Welcome to the Squared Circle Podcast! I am your host Marie Shadows!

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https://marieshadows.substack.com

In this episode of the Square Circle Podcast, I break down Yota Tsuji defeating Konosuke Takeshita at Wrestle Kingdom 20 to become double IWGP World Heavyweight & Global Heavyweight Champion in front of 46,913 in the sold-out Tokyo Dome.

We go match psychology, storytelling, why Tsuji targeted the gut, the stinger spot that almost derailed him, why the Boston Crab finish was perfect NJPW essence, Konosuke actually being decent for once (thanks to Tsuji leading), post-match Jake Lee attack (now United Empire), and Tsuji's NJPW interview insights on philosophies clashing, Young Lions, and keeping the Dome sold out every year.No AEW coattails needed. Tsuji earned this. He's my champion.

Timestamps below

0:00 – Intro & Wrestle Kingdom 20 attendance / no two-night nonsense

2:00 – Why Tsuji has always been my guy (since Sonata days)

4:30 – My issues with Konosuke (no-selling, no psychology, "alpha" talk)

7:00 – Match breakdown starts: chain wrestling, dare spot, early equality

10:30 – Brain buster stinger – Tsuji hurt, pace thrown off

13:00 – Konosuke advantage, apron spots (stop apron bumps!)

15:30 – Tsuji comeback, Gene Blaster double down (allowed this time)

18:00 – Gut work psychology – weaken the core

21:00 – Big spots: reverse Canadian Destroyer, Blue Thunder Bomb, Guerrero Special

24:00 – Finish: Boston Crab on hurt gut – Tsuji wins!

27:00 – Post-match Jake Lee big boot, United Empire angle

29:00 – Tsuji NJPW interview key points (philosophies, stinger, Boston Crab meaning)

33:00 – Unbound Co. explanation & Bullet Club thoughts

37:00 – Tanahashi loyalty, AEW partnership rant, future Dome sellouts

41:00 – Wrap-up, Patreon plug, love you guys