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00:00The New Japan Academy
00:13is a strong survivor match.
00:15We will win a win for 20 minutes.
00:30I'm alongside none other than Veda Scott.
00:32My name is Walker Stewart.
00:33It is to kick off the buy-in to Windy City Riot 2025, Veda.
00:37It is Windy City Riot 2025, but we've got to look back to Windy City Riot 2024
00:42to see how the journey to this match started.
00:45First of all, we have out now CJ Tino, who is making his strong debut.
00:51CJ Tino and Matt Vandegrift back at the NJPW Academy Cup one month ago.
01:10Victorious over none other than Fred Rosser and Rocky Romero, too.
01:14NJPW Academy coaches.
01:16We'll see if that can carry CJ Tino into tonight.
01:21But not other tonight than St. J.
01:42That's the music of the NJPW Academy that you're going to hear.
01:45NJPW Academy born and no gay dojo bread.
01:51It has been three months since late January, the moment that Zane J entered the NJPW No Gay Dojo.
02:02You see tonight, Veda Scott, Zane J donning the Young Lion attire, the black trunks,
02:06the taped up knees, and the black boots.
02:09And it is going to be that no gay dojo style tested against the Academy.
02:12Well, I was saying before that we'd have to go back to 2024's Windy City Riot because that is where we first saw Zane J here in a strong match.
02:20But really, you're right, Walker.
02:21We have to go back even further than that for the roots of this, to the roots of the Young Lion.
02:26And it is, of course, Zane J that competed in his very first New Japan Pro Wrestling Strong matchup back last year at Windy City Riot.
02:35Faced off against Matt Vandegrift.
02:37A sub-five-minute loss it was for Zane J in his debut.
02:40And the way that he has leveled up incredibly so beyond that point.
02:44Becoming strong survivor at the behest of one Matt Vandegrift back in January.
02:49And this will be Zane J's first defense of that strong survivor position.
02:53And for those that don't know, Veda, Scott, why don't you fill us in on that strong survivor spot?
02:57The strong survivor is, it's a title given to someone who has really impressed in the New Japan Academy.
03:07Like you said, Matt Vandegrift, he was able to capture it first.
03:11And then you have to defend that in subsequent matches.
03:14It keeps you on the New Japan cards.
03:16It keeps you moving up.
03:17And it is a chance to break out.
03:19CJ Tino knows that.
03:20That is why he is fighting so hard right now.
03:22Yeah, and while we talk about advancement in the NJPW Academy, the first ever Academy Cup taking place late March.
03:27The winner of that, Alan Brees, hopeful to be in action.
03:30Oh!
03:30Oh, coming up in Ontario, California for resurgence.
03:35When we talk about debuts for Zane J one year ago, this is only the genesis for that of CJ Tino.
03:41Not donning any Young Lion gear.
03:43This is the full-fleshed-out CJ Tino.
03:45Chiseled out of stone in here tonight.
03:47Looking to make a statement.
03:48I talked to CJ a little bit earlier in the day, and he mentioned to me how he and Zane J, they were in the same class at the Academy.
03:56And they have both.
03:57They have gone very different paths.
04:01And CJ Tino gets taken down there.
04:03And CJ Tino, I think, is almost trying to make up for lost time here.
04:05Well, you know, as far as CJ Tino knows, a win here tonight could earn him a place in the coveted No Gay Dojo.
04:10That is a place that we are going to see the proof of here tonight with Zane J.
04:14Incredible improvements and strides have been making out of this man.
04:18Guest coach Josh Barnett has spoken very, very highly of Zane J, as well as the other coaches in the No Gay Dojo.
04:23We'll see how he fares here tonight.
04:25And we keep talking about Zane J being in Japan, being in JoJo.
04:28Oh, he just got caught with the boot.
04:29We should mention that that was as of two days ago.
04:32Right.
04:32He just got back as he catches Tino out of the sky.
04:36So we are really seeing the next step in the evolution of Zane J.
04:50Zane J and CJ Tino, it is your opening match, your kickoff match here tonight.
04:54We will be live coming up 7 p.m. main card, Central Standard Time.
04:58The NJPW World pay-per-view as well as Triller.
05:01CJ Tino off the middle of the road.
05:03And the dropkick going to lay down Zane J for the time being.
05:06Veda, we have an incredible card lined up here tonight.
05:09Topped out with the IWGP World Heavyweight and final road for Hiroshi Tanahashi.
05:14Double main event here tonight.
05:16Two huge matches, history guaranteed to be made tonight in Chicago
05:21as Hiroshi Tanahashi has his last match in the United States.
05:26And I am actually quite impressed with CJ Tino here.
05:30You know, as we talk about history being made,
05:34that is the path that CJ Tino is trying to get on here.
05:38Like you said, this will solidify you in the rankings.
05:43And of course, we're going to see what Zane J can do here.
05:47Tino, though, cat flies off the crossbody.
05:49Middle rope.
05:50Here's the cover for Tino.
05:51And that's your first cover attempt.
05:53Only going to find two for CJ Tino tonight.
05:55You know, when we talk about and we hearken to the moments in the Nogue Dojo,
06:02it is breaking down professional wrestling to its most fundamental elements.
06:06You've seen Zane J the past two times.
06:08He's appeared here in New Japan Pro Wrestling of America,
06:11utilizing that Boston Crab often to a victory for the American Young Lion.
06:15Yeah, and now he is in the black trunks, the black boots.
06:18I mean, we are just seeing a purely distilled version of Zane J.
06:23But at the same time, CJ Tino does have a little bit of experience on him for sure.
06:32It is almost militant what they do within the Nogue Dojo to break you down,
06:36strip you of your identity, the shaving of the hair.
06:39Remember the last time Zane J was in this building,
06:41Veda, very long flowing locks.
06:43It's now, well, nowhere to be seen.
06:45And it's a complete reset for Zane J in 2025.
06:52Yeah, Tino, well, working the mud hole down,
06:54stomping away through Zane J and, well,
06:56not afraid to don the black hat if it is required here tonight in Chicago, Illinois.
07:00Yeah, this is a new level of aggression we're seeing turn on here for CJ Tino.
07:06But again, it just speaks to the importance of being strong survivor.
07:10Uh-oh.
07:12You win and you stay in.
07:14That is the opportunity CJ Tino has at his, well, fingertips here tonight.
07:20Zane J nearly but not barely fading off of that elbow.
07:24There's the whip into the corner and the elbow right in for Tino.
07:30Zane charged right back in but gets caught.
07:33Yeah, Tino really able to out quick, outwit Zane J here.
07:37Tino is the veteran comparative of the two.
07:40Yeah, right overhead.
07:41That's great power out of Tino tonight.
07:43Find the cover and you'll only find two.
07:46CJ Tino does have a power lifting background.
07:49I mean, obviously, it's on full display here.
07:52And look at, he's psyching himself up.
07:56Cannot afford to be blinded by the bright lights of New Japan Pro Wrestling.
07:59We're in a jam-packed wind trust arena here on the evening.
08:03Oh, wait a minute.
08:15Zane J scooped in a slam.
08:18And that's going to be a great way out of whatever CJ Tino was planning here.
08:24But Zane J has got to find his footing beta.
08:25Nothing more fundamental than a body slam, especially what delivered to perfection.
08:30And now, close to post right in the center.
08:34Here's Zane J with a hip toss.
08:40And we'll look one more time.
08:42The drop kick lands on the button.
08:44Here's the cover again.
08:45Zane J, not enough.
08:47Very close.
08:50And Zane J is all fired up now.
08:51I think he's looking for that Boston Crab again.
08:56Whoa, Tino.
08:57Wait a minute.
08:57Tino rolls through, had it in.
08:59And it was not enough to outsmart Zane J here.
09:02That was close.
09:13Zane J withstanding the punishment.
09:15And Tino, look at it.
09:18Cover here off the German.
09:20And it is simply not enough yet.
09:24Once again, that power lifting background on display.
09:28I don't know how Zane J kicked out of that.
09:33Zane J is dug up on a CD.
09:35He said, you want more.
09:40This is exactly what they do to you in the No Gay Dojo.
09:43They put you through the punishment.
09:44They put you through the pain.
09:46And it's on you to withstand it.
09:47To prove that you have the ability to make it in New Japan Pro Wrestling.
09:50That's what it means to be a strong survivor.
09:53Oh, and CJ Tino, he's looking for a submission of his own.
09:57Scorpion Death Lock.
09:59And sat in down deep here.
10:02And Zane J has got to angle his body just a little bit closer.
10:05Away from that red corner.
10:06More to the mid.
10:07Extend the right arm out.
10:09Oh, and that is a great play.
10:10Great ring awareness.
10:12Pertino to the center.
10:13Sitting all the way back on this submission.
10:15And this is forcing Zane J to not only crawl to the rope, but to pull his opponent with him.
10:21Incredible, incredible fortitude.
10:26This is the first match that Zane J has had since his three-month sting in the No Gay Dojo
10:31Veda.
10:31That is longer than he ever spent within the walls of the NJPW Academy.
10:35Yeah, he's had that time to hone himself and to dream.
10:40But now it's being put to the test.
10:43Oh, and that was right to the kidneys.
10:48And CJ went to the wheelhouse too many times.
10:51Popped up.
10:52And a huge back body drop out of Zane J here tonight.
10:58And found it one more time on the button again.
11:01And the button being pressed here.
11:02We're pushing them all in combination.
11:04Sat down deep.
11:06It is a No Gay Dojo staple.
11:08The boxing crowd leads to the end.
11:11This one's over.
11:24And it is a victory here tonight.
11:27Not a No Gay Dojo graduate.
11:29Not by a long shot.
11:30But this is a man that is willing to build and build and build.
11:34And the start of construction begins tonight in Chicago.
11:37Well, and I think, I think Jay's asking for a microphone here.
11:46He's.
11:46Looks like he's asking for CJ Tino rather.
11:49Whether it is the sparring sessions in the No Gay Dojo are live here tonight at Wintrust Arena
12:01in Chicago, Illinois in front of thousands.
12:04That's the attitude of a young Zane J.
12:06And that's exactly what you love to see.
12:12That's right.
12:12Give it up for CJ Tino.
12:23I asked for a fight and he brought it.
12:27And I'm the strong survivor.
12:30But I have to relinquish the strong survivor title.
12:34For the last three months, I've been training at the No Gay Dojo in Japan.
12:43And I must put all my focus into debuting out in Japan.
12:53New Japan and LA Academy.
12:55New Japan Academy and LA Dojo, they were my home.
12:58But now I must show why we belong in Japan.
13:03So the other opportunities for a strong survivor will go to the New Japan Academy students.
13:09Because they're hungry for opportunities.
13:11Just like me.
13:19This is all.
13:21All that.
13:22Well, how about that?
13:27Two defenses in.
13:29And Zane J has set his sights already into further aspirations.
13:33Beta, we have no idea when we may see Zane J again.
13:37But he is going to be a very different competitor when that time comes.
13:42Absolutely.
13:43I mean, we are already starting off hot here.
13:46There's going to be a new strong survivor eventually.
13:48But what else do we have for you here tonight?
13:51We are headed towards Windy City Riot live in Chicago.
13:55Well, it's going to be an incredible time.
13:57Of course, we do have a double main event here set tonight.
14:00Hiroshi Tanahashi takes on Kanosuke Takeshta.
14:03One-on-one, Beta.
14:04I mean, this is history.
14:07Just being here in this building.
14:09It is the final run.
14:10The retirement run of the ace.
14:12He's about to have his final match here in the United States.
14:15It's going to be an incredible time.
14:16Well, how about the scenes that we saw back in Ryukoku Sumo Hall?
14:20The IWGP World Heavyweight title is on the line.
14:23Goto picks up the third defense over David Finley
14:25and nominates his own challenger in Shota Umino.
14:29And not only is Goto now about to go into his fourth defense in two months,
14:33which is incredible in and of itself,
14:34now he's choosing his own challengers.
14:36I mean, he truly wants to make this an all-time run.
14:39The winner of G1 Climax 34 faces the recent winner of New Japan Cup 2025,
14:44Zack Sabre Jr., David Finley.
14:46It's a huge rematch from the New Japan Cup,
14:49but with a lot of people's favorite match.
14:51I don't know.
14:51I can't really pick a winner here.
14:53It's going to be a great one.
14:55Meanwhile, Rocky Romero before that.
14:57Teams alongside El Fantasma for the first time in their career
14:59against L.I.J.'s Teton and Tensio Naito.
15:02Listen, Rocky, ELP, they maybe haven't gotten along in the past,
15:06but it's a new day.
15:07It's a new year.
15:08It's a new New Japan.
15:09I am pumped for this one.
15:10The Strong Openweight Championship 30-minute Iron Man match.
15:14They couldn't get it done in 30 minutes last time.
15:16How about we give them 30 more?
15:18It's Tomohiroishi against champion Game Kid.
15:20And listen, they have 30 minutes to get it done,
15:23but if they can't, we go to sudden death.
15:25We have to have a winner here tonight.
15:27And before that, the Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships
15:30on the line, the Intergalactic Jet Setters,
15:32Kevin Naikushita versus the champions,
15:34world-class wrecking crew, Nelson and Isaacs.
15:36I am so excited to have Intergalactic Jet Setters
15:39back here in a New Japan ring.
15:41But world-class wrecking crew, they waited so long,
15:44they worked so hard to get these titles,
15:45they're not giving them up tonight.
15:46And, of course, the number one contendership
15:48for the NJPW, Strong Women's Titles on the line.
15:50One of these women faces Mercedes-Money on May 9th.
15:53It's Mina Shirakawa or it's Azami.
15:55We are going to find out here tonight
15:57who will be the challenger at Resurgence
16:00in just about a month.
16:02And you're right, Walker.
16:03I mean, this is a huge one.
16:04Beta, I know you're excited for this one.
16:06It's kicking the whole main card off.
16:07It's coming up now live.
16:09TJP takes on Tom Lawler.
16:11We are here.
16:12What better way to kick off than huge singles action?
16:16Wow, TJP and Tom Lawler.
16:18I'm so pumped for this one.
16:19A lot to talk about with those men.
16:20So much to talk about all throughout the evening.
16:23But, folks, we are going to be heading in
16:25very, very shortly.
16:26If you have not already,
16:28make sure you purchase the pay-per-view
16:29and JPW World pay-per-view
16:31also available on trailer English coverage
16:33as well as Japanese coverage.
16:34Beta, Scott, Walker, Stewart.
16:36It's going to be an incredible time.
16:37We will see you next time,
16:3914 minutes from now,
16:40for our opening match.
16:41It's TJP, Tom Lawler.
16:42We'll be right here.