.”
🟩 wXw — Extreme Wrestling Party 2026 Matches Confirmed
Ed: “Fans, the sports desk shifts to the late‑night side of the Grand Prix — because wXw has officially confirmed the first matches for the Extreme Wrestling Party, the 18+ show that kicks off the festival weekend. If the Grand Prix is the celebration of wrestling as a sport, the Extreme Wrestling Party is the celebration of wrestling as chaos.”
Gordon: “And this year’s lineup already looks unhinged in the best possible way. Three matches announced, three very different flavors of violence.”
🟥 wXw Unified World Wrestling Championship
Ahura (c) vs. Joey Janela
Ed: “Ahura defending the top belt at an 18+ show tells you everything — wXw wants this main event to be loud, unpredictable, and absolutely wild.”
Gordon: “And Janela thrives in environments where rules are more like suggestions. Ahura’s swagger versus Janela’s recklessness — that’s a combustible mix.”
🟥 Zoltan vs. Myron Reed
Ed: “Zoltan brings brute force, Reed brings speed and innovation. This is the kind of clash that makes the Extreme Wrestling Party special — two wrestlers who don’t share a style, but absolutely share a willingness to push limits.”
Gordon: “Reed’s aerial game could give him the edge, but Zoltan’s power can shut down momentum in a heartbeat.”
🟥 Killer Kelly vs. Steph De Lander
Ed: “Killer Kelly in an 18+ environment is practically a guarantee of violence. Add Steph De Lander — who’s been on a tear across Europe — and you’ve got a match that might steal the entire night.”
Gordon: “Kelly thrives in intensity. SDL thrives in disruption. This one won’t be pretty, but it will be memorable.”
🟦 Event Details
Extreme Wrestling Party
Powered by: Artilleriefeuer
Presented by: Wrestling‑Infos.de
Date: Friday, September 25
Start Time: 11 p.m.
Venue: Turbinenhalle Oberhausen
Tickets: events.wXw‑Wrestling.com
Ed: “This show always delivers something you can’t see anywhere else — and with these matches already locked in, 2026 looks like the wildest edition yet.”
Gordon: “And remember, this is just the first wave. More matches will be announced as we get closer to the festival.”
🟩 Pro Wrestling NOAH — Kawasaki Summer Voyage & Lethal Odyssey (Aug 22–23, 2026)
Culttz Kawasaki • Online Stream
Ed: “Fans, the sports desk heads to Kawasaki, where NOAH rolled out two major summer shows — Lethal Odyssey and Summer Voyage — packed with title defenses, faction clashes, and a few lightning‑quick finishes that left the crowd buzzing.”
Gordon: “And what stood out most was the balance. Heavyweight power, junior speed, lucha chaos, and a GHC title match that ended almost as soon as it began. Let’s break down Summer Voyage first.”
A bruising heavyweight war. Fujita and Inamura brought raw power, but Soya and Iino’s chemistry and conditioning carried them through a long, grinding defense.
Gordon: “Soya and Iino didn’t just survive — they imposed their will.”
🟦 NOAH Lethal Odyssey 2026 — August 22
Online Stream — Japan
Ed: “Fans, the sports desk continues our NOAH coverage with Lethal Odyssey, a show that leaned into fast finishes, faction warfare, and heavyweight intensity. If Summer Voyage was about championships, Lethal Odyssey was about momentum — and several wrestlers walked out with major statements.”
Gordon: “And what stood out was the pacing. NOAH kept the matches tight, sharp, and purposeful — every bout pushed a rivalry or reinforced a rising star. Let’s break it down.”
🟦 HAYATA def. Hiroya Namiki (6:41)
A crisp junior bout where HAYATA controlled the tempo, shutting down Namiki’s bursts of speed and sealing the win with trademark precision.
Ed: “HAYATA looked like he was sparring — calm, composed, and always one step ahead.”
🟦 Three‑Way Match: BUSHI def. Black Menso‑re & Kenoh (5:02)
A quick, chaotic sprint. Kenoh brought fire, Menso‑re brought comedy, but BUSHI picked his moment perfectly and stole the win.
Gordon: “BUSHI thrives in these short three‑ways — he waits for the opening and strikes.”
A fun tag match blending lucha flair with heavyweight power. Inamura’s strength anchored the team, while Super Crazy’s veteran timing kept the pace unpredictable.
Ed: “Inamura’s power was the difference — every time he entered, the match shifted.”
🟦 Tetsuya Endo def. Yuto Koyanagi (7:53)
Endo controlled the match with sharp striking and ring awareness. Koyanagi fought hard but couldn’t match Endo’s pace in the closing stretch.
Gordon: “Endo’s footwork and timing were the keys — he dictated every exchange.”
A lively trios match with Marufuji adding star power. Kotoge’s speed and Hi69’s experience carried the winning side, while Takahashi provided the final push.
Ed: “Marufuji elevated the match just by being in it — but Kotoge’s energy sealed the deal.”
🟦 AMAKUSA, Daiki Odashima, Eita & Kaito Kiyomiya def. Team 2000X (Alpha Wolf, Jun Masaoka, Kai Fujimura & OZAWA) (15:42)
A strong multi‑man bout with standout performances from Kiyomiya and AMAKUSA. Team 2000X brought intensity, but the NOAH side’s cohesion proved too much.
Gordon: “Kiyomiya was the anchor — every time he tagged in, the match tightened.”
A heavyweight slugfest. Kitamiya and Sugiura brought brute force, while Tadasuke added speed. RATEL’S fought hard, but Team 2000X overwhelmed them with sustained pressure.
Ed: “Sugiura’s presence changes everything — he forces opponents to fight his match.”
🟥 All Japan Pro Wrestling — Nettou Summer Action Wars 2026 (Aug 21 & 23)
Tag 3 & Tag 4 • Online Stream • Japan
Ed: “Fans, the sports desk heads to All Japan, where the Zennichi Junior Festival continued heating up and the Summer Action Wars tour delivered strong tag action, heavyweight clashes, and junior block battles that tightened the standings.”
Gordon: “And what stood out this week was the balance between rising juniors and established heavyweights. The festival blocks are getting crowded, and every match is starting to feel like a must‑win.”
Seiki Yoshioka [4] def. Yasutaka Yano [4] (11:10) A sharp, competitive junior bout. Yoshioka’s precision carried him through a tight match, pulling even with Yano in block points.
Ed: “Yoshioka’s timing was the difference — he picked his spots perfectly.”
Hideki Suzuki def. Jiro Shinbashi (6:23)
Suzuki dominated with technical control, shutting down Shinbashi early and never letting him breathe.
Gordon: “Suzuki’s mat work is suffocating — once he gets a hold, it’s over.”
Saito Brothers (Jun Saito, Naruki Doi & Rei Saito) def. Aizawa No.1, Yuko Miyamoto & Yuma Aoyagi (7:38)
A fast trios match with the Saito Brothers’ power overwhelming the opposition. Doi’s veteran presence kept the pace sharp.
Ed: “The Saitos are becoming a force — size, speed, and confidence.”
Zennichi Junior Festival Block A
Leon de Oro [4] def. Seigo Tachibana [5] (7:24) A quick, energetic bout. Tachibana entered with the block lead, but Leon de Oro’s explosiveness closed the gap.
Gordon: “Leon de Oro is quietly becoming one of the block’s most dangerous names.”
Zennichi Junior Festival Block B
Masaaki Mochizuki [7] def. Yuya Aoki [6] (13:25) A veteran masterclass. Mochizuki’s striking and pacing carried him past Aoki in a tightly contested match that pushed him to the top of Block B.
Ed: “Mochizuki’s experience is showing — he’s dictating every match he’s in.”
A heavyweight showcase with Shiozaki anchoring the winning side. Anzai and Ayabe added youthful fire, while Miyahara’s team couldn’t keep momentum.
Gordon: “Shiozaki’s presence changes the entire rhythm — he’s still the heartbeat of AJPW.”
Zennichi Junior Festival Block B
Dan Tamura [5] def. Hokuto Omori [4] (16:42) A long, dramatic junior battle. Tamura’s grit carried him through a tough closing stretch, pushing him up the Block B standings.
Ed: “Tamura fought like a man who knew he needed those points.”
A strong trios match with the Saitos overpowering Miyahara’s side. Anzai’s fire added the finishing touch.
Zennichi Junior Festival Block B
Dan Tamura [3] def. Naruki Doi [2] (13:48) Tamura outlasted Doi in a competitive bout, using resilience and timing to secure the win.
Zennichi Junior Festival Block A
Seigo Tachibana [5] def. Rising HAYATO [4] (21:08) A long, dramatic block match. Tachibana’s endurance carried him through a grueling 21‑minute battle, keeping him atop Block A.
Gordon: “Tachibana proved he can go long — and go hard.”
🟦 Top 25 Power Rankings — Global Sports Desk Introduction
Ed: “Fans, this week’s wrestling landscape wasn’t just busy — it was global. Across ROH, Stardom, wXw, NOAH, AJPW, AEW, NJPW, OVW, CMLL, NWA, TNA, MLW, and WOW, the fight game delivered title changes, tournament breakthroughs, international clashes, and performances that reshaped entire divisions. And that’s exactly why the Top 25 Power Rankings matter more than ever.”
Gordon: “These rankings aren’t just about who won. They’re about impact. Who defined the conversation? Who elevated their promotion? Who forced the world to pay attention? When you’re comparing athletes from Tokyo to Oberhausen, from Louisville to Mexico City, from Philadelphia to Orlando, you need a system that measures momentum, significance, and consistency — not just the final bell.”
Ed: “ROH gave us a violent Fight Without Honor, a world title classic, and a women’s main event that tore the house down. Stardom crowned a new 5★STAR Grand Prix champion in a final that shook Ryogoku. wXw rolled out three tournament fields and a late‑night Extreme Wrestling Party card that already looks unhinged. NOAH delivered heavyweight wars and lightning‑fast junior showcases. AJPW’s Zennichi Junior Festival tightened into a pressure cooker.”
Gordon: “And that’s just Japan and Europe. In the States, AEW continued its Continental Cup drama, NJPW pushed its summer tour momentum, OVW kept its TV grind rolling, CMLL delivered another week of crisp lucha in Arena México, NWA advanced its title picture, TNA kept its rebuilt roster surging, MLW added heat to its championship scene, and WOW showcased the strongest women’s roster on American television.”
Ed: “So when we talk about the Top 25, we’re talking about the wrestlers who didn’t just win — they mattered. They changed trajectories. They shaped storylines. They made this week feel bigger across every ring on the planet.”
Gordon: “And with that, fans… let’s get to the rankings.”
TOP 25 POWER RANKINGS
Rina (2026 5Star Grand Prix Champion) 4-0 Stardom
Ryohei Oiwa (G1 Climax 2026 Champion) 3-0 NJPW
Mina Shirakawa & Queen Aminata 3-0 ROH
Dustin Jackson 3-0 (OVW Race For The Crown Champion) OVW
Coverage: August 10–17, 2026 – ROH, Stardom, wXw, NOAH, AJPW
Ring of Honor
Ed: “We’re opening at the sports desk with a jet ride to Mexico City—HonorClub rolled out Global Wars: Mexico from Arena México, and it was a night built around cross‑promotional fireworks.”
Kevin Knight vs. Titán (TNT Championship): Knight jumped Titán right out of a handshake, targeted the mask, and closed with his UFO splash to keep the TNT title.
Soberano Jr. vs. Komander (Lightning match): A sprint that ended with Soberano drilling Komander with a spike piledriver for the win.
Trios showcase: Maya World, Thunder Rosa & Hyan outfoxed Hikaru Shida, Skye Blue & Marina Shafir—Rosa snatched a quick roll‑up on Shafir to seal it.
Kyle Fletcher vs. Máscara Dorada: Fletcher, dubbed “The ProtoStar,” survived Dorada’s aerial assault and finished with a sheer‑drop brainbuster in the main event.
Lio Rush vs. El Clon (ROH World TV Title): Rush leaned into his “Blackheart” persona, toyed with El Clon and Don Callis, then tapped Clon with a new submission to retain—setting up a Fight Without Honor defense against Action Andretti at Death Before Dishonor on August 21.
Gordon: “And the world title didn’t stay home either—Bandido took the ROH World Championship to Cardiff for RevPro’s Unfinished Business and turned back Cameron Khai in the main event, keeping the belt secure heading into Death Before Dishonor.”
Ed: “On the horizon, that pay‑per‑view in Philadelphia is loaded: Bandido vs. Nick Wayne for the world title, Athena vs. Hazuki for the women’s crown, Deonna Purrazzo vs. Steph De Lander for the Women’s Pure title, and Lee Moriarty vs. Nigel McGuinness for the Pure championship. ROH’s week has been all about sharpening those storylines.”
Stardom
Gordon: “From Mexico we pivot to Japan, where Stardom’s 5★ Star Grand Prix rolled into Hamamatsu on August 16—block matches everywhere and champions fighting like they’re still trying to prove something.”
Wonder of Stardom Champion Hanan vs. Saya Kamitani (Blue B): Hanan countered Kamitani and trapped her with a Star Crusher variation, moving to 9 points and reinforcing her status as a double threat—belt and block.
Maika vs. Akira Kurogane (Red A): Maika muscled through with a Michinoku Driver II, locking up first place in Red A at 11 points.
Suzu Suzuki vs. Julia Hart (Blue A, champion vs. champion): World champion Suzu Suzuki outlasted AEW’s Artist champion Julia Hart, finishing with a German suplex hold to clinch top spot in Blue A and a 6‑0‑1 record.
Hanako vs. Ruaka (Blue A): A 15‑minute time‑limit draw that kept both in the mix but confirmed Suzuki as block winner.
Utami Hayashishita vs. Mei Seira (Red B): Utami hit a German suplex to even their records and keep Block B tight.
Ami Sourei vs. Starlight Kid (Blue B): Sourei’s thunderous finisher pushed her to 10 points and first place in Blue B.
Konami vs. Maki Itoh (Red B): Konami forced a TKO with a guillotine sleeper, taking control of the block.
Rina vs. AZM (Red A): Rina spiked AZM with a package piledriver, winning the tiebreaker and sliding into second in the block.
RESULTS
(15.08.2026) Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 – Tag 13 – Online Stream @ KBS Hall in Kyoto, Japan 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block A: Rian [2] defeats Aya Sakura [4] (12:55) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block B: Starlight Kid [9] defeats Kikyo Furusawa [0] (7:53) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block B: Yuna Mizumori [6] defeats Hanan [7] (5:55) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block A: Ruaka [7] vs. Suzu Suzuki [11] – Double Count Out (8:05) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Red Stars Block B: Mei Seira [7] defeats Saya Iida [9] (10:27) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block B: Koguma [6] defeats Momo Watanabe [8] (12:51) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block A: HANAKO [8] defeats Julia Hart [8] (8:30) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block A: Miyu Amasaki [6] defeats Hina [6] (12:23) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block B: Ami Sourei [8] defeats Saya Kamitani [8] (14:02)
(14.08.2026) Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 – Tag 12 – Online Stream @ Kobe Sambo Hall in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block B: Saya Kamitani [8] defeats Yuna Mizumori [4] (9:29) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block A: HANAKO [6] defeats Rian [0] (9:07) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block B: Ami Sourei [6] defeats Kikyo Furusawa [0] (7:56) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Red Stars Block B: Mei Seira [5] defeats Lady C [2] (4:29) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block B: Starlight Kid [7] defeats Koguma [4] (9:49) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block A: Julia Hart [8] defeats Miyu Amasaki [4] (7:05) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block A: Hina [6] defeats Ruaka [6] (11:31) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block B: Hanan [7] vs. Momo Watanabe [8] – Time Limit Draw (15:00) 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Blue Stars Block A: Suzu Suzuki [10] defeats Aya Sakura [4] (11:55)
Ed: “And just as league play wrapped, Stardom announced that the August 18 Korakuen Hall show—first and second rounds of the final tournament—will stream free on YouTube, with an English‑language feed on their global channel. That’s a big open door for international eyes.”
wXw (Westside Xtreme Wrestling)
Ed: “Over in Germany, wXw’s Shortcut to the Top 2026 turned Turbinenhalle into a revolving door of title changes—and even hosted a Ring of Honor world title defense.”
Pre‑show: Ricky Sosa beat Matt Gatlin; then Dieter Schwartz dethroned Zoltan for the wXw European Title.
Unified World Wrestling Title: Ahura toppled Elijah Blum to become the new unified world champion.
Shotgun Title: Axel Tischer and Daniel Garcia went the full 15 minutes to a time‑limit draw, leaving the Shotgun belt with Tischer but the rivalry unresolved.
World Tag Team Title (No Holds Barred): CSI (Luca de Leone & Nordino) wrestled the belts away from Planet Gojirah in a weapons‑laden brawl.
ROH World Title: Bandido added another successful defense, this time against 1 Called Manders, keeping the ROH championship prominent on the European stage.
Shortcut to the Top Rumble: Kanji outlasted a massive field—defeats 1 Called Manders and Aaron Insane and Aeron and Alex Duke and Amedeo and Axel Tischer and Brendan White and Conn Kelly and Danny Jones and Dennis Dullnig and Dieter Schwartz and Hugo Brand and Jacob Crane and Jane Nero and Kade Brasher and Katsuya Murashima and Kuro and M4 and Matt Gatlin and Melanie Gray and Michael Oku and Niklas Bock and Pascal Spalter and Peter Tihanyi and Rotten Moodo and Stephanie Maze and Thomas Shire and Tim Koslowski and Zoltan (54:12)—to win the Shortcut and line up a future shot at the top.
Gordon: “When one show flips three wXw titles and features the ROH belt, you know the promotion is positioning itself as a crossroads for international champions.”
Pro Wrestling NOAH
Gordon: “Back to Korakuen Hall, but this time under the green banner—NOAH’s Legacy Rise 2026 on August 10 was a junior‑heavyweight‑centric card with tournament implications and multiple title changes.”
Daiki Odashima vs. Hiroya Namiki: Odashima spoiled Namiki’s debut, winning in just under eight minutes and giving the newcomer a harsh introduction to NOAH.
Kenoh & Naomichi Marufuji vs. AMAKUSA & Black Menso‑re: The veteran pairing closed quickly, with Marufuji knocking Menso‑re out of contention via a decisive strike.
Inamura/Fujita/Katsumi Inahata/Hiroto Tsuruya vs. Passionate RATEL’S & Super Crazy/Yuto Koyanagi: Inamura pinned Koyanagi after Musou, underscoring the power side of NOAH’s roster.
Team 2000X vs. White Raven Squad & Midori Takahashi: Alpha Wolf, Jun Masaoka & OZAWA beat KENTA, Shane Haste & Takahashi, with OZAWA hitting a moonsault to finish.
Los Tranquilos de Japon vs. Kiyomiya & Lykos Gym: Naito, BUSHI & RYUSEI overcame Kaito Kiyomiya and the Lykos duo, with Naito pinning Kid Lykos II.
Tadasuke vs. YO‑HEY: A disqualification after referee assault gave Tadasuke the win and set the stage for YO‑HEY’s post‑match turn, attacking Passionate RATEL’S and aligning with Team 2000X.
GHC200 Championship Final – HAYATA vs. Tetsuya Endo: In a short but intense bout, HAYATA captured the inaugural GHC200 title after the other semifinal collapsed under tournament rules, making this the de facto final.
GHC Junior Tag – Dragon Bane & Alejandro vs. Atsushi Kotoge & Hi69: The champions retained in a 20‑plus‑minute match, Alejandro pinning Hi69 to log their fifth defense.
GHC Junior Heavyweight – Eita vs. Kai Fujimura: Fujimura shocked Eita, winning the junior title with heavy help from Team 2000X and becoming the 63rd champion.
Ed: “And the big news item—NOAH announced the full field for this year’s N‑1 Victory: eight‑man blocks featuring names like Kaito Kiyomiya, Kenoh, KENTA, Kazuyuki Fujita, Takashi Sugiura, Alpha Wolf, Titus Alexander and more. That’s a heavyweight gauntlet waiting to happen.”
All Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW)
Ed: “Staying in Japan but shifting to the red‑white‑blue ring, All Japan spent the week deep in the Zennichi Jr. Festival and Summer Action Wars—with one junior standing out above the rest.”
Summer Action Wars – Aug 15 Shin‑Kiba (Day show):
Dan Tamura vs. Masaaki Mochizuki went to a 30‑minute draw in Block B.
Aoki defeated Naruki Doi with his Kesagiri Chop, moving to 4 points.
Hokuto Omori tapped out Shota Kofuji with a cross armbreaker.
Rising HAYATO beat Seiki Yoshioka in Block A.
Summer Action Wars – Aug 15 Shin‑Kiba (Night show):
Aoki again used the Kesagiri Chop, this time against Kofuji, to reach 6 points and stay undefeated at 3‑0 atop Block B.
Hokuto Omori added another win over Doi, climbing to 4 points.
Yasutaka Yano scored over Leon de Oro in Block A, while multi‑man “Triple Crown skirmish” tags kept Miyahara, Shiozaki, Anzai and the Saito brothers circling the main‑event scene.
Gordon: “The official site backed that up with sold‑out notices for both Shin‑Kiba cards and updated point tables—Aoki sitting alone on top of Block B, Omori chasing, and Block A tightening around Rising HAYATO and Seiki Yoshioka.”
News and rumor snapshot (company & talent)
Ed: “So, what’s the chatter around the sports desk this week?”
ROH: Focus is squarely on Death Before Dishonor—Bandido’s schedule as traveling champion, Lio Rush’s new submission and persona, and speculation about Nigel McGuinness stepping back into Pure rules on a big stage.
Stardom: Talk centers on Suzuki’s dominant block run, Konami’s resurgence, and the free YouTube broadcast as a test balloon for more global streaming with English commentary.
wXw: Fans are buzzing about Kanji’s Shortcut win and the cluster of title changes, plus the ongoing partnership that lets ROH’s world champion headline European cards.
NOAH: The N‑1 Victory lineup has people fantasy‑booking Fujita vs. Inamura and Kenoh vs. KENTA, while HAYATA’s new GHC200 belt and Fujimura’s upset over Eita reshape the junior landscape.
AJPW: Conversation revolves around whether Aoki’s undefeated junior run is a prelude to a title shot at Dan Tamura, and how the upcoming “Ōdō Tournament” field will intersect with the current Summer Action Wars storylines.
Gordon: “In short, every one of these promotions is using August as a launchpad—tournaments, title defenses, and cross‑promotional showcases all converging as we head toward late‑summer climax events.”
Top 25 Power Rankings
Ami Sourei 3-0 Stardom
Bandido (ROH World Champion, AEW World Trios Champions) 2-0 wXw, RevPro
Kevin Knight (TNT Champion) 2-0 AEW, ROH
Goto Revolutionary Army (Hirooki Goto & Tatsuya Matsumoto) 2-0 NJPW
United Empire (Great-O-Khan (IWGP Tag Team Champion, NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champion) & Jakob Austin Young) 2-0 NJPW
House Of Torture (Dick Togo & Ren Narita) 2-0 NJPW
Ryohei Oiwa 2-0 NJPW
Aoki 2-0 AJPW
Ricky Sosa 2-0 TNA, wXw
Suzu Suzuki (World of Stardom Champion) 2-0-1 Stardom
HANAKO 2-0-1 Stardom
Black Tiger & Black Tiger IV 3-1 CMLL
Jon Moxley (AEW Continental Champion) 1-0 AEW
Kanji 1-0 wXw
Adam Page & Brodido (Bandido (ROH World Champion) & Brody King) (AEW World Trios Champions) 1-0 AEW
Bandido (ROH World Champion, AEW World Trios Champion) & Mistico (CMLL World Light Heavyweight Champion, CMLL World Trios Champion, ROH World Tag Team Champion, IWGP World Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion) 1-0 CMLL
Lio Rush (ROH TV Champion) 1-0 ROH
Rafaga Jr. (Occidente Tag Team Champion), Titan (CMLL World Welterweight Champion) & Zandokan Jr. 1-0 CMLL
Esfinge (Mexican National Light Heavyweight Champion) & Xelhua 1-0 CMLL
Bandido (ROH World Champion, AEW World Trios Champion) & Titan (CMLL World Welterweight Champion) 1-0 CMLL
Sports Desk Outro
Ed: “That wraps up our weekly tour across the wrestling world—five promotions, countless battles, and momentum shifting by the minute.”
Gordon: “Stay tuned, stay sharp, and keep your eyes on the canvas. The next bell is already ringing.”
Ed: “From all of us here at the sports desk—good night, good grappling, and we’ll see you tomorrow.”
