Yamashi Promotions -> After Dark: Maishuu Minagoroshi: Lucky 7 (2025)

LIVE ON THE BATTLEGROUND NETWORK
MAISHUU MINAGOROSHI: LUCKY 7
FEBRUARY 17, 2019 | 12:05 A.M. JST
TOKYO METROPOLITAN GYMNASIUM | SENDAGAYA, SHIBUYA, TOKYO

Attendance: 10,670 (97% capacity)
Broadcast: Battleground Network
Japanese Commentary: Taka Shimura and Shunsuke Ishiyama
English Commentary: Yo Kurasawa and Eric O'Flaherty
Ring Announcer: Raka Matsumua
Death Dojo Students (Ringside Attendants, Ring Crew): Dai Fujinami, Danjuro Yodogawa, Jo Kotobuki, Kumiko Okazaki, Raku Nakasato, and Jisatsu Akuma

=====

After Dark answered the question, “Who the fuck goes to a wrestling show that starts at 2 A.M.?” in its first program with an unshameful booker in August 2018. Its answered that question again in December and for the first six weeks of 2019. Shinjuku FACE – a venue that can hold 600 – sold out for every After Dark show except the last two, which still drew much bigger crowds than the average puroresu promotion gets there for a show starting at a regular time.

That might sound crazy – even on a Saturday night/Sunday morning – but this isn't Iowa. Tokyo nightlife thrives every day of the week and the post-last-train crowd sometimes doesn't go home until as late as 5 A.M. There's 38 million people in the Greater Tokyo Area and that's not including tourists. It doesn't matter who you are, you will find your crowd – even if it's the noisy non-traditional Japanese wrestling fans who act like they're at a punk show. They're the lower class that Japan doesn't what the world to see – the counter-narrative to the idealized notions of Japanese society. There's more than enough of these bloodthirsty loons in Tokyo to fill 600 seats at Stupid O'Clock.

But was there enough to fill a bigger venue? A new question arose when Lucky 7 was scheduled for the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium: “Can one put on a wrestling show in an 11k-seat venue and go from midnight to 5 A.M.?” Even a card packed with some of the world's best talent and biggest freaks in the ultimate monster city couldn't make that happen, right?

Well... 10,670 turned up for the night of action. Two rings were in place for the War Games main event. Fans anticipated the Ticket To The Top Deathmatch and a host of other matches featuring Yamashi Promotions and guest talent. There was even word before the show that another match had been added at the last minute, but nobody knew who was involved.

But there was a buzz in the air. After Dark was eleven minutes away from its spiritual home in Shinjuku, but Shibuya is an equally bright and noisy nightlife area. Charged with alcohol, energy drinks, and Shibuya's natural vibrancy, these fans were in it for the long hall.

Jisatsu Akuma may or may not still be on the Ultraviolence Union's recruitment radar, which at least guarantees that he'll stay in the DTW Death Dojo since SPIDER threatened to kick him out if he joined the hated faction. Akuma last appeared in a dark match at DTW Kansai Hanzai to start the month, losing to Jo Kotobuki. The 18-year-old death metal fanatic from Tokyo was out to get himself back on the winning track after losing every match after his debut.

Danjuro Yodogawa was on the winning side of a 6-person match, but the 26-year-old DTW Death Dojo student had yet to experience singles victory prior to tonight. He won some fans over with his early signs of fighting spirit, so the anarchist punk and former store clerk hoped to build on that with a victory. It's still early days in his career, but the Hiroshima native badly wanted to get his first win out of the way.

Akuma entered with a bundle of light tubes over his right shoulder and a steel chair in his left hand. Yodogawa brought a handful of BBQ skewers and a steel chair of his own.

Yodogawa won the lockup by getting Akuma in a headlock. Akuma pushed him to the ropes, hit the ground as Yodogawa leaped over him, and prepared to get him on the rebound but Yodogawa hooked his arms on the top rope. Yodogawa took control after some back-and-forth brawling, hitting a Vertical Suplex for a two count before attacking Akuma with a steel chair for another two count.

Akuma took control after a Lariat, bringing a less organized and more sloppy brand of offense than Yodogawa. He did get Yodogawa down by the ropes, put a chair on his face, then hit a Springboard Leg Drop for a two count.

They took turns bringing tubes over each other's heads until Akuma backed Yodogawa to the ropes, whipping him across the ring, and caught him on the rebound with a chair thrown at his face. Yodogawa tumbled to the outside, where Akuma met him with a Suicide Dive. Ringside brawling was even up until Yodogawa reversed an Irish Whip that sent Akuma into a ring post before pushing him back into the ring.

Yodogawa stuck BBQ skewers in his head, crushed him in a corner with a Stinger Splash, then brought him to the center where Akuma would drop to his knees. Yodogawa came off the ropes with a Shining Wizard to get the three count.

Lights went out and the crowd buoyantly cheered. We got a few seconds of hoodlums yelling in the dark silence before “Fight Your Way” by Japanese hardcore punk band Death Side played...

Purple laser lights beamed and moved around as strobe lights flickered. Then the screen flashed graphics for the matches in the order they were scheduled to take place...

Jo Kotobuki is considered the most athletic of the current DTW Death Dojo students with his background in both Karate and Judo. The 21-year-old former punk roadie from Nagasaki has had quite a learning experience since being thrashed by RotGut in his debut at DTW Death Dojo's Proving Ground a few weeks ago. He was on the winning side of a 6-person and defeated Jisatsu Akuma in the DTW Kansai Hanzai dark match, but was outmatched against the more experienced Rebel Manson last week in After Dark. Kotobuki brought exuberance to start the show, having used his connections to get Japanese punk band Laughin' Nose to do a live performance of “Get The Glory” for his entrance.

Lumber Jackson made his Yamashi Promotions debut a few weeks back as part of the Provisional Bigboiz Team for a 6-person match in After Dark, where his team lost. Jackson was allowed to stand on his own in the DTW Kansai Hanzai opener though, getting a victory over Dai Fujinami in his opponent's hometown of Osaka. Fans booed Jackson as he sneered and roared, getting hit by bottles and trash.

Kotobuki brought a steel chair with gusset plates glued on while Jackson came with a heavy steel chain.

Jackson pushed him against the ropes on the opening lockup and laid in with forearms to the chest. Jackson's smash mouth style posed a lot of question for the Death Dojo student in a relentless first minute. Things took a wild turn when Jackson speared Kotobuki through the ropes and knocked him around ringside before rolling him back in, where he whipped and choked Kotobuki with the steel chain.

Kotobuki rallied when he came off the ropes, ducked under a Big Boot, stopped behind Jackson, and hit a Karate Side Thrust Kick to the stomach to double him over. Kotobuki hit the ropes for a Running Facebuster, then hit a Running Shotgun Dropkick to a seated Jackson for a two count. Kotobuki took his turn whipping Jackson with the chain, following as his opponent climbed back up to his feet in a corner. That's where Jackson bounced his head off the top turnbuckle and turned it back his way wth multiple Clotheslines in that corner.

Jackson threw Kotobuki onto the gusset plate chair with a Release Pumphandle Suplex for a two count. He folded him on it with a 213 (Saito Suplex) for a 2.9 count. He smashed the chair and plates into the head of his kneeling opponent before executing Deadwood (Jackson grabs the opponent by the ankles and catapults them upward, catching them around the waist in midair and drops them with a brutal looking Piledriver) to get the three count.

“Jersey” Jim Luzzatto unexpectedly came out and fans pelted him with trash. The big time headliner from the '90s and contemporary burnout hadn't been seen since the After Dark Christmas Eve Special, and his Japanese appearances were decreasing even before that. He still worked the Northeastern United States though, for he still needed to pay rent in Newark despite his bad back telling him to retire.

There was no sympathy for the 56-year-old who looks like Hulk Hogan on donuts, and one can see why when he got on the microphone. He went on another one of his rants, calling the fans “marks” and pulling out the usual hits he does in this country – talking about Japanese women and their “flat asses,” saying Japanese beer sucks compared to Coors Lite, and descending into cheap heat. He finished by sucking in his gut and striking a flexing pose as fans booed and filled the ring with trash.

Then “Smooth Sailing” by Queens of the Stone Age started to play. Fans were curious, turning to a mixture of shock and confusion, and even hostility from many. The controversial Cass Baumer arrived in one of the last places anyone would expect her, and one of the Yamashi faithful took it upon themselves to welcome her with a half-empty beer cup thrown at her face.

The moment sunk in during the in-ring introductions. The creator of the notorious Baumer Report hadn't been seen in months. Once a renowned social media maestro, Baumer hadn't tweeted since September 2018. Of course, her being the ex-girlfriend of DTW World Champion and Ace-elect Josh Kennedy wasn't forgotten by the Japanese fans who worship him, and many hyucks were had because everyone knew he was in the building for a match later.

After the bell rang, Luzzatto got back on the microphone and reminded everyone that he's apparently good friends with Dave Meltzer. Luzzatto once told Japanese fans that Meltzer is racist against them, rating many puroresu matches highly so they go out of their way to drop each other on their heads for his approval. He told fans there wouldn't be any of that on this night, that Baumer was going to “learn how to actually work a fucking match,” and it was the only way she would avoid being remembered as “nothing more than a shit Dave Meltzer.”

The latter garnered collective “oooooh's” and heckles from the fans.

Baumer didn't get on the microphone, but she could be heard making fun of his baldness and physique. This angered the insecure old man, who ran in for a lockup but Baumer slipped behind and Dropkicked him in that bad back, knocking the big man into the ropes. Luzzatto favored his back and tried to tie her up again, but Baumer got behind once more, then tried for a School Boy but Jersey Jim is 360 pounds. He got her up with his hands around her throat and got her in a Headlock.

Baumer struggled as Luzzatto kept the Headlock on, slowly the match way down and drawing heat from the anxious fans. Luzzatto threw her with a Body Slam, but hit nothing but canvas when Baumer rolled from an Elbow Drop. Baumer followed with an Enzuigiri on her kneeling opponent and covered. Luzzatto kicked out at two.

A flying glass bottle hit Baumer over the right eyebrow, prompting a hearty “waheeeeey” and raucous laughter from the crowd. A small cut and bruising formed. Baumer complained to referee Akinori Watanabe, who didn't know what to do about it. She directed him to the ropes and pointed into the crowd, telling Watanabe she knew where it came from and even pointed in a specific direction, though remained vague.

Watanabe found himself talking to the Death Dojo students at ringside, allowing Baumer to double Luzzatto over with a Dropkick Low Blow. She hit the ropes and pulled off the Fact Check (Running Shiranui) – a move made possible as Luzzatto's bad back gave out and he couldn't prevent the 139 pound woman from hitting the move. Baumer quickly pulled Watanabe away from the ropes so he could make the three count. Baumer left with a win in her first Yamashi Promotions appearance, but not without getting showered with more trash by the unruly fans.

These six individuals started their three week journey with a silly American football game on Super Bowl Sunday. They teamed on a field that had weapons in a game officiated by an Osaka native who only watched one quarter of the sport and never read the rules before that night. They all knew their would be an additional reward besides their winner's bonus. Who would have guessed it would be a chance to win a golden ticket that allows them an After Dark Championship match whenever they want?

Amira Kassouri was the first to come out, getting cheers from the crowd. The Cincinnati Hit Girls running back scored the Gridiron Glory Deathmatch's only touchdown, but was pinned last week in the 6-person tornado rules prelude to this week. Kassouri had the chance to put the ball in her court regarding a potential future bout with After Dark Champion Lisa Seldon, who admittedly lured Kassouri here with hopes of murdering the South Londoner in the face.

Matt “Deathrow” King was the next out, and the Brooklyn native got some good backing from the crowd. MDK went from the backyard to the big time and things were moving fast. He won in his After Dark debut, had a violent epic with RotGut, teamed with him the next week against Cactus Jack Bronson and the legendary Riddick, lost to Bronson in his DTW debut, then found himself playing American football with a variety of people including some of the deathmatch game's most established. MDK came to the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium on this night with hopes of overcoming those established names.

Eddy Poe was one of two Filth Parade members in this match, but everyone knows that group has no problem with beating each other up. Fans cheered The Slasher, who said a few times prior to this night that he wanted gold in Yamashi Promotions. It was one of his big goals in 2019. Getting the golden ticket here would get him one step closer to achieving that in one of wrestling's quickest rising promotions – After Dark.

Anna Mathews was out next and she was the reason this match took place at the bottom of the card. Mathews was also booked to team with her Hellcat Spangled Death Squad comrades in their War Games Deathmatch against 3 Ring Barney and The Odd Squad. A long night was ahead of The Time Lord, but she at least had the fan's support – something that's never unnoticed when it comes to the Hellcats in Japan.

Aokigahara Zombie came with his DTW Eternal Warfare Championship – a 24/7 rules title he won at DTW Kansai Hanzai and already defended against everyone in this match on the last two After Dark shows. The respected deathmatch veteran found redemption after losing his two biggest DTW matches – the 2018 Carnage Carnival Final against Masatake Kawamata and a DTW World title bout against Josh Kennedy. Aokigahara's vision for the belt was to bring on a feast of carnage, and fans cheered knowing he could give them just that.

Masatake Kawamata rolled out with a steel chair wrapped in gas-soaked rags and barbwire, and a cigarette hung from his lips. Fans cheered the Independent Deathmatch World Heavyweight Champion who looked to add another top singles belt to his current collection. The Ticket To The Top would get him close to doing just that for the the already highly-decorated man of Punk Rock Ultraviolence. A big match feel oozed from the pores of the Filth Parade member as he approached the two rings.

The match was as much of a clusterfuck as one would expect. No sane reviewer could possibly go over the match every step of the way, and why would they? It was a match void of any psychology whatsoever. It was one big car crash to the next.

The first big spot of the match saw Kassouri go up the ladder but Kawamata, Poe, and MDK grab the bottoms and carried everything to the ropes where they dumped Kassouri into the neighboring ring through a table and glass pane.

Aokigahara and Mathews found themselves on a ring apron. Mathews tried a Hurricanrana but Aokigahara turned it into a Powerbomb, sending her through wood and glass. MDK drove a ladder into Aokigahara's face, knocking him down. He then put him through a table and pane with a Double Underhook Piledriver off the apron. He tried to pin him but Kawamata pulled him off and threw him into the railing, then tried a pin himself that was broken up by Poe dropping a ladder on his back from in the ring.

Kassouri once again tried climbing the ladder with Poe on the other end. The two traded punches and Kassouri almost got knocked off the ladder until she snatched Poe's arm and took him down off the ladder with a Flying Armbar.

Aokigahara and Kawamata battled on one of the scaffolds, falling into a chopping duel that Kawamata started to get the better of until receiving a rocking Headbutt, followed by a Lariat. Aokigahara tried a Superplex off the scaffold but Kawamata blocked, lifted him up for Shouten (Vertical Suplex Side Slam), but Aokigahara wiggled out and landed behind the Osaka native, who he pushed off the scaffold and sent him crashing through wood and glass.

On the other scaffold, MDK rattled Mathews with a stiff punch that sent her stumbling to the edge, back toward the ring. Instead of falling off, Mathews spotted Kassouri in the ring and jumped off, connecting with a Hurricanrana.

Poe joined MDK at the top of that scaffold and caught him with a flurry of open palm strikes and Thai Clinch Knees, backing him against the edge. Poe stepped back, measuring up for a blow to send him flying through the air, but MDK exploded with a Bicycle Knee out of nowhere that made him stumble the other way. MDK then threw him off the scaffold through a table and glass pane.

Aokigahara found himself fighting Mathews in the other ring, eating a ladder to the face but still kicking out at two to keep his Eternal Warfare title.

Back in the main ring, a hurting Kawamata was knocked into the ropes by a Running Dropkick by Kassouri, but bounced back and turned her inside out with a bit Lariat before collapsing on his front. As he crawled, MDK took advantage and caught him with Off With His Head (Houston Hangover).

Poe pulled himself out of the rubble and ran MDK and Kassouri over with a ladder. He tried climbing for the ticket, but Mathews sent him falling into the top rope with a Missile Dropkick.

Mathews took her turn going for the ticket, but Aokigahara stopped her halfway from the other ring. He ran from across the other side and threw a ladder into her. She held on until Kawamata hit her over the back with his flaming barbwire chair; which he also used on everyone else in the ring during this maddening sequence. However, Mathews kept going for the ticket until Poe tilted the ladder over.

The next big attempt was Aokigahara, who was close until Kawamata and Kassouri tipped the ladder and he fell into the scaffold support bars in a very awkward landing.

Poe got awfully close to the ticket until Kawamata leaped off a scaffold to Spear him off the ladder. Kawamata then went for the ticket until MDK and Kassouri tipped him over and sent him falling into the turnbuckles.

In the end, Aokigahara and Kassouri climbed opposite ends of the ladder, where the former got her in the Itai Claw (Mandible Claw) at the top. Poe tipped them over, but was soon dumped out of the ring by Kawamata, who climbed up with MDK on the other side. They traded blows at the top until Aokigahara grabbed Kawamata's ankle and Kassouri grabbed MDK's. Aokigahara pulled Kawamata down, caught him, and fluidly folded him with To The Lost (Backdrop Driver). MDK kicked Kassouri in the face until she fell back into the ropes. With nobody to stop MDK, he was able to snatch the ticket and secure a shot at the After Dark Championship.

26-year-old Tokyo party girl Raku Nakasato was driven to the DTW Death Dojo by sexual frustration and somehow found early success. Her first two matches – a singles and 6-person match – saw her get wins despite not possessing anything other than basic brawling and sneaky pin attempts. In her third match – another 6-person – she found herself on the winning side yet again. “Roppongi Raku” had yet to experience defeat going into this night. However, fans didn't like her and she argued with them throughout her entrance.

Kumiko Okazaki was at the opposite end of the crowd's favorability meter, but also on the success scale as well. The 19-year-old Death Dojo student and K-Squad Punk continued to find herself on the losing end both in singles and team competition. The Kobe native faced some tough competition for an up-and-comer though; going against the likes of the Skull Kids, Amira Kassouri, fellow rookie Aveline Blondeau, and Fukitsu Gaikotsu. This was as good of chance as any to get her first win.

Okazaki is known as Knife Woman (ナイフウーマン , Naifuūman) so of course she wore he coat lined with knives on the inside. Nakasato, upon realizing that she was ill-equipped, rudely snatched a steel chair from ring announcer Raka Matsumua to garner more boos.

Okazaki is known to hit a bull's eye with her knives, so she started with that right away. Nakasato blocked them with her chair until the third knife went into her left thigh. Fans cheered as Okazaki dragged Roppongi Raku to the center by her hair and sliced her forehead wide open. She went for the Kumiko Cutter (Diamond Cutter) but Nakasato clapped her on the ribs and tried a Roll-Up, only to get a 2.9 count that almost sparked further anger.

Okazaki took off her coat and walked into a Small Package for another very close 2.9. They both got to their feet, where Nakasato favored her thigh with the knife stuck in it. Okazaki hit her with a quick Kumiko Cutter (Diamond Cutter) to get the three count, chalking up her first ever win.

.PAAK made her After Dark debut and appeared to be on her way to victory until a ref bump and a pair of brass knuckles saw the win fall to Aveline Blondeau. .PAAK made it known that she wasn't happy and sought to get revenge on Blondeau, preferring to face her on this night, but she instead got booked against of wrestling's gentlest souls. .PAAK said this would be a raw match and many expected an even more aggressive side from her as she looked to get her first After Dark win.

Ethan Giles was one of the most over wrestlers on this night – something that might be a bit of a surprise considering the types of people normally in a Yamashi Promotions crowd. These fans might not follow his ways by choosing to throw things at those they don't like, but they like him. The GentleGrappler from The Happiest House in London, England was excited to be back in Japan and this was his first After Dark appearance. Giles made a killing at the merchandise stand, so he hoped to give the fans a great contest with no tom foolery.

Giles offered a handshake to start the match. .PAAK acted like she would go for it but instead kicked his hand away, then fired off a series of forearms to the chest. .PAAK took a step back and aimed for a high one to the face, but Giles sidestepped, got behind, and got her with an O'Connor Roll for a two count. Giles ducked a Head Kick while kneeling, twisted as .PAAK spun on the follow through, and did a Backslide for another two count. .PAAK ran into an Armdrag and Giles moved into Got Your Arm (La Magistral Cradle) for another two count. Giles dove behind for a School Boy, getting another two count. .PAAK finally popped him with a stiff kick to the jaw before he could get back up, hit the ropes as he was a little stunned, and came back with a Running Hip Attack.

.PAAK took over with stiff strikes before a Facewash in a corner followed by a running boot, all for a two count. There was a clear emotional juxtaposition between .PAAK's fury and Giles' friendly competition. There was seesaw at this point until .PAAK retook control with very pronounced palm strikes that she topped with a Roundhouse Kick. She went up top for a Shotgun Dropkick for another two count.

Giles took her down, hooked the legs, and took her for a spin with WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE (Giant Swing). He transitioned into a Prawn Hold for a two count. .PAAK met him on their feet with more palm strikes to set up for Rolling Solebutt, then came off the ropes to hit Eien no Shitsuren (Masato Yoshino's Slingblade) for a two count.

After more back-and-forth action, Giles almost did another Backslide until .PAAK wrestled an arm loose, swung around, and caught him with a Snapmare Driver for a two count. .PAAK hit him with more palm strikes and tried for another Roundhouse, but Giles ducked and executed a Gilesplex (Slow Vertical Suplex with a bridging pin) for a two count.

Giles tried to lift her for the Piggy Back Ride (Airplane Spin), but .PAAK blocked it with downward elbows and then knees to the face. She came off the ropes with a Running Roundhouse and could smell blood in the water. Impressively, she lifted the heavier opponent onto her shoulders and gruesomely dropped him on the back of his head with BLACK.OUT.SABOTAGE (Psycho Driver III) to get the pinfall victory.

20-year-old rookie Aveline Blondeau put together some wins in her last three appearances, including one against .PAAK last week. It's been documented already how she won via ref bump and brass knuckles. Tonight, the Fukuoka-born French-American got what she wanted – a deathmatch. She's made it clear that standard rules bore her, but she wasn't going to be bored on this night. With boos ringing in her hears and trash thrown at her, she was about to get in there with one of the more experienced deathmatch wrestlers.

Filth Parade's Kira Izumi was welcomed back with cheers by the Yamashi faithful. The 26-year-old from Shinhidaka, Hokkaido originally appeared to them in Iron Japan as one of the many lumberjacks in a CBGB Deathmatch. This was the first time Izumi would compete under the Yamashi banner; bringing his blend of ultraviolence, smash mouth, aerial, and submission wrestling to After Dark. The Prince of Darkness planned to leave Shibuya with a win, but knew his opponent would be tricky despite her lack of experience.

Izumi showed everyone what he was about right away with a Running Senton through a glass pane in a corner, getting cheers from the crowd as he rubbed the broken glass into his face. Blondeau cautiously approached for a lock-up, hoping to slip behind, but Izumi slapped her with shards stuck in his palms. He quickly followed with elbows that backed Blondeau into the ropes. He went for an Irish Whip but got poked in the eye. Two Mongolian Chops backed up Izumi, then Blondeau hit him with a Discus Back Elbow before hitting the ropes. However, Izumi followed her there and met her with a Kitchen Sink, then did a Snap Suplex for a two count.

Izumi picked Blondeau apart with vicious brawling before trying to throwing her through a glass pane. Blondeau got back in it with a face rake, some biting on the nose, and then came off the ropes with a Leg Lariat. Blondeau kept him on the ground by assaulting him with a chair before standing over and choking him with it. She placed a pane on the middle rope but soon found herself going through it with a Body Slam.

Izumi set two panes on top of standing chairs and tried vertically lifting Blondeau, but she blocked it and created distance with some forearms to the chest before connecting with a Cartwheel Kick. Izumi fell back through the panes and Blondeau threw a chair down on his face before covering for a two count.

Blondeau measured up and went for La faim (Busaiku Knee Kick) but Izumi moved out of the way, then cracked her with a chair to skull. Izumi placed two more panes on top of standing chairs and put her through them with a Brainbuster for a two count. He tried to strike with Itami no Izumi (Shining Wizard), but Blondeau moved out of the way and caught him with me affamée (Knee Trembler). After more chair shots, Blondeau shattered a whole pane over his back.

Blondeau got him back up but he forced her to one knee with multiple forearms, then back up to come off the ropes with Itami no Izumi (Shining Wizard) for a two count. Izumi stacked three panes on standing chairs, but took a bit too long to set up and Blondeau struck with La faim (Busaiku Knee Kick) for a two count.

Blondeau tried for Desuratoru (Rainmaker) but Izumi blinded her with Blood Mist, then folded her with a Saito Suplex. He punished her with a rapid Triple Turnbuckle Moonsault onslaught before putting her through the three panes with Kira Driver '91 (Tiger Driver '91) to get the three count.

Controversy follows Cal McCluskey wherever he goes. He's a total scumbag who could have had a great MMA career if he didn't constantly do stupid shit. Once heralded as a prospect with a lot of potential, Cal could never get going between falling out with gyms and numerous criminal convictions – a total of eleven that include five DUI's. He regularly makes his local paper in Warren, Michigan for the wrong reasons and would have joined Union GP at the beginning, but needed to finish an 18 month sentence for a bank robbery where he was arrested down the street trying to get a pizza. Despite entering a very high level of competition, Cal still maintains his alcoholic lifestyle and is a prolific chain smoker. His love for marijuana saw him fail a drug test before his first Union GP fight. The 44-year-old came to Japan proclaiming pro wrestlers to be “fake bitches,” said it “ain't a sport,” and felt Japanese women “ain't shit” - saying he understood why “guys here marry their video games.” With an 0-2 MMA record, he hoped to at least go 1-0 in “fake fighting.”

Bob is not who one would ever expect to see in the world of MMA – where most of its combatants lack the flair one sees in even the lowest professional wrestler. Bob is a 6'0” 475 pound mayor of a mystical village who finds hidey hams in his tight leather pantaloons and other places, beats up means, and gives out rainbow wiggies – like he did tonight as he came to the ring. The former DTW Eternal Warfare Champion was looking to bounce back from losing that belt to Aokigahara Zombie at DTW Kansai Hanzai, and the crowd was on his side as he sought to do it against a man who talked shit about fucking his mom. Bob was out to defend pro wrestling and the honor of, uh... Ms./Mrs. Bob(?), who is apparently a saint according to Bob.

McCluskey shot in for a takedown – something he's very good at, but he's never been known for agility, so it was sort of telegraphed. He couldn't lift Bob, who proceeded to club him over the upper back with Hammer Blows. He whipped McCluskey to a corner and crushed him with Mnoose Mashed Potato (Body Avalanche), then elicited cheers with a dragged-out Stink Face.

Bob tried a Body Slam but found himself in a Standing Kimura Lock. McCluskey is highly underrated for his technical proficiency and he just needed to extend the arm a little bit more to snap it entirely, but Bob fought it and overpowered him into a corner with Shoulder Thrusts. He whipped McCluskey to the other side and mushed him again with Mnoose Mashed Potato (Body Avalanche). A brutal Bronco Buster followed before Bob put the finishing touches his newly-caved chest with TO THE MOON ALICE! (Bonzai Drop) to get the pinfall victory.

Mitsuki Nomura is one of the After Dark originals having featured in the short-lived Kaiju Family Values. She's a part of Bloody Galaxy, the first After Dark Fusion Champions (a title that unified with the DTW Tornado Rules Championship to become the Yamashi Promotions Unified Team Championship). The other half of BLOOD GALAXY, Itsumi Hayashi, accompanied her on this night. Fans booed them, but they laughed and gave it back. Nomura came with her own light tubes in a box over her shoulder.

Fukushima Zombie is also one of the After Dark originals from the Kaiju Family Values roster. The SSS Goddess of Sakura Champion dedicated this match to unrequited love interest Lisa Seldon, who was a member of the opposing team in a match Fukushima found herself on the winning side of last week. She bounced back from a singles defeat to ASURA in After Dark with a win against Tara Fox at DTW Kansai Hanzai. Fukushima hoped to build on that in this intriguing ultraviolent joshi matchup.

Nomura challenged Fukushima to break a handful of light tubes over her head. Fukushima obliged and told Nomura to do the same. The opening moments saw the both of them continue to break tubes over one another's head until Nomura stabbed a broken end into Fukushima's left shoulder.

Nomura whipped Fukushima to the light tubes on the ropes, then sliced her forehead open with a broken one before shoving her in a corner where she'd work her over with forearms and elbows. Nomura brought her out into a Northern Lights Suplex for a two count.

Nomura laid out some light tubes and tried for a Vertical Suplex, but Fukushima blocked it, traded spots and hit her own Vertical Suplex on the light tubes. Fukushima broke two light tubes over her head, then stood behind her seated opponent and stabbed the broken end into her forehead and dragged it across her flesh. Fukushima tried a cheeky La Magistral for a two count.

They went back to taking turns shattering tubes on each other's heads and over their backs. Nomura ducked a lube swung at her head, knocked Fukushima down with a Roundhouse Kick, then mounted on her with punches before doing a Single Leg Inverted Stomp to the throat for a two count. An Inverted DDT on some light tubes set up for a Diving Knee Drop. Nomura hooked a leg and Fukushima kicked out at two.

Nomura went to Body Slam Fukushima on some tubes but took a few elbows to the side of the head, then got whipped into tubes on the ropes. Nomura lashed out with a tube over Fukushima's head, who snapped and did the same. They furiously went back to breaking tubes on their heads, this time with much more intensity before trading stiff forearms. Fukushima strung together four unanswered elbows until Nomura ducked under one, went behind, and bridged a German Suplex for a two count. Nomura then hit a Falcon Arrow Lungblower for another two count.

Fukushima ducked under a running High Kick off the ropes, then popped Nomura with a Super Kick. She took a moment to recover before breaking yet another tube over Nomura's head. Fukushima fired off some aggressive kicks to bring Nomura to one knee, then connected with a Buzzsaw Kick to knock her down.

Fukushima draped Nomura on the ropes and executed a Sliding German Suplex, setting her up in that corner. She placed light tubes on top of her and went for a Moonsault Double Foot Stomp, but Nomura rolled out of the way. Fukushima landed on two feet but got a few of those light tubes broken on her head. Nomura threw her into the turnbuckles with a Capture Suplex for a two count.

Nomura went for Cranial Disintegration I (Fisherman Buster across her knee) but Fukushima fought it off with elbows, then hit the ropes and completed a Tilt-A-Whirl Headscissors Takedown with four revolutions. Nomura got right back on her feet but was stunned. Fukushima hit another Super Kick, then dragged Nomura to a nearby corner. She placed tubes on her and this time was successful with her Moonsault Double Foot Stomp, but that wasn't enough. She buried Nomura under light tubes before crashing through them and onto her with Jisatsu Sākuru (630 Senton), hooking the leg to get the three count.

INTERMISSION

MERCHANDISE STATISTICS (% OF TOTAL SALES, PROFIT MADE IN US$)
1. Ethan Giles (10%, $30,000) *** SOLD OUT ***
1. The Skull Kids (10%, $30,000) *** SOLD OUT ***
2. Lisa Seldon (10%, $28,500)
3. Hellcat Spangled Death Squad (5%, $16,200)
4. Mitsuki Nomura (5%, $13,500)
5. Amira Kassouri (4%, $12,750)
6. Erik Holland (4%, $12,000)
6. .PAAK (4%, $12,000)
7. Josh Kennedy (3%, $8,250)
7. Masatake Kawamata (3%, $8,250)
7. Osaka Rebels (3%, $8,250)
8. Badd Breed (2%, $7,050)
9. Rob Sharpe (2%, $6,750)
10. ASURA (2%, $6,000)
11. Filth Parade (2%, $5,850)
12. 3 Ring Barney (2%, $5,250)
12. AJ Morales (2%, $5,250)
12. Rebel Manson (2%, $5,250)
13. Anna Mathews (2%, $4,500)
13. Cal McCluskey (2%, $4,500)
13. Dick Devereaux (2%, $4,500)
13. Lobo the Clown (2%, $4,500)
13. The Odd Squad (2%, $4,500)
14. Bob (1%, $3,750)
14. Cactus Jack Bronson (1%, $3,750)
14. Fukushima Zombie (1%, $3,750)
15. Reventon (1%, $3,750)
16. Zombie-gumi (1%, $3,450)
17. Aokigahara Zombie (1%, $3,000)
17. Aveline Blondeau (1%, $3,000)
17. Team OVERKILL (1%, $3,000)
18. Ultraviolence Union (1%, $2,400)
19. Aaron Gresham (1%, $2,250)
19. Dai Fujinami (1%, $2,250)
19. Kumiko Okazaki (1%, $2,250)
19. K-Squad Punks (1%, $2,250)
19. Nate Narwin (1%, $2,250)
19. Riddick (1%, $2,250)
19. RotGut (1%, $2,250)
20. Blaise Fader (1%, $1,500)
20. Fukitsu Gaikotsu (1%, $1,500)
20. Jacky Rex Daniels (1%, $1,500)
20. Kira Izumi (1%, $1,500)
20. Lumber Jackson (1%, $1,500)
20. Matt “Deathrow” King (1%, $1,500)

- Pre-show and intermission sales data according to Fukue AnalTech.
- 9,940 total sales were made.
- Wrestlers keep all the profits since it's their own merchandise.

MISC.

- Yamashi Promotions makes its money through ticket sales, sponsors, and the Battleground Network.
- 10,670 attended the show for a profit of $661,540 in ticket sales.
- Battleground Network and Sponsorship Revenue: $1,140,000
Cost to rent the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium (Tier 4 Venue): $20,000.

Dai Fujinami got the crowd going as they came back from intermission. He got help from Japanese punk band Thee Michelle Elephant Gun and their live performance of “Revolver Junkies.” The 35-year-old Death Dojo student, K-Squad Punk, and former amateur boxer from Osaka still struggled to find his first singles win in months. The fans still got behind the gutsy, lovable hooligan. At 5'2” 242 pounds, Fujinami was already huffing and puffing with sweat pouring before he even got in the ring. His cardio didn't seem to be improving and his prospects of getting a victory on this night were very low considering the opposition. Still, the fans got behind his blue collar charm.

Blaise Fader made her first appearance under the Yamashi banner on this night. The high profile joshi star was already loosely connected after appearing in both nights of Masatake Kawamata's Spring Break Rager in Tijuana last March, but here she was doing Yamashi proper – in Japan and everything. Fans cheered the powerhouse brawler from Coventry, England, whose as much of a white meat face as it gets and has the same working class connection Fujinami possesses – making for an interesting matchup.

Fujinami challenged Fader to a test of strength to start the match. Fader looked around at the cheering fans with a grin and accepted. They were about even until Fader really squeezed hard, causing Fujinami to wince and yell out. Fader used her height advantage to push Fujinami to the canvas and hold him down. Fujinami got his shoulder up at two and tried a kip up, but it just wasn't happening. He flailed on his back like a fish out of water and wasn't giving up on it. Fader eventually pulled him up to his feet and whipped him to the ropes. Fader was there to greet him with a Clothesline, then hit the ropes for a Running Senton attempt but Fujinami rolled out of the way.

Fujinami met Fader on her feet with some dirty boxing before she fired back with a Knife-Edge Chop. The two got into a chopping duel that Fader won on the fourth round when Fujinami went down. Fader followed with a ring-shaking Vertical Suplex for a two count. Fader then wowed the crowd with a Deadlift Sitout Powerbomb for another two count.

Fader went for a Belly-to-Belly Suplex but Fujinami worked the body with more dirty boxing. He then put together a series of jabs and fans chanted “DAI!” with each one. The building shook when he connected with a Bionic Elbow to the chest and dropped Fader. It was a moment of great baby face fire but he took too long to follow up as Fader rolled out of the way of an Elbow Drop.

It was the last offense Fujinami delivered in the match. Fader got him in a corner with a few Headbutts, whipped him to the adjacent turnbuckles, and followed with Rock 'N' Rolla (Cannonball Senton). She got the fans worked up before doing the Coventry Blitz (Argentine Powerbomb) to get the pinfall victory, then joyfully celebrated and high-fived fans on her way out to enjoy the Tokyo night.

ASURA made her After Dark debut a few weeks back with a big victory against Fukushima Zombie, proving she still had a good shot on her after maintaining a strong record in smaller indies following her departure from ECWF. She dominated there as well, even holding the world title. The 25-year-old from Sendai had a lot going right before this night and she felt confident. ASURA also understood what a win against such an established opponent could mean for her career.

Fans cheered AJ Morales' return to Yamashi Promotions. His first appearance was so recent that it was almost like he never left. The San Francisco native had a memorable night at DTW Tokyo Gore Noir 14: Jingle Hell II back in December. First he took a shot backstage and won the DTW Eternal Warfare Championship, then lost it as he warmed up for his match later on – an ultraviolent epic against Masatake Kawamata for the Independent Deathmatch World Heavyweight Championship. It was a match earned after defeating Kawamata in a deathmatch in 4CW ACM. Morales lost and didn't get to end 2018 with a world title, but he's marched on in places like 4CW and Union Battleground. Morales has continued to show why he's one of the ring's greatest innovators, and knew that's exactly why a dangerous prospect like ASURA valued his scalp.

ASURA engaged in a stiff striking duel right away. Morales let a few forearms go answered before creating distance with a big one of his own, then got her into the ropes with a series of Knife-Edge Chops. Morales sent her to the other side with an Irish Whip. ASURA ducked under a Leg Lariat attempt but Morales landed on his feet. He hoped to catch her off the ropes with a Dropkick but she hooked the rope rope, then caught him with an Enzuigiri. She made an early cover but Morales kicked out at two.

ASURA hit the ropes but Morales floored her with an explosive Bicycle Knee from nowhere. He got her up to her knees by the arms and laid in with some Shoot Kicks to the chest. He then whipped him to the ropes and caught her with a Clothesline for a two count.

Morales tried for a Vertical Suplex, but ASURA slipped out and landed behind him, the popped him with a clockwise Discus Back Elbow as he turned counterclockwise. Morales turned clockwise as ASURA went counterclockwise, striking him with alternating elbows. Morales knocked her back with his own forearms, tried for a Dropkick that she sidestepped, and ASURA caught him with a Curb Stomp for a two count.

Morales sidestepped a Yakuza Kick and bridged a German Suplex for a two count. He caught a kneeling ASURA with an Axe Kick and then hit the ropes for a Sling Blade. A Body Slam in a nearby corner set up for a 450 Splash. Morales hooked a leg but ASURA kicked out at two.

Morales rolled onto the apron and went for a Meteora, but ASURA caught him with a Dropkick in midair. A Drive-By Kick knocked Morales into a bottom turnbuckle. ASURA stomped on him in that corner and washed his face with the bottom of her boot. Morales was allowed to get back up thanks to Kazuki Enari remembering he's supposed to enforce standard rules and applying the five count – something that almost slipped his mind as he watched ASURA kick Morales' head in.

ASURA went back to that corner and walked into two feet to the face. She stumbled the other way as Morales jumped onto the top rope and connected with a Blockbuster when she turned around. He quickly peeled her off the canvas for an Ushigoroshi, getting a two count. He lifted her onto his shoulders again but she slithered off, landed behind, and brought him down with a firm kick to the back of the knee. ASURA took control with a Seated Dragon Clutch.

ASURA made up for her weight disadvantage by putting everything she had into the hold, really cranking back on it. Fans rallied behind Morales as he crawled to the ropes and eventually grabbed the bottom one. ASURA broke the hold at the count of four and targeted the lower back with stomps as Morales pulled himself up with the ropes. She snapped as Enari but didn't take her focus off Morales.

Morales suddenly caught fire, running ASURA over with forearms off the ropes and executing moves such as the Leg Lariat and Codebreaker. ASURA sprinkled some stiff strikes in these last moments and they were enough to stall Morales momentarily, but he just turned it up more and more with the finish line in sight. He rocked her in the middle of the ring with Fuckin' Slayerrrr (Super Kick), then took a corner. He looked back and forth between his clenched right hand and ASURA, kissed his right ring knuckle, then nailed The Liberator (Superman Punch). Fans chanted with the three count as Morales got a bit of redemption by winning his first match under the Yamashi banner.

The Ultraviolence Union started this last week when outside interference allowed Fukitsu Gaikotsu to blind Aaron Gresham with Green Mist on his way to victory. They beat down The Vape Muta and Cactus Jack Bronson challenged the After Dark Trios Champions, saying he didn't give a shit about the belts. He just wanted to get at RotGut, who then came out and attacked everyone including his partner.

Fans booed the Ultraviolence Union as they entered, but The Father of DTW won them some goodwill. Teiji “The Terror” Shintaro still hadn't gone to a hospital since DTW Jingle Hell II. The maggots in his wounds were more plentiful and he STILL hadn't solved his penis issue after tearing off his old one and throwing it into the crowd back in December. Shintaro was naked and caked in his own blood and feces as usual. Joining him in the nude display was Bronson, who was also covered in blood and shit. Gaikotsu was the only clothed member. It says a lot when the only bit of social decency in the team is from a guy wearing a skeleton costume.

Aaron Gresham, Reventon, and RotGut are a very unlikely trio. They never planned to work with each other specifically, but their team just happened to materialize when Yamashi Promotions CEO Eric O'Flaherty called for an impromptu Trios title match at DTW Kansai Hanzai and called for three people to come out. They all came out one-by-one with RotGut blowing by them both and leading the charge, providing assistance through the deathmatch landscape for these two non-deathmatch wrestlers – one of them being a 4'6” luchadore.

Gresham was experiencing bad head injuries but proved his toughness to the Yamashi fans who used to heckle him a bit during his deathmatches. He showed up for this team and their title defense. Reventon was ready to give everything as well. RotGut led the charge again with that psychotic stare and a hunger for meat, running to the ring like a train on fire as the other two sprinted behind and slid in with him – putting on a brave face for the disgusting mayhem that was about to unfold. There were no in-ring introductions as the two teams launched into an all-out fight from the very beginning.

Like any other ultraviolent clusterfuck, there was nothing resembling order or in-ring psychology. Nick Bockwinkel and Verne Gagne turned in their graves. Jim Cornette smashed his living room and burned down an orphanage. Casuals uttered, “Oh, Japan.”

The wrestling gods wept as Shintaro, with a mouthful of poo, buried his tongue down RotGut's throat only to get it bitten half off – yet another disfiguring injury that the homeless lunatic wouldn't let heal. It was actually one of the first things to happen in the match too.

Bronson threw Reventon like a spear into rose thorns in a corner, then attacked the little lucha man with a garden weasel without mercy. Bronson kicked him out of the ring and Shintaro rolled out to take care of him.

Gresham got knocked silly by a stiff Gaikotsu elbow, then frustrated him with and frustrated Gaikotsu with Stuporman (Comically and obliviously ducking moves in a drunken fashion, a la 80s British joker-grappler Les Kellet) before knocking him through the ropes and to ringside with a Forearm Smash. Gresham went out to deal with him there.

With fighting around ringside, Bronson and RotGut were left alone in the ring. Bronson dumped out the buckets of gumseed but got them stuck in his back when RotGut Body Slammed him. RotGut chewed on Bronson's fingers until Shintaro hit him in the back of the neck with a Lariat. Fans went “BOOOOOOOM” - the standard reaction to The Terror's Lariat. Shintaro went to fight with RotGut at ringside.

It looked like Bronson was on his own until Reventon climbed back in and blinded him with the bucket of gravel. He took him down halfway with a Dropkick to the knee, then came off the ropes with a Spinning Heel Kick. Gaikotsu then put his foot through the back of Reventon's head on a run-up, dumped out the pine cones, and slammed him on them with a Delayed Vertical Suplex for a two count.

Bronson rolled out to join the ringside fighting, leaving Gaikotsu to deal with Reventon. Gaikotsu tried to pull Reventon's mask off, drawing great heat from the crowd. Reventon was in trouble until Gresham made the save, attacking Gaikotsu with forearms from behind. He threw him into rose thorns in a corner with a Release German Suplex, then hooked a leg for a two count.

Meanwhile, Shintaro and Bronson beat down RotGut at ringside. Shintaro took the hacksaw out of the ring and Bronson held RotGut up, allowing Shintaro to cut into his forehead. They let RotGut drop and stomped on him until Reventon landed on them with a Flying Cross Body off the top rope, but they caught him. Gresham followed with a Baseball Slide into Reventon's back, knocking all three into the railing. Reventon rolled away. RotGut and Bronson spilled in the front row when the former took them over the rail with a Cactus Clothesline. This left Shintaro to fight with Gresham and Reventon until Gaikotsu took them all out with a Corkscrew Plancha.

As RotGut and Bronson terrorized fans by brawling further into the masses, Shintaro shoved Gresham into the ring while Gaikotsu dealt with Reventon. Shintaro ran the garden weasel along Gresham's chest; then slammed him in the gravel, gumseed, and pine cones with one of the most stupidly reckless fucking Powerbombs every witnessed. Gresham somehow kicked out at two. Shintaro did a Death Valley Driver onto the cactus wrapped in barbwire, then grabbed the machete. He was about to chop off Gresham's head until Reventon ran up and Dropkicked him from behind, sending him tumbling through the ropes and to ringside.

Gresham rolled to an apron to recover, leaving Reventon to once again deal with Gaikotsu. He doubled Gaikotsu over with a Rolling Koppu Kick that caught him in the nuts, but wasn't able to immediately capitalize with a pin attempt and only got a two. Reventon went for a Moonsault but Gaikotsu rolled out away, then folded him with Chimo Kooru #1 (Dragon Suplex). Gaikotsu fired up the weed whacker and proceeded to shred the Spaniard's back and chest.

RotGut climbed back into the ring and attacked Gaikotsu with a steel chair from the crowd. RotGut grabbed Gaikotsu by the side of his head and kneed him in the face as blood sprayed everywhere – something he calls Vaginal Discharge. Shintaro got back in the ring, threw the barbwire cactus at him, then tackled RotGut through the ropes so they could fight at ringside.

Gresham was back in and Gaikotsu tried snuffing him out with a wild Lariat, but Gresham ducked under, grabbed a wrist from behind, and made him suffer Lioncock (Ripcord punch to the dick). He whipped Gaikotsu into a corner and caught him with the Nicaraguan Kick (Yakuza Kick) as Reventon climbed to the top rope in the adjacent corner. Gresham brought Gaikotsu towards him and Reventon connected with the Gore (Diving Spear). The two covered Gaikotsu and fans chanted along with the three count.

Shintaro and RotGut continued to fight at ringside after the bell. Death Dojo students and security swarmed in to break them up. Shintaro climbed back into the ring as RotGut was escorted out with Gresham and Reventon.

Bronson returned to the ring, grabbed the machete, sneaked behind Shintaro, and tried to slash his throat. Gaikotsu just stood their and watched as Shintaro held the blade from his throat, yet it cut into his palms. Bronson managed to cut a little into Shintaro's throat until he shoved the machete back, got to his feet, and the two traded blows. Reluctant Dojo students and security were forced to separate these naked, bloody, and shit-encrusted men. With everyone separated, Bronson chucked the machete into the crowd before leaving with the escorts as fans hurled trash and bottles back at him.

Erik Holland and Rob Sharpe made their first Yamashi Promotions appearance of 2019 after they both hit DTW and After Dark in December. Holland has since competed in a few promotions including 4CW while Sharpe has remained in his hometown of Philadelphia, watching the on-goings in Japan from afar. Both members of the Badd Breed were focused on Iron Japan as far as their nearby futures in Yamashi were concerned, but they couldn't look too far ahead. These two proudly flew the Badd Breed flag against representatives of another group known for their deathmatch reputation.

There was a big roar for DTW World Champion Josh Kennedy and Rebel Manson – former KAMIKAZE Pro Tag Team League Champions representing the world famous Filth Parade. Both men had a big night at DTW Kansai Hanzai. Kennedy successfully defended his DTW World title against legendary deathmatch gaijin Riddick, while Manson scored a big win in a nasty contest against Teiji “The Terror” Shintaro. Kennedy's journey to DTW Ace status was still ongoing, but the fans were fully behind him as many chanted “ACE! ACE! ACE!” Him and Manson slapped hands with dozens of fans in the entryway and ringside area before climbing into the ring.

The two sides approached with caution once the bell rang. The Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium was filled with shouting until a “KEN-AH-DEE” chant unified the crowd. The teams continued to go over strategy – something they both started during the in-ring introductions. Finally, it looked like Kennedy would clash with Holland while Manson took on Sharpe.

Action was split in the opening moments. It was almost like watching two separate fights instead of two teams going at it. It didn't take long for everyone to step on some tacks either. Adrenaline took over and these men were able to walk almost normally, but were still halted by the occasional tack or two in their feet. It didn't make for the prettiest opening, but it was morbidly fascinating in a Japanese game show kind of way – something that might not have translated as well to a more western audience, but the fans in Shibuya loved it.

We didn't see some teamwork until Kennedy was sent tumbling through the barbwire and got tangled on the apron after a thumping forearm from Holland. It was at the same time Sharpe threw Manson onto tacks with a Body Slam. Holland came over to offer some punches – because he sure as fuck didn't feel like stomping. A Double Team Suplex saw Manson land on more tacks.

Then Kennedy pulled himself out of the barbwire and knocked Holland back into it with a Shotgun Knee. He dragged Holland's face along the top strand before driving his face into tacks with a Running Bulldog.

Meanwhile, Manson brought Sharpe down with him into the tacks with a Russian Leg Sweep. Kennedy pushed Holland out of the ring and came over to immediately capitalize against Sharpe, executing a Snap Suplex into the tacks. He tried whipping Sharpe into the barbwire but got reversed, getting the barbs stuck in his back instead. Holland pulled Kennedy out of the ring and those two fought at ringside, leaving Sharpe and Manson alone in the ring.

Sharpe got the better of Manson in a punch-up and eventually threw him into the barbwire. After dragging his forehead along and cutting him open, Sharpe tried scooping Manson onto his shoulder with a kiddy pool in sight, but Manson slipped out. He hit a few punches and forearms, teetering Sharpe as his back faced the pool, but just couldn't knocked him into the rubbing alcohol. He stepped back and went for a boot to the chest but Sharpe caught it – because this is apparently not Sparta – spun him around. Manson would be the first to go into the rubbing alcohol after a Flipping German Suplex. Manson tipped the pool over as he tried to roll out and it spilled all over the ring, but also on himself and even a little on Sharpe.

At ringside, things looked worse for Filth Parade as Holland threw Kennedy into rubbing alcohol with a Standing Uranage before rolling into the ring to join Sharpe in beating down Manson. However, Kennedy received a chair from a fan at ringside and the tables turned when he dropped both opponents with skull-rattling shots.

Fighting spilled into the neighboring ring, where there was still a canvas and ropes. There were thumbtacks though and other pools, where Filth Parade put Sharpe into one with a Double Team Suplex. Holland would go in one next when Kennedy knocked him in with a Savate Kick.

Manson and Holland continued to fight in the canvased ring as Kennedy and Sharpe went back into their starting point. Sharpe threw some wild brawling at Kennedy, but the DTW World Champion remained strong and soon took over with sharp knees and elbows. Then a Pele Kick was followed by a Shining Wizard. He bridged a Dragon Suplex into tacks for a two count. Sensing the end was near, Kennedy hit the Widowmaker (Hammerlock Lariat) onto some tacks and hooked a leg. Holland tried to get through the ropes of the other ring and through the barbwire, but those obstacles were exacerbated by Manson punching and pulling him back as Kennedy scored the pinfall for his team.

A fire was lit underneath Riddick after coming up short against Josh Kennedy at DTW Kansai Hanzai, once again failing to become a three-time world champion in his otherwise illustrious 17-year career. Many wondered where the most feared and revered deathmatch gaijin would go from there, knowing he was most likely winding down his career. But before going forward, Riddick would have to confront the past in the form of a dream match from the old Shootclub Wrestling Alliance.

Him and Nate Narwin formed a deplorable edgelord dream team last year, even winning the 2018 DTW Blood Bowl and becoming the first every DTW Tornado Rules Champions. But Riddick turned on Narwin after they lost the belts to The Outliers and Narwin went on the shelf with a neck injury sustained in the match, putting an end to his sudden resurgence. Narwin appeared as a pundit during the DTW Carnage Carnival before quitting halfway, then reappeared when he attacked Riddick after his DTW Jingle Hell II match just before Cactus Jack Bronson united the Ultraviolence Union.

Narwin wrestled a few times since that night, but the neck is still bothersome and the loathsome Icon has decided to hang it up. He choose Riddick as his last opponent for many reasons. This wasn't just about payback. These two men were considered the edgiest and most offensive stars in Shootclub. Now they finally clashed in a one-on-one match.

Both men entered to strong boos. Riddick wore a red Detroit Red Wings home jersey with “TRUMAN 45” on the back. Narwin marched out to “Speak English or Die” by Stormtroopers of Death and wore a red “Make America Great Again” hat. The Icon took his suit off during the in-ring introductions to reveal a “Re-Elect Trump 2020” shirt. The heat these two men generated together was dollar store cheap, making one wonder why they would ever fight in the first place.

Narwin won the test of strength on the lockup and bent Riddick back, then tripped him up and fell on top to apply a Headlock. It's been awhile but Narwin showed his technical craft – something that had many calling him the best submission/brawler hybrid in the business. He continued to out-wrestle Riddick in the opening moments before getting him in another Headlock – a prelude to him jerseying Riddick like a good Canadian as he eventually tore off the jersey and threw it into the crowd. The match opened up more as they slugged each other pretty good, but it was Riddick who was whipped into the burning barbwire first.

Narwin picked a leg to dissect and went after it with Rapid Dragon Screws. Riddick raked the face to turn the tide and put together a string of Headbutts before nailing a Lariat. Riddick mounted on Narwin with lefts and rights before whipping him into the burning barbwire.

Riddick lit one of the barbwire 2x4's on fire and hit his crawling opponent over the back with it twice before swinging it onto his crown. Riddick then put together a Triple German Suplex sequence, bridging the last one for a two count.

Narwin elbowed him in the gut on one knee and raked the face before throwing him into the burning barbwire. After two more Rapid Dragon Screws, Narwin used a blowtorch to light a cigarette for himself and another to press into Riddick's right cheek. Narwin lit a barbwire chair on the ground and drove Riddick's face into it with a Running Bulldog for a two count.

Narwin attacked that leg with a burning chair, then burned his face with a blowtorch. Narwin went for another Rapid Dragon Screw but Riddick caught him with a desperation Enzuigiri – a move he's not known for. Riddick hit a seated Narwin from behind with the bottom of a blowtorch and took his turn burning The Icon's face. Riddick tried shoving Narwin's face into the hot coals, but Narwin got back up with elbows to the gut and it was Riddick who was thrown into the coals.

Narwin went back to work on the leg again before torquing it with another Rapid Dragon Screw. He connected with the White Line Lariat (Ripcord Lariat... and he was doing it yeeeaaars before Okada, marks), then bent it out of shape again with some Spinning Toe Hold before locking on his famous Figure Four Leglock. Many have tapped to this hold and there were no rope breaks. Riddick weathered the storm though, eventually finding enough strength to turn it over.

Narwin went for the White Line Lariat (Ripcord Lariat) again, but Riddick ducked it and caught him with The End (Full Nelson Facebuster) for a two count. Narwin fought back with lefts and rights when brought back to his feet, doubled Riddick over with a kick to the gut, and planted him with Intoxication (Vertical Pedigree) for a 2.9 count.

Narwin snapped off another Rapid Dragon Screw, kept hold of the leg, and tried pulling him back up for another but Riddick got him with a Small Package for a two count. Narwin tried to go right back on the attack but Riddick clocked him with a barbwire 2x4 from his knees. Narwin stumbled the other way, turned around, and Riddick knocked him down with that barbwire and wood between the eyes.

Riddick lit one of the barbwire chairs on fire and dropped Narwin on his bad neck with Riddick's Rage (Jumping Kudo Driver). Riddick got the three count to send Narwin away into retirement.

Riddick didn't stick around for Narwin's speech. The Icon was as gracious in defeat as one would expect, dropping racial slurs toward the Japanese and making a general ass out of himself. He said it sucked that “the only company not pussy enough to stop Riddick and I from doing what we do has to be in this mutated wasteland.” For old time's sake, Narwin threatened to piss on fans in the front row. Because of course. He wouldn't be a product of the 2000's if he didn't actually piss on the fucking fans for heel heat.

Narwin dropped the microphone, but his zipper was jammed. Fans threw trash and bottles at him until some commotion arose. Narwin looked to the entrance to see a masked ghost from the past – 17-time SWA Cruiserweight Champion El Loco, who carried a tequila bottle.

Narwin had ruined the career and life of the greatest cruiserweight of all-time – something Loco brought up first on the microphone. He said it was a dark period in his life when he fell in with Narwin, becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol. After years of manipulating Loco into being a Mexican stereotype for his own amusement, Narwin literally left him for dead on the side of the road in the Nevada desert in 2012. Thankfully, Loco was able to recover and take his life back. This was the first time Loco saw Narwin in person since that fateful day seven years ago.

Loco held the tequila bottle up, said it symbolized those dark days, then smashed it on Narwin's head. Loco got some punches in until Dojo students pulled him off. They had to hold back an irate Narwin until the two tore loose and traded more blows before being separated once again. The crowd was whooped up into a frenzy, chanting “LOCO! LOCO! LOCO!” as he was escorted out.

Hellcats and clowns have never gelled together, always opposing one another. It's a battle that's raged through various promotions with the Hellcat Spangled Death Squad normally coming out on top, but 3 Ring Barney found The Odd Squad in their journeys and friends in need are friends indeed. First 3RB helped Lobo attack Seldon in Iron Japan back in November. Then The Odd Squad helped 3RB overcome HSDS and other teams to become the first After Dark Trios Champions. Then 3RB helped the Odd Squad defeat Seldon and Mathews in a title defense at DTW Kansai Hanzai, but the Hellcats fending off The Odd Squad in the impromptu Trios Championship match that followed. It's been back-and-forth with The Odd Squad involved and now it was finally being settled once and for all.

The clowns came out first, welcomed by boos and trash as they stood by their shark cage. Luna Baby and Two-Tongue Tony stood by Senior Referee Ryu Nakamura, appearing to be elected captains for their side.

The Hellcats came out to massive cheers. Mathews still looked wrecked by her match earlier, which was to be expected. This called on her teammates to fight even harder, as if they needed more reasons to come strong in this match. Seldon was flanked by both Skull Kids as they stood by Nakamura for the coin toss while Team OVERKILL went to their shark cage.

The clowns won the coin toss. Of course the fucking heels won the coin toss. The Hellcats sent Skull Kid 2 – the junior heavyweight half of his tag team. HSDS were going for a fast-pace to start the match. The clowns chose another route, opting to send the monstrous Lobo to start them off with his ultraviolent hoss work. Skull Kid 2 was forced to hang tough, but the Hellcats hoped this would pay off.

00:00
HELLCATS: Skull Kid 2
CLOWNS: Lobo the Clown

SK2 started well with his faster pace until Lobo drilled him with a devastating Lariat. Lobo spent the next few minutes hammering SK2, throwing him through light tubes and into the cage at one point. SK2 got in some token punches but Lobo dominated. It was everything the clowns could hope for and life was about to get even worse for Skull Kid 2...

5:00
HELLCATS: Skull Kid 2
CLOWNS: Lobo the Clown, Royston Popplewell

The clown's second big man, Royston Popplewell, join Lobo in a brutal five-minute ass-kicking of Skull Kid 2. Lobo brought the punches, kicks, and ultraviolence. Popplewell doesn't do any of that, opting for Suplexes and Catch Wrestling. Still, Lobo and Popplewell made for a combined weight of 555 pounds – quite a task for the 170 pound Skull Kid. Lobo and Popplewell laid out a razor board and punished him with a Spike Powerbomb. HSDS were just as helpless as the fans, watching in horror as those hosses destroyed Skull Kid 2. It was everything they didn't want and it looked like their plan to start fast backfired. The clowns laughed gleefully as their heavy hitters laid into the junior heavyweight.

10:00
HELLCATS: Skull Kid 2, Jacky Rex Daniels
CLOWNS: Lobo the Clown, Royston Popplewell

Jacky Rex Daniels didn't waste any time getting to the ring. Skull Kid 1 was anxious to get out and rattled the bars. They almost sent him but held the bigger Skull Kid back, going with Daniels instead.

Daniels provided relief for SK2 and was able to get some offense going for his side, breaking light tubes over the heads of both Lobo and Popplewell. However, SK2's fatigue made it where Daniels didn't have much of a helping hand outside of a few fleeting moments. With SK2 down, Lobo broke tubes over Daniels' head and sliced him open with a broken end before handing him to Popplewell, who hurled him through a gusset plate board in a corner with an Overhead Belly-to-Belly Suplex.

15:00
HELLCATS: Skull Kid 2, Jacky Rex Daniels
CLOWNS: Lobo the Clown, Royston Popplewell, Chester Roosevelt

Chester Roosevelt might not be as big as Lobo or Popplewell, but his brand of British Strong Style provided another flavor to the clown's hard-hitting attack. HSDS once again had promising moments, but the numbers game became too much over these five minutes. One thing HSDS could take away is that they picked Lobo out as the main threat and chose to target him whenever they could, but Lobo was like a child in a candy store among the violence and it was hard to deter him as Two-Tongue Tony cheered him on from ringside.

20:00
HELLCATS: Skull Kid 2, Jacky Rex Daniels, Lisa Seldon
CLOWNS: Lobo the Clown, Royston Popplewell, Chester Roosevelt

Skull Kid 1 was about to break loose but Seldon and Mathews pushed him back. He was ready to go but so was Seldon, who sprinted to the ring as fans cheered wildly for her entry. The HSDS leader provided a catalytic presence for her side, inspiring them to fight back and even establish their first period of undoubted dominance in the match. The highlight of this spell saw Daniels smash a handful of light tubes over Roosevelt's head, who then suffered a Snap Suplex by SK2, before finally having Seldon land on him from the top rope with a Body Splash using a gusset plate board.

25:00
HELLCATS: Skull Kid 2, Jacky Rex Daniels, Lisa Seldon
CLOWNS: Lobo the Clown, Royston Popplewell, Chester Roosevelt, Dick Devereaux

Lobo and Popplewell retook control – Lobo with a burst of Lariats and Popplewell with big throws – just before Dick Devereaux could enter the fray. Devereaux swung momentum back to the clown's favor as they regained the numbers advantage. Seldon was very much a live wire who wouldn't be denied, but a Lobo/Roosevelt 2-on-1 certainly didn't make her life easier as they broke tubes before Lobo's Running Powerslam onto light tubes laid on a razor board. Roosevelt then fell on her with a ruthless ground and pound. Devereaux fought with Daniels while Popplewell hurled SK2 into the cage a few times with suplexes.

30:00
HELLCATS: Skull Kid 2, Jacky Rex Daniels, Lisa Seldon, Anna Mathews
CLOWNS: Lobo the Clown, Royston Popplewell, Chester Roosevelt, Dick Devereaux

One would think Anna Mathews would be the last entrant after enduring the Ticket To The Top Deathmatch earlier in the night, but no. Skull Kid 1 was problematic again, but had the door shut in his face after Mathews snuck out of the shark cage. It became apparent that HSDS was saving Skull Kid 1 for last, hoping he could bat cleanup with his Strong Style Heavy Hitter style and crazy energy.

But that meant an already worn down competitor had to enter until then. Mathews was a momentary spark for her side, evening doing double team moves with her two regular partners – first with a Spike Hurricanrana after Daniels' Master Stroke (Discus Punch) knocked Roosevelt to her, then with Seldon as they sandwiched Devereaux between two razor boards with Running Dropkicks. However, it was once again Lobo and Popplewell who swung momentum back to the clowns and it wasn't long until Mathews found her face being pressed through the mesh by Lobo.

35:00
HELLCATS: Skull Kid 2, Jacky Rex Daniels, Lisa Seldon, Anna Mathews
CLOWNS: Lobo the Clown, Royston Popplewell, Chester Roosevelt, Dick Devereaux, Luna Baby

Skull Kid 1 was about to rip the damn bars off and his intensity grew more as he had to watch Luna Baby joyfully skip to the ring. The clowns got to enjoy five more minutes of the man advantage before eliminations. Luna didn't suffer any offense as she got to focus on Seldon, tormenting her in a double team assisted by Roosevelt, who held Seldon up by the arms and allowed Luna to carve her face with a broken light tube before throwing her through more tubes into the cage.

40:00 – ALL PARTICPANTS IN
HELLCATS: Skull Kid 2, Jacky Rex Daniels, Lisa Seldon, Anna Mathews, Skull Kid 1
CLOWNS: Lobo the Clown, Royston Popplewell, Chester Roosevelt, Dick Devereaux, Luna Baby

The crowd lost their shit as Skull Kid 1 knocked over the referee running out the door. The match swung in favor of the Hellcats as he ran over Devereaux, Luna, and Roosevelt with Lariats. The rest of his team sprung to life to deal with Lobo and Popplewell before they could once against influence momentum. The clowns looked to be in big trouble. Seldon was allowed to reclaim her catalytic form as SK1 ran riot in both rings. The most notable resurgence among the Hellcats was Skull Kid 2, who seemed to be suddenly galvanized by the arrival of his partner after taking a massive beating for most of the match. It was truly time for Smash and Bash – a Double Lariat that crushed Lobo. The monster didn't go down right away, and even take a handful of tubes to the head by Daniels, but a Springboard Shining Wizard by Mathews from the other ring to the back of the head took him down.

HSDS nearly enjoyed three and a half minutes of high-tempo, violent offense that got the crowd going. However, it all came to a sudden end when Luna caught Skull Kid 2 with a Small Package to score a pinfall elimination.

43:27 – SKULL KID 2 ELIMINATED
HELLCATS: Jacky Rex Daniels, Lisa Seldon, Anna Mathews, Skull Kid 1
CLOWNS: Lobo the Clown, Royston Popplewell, Chester Roosevelt, Dick Devereaux, Luna Baby

The clowns had the numbers advantage and HSDS were forced to grit their teeth over it yet again. With blood loss and fatigue setting in for everyone other than Skull Kid 1, the other remaining four Hellcats had to really roll up their sleeves and get to work. The light tubes were starting to become scarce, but the exposed boards were covered in glass. One couldn't land anywhere without getting more shards stuck in their flesh.

Seldon initiated another breakthrough for her side when she popped Roosevelt with a Back Brain Kick near a corner where Mathews stood. The Time Lord went to the rope rope as Seldon placed a gusset plate board on top of Roosevelt and connected with Cake or Death (Corkscrew Shooting Star Press). Mathews covered to get the pin, evening both sides at four apiece.

47:45 – CHESTER ROOSEVELT ELIMINATED
HELLCATS: Jacky Rex Daniels, Lisa Seldon, Anna Mathews, Skull Kid 1
CLOWNS: Lobo the Clown, Royston Popplewell, Dick Devereaux, Luna Baby

Skull Kid 1 wasn't as fresh anymore but still gave his side plenty of fire over the next few minutes. Most of the other competitors ran on fumes at this point and were forced to dig deep. Then Lobo, in a frightening turn of events, seemed to gain new life. He slammed Mathews' and Seldon's heads together, then threw Mathews so hard into the cage that it looked like she could go through the mesh. To think that probably would have been more pleasant as Lobo drove her face into the glass and exposed boards with The Party Foul (Reverse Swinging STO). He hooked a leg for the pin, eliminating Mathews and putting an end to her exhausting night.

55:14 – ANNA MATHEWS ELIMINATED
HELLCATS: Jacky Rex Daniels, Lisa Seldon, Skull Kid 1
CLOWNS: Lobo the Clown, Royston Popplewell, Dick Devereaux, Luna Baby

Frustration was evident on the faces of the remaining Hellcats and fans in the crowd. The clowns had the numbers advantage. Again. At this point, even Skull Kid 1 started to run out of gasoline in this uphill battle. The clowns took control with a basic punch/kick/light tube beat down as Popplewell provided the crunching suplexes. Then, out of nowhere, Daniels blocked Popplewell's vertical lift attempt with knees and hit The Wild Blue Yonder (Double Underhook Spinning Slam). Daniels joined SK1 in fighting off Lobo and Devereaux, and thankfully for them – Luna was down. This allowed Seldon to connect with Black Horse Riding Star (Top-Rope No Hand Asai Moonsault), pinning Popplewell to even things back up.

57:08 – ROYSTON POPPLEWELL ELIMINATED
HELLCATS: Jacky Rex Daniels, Lisa Seldon, Skull Kid 1
CLOWNS: Lobo the Clown, Dick Devereaux, Luna Baby

The elimination of one of the clown's big guys gave fans a reason to cheer, but the remaining Hellcats weren't cheering. Luna has a dozen gags up her sleeve and she was flanked by two of the deathmatch scene's most notorious men. In fact, they're champions in the world's biggest deathmatch company, so Luna had every reason to feel confident. However, HSDS had every reason to put their heads down and continue fighting.

With the match down to 3 vs. 3, the fighting became more clear and organized. Seldon fought with Luna while Skull Kid 1 occupied Lobo. In the other ring, Devereaux took it to Daniels – putting him through a gusset plate board with the Homing Missile (Missile-like Spear) in a corner for a 2.9 count. Devereaux went for the Pipebomb (Backpack Stunner), but Daniels slipped out and turned it into Synesthesia (Michinoku Driver II -

with a pin, getting the three count to give the Hellcats their first numbers advantage of the night...

60:52 – DICK DEVEREAUX ELIMINATED
HELLCATS: Jacky Rex Daniels, Lisa Seldon, Skull Kid 1
CLOWNS: Lobo the Clown, Luna Baby

… but it didn't last long. Lobo came up from behind, ran a razor board into the back of his head, then hit him with The Party Foul (Swinging Reverse STO). Lobo hooked the leg to get the pin and the teams were down to their last two.

61:01 – JACKY REX DANIELS ELIMINATED
HELLCATS: Lisa Seldon, Skull Kid 1
CLOWNS: Lobo the Clown, Luna Baby

The eliminated participants were grouped up at opposite sides of the ring. HSDS worked up the crowd while the clowns shouted encouragement at Lobo and Luna.

It all came down to these four and Lobo had a wicked smile even after over an hour of War Games ultraviolence. Seldon and SK1 knew they needed to make him their biggest priority. They attacked Luna, but Lobo was the main focus of their attrition as they kept coming at him. Just when it looked like they had him, he either blasted one of them with a Lariat or Luna interjected – either with an aerial move from a blind side, swinging one of the last tubes, or a sneaky pin attempt. Lobo seemed to get stronger, even biting the light tubes and spitting them at his opponents before continuing his stiff hoss offense.

Fighting split with Lobo brawling with SK1 in one ring while Seldon fought Luna in the other. Seldon took Luna out with a Yakuza Kick just as SK1 knocked Lobo down with a Lariat – requiring two off the ropes. It was a pivotal moment in the match as Seldon joined SK1, who lifted Lobo onto his shoulders. Seldon took Skull Kid 2's place in the Shoot 4 Skull double team, with SK1 doing a Fireman's Carry Toss into Seldon's Shoot Kick. SK1 quickly lifted Lobo up over his shoulder while Seldon went to the top rope with a razor board. SK1 did a Running Powerslam into the shards and Seldon followed up with a Moonsault, crushing Lobo under the razors to complete the Skull Kids' Hello Moon double team. SK1 held Luna back at the ropes as Seldon pinned Lobo. After over 72 and a half harrowing minutes, Lobo was finally eliminated.

72:31 – LOBO THE CLOWN ELIMINATED
HELLCATS: Lisa Seldon, Skull Kid 1
CLOWNS: Luna Baby

Luna Baby was left all alone. Seldon and SK1 had their fun with Luna, breaking the remaining light tubes over her head as the fans roared them on. The clowns could only watch with hands over their faces until Seldon decided to go for the kill. Someone must have told her it was well after 5 A.M., so she told Skull Kid 1 they were going for the biggest gun – hoping to both brutalize the shit out of Luna and send the fans home happy. They executed yet another Skull Kids double team, this time the ultimate one. SK1 planted Luna with a Top Rope Piledriver and Seldon followed with a Double Rotation Moonsault – The End of The Final Day. Both mother and son shared a bonding experience by covering Luna together for the pin, winning the match.

75:10 – LUNA BABY ELIMINATED, HELLCAT SPANGLED DEATH SQUAD WIN
HELLCATS: Lisa Seldon, Skull Kid 1
CLOWNS: all out

Mathews, Daniels, and Skull Kid 2 rejoined Seldon and Skull Kid 1 in the ring for celebrations. Seldon got on the microphone to address the crowd, saying she would make it quick because it was super late and the Tokyo trains were running again, so everyone could go home. But, as the After Dark Champion and self-declared Ace of After Dark (nobody was going to argue), she felt it was her duty to thank them all for coming out in the first place and staying out so late to watch the bloodshed and brutality. After rubbing it into the clown's faces, Seldon said After Dark would continue to grow from here. According to her, Hellcat Spangled Death Squad would lead the way, using the big War Games victory as momentum to launch both them and After Dark to even greater heights.