SEScoops

Category: NJPW

  • Jon Moxley Appears at NJPW Night Before Rumble on 44th Street

    Jon Moxley Appears at NJPW Night Before Rumble on 44th Street

    Jon Moxley thrilled fans in New York City on Thursday night as he made a surprise appearance at the NJPW Night Before Rumble on 44th Street event at Palladium Times Square.

    The AEW World Champion teamed with Eddie Kingston, Amazing Red, Homicide, Shota Umino, and Kazuchika Okada in a 12-man elimination match. They faced Tom Lawlor, Royce Isaacs, Jorel Nelson, El Phantasmo, Juice Robinson, and Jay White.

    Moxley’s team ended up being victorious. The AEW Champion eliminated El Phantasmo by throwing him over the top rope. There was a large brawl that left Moxley and Lawlor alone in the ring. Lawlor attempted a Death Rider, but Moxley hit one instead to eliminate Lawlor. Later, Moxley pinned Robinson after he was hit by Okada with a Rainmaker (Okada was then eliminated by White when he was tossed over the top rope). White and Moxley then faced off before Kingston helped Moxley eliminate White to win the match.

    Jon Moxley Will Wrestle on Rampage This Week

    It was revealed this week that Moxley’s fellow Blackpool Combat Club member Wheeler Yuta was double booked for AEW Rampage (airing live from Connecticut) and New Japan’s Friday night show in New York.

    To cover this problem, Moxley will work a match on Rampage in Yuta’s place so that he Wheeler can work his originally scheduled match for New Japan. Moxley will wrestle Matt Menard on Rampage in an AEW World Title Eliminator Match.

    Check out the Top Rope Nation wrestling podcast for your weekly dose of pro wrestling talk featuring interviews, analysis and exclusive news. Apple – Spotify – YouTube. 

    Jon Moxley Announced as Replacement for AEW Star in Match Tomorrow Night on Rampage
  • Latest On Karl Anderson’s Status With WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling

    Latest On Karl Anderson’s Status With WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling

    Will Karl Anderson miss NJPW Battle Autumn as he claims? Perhaps, but that isn’t a bad thing.

    Earlier this month, Anderson returned to WWE as the NJPW Never Openweight Champion and was booked for a title match at Battle Autumn on November 5.

    Anderson has made it clear that he intends to compete at WWE Crown Jewel on November 5 and will miss Battle Autumn.

    The Update

    Anderson, WWE, and New Japan appear to be at odds, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

    Fightful Select reports that there have always been plans for the ‘Machine Gun’ to compete for New Japan despite his WWE return.

    It is unclear what will happen with the Never Openweight Championship, which NJPW has insisted must be defended at Battle Autumn or Anderson will be stripped of the title.

    The report adds that New Japan was aware that Anderson and Luke Gallows would be returning to WWE as early as August.

    Sources close to the situation said that “things are fine” between Anderson and the two promotions.

    More Appearances

    In their report, Fightful reported that New Japan expects more appearances from Anderson and Gallows after Battle Autumn and that WWE is fine with this.

    It was previously reported that NJPW is hopeful that Gallows and Anderson will make multiple appearances in the run-up to their big annual event Wrestle Kingdom.

    NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 will take place on January 4, 2023, marking the first time since 2019 the show has happened in one day.

    Four matches have been announced so far, including the crowning of the inaugural NJPW World Television Champion.

  • AEW’s FTR Added to NJPW Battle Autumn Event

    AEW’s FTR Added to NJPW Battle Autumn Event

    All Elite Wrestling’s FTR will be stepping through the Forbidden Door to appear at the upcoming NJPW Battle Autumn event.

    FTR debuted for AEW in 2020 and captured the company’s World Tag Team Titles at that year’s All Out.

    The team of Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler, FTR also currently hold the ROH, AAA, and IWGP World Tag Team Championships.

    Battle Autumn

    On the official NJPW Twitter, FTR confirmed that they will be at Battle Autumn in Osaka, Japan.

    The duo begged New Japan to send their best wrestlers to the show and teased that their match in Japan will be for the IWGP Tag Team Titles.

    No opponents have been announced for FTR at this time.

    NJPW Battle Autumn will take place on November 5, at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, in Osaka, Japan.

    Karl Anderson: Will he or Won’t he?

    FTR has been announced for NJPW Battle Autumn but Karl Anderson’s position with the show is far muddier.

    Before returning to WWE earlier this month, it was announced that Anderson would be defending his NJPW Never Openweight Championship at Battle Autumn against Hikuleo.

    Even after returning on Raw, an updated card from NJPW still featured the title match, leading many to believe an agreement had been reached.

    After being announced for WWE Crown Jewel (also on November 5,) Anderson uploaded a video saying he will not be at Battle Autumn.

    NJPW President Takami Ohbari is said to be ‘furious’ over Anderson choosing WWE over his show, and has said he expects all promoted talent, especially champions, to be at Battle Autumn.

    Possible Reason FTR Was Cut from AEW: Fight Forever Video Game
  • Stardom Unveils the New IWGP Women’s Championship Belt

    Stardom Unveils the New IWGP Women’s Championship Belt

    With the IWGP Women’s Championship tournament in full swing, the championship belt was revealed today.

    Round 1 saw two matches. Utami Hayashishita faced Himeka while Mayu Iwatani took on Momo Wantanabe. On October 23 at the 12th Goddess of Stardom Tag League, two semi-finale matches will take place.

    The IWGP Women’s Championship was unveiled during the show. It was created by Belts by Dan, who has created belts for NJPW, AEW, NWA, and more. The belt fits in with other prestigious IWGP belts for NJPW. It is a mixture of classic and modern.

    Stardom wrestlers coming to the U.S.

    Mayu Iwatani

    The inaugural IWGP Women’s Champion will be crowned on November 20 at the joint Stardom and NJPW show, X-Over. The title will be defended at NJPW shows in both Japan and the U.S. There’s a possibility the title will be defended at big Stardom shows as well.

    Stardom wrestlers have been teased in a video for Rumble on 44th Street and The Night Before Rumble on 44th Street. The women who will be appearing have not officially been announced yet. This will be a great opportunity for U.S. fans that watch NJPW and NJPW Strong to see Stardom wrestling matches before the IWGP Women’s Championship match next month.

  • NJPW Boss ‘Furious’ Over Karl Anderson Choosing WWE Crown Jewel

    NJPW Boss ‘Furious’ Over Karl Anderson Choosing WWE Crown Jewel

    Karl Anderson’s decision to choose WWE Crown Jewel 2022 over NJPW Battle Autumn has infuriated NJPW President Takami Ohbari.

    Anderson, the reigning NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion, returned to WWE earlier this month alongside Luke Gallows.

    The duo will team up with AJ Styles to face the Judgment Day at Crown Jewel on November 5.

    Double Booking

    After his return to WWE, it was reported that Anderson was still booked for Battle Autumn, where he was set to defend against Hikuleo.

    In an updated card, published after the Good Brothers returned to Raw, the match was still on the schedule, with many believing NJPW and WWE had reached a deal.

    After his match at Crown Jewel was announced, Anderson took to Twitter, where he and Gallows said they will not be competing at Battle Autumn.

    The show is also scheduled for November 5 and is will take place in Osaka, Japan, over 5,200 miles away from Crown Jewel’s host city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

    Furious

    Anderson and by proxy, Gallows, are off the Battle Autumn card, which hasn’t gone down well with New Japan’s higher ups.

    In a recent interview with Tokyo Sports, company President Takami Ohbari stated that he was “furious,” but declined to comment further on the matter.

    The report also noted that in early 2006, Brock Lesnar was forced to pull out a NJPW event, though in his case it was due to Visa issues.

    Anderson’s decision to skip Battle Autum in favor of WWE Crown Jewel is the first instance of a “foreign fighter blatantly refusing to participate” at a pre-advertised show.

    “It Will Be Rectified” – Good Brothers Send Warning To Judgment Day After WWE RAW

  • Karl Anderson may Wrestle for WWE and NJPW on the Same Night

    Karl Anderson may Wrestle for WWE and NJPW on the Same Night

    Karl Anderson may be weeks away from making history by competing for WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling on the very same night.

    Last week, Anderson, alongside Luke Gallows, returned to WWE, coming to the aid of AJ Styles for his feud with The Judgment Day.

    Gallows and Anderson, who are former WWE Raw Tag Team Champions, were released in April 2020 with their final appearances being during WrestleMania 36’s Boneyard match.

    History Maker?

    Anderson returned to WWE, despite being the NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion.

    After his return, New Japan uploaded an updated card for their Battle Autumn event next month, confirming that Anderson is still on the card.

    Anderson will defend his championship against Hikuleo and is expected to drop the title in Osaka Jo-Hall in Japan on November 5.

    During this week’s Raw, it was announced that Styles, Gallows, and Anderson will face the Judgment Day’s Finn Balor, Damian Priest, and Dominik Mysterio at Crown Jewel.

    Crown Jewel will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, also on November 5.

    If he works both events, Anderson will become the first wrestler to work for WWE and New Japan on the same night.

    More Appearances?

    Anderson is set to appear for New Japan Pro Wrestling, despite being a WWE Superstar, but his work with the former promotion won’t be a one-off.

    According to reports, New Japan is hopeful that both Anderson and Luke Gallows will be able to work events up until the company’s biggest annual show, Wrestle Kingdom 17 in January 2023.

    There is no confirmation as to whether WWE will agree for the duo to make multiple appearances for the other promotion.

    “It Will Be Rectified” – Good Brothers Send Warning To Judgment Day After WWE RAW
  • Latest on Good Brothers’ Status with WWE & NJPW

    Latest on Good Brothers’ Status with WWE & NJPW

    The Good Brothers are back with WWE, but that won’t prevent both men from competing outside of the company.

    The Good Brothers (Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows) returned during this week’s WWE Raw, coming to the aid of AJ Styles.

    Styles has been feuding with the Judgment Day fr months, as the group continues to try and recruit the two-time former WWE World Champion.

    Good Brothers

    Despite being WWE Superstars, Gallows and Anderson are still expected to compete for New Japan.

    Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Anderson, the reigning NJPW NEVER Openweight Champion, will compete at Battle Autumn on November 5.

    Fightful Select reports that the duo have been working for New Japan without contracts, and have plans to use the two in the coming months.

    It was also reported that New Japan officials were aware that Gallows and Anderson were returning to WWE despite dates committed through to the end of this year.

    Officials at NJPW are hopeful that WWE will allow Gallows and Anderson to work Wrestle Kingdom in January 2023, but that has not been confirmed at this time.

    Return to WWE

    Gallows and Anderson are back with WWE, two years after they were released by the promotion.

    Fightful’s report adds that Gallows and Anderson were sent feelers from WWE during their recent run in Impact Wrestling.

    It was said that neither man kept WWE’s interest in them a secret behind the scenes in Impact.

    Both men’s contracts were originally set to end in July, but extended for a month, meaning their Impact deals ended in late August.

    Gallows and Anderson’s first match back will come on tomorrow’s Raw when they will face Alpha Academy.

    Karl Anderson Still Working NJPW Show After WWE Return (Report)
  • Former NJPW Wrestler Katsuya Kitamura Dead Aged 36

    Former NJPW Wrestler Katsuya Kitamura Dead Aged 36

    The wrestling world is mourning the death of former New Japan Pro Wrestling Young Lion Cup winner Katsuya Kitamura who died at the age of 36 this week.

    Tokyo Sports reported Friday morning that Kitamura had passed away on October 12, with the cause of death currently unknown.

    Their report adds that Kitamura had felt unwell on Tuesday, and

    Kitamura had been active on social media, with a video from his YouTube channel uploaded three days before his passing.

    The Wrestling Monster

    Once considered for the Japanese wrestling team for the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games, Kitamura stepped foot inside New Japan’s dojo for the first time in 2015.

    A year later, Kitamura had his first official match, wrestling Tomoyuki Oka (Great-O-Khan) to a time-limit draw in September 2016.

    The following year, Kitamura won the Young Lion Cup, defeating everyone in the block in an arguable career highlight.

    In early 2018, Kitamura was put in a trial series against seven wrestlers in singles matches, but a concussion caused the final match against Manabu Nakaniashi to be called off.

    Kitamura would leave New Japan in January 2019, and was often called the ‘Wrestling Monster’ due to his six-foot, 265-pound frame.

    Out of the Ring

    Following his departure from New Japan, Kitamura returned to his amateur wrestling roots, competing for the MMA promotion RIZIN.

    In his sole fight for the company, Kitamura lost to Bobby Ologun by rear naked choke at Rizin 32 on November 20, 2021

    We at SEScoops would like to offer our condolences to Kitamura’s family and those who knew him at this sad time.

  • Okada vs. White Official for NJPW WrestleKingdom 17 Main Event

    Okada vs. White Official for NJPW WrestleKingdom 17 Main Event

    The main event is set for New Japan Pro Wrestling’s biggest show of the year.

    NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 is scheduled for Wednesday, January 4, 2023 from the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. New Japan’s flagship show returns to a single-night format after several years of taking place over 2 nights.

    As expected, the main event of WK17 will see IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Jay White defending against Kazuchika Okada, winner of the G1 CLIMAX 32 tournament.

    Wrestle Kingdom 17 will be dedicated to Japanese wrestling legend Antonio Inoki, who passed away last week.

    Kazuchika Okada vs. Jay White

    The bout was made official during the closing segment of Monday’s NJPW Declaration of Power, where White successfully defended his title against Tama Tonga. During a post-match promo, Okada came out and had a stare-down in the ring.

    Okada is considered one of the greatest wrestlers of this generation, but some will consider him an underdog going into this bout. The Rainmaker holds a 1-4 record against Switchblade in their five battles.

  • New Japan Unveils New NJPWWorld Television Championship

    New Japan Unveils New NJPWWorld Television Championship

    New Japan Pro Wrestling has introduced a new championship belt. On Monday, the promotion held its NJPW Declaration of Power event.

    Mid-way through the show, the company introduced the NJPW World Television championship, named after the promotion’s NJPW World streaming service.

    Matches for the Television Championship will have a 15 minute time limit, which adds a sense of urgency and heightens the fast-paced element they are striving for. They will also focus on younger wrestlers, as well as having the belt defended in smaller towns that don’t often see title defenses.

    A tournament will be held to crown the first champion starting on October the 14th. Semifinals will be held on November 3rd in Osaka, with the first champion being crowned at Wrestle Kingdom 17.

    A representative from TV Asahi Sports mentioned that title matches will eventually air for free on NJPW’s social media channels.

    Here’s a clear look at the gold:

    NJPWWorld Television Championship
  • Antonio Inoki Made Honorary Lifetime Chairman of New Japan Pro Wrestling

    Antonio Inoki Made Honorary Lifetime Chairman of New Japan Pro Wrestling

    New Japan Pro Wrestling has honored the life and legacy of Antonio Inoki, making him the lifetime chairman of the promotion.

    Inoki founded the promotion in 1972 and remained on as the owner until 2005 when he sold a 51.5% controlling share of the company to Yuke’s.

    Inoki died last week at the age of 79 after a battle with systemic transthyretin amyloidosis.

    Lifetime Chairman

    In a statement on New Japan’s website, it was confirmed that Inoki has been dubbed the honorary lifetime chairman of the promotion.

    This declaration was made while Inoki was alive on September 1, 2022, and was due to be publicly announced on October 10.

    The announcement cannot take place as previously planned due to Inoki passing, but in the statement, New Japan vowed to follow Inoki’s wishes.

    “In accordance with Mr. Inoki’s wishes, all of us at New Japan Pro-Wrestling will continue to move forward and lead the professional wrestling world to the utmost of our abilities.”

    Inoki Out of the Ring

    Antonio Inoki may be best known to wrestling fans as the founder of NJPW and first IWGP Heavyweight Champion but he did much more outside the ring.

    Following in his father’s footsteps, Inoki entered politics in 1989, when he was elected into Japan’s House of Councillors as a representative of his Sports and Peace Party.

    In 1990, Inoki negotiated with Saddam Hussein, for the release of Japanese hostages before the outbreak of the Gulf War.

    A series of scandals ended Inoki’s political career in 1995, but he would return to politics in Japan’s Upper House as an MP from 2013 to 2019.

    Read our Antonio Inoki Obituary

    Antonio Inoki Was One of Pro Wrestling’s Great Achievements

  • STARDOM wrestlers to debut in NJPW of America in October

    STARDOM wrestlers to debut in NJPW of America in October

    STARDOM wrestlers will make their American debut when they tour with NJPW of America in October. Rumble on 44th Street takes place on October 28 at The Palladium Times Square. Due to demand, a show was added on October 27, cleverly called The Night Before Rumble on 44th Street.

    In a video released on Monday, Mayu Iwatami, Fukigen Death, Hanan, Waka Tsukiyama, and Mina Shirakawa are featured. It’s safe to assume that they will be coming to the U.S.

    STARDOM will crown IWGP Champion after a tournament

    Kairi Sane

    On November 20, the inaugural IWGP Women’s Champion will be crowned at their joint show, X-Over, at Ariake Arena. There is a tournament to crown the inaugural champion. Iwatani, Utami Hayashishita, Giulia, Starlight Kid, Jazzy Gabbert, and Ava White are the participants. KAIRI has also been announced for the tournament, receiving a bye.

    Gabbert defeated White over the weekend at NJPW Royal Quest II. Gabbert will face KAIRI on Night 1 of Goddesses of STARDOM Tag League 2022. Iwatani is set to face Momo Wantanabe and Hayashishita will take on Himeka on October 22.

    The IWGP Women’s Championship will be defended in both Japan and the U.S. It will be defended on NJPW shows, but could be defended on STARDOM shows in the future.

  • NJPW and WWE Share Touching Memoriam For Antonio Inoki

    NJPW and WWE Share Touching Memoriam For Antonio Inoki

    Yesterday, the pro-wrestling world learned that Antonio Inoki, the founder of New Japan Pro Wrestling, a former 12-time world champion, and respected Japanese politician, had passed away at the age of 79. Inoki’s legacy will forever be remembered, including in WWE, where he was an unrecognized world champion and entered their Hall of Fame in 2010.

    Today both WWE and NJPW each shared their own touching memoriam to celebrate the life of Inoki, with each pointing out marquee moments in his prestigious career.

    Statement From WWE

    “WWE is saddened to learn of the passing of WWE Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki.

    One of the key figures in the history of Japanese wrestling, Antonio Inoki was among the most respected men in sports-entertainment and a bona fide legend in his homeland.

    Born in Yokohama, Japan in 1943, Inoki grew into a natural in-ring competitor. The incredible squared circle figure found his greatest success in New Japan Pro Wrestling, a promotion he founded in 1972. Over the course of the next two decades, Inoki built NJPW into the most successful wrestling company in Asia. Utilizing talented Japanese competitors like Tatsumi Fujinami and Riki Choshu, innovative high-flyers like Tiger Mask and Dynamite Kid and American Superstars like Bob Backlund and Vader, the young promoter created a product that was unique, influential and far ahead of its time. In addition to running the company, Inoki himself was one of the top stars in NJPW, carrying the championship and battling the likes of Stan Hansen, Tiger Jeet Singh and Hulk Hogan.

    In his most-famous match, Inoki fought boxing legend Muhammad Ali in a rare wrestler vs. boxer match in June 26, 1976 – a contest that paved the way for the advent of Mixed Martial Arts, which would explode in popularity decades later. The bout also exemplified Inoki’s undying love and respect for professional wrestling. This passion for competition earned him the nickname “Moeru Toukon” amongst his peers, which translates to “The fighting spirit that burns.”

    Inoki was also a tremendous ambassador for professional wrestling, bringing major events to places like Russia and China. And in 2010, WWE did the same by welcoming Antonio Inoki into the WWE Hall of Fame Class.

    WWE offers it’s heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans of the squared circle legend and the wrestling world as a whole.

    Statement From New Japan Pro Wrestling

    “Antonio Inoki, founder of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, wrestler, promoter, politician and social activist, has died after a battle with amyloidosis. He was 79.

    Inoki was born in Yokohama in 1943. Relocating with his family to Brazil at age 13, the promising athlete had been working on a coffee plantation when he was scouted by Rikidozan on excursion to the region and recruited into professional wrestling.

    After making his debut on September 30 1960 under his birth name Kanji, his teenage years in Brazil would lead to him being renamed Antonio, with a legend being born in 1962.

    In the wake of discord within the Japanese Wrestling Association following Rikidozan’s death, Inoki would depart the promotion, forming New Japan Pro-Wrestling in January 1972 before staging NJPW’s first event in Ota on March 6 that year.

    As NJPW’s status grew, Inoki’s early career rival and former tag team partner Giant Baba would also become a promoter. In the face of his competition in All Japan Pro-Wrestling, Inoki would brand NJPW around the ideas of ‘Strong Style’ and ‘Fighting Spirit’. The rivalry sparked a boom in pro-wrestling that Inoki would be at the forefront of.

    June 26, 1976 would see Inoki break new ground when he battled Muhammad Ali in the Nippon Budokan, a match credited with being the birth of what became mixed martial arts. From his martial arts fights, to bloody brawls with the likes of Tiger Jeet Singh, and an indomitable underdog spirit opposite the hulking Andre the Giant, Inoki blended an in ring versatility with an explosive charisma that made him the image of professional wrestling to generations both in Japan and worldwide.

    Though Inoki would be active in ring until his Tokyo Dome retirement on April 4 1998, 1989 would see Inoki transition to the political arena, establishing the Sports and Peace Party and winning election into the Japanese House of Councillors on his first attempt. He would serve two terms in the Japanese Diet and was the first ever wrestler to serve in such a capacity.

    Inoki would start NJPW’s 50th year celebrations on January 4 2022 with a special video message in the Tokyo Dome at the start of Wrestle Kingdom 16.

    The thoughts and deepest sympathies of all at New Japan Pro-Wrestling go out to Inoki’s family, friends and fans.”

    You can read our initial report on Inoki here.

  • The Forbidden Door Will be Opened Again on Tonight’s AEW Dynamite

    The Forbidden Door Will be Opened Again on Tonight’s AEW Dynamite

    The Forbidden Door will be opened once again for tonight’s AEW Dynamite, as New Japan Pro Wrestling’s booker Gedo will be around for the show.

    On Twitter, Khan shared an image with Gedo as well as reigning AEW World Champion Jon Moxley and confirmed that Gedo will be around for tonight’s Dynamite in Philadelphia.

    Khan also thanked fans who will be watching the show tonight on TBS.

    Opening the Forbidden Door

    Gedo won’t be the only example of the Forbidden Door being opened for tonight’s show.

    In addition to New Japan’s booker, Juice Robinson will also be on the show and will take on Jon Moxley.

    This will be a championship contenders match, meaning that a win over Moxley in non-title action will guarantee Robinson a future AEW World Championship opportunity.

    Robinson is one of two men (the other being CM Punk) to have a victory over the reigning AEW World Champion in 2022.

    At NJPW Capital Collision in May, Robinson got a victory over Moxley in four-way action, which included Will Ospreay and then IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi.

    Tonight’s AEW Dynamite

    AEW will be opening the Forbidden Door, but that’s not all in store for the show.

    Ring of Honor World Champion Chris Jericho will have a celebration of last week’s victory, but will also have his first title defense against Bandido.

    AEW Interim Women’s World Champion Toni Storm will defend her title against Serena Deeb, while Saraya is set to speak for the first time since joining AEW last week.

    An appearance by MJF has also been promoted for the show.

    Forbidden Door Early PPV Estimate Revealed
  • KENTA 100% Agrees With Bobby Fish For Saying CM Punk Stole His Finisher

    KENTA 100% Agrees With Bobby Fish For Saying CM Punk Stole His Finisher

    Add KENTA to the list of CM Punk’s enemies.

    The NJPW star took to Twitter to respond to the recent interview comments made by former AEW talent Bobby Fish, who unleashed his true thoughts on Punk following the disastrous events from last Sunday’s ALL OUT media scrum and the backstage brawl that occurred afterwards. Fish’s full comments can be found here.

    At one point in the interview Fish stated that Punk was in the wrong for stealing KENTA’s finishing maneuver, the GTS, and not even having the decency to give him any credit over the years. The former Undisputed Era’s exact quotes were, “Phil, you took a man’s finishing maneuver. Anyone who knows pro-wrestling knows that’s f***ed up. You weren’t even decent enough to change the name.”

    KENTA Agrees With Fish

    So how did KENTA feel about what Fish said? He tweeted out the quotes on his persona account and writes, “Hey Bobby. You Are 100% right.”

    This isn’t the first time KENTA has made his feelings about Punk known. Ahead of Forbidden Door (prior to Punk breaking his foot) he wrote “It looks like the forbidden door won’t open for me But I’m totally fine as long as he pays royalty.”

    That’s not all. Sometimes KENTA just goes off on Punk whenever he feels like it.

  • Will Ospreay Takes One Final Shot At Kenny Omega As Run With AEW Ends

    Will Ospreay Takes One Final Shot At Kenny Omega As Run With AEW Ends

    Will Ospreay says that his current run with All Elite Wrestling has come to an end…for now.

    The Aerial Assassin competed on last night’s Dynamite main event, where he and Aussie Open (known as the United Empire) took on The Elite (Kenny Omega & the Young Bucks) in a trios title tournament semifinal. The Elite would pick up the victory after Omega hit a One-Winged Angel, but Ospreay and Aussie Open would get the last laugh as they attacked Omega and the Bucks as the show went off the air.

    Ospreay and Omega have been at each other’s throats for a while, taking shots at one another online and setting up a potential singles-bout somewhere down the line.

    One Final Shot At The Cleaner

    Ospreay took to Twitter this morning to announce that his current run with the promotion has come to an end for the foreseeable future. He credits Tony Khan for trusting his gut, but doesn’t shy away from taking one more jab at Omega. His tweet reads:

    “For the foreseeable future my time with AEW is done thanks to TonyKhan for having your own mind and not listening to KennyOmegamanX attempts at blocking me from coming to do a few matches for ya. We are even for now Ken, keep your mouth shut & we won’t have any issues.”

    The former IWGP World Heavyweight champion has been featured multiple times in AEW over the last few months. He had a marquee matchup with Orange Cassidy at Forbidden Door, and competed on several Dynamites. Ospreay’s tweet can be seen below.

    Omega and The Bucks will face either the Dark Order or the Best Friends & Orange Cassidy at ALL OUT depending on who wins the semifinal on this Friday’s Rampage.

  • First Look at IWGP Women’s Championship Belt

    First Look at IWGP Women’s Championship Belt

    NJPW and Stardom will be introducing the IWGP Women’s Championship belt. The inaugural champion will be crowned via a tournament. 

    New Japan Pro Wrestling announced that the tournament will begin with the first quarterfinal matches at Royal Quest II night two in London, England on October 2. It will continue with the quarterfinals at Stardom’s October 22 event while the semifinals will take place on a Stardom card in Tachikawa on October 23. 

    The tournament will conclude with the finals at Stardom and New Japan’s Historic X-over joint show on November 20 in Ariake. The first title defense will take place at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4.

    First Look

    Courtesy of Tokyo Sports, you can see a photo of the championship belt below:

    The two companies have confirmed that the title will be defended in Japan and also in the US on New Japan Pro Wrestling events. It’s slated to be the primary title for NJPW, with Stardom’s main titles remaining the World of Stardom Championship (red belt) and the Wonder of Stardom Championship (white belt).

    Stardom wrestlers will begin to be featured on NJPW shows in the United States.

  • NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 Will Be a 1-Night Event

    NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 Will Be a 1-Night Event

    NJPW has announced that its biggest event of the year, Wrestle Kingdom, will be returning to its previous format.

    New Japan Pro Wrestling confirmed today that for the first time in four years this event will be a one-night event in 2023 as it will take place on Wednesday, January 4 at the Tokyo Dome.

    January 4 is the date that NJPW’s Tokyo Dome show has traditionally been held on. It was also confirmed that New Year Dash will make its return the day after Wrestle Kingdom at Ota Ward Gymnasium in Tokyo on Thursday, January 5, 2023.

    Returning To Tradition

    Okada Forbidden Door

    The last time that Wrestle Kingdom was a one-night event was with Wrestle Kingdom 13 in 2019. Wrestle Kingdom 14 and 15 were held over two nights in 2020 and 2021, while Wrestle Kingdom 16 this year was held over three nights. The final night of Wrestle Kingdom 16 had an NJPW vs. Pro Wrestling NOAH theme.

    As previously reported by Dave Meltzer, some AEW wrestlers are expected to take part in Wrestle Kingdom 17. 

    Also, Kazuchika Okada will be in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 17 as he won the G1 Climax 32 tournament today, earning him the right at an IWGP World Heavyweight Title shot at the upcoming show.

  • NJPW Returns to NYC in October with Rumble on 44th Street

    NJPW Returns to NYC in October with Rumble on 44th Street

    New Japan Pro Wrestling returns to New York City this October.

    On Monday, NJPW announced Rumble on 44th Street will take place on Friday, October 28th from the Palladium in Times Square.

    This will be a live pay-per-view event that will feature talent from the Stardom women’s promotion. It will be New Japan’s first big show from the Big Apple since 2019.

    Friday October 28 sees NJPW’s biggest event in the US since Capital Collision this past May, as Rumble on 44th Street hits the Palladium in Times Square. The stars will be out for the fall’s most significant American card, which will include the best of STARDOM for the very first time as part of an NJPW card in America!

    Rumble on 44th Street tickets go on sale next Thursday, August 25th. There will be a pre-sale held on August 22nd, which cans can sign up for here.

    For more information, visit NJPW1972.com.

  • AEW Talent Set to Appear at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17

    AEW Talent Set to Appear at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17

    This coming January, New Japan Pro Wrestling will host its annual Wrestle Kingdom event, highlighting the biggest stars of the promotion.

    Wrestle Kingdom is NJPW’s biggest event of the year, and next year’s show will have an international flavor to it.

    AEW at Wrestle Kingdom

    Wrestle Kingdom 17 will showcase NJPW’s biggest stars, but will reportedly include names from All Elite Wrestling.

    Dave Meltzer noted on Wrestling Observer Radio today that there are plans for some AEW wrestlers to compete at the event, but didn’t name any specific stars.

    This wouldn’t be the first time AEW and NJPW had teamed up, as at Wrestle Kingdom 14, then-AEW World Champion Chris Jericho defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi.

    The two-night event also saw Jon Moxley defeat Lance Archer for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship in a Texas Death Match.

    AEW and New Japan

    Wrestle Kingdom 17 will be just the latest team-up by the two massively popular promotions.

    AEW star Wheeler YUTA competed in the Best of the Super Juniors tournament while Lance Archer is working the G1 Climax tournament.

    The promotions also teamed together for the Forbidden Door Pay Per View in June which saw Jon Moxley defeat Hiroshi Tanahashi.

    A Confirmed Match?

    Wrestle Kingdom 17 is still months away, but one match may already be known.

    AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door was rumored to have CM Punk face Hiroshi Tanahashi in the show’s main event, but that did not take place due to the AEW World Champion’s injury.

    While speaking to Tokyo Sports in June, Tanahashi threw out the challenge for Punk to face him in the Tokyo Dome for Wrestle Kingdom.

    What Happened After AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door Went Off The Air
  • NJPW Star Leaves The Company

    NJPW Star Leaves The Company

    An NJPW star has taken to his Twitter account to announce his departure from the company.

    The star in question is Karl Fredericks. He announced that his deal expired with NJPW on Aug. 1 and he will not be signing a new contract.

    The news may come as a surprise to some. After all, Fredericks was brought into the LA Dojo and quickly graduated from the Young Lion system.

    To others, this may not be a surprise as Fredericks had been expressing discontent over stagnation with his in-ring career.

    Japan’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t help matters as Fredericks had been stuck on NJPW Strong shows in the United States.

    (via NJPW)

    Here is Karl Fredericks’ statement:

    “As of today August 1st I am no longer under contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling and I will not be re-signing with the company at this time.“

    Karl Fredericks announces NJPW departure

    “Though there is disappointment in the ending of this chapter I am grateful for the last four years traveling the world and growing with my best friends. I want to say thank you to the company for the opportunities and especially thank you to Shibata-San for believing in me and bringing me along his journey with the LA Dojo.

    “Last but not least thank you to my fans and thank you to the NJPW fans for Your support over these years. I hope you will continue to support me along my path wherever that may lead.”

  • NJPW and STARDOM Putting On A Show Together For The First Time Ever

    NJPW and STARDOM Putting On A Show Together For The First Time Ever

    New Japan Pro Wrestling and STARDOM continue to make history.

    The two promotions had announced earlier in the week that they would be introducing the first-ever IWGP women’s championship, a title that would be defended mainly on NJPW cards by STARDOM athletes, including shows that occur in the United States. This will not be replacing the World of STARDOM title or the Wonder of STARDOM title, which serve as the company’s top prizes.

    That’s not all.

    Today NJPW and STARDOM revealed their first ever cross-over event entitled, “X-Over,” which will take place from the brand new Ariake Arena on November 20th. Full details can be found below.

    “On November 20, a new chapter will be written in the history of both NJPW and STARDOM, as the brand new Ariake Arena in Tokyo will play host to the first ever crossover event between both companies. With mixed tag matches, championship action and more besides, the top flight in both male and female wrestling will meet in Ariake, and the event title reflects just that.

    November 20, it will be a Historic X(Cross)-Over!”

    Fan club members of both NJPW and STARDOM will be given early access to ticket sales on August 18, with general on sale September 23. Premium tickets will also be available along the front three rows with special one of a kind bonuses to be announced at a later date.

    Stay tuned for information on how to watch this monumental event live and on demand!

  • NJPW And Stardom Announce New Women’s Title

    NJPW And Stardom Announce New Women’s Title

    New Japan Pro Wrestling and Stardom wrestling have announced the creation of a IWGP Women’s championship in conjunction.

    The official English Twitter account of Stardom revealed that this title will be defended not only in Japan but in NJPW events within US as well.

    The inaugural IWGP Women’s Champion will be crowned at the NJPW X Stardom joint show from the Ariake Arena in Tokyo Japan, in November later this year:

    Stardom noted that the World of Stardom championship and the Wonder Of Stardom championship will remain the main titles of the company.

    The red and white belts will be the titles defended at Stardom shows regularly. Though the IWGP belt could be defended on big Stardom events.

    This is a big news as NJPW has never had a women’s title in the 50+ years of history of the company. This announcement means that we might see the creation of a separate women’s division in the promotion.

    There is no word yet on if the officials are planning to hold a tournament to determine the contenders for the upcoming championship match.

    It’s possible that they may just name the contenders for the title match. We will keep you posted on any new information about the belt.

  • Will Ospreay Claims he Received Cease & Desist from Kenny Omega

    Will Ospreay Claims he Received Cease & Desist from Kenny Omega

    Will Ospreay is one of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s most popular stars, in addition to being the reigning IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion.

    Ospreay has amassed a huge fanbase who are willing to pay for merchandise, but one shirt is no longer available to them.

    The Shirt

    On Twitter, PW Tees announced that a shirt of Ospreay’s has been pulled, following a cease and desist being filed.

    The front of the shirt depicts the British wrestler hitting the One-Winged Angel, while the back features the phrase ‘Better Than The Best Bout Machine,’ a nod to a nickname for Kenny Omega.

    In response, Omega said that the shirt raised various legal concerns in AEW, and apologized to Ospreay’s fans.

    Omega added that all orders already made for the shirt will be fulfilled.

    Ospreay Fires Back

    Will Ospreay is furious that his shirt has been taken down, and believes Omega is acting like a hypocrite.

    In a video response, Ospreay referenced Omega’s own run-ins with C&Ds, noting that WWE filed a cease and desist when he and others were using the ‘Too Sweet’ hand gesture (via Fightful.)

    “I have just exposed Kenny as an insecure little b*tch. It was fine when those guys were throwing up the Too Sweet and got hit with a cease & desist. They continued to poke the bear. When it is me doing it to you guys, you have a problem with it. It’s because Kenny is a miserable little pr*ck. He takes it out on me because I’m actually having fun with my life.”

    “It was fine when those guys were throwing up the Too Sweet… When it is me doing it to you guys, you have a problem with it.”

    Will Ospreay

    Ospreay also claimed that Omega is unhappy that AEW has now “turned into something you don’t like.”

    He noted that while AEW have portrayed themselves as the underdogs to WWE, they are now “the big boys, trying to look down on the little guys.”

  • NJPW Music City Mayhem: Matches, How to Watch

    NJPW Music City Mayhem: Matches, How to Watch

    New Japan Pro Wrestling presents NJPW Music City Mayhem later this month during Starrcast weekend in Nashville, TN.

    The event takes place Saturday, July 30th at 3pm (Eastern) from the Nashville Fairgrounds in Nashville.

    You can order NJPW Music City Mayhem now from FITE for just $14.99.

    Music City Mayhem Card

    The headline attraction for Music City Mayhem (7/30) will see AEW Interim World Champion Jon Moxley taking on El Desperado in a No-Disqualification match.

    Here is the final card for NJPW Music City Mayhem:

    • No DQ, No Time Limit: Jon Moxley vs. El Desperado
    • Alex Shelley vs. KUSHIDA
    • FTR & Alex Zayne vs. Kyle Fletcher, Mark Davis & TJP
    • Hiromu Takahashi vs. Blake Christian
    • Strong Openweight Champion Fred Rosser vs. Big Damo
    • Clark Conners vs. Davey Richards
    • Fred Yehi, Yuyu Uemura & Shota Umino vs. The DKC, Kevin Knight & Ren Narita

    In addition to NJPW Music City Mayhem, you can also check out the full card for the Ric Flair’s Last Match PPV, which closes out Starrcast on Sunday, July 31st.

    Main Event Preview: Moxley vs. El Desperado

    NJPW has provided this backstory to the main event:

    “After El Desperado was part of Suzuki-Gun’s partnership with the Jericho Appreciation Society at Forbidden Door, the masked rudo wants another taste of a mutual enemy of both Minoru Suzuki and Chris Jericho- and someone who just so happens to be the Interim AEW World Champion. Desperado issued a challenge to Jon Moxley backstage at Korakuen Hall last week, and the Death Rider has accepted, but under the condition that this is a no disqualification match.

    With no DQs, no time limits and no rules, Moxley will undoubtedly be bringing the violence, but with his own blood strewn past in deathmatches with the legendary Jun Kasai, Desperado will give every bit of that violence back to Mox.”