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Category: NJPW

  • NJPW World Tag League Aichi (11/25) Results

    NJPW World Tag League Aichi (11/25) Results

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s November scheduling is usually dominated by the World Tag League shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature some of NJPW’s top stars, but there are some notable exceptions. Some of the shows will be available on NJPWWorld.

    Here’s the full results for the World Tag League in Aichi (11/25):

    • 1st WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Yujiro Takahashi and Hangman Page b. Shota Umino and Ayato Yoshida – Takahashi took the win after hitting the Pimp Juice on Yoshida
    • 2nd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii b. Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata – Yano rolled up Nakanishi with a Schoolboy for the win
    • 3rd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Michael Elgin and Jeff Cobb b. Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan – Elgin took the win after hitting the Elgin Bomb on Kojima
    • 4th WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: David Finlay and Juice Robinson b. Toa Henare and Togi Makabe – Finlay took the win over Henare with the Granby Roll
    • SHO, YOH and Kazuchika Okada b. Shingo Takagi, BUSHI and Tetsuya Naito – Okada took the win after hitting the Rainmaker on BUSHI
    • 5th WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa b. Takashi Iizuka and Minoru Suzuki – Tonga took the win after hitting the Gun Stun on Iizuka 
    • 6th WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Lance Archer and Davey Boy Smith Jr b. Chuckie T and Beretta – Archer and Smith Jr took the win following the Killer Bomb
    • 7th WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Zack Sabre Jr and Taichi b. SANADA and EVIL – ZSJ took the win after hitting the Tensho Zack Driver on EVIL
  • NJPW World Tag League Saitama (11/24) Results

    NJPW World Tag League Saitama (11/24) Results

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s November scheduling is usually dominated by the World Tag League shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature some of NJPW’s top stars, but there are some notable exceptions. Some of the shows will be available on NJPWWorld.

    Here’s the full results for the World Tag League in Niigata (11/21):

    • Yota Tsuji vs Yuya Uemura – The match ended in a time limit draw
    • Jeff Cobb and Michael Elgin b. Shota Umino and Manabu Nakanishi – Cobb took the win after hitting the Tour of The Islands on Umino
    • Takashi Lizuka and Minoru Suzuki b. Ayato Yoshida and Yuji Nagata – Suzuki took the win after hitting the Gotch-style piledriver on Yoshida
    • Tomoaki Honma, Toa Henare and Togi Makabe b. Ren Narita, David Finlay and Juice Robinson – Henare took the win after hitting a TOA Bottom on Narita
    • 1st WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Yujiro Takahashi and Hangman Page b. Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr – Page took the win after hitting the Rite of Passage on Taichi
    • 2nd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan b. Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga – Kojima took the win after hitting a Lariat on Tanga Loa
    • 3rd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii b. Davey Boy Smith Jr and Lance Archer – Yano pinned Archer with a Schoolboy to take the win
    • SHO, YOH, Chuckie T, Beretta and Kazuchika Okada b. Shingo Takagi, BUSHI, SANADA, EVIL and Tetsuya Naito – Okada took the win after hitting the Rainmaker on BUSHI
  • Hangman Page & Yujiro Takahashi Adopt Strange Team Name For World Tag League

    Hangman Page & Yujiro Takahashi Adopt Strange Team Name For World Tag League

    The World Tag League is currently going on in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Hangman Page and Yujiro Takahashi are teaming together in the tournament. NJPW color-commentator, Chris Charlton, has recently revealed Page and Takahashi will be going under a strange team name for the remainder of the tournament.

    “Important information: Page and Yujiro’s team name is Dick and Balls. What that name may be if it includes Ibushi as a trio is the subject of some debate.

    For clarification purposes, neither Page nor Takahashi have the either of the words “Dick” or “Balls” in their names or have wrestling moves with similar sounding titles.

    Is Yujiro Takahashi In The Elite?

    There has been some confusion in NJPW lately as to who is in Bullet Club and who is in the Elite. Both Takahashi and Chase Owens have been booked as Elite members recently in NJPW. Neither appears to be dropping their Bullet Club affiliation as other members of the Elite have, however.

    The division of wrestlers between the Elite and Bullet Club was recently addressed on “Being the Elite”.

    “What’s up with Elite B*lls**t?” Takahashi asked Page on the show. “Am I supposed to be in it?”

    “That’s not really up to me,” Page responded. “We kind of thought you’d be booked to be with the Tongans, to be honest. Maybe that’s why they don’t trust you completely yet.”

  • NJPW World Tag League Saitama (11/24) Full Card

    NJPW World Tag League Saitama (11/24) Full Card

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s November scheduling is usually dominated by the World Tag League shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature some of NJPW’s top stars, but there are some notable exceptions. Some of the shows will be available on NJPWWorld.

    The headline grabbers are the of course in the continuation of the World Tag League. Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan take on Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga. Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii will also face Davey Boy Smith Jr and Lance Archer. The main event will also be a CHAOS vs Los Ingobernables affair, Okada and Naito will be leading their teams out.

    Here’s the full card for the World Tag League in Niigata (11/21):

    • Yota Tsuji vs Yuya Uemura
    • Ayato Yoshida and Yuji Nagata vs Takashi Lizuka and Minoru Suzuki
    • Tomoaki Honma, Toa Henare and Togi Makabe vs Ren Narita, David Finlay and Juice Robinson
    • 1st WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga
    • 2nd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii vs Davey Boy Smith Jr and Lance Archer
    • SHO, YOH, Chuckie T, Beretta and Kazuchika Okada vs Shingo Takagi, BUSHI, SANADA, EVIL and Tetsuya Naito
  • Updated World Tag League Standings (11.23)

    Updated World Tag League Standings (11.23)

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s November scheduling is usually dominated by the World Tag League shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature some of NJPW’s top stars, but there are some notable exceptions. Some of the shows will be available on NJPWWorld.

    Today’s show took place in Kanagawa and you can check out the full results here.

    The tournament is now well underway and you can keep up with all of the coverage via the NJPW section of the site here. Here’s how things currently stand:

    • EVIL & SANADA – 6 points (3 wins, 0 losses)
    • Chuckie T and Beretta – 6 points (3 wins, 0 losses)
    • Guerrillas of Destiny – 4 points (2 wins, 0 losses)
    • Killer Elite Squad – 4 points (2 wins, 0 losses)
    • Juice Robinson & David Finlay – 4 points (2 wins, 1 loss)
    • Zack Sabre Jr. & Taichi – 2 points (1 win, 1 loss)
    • Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano 2 points (1 win, 1 loss)
    • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima – 2 points (1 win, 1 loss)
    • Togi Makabe & Toa Henare – 2 points (1 win, 2 losses)
    • Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi – 2 points (1 win, 2 losses)
    • Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka – 2 points (1 win, 2 losses)
    • Hangman Page & Yujiro Takahashi – 0 points (0 wins, 2 losses)
    • Ayato Yoshida & Shota Umino – 0 points (0 wins, 3 losses)
    • Michael Elgin & Jeff Cobb – 0 points (0 wins, 2 losses)
  • NJPW World Tag League Kanagawa (11/23) Results

    NJPW World Tag League Kanagawa (11/23) Results

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s November scheduling is usually dominated by the World Tag League shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature some of NJPW’s top stars, but there are some notable exceptions. Some of the shows will be available on NJPWWorld.

    Here’s the full results for the World Tag League in Kanagawa (11/23):

    • Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa b. Yuya Uemura and Yota Tsuji – Loa took the win after hitting the Apes*it on Tsuji
    • Taichi, Zack Sabre Jr, Davey Boy Smith Jr and Lance Archer b. Ren Narita, Tomoaki Honma, Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan – Taichi took the win after hitting the Tensho Jujihou on Narita
    • 1st WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Chuckie T and Beretta b. Shota Umino and Ayato Yoshida – Chuckie T took the win after hitting a Piledriver on Umino
    • 2nd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Takashi Ilzuka and Minoru Suzuki b. Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata – Suzuki took the win after hitting a Gotch-style piledriver on Nakanishi
    • 3rd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: David Finlay and Juice Robinson b. Jeff Cobb and Michael Elgin – Robinson took the win after hitting the Pulp Friction on Cobb
    • 4th WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: SANADA and EVIL b. Toa Henare and Togi Makabe – EVIL took the win after hitting the EVIL on Henare
    • Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii and Hirooki Goto b. Yujiro Takahashi, Hangman Page and Kota Ibushi – Yano took the win after rolling up Takahashi with a Schoolboy
    • SHO, YOU and Kazuchika Okada b. Shingo Takagi, BUSHI and Tetsuya Naito – Okada took the win after hitting the Rainmaker on BUSHI
  • Hiromu Takahashi May Never Wrestle Again

    Hiromu Takahashi May Never Wrestle Again

    Upsetting news coming out of New Japan Pro Wrestling at the moment. A recent report from the Wrestling Observer is stating popular junior heavyweight, Hiromu Takahashi, may never wrestle again.

    “The updated word is that it is not certain when or if Hiromu Takahashi will be able to return to the ring,” wrote Dave Meltzer.

    Takahashi was injured at the G1 Special in San Francisco during a match with Dragon Lee. Takahashi landed on the top of his head from a cradle-suplex spot. Although he finished the match, Takahashi collapsed backstage and was taken to hospital. Early reports had Takahashi being out anywhere from 9-12 months.

    Hiromu Takahashi Injury Update

    Earlier this month, it was reported that Hiromu was around 93% recovered and was up to 207lbs. Whether he will ever be recovered to the degree he is able to return to the ring, however, does not appear to yet be known.

    Takahashi won the Best of the Super Juniors earlier this year and then went on to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. He successfully defended the title twice during his second reign with the belt. He defeated El Desperado at Kizuna Road. Following that win, his next title defense was against Dragon Lee at the Cow Palace. Many are hoping that match won’t turn out to have been his last.

  • NJPW World Tag League Kanagawa (11/23) Full Card

    NJPW World Tag League Kanagawa (11/23) Full Card

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s November scheduling is usually dominated by the World Tag League shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature some of NJPW’s top stars, but there are some notable exceptions. Some of the shows will be available on NJPWWorld.

    The headline grabbers are the of course in the continuation of the World Tag League. Shota Umino and Ayato Yoshida will be taking on Chuckie T and Beretta. Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata face Takashi Ilzuka and Minoru Suzuki. David Finlay and Juice Robinson take on Jeff Cobb and Michael Elgin. Toa Henare and Togi Makabe will also face SANADA and EVIL.

    Here’s the full card for the World Tag League in Kanagawa (11/23):

    • Yuya Uemura and Yota Tsuji vs Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa
    • Ren Narita, Tomoaki Honma, Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Taichi, Zack Sabre Jr, Davey Boy Smith Jr and Lance Archer
    • 1st WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – Shota Umino and Ayato Yoshida vs Chuckie T and Beretta
    • 2nd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata vs Takashi Ilzuka and Minoru Suzuki
    • 3rd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – David Finlay and Juice Robinson vs Jeff Cobb and Michael Elgin
    • 4th WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – Toa Henare and Togi Makabe vs SANADA and EVIL
    • Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii and Hirooki Goto vs Yujiro Takahashi, Hangman Page and Kota Ibushi
    • SHO, YOU and Kazuchika Okada vs Shingo Takagi, BUSHI and Tetsuya Naito
  • Kenny Omega Explains Why He Hasn’t Signed With The WWE

    Kenny Omega Explains Why He Hasn’t Signed With The WWE

    Ever since Kenny Omega usurped AJ Styles to become then then-leader of the Bullet Club, prior to forming The Elite along with the Young Bucks, his career has been on an impressive upward trajectory.

    Whether it’s racking up victories in the ring, picking up prestigious championship titles, or growing his audience via his Twitch streams and competitive video game appearances, Kenny Omega is consistently at the forefront, his stock, seemingly, still rising.

    So, when interviewed by The Business Times and asked why he hasn’t signed with the WWE, ‘The Best Bout Machine’ had a lot to say on the matter, making sure to highlight that he is “very much a part of representing an alternative.”

    Viable Alternatives

    “If my motivation was money, I would already be in the WWE,” he stated, frankly. “I was down on the current product and I wanted to create a style and have matches that my friends, my family and other athletes could watch and enjoy.”

    He extrapolated his point, asserting that “[…] there’s a certain kind of wrestling fan that will only like a certain style. They think that’s the right way, and that’s okay, but I’m not trying to impress those people. Those people are already kind of set in their ways. I’m trying to open the world to a different style, what pro wrestling has the potential to be.”

    Omega then stressed the importance of choice for fans, saying, “Everyone has a choice to watch whatever they want. It’s okay to like both or other promotions, too.”

    “When I was growing up, I thought there was only WWE,” he confessed. “That’s it. One promotion in the world. And then, as I grew up, I found that there’s local wrestling. There’s WCW, there’s ECW. In Mexico, there are the luchadores. And then, finally, I realized there’s wrestling in Japan. I think for many people, they think there’s one giant promotion and that’s all that there is. It must be the best. But as they expand their palate and their horizons, they realize that, oh, there’s other wrestling out there. They might not necessarily like it more but it’s an option now.”

    With the advent of streaming services, the rise of true, viable alternatives has become all the more prevalent, with fans who are bored or unsatisfied with the WWE’s product quickly finding a promotion more in line with what they enjoy — a fact Kenny is well aware of as he wrapped up his thoughts on the matter: “It’s cool that there are so many options for people all over the planet.”

  • AXS TV To Cover Wrestle Kingdom 13 On January 4th

    AXS TV To Cover Wrestle Kingdom 13 On January 4th

    AXS TV sent in word that for the first time ever, the network will present NJPW Wrestle Kingdom with a same-day “near-live” two-hour broadcast on Friday, January 4 at 8pm (Eastern). Here’s the official press release, including a full schedule of their New Japan coverage through February.

    AXS TV KICKS OFF REAL-TIME COVERAGE OF NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING WITH ITS FIRST EVER SAME-DAY BROADCAST OF WRESTLE KINGDOM 13 ON FRIDAY, JAN. 4 AT 8pE/5pP

    Los Angeles (Nov. 21, 2018) – AXS TV ushers in a new era of its NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING (NJPW) coverage with real-time same-week coverage of the promotions’ biggest events in 2019. The new schedule kicks off with a same-day near-live two-hour broadcast of NJPW’s biggest event of the year, Wrestle Kingdom 13, on Friday, Jan. 4 at 8pE/5pP.

    The Wrestle Kingdom special is headlined by IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi and IWGP Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho vs. Tetsuya Naito, and will feature the network debut of the NJPW commentary team of Kevin Kelly and Don Callis.

    “Same-day coverage of NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 13 ushers in a new era of NJPW on AXS TV,” said AXS TV FIGHTS CEO Andrew Simon. “Based on the tremendous growth of NJPW on AXS TV, we are making major changes to reward wrestling fans by delivering NJPW in primetime on Friday nights as close to when it takes place as possible.”

    AXS TV produces the English language version of NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING in association with TV ASAHI CORPORATION, the distributor of NJPW.

    AXS TV’s upcoming NJPW schedule is as follows (subject to change):

    • Jan. 4 – Wrestle Kingdom 13 (2 hours)
    • Jan. 11 – Wrestle Kingdom 13 (2 hours)
    • Jan. 18 – Wrestle Kingdom 13
    • Jan. 25 – New Year Dash
    • Feb. 1 – New Year Dash
    • Feb. 8 – New Beginning in Sapporo
    • Feb. 15 – New Beginning in Sapporo
    • Feb. 22 – New Beginning in Sapporo
  • Update On Chase Owens & Yujiro Takahashi Bullet Club Status

    Update On Chase Owens & Yujiro Takahashi Bullet Club Status

    Cody, Hangman Page, the Young Bucks, Marty Scurll, and Kenny Omega are no longer part of Bullet Club. They announced the news officially on Chris Jericho’s cruise after months of speculation. The status of Bullet Club Elite members, Chase Owens & Yujiro Takahashi, is not as clear, however.

    Owens and Takahashi were partnered with Bullet Club Elite after the Firing Squad attack in San Francisco. There has been some dissension shown between the two and Kota Ibushi on recent tours, however. Ibushi has refused to engage in underhanded tactics along with them during matches and offered up high-fives instead of “2-sweet’ing” them. Still, Owens and Takahashi are officially aligned with the Elite on the NJPW roster.

    Following news that other Bullet Club Elite members were leaving the faction, Chase Owens Tweeted the following:

    Owens has previously claimed to be from Tonga as well, though the validity of this cannot be confirmed. Regardless, Owens doesn’t appear to be dropping his Bullet Club affiliation.

    Chase Owens & Yujiro Takahashi Bullet Club Status

    Hangman Page and Yujiro Takahashi are teaming together in the World Tag League. Page addressed the division of wrestlers amongst the two factions with Takahashi on the most recent edition of “Being the Elite”.

    “What’s up with Elite B*lls**t?” Takahashi asked Page on the show. “Am I supposed to be in it?”

    Page then admitted to Takahashi that they figured he’d be booked to be with the BCOG faction.

    “That’s not really up to me,” Page responded. “We kind of thought you’d be booked to be with the Tongans, to be honest. Maybe that’s why they don’t trust you completely yet.”

    “I saw in the dirt sheet you guys are going to be sticking together?” Takahashi then asked.

    Page then said the Elite had indeed made a pact but Takahashi warned him not to trust those, “greedy m**f**s”.

    It sounds like Takahashi is warning Page about his fellow Elite stablemates. We’ll likely have to wait until 2019 to see what happens with Owens and Takahashi, however.

    You can view the conversation between the two tag-team partners in the player below:

  • NJPW World Tag League Niigata (11/21) Full Card

    NJPW World Tag League Niigata (11/21) Full Card

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s November scheduling is usually dominated by the World Tag League shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature some of NJPW’s top stars, but there are some notable exceptions. Some of the shows will be available on NJPWWorld.

    The headline grabbers are the of course in the continuation of the World Tag League. Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan will be taking on Shota Umino and Ayato Yoshida. Chuckie T and Beretta face Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr. Finally SANADA and EVIL take on Bullet Club’s Yujiro Takahashi and Hangman Page.

    Here’s the full card for the World Tag League in Niigata (11/21):

    • David Finlay and Juice Robinson vs Yota Tsuji and Tomoaki Honma
    • Toa Henare and Togi Makabe vs Yuya Uemura and Ren Narita
    • Jeff Cobb, Michael Elgin, Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata vs Davey Boy Smith Jr, Lance Archer, Takashi Ilzuka and Minoru Suzuki
    • Rocky Romero, Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii vs Gedo, Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga
    • 1st WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Shota Umino and Ayato Yoshida
    • 2nd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – Chuckie T and Beretta vs Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr
    • 3rd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – SANADA and EVIL vs Yujiro Takahashi and Hangman Page
    • SHO, YOH and Kazuchika Okada vs Shingo Takagi, BUSHI and Tetsuya Naito
  • Injury Update on Hiromu Takahashi

    Injury Update on Hiromu Takahashi

    There appears to be an update on former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Hiromu Takahashi. Updates from NJPW on his condition have been scarce up to this point. The promotion announced shortly after the initial injury that Takahashi was awake and conscious. The company later confirmed that he had been transported back to Japan.

    Dave Meltzer wrote in the Wrestling Observer at the time that “The New Japan doctors believe it will be nine to 12 months before he can return. The belief is that he suffered a broken neck, which sounds terrible and that’s why nobody has said anything public.”

    Twitter account @corpsecaptain has been reporting that Takahashi is now at “93% recovery.” The full tweet reads as follows:

    Interestingly Takahashi is now up to 207 pounds, meaning he would be out of the Junior Division. Whether he intends on heading into the Heavyweight picture remains to be seen. The return date for Hiromu is now far more exciting than originally expected, a return as early as New Year Dash is even possible if the report is to be believed. There’s a more likely chance that Hiromu is available for the New Beginning tour or even Best of The Super Juniors (if he meets weight) or Dominion 2019.

  • NJPW World Tag League Toyama (11/20) Full Card

    NJPW World Tag League Toyama (11/20) Full Card

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s November scheduling is usually dominated by the World Tag League shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature some of NJPW’s top stars, but there are some notable exceptions. Some of the shows will be available on NJPWWorld.

    The headline grabbers are the of course in the continuation of the World Tag League. Toa Henare and Togi Makabe will be taking on Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata. Jeff Cobb and Michael Elgin will face Davey Boy Smith Jr and Lance Archer. Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii take on Minoru Suzuki and Takashi Iizuka. David Finlay and Juice Robinson will be taking on the Firing Squad team of Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga.

    Here’s the full card for the World Tag League in Toyama (11/20):

    • Yuya Uemura and Ayato Yoshida vs Yujiro Takahashi and Hangman Page
    • Ren Narita and Shota Umino vs Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr
    • Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Yota Tsuji and Tomoaki Honma
    • 1st WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – Toa Henare and Togi Makabe vs Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata
    • 2nd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match –  Jeff Cobb and Michael Elgin vs Davey Boy Smith Jr and Lance Archer
    • 3rd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii vs Minoru Suzuki and Takashi Iizuka
    • 4th WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – David Finlay and Juice Robinson vs Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga
    • SHO, YOH, Chuckie T, Beretta and Kazuchika Okada vs Shingo Takagi, BUSHI, SANADA, EVIL and Tetsuya Naito
  • Kota Ibushi vs Hirooki Goto Announced for World Tag League

    Kota Ibushi vs Hirooki Goto Announced for World Tag League

    Kota Ibushi WILL be challenging for the NEVER Openweight Championship.

    New Japan’s World Tag League tour is now underway. Two shows in Korakuen Hall and Kanagawa have already taken place and you can check out the results here.

    Kota Ibushi took part in yesterday’s Korakuen Hall event in a featured six man bout. Ibushi’s team were successful when Yujiro Takahashi hit the Pimp Juice on Chuckie T. During the bout NEVER Openweight Champion Hirooki Goto appeared to once again challenge Ibushi.

    The match is now confirmed. Kota Ibushi will be taking on Hirooki Goto for the NEVER Openweight Championship on December 9th as part of World Tag League. Ibushi finally took the bout after claiming in a backstage interview that he was angling for the bout. Goto also spoke to NJPW in a backstage interview and stated that “I guess when you can’t go right, you gotta go left. I didn’t expect that it would work that easily.” Ibushi also made the following comments; “Was it a trap? Did I fall for Goto’s trap?…actually, I wanted to face him.”

    Will Ospreay was originally scheduled to face Taichi for the Openweight belt. Ospreay’s recent rib injury forced him to pull out of the match and Goto took the spot and won the Championship. If New Japan are looking to promote a blockbuster Ospreay vs Ibushi bout then the NEVER title could actually change hands BEFORE January, it all depends on if Ospreay is going to be ready in time for Wrestle Kingdom.

  • Kota Ibushi ‘Refuses’ To Face Hirooki Goto at Wrestle Kingdom

    Kota Ibushi ‘Refuses’ To Face Hirooki Goto at Wrestle Kingdom

    New Japan’s World Tag League tour is now underway. Two shows in Korakuen Hall and Kanagawa have already taken place and you can check out the results here.

    Kota Ibushi took part in today’s Korakuen Hall event in a featured six man bout. Ibushi’s team were successful when Yujiro Takahashi hit the Pimp Juice on Chuckie T. During the bout NEVER Openweight Champion Hirooki Goto appeared to once again challenge Ibushi.

    Goto has been goading Ibushi for a shot at the NEVER Title this January. The CHAOS member Goto won the title from Taichi at Power Struggle. Since then Goto has been working towards a bout against the Golden Star Kota Ibushi.

    Ibushi unequivocally stated that he ‘refused’ Goto’s challenge for January 4th, although with no confirmed match Ibushi may well be placed in a program with the NEVER Openweight Champion.

    Will Ospreay was originally scheduled to face Taichi for the Openweight belt. Ospreay’s recent rib injury forced him to pull out of the match and Goto took the spot and won the Championship. If New Japan are looking to promote a blockbuster Ospreay vs Ibushi bout then the NEVER title could actually change hands BEFORE January, it all depends on if Ospreay is going to be ready in time for Wrestle Kingdom.

  • NJPW World Tag League Korakuen Hall (11/18) Results

    NJPW World Tag League Korakuen Hall (11/18) Results

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s November scheduling is usually dominated by the World Tag League shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature some of NJPW’s top stars, but there are some notable exceptions. Some of the shows will be available on NJPWWorld.

    Here’s the results for the World Tag League in Korakuen Hall (11/18):

    • David Finlay and Juice Robinson b. Yuya Uemura and Yota Tsuji – Finlay took the win after hitting the Trush Panda on Uemura
    • Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga b. Ren Narita and Tomoaki Honma – Loa took the win after hitting the Apesh*t on Narita
    • Satoshi Kojima, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Toa Henare and Togi Makabe b. Shota Umino, Ayato Yoshida, Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata – Henare took the win after hitting the TOA Bottom on Umino
    • Yujiro Takahashi, Hangman Page and Kota Ibushi b. Chuckie T, Beretta and Hirooki Goto – Takahashi took the win after hitting the Pimp Juice on Chuckie T
    • SHO, YOH and Kazuchika Okada b. Shingo Takagi, BUSHI and Tetsuya Naito – Okada took the win after hitting the Rainmaker on BUSHI
    • 1st WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – Davey Boy Smith Jr and Lance Archer b. Takashi Iizuka and Minoru Suzuki – Archer took the win after and Smith hit the Killer Bomb
    • 2nd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr b. Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii – ZSJ and Taichi took the win due to referee stoppage
    • 3rd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – SANADA and EVIL b. Jeff Cobb and Michael Elgin – EVIL took the win after hitting his namesake move on Cobb
  • NJPW World Tag League Korakuen Hall (11/18) Full Card

    NJPW World Tag League Korakuen Hall (11/18) Full Card

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s November scheduling is usually dominated by the World Tag League shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature some of NJPW’s top stars, but there are some notable exceptions. Some of the shows will be available on NJPWWorld.

    The main headline grabbers are once again the World Tag League bouts themselves. Takashi Iizuka and Minoru Suzuki will be taking on Davey Boy Smith Jr and Lance Archer. Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii will also be taking on Suzuki-gun’s Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr. The interesting pairing of Jeff Cobb and Michael Elgin will headline against SANADA and EVIL.

    Here’s the full card for the World Tag League in Korakuen Hall (11/18):

    • David Finlay and Juice Robinson vs Yuya Uemura and Yota Tsuji
    • Ren Narita and Tomoaki Honma vs Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga
    • Satoshi Kojima, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Toa Henare and Togi Makabe vs Shota Umino,, Ayato Yoshida, Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata
    • Chuckie T, Beretta and Hirooki Goto vs Yujiro Takahashi, Hangman Page and Kota Ibushi
    • SHO, YOH and Kazuchika Okada vs Shingo Takagi, BUSHI and Tetsuya Naito
    • 1st WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – Takashi Iizuka and Minoru Suzuki vs Davey Boy Smith Jr and Lance Archer
    • 2nd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii vs Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr
    • 3rd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – Jeff Cobb and Michael Elgin vs SANADA and EVIL
  • NJPW World Tag League Kanagawa (11/17) Results

    NJPW World Tag League Kanagawa (11/17) Results

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s November scheduling is usually dominated by the World Tag League shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature some of NJPW’s top stars, but there are some notable exceptions. Some of the shows will be available on NJPWWorld.

    Here’s the full results for the World Tag League in Kanagawa (11/17):

    • Jeff Cobb and Michael Elgin b. Yuya Uemura and Yota Tsuji – Cobb took the win after hitting the Tour of the Islands on Tsuji
    • Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr b. Ren Narita and Tomoaki Honma – Taichi took the win after hitting the TENSHOJYUJIHOU on Narita
    • El Desperado, Takashi Iizuka and Minoru Suzuki b. Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Davey Boy Smith Jr and Lance Archer – Suzuki took the win after hitting the Gotch Style Piledriver on Kanemaru
    • 1st WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: David Finlay and Juice Robinson b. Shota Umino and Ayato Yoshida – Finlay took the win after hitting the Prima Nocta on Umino
    • 2nd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata b. Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan – Nagata took the win after hitting the Back Drop Hold on Kojima
    • 3rd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Chuckie T and Beretta b. Yujiro Takahashi and Hangman Page – Beretta took the win after hitting the Strong Zero on Takahashi
    • 4th WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match: Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga b. Toa Henare and Togi Makabe – Loa took the win after hitting the Apesh*t on Henare
    • Shingo Takagi, BUSHI, SANADA, EVIL and Tetsuya Naito b. SHO, YOH, Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii and Kazuchika Okada – Naito took the win after hitting the Destino on YOH
  • NJPW World Tag League Kanagawa (11/17) Full Card

    NJPW World Tag League Kanagawa (11/17) Full Card

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s November scheduling is usually dominated by the World Tag League shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature some of NJPW’s top stars, but there are some notable exceptions. Some of the shows will be available on NJPWWorld.

    The headline grabbers are of course the opening bouts of the World Tag League itself. David Finlay and Juice Robinson will be taking on Shota Umino and Ayato Yoshida. New Japan legends Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan will be taking on fellow stalwarts Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata. Chuckie T and Beretta will face Yujiro Takahashi and Hangman Page and Toa Henare and Togi Makabe will take on Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga.

    Here’s the full card for the World Tag League in Kanagawa (11/17):

    • Jeff Cobb and Michael Elgin vs Yuya Uemura and Yota Tsuji
    • Ren Narita and Tomoaki Honma vs Taichi and Zack Sabre Jr
    • El Desperado, Takashi Iizuka and Minoru Suzuki vs Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Davey Boy Smith Jr and Lance Archer
    • 1st WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – David Finlay and Juice Robinson vs Shota Umino and Ayato Yoshida
    • 2nd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata
    • 3rd WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – Chuckie T and Beretta vs Yujiro Takahashi and Hangman Page
    • 4th WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2018: Tournament Match – Toa Henare and Togi Makabe vs Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga
    • SHO, YOH, Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii and Kazuchika Okada vs Shingo Takagi, BUSHI, SANADA, EVIL and Tetsuya Naito
  • Update On NJPW Blocking Wrestlers From Appearing For Impact Wrestling

    Update On NJPW Blocking Wrestlers From Appearing For Impact Wrestling

    Don Callis and Impact Wrestling would love to bring in some of the top-talent from NJPW to their promotion. While it’s likely some in-roads have been made with Callis serving as English color commentator, it appears NJPW still isn’t budging. NJPW has talent sharing agreements in place with ROH & CMLL and apparently, they aren’t adding more North American promotions to the fold.

    “(NJPW) didn’t use guys like Brian Cage and John Morrison because they were Impact guys,” Dave Meltzer wrote in the Wrestling Observer. “And stopped some of their own talent from working Impact.”

    There have been rumblings in the past that some members of the NJPW roster were upset they weren’t allowed to work for Impact but who those wrestlers are is unconfirmed. As for Brian Cage and Johnny Impact, they were both said to be interested in working for the promotion but NJPW decided against it due to their status with Impact.

    Don Callis Wants Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho In Impact Wrestling

    The new management regime for Impact has been working in 2018 to clear the bad name left by the previous one. This includes a botched excursion between NJPW and Impact which saw Kazuchika Okada largely wasted by the former TNA Wrestling.

    At a Slammiversary press conference in Toronto earlier this year, Callis said to me he’d love to bring both Kenny Omega and Chris Jericho to his promotion.

    “There’s a young Canadian kid I like, we’d love to sign him, his name is Kenny Omega,” Callis said. “Another is Chris Jericho.”

  • Cody Says He Wants To Wrestle In NJPW’s G1 Climax Tournament Next Year

    Cody Says He Wants To Wrestle In NJPW’s G1 Climax Tournament Next Year

    Cody Rhodes hasn’t participated in a G-1 tournament, or tournament of any kind for that matter, since arriving in NJPW in early 2017. His first match for the promotion was at Wrestle Kingdom 11 when he defeated Juice Robinson inside the Tokyo Dome. He did the same thing at Fighting Spirit Unleashed but an undaunted Juice recently challenged Cody to a third match as well.

    Cody’s contract with Ring of Honor is said to be up and he doesn’t have a deal in place with NJPW. He’s always competed for NJPW as part of their talent-sharing agreement with ROH. As he heads to free agency, however, Cody appears motivated to stay with NJPW despite potentially leaving ROH.

    “Cody outright said that he wants to work more New Japan in 2019,” Dave Meltzer wrote. Although Meltzer doesn’t list his source, the report reads as though he was talking directly to Cody.

    “He’s already said doing a G-1 is something he wants to do, but last year his filming “Arrow” made that impossible,” Meltzer continued. “But he wants to do more than just the big shows like he did in 2018 with the idea that he wants to improve as a wrestler, and you want to improve as a wrestler, New Japan is the place to work.”

    It sounds as though Cody wanted to send a message to NJPW management through the Observer but that is only speculation.

    Where is Cody Going To Wrestle In 2019?

    If Cody is saying he wants to wrestle in NJPW next year, he’s not going to WWE, although he has already stated as much. It’s likely he’s not happy with contract negotiations with ROH if he is lobbying to stay in NJPW despite leaving the promotion they have a talent-sharing agreement with.

  • Jim Ross Leaving AXS TV, Addresses WWE Contract And Future Plans

    Jim Ross Leaving AXS TV, Addresses WWE Contract And Future Plans

    Jim Ross’s contract status and potential future plans have become a hot topic in wrestling. We have reported on what some of those potential plans may be.

    Ross has made some cryptic remarks of late on The Jim Ross Report about what he might do if he were starting a wrestling promotion, and in an episode two weeks ago, mentioned that Chris Jericho might make a good booker, adding fuel to the fire.

    Ross addressed his contract status on his show this week, in his first extensive public comments on his future.

    “It’s a tough week for me with AXS TV,” Ross said. “I’m here (in Los Angeles), going to do my last three shows for them (yesterday). That will take us through the end of the year on our Friday night slot on Mark Cuban’s network.”

    “I’ve enjoyed that for several years now. I found friends that I’ll have for the rest of my life,” Ross said, before naming some behind the scenes folks at the network.

    “My shows will run through the end of the year, that’s when my contract will be expiring. So then, I have a contract with WWE that will end at the end of March,” Ross explained.

    “And then we’ll see where things go. I have a lot of options, a lot of opportunities. I’m very blessed with everything that’s happened.”

    Ross’s cryptic comments then continued.

    “Let’s be honest. I don’t need to start a new career. I’m 66 years old for god sakes,” Ross said.

    “But I still love to work. And I love to call wrestling matches. So, something will come along, and I’ll be just fine… I’m going to miss that part of my life. At least for now. So come April, let’s see where the cards fall.”

    “It’s all going to be good. I promise you,” Ross said.

  • Jim Ross Confirms AXS TV Role Is Ending

    Jim Ross Confirms AXS TV Role Is Ending

    It appears that Good Ol’ JR, Jim Ross, may be wrapping up vocal duties for AXS TV, bringing an end to his stint as an NJPW English commentator.

    Initially announced in January 2016, Jim Ross would go on to partner with MMA star (and self-professed geek) Josh Barnett to provide English commentary for a delayed version of the New Japan product, catering to an ever growing American audience.

    He would go on to provide commentary for numerous live New Japan shows taking place on American soil, including Fighting Spirit Unleashed in Long Beach, California.

    Expiration Dates

    Ross is still currently signed under two separate contracts, one for AXS TV and one for the WWE. His AXS TV contract expires on December 31st this year and, with the WWE contract still intact until March 31st 2019, it’s unlikely that we will be hearing Jim Ross’ voice accompany the action of Wrestle Kingdom 13 when it takes place on January 4th.

    Once April 1st rolls around, however, Ross will once again be a free agent, giving him freedom of movement and choice as to who he continues to commentate for.

    Taking to Twitter, JR confirmed that he was on his way for a final recording session for AXS TV:

  • NJPW Lion’s Break Project 1 Results feat. Kenny Omega vs David Finlay

    New Japan recently held two four match shows in Anaheim, California as part of their Lion’s project. Lion’s Break Project took place at Anaheim Expo Center as part of CharaExpo USA 2018.

    Here’s the results for the two shows over the weekend:

    Saturday November 10th Results

    • Alex Coughlin vs Karl Fredericks – this bout went to a 10-minute time limit draw
    • Ryusuke Taguchi b. Rocky Romero – Taguchi took the win with a roll-up
    • David Finlay b. Jushin Thunder Liger – Finlay took the pinfall win after hitting a stunner
    • NEVER Openweight Championship Hirooki Goto b. ACH – Goto took the win after hitting the GTR in a non-title match. Jeff Cobb was initially expected to face Goto but this was changed last minute due to travel issues

    Sunday November 11th Results

    • ACH b. Karl Fredericks – ACH took the win with a bridging German Suplex
    • Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger b. Clark Connors – Liger took the win via submission
    • Jeff Cobb & Ryusuke Taguchi b. Rocky Romero & NEVER Openweight Champion Hirooki Goto – Cobb took the win after hitting the Tour of the Islands on Romero
    • IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega b. David Finlay – Omega hit One Winged Angel to take the win in a non-title match