WCA AA Evolution Cup: Night 3

A rematch of the first singles match for both competitors in Full Throttle, Sho and Abe come to the ring looking serious. Sho has yet to really shake off his losing streak since joining the company and Abe represents the perfect challenge to turn things around. 

Sho comes firing out of his corner immediately at the bell with a boot to Abe’s face. He swings the dazed Abe into the ropes and bouncing back into a hefty lariat from Sho. Abe is already down for a pin! He kicks out violently at less than 2 but it’s still a big boost to the intensely focused Sho. 

Back on their feet, the two go for a little grappling action, twisting each other’s arms to get some leverage. Abe is able to get Sho down with a little kick to the back of his knees but Sho twists out of any follow up, leaving the two circling and wary. Sho is clearly eager to get Abe to the mat, lunging forward whenever he sees an opening with Abe dancing away, light on his feet. A misstep by Sho gives Abe an opening at Sho’s leg, twisting him into an ankle lock, both grimacing as Abe twists without mercy. Sho hops to the ropes, glaring back at Abe as his leg is finally released. Abe seems to be sticking to the same tactic as their previous match, targeting Sho’s now tender ankle, but Sho is more prepared, adjusting to keep this mat on their feet and Abe off balance. 

As Abe goes in to lock up with Sho yet again, Sho pushes him back to the apron, pulling back enough to land a thunderous slap across Abe’s face. Abe looks momentarily stunned to be slapped first before responding in kind. They slap each other back and forth across the ring until Sho finally knocks Abe down. Furious, Abe is on his feet and launching a dropkick at Sho’s leg immediately. Abe makes the most of his opportunity, landing elbows on Sho’s knee and twisting his ankle. Yet again, the ropes save Sho from further punishment but he’s very definitely unsteady on his feet as he stands. 

They trade blows again. As Abe lunges for Sho’s legs, Sho sees a chance, grabbing Abe around the waist and hoisting him up for a power breaker! He hits it but grabs at his knees in pain, unable to recover quickly enough to secure the pin. Both roll away to opposite corners, needing to use the ropes to hoist themselves to their feet. Sho is faster though and it’s the perfect opportunity for a spear! Sho is on the downed Abe immediately. Abe kicks out at 2 but can’t recover fast enough to avoid Sho twisting him over and into a Kimura! Abe struggles but is forced to submit. A dominant victory for Sho!

This match is exactly as you’d expect: fast and loud! Nobu and MAO spend the first 30 seconds just trying to scream the loudest and work up the crowd. When they finally run at each other from their opposing corners, Nobu has the better strategy, ducking under MAO’s kicks and tripping him up into a schoolboy pin. Bursting out, MAO wastes no time in trying to get revenge, working Nobu back as he tries to dodge MAO’s kicks. The ropes stop his progress and Nobu is forced to take a series of sharp kicks to his chest with no way to escape. With Nobu clutching his chest in pain, MAO sees an opportunity, running at Nobu with a big boot. But Nobu drops down at the last second, pulling down the top rope with him and sending the speeding MAO over the top. Nobu springs over the rope with a plancha to MAO on the outside. Nobu takes a lap of the ring, hands raised and cheering as MAO rolls around on the floor. 

Both get back in the ring for yet another fast paced exchange of dodged kicks, missed dropkicks and tricky pin attempts from Nobu. MAO kicks out at every one, seemingly still full of energy and making Nobu pay with some further kicks to his chest and back when he doesn’t get to his knees fast enough. It looks like the two are evenly matched and the pace is furious. Surely they can’t keep it up?

A screw high kick from MAO sends Nobu backwards but he responds with a headbutt! A slightly wobbly MAO goes for a lariat but Nobu has him around the waist and rolled up again, Nobu scrambling to hold the pin. MAO kicks out and goes for the lariat again. Nobu grabs his arm and tries to work it into a backslide pin but with no luck. MAO scrambles out and hits Nobu with an enzuigiri, followed by a spinning heel kick. Nobu barely stays on his feet and he’s an easy target for MAO to finally hit that lariat. Shimatani kicks out at 2 but is not in good condition. MAO grabs at Nobu, trying to lift him up for a Michinoku driver. Nobu struggles furiously to escape, pounding at MAO’s back until MAO lets go. 

With the two facing each other, finally starting to look a little worn out, MAO attempts a distraction punch but Nobu knows him too well and lands a punch of his own first. Somehow the two get even louder as they land their punches. MAO goes to add a run-up to his arm but Shimatani hits him with a dropkick and then a fisherman suplex. Nobu grabs MAO’s arm, pulling him to his feet and gets set up for a crucifix bomb. MAO just wriggles out in time, grabbing Nobu’s waist for a suplex but Nobu is ready and rolls through for a 1-2-3 pin! Nobu wins and MAO is without a single point on day 3 of the tournament.