Bishamon Achieves Unprecedented Threepeat in World Tag League 2023
In a thrilling main event on December 10 in Kumamoto, Bishamon made history by winning their third consecutive World Tag League (WTL) championship. The team, consisting of YOSHI-HASHI and Hirooki Goto, faced off against El Phantasmo and Hikuleo of Guerrillas of Destiny in a match that showcased the incredible talent and determination of all involved.
The match started with a show of sportsmanship as both teams shook hands before the bell. YOSHI-HASHI and El Phantasmo kicked things off, engaging in a tense exchange of holds. El Phantasmo gained the upper hand with a lofty dropkick, but Bishamon quickly turned the tables. Hirooki Goto and Hikuleo clashed with Hikuleo’s size advantage giving him the edge. G.o.D wisely isolated Goto and punished him with a crunching DDT and towering elbow drop.
However, a moment of respite allowed Goto to land a lariat and tag in YOSHI-HASHI, who joined forces with Goto to suplex Hikuleo onto the prone El Phantasmo. Bishamon showcased their veteran experience as they took control of the match, targeting El Phantasmo and delivering a beating.
El Phantasmo finally managed to tag in Hikuleo, who charged at his opponents. A double lariat sent both Bishamon members to the outside, setting the stage for El Phantasmo to dazzle the crowd with a stunning ropewalk moonsault. The match took an unexpected turn when the STRONG Openweight Tag Team Champions set up a table on the outside of the ring. However, Goto made a crucial save, preventing YOSHI-HASHI from being crushed.
Back in the ring, Goto and Hikuleo engaged in a fierce war of lariats, both men refusing to back down. The legal men, YOSHI-HASHI and El Phantasmo, faced off in an intense exchange of forearms and chops. El Phantasmo showcased his agility with a crossbody followed by a series of high-flying moves, almost securing the victory.
G.o.D had YOSHI-HASHI vulnerable with their big boot-UFO combo, but YOSHI-HASHI managed to avoid defeat by getting his knees up. Hikuleo and El Phantasmo united to hit an otherworldly super powerbomb, but Goto broke up the pin, keeping Bishamon’s World Tag League hopes alive.
In a surprising turn of events, Hikuleo attempted his own Thunder Kiss from the top rope, but YOSHI-HASHI narrowly avoided the attack. Goto stormed back into the match with a spinning heel kick, backdrop, and Ushigoroshi, leaving El Phantasmo in a frail state. Bishamon capitalized on the opportunity, delivering a brutal neckbreaker onto Goto’s knee followed by a Goto God Hunter to El Phantasmo.
YOSHI-HASHI’s superkick set the stage for Shoto, seemingly bringing the match to a close. However, Hikuleo broke up the pin at the last moment, prolonging the match. With the table looming, Hikuleo and Goto found themselves battling on the ring apron. YOSHI-HASHI came to Goto’s aid, and Bishamon delivered an extraordinary Shoto from the apron through the table.
Despite being on his own, El Phantasmo refused to give up without a fight. With the unsolicited help from YOSHI-HASHI, El Phantasmo executed his own Shoto onto Goto, followed by