SEScoops

Category: NJPW

  • Harold Meij Comments On Tanahashi vs Omega’s Ideological Feud

    Harold Meij Comments On Tanahashi vs Omega’s Ideological Feud

    Next January’s Wrestle Kingdom 13 event is being pushed as an event headlined by a battle of core ideologies.

    On one side, you have Hiroshi Tanahashi, who doesn’t believe that New Japan Pro Wrestling should sacrifice the very things that made them so unique. So Japanese.

    The other side of the argument is fronted by The Elite’s Kenny Omega, representing an outsider who wants to help bring global recognition to the promotion by adapting its style into something new. Evolving it into something he deems suitable.

    It’s been an engaging feud so far — one that flirts with real-life tensions that exist within the company over alleged concerns of rampant “Westernization” that dilutes the “Strong Style” nature of Japanese puroresu.

    Now an important voice has just been added to this feud: Harold Meij.

    “They’re Almost Two Extremes To Each Other”

    Meij is the current NJPW CEO, and has been speculated to have caused upset within the locker room with his recent decisions to reshuffle high-ranking New Japan corporate officials.

    Speaking to Uproxx about their January extravaganza, Meij ruminated on the ideological clash between Omega and Tanahashi, juxtaposing it with NJPW’s philosophical stance.

    “We talked a little bit about the philosophy, and I think that’s one of the things that sets New Japan apart from a lot of other promotions, or other sports for that matter, is we emphasize more the philosophical part… Keeping that in mind, I have to say that the Tanahashi vs. Kenny is going to be something special. Because they’re almost – I almost want to say they’re almost opposites, they’re almost two extremes to each other.”

    “He Is The Epitome, Really, Of The Tradition Of New Japan”

    “[…] if you’ve seen any of the comments that both have given, I mean, Tanahashi, for example, on the one hand, he is the essence of New Japan. He’s almost Mr. New Japan. I mean, he started with New Japan, he was brought up as Young Lion, he was there during the bad times, he was there during the good times. I mean, he’s been taking a lot of initiatives to help the company as well. Not just inside the ring, of course, as a wrestler, but also outside the ring he did a lot of PR. He went to personally sell tickets during our darker times… he is the epitome, really, of the tradition of New Japan. It’s in his DNA…that’s who he is.”

    “Now, Kenny on the other hand,” he continued, “[…] incredibly high-quality moves, incredible stamina and agility, but he’s almost self-taught. Almost. He didn’t go to the dojo, obviously, so he doesn’t have that part of him. He came from other experiences from the world. He’s wrestled and fought the world, really. So it’s almost, you know, two polar opposites. And yeah, I almost have to say that I almost don’t want to see the outcome of that.”

  • Kota Ibushi Rejects Hirooki Goto’s Offer For A Title Match

    Kota Ibushi Rejects Hirooki Goto’s Offer For A Title Match

    Kota Ibushi has rejected an offer from Hirooki Goto to face him for the NEVER Openweight Championship. Evidently, Ibushi seems unsure as to what the NEVER Openweight title is for and so he won’t challenge for it.

    Ibushi sent out the following Tweet earlier today:

    Google translate offered up little help:

    “Mr. Goto. I had a chance to speak directly in Okinawa yesterday, but I didn’t understand it very well. Can anything be done about the belt of Never, a free belt that can explode? To say that… What is it? I am anxious about what can be violent freely. I still don’t know. So… Reject!”

    Chris Charlton translated a better description of what Ibushi said:

    “Ibushi still rejecting Goto’s invitation to challenge for the NEVER belt until Goto proves its worth. Goto has said NEVER represents freedom because you can represent it how you like but Ibushi doesn’t know what that’s supposed to mean.”

    NEVER Openweight Championship

    Unlike most of NJPW’s titles, the NEVER Openweight title has no weight restrictions and is open to all wrestlers. The title is actually an acronym for “New Blood”, “Evolution”, “Valiantly”, “Eternal”, and “Radical” but it’s unclear what that means. The title was originally for wrestlers who were from outside NJPW but it eventually just became a lower ranked singles title.

  • British Championship Match Announced for Wrestle Kingdom 13

    British Championship Match Announced for Wrestle Kingdom 13

    Revolution Pro held their Uprising 2018 event this past Friday from Bethnal Green’s York Hall. Tomohiro Ishii defended his Rev Pro British Heavyweight Championship in the main event. Ishii defended against David Starr and successfully retained his title.

    Zack Sabre Jr and his fellow Suzuki-gun stablemates appeared after the match. Minoru Suzuki and ZSJ attacked Ishii and Zack announced that he wanted his rematch for the British Championship at New Japan’s biggest event: Wrestle Kingdom.

    Opinion: This is a huge moment in the history of British wrestling. Having a huge singles bout between ZSJ and Ishii for Rev Pro’s biggest accolade cements the importance and hype being the UK scene right now. Ishii and ZSJ can be regarded as the workhorses of their respected regions. Having the Rev Pro British Heavyweight Championship on the show also adds another dimension to WK. The title can be used as a marquee bout for shows going forward.

    If you’re in the UK you can catch Rev Pro on FreeSportsUK. The UK based company will be using the nationwide channel as the home for their new TV show going forward.

    You can check out the exclusive interview we conducted with Rev Pro owner Andy Quildan here. When we discussed the timing of the new show Andy confirmed that “WoS had no impact on our decision. In all honesty whilst I watch as much product as possible from WWE, ROH, NJPW, CMLL to all the indies here in the UK, aside from learning best (or at times worst) practice I try not to let what others are doing dictate the way I choose to run my business.”

     

  • Rev Pro Uprising 2018 (11/09) Results

    Rev Pro Uprising 2018 (11/09) Results

    Revolution Pro Wrestling presented their Uprising 2018 event from the world famous York Hall this past Friday. The Bethnal Green show featured some huge international bouts with the headline spot going to Tomohiro Ishii and David Starr. Starr challenged Ishii to the bout and Rev Pro granted his wish.

    Here’s the full results for Rev Pro Uprising 2018:

    • Taichi b. Chris Brookes – Taichi took the win after Will Ospreay interfered and accidentally hit Brookes 
    • The Great-O-Kharn b. Shane Taylor – O-Kharn took the win after hitting a Chokeslam
    • Josh Bodom b. Chris Ridgeway – Bodom took the win after hitting a Tombstone on the apron and a Bliss Buster
    • El Phantasmo b. El Desperado – Phantasmo took the win after hitting his patented swanton and moonsault combination
    • Satoshi Kojima b. WALTER – Kojima took the win after hitting a Lariat, WALTER appeared to be hurt and the match was quick
    • MK McKinnan b. ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey – McKinnan took the win after getting Bailey in a choke and elbowing him till he passed out
    • Rev Pro British Tag Team Championship – Zack Sabre Jr and Minoru Suzuki (c) b. Aussie Open (Mark Davis and Kyle Fletcher) – Suzuki Gun took the win to retain their titles after Minoru Suzuki pinned Kyle Fletcher with the Gotch Style Piledriver
    • Rev Pro British Heavyweight Championship Match – Tomohiro Ishii (c) b. David Starr – Ishii took the win to retain his title after hitting a Brainbuster
  • Harold Meij Addresses “Westernization Of NJPW” Concerns

    Harold Meij Addresses “Westernization Of NJPW” Concerns

    NJPW President, Harold Meij, recently spoke with Emily Pratt on a variety of subjects. Perhaps most notably, Meij addressed the criticism some of had lately of NJPW becoming “westernized”.

    “What is the Westernization of wrestling? I don’t know. It’s for the fans to decide what that is,” Meij said. “But I can tell you, if it’s the definition that I have, which might be very much different from yours or anyone else’s out there – it’s their own definition, I think – but if it’s my definition of what I think Westernization of wrestling is, then we’re trying to do the exact opposite.”

    “We are New Japan Pro Wrestling,” Meij continued. “So I’m trying to bring the Japanese way, the Japanese way of wrestling, to the global audience. And this has to do much more with the philosophy that we talked about earlier, but also our traditions. It has to do with the way we bring and educate, if you will, our wrestlers… We have great talent. We have great matches.”

    Harold Meij On Why People Watch Wrestling

    Meij also gave some interesting insight into why he believes people like watching wrestling matches.

    “As an individual, there are times in your life when you have to fight,” Meij said. And I don’t mean literally fight, but, you know, you have to fight for a cause or fight to protect your family, or yourself, or your opinions, or for your job or your work or whatever you’re doing, but you have to fight.”

    “But when I see people physically fighting and overcoming struggles,” he continued. “Like a lot of the wrestlers have, they put a lot of time in it, they overcome a lot of injuries or personal sacrifices or personal, how do you say, struggles, within the wrestling world, and when you see them give it their everything in their match, it actually gives you as a spectator strength and courage to do more than what you might not have done in the past. And I get that from a lot of the fans, that they say the same thing. They say that’s one of the reasons why wrestling is so attractive to them.”

    The full interview can be read here.

  • Taka Michinoku Suspended From Kaientai Dojo Due To Public Scandal

    Taka Michinoku Suspended From Kaientai Dojo Due To Public Scandal

    Suzuki-Gun’s Taka Michinoku has been suspended for one year without pay from the school and promotion he founded in 2002. The board of the Kaientai Dojo voted to suspend the former WWF Light Heavyweight Champion after a media outlet exposed he has been having an extra-marital affair, an offense considered more serious in Japan.

    Michinoku has been removed as a board member and director but he is still the organization’s owner. He will not make any money from the organization for one-year, however, due to the board’s decision. This includes all revenue he would earn from wrestling matches for the promotion as well.

    Taka Michinoku Suspended By Kaientai Dojo

    Michinoku has been serving as Zack Sabre Jr.’s mouthpiece in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Earlier this spring, Zack Sabre Jr won the New Japan Cup with Taka as his second. ZSJ would then go on to challenge Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

    The 45-year-old Michinoku wrestles sparingly these days. He usually teams with fellow Suzuki-Gun members in multi-person tag-team matches when he is not serving as the cornerman for Zack Sabre Jr.

    Michinoku is a former 2x IWGP Junior Heavyweight tag-team champion along with Dick Togo once and again with Taichi. His most recent match was on November 1st when he teamed with Minoru Suzuki in a losing effort to Tomohiro Ishii and Rocky Romero.

  • NJPW Announces Teams For World Tag League

    NJPW Announces Teams For World Tag League

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s last big tournament of the year is the World Tag League. The promotion just announced the participating teams and format change for this year.

    Change of format:

    The World Tag League will undergo a format change this year. Instead of two divisions (blocks) all teams will be grouped together with the top two teams advancing to the finals.

    World Tag League Teams

    1. David Finlay & Juice Robinson
    2. Shota Umino & Ayato Yoshida (Young Lions)
    3. Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan
    4. Manabu Nakanishi & Yuji Nagata
    5. Chuckie T & Beretta
    6. Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa
    7. Takashi Iizuka & Minoru Suzuki
    8. Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Lance Archer
    9. Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii
    10. Taichi & Zack Sabre Jr.
    11. Jeff Cobb & Michael Elgin
    12. Sanada & Evil
    13. Togi Makabe & Toa Henare
    14. Hangman Page vs Yujiro Takahashi

    Former IWGP Heavyweight tag-team champions, the Young Bucks, will not be on the tour. Matt Jackson took to Twitter earlier this month to explain why he and his brother won’t be participating in the tournament.

    “Truthfully we were never even offered the tour,” Matt Jackson said. “But yes, it wouldn’t make sense to leave our families for close to 4 weeks during the holidays for many reasons; finances only being one amongst many.”

    The Young Bucks dropped the tag titles to the Guerillas of Destiny in September.

  • Update On WWE Sending Feelers To NJPW Talent

    Update On WWE Sending Feelers To NJPW Talent

    Tokyo Sports published a report this week stating Tetsuya Naito received an offer from WWE back in June. According to a report from the Wrestling Observer, Naito is one of three NJPW stars to have been sent feelers from WWE. He is the only one to have turned down the offer outright, however.

    “Naito would be one of the three (at least) Japanese top guys feelers have been sent to,” wrote Dave Meltzer. “The other two that we’re aware of didn’t turn the offers down without thought although one would be a huge surprise and the other would be a great worker who I didn’t see flourishing in the WWE system, but also probably wouldn’t have any reservations about moving to the U.S. like many of the Japanese might.”

    For clarification purposes, this “offer” was not a firm contract sent but rather “feelers” from the organization to see if they might be interested in jumping ship.

    Who Is WWE Interested In?

    Judging by the report, it appears at least two NJPW stars have contacted Dave Meltzer to say they have been sent feelers from WWE. He specifically mentions they are Japanese top guys as well, indicating it is not members of the Elite (as has previously been the case).

    The NJPW star that “would be a huge surprise” could be anyone from Okada, Tanahashi and down. The other NJPW star “wouldn’t have any reservations about moving to the U.S” could be just about anyone as well. An important note regarding this, however, is that most NJPW stars are under 1-year contracts which end following Wrestle Kingdom.

  • Big Name Absent from Wrestle Kingdom 13 Poster

    Big Name Absent from Wrestle Kingdom 13 Poster

    New Japan has released the official poster for their biggest card of the year. Wrestle Kingdom 13 will be taking place on January 4th from the world famous Tokyo Dome.

    The poster features Kenny Omega, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kota Ibushi, Kazuchika Okada, KUSHIDA, Jay White and Tetsuya Naito. One of the biggest omissions from the poster is the IWGP Intercontinental Champion Chris Jericho.

    Chris Jericho recently returned to New Japan Pro Wrestling at the Power Struggle event in Osaka, Japan. The IWGP Intercontinental Champion defended successfully against EVIL after locking him in a Walls of Jericho that transitioned into a Liontamer.

    When Jericho would not release the submission Tetsuya Naito appeared and forced Jericho to retreat to the back. Naito then issued a direct challenge to Y2J for the Intercontinental Championship. It is not yet known whether this bout will be taking place at Wrestle Kingdom or Madison Square Garden in April.

    Jericho appeared in a backstage interview following the win and declared that he would not face Tetsuya Naito. Chris Jericho stated that as he already beat Naito at Dominion earlier this year that there would be no rematch. Jericho even went as far to say that it definitely wouldn’t happen at “Wrestle Kingdom, Madison Square Garden or anywhere.”

    There’s a good chance that NJPW consciously left Jericho off of the poster. Whilst Y2J is a big international star the emphasis appears to be on ‘homegrown’ talents. Kenny Omega and Jay White certainly found their feet in the company and the surrounding talents are native Japanese stars.

  • Matt Jackson Says New Japan “Doesn’t Pay Enough” For Bucks To Be In World Tag League

    Matt Jackson Says New Japan “Doesn’t Pay Enough” For Bucks To Be In World Tag League

    Matt and Nick Jackson won’t be taking part in NJPW’s World Tag League this year. While the Young Bucks did move up to the heavyweight division this year, Matt Jackson says NJPW never offered a spot on the tour to them. He continued to say that even if they had been offered a spot, they likely would not have accepted.

    Matt Jackson’s response to a fans’ question regarding the tour stated the team is too busy and NJPW doesn’t pay enough. “We’re too busy and they don’t pay enough.”

    Matt Jackson would expand on his thoughts in a later tweet. “Truthfully we were never even offered the tour. But yes, it wouldn’t make sense to leave our families for close to 4 weeks during the holidays for many reasons; finances only being one amongst many.”

    The World Tag League runs from November 15th to December 9th. The Bucks’ ROH schedule would allow them to compete on the tour. ROH’s Global Wars tour ends on November 11th and the promotion doesn’t have another show until Final Battle on December 15th.

    The Bucks are, however, promoting their recently released children’s book. They announced a special event on November 15th at a Dave & Busters location to promote and sell the book.

    https://twitter.com/MattJackson13/status/1059505683068928001

  • Don Callis Comments On Returning To NJPW Commentary Position

    Don Callis Comments On Returning To NJPW Commentary Position

    NJPW announced recently that they have reached a deal with Don Callis for him to return on commentary. Callis and NJPW were seemingly on the outs not long after King of Pro Wrestling. With Callis a senior management member with Impact, he’s not always available for NJPW shows and it appeared the company was moving forward without him.

    Callis addressed the situation on his “Killin the Town Podcast” released today.

    Don Callis NJPW

    “I am going back to New Japan,” Callis said. “So, for all the people out there who were claiming I’d been fired and that they didn’t want to use me anymore, that sort of thing. There were some people who said that and had all sorts of reasons for it that they would speculate about. As I said before, I’m busy enough that it’s not that I didn’t notice I wasn’t going back but I hadn’t given it a lot of thought because I’d been so busy.”

    Callis would then continued to talk about NJPW reaching out to him to bring him back to the commentary booth.

    “They reached out to me and we had a discussion,” Callis continued. “I don’t think I’m telling any tales out of school but they were quite intent on getting me back and I love the company and I love the boys in the back and I like the product. So, once we were able to resolve everything to mutual satisfaction I made a deal to go back.”

    He then announced he would be back with the company November 17th and 18th for the shows in Tokyo.

  • Report: Tetsuya Naito Turned Down WWE Offer To Remain In NJPW

    Report: Tetsuya Naito Turned Down WWE Offer To Remain In NJPW

    Tetsuya Naito says he has no interest in going to WWE. According to a recent report from Tokyo Sports, Naito turned down a WWE offer back in June after NJPW Dominion. The translated quotes come courtesy of NJPW commentator, Chris Charlton.

    “I didn’t even give it thought,” Naito said. “This New Japan ring is already the world’s number 1 stage. The fans know this. That’s why I think we should focus on our home crowd before looking international.”

    Naito would then turn the focus of the conversation to his rival and pending Wrestle Kingdom opponent, Chris Jericho.

    “You should understand that I have no interest in ‘WWE Superstar’ Chris Jericho ring,” Naito continued. “What I want to do is get revenge for what happened in a New Japan ring, in a New Japan ring.”

    Normally LIJ members have a contentious relationship with Tokyo Sports. Frequently in the past, Naito and other LIJ members have left the media outlet alone at the table to pay for their meals after an interview.

    Tetsuya Naito Vs Chris Jericho – Wrestle Kingdom 13

    Chris Jericho turned down Tetsuya Naito’s challenge for an Intercontinental Championship match after Power Struggle on Saturday. Despite this, NJPW officially announced the match during yesterday’s press conference.

    Jericho then took to social media to remind NJPW he did not accept Naito’s challenge.

  • Kenny Omega Fires Shots at Hiroshi Tanahashi Following Power Struggle

    Kenny Omega Fires Shots at Hiroshi Tanahashi Following Power Struggle

    Kenny Omega recently appeared at New Japan’s Power Struggle event in Osaka, Japan. The IWGP Heavyweight Champion teamed with Kota Ibushi to defeat Hiroshi Tanahashi and David Finlay.

    Tanahashi won the G1 Climax tournament earlier this year and is set to face Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom on January 4th.

    During a post match interview Omega made some scathing comments about Tanahashi. The Champion stated that “I’ve skipped out on this tour to focus on my other goals, my other dreams, my aspirations. People keep saying ‘Kenny, you’re a terrible champion. WHY aren’t you making the small shows?’ I’ll tell you why, I’m a business man at heart. When it comes to business, you have to make your challengers look credible. LOOK WHAT HAPPENED. I show up Tana, you get the big L. You look like a big L. Does he look like the challenger of the Tokyo Dome main event? No. I am trying to do you a service, I am trying to do this whole company a favour. I’m trying to allow you to pad your record and look really strong going into January 4th. But you call me out and you get the Golden Lovers.”

  • Chris Jericho “That’s the first Classic match that EVIL has ever had”

    Chris Jericho “That’s the first Classic match that EVIL has ever had”

    Chris Jericho returned to New Japan Pro Wrestling at the Power Struggle event in Osaka, Japan. The IWGP Intercontinental Champion defended successfully against EVIL after locking him in a Walls of Jericho that transitioned into a Liontamer.

    When Jericho would not release the submission Tetsuya Naito appeared and forced Jericho to retreat to the back. Naito then issued a direct challenge to Y2J for the Intercontinental Championship.

    Backstage Footage

    NJPW recently released the backstage footage of Jericho after the bout. Y2J made some interesting comments regarding his opponent EVIL. Jericho said to the NJPW reporters “you see that? That’s what is called a ‘classic match.’ The first classic match that EVIL has ever had, and that’s just number 257 for me. Classic, after classic, after classic. They don’t call me the GOAT for nothing. If you don’t understand that because you’re Japanese it’s Greatest of All Time. It’s not a tag line, it’s not a catchphrase, it’s the truth. Find me somebody ANYWHERE in the world, in the history of the business that’s had more Intercontinental Championships than I have. Tell me one, can you do it? No. I know you all speak perfect English, but you can’t speak English now, you “can’t remember.”

    Never Lost in New Japan to The Japanese

    Jericho also made some interesting points about his record in New Japan, stating “The Gaijin won. It’s just gonna continue. I’ve NEVER lost a match in New Japan against the Japanese, ever. And I never will. Like I said, EVIL you’re a great performer. What a great match that was, one of the best that I’ve had in a long time. But I won, just like I said I would. I made you famous like I said I would. Naito, I made you famous in June. I made you famous in Korakuen Hall in January. You wanna be famous again? Find somebody else. NO REMATCH for Naito, EVER.”

  • First Competitors for Pro-Wrestling All Star Battle in Japan Announced

    The first competitors have been announced for the “Pro-Wrestling All Star Battle” in Sumo Hall on February 19, 2019. The show will be one of the biggest co-branded events in recent Japanese history. Stars from NJPW, All Japan, Big Japan and NOAH will be performing on the Super-show in February. This show will a commemoration of 20 years since Giant Baba’s passing. It is also 60 years since the Tokyo Sports newspaper started their publication. It is unlikely that any ‘dream bouts’ will be taking place, but it is a big deal for the Japanese promotions such as NJPW and NOAH teaming up for a show. 

    NJPW Commentator Chris Charlton confirmed that “The card marks 60 years of Tokyo Sports. The last All Star Battle was in August 1979 and featured Giant Baba and Antonio Inoki tagging together for the very last time.“

    Here’s the currently confirmed names:

    • New Japan Pro Wrestling – Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomoaki Honma
    • All Japan Pro Wrestling – Kento Miyahara, Jun Akiyama, Takao Omori & Masanobu Fuchi
    • Big Japan Wrestling – The Great Kojika & Daisuke Sekimoto
    • Pro Wrestling NOAH –  Naomichi Marufuji

    Also announced are:

    • Fighting Group Kazushi-gumi – Kazushi Miyamoto
    • Suzuki-gun: Tachi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
    • A-TEAM: Tomohiko Hashimoto
    • Freelance: Taiyo Kea

    Credit to @STRIGGA for the confirmed names

     

  • WrestleKingdom 13: New Matches Announced

    WrestleKingdom 13: New Matches Announced

    With Power Struggle in the rear view window, we’re officially on our way to NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 13 event next January.

    Granted, there’s still the World Tag League and Road To Tokyo Dome shows on the horizon, but that hasn’t stopped New Japan from hyping up their January showcase. NJPW took to NJPW1972.com earlier to day in order to announce a slew of new matches.

    Joining the already established main event of Kenny Omega vs Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship are the following matchups:

    IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match

    Suzuki-Gun (Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado) (c) vs Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH) vs Los Ingoberables de Japon (BUSHI & Shingo Takagi)

    IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Match

    KUSHIDA (c) vs Taiji Ishimori

    “The Rainmaker” Kuzuchika Okada vs “Switchblade” Jay White

    IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match

    Chris Jericho (c) vs Tetsuya Naito

    A Battle Of Beliefs

    Many of these feuds have only just been developed in recent months, particularly in the wake of both King Of Pro Wrestling and Power Struggle, and it will be interesting to see how each rivalry develops between now and January.

    Either way, Wrestle Kingdom 13 is beginning to look like a genuinely stacked card that has a lot on the line across the board — including a clash of core ideologies between “The Best Bout Machine” Omega and “The Ace” Tanahashi that is indicative of the struggles between NJPW staying true to its Japanese ‘Strong Style’ roots versus changing in order to appeal to a broader, Western audience.

    With this kind of card to look forward to, January can’t come fast enough for NJPW fans.

    Are you counting down the days until Wrestle Kingdom? Which match are you looking forward to the most?

  • Bullet Club Recruiting Katsuya Kitamura

    Bullet Club Recruiting Katsuya Kitamura

    Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa have asked Bullet Club supporters to weigh in on the possible recruitment of Katsuya Kitamura.

    The NJPW young lion has been with the company since 2015 but hasn’t wrestled since February. He is believed to have suffered a concussion at the New Beginning in Hiroshima but details of his injury are hard to come by. There has been speculation Kitamura may have to retire due to his injuries.

    Katsuya Kitamura To Bullet Club?

    The 32-year-old Kitamura was a highly accomplished amateur wrestler before joining the NJPW dojo. A 3x national champion, his amateur career ended after a failed drug test in 2011. His subsequent suspension likely cost him a spot on the 2012 Japanese Olympic team. Kitamura said he took the substances by accident when they were in some over-the-counter supplements he purchased. He started training with NJPW in 2015.

    Kitamura often teamed with Tomoyuki Oka, sometimes under the team name “Monster Rage.” Oka is currently on an excursion with Revolution Po under the name Great O’Kharn.

    Tama Tonga On The Elite No Longer Being Bullet Club

    Tama Tonga’s Firing Squad wished the Elite good luck in their future endeavors at the G1 Special In San Fransico. Members of the Elite confirmed they are no longer Bullet Club on Chris Jericho’s Rock N Rager at Sea this weekend.

  • Chris Jericho ‘Refuses’ To Face Tetsuya Naito, Where Will The Match Happen?

    Chris Jericho ‘Refuses’ To Face Tetsuya Naito, Where Will The Match Happen?

    Chris Jericho returned to New Japan Pro Wrestling at the Power Struggle event in Osaka, Japan. The IWGP Intercontinental Champion defended successfully against EVIL after locking him in a Walls of Jericho that transitioned into a Liontamer.

    When Jericho would not release the submission Tetsuya Naito appeared and forced Jericho to retreat to the back. Naito then issued a direct challenge to Y2J for the Intercontinental Championship.

    Jericho appeared in a backstage interview following the win and declared that he would not face Tetsuya Naito. Chris Jericho stated that as he already beat Naito at Dominion earlier this year that there would be no rematch. Jericho even went as far to say that it definitely wouldn’t happen at “Wrestle Kingdom, Madison Square Garden or anywhere.”

    Chris Jericho’s next appearance for New Japan could be some way off. With the Tag League usually dominating the December scheduling we could be waiting for January and the Wrestle Kingdom show. Whilst it is very likely that the bout will happen at Wrestle Kingdom an opportunity to bring the match to Madison Square Garden might be too good to miss. There is some uncertainty as to the star-power that ROH and New Japan will have come April 2019. There have been several rumors and reports that WWE will be looking to ‘poach’ the likes of the Young Bucks and Kenny Omega before the huge event in MSG. Having a marquee match with Y2J against Tetsuya Naito for one of NJPW’s top titles could be a big draw if the company decide to opt for an iPPV offering.

     

  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Number 1 Contender Named

    IWGP Junior Heavyweight Number 1 Contender Named

    Taiji Ishimori has emerged as the new number 1 contender to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. The Bullet Club member attacked current Champion KUSHIDA with a crutch following his tag team bout loss. Ishimori was using the crutch due to his previously diagnosed ankle injury on November 1st.

    NJPW confirmed via their English language site NJPW1972.com on 11/01 that “Taiji Ishimori will not participate in the event in Shizuoka at the Twin Messe Shizuoka South Building today. Thursday November 1st, due to a left ankle injury. This happened during the event in Nagano on October 31st.”

    After the attack Ishimori cut a short promo. He confirmed that he was next in line for an IWGP Junior Heavyweight title shot.

    The Bullet Club member was revealed as the new BONE SOLDIER earlier this year. He has been setting the Junior division on fire ever since. Ishimori has also competed in this year’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament, he gained 5 wins and 2 loses in the tournament and advanced to the finals. Taiji came up short in the BOSJ as he lost to Hiromu Takahashi in the final.

  • Highlights of Chris Jericho’s Recent IWGP Intercontinental Title Defence

    Highlights of Chris Jericho’s Recent IWGP Intercontinental Title Defence

    Chris Jericho returned to New Japan Pro Wrestling at the Power Struggle event in Osaka, Japan. The IWGP Intercontinental Champion defended successfully against EVIL after locking him in a Walls of Jericho that transitioned into a Liontamer.

    After the match concluded, Jericho continued to attack EVIL, putting him back into the submission hold until Naito ran in to save his LIJ teammate. Jericho escaped and began to leave, but not before he teased a match between the two, indicating to an inevitable confrontation between himself and Naito for the belt.

    It is likely that Jericho will now go on to face Tetsuya Naito for the IC Title at Wrestle Kingdom. There is also a strong possibility that Jericho appears at the Madison Square Garden event for New Japan over WrestleMania weekend next year so the bout could happen there. Either way this is a huge bout for Naito in terms of mainstream appeal. This could help propel the Los Ingobernable leader to greater heights in New Japan.

    Check out some of the highlights from the bout below. These include a hellacious table spot, a vicious chair-brace into the corner post and an sharp snap Codebreaker from Y2J.

    Did you watch the match? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below

    https://twitter.com/njpwworld/status/1058683196638810114

     

  • NJPW Teasing an Okada/Tanahashi Alliance

    NJPW Teasing an Okada/Tanahashi Alliance

    NJPW has recently been adding more English language content to their YouTube channel. One of the new web series entitled ‘The Wire’ has posed an intriguing question to the fans of New Japan. Will Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada form an alliance?

    ‘The Ace’ of New Japan Tanahashi broke up an attack by the Firing Squad on Okada at the ‘Road To’ Power Struggle event on October 27th. Tanahashi stormed the ring and attacked Jay White, Tanga Loa and Bad Luck Fale. Tama Tonga then joined in the fray and got taken down by a double back elbow by Okada and Tanahashi.

    The Okada/Tanahashi feud is one of the most pivotal in New Japan’s history. The two men have had some incredible matches in the past. Okada stated in a recent backstage interview that “shaking hands (with Tanahashi) was…friendly. I guess, for the first time, Tanahashi has finally made a friend. But, that doesn’t mean we are going to team up. But, let me thank you for helping me this time.”

    Tanahashi also made some interesting comments, stating that “Even I don’t know what is going to happen. Pro Wrestling is…not only about betrayal.”

  • NJPW Power Struggle Results

    NJPW Power Struggle Results

    New Japan Pro Wrestling is on the road to Wrestle Kingdom 13, but before we get to their premier event in January, there’s still the World Tag League, the Road To Tokyo Dome shows, and today’s NJPW Power Struggle event to enjoy.

    Power Struggle took place in Osaka’s Edion Arena, Osaka, Japan.

    Power Struggle Results

    ACH, Chris Sabin, Ryusuke Taguchi, & Toa Henare defeated Jushin “Thunder” Liger, Soberano, Jr., Tiger Mask IV, & Volador, Jr. via pinfall.

    ACH and Taguchi nailed Soberano Jr. with a wheelbarrow X-Factor, allowing Taguchi to pick up the victory for his team.

    Bullet Club (Robbie Eagles, Tama Tonga, & Tanga Loa) defeated Great Bash Heel (Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma) & KUSHIDA via pinfall.

    The win came in typical Bullet Club fashion, with Jado and a supposedly injured Taiji Ishimori interfering in the match. Isihomori nailed KUSHIDA with his crutch; one Gun Stun later and the Bullet Club were victorious.

    Ishimori proceeded to hold the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight title, clearly stating his intentions for championship gold.

    CHAOS (Beretta & Kazuchika Okada) defeated Bullet Club (Bad Luck Fale & “Switchblade” Jay White) via pinfall.

    Beretta slipped out of an attempted Bad Luck Fall, which led to a pinning opportunity over Bad Luck Fale.

    Post-match, Jay White threw down a challenge that he would face Okada anytime, anywhere. When Okada suggested they fight then and there, White leaves.

    Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi) defeated David Finlay & Hiroshi Tanahashi via pinfall.

    Omega and Ibushi executed a high-impact Golden Trigger onto C-Block champion, David Finlay.

    Super Jr. Tag League 2018 Finals

    Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH) defeated Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI & Shingo Takagi) and Suzuki-gun (El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) via pinfall.

    SHO landed an imapctful Last Ride/Backcracker combination onto Desperado, who somehow kicked out at 2. SHO scooped up the LIJ member and quickly hit the Shock Arrow, giving Roppongi 3K the victory.

    Roppongi 3K are the only team in New Japan history to win the Best of Super Jr.’s twice in a row.

    Hirooki Goto defeated Taichi (c) by pinfall with GTR to win the NEVER Openweight Championship.

    Goto weathered the storm after being attacked by Taichi before the bell. Fighting back, he managed to pull off the Shouten Kai and followed up with a GTR for the pinfall, winning back the NEVER Openweight Championshiop for the fourth time.

    Tomohiro Ishii (c) defeated Minoru Suzuki by pinfall, thanks to a vertical drop brainbuster.

    Ishii retained the RPW British Heavyweight Championship during this hard-hitting match that perfectly encapsulated the ‘strong style’ ideology.

    Tetsuya Naito defeated Zack Sabre, Jr. via pinfall after hitting a second Destino.

    Chris Jericho (c) defeated EVIL via submission with the Walls of Jericho, retaining the IWGP Intercontinental Championship in the process.

    After the match concluded, Jericho continued to attack EVIL, putting him back into the submission hold until Naito ran in to save his LIJ teammate. Jericho escaped and began to leave, but not before he teased a match between the two, indicating to an inevitable confrontation between himself and Naito for the belt.

    Naito got on the mic and officially challenged Jericho for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship to close out the show.

  • NJPW Power Struggle Osaka (11/03) Full Card

    NJPW Power Struggle Osaka (11/03) Full Card

    New Japan Pro Wrestling’s October scheduling is usually dominated by the POWER STRUGGLE shows – and 2018 is no different. This year’s lineup of shows will of course feature the ‘Road To’ and Main shows themselves, some of which will be available on NJPWWorld.

    Saturday will see the first of the main POWER STRUGGLE shows take place. The main headline grabber for more casual fans is of course the IWGP Intercontinental Championship match between Chris Jericho and EVIL. This will be Jericho’s first NJPW bout in a few months and the build up has been going since Jericho’s bout against Naito for the Championship.

    Here’s the full card for the event in Osaka’s Prefectural Gym:

    • Soberano Jr, Volador Jr, Tiger Mask and Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger vs Toa Henare, ACH, Chris Sabin and Ryusuke Taguchi
    • KUSHIDA, Tomoaki Honma and Togi Makabe vs Robbie Eagles, Tanga Loa and Tama Tonga
    • Beretta and Kazuchika Okada vs Bad Luck Fale and ‘Switchblade’ Jay White
    • Hiroshi Tanahashi and David Finlay vs Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi
    • SUPER Jr. TAG LEAGUE 2018 Triple Threat Final – SHO & YOH vs Shingo Takagi and BUSHI vs El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru
    • NEVER Openweight Championship Match – Taichi (c) vs Hirooki Goto
    • Revolution Pro British Championship Match – Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs Minoru Suzuki
    • Tetsuya Naito vs Zack Sabre Jr
    • IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match – Chris Jericho (c) vs “King of Darkness” EVIL

     

  • NJPW Reportedly Offering Big Money Deals To WWE Talent

    NJPW Reportedly Offering Big Money Deals To WWE Talent

    Usually WWE is the company poaching talent from other promotions, but it appears New Japan Pro Wrestling is going on the offensive.

    New Japan has been aggressively increasing its presence in the West over the past few years, hoping to grow a larger fanbase amongst American fans. A whole new audience is being exposed to New Japan’s brand of “strong style” wrestling. Another big step in that effort would be acquiring WWE talent that fans are familiar with.

    According Dave Meltzer, NJPW has been reaching out to WWE’s wrestlers in an effort to lure them away with comparable money for fewer dates.

    “There were some offers that have been made to some guys in WWE that surprised me in the sense of how much they could make outside of WWE,” Meltzer said, before adding, “One person who is there [in the WWE] got an offer for ridiculous money for way less dates and it very much surprised me. This would be one of the top guys in WWE. New Japan is weird but they are willing to pay real big money, like they did with [Chris] Jericho.”

    No specific names were mentioned during his observations, but rumors are rife with names such as current US Heavyweight Champion, Shinsuke Nakamura, Karl Anderson, and Luke Gallows – all of whom have been previously associated with NJPW in the past and that many fans believe have been grossly underutilized during their time with WWE.

    What do you think of this? Do you feel they’ve been misused in the WWE? Who would you like to see get signed to NJPW?

  • Bullet Club Member Injured

    Bullet Club Member Injured

    New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced that Taiji Ishimori is currently injured. The Bullet Club member was scheduled to perform at today’s Road To Power Struggle event but was pulled hours before the event.

    NJPW confirmed via their English language site NJPW1972.com that “Taiji Ishimori will not participate in the event in Shizuoka at the Twin Messe Shizuoka South Building today, Thursday November 1st, due to a left ankle injury, which happened during the event in Nagano on October 31st.”

    Ishimori has been teaming with Robbie Eagles for the Super Jr Tag League 2018 tournament. Eagles took part in a singles match against Yota Tsuji for the Shizuoka show. Eagles took the win over Tsuji with a Turbo Back Pack.

    The severity of Ishimori’s ankle injury has not yet been revealed. Ishimori was not yet booked in a bout for the upcoming Power Struggle event in Osaka this Saturday. Ishimori and Eagles have already been eliminated from the Super Jr tournament so their involvement in the show would possibly been in a multi-man tag bout at best. We’ll be able to update you further as the story develops.