SEScoops

Category: NJPW

  • NJPW Royal Quest Details Announced (8/31)

    NJPW Royal Quest Details Announced (8/31)

    New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) has released new information regarding their upcoming date in the United Kingdom. The show is scheduled to take place on August 31st 2019 from the Copper Box Arena in London’s East End.

    The event, entitled ‘Royal Quest,’ is being promoted as their “first major event in Europe.”

    NJPW confirmed that “Three of our top Japanese wrestlers have confirmed they will be on the card and they will be bringing New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s fighting spirit to the heart of the UK’s capital.”

    This only acted as a tease. The company then wrote that they would reveal who these three wrestlers are next week:

    “We’ll let you know who they are next week at the same time that we announce the ticket sale!

    They end this short update by informing fans that more information will be released over the coming months in the run-up to ‘Royal Quest’ but promise to reveal more wrestler names, meet and greet information, and more.

    NJPW aren’t strangers to the United Kingdom. They have held numerous events in conjuncture with other promotions, most notably Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro) and Ring Of Honor (ROH). ‘Royal Quest’ will be their first major solo show in the UK.

    You can find more information on their website, NJPW1972.com.

  • New Japan Pro Wrestling Suffers Further Visa Issues

    New Japan Pro Wrestling Suffers Further Visa Issues

    New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) recently held a tour in the United States to coincide with their ‘Road To The New Beginning’ show. These US shows were met with heavy criticism when NJPW finally revealed the cards, with fans surprised by the lack of Japanese talent. Instead, the cards were bolstered with Ring Of Honor (ROH) stars and NJPW LA Dojo Young Lions.

    This was reported to be down to visa issues New Japan encountered when trying to secure their talent the necessary rights to travel to, and work in, the United States.

    Turns out New Japan’s travel woes aren’t over.

    Los Ingobernables de Japon member, EVIL, was scheduled to perform for Pro Wrestling Force this past weekend. The “King Of Darkness” however would be turned away at US customs. This, according to Tiger Hattori, was due to further visa issues as the required visas for entry into the States are now different compared to those NJPW secured its roster two years ago.

    Pro Wrestling Force released a statement via their Twitter account, accompanying it with the following:

    “We have some terrible news, we hope that you take the time to read through the statement. We hate to let any fans down, but hope you agree we’ve taken the steps to rectify this situation.”

  • New Japan’s Hiroshi Tanahashi Responds To WWE Poll

    New Japan’s Hiroshi Tanahashi Responds To WWE Poll

    WWE recently took to Twitter in order to ask the WWE Universe, who has the best air guitar?

    The poll featured footage of Undisputed Era’s Kyle O’Reilly and NXT newcomer, Eric Bugenhagen. The two rock out in the video footage, which is accompanied by the statement that they are, supposedly, “The guitar heroes we deserve.”

    Turns out there might be an even better contender for the title of air guitar champion. Another wrestler has stepped forward to claim this particular crown.

    Not “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan, no.

    Responding via Twitter, former-IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi, would respond to WWE’s question. His response was a simple emoji of a man holding his hand up, the hashtag “#GOACE,” and a guitar.

    It’s rare for New Japan wrestlers to really engage with WWE social media, but “The Ace” couldn’t help himself when it came to this particular challenge.

    Hiroshi Tanahashi has, of course, been thrilling audiences for years by playing the air guitar after his matches, usually to close the show.

    “The Ace”

    Despite reasserting his “Ace” status, Tanahashi has just suffered a major loss to Bullet Club leader, Jay White.

    “Switchblade” shocked the world, much in the same way as Kazuchika Okada did, this past Monday when he bested Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. The victory has firmly established Jay White as the top star in NJPW, with Bullet Club returning to their dominant ways.

    Where does Tanahashi go from here? Is it the twilight of his career, or does “The Ace” have more in him?

  • Jay White Comments On Fans Reaction To His Title Win

    Jay White Comments On Fans Reaction To His Title Win

    “Switchblade” Jay White won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on Monday in Osaka. He defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, the Ace of New Japan who had just won the title for the 8th time at Wrestle Kingdom.

    Some fans have been critical of the 26-year-old’s fast-rise in the promotion. White recently spoke to NJPW1972.com about fan reaction to his victory.

    “Everyone’s their own opinions about me winning this bout, whether that’s you, other wrestlers, NJPW executives, the fans…” White said. “The fans love to share their thoughts and opinions about us as wrestlers as if we were looking to be judged by them. I’m not looking to be judged by anyone, I don’t care about your opinions. The fans talk as if I owe them something.”

    Jay White – The 29th IWGP Heavyweight Champion

    White would continue to say the reason he has been so successful in the company is that he does not pander to fans.

    “That’s the main difference between me and almost everyone else in New Japan is that I’m smart enough to not pander to the fans,” he continued. “It’s the other way round. You owe me, I’m the one putting his body on the line. You will sit there and watch.”

    The new champion continued to give his opinion on why some fans have reacted harshly to his push.

    “I’m not jumping around doing death-defying moves,” White continued. “I’m smart, I’m the smartest. That’s why this belt is with me today. I’m going to walk into MSG champion and I’m going to walk out of MSG champion. I’m the champion Pro-Wrestling needs and despite each and every fan out there.”

    White also brought up during the interview comments he made 13 months prior to winning the title.

    “If you remember last year, January 6th last year when I joined Chaos,” White recalled. “I put my necklace over this belt and everyone, especially Okada laughed at me. Just over a year later, this is real now [points at belt with necklace over it], this is Switchblade’s belt. Hearing that is so sweet – too sweet!”

    The full interview can be read here.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kt8Os6FzhSo

  • Tama Tonga Defends Jay White’s Leadership Of Bullet Club

    Tama Tonga Defends Jay White’s Leadership Of Bullet Club

    Bullet Club has been on a roll within New Japan Pro Wrestling. The stable has been picking up notable wins for months now since “Switchblade” Jay White became the leader of the infamous group. Their most recent notable victory, of course, also belongs to Jay White who defeated Tanahashi this past Monday to become the IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

    Although many may have taken issue with Jay White assuming leadership of Bullet Club, one old school member did not. Tama Tonga.

    Tama Tonga, who has once again embraced his “Bad Boy” nature, spoke with WINCLY, discussing White’s ascension to leadership and even briefly speaking on All Elite Wrestling (AEW). This isn’t the first time Tama has addressed White’s critics.

    At one point Bullet Club had become synonymous with The Elite who have now famously severed all ties to their former stable. The current Club lineup has a major Elite-sized whole in it, but it’s not something Tama Tonga cares much about. He explains that nothing much has changed, describing it as “the same as before as they [The Elite] weren’t really here much.”

    “They showed up pretty much not on an everyday basis unlike me, my brother and father. We’re on every tour, every month. They come in sporadically. Guys leave and we just fill the spot and move forward.”

    He refers to himself and Bad Luck Fale as the “heart and soul” of Bullet Club, adding that they “bring in guys that The Club needs and unselfishly step aside to make this whole thing work.”

    “That’s How New Japan Is”

    Addressing the critics of White’s leadership, Tama Tonga countered by highlighting Okada’s youth during his initial surge to the top.

    “Those same people said Okada was way too young,” he argued. “You put somebody in a position and you get them ready for it. They grow to that responsibility. That’s how New Japan is.”

    The “Bad Boy” praised Jay White for handling the pressure so well, calling him a “natural” and that he tends to treat it as “just another day at the job.”

    Insofar as AEW is concerned, Tonga confessed we won’t be seeing him in another other promotion than NJPW for a long while:

    “No, no. I’m locked here in New Japan for a very long time.”

    Do you think Jay White has earned his place as leader of Bullet Club? Would you want to see Tama Tonga/GOD in AEW?

    H/T to Wrestle Inc. for the transcription. 

  • Update on NJPW’s Plans Following Kenny Omega’s Departure

    Update on NJPW’s Plans Following Kenny Omega’s Departure

    Jay White defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi earlier this week to become the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion. White won the belt in the main event of The New Beginning in Osaka.

    The win came as a shock to many NJPW fans. Much the same as Kazuchika Okada beating Tanahashi did nearly seven years ago. Okada won the IWGP Heavyweight title in a nearly identical style, it was in the same building and came as a complete shock to fans.

    According to The Wrestling Observer, White’s ascension to the top of the card is in part attributed to the departure of Kenny Omega. The G1 Supercard event at Madison Square Garden was to be headlined by Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada facing off for the title. This original plan meant that Kenny would’ve defeated Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom in January. With Omega’s current status with AEW New Japan opted to take the belt off of him.

    Dave Meltzer also commented on White going forward. Meltzer claimed that the G1 Supercard show would likely now be headlined by White versus Okada. The match would of course be contested for the IWGP Championship. G1 Supercard will be taking place from Madison Square Garden on April 6th in New York City.

  • Full Cards For NJPW-ROH Honor Rising Shows

    Full Cards For NJPW-ROH Honor Rising Shows

    New Japan Pro Wrestling and Ring of Honor has released the full cards for their joint promoted events, Honor Rising.

    The first show goes down at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on Friday, February 22 while the second show takes place at the same venue the following night where they will be broadcasted to the world live on NJPW’s streaming service, New Japan World.

    Night one is set to be headlined by Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada & Jay Lethal facing The Kingdom (Matt Taven, Vinny Marseglia & TK O’Ryan). The next night will see The Briscoes defend the ROH Tag Team Titles against Juice Robinson & David Finlay.

    February 22 Event

    • Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada & Jay Lethal vs. The Kingdom (Matt Taven, Vinny Marseglia & TK O’Ryan)
    • ROH Television Champion Jeff Cobb defending against Hirooki Goto
    • NEVER Openweight Champion Will Ospreay defending against Dalton Castle
    • NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Champions Togi Makabe, Toru Yano & Ryusuke Taguchi defending against Cheeseburger, Delirious & Colt Cabana
    • Juice Robinson, David Finlay, Tomoaki Honma & Toa Henare vs. Jay Briscoe, Mark Briscoe, Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa
    • Jushin Thunder Liger & Jonathan Gresham vs. Taiji Ishimori & Robbie Eagles
    • Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Shota Umino
    • Marty Scurll vs. Ren Narita

    February 23 Event

    • ROH Tag Team Champions The Briscoes defending against Juice Robinson & David Finlay
    • IWGP Tag Team Champions EVIL & SANADA defending against Guerrillas of Destiny
    • ROH World Champion Jay Lethal defending against TK O’Ryan
    • Tetsuya Naito & Shingo Takagi vs. The Kingdom (Matt Taven & Vinny Marseglia)
    • Hirooki Goto & Will Ospreay vs. Jeff Cobb & Dalton Castle
    • Marty Scurll vs. Robbie Eagles
    • Jonathan Gresham & Toa Henare vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Taka Michinoku
    • Shota Umino, Ren Narita & Yota Tsuji vs. Cheeseburger, Delirious & Colt Cabana
  • New Japan Cup Winner To Get IWGP Title Shot At G1 Supercard

    New Japan Cup Winner To Get IWGP Title Shot At G1 Supercard

    New Japan Pro Wrestling has issued that the winner of the annual New Japan Cup tournament will receive only the IWGP Heavyweight Championship title shot at Madison Square Garden on the G1 Supercard show. It will take place on April 6, with ROH and NJPW co-producing the show.

    The company said that 68th IWGP Heavyweight Champion Jay White will be defending his title against the New Japan Cup winner. Previously, the winner of the Cup was able to receive a title shot of their choosing, but this year, the winner could only challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

    Jay White captured the Heavyweight title from Hiroshi Tanahashi on the New Beginning in Osaka show on February 11.

    The New Japan Cup is a single-elimination tournament held annually since 2005. Zack Sabre Jr. was the winner of the 2018 cup and he went on to challenge Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight title at Sakura Genesis in a losing effort.

    This year’s New Japan Cup will begin on Friday, March 8 and end on Sunday, March 24.

  • Kota Ibushi Returns At New Beginning, Says He’s Staying In NJPW

    Kota Ibushi Returns At New Beginning, Says He’s Staying In NJPW

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s first major event post-Wrestle Kingdom 13 took place today. ‘The New Beginning In Osaka’ took place from the Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan following their ‘Road To’ tour which took place in both Japan and America. The fallout of this event will undoubtedly shape New Japan going forward.

    Approximately halfway through the show, fans were surprised by an appearance by one half of The Golden Lovers, Kota Ibushi.

    Ibushi hasn’t been seen since he suffered a concussion at the hands of Will Ospreay. The two faced each other in a hard-hitting affair back in January during the Wrestle Kingdom 13 event. Their match would end abruptly after Ospreay nailed him in the back of the head with a violent elbow strike. The concussive blow would actually come before that, however, after a kick.

    Kota took to the mic as the Edion Arena fell into a tense silence.

    Thankfully, Ibushi was able to deliver good news as he not only announced he would be staying in New Japan Pro Wrestling, but that he would be making his return at next month’s New Japan Cup.

    The tension amongst the crowd was understandable. The last time an injured NJPW came out to address their health issues in such a manner, it was for Shibata to announce his unfortunate retirement from in-ring competition.

    New Japan Cup 2019

    The New Japan Cup is a single-elimination tournament held every March. The winner of the 2019 New Japan Cup will go on to challenge a champion at NJPW’s upcoming G1 Supercard show in Madison Square Garden. That show is a co-promoted event with Ring Of Honor.

  • Jay White Wins IWGP Heavyweight Championship

    Jay White Wins IWGP Heavyweight Championship

    NJPW Road To New Beginning tour concluded on 2/9, leaving only the event itself to go. That occurred earlier today with ‘The New Beginning in Osaka’ taking place from the Edion Arena in Osaka, Japan.

    The main storyline heading into this show was the evolving feud between Bullet Club leader, Jay White, and “The Ace’ Hiroshi Tanahashi. Jay White came into this event with notable wins against Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada. Tanahashi won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship from Kenny Omega at this past January’s Wrestle Kingdom 13 show.

    The New Beginning In Osaka Results (2/11)

    Jyushin Thunder Liger, Satoshi Kojima, and Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated TAKA Michinoku, Takashi Iizuka, and Minoru Suzuki via disqualification.

    Iizuka, appeared to want to make the save, but would instead wield a steel chair on Tenzan, causing Suzuki-Gun to be DQd.

    SANADA and EVIL defeated Ayato Yoshida and Shota Umino via pinfall.

    The LIJ team would hit Umino with the Magic Killer for the victory, beating the Young Lion team, surprising no-one.

    Shingo Takagi, BUSHI, and Tetsuya Naito defeating El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, and Taichi via pinfall.

    Kevin Kelly’s now-synonymous “Destinooooo” blared out as Naito executed the move and scooped the win on Kanemaru.

    Post-match, SHO and YOH would come out and officially challenge Takagi and BUSHI for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight tag team championships.

    Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi defeated YOSHI-HASHI and Tomoaki Honma via pinfall.

    Owens’ awesome Package Piledriver on Honma saw Bullet Club take the win.

    Kota Ibushi would then come out to address his recent injury and health status. He revealed that he is staying with NJPW and intends to return for next month’s New Japan Cup.

    Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa defeated Toru Yano and Togi Makabe via pinfall.

    Bullet Club continued their winning streak after Tonga nailed Yano with the Gun Stun. Tama Tonga has returned wholeheartedly to his “Bad Boy” ways.

    Taiji Ishimori defeated Ryusuke Taguchi via pinfall.

    Another Bullet Club win as Ishimori reverses Taguchi into a Bloody Cross. This victory marks his first successful title defense.

    Kazuchika Okada defeated Bad Luck Fale via pinfall.

    A long match for Fale ends with “The Rainmaker” hitting his signature move for the win, snapping Bullet Club’s dominant streak.

    “Switchblade” Jay White defeats Hiroshi Tanahashi via pinfall.

    Catching Tanahashi as he attempted another High Fly Flow, White would reverse the momentum into a Blade Runner. This key counter would see White become crowned the 68th IWGP Heavyweight Champion, stunning the live audience!

    Backstage after the show, Jay White spoke about the significance of his victory:

    https://twitter.com/GIFSkull/status/1094925003185766400

  • NJPW Road To The New Beginning Results (2/9)

    NJPW Road To The New Beginning Results (2/9)

    New Japan Pro Wrestling continue their international ‘Road To The New Beginning’ tour. The tour has featured shows taking place in both the United States as well as Japan. Their next big show post-WrestleKingdom is The New Beginning.

    The last show on this tour, prior to The New Beginning, took place on 2/9 from the Osaka Prefectural Gym, Osaka, Japan.

    The Road To The New Beginning Results 2/9

    Shota Umino and Ayato Yoshida defeated Yota Tsuji and Hiroyoshi Tenzan via pinfall.

    Umino’s Fisherman Suplex into a pinning combination saw the Young Lion team pick up the win.

    YOSHI-HASHI defeated Ren Narita via submission.

    The Butterfly Lock led Narita to tap out, giving YOSHI-HASHI a victory.

    Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi defeated Toa Henare and Tomoaki Honma via pinfall.

    Bullet Club secured the win after Owens nailed Henare with his Package Piledriver.

    BUSHI, SANADA, EVIL defeated El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Minoru Suzuki via pinfall.

    Los Ingobernables de Japon executed Magic Killer onto Kanemaru for the 1, 2, 3.

    Shingo Takagi and Tetsuya Naito defeated TAKA Michinoku and Taichi via pinfall.

    LIJ continued that night’s winning streak. Takagi would pin TAKA after his signature move, Last of the Dragon.

    Ryusuke Taguchi, Toru Yano, Togi Makabe, Kazucika Okada, and Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Bulet Club (Taiji Ishimori, Tanga Loa, Tama Tonga, Bad Luck Fale, and Jay White) via elimination.
    The random team of CHAOS members, MVPs, Takahashi and Taguchi would come out victorious by being the last team surviving. The matchup was contended under elimination rules.

    Tanahashi would guide his team to victory by eliminating Jay White. Jay White and Bullet Club have accrued numerous victories over this tour, so this gives “The Ace” some major momentum going into his IWGP Heavyweight title defense against “Switchblade” at The New Beginning in Osaka.

  • Attendance Figures for NJPW The New Beginning USA Tour

    Attendance Figures for NJPW The New Beginning USA Tour

    New Japan recently held their latest United States shows. However due to visa issues the company were not able to bring over a litany of Japanese talent, making the roster for the tour extremely different to the ‘genuine’ NJPW product.

    The Wrestling Observer recently released the official attendance figures for the tour. The New Beginnings USA tour drew a total of 2,118 fans over 3 shows, with an average of 706 paying fans per show.

    Here’s the full information on the attendance:

    • 1/30: Los Angeles, CA at the Globe Theater – 531
    • 2/1: Charlotte, NC at the Grady Cole Center – 969 (sellout)
    • 2/2: Nashville, TN at the War Memorial Auditorium – 618

    Ticket sales in the final week may well have been hurt by the lack of Japanese talent. The cards featured many Ring of Honor, independent stars and NJPW Dojo talents. With Charlotte being the only sell out of the tour it will be interesting to see how New Japan approaches US trips going forward. NJPW and ROH will of course be collaborating for the WrestleMania weekend show in Madison Square Garden, which sold out extremely quickly.

  • NJPW Road To The New Beginning Results (2/6)

    NJPW Road To The New Beginning Results (2/6)

    New Japan Pro Wrestling continue their international ‘Road To The New Beginning’ tour. The tour has featured shows taking place in both the United States as well as Japan. Their next big show post-WrestleKingdom is The New Beginning. That event takes place on Monday, February 11th.

    The latest show on this tour took place on 2/6 from the Nagano Athletic Park Gymnasium, Nagano, Japan.

    Road To The New Beginning Restuls 2/6

    Shota Umino defeated Yuya Uemura via pinfall.

    Umino would manage to pull off a Fisherman’s Suplex into the pinning combination for the win.

    Ayato Yoshida defeated Yota Tsuji via pinfall.

    Young Lion Yoshida would hit a Saito Suplex onto Tsuji for the victory.

    Tiger Mask and Manabu Nakanishi defeated Ren Narita and Hiroyoshi Tenzan via pinfall.

    Tiger Mask pinned Ren Narita after executing a Tiger Suplex onto the Young Lion.

    Chase Owens and Taiji Ishimori defeated Rysuke Taguchi and Tomoaki Honma via pinfall.

    Chase Owens managed to get the win for Bullet Club, courtesy of a Package Piledriver.

    Yujiro Takahashi, Tonga Loa, and Tama Tonga defeated Toa Henare, Toru Yano, and Togi Makabe via pinfall.

    Bullet Club continued their winning ways after Takahashi scooped up the win over Henare.

    Los Ingobernables de Japon (Shingo Takagi, BUSHI, SANADA, EVIL, Tetsuya Naito) defeated Suzuki-Gun (El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, TAKA Michinoku, Taichi, Minoru Suzuki) via pinfall.

    Magic Killer would lead LIJ to victory over Suzuki-Gun.

    YOSHI-HASHI, Kazuchika Okada, and Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Gedo, Bad Luck Fale and Jay White via submission.

    In a much-needed victory given Bullet Club’s rampant success, YOSHI-HASHI was able to tap out Gedo via the Butterfly Lock.

  • Update On Katsuya Kitamura Leaving NJPW

    Update On Katsuya Kitamura Leaving NJPW

    We recently reported that rising New Japan Pro Wrestling star, Katsuya Kitamura, was no longer with the promotion. Since that time, new details have emerged as to why the former Young Lion, and winner of the 2017 Young Lions Cup, departed NJPW.

    On the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer revealed information regarding Kitamura’s reasoning. Meltzer explained that Kitamura broke his leg in a scooter accident, which is why he hasn’t competed since March 2018. He and his partner, Manabu Nakanishi, would suffer a loss in that matchup against Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano.

    Despite not knowing whether Kitamura would be able to wrestle again, NJPW still offered him a contract. It’s said that the situation had similarities to Daniel Bryan, with Kitamura perhaps not being cleared for an extended period of time, if ever.

    Meltzer added that Kitamura supposedly feels ready to compete and doesn’t want to wait for NJPW to make the decision that he’s capable of an in-ring return. It’s most likely that he will sign with another Japanese company that is willing to allow him to wrestle.

    Kitamura was an undeniable standout amongst the Young Lions. He had a charisma, size, and ability that saw him being clearly prepared for big things within NJPW. That scooter accident, however, has unfortunately acted as a harsh end for his New Japan journey.

  • Tama Tonga On Which WWE Stars He’d Like In Bullet Club

    Tama Tonga On Which WWE Stars He’d Like In Bullet Club

    The Bullet Club has a ton of vacant positions to fill at the moment. Mostly due to The Elite’s decision to depart to other promotions, such as All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Cody, Adam Page, The Young Bucks, and more are already signed to the new promotion. However, Tama Tonga has some names in mind that he’d like to see join The Bullet Club in their absence.

    Speaking on “The WINCLY” recently, Tonga admitted that there are several talents that he’d like to see in the group. More specifically, he said he’d like to see WWE tag team, The Revival, join the faction:

    “There’s a lot of talent, especially ones making a splash,” Tonga said. “Guys are wanting to leave certain companies… The Revival – those guys have piqued an interest. Those guys are great workers and I always watch their stuff…

    “There’s a lot of indie promotions we look at, especially in Australia and England. But that’s pretty much under wraps for now.”

    It’s interesting that Tonga brings up The Revival. The former NXT Tag Team Champions are clearly frustrated with their position in WWE at the moment. They asked for their release from the company several weeks ago after a match of theirs on Monday Night RAW. However, given the current climate within the industry, WWE won’t be granting any releases anytime soon.

    A report later surfaced that WWE is planning on vamping up its tag team division, with The Revival being promised to be made the face of it. It will be interesting to see if these promises are followed through with.

    What WWE stars would you like to see in The Bullet Club?

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Katsuya Kitamura No Longer With NJPW

    Katsuya Kitamura No Longer With NJPW

    Katsuya Kitamura is no longer with New Japan Pro Wrestling. The winner of the 2017 Young Lions Cup has been on the shelf since March dealing with a serious injury. Although details of the injury are scarce, it is believed Kitamura badly damanged his leg in a scooter accident. He is then believed to have suffered another injury while training and the decision was recently made between him and New Japan to end their working relationship.

    NJPW commentator, Chris Charlton, provided some English-language translations of today’s announcement.

    “He had sustained an injury while training and spent over a year taking medical treatment and being dedicated rehabbing,” Charlton continued. “After discussions with the company he decided to leave.”

    Katsuya Kitamura

    Kitamura was a promising amateur wrestler who was projected to be on the 2012 Japenese Olympic team. A positive test for PEDs in 2011 and a subsequent suspension ended that dream, however.

    He began training at the New Japan Dojo in 2015. By 2017, he was regularly competing in preliminary matches on the NJPW main touring roster. He was awarded the Rookie of the Year award in 2017 by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Kitamura won the 2017 Young Lions Cup as well. He then teamed with David Finlay in the World Tag League in 2017 that winter. They lost all their matches in the round-robin.

  • Jay White Reflects On Joining NJPW, The Origins Of The “Switchblade” Name

    Jay White Reflects On Joining NJPW, The Origins Of The “Switchblade” Name

    “Switchblade” Jay White is on a fast track to the main event in New Japan Pro Wrestling. The native New Zealander has been firmly establishing himself within NJPW’s ranks — not only as the leader of Bullet Club but also as a legitimate threat to Tanahashi’s reign as IWGP Heavyweight champion.

    White was a recent guest on Chris Jericho’s popular podcast, Talk Is Jericho. During the course of their conversation, he would discuss how he ended up in NJPW, and which WWE Superstar was to thank for that. He also discussed the culture shock of living and working in Japan, as well as the origin of his nickname, “Switchblade.”

    Jay White recalled his time working in the United Kingdom, in particular for the British company, Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro). It was during this time that White would meet Prince Devitt, now known as WWE’s Finn Balor. From this seemingly innocuous meeting, Balor would mention White to Bad Lack Fale, a fellow New Zealander.

    The two would later meet in 2014, along with Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura. They were over in the UK to perform for RevPro so, sensing an opportunity, White reached out to Fale. He then met up with them and, “from there, I think Fale did the work behind-the-scenes, based on [Balor’s] recommendation, did the work behind-the-scenes to get me a spot in the [NJPW] dojo.”

    “I Didn’t Really Have Much Knowledge Of It”

    Arriving in Japan, however, turned out to be a major culture shock for the Kiwi.

    “Oh man, a big culture shock! I had no idea what I was actually coming over to do,” he admitted. “All I knew was what I had heard from Fale and that was very little. Looking back, man, I really should have looked into the workings of New Japan. I was more trying, technically wrestling-wise, to be as good as I can. I had no knowledge of the background of the company really.”

    “Once I met Devitt, I started watching his stuff more. But a lot of, like, the history to [NJPW] or the older guys, I didn’t really have much knowledge of it, so that was a big shock to me, obviously, learning that stuff. Yeah, I had no idea how the dojo worked in terms of these young boys.”

    “Razor Sharp”

    On the subject of his nickname, “Switchblade,” White and Alex Shelley would be the ones to create the moniker. NJPW booker, Gedo, apparently wanted a name that represented White’s “razor sharp” in-ring skills.

    Gedo suggested “Razor Sharp,” which White didn’t like due to its potential association with Razor Ramon.

    “Me and Alex Shelley came up with the name ‘Switchblade’ instead when we were driving home from that show. […] because we were driving, I think we said it at the same time. ‘Oh, it can’t be ‘Slingblade’ because that’s the move.’ And then, me and Alex Shelley both go, ‘oh, ‘Switchblade’!’ And we go, ‘oh, that actually could work.’ Yeah, exactly. It’s nice and simple.”

  • NJPW Road To The New Beginning USA Results (1/30)

    NJPW Road To The New Beginning USA Results (1/30)

    New Japan Pro Wrestling is coming off the back of their recent Fantastica Mania series of shows. These shows were a co-promoted event done with the Mexican company, CMLL. Now New Japan is heading towards their first big post-Wrestle Kingdom show, The New Beginning. Beforehand though, is the ‘Road To New Beginning’ tour.

    January 30th marked the first show of NJPW’s USA version of the tour. The event took place from the Globe Theatre in Los Angeles, California.

    Road To The New Beginning USA Results 1/30

    Alex Coughlin vs Clark Connors

    Draw. The two US Young Lions would wrestle to a time limit stalemate.

    Jonathan Gresham defeated Tyler Bateman via pinfall.

    Gresham would outwrestle his NJPW La Dojo opponent, ending the match after a modified Jackknife cover.

    Colt Cabana defeated Shane Taylor via pinfall

    Despite Taylor having the obvious height and weight advantage, Cabana would be able to execute a clutch hold at the right moment to earn the win.

    Lance Archer and Davey Boy Smith Jr. defeated Brody King and Marty Scurll

    The Killer Elite Squad would hit the Killer Bomb onto Brody King to secure the victory.

    Jeff Cobb defeated Karl Fredericks via pinfall

    Cobb took Fredericks on a quick Tour of The Island, putting him away for a quick win.

    David Finlay defeated Chuckie T via pinfall

    Chuckie T would lose out to David Finlay after the latter managed to pull off the Trash Panda.

    Juice Robinson and Tracy Williams defeated Rocky Romero and Beretta via pinfall

    Robinson’s Pulp Friction finisher was enough to put away the team of Roppongi Vice, reuniting for this special ‘one night only’ tag team encounter.

  • NJPW Road To The New Beginning Results (1/30)

    NJPW Road To The New Beginning Results (1/30)

    New Japan Pro Wrestling is coming off the back of their recent Fantastica Mania series of shows. These shows were a co-promoted event done with the Mexican company, CMLL. Now New Japan is heading towards their first big post-Wrestle Kingdom show, The New Beginning. Beforehand though, is the ‘Road To New Beginning’ tour.

    The fourth show of the tour took place from Sendai Sunplaza Hall in Miyagi, Japan.

    Road To The New Beginning Results 1/30

    Shota Umino and Ayato Yoshida defeated Yota Tsuji and Toa Henare via pinfall.

    Umino executed a Fisherman’s Suplex onto fellow Young Lion, Yota Tsuji, for the victory.

    Tiger Mask and Manabu Nakanishi defeated Ren Narita and Hiroyoshi Tenzan via pinfall.

    Tiger Mask hit the Tiger Driver onto Narita for the win.

    Shingo Takagi defeated Yoshinobu Kanemaru via disqualification

    El Desperado’s interference in this matchup led to a win for the LIJ member.

    BUSHI defeated El Desperado via disqualification

    The win came for BUSHI after El Desperado ripped BUSHI’s mask off his face, ending in another DQ finish.

    Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, Tomoaki Honma, and YOSHI-HASHI defeated Bullet Club (Chase Owens, Yujiro Takahashi, Bad Luck Fale, and Jay White) via pinfall.

    Tanahashi would pin Takahashi after hitting the High Fly Flow.

    Taichi, Zack Sabre Jr., and Minoru Suzuki defeated SANADA, “King Of Darkness” EVIL, and Tetsuya Naito via pinfall.

    Sabre Jr. would defeat EVIL after locking in the European Clutch pinfall combination.

    Ryusuke Taguchi, Toru Yano, and Togi Makabe defeated Taiji Ishiimori, Tanga Loa, and Tama Tonga

    We’ve got new NEVER Openweight 6-man champions after Taguchi scooped up the submission win over Bullet Club. This victory makes this team the 19th 6-man champions in NJPW history.

  • KUSHIDA Loses Final Match in NJPW to Hiroshi Tanahashi

    KUSHIDA Loses Final Match in NJPW to Hiroshi Tanahashi

    KUSHIDA took part in his final NJPW match at yesterday’s Korakuen Hall show. The icon of the Juniors Division wished for his final match to be against Hiroshi Tanahashi and this was granted by New Japan officials.

    Tanahashi took the win in around 24 minutes with the Texas Cloverleaf. This was a highly emotional bout, with KUSHIDA bowing out after 8 years with the company.

    KUSHIDA discussed the bout earlier this week, playing up the emotional aspect of facing his idol in Tanahashi. The former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion stated “I’ve only got one match left. It will be very emotional. I’ve taken a lot of damage over these past 8 years. But the memories I’ve made in this time, I’m sure because of them…that I have become stronger. Going forward, I’ll always fight with that knowledge close to my heart.”

    KUSHIDA finished up by saying “8 years ago, here at Korakuen Hall, Tanahashi said he’d make me a complete pro wrestler. I’m forever grateful to him, I’ll never forget that.”

    The question now that KUSHIDA’s contract is up is where will he head? The likely destination is WWE/NXT however AEW, IMPACT and Ring of Honor are certainly not off the table as of writing.

  • Update On Chris Jericho Working For NJPW

    Update On Chris Jericho Working For NJPW

    Chris Jericho is likely not finished with New Japan Pro Wrestling. Despite signing with AEW recently, the 48-year-old has consistently suggested he has unfinished business left in Japan. According to a report from Wrestling Observer Radio, Jericho is expected to continue his working relationship with the company.

    “He has not signed with New Japan but he’s talked with Gedo,” Meltzer said. “Obviously, they’ve had a meeting of the minds and ideas for this year. His contract allows him to do New Japan. He wants to do New Japan, Gedo wants him.”

    Meltzer would continue to say a contract has not yet been signed, however.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BtOJDfLBf0d/

    – Chris Jericho Promises to return to New Japan Pro Wrestling

    Chris Jericho In NJPW and AEW

    Jericho revealed on his podcast recently that he’s been in talks with Tony Khan for several months. He said it was Tony Khan’s personal jet that flew him to All In on September 1st.

    “We happened to have a Fozzy gig in Jacksonville, FL around that same time (September 26th). That was when I had a meeting with Tony Khan for four hours and really had a chance to get to know this guy,” Jericho said. “That’s when I realized this guy really wants to do this,” Jericho continued.

  • Best Friends Finishing Up With NJPW

    Best Friends Finishing Up With NJPW

    Beretta and Chuckie T are scheduled to play a big role on the New Beginning in USA shows this weekend for NJPW. It appears the popular tag-team won’t be with the promotion much longer, however. According to a report from Wrestling Observer Radio, both wrestlers have given their notice and are expected to finish up with the company shortly.

    “They are finishing up with New Japan with the shows this weekend,” said Dave Meltzer on the show. “Beretta was offered a contract. I’m not sure about Chuckie T but Beretta was offered a contract and Beretta was going to get a real good push this year.”

    While there has been no word regarding the Best Friends signing with AEW, both Beretta and Chuckie T have appeared on the Being the Elite series frequently.

    https://twitter.com/SexyChuckieT/status/1090439158886105088

    The Best Friends Leaving NJPW

    The report would continue to say that storylines involving Beretta had been planned for the next year. Beretta is said to have verbally committed to a new deal with NJPW but never signed. He then backed away from the deal before signing officially. This apparently didn’t go over that well with NJPW management.

    He is scheduled to face Juice Robinson for the IWGP United States championship at the New Japan this weekend.

  • Chris Jericho Promises To Make NJPW Return

    Chris Jericho Promises To Make NJPW Return

    Former IWGP Intercontinental Chris Jericho has vowed to make a return to New Japan Pro Wrestling despite being under contract with AEW (All Elite Wrestling. It should be noted that Jericho’s deal with AEW allows him to continue working with NJPW.

    In his most recent match, he lost the IWGP Intercontinental Title to Tetsuya Naito at the Wrestle Kingdom 13 event earlier this month at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.

    Jericho made his intentions known about returning to NJPW during a recent Instagram post that you can see here:

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    I’m coming back…I will return… @njpw1972

    A post shared by Chris Jericho (@chrisjerichofozzy) on

    //www.instagram.com/embed.js

    Jericho has made several appearances for New Japan Pro Wrestling over the last year including a 5-star classic against Omega at the Wrestle Kingdom 12 event, at Dominion, he captured the IWGP Intercontinental Championship from Naito and retaining Intercontinental Championship against EVIL at the NJPW Power Struggle event last November.

    After Wrestle Kingdom 13, Jericho talked with some media members about the contest and how he has put his focus on winning the IWGP Heavyweight Title which is currently held by Hiroshi Tanahashi, who beat Kenny Omega for it at this same show.

  • KUSHIDA Talks Final Tag Match with Hiroshi Tanahashi

    KUSHIDA Talks Final Tag Match with Hiroshi Tanahashi

    KUSHIDA is currently taking part in his final tour for New Japan Pro Wrestling. The Junior Heavyweight icon’s contract runs out at the end of the month and he will be a free agent for the first time in a very long time.

    At yesterday’s Road To New Beginning event KUSHIDA tagged with Hiroshi Tanahashi for the final time. After the bout KUSHIDA made some comments backstage regarding his time in the ring with the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. KUSHIDA stated “That was my last time tagging with Tanahashi. I know that what makes a pro wrestler is different for everyone, but my definition is some who devotes their life to this. That’s what makes a pro wrestler.” KUSHIDA followed this up by mentioning his final match for NJPW. “I’ve only got one match left. It will be very emotional. I’ve taken a lot of damage over these past 8 years. But the memories I’ve made in this time, I’m sure because of them…that I have become stronger. Going forward, I’ll always fight with that knowledge close to my heart.”

    KUSHIDA finished up by saying “8 years ago, here at Korakuen Hall, Tanahashi said he’d make me a complete pro wrestler. I’m forever grateful to him, I’ll never forget that.”

  • NJPW Road To The New Beginning Results (1/29)

    NJPW Road To The New Beginning Results (1/29)

    New Japan Pro Wrestling is coming off the back of their recent Fantastica Mania series of shows. These shows were a co-promoted event done with the Mexican company, CMLL. Now New Japan is heading towards their first big post-Wrestle Kingdom show, The New Beginning. Beforehand though, is the ‘Road To New Beginning’ tour.

    The third show of the tour took place today from Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

    Road To The New Beginning Results 1/29

    Ren Narita defeated Yuya Uemera via pinfall.

    Narita picked up the win over his fellow Young Lion with a bridging belly to belly suplex.

    Manabu Nakanishi and Hiroyoshi Tenzan defeated Shota Umino and Ayato Yoshida via submission.

    Tenzan ensured his team’s victory after applying an Anaconda Vice to Yoshida.

    Yujiiro Takahashi and Taiji Ishimori defeated Ryusuke Taguchi and Toa Henare via pinfall.

    Takahashi secured the win after executing Pimp Juice onto Henare.

    Tomoaki Honma, Toru Yano, and Togi Makabe defeated Chase Owens, Tanga Loa, and Tama Tonga via pinfall.

    One King Kong Kneedrop put Chase Owens away, giving the victory to Makabe’s team.

    Bad Luck Fale and Jay White defeated YOSHI-HASHI and Kazuchika Okada via pinfall.

    Fale nailed YOSHI-HASHI with the Grenade for the win. A future feud between Okada and Fale was further teased during this matchup.

    Los Ingobernables de Japon (Shingo Takagi, BUSHI, SANADA, “King Of Darkness” EVIL, and Tetsuya Naito) defeated Suzuki-Gun (El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Taichi, Zack Sabre Jr., and Minoru Suzuki) via pinfall.

    EVIL picked up the victory for his team courtesy of Everything Is EVIL.

    Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated KUSHIDA via submission.

    Despite steady offence from KUSHIDA, Tanahashi was able to reverse a compromising position into a Texas Cloverleaf. This would lead to KUSHIDA tapping out.

    After the bout, “Switchblade” Jay White would assault Tanahashi with a chair.