Tetsuya Naito vs Zack Sabre Jr. - IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Match: NJPW KING OF PRO-WRESTLING 2024 (October 14, 2024)
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00:00The country he longed for, the place he longed for
00:06It's always been bittersweet at Ryugoku
00:10The Ryogoku National Museum, which has been torn apart
00:18So for me, that building sort of encapsulates, you know, I spent so much of my youth watching like old New Japan tapes
00:26However, his longings will never fade
00:30In his 13th year since his birth, he has finally
00:35Won his first G1 Climax in Ryogoku
00:40Zack Sabre Jr.
00:44I'm happy, I'm really happy
00:48At the 1.4 Tokyo Dome Main Event
00:53He will challenge for the top spot
00:58Ryogoku is my favorite game
01:02And the build up to the Tokyo Dome was sort of static
01:05So I think it's worth the risk
01:08I would come to terms with not being worthy of being champion
01:13If I had to choose
01:16This is the place
01:19Naito-san, New Japan's top is me
01:25If I had achieved my goal, I would have gone to the next step
01:31For the sake of the fans
01:33I won't let Zack Sabre Jr. leave
01:35So I think I need to stop him in Ryogoku
01:47IWGP World Heavyweight Champion
01:50Naito Tetsuya
01:53The oldest stadium in Ryogoku
01:58Is probably the most memorable
02:02No matter how many challengers I face
02:05I will never give up
02:09I will stop him here
02:24If I do it once, I want to do it again
02:27So next year, I want to win the Tokyo Dome 2 times in a row
02:32I won't give up
02:34I will reach the top
02:37Tranquilo
02:39Arsena
02:41You're the one who needs to stay tranquilo
02:43Akido Ryogoku
02:45The final battle
02:48IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
02:52The challenger, Zack Sabre Jr. vs Naito Tetsuya
03:23His opponent was Hiroki Goto
03:27It was an away game then
03:29It is anything but here tonight
03:32In the past 7 years
03:34This has been the site of his greatest triumph
03:38There in his right hand, the G1 Climax Trophy
03:42But also the site of his biggest letdowns
03:45Tonight, Ryogoku is the site of the biggest roll of the dice
03:50And the biggest match of his career
03:52A Tokyo Dome main event on the table
03:55Now put at stake for a chance at the gold
03:59And balancing on the night bench
04:02Of a Goto like Brian's made
04:04Or best in the world, Brian
04:11Our challenger
04:14G1 Climax 34
04:18Team TK
04:20The frontman
04:22Zack Sabre Jr.
05:18Tetsuya Naito
05:41The world has followed Tetsuya Naito
05:44As IWGP World Heavyweight Champion
05:47As a near God
05:51But when questions start to arise
05:53About God's status
05:55In the world of professional wrestling
05:58Foundations begin to shift
06:01And if there is any night
06:03That the foundation of New Japan Pro Wrestling
06:06And the sport of professional wrestling itself
06:09Will shift completely
06:11It could be tonight
06:14Tetsuya Naito knows the energy in this building
06:17Maybe 90-10 to Zack
06:19Maybe 80-20 to Zack
06:21Maybe 70-30 even to himself
06:24But whatever it is in this building
06:27Tetsuya Naito does not need to be driven by these fans
06:31He needs to be driven by Tetsuya Naito
06:34The only way Tetsuya Naito overcomes Zack Sabre Jr. tonight
06:39Is if Tetsuya Naito believes in his own destiny
06:58One of the first venues a young Tetsuya Naito set foot in as a fan
07:03The 10th IWGP World Heavyweight Champion
07:12187.02kg from Los Ingos
07:17Naito Tetsuya
07:34Last year
07:37Tetsuya Naito
07:39Overcoming the odds
07:41To win the G1 Climax
07:44For the third time again
07:47Right here
07:49Each of those times
07:52The people were here for him
07:55When he needed them
07:57And then as now he needs them
08:01This has been a reign of survival rather than supremacy
08:07Chris Tetsuya Naito has admitted himself that he knows he may not have those people tonight
08:12There has been a ground swell of support for the G1 winner
08:19When I say to have the people
08:22That doesn't necessarily mean to have the people cheering for you
08:26What's important and always has been important for Tetsuya Naito
08:29Is controlling the whims of the crowd
08:32And I think you're right
08:34I think Naito will be wearing a black hat tonight
08:36If he has to
08:39By the same point
08:41I know we're in election season
08:43I know that's what people talk about
08:45It's almost as if Naito is not able to argue with Zack Sabre Jr. on policy
08:50So he went ad hominem
08:52Oh, Zack Sabre Jr. is going to go on to the next stage
08:54Oh, Zack Sabre Jr. is not going to be here
08:57So I should protect New Japan Pro Wrestling by beating Sabre tonight
09:01Something Sabre strongly refuted
09:05I hate to say that this is getting close to the election cycle
09:08But it felt a little bit like fake news
09:10Tetsuya Naito was trying to put out
09:11They're trying to control the media and these people
09:13And it's always been for Tetsuya Naito about controlling the narrative
09:27Naito! Naito! Naito!
09:31Naito! Naito! Naito!
09:35Naito! Naito! Naito!
09:39The eyes have it for Zack Sabre Jr.
09:43And I said when we did our preview on YouTube, Walker
09:48The guy who would be up with the crowd in the first 30 seconds
09:52Might be up by the end of the night
09:56As we get into this match, Chris
09:58I'd love to talk about the way that Tetsuya Naito
10:01Once again has attempted to control the narrative
10:03Stirring controversy regarding a potential challenger
10:07That he says he will be the one to name
10:09Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi on that list
10:11But very well could go beyond either of those two names as well
10:14I mean, Zack Sabre Jr. already we know will face Sanada
10:18Next week Sunday at Royal Quest in Crystal Palace
10:21And has said that if he comes away with the championship
10:24Then he will put it on the line in London next week
10:28Tetsuya Naito responding and saying
10:30Well, pointedly looking, look out
10:33Covered here, Zack, and it's one
10:35Naito pointing out Hiromu Takahashi
10:37Pointing out Shingo Takagi
10:39Says when I defend the championship tonight
10:42I will choose my challenger for the Tokyo Dome here in Ryogoku
10:46And certainly, you know, dangling that carrot of matches
10:49People want to see
10:52I'd really argue up until that point
10:54Most of the focal for conversation
10:56Has been on the idea of Zack becoming world champion
10:58You're right
10:59Covered here, and it was one
11:04And I think at that point, you know, Tetsuya Naito
11:06Felt a little bit panicked, quite frankly
11:08Knows he does not look
11:10Shoulders down, and it's a quick two
11:12Yeah, it could be something that could end at any moment
11:16Look, I mean, Tetsuya Naito does not have the physical edge
11:19Over Zack Sabre Jr.
11:21That is a given
11:23But he's always at his most dangerous
11:26As Naito went back into a corner
11:28We saw it in Kobe with Great Okan
11:33And we see it when the people are with him
11:35One way or the other
11:39You know, there was a period of time
11:41Where Tetsuya Naito did have the physical edge
11:43Over Zack Sabre Jr.
11:45First singles meeting, August 2017
11:47G1 Climax 27
11:49They've had so many singles matches now
11:517-5 record, record still goes to Naito
11:53Still does
11:58Somewhat, you could almost say
12:00In that exchange, I'll always go back to
12:02The 2021 G1
12:04Where Zack Sabre Jr. didn't just beat
12:06Tetsuya Naito that night, but forced him out
12:08Of that year's tournament entirely
12:12You know, and that would, at one point
12:14You would say, well that might have shifted
12:16Their rivalry, but Naito
12:18Actually reversed, went on a streak
12:20Against Zack Sabre Jr.
12:22After that, extended his lead
12:24Yes, look at this control taken here
12:26For Zack Sabre Jr.
12:28Head scissors applied
12:30You could very much expect a ground game
12:32In the early going of this matchup
12:34And we know, we've seen a lot more recently
12:36Especially with the lack of success Naito had
12:38Back in G1 with the Destino
12:40That the ground game can work for Naito
12:42He's facing the best technical wrestler in the world
12:44That's true, but he is also
12:46An extremely
12:48Prodigious, prevalent and capable
12:50Mat wrestler, amateur wrestler
12:52Came up through the Amaguchi Dojo
12:54Let's not forget his grounding in that regard
12:58And certainly knows his way
13:00Around a few Yabe holds
13:02To boot
13:04It's just a different story
13:06When you're wrestling against the best
13:08Technical wrestler in the world
13:10Working away at that ankle
13:12You can see
13:14The determination, the grit
13:16That Zack Sabre Jr. has
13:18I think that
13:20That label of best technical wrestler in the world
13:22Of course, Zack Sabre Jr.
13:24Influenced by other greats before him
13:26Went into the G1 Climax
13:28Carrying the expectations of Yoshinori Ogawa
13:30Who had then recently retired
13:32And I don't think we can talk about this match
13:34In full
13:36Without mentioning Brian Danielson
13:38Brian Danielson
13:40At the end of his full-time career
13:42Just the other day
13:44Yeah, you're right about that
13:46Brian Danielson, you know, is cheering on Zack Sabre Jr.
13:48In this matchup
13:50Yeah, I mean, I know Brian Danielson
13:52Wanted an AEW world champion
13:54Versus IWGP world champion
13:56He wanted Brian Danielson, Zack Sabre Jr.
13:58In the Tokyo Dome
14:00That's sadly not going to happen
14:02But
14:04A different course being plotted here tonight
14:06In response, talking about
14:08Naito claiming Zack is going to leave
14:10For other organizations across the pond
14:12But his status
14:14Reaches that level
14:16Zack in response saying, hey, I've represented
14:18New Japan this year alone
14:20Across Southeast Asia, North America, Europe
14:22There is not a single person more suited
14:24To leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling than I am
14:26Here's your response
14:28For so many wrestlers
14:30Japan is a stopping point
14:32Because it's a place to
14:34Prove yourself against the best
14:36Become one of the best
14:38And then go on to other things elsewhere
14:40This isn't the means
14:42To the end for Zack Sabre Jr.
14:44This was always the goal, to be here, to be wrestling
14:46In this main event, in Ryogoku
14:48For the World Heavyweight Championship
14:56These are the moments
14:58Naito getting inside the head of Sabre Jr.
15:00We've known Sabre Jr. highly aggressive
15:02To be in the past
15:32To that left arm
15:38That submission
15:40Sudden danger
15:42To Zack Sabre Jr.
15:4426 singles wins this year
15:4626-7-1 over the last 365 days
15:50Naito put the brakes on
15:52Right over the top here
15:54As Naito sweeps the leg
15:56Not afraid
15:58Drop kick to the outside
16:00First time in this matchup
16:02A lot of ups and downs in this building
16:04For both men as well
16:06But both have won their last three singles matches
16:08In this building
16:10That is a streak that is going to be broken
16:12Tonight for one of these two men
16:14Speaking of days
16:16Conversation about Naito
16:18His second reign as World Heavyweight Champion
16:20His day 106 in the current reign
16:22205 days overall
16:30Oh man
16:36Most successful
16:38Most recent rather defense
16:40For Tetsuya Naito against Great-O-Khan
16:42Just weeks ago destruction in Kobe
16:4430 plus minutes of action
16:46With a 60 minute time limit tonight
16:48We could see this one go potentially a distance
16:50Certainly a chance of it
16:52And Naito is going to take his time
16:54Knows that full well
16:56Despite the fact we talk about
16:58Survival over superiority
17:00In this reign for Tetsuya Naito
17:02But that's what's brought him main event after main event
17:04Uh-oh
17:06Danger for Zack Sabre Jr. who escapes
17:10Naito wants that shoulder thrust
17:12Caught him here to Zack Sabre Jr.
17:14It is a twist off the top
17:16With a little bit of elevation applied
17:28Naito
17:32Sure it's coming in to the conversation
17:34Point bit of an elephant in the room
17:36The debilitating status
17:38Of Tetsuya Naito over the past few years
17:40Well I mean there's not
17:42Bad knees bad neck
17:44Yeah but I mean he's a professional wrestler
17:46That kind of goes with the territory
17:48It's how you deal with
17:50That pain
17:52And for the most part Naito
17:54Is able to deal with it I would say against
17:56against any other opponent than Zack Sabre Jr.
17:59A man who is very, very skilled, highly adept,
18:03the best in the world at doing it, targeting those limbs.
18:06Oh, and that is just a show-off showcase
18:09from Zack Sabre Jr.
18:15It's so impressive.
18:16The way that Zack Sabre Jr.
18:18has described technical wrestling as an art form, Chris,
18:20I know that's something you're incredibly fond of yourself.
18:22Yeah, I mean, I've said this before a lot.
18:25We talk about technical wrestling like it's a science.
18:28That word, scientific wrestling, comes about.
18:31You know, Zack Sabre Jr. doesn't regard himself as a scientist.
18:34He regards himself as an artist.
18:36And there's a jazz-like flow to what he does.
18:40He doesn't have a game plan.
18:41He doesn't come in thinking about things,
18:43which is what Tetsuya Naito often does.
18:45You often see him image training,
18:47with his eyes shut in cold focus as his opponent makes
18:50his entrance, because he's trying to figure out,
18:52what am I going to do in this situation?
18:54If Zack just doesn't think he feels,
18:57that might be the difference.
19:00Zack Sabre Jr. has Tetsuya Naito on this latter half
19:03rung through the ringer.
19:05That is a position that Tetsuya Naito
19:07is used to being in, even in big match situations.
19:10Yeah, in big match situations, Naito
19:13knows better than anybody.
19:15This, courtesy of Chris Samson, the 94th New Japan Singles
19:19main event of Tetsuya Naito's career,
19:22overtaken Tatsumi Fujinami.
19:25The most big match experience, fourth most big match
19:27experience of all time.
19:29Only Antonio Inoki, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Kazuchika
19:33Okada have been in this spot more.
19:34Oh, shoulders, hold on.
19:36Oh!
19:37And a page out of a ZSJ playbook from Tetsuya Naito.
19:43Naito getting a little bit cute.
19:57And now, it's so hard to tell, because I think some of the
20:12something can start as a Naito chant,
20:14and it turns into a Zack chant.
20:15Yeah, the battle.
20:17Ryoko Kusumoha, just as strong as the battle
20:19between these two men.
20:20Back elbow here for Naito, and the drop
20:22kick right to the side of the head.
20:24Might have caught the ear of Zack there.
20:30And brought back in with the back elbow once more.
20:38As Tetsuya Naito, oh man, back of the neck of Zack
20:42Sabre Jr.
20:45And he is going to appreciate this hang time,
20:48will Tetsuya Naito.
20:50Going to make Zack Sabre Jr. think about it long and hard.
20:53And now, almost as hard was that canvas.
20:59Tetsuya Naito, slow into the cover, and it's two.
21:04You know that Naito knows he wasn't going
21:06to win the match off that cover.
21:07What does that effectively do?
21:09I mean, what it's doing is just, I think, again,
21:12controlling the room a little bit.
21:15Making sure people know that he's in control.
21:18And of course, this, a favorite hold of his.
21:28So much of Jave Walker is about using your opponent's own body
21:33against them.
21:33And that's exactly what's happening in this hold.
21:36The arms being pinned against themselves,
21:40the chin being forced into the chest.
21:42See how Zack Sabre Jr. is trying to unlace those feet.
21:47Now might be free, and is a little bit
21:52going to ease some of that pressure, not all of it.
21:55It's like trying to untie shoelaces tied too tight.
21:58Yeah.
21:59Oh man, and Zack is having to throw his entire body
22:03to that bottom rope.
22:04Yeah, don't, of course, think that Tetsuya Naito is going
22:07to let go of that hold quickly.
22:10He will use all of the five count, which
22:13needs to be applied right now.
22:19You see the pain, but also the frustration there, Walker.
22:23Because it's still, we always talk about Zack's pridefulness.
22:26He doesn't like rope breaks.
22:28He wants to be able to get out of a predicament on his own.
22:31And again, that's a little victory in the mind games
22:34for Tetsuya Naito.
22:35Sure, but realizing how important this situation is.
22:38I mean, this would be the biggest choke of momentum
22:41of Zack Sabre Jr.'s career, should he fail here tonight.
22:44Zack, well aware of that, has brought the arms right through.
22:49And speaking of bringing things through, oh man,
22:51hung over that top rope.
22:52Classic, classic hold, evocative,
22:57with a little twist.
23:00Minoru Suzuki, and you think, I mean,
23:05Sabre already pretty naturally with his God-given talents.
23:09But then on top of that, being trained
23:11by the best technical wrestlers in the UK.
23:14And then, oh man, once in Japan, learning under Yoshinori Ogawa.
23:20Once in New Japan, learning under Minoru Suzuki.
23:23And now, in a position to lead.
23:25Got it.
23:26You know, we make mention all the time of Zack Sabre Jr.
23:31wrestling in the Billy Robinson style.
23:33And you know what they say, what's old becomes new again.
23:35And now, there are many a young wrestler
23:37across the independents, or even other major organizations,
23:40that look to emulate, not the Billy Robinson style,
23:42but they'll call it the Zack Sabre Jr. style.
23:44Yeah, I mean, so often when you go into Japan,
23:48and you'd say, oh, I'm from England,
23:50I like professional wrestling.
23:51Even non-fans will say, oh, Lancaster style, Lancaster
23:54style.
23:55You know, that style from the Wigan shooters,
24:01is so revered, so established.
24:03I know Josh Barnett, doing great work with our Young Lions
24:07earlier this week in the Nogai Dojo,
24:09talked about the traditions of Carl Gotch in, oh,
24:14Saito just barely leads him.
24:15Right back on that left shoulder.
24:17To finish the thought, the traditions of Carl Gotch,
24:20and his teachings to the New Japan Dojo,
24:24way back in the day.
24:25Well, Carl Gotch learned all he had from Billy Robinson,
24:28and the snake pit.
24:29And that's the tradition that Zack Sabre Jr.
24:32has not only kept alive, Walker, but modernized, transformed.
24:35That's what's key.
24:36Absolutely.
24:42You can hear those thuds.
24:48Spitting the face of Zack Sabre Jr. for Naito now.
24:51This is signature Tetsuya Naito, to continue
24:54to try and wear down that neck.
24:55It might not have worked out for him in G1 Climax,
24:57but it worked out for him back in Kobe.
24:59That destino, which would come absolutely out of nowhere.
25:05Great overhead to cut away that grip.
25:08But Naito back to the neck here.
25:10Tornado DDT.
25:14And Zack Sabre Jr., as much as he may not
25:16appreciate those robes, he better
25:17be appreciating them right now.
25:24Right in front of us here at ringside, Chris,
25:27members of TMDK, and definitely going
25:29to play a mental influence for Zack Sabre Jr. in this match.
25:32But you can see, every single bump, every single bruise,
25:35Zack Sabre Jr. takes frustration and fear,
25:39potentially, setting in in the TMDK roster.
25:42Well, maybe, maybe, just the need.
25:45And I think it's great to have.
25:47It's great to have Fujita here, but more importantly,
25:49to have Shane and Mikey here.
25:51And I think there's a lot of belief in the challenger.
25:54Top rope, though.
25:55No, no, no, no, no.
25:56Tetsuya Naito.
25:57It's a hit.
25:58It's off the top.
26:01How many times, Walker, have we seen that franken
26:04off the top lead to victory?
26:05It is very rare that he gets that off the corner
26:10and then goes on to lose the match.
26:12Yes.
26:13It's almost sequential, isn't it?
26:15It's almost sequential.
26:16It's almost sequential.
26:17It's almost sequential.
26:18It's almost sequential.
26:20It's almost sequential.
26:22The way we've been able to study Tetsuya Naito's career.
26:27The way you can see it play out tonight in Ryogoku,
26:29potentially, here we go.
26:30Side headlock, takedown right off the jaw.
26:32Nice, beautiful, and Puma blanket, Puma blanket.
26:37That's the submission hold Tetsuya Naito
26:41started applying when he won his first G1 Climax in 13.
26:45That Koji clutch, he's been utilizing it
26:47all throughout the Road to King of Pro Wrestling events,
26:50our live events, non-televised.
26:52And now, Zack Sabre Jr., I mean, that technical wizard
26:56that he is, there is a way to get out of this,
26:58but Zack's really going to have to feel for it.
27:01Right, yeah, he's trying to shift his weight,
27:03trying to force Naito down onto his shoulders,
27:05maybe use his head for leverage if he can.
27:10Again, trying to work on those hooks.
27:14The problem is that he's spending a lot of energy
27:18and again, just like before,
27:22may be forced to the ropes again.
27:26And that is another mental check in the box for Tetsuya Naito.
27:31Look, I mean, we talked before, you mentioned it,
27:33about this strong wave of forward momentum that can choke.
27:37That's a position that Tetsuya Naito was absolutely in,
27:41you know, coming off his second G1
27:43when everybody believed he would beat Okada
27:46in the Tokyo Dome.
27:47And it was just one look to the heavens too long
27:50and that was all it took for Naito to leave
27:52in crushing defeat.
27:57I would say Zack Sabre Jr. having even more momentum tonight
28:00than Naito had that night.
28:03And now, that momentum being brought full force
28:06into a back elbow from the champion.
28:10It's continued attacks.
28:12The spacious look in the eyes of Zack Sabre Jr.,
28:15a look that we've seen so many times
28:17out of Tetsuya Naito just the same.
28:22That's what we're seeing here.
28:25Oh, we know what's coming.
28:30Tetsuya Naito has Esperanza inbound and sparring with Naito.
28:35Tetsuya Naito has Esperanza inbound and spiked deep down.
28:41Walker, I'm concerned about Zack Sabre Jr.
28:44Those hits for Naito, that Esperanza,
28:47a glassy look in his eye.
28:49I don't think the challenger knows where he is, Naito.
28:51Oh, wait a minute, wait a minute.
28:53Hold on, hold on.
28:55And it's a dead center.
28:57Mariendo style.
28:59The cover, no.
29:06The first Decino attempt that we've noticed in this matchup,
29:09and it was successful.
29:10He doesn't know where he's at, Walker.
29:16Bring it up the arm.
29:17No, no, no, bring it up the arm.
29:19Zack Sabre Jr. brings it down.
29:20He do, and look.
29:24Trying for Clarky Cat, and he's got it now.
29:26Wow.
29:28And again, he's going to shift from hold to hold,
29:31position to position.
29:33Shakes his head, stop Naito getting closer to the rope.
29:35Oh, wants control of those legs.
29:37Very, very similar to how he won G1 Climax
29:39against Yota Tsuji.
29:40Here we go.
29:41Oh, he's going to snap the shoulders.
29:44Full control of the arm.
29:45Digit manipulation from Zack Sabre Jr.
29:48Oh, Naito screaming.
29:50Grimacing, screaming.
29:52Oh, and he's got it.
29:53He's got it.
29:54He's got it.
29:55He's got it.
29:56He's screaming, grimacing in pain.
30:05Zack Sabre Jr. grasp of the leg.
30:10Naito shakes his head, no.
30:14And we are going to need a verbal submission here tonight.
30:16Zack Sabre Jr. switches the narrative.
30:21For all Naito's gone through, to be where he is now,
30:25for all his sacrifice, he will not quit,
30:28walk or will he?
30:30Barely.
30:31Not tonight.
30:43Chris, did you just feel what I felt?
30:45The energy in this arena shift a little bit.
30:48Almost a little bit of uncertainty.
30:51Yeah, you see what I'm seeing.
30:52The camera just picked it up.
30:53Zack calling to Mikey at the corner.
30:57Gesturing with his fingers, saying.
31:01Selling him.
31:02I've got pins and needles.
31:03I've got no strength in my left arm, Orton.
31:09It's one wheel down for Zack.
31:10And yet, he's still going to try and lift.
31:12Maybe just a test he can do it.
31:14Good God.
31:15Valencia.
31:17Tetsuya Naito to ring it up, to take this one home to retain.
31:21No.
31:22Zack, Zack.
31:23Whoa, God.
31:24Stop.
31:24Player dragger.
31:33The king has brought Zack Sabre Jr. closer to the throne.
31:38Has brought Zack Sabre Jr. closer to the throne.
31:51In regard to the learning tree,
31:52Zack Sabre Jr. has studied every single branch.
31:58Oh, with a shot like that.
32:09Naito needs the people, Walker,
32:11but I think the people are for Zack.
32:16And will it be a penalty shot?
32:18Back of the net.
32:21Zack Sabre Jr., he might believe it,
32:24but he's got to pull it out.
32:26No.
32:27Counter.
32:28Destino.
32:30No, no.
32:38No.
32:43And Naito has control of the wrist.
32:45His title.
32:46One more time.
32:47One more time.
32:48No.
32:49Zack Sabre Jr. out.
32:51He got him.
32:52He got him back side.
32:52No, no, no, no.
32:53And he's up.
32:54And he's up.
32:55Planet.
32:56Oh, the roll up, the roll up, the roll up.
32:59No.
33:00Are you sure?
33:01Are you sure?
33:02Destino.
33:03No.
33:03Combo kick.
33:05Sabre stun.
33:06And Sabre Jr. with the lariat.
33:11And it might be time, Chris Charlton.
33:15This might be the moment.
33:17Don't get too cocky, Zack.
33:19Determination over destiny.
33:22Zack Sabre Driver.
33:24No.
33:26A one at one.
33:28And maybe for the final time.
33:32Zack Driver.
33:37No.
33:38No.
33:39Still.
33:40Denied.
33:43There is never any denial of the resilience.
33:48Destiny in his grasp, but denied.
33:51And it's over, John.
33:53Crossed off.
33:54Yeah, cross.
33:55Zack Driver.
34:00Zack Sabre Jr.
34:02Is IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
34:0724.41 seconds.
34:11Zack Sabre Jr. has won.
34:19For 20 years, Zack Sabre Jr. has proven skill.
34:24For 20 years, proven determined.
34:2720 years, proven ambitious.
34:30Tonight, he has proven he is mighty.
34:33And Walker, I've gotta stop
34:35because I've got a lump in my throat.
34:38The culmination of a 20-year career
34:43has come tonight.
34:45In the most fruitful of ways,
34:48Zack Sabre Jr. has dethroned El Ingobernable himself.
35:06Chris, you have been calling it for months.
35:08The world has been calling it for months.
35:10But you can finally say it.
35:12It can't be jinxed anymore.
35:15It's come home.
35:23And there is not just a corner,
35:27but all of Ryogoku Sumo Hall, Walker Stewart,
35:31that will be forever England.
35:3524.41 seconds.
35:38The new champion has been born.
35:40Zack Sabre Jr. has won.
35:54There are very few things in this sport that aren't deserved.
36:00But for Zack Sabre Jr.,
36:03you can serve as the exception.
36:06This IWGP World Heavyweight Championship reign
36:09beyond earned.
36:26A long, long way for the champion.
36:32And now, as promised, Zack Sabre Jr. will go home.
36:38Sunday at Royal Quest
36:40with the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
36:46Oh, and if you haven't got those last few tickets
36:49at njpwuk.com,
36:52I think they'll be gone in just a few seconds' time.
36:56New goal to bring home to Zack Sabre Sr.
37:03An incredible match and an incredible night.