In 2017, Sho Tanaka and Yohei Komatsu, known as SHO and YOH returned from their excursion at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s King Of Pro-Wrestling as Roppongi 3K.
Alongside veteran Rocky Romero, they quickly shot to success, winning the IWGP Junior tag titles a month after returning. They set the record for most consecutive Super Jr. Tag League wins and held the titles five times during their time together.
Yet, the weeks of failure took their toll in a match against El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru during the 2021 Super Junior Tag League.
While YOH was in a submission, SHO refused to save his partner and hit him with Shock Arrow before disbanding the team.
With the group firmly disbanded, here is a look at six of the best matches from Roppongi 3K!
6. Roppongi 3K vs. The Young Bucks – Wrestle Kingdom 12
Throughout 2016 and 2017, the Young Bucks dominated the junior tag division in New Japan.
Yet, after returning from excursion and winning Jr Tag League, Roppongi 3K were out to cement their place in the company by defending their newly won titles against one of the best teams in the world. It wasn’t going to be easy.
It was the perfect way to start Wrestle Kingdom, and unsurprisingly, all four men managed to showcase what the junior division could do perfectly. SHO and Matt started with a series of heavy-hitting moves which quickly transitioned into the fast-paced action we all love. From dropkicks, DDTs, swantons and suplexes, it showcased four different styles.
Unlike many matches with the Bucks, there was a nice contrast of pace and speed. It allowed SHO and YOH to showcase their own offence which some Western fans may not have known. Roppongi 3K’s intensity and passion continued throughout the match and showed that they could grow and get even better.
With their patented Meltzer Driver on SHO, the Young Bucks beat Roppongi 3K for the titles. Despite losing the titles on their first defence, which was down to booking, they didn’t look bad losing against two of the best in the business. Some say it was the start of their unlucky relationship with the belt, but it showed that they are a force in the company’s division and future.
5. Roppongi 3K vs. El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru – New Beginning 2020
After successfully getting through their first defence during their fourth reign, the next challenge for Roppongi 3K was their long-time enemies El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru.
In the past, the Suzuki Gun duo had criticized the CHAOS team for lack of tag team chemistry and lack of passion from YOH.
For many fans, the match was a work of psychological genius and further showed the team’s improvements. To start, Roppongi 3K was firmly in control. Yet, the Suzuki Gun knew the plan and, by isolating each member, focused on their knees to set up for Desperado’s Numero Dos.
As the match progressed, it seemed to be working as both SHO and YOH, whose offence focuses on their speed, struggled.
Yet, a failed moonsault from Kanemaru turned the tides in the CHAOS duos advantage as YOH capitalised with a dropkick. With this momentum, SHO managed to block the dangerous spray of whiskey from Kanemaru that had caused many opponents issues.
This was key to Roppongi 3K’s win as SHO got Kanemaru down with a Shock Arrow. All it took was a Strong X from YOH to get the win.
For many, this was proof that the duo’s reign would be very different from the others. They had overcome two heel teams and showcased their growth as wrestlers.
It also showcased four very different wrestlers whose styles seemed to mesh effortlessly together.
4. Roppongi 3K vs. El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori – Wrestle Kingdom 14 Night Two
After winning the Super Junior Tag League for the third time in their careers, Roppongi 3K booked their ticket to Wrestle Kingdom 14.
Their opponents were Bullet Club’s El Phantasmo and Taiji Ishimori, who, despite not being a team for long, had cemented their dominance with their cheating tactics. Going into the match, Roppongi 3K had the advantage, beating their opponents during the tag league final.
As expected, the match started in a very predictable way as Bullet Club had an air of arrogance about them. El Phantasmo and Taiji Ishimori came out with their usual book of tricks from the back-scratching.
Yet, the CHAOS duo fought adversity and found a way to beat the odds. All they needed was some time and an opportunity to get back and top.
The tide turned after ELP tried to block a suplex from SHO by grabbing onto Ishimori. It allowed SHO to utilise his strength and YOH to pick up speed to keep the match in their corner.
Yet, the reason this match stood out was that, for the first time in their careers, they seemed to utilize Rocky’s “King of Sneaky Style” title. After a series of low blows during their matches, it seems as if the CHAOS duo finally learnt their lesson.
As ELP went to hit SHO down low, El Phantasmo winced in pain because both members had been wearing cups to protect them from these shenanigans. With this, it allowed a finishing sequence to get the win for the team!
This match was so good because it showed some character development from the two wrestlers. We saw them adapt to their opponent and show some versatility.
With a win under their belt, it was the start of their most successful title reign, which only ended after they had to relinquish the belts after YOH was injured.
3. BUSHI & Shingo Takagi vs. Roppongi 3K – Power Struggle 2018
Credit: NJPW1972
After being introduced as the newest member of Los Ingobernables de Japon, Roppongi 3K had to face the company’s newest acquisition on the first night of the Super Junior Tag League.
Going into the match, nobody knew what to expect from the two. It quickly showcased just how well these two teams worked with each other, and the chemistry fans could expect in the future.
SHO and Shingo started the match and, as would be the norm, began strong with forearms, tackles and heavy-hitting action.
This contrast with the high-flying from YOH and BUSHI, showcasing just how versatile the two teams were. They also quickly realised that this was the perfect way to keep the match at their pace. Isolate a wrestler each and keep the momentum in their favour.
In particular, SHO and YOH pulled everything out of their playbook. SHO seemed to have a new sense of determination against this new wrestler looking to take SHO’s strength crown.
With spears and suplexes, it was a battle of the big men. YOH also showcased his agility battling the speedy BUSHI with all of his might.
Yet, with a spectacular finishing combo, Shingo hit the Last of the Dragon on YOH to win. Although Shingo and BUSHI won, it was one of the best matches in the entire tournament for many.
The teams quickly found their momentum, wrestling like they had been working with each other for years. It was also the start of a long rivalry between SHO and Shingo that lasted all the way into 2021.
2. RPG 3K vs. El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Shingo Takagi & BUSHI – Power Struggle 2018
It is very rare to have triple threats in New Japan, never mind in tournament settings. Yet, the Junior division thrives on these big matches for some reason, and Roppongi 3K shone in this match.
Going into the match, Roppongi 3K had already had great matches with both teams. It was now a matter of getting their second Super Junior Tag League one.
As expected, the Suzuki Gun duo started quickly attacking before the bell even rang. Yet, with so many teams, this advantage didn’t last for long with the CHAOS and LIJ duo taking control.
In particular, fans were treated to great interactions from SHO and Shingo, who were obviously the powerhouses of the teams. From chops and suplexes, it showcased a different side to the Junior division.
YOH also showcased his diversity with his combination of Strong Style and junior high flying. Although he may have taken a back seat in this match, it showed just how well the two wrestlers complement each other.
By having each other’s backs and no ego, they were able to work perfectly in tandem.
In the end, after overcoming a belt shot from Desperado and mists from both Kanemaru and BUSHI, SHO managed to hit a Shock Arrow to get the win.
Despite the odd setup, the wrestlers put on a great match and Roppongi 3K started a road to redemption. It also proved that, despite being against two strong teams, they could hold their own. It also showcased their versatility as a team.
1. BUSHI & Shingo Takagi vs. Roppongi 3K – Road To Dontaku Tour – 26/04/2019
For many people, the match against Los Ingobernables de Japon in 2019 was one of Roppongi 3K’s best matches. During the Road to Dontaku Tour, Shingo Takagi and BUSHI challenged the team for their titles.
All four men had great matches before, whether in the Super Junior Tag League or Best of Super Junior. In particular, SHO and Shingo were in a rivalry that fans couldn’t get enough of.
With this in mind, the two powerhouses started off the match like bulls in a China shop. With lariats, forearms, and more, SHO eventually got the upper hand, but it didn’t last long.
The teamwork of Los Ingobernables de Japon seemed to have the edge over the CHAOS duo with BUSHI’s sneaky antics getting the best of SHO and YOH. However, very quickly, SHO and YOH found their pace again, working perfectly in tandem.
Although SHO shone the most, it didn’t mean that YOH was pushed too far to the back. Although he is sometimes seen as the weaker, he showcased his ability to work well with SHO and ensure his back was covered to wrestle against Shingo.
He is also an extremely underrated wrestler showcasing a diverse style that adapts to his opponent.
In the end, YOH got the win against BUSHI. Although some thought it went too long, it showcased that Roppongi 3K can shine when given the platform despite the bad booking from New Japan.
It also continued a great rivalry between SHO and Shingo which lasted another year. It was also the best way to showcase the top contenders of the Junior division.
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