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IWGP Intercontinental championship tournament final: Toru Yano vs. MVP
Yano took the mic and said he's been to NYC and New Jersey and after coming here, he wants to go back there because Philly sucks. I think it went over the heads of the crowd though.
Yano attacked MVP as he was introduced. MVP made a comeback and ran Yano out of the ring. Yano began walking around the outside, stalling. Apparently they study Larry Zbsyzko tapes in Japan. MVP left the ring so Yano would return, but once MVP jumped back in, Yano went back to the floor.
MVP tricked him into returning to the ring and worked Yano over with rights and a clothesline. He went for the Ballin' elbow but Yano rolled out to the apron. So, MVP hit a sliding dropkick to the outside. MVP nailed a running Yakuza kick, sending Yano over the railing into the first row. The ECW Arena chanted for MVP.
MVP brought Yano back into the ring and covered him for a two count. He began drilling Yano with crossfaces. MVP whipped Yano into the corner but it was reversed. MVP kicked Yano off but was drilled with a clothesline. Yano tossed him into the ropes and began choking him against it. Yano shoved down the referee when he tried to intercede. The referee got in his face but then backed down.
Yano continued beating down MVP and began choking him with wrist tape. The referee forced him to stop. MVP fired back with several punches but was raked in the eyes. MVP drilled Yano with several clotheslines and a suplex, then a double thrust to the throat. He slammed Yano and went for the Ballin' elbow, then nailed it.
MVP nailed a Perfectplex for a two count. He tried for a German suplex but Yano held onto the ropes. Yano then held onto the referee, so the ref slapped him. MVP nailed a series of rolling German suplexes on the shocked Yano. MVP went to the top and nailed flying headbutt.
MVP went for another German but Yano kicked him low for a two count. Yano lifted up MVP for an elevated powerbomb, but MVP kicked out at the last second. Yano whipped MVP into the corner but MVP reversed it. MVP went for a running Yakuza kick but Yano moved and the referee was nailed.
Yano drilled MVP with his umbrella and covered him but MVP kicked up at the last second. Yano went to nail him again but was punched. MVP drilled him with the weapon, then locked on his submission.
The referee called for the bell.
Your winner and the first IWGP Intercontinental champion, MVP!
Good match. Yano had been winning all his matches in the tournament by using weapons and low blows so MVP overcoming them made for some nice false finishes.
MVP took the mic as he held the belt for the first time. The building chanted for him. MVP said that Philadelphia fans are some of the toughest fans in the world, bar none. He said that he can't even say what the reaction he got today meant to him. He said this is a special moment on a special day in a special building. He said he is happy to call NJPW his home and he is proud to call himself a PROFESSIONAL WRESTLER. MVP held up the belt and celebrated. Nice promo.
MVP's promos and work this weekend were incredible. All you can say is that WWE really dropped the friggin' ball with this guy. His work was absolutely great and it's a shame politics led to his decision to leave, but their loss was absolutely New Japan's gain.
Still to come!
*South Philadelphia Street Fight: Togi Makabe vs. Rhino.
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