The NJPW Strong Women’s Championship reign of Giulia has come to an end amid speculation that the former champion could soon be heading to WWE. 

At the second day of the STARDOM Cinderella Tournament event, Stephanie Vaquer defeated Gulia to win the gold. The finish of the match saw Vaquer catch Giulia with a DDT and snag the win, and the title, with a clutch pin. 

??3.10??? PPV??????

?STRONG???????

??????????????????????????

????????????STRONG??????

?PPV??????https://t.co/fpu6kUJc1w

?PPV for fans from overseas(Japanese commentary)https://t.co/Dg49RZFt9K#STARDOM pic.twitter.com/McN0czM8Te

— ??????STARDOM (@wwr_stardom) March 10, 2024

This win was a long time coming for Vaquer, who competed in the tournament to crown the first NJPW Strong Women’s Champion in 2023. In that tournament, Vaquer, representing CMLL, would lose to Mercedes Mone in the semi-finals. 

What’s Next for Giulia? 

The end of Giulia’s record-breaking 249-day reign comes at an interesting time for the young wrestler. Giulia has made clear to NJPW that she will be leaving the promotion this month when her contract expires. It is believed that she will join WWE when the time is right. WWE is said to have a massive interest in adding Giulia to its women’s division. She was expected to attend a training session at WWE’s Performance Center in late 2023 but that didn’t ultimately happen. 

Stephanie Vaquer: The Belt Collector

This isn’t the only title that Vaquer currently holds. In CMLL, she is the promotion’s reigning World Women’s Champion and has held the title since September of last year. She is also one-half of the CMLL World Women’s Tag Team Champion alongside Zeuxis. The pair are the inaugural champions and have also held the gold since September of last year.  

Pro wrestling is filled with a variety of gimmick matches to capture fan attention. Some of those stipulations can go on to have lasting effects on a wrestler’s image, especially if they’re in a hair vs hair match.

Although Yuya Uemura may have lost his hair vs hair match against Yota Tsuji, he made the most of the situation. The NJPW star donated his locks to make wigs for patients who are undergoing chemotherapy.

Uemura’s Great Gesture

Yuya Uemura is getting ready for his debut post-excursion New Japan Cup at a pivotal point in his career. Following his loss in the hair vs. hair match against Yota Tsuji in Sapporo, he needs to turn things around after such a significant defeat. Obviously, the ideal goal would be to find renewed motivation for the next phase of his career.

While speaking to NJPW’s website, Uemura disclosed that following his loss in the hair vs. hair match, he contributed his hair to a center that creates wigs for individuals undergoing chemotherapy.

I actually gave the hair to a hair donation place, to make wigs for chemotherapy patients, things like that. Hopefully some use can come from it.

When asked about how the match went in retrospect, Uemura said, “It was tense. I think we definitely both put all we had into it, stamina wise. It was 28 minutes, it was tough, and it definitely wasn’t fun.”

.@Im_YuyaUemura ✂️✂️✂️

Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/9iZJzPgCfN#njnbg #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/pq7b7WmWXB

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) February 24, 2024

What’s Next

Yuya Uemura is incredibly pumped about starting his journey in the 2024 New Japan Cup. This year’s tournament started on Thursday, March 7, 2024, and will run until Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

The New Japan Cup is regarded as the second most significant heavyweight tournament in NJPW, trailing only the G1 Climax, which employs a round-robin format. The winner of the tournament will get a title match, and Uemura certainly wants to be in that conversation.

SEScoops will have more coverage of this story, and so much more in the pro wrestling world. Please keep checking back for more updates as additional information is made available. 

AEW hasn’t seen Jack Perry compete since All In London, where he battled Hook in a controversial Zero Hour match. He may have been suspended due to the fight that broke out with CM Punk after that match, but Perry is now back in the ring.

Jack Perry has finally returned to the wrestling ring after a prolonged absence. This did not happen in an AEW ring, as the former Jungle Boy wrestled for New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Jack Perry has showed up in mainland NJPW making his debut in the New Japan Cup… as literally a SCAPEGOAT.

LET'S GO.pic.twitter.com/yi3zklvpa3

— Drainmaker ?? ? (@DrainBamager) March 6, 2024

Jack Perry’s AEW Hiatus

Perry’s disappearance from the spotlight followed a highly publicized altercation with CM Punk during the AEW All In event last August. The fallout from the incident led to Perry’s suspension, while Punk was released from the company.

On a somewhat related note, CM Punk has since made a triumphant return to WWE, capturing the entire pro wrestling world’s attention with his historic comeback at Survivor Series. However, Punk’s comeback has been short-lived, as he is currently sidelined due to injury.

Jack Perry’s NJPW Match

Perry’s return to the wrestling scene went down during the NJPW Battle in the Valley event, where he made a dramatic entrance by attacking Shota Umino. In a symbolic gesture, Perry tore up an AEW contract and adorned himself with an armband bearing the word “Scapegoat.”

Making his debut in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Perry faced off against Shota Umino in a match as part of the New Japan Cup Tournament. Perry won that match as well, and now he will continue to make an impact in the tournament.

Following the match, Perry aligned himself with The House of Torture faction, adding another layer of intrigue to his comeback story. We will have to see what Perry does next, but it may not be in AEW.

Despite his successful return to NJPW, it remains uncertain when Perry will step back into the ring for All Elite Wrestling. Reports surfaced last year that his AEW suspension was already over, but he did not come back. Only time will tell what happens in this situation, but we will keep a close eye on his situation here at SEScoops.

Jack Perry took the help of Ren Narita to beat Shooter, EVIL and co. then came out to offer Jack Perry a spot in House of Torture. Jack then accepted the shirt and joined the faction.

IF YOU HAD TO DESCRIBE NJPW IN 2024, THIS IS IT.pic.twitter.com/l3Vf2qIlMh

— Drainmaker ?? ? (@DrainBamager) March 6, 2024

STARDOM’s Giulia is set to leave the promotion very soon, but there could be a pit stop on her road to WWE. 

In November 2023, it was reported that WWE had “massive” interest in signing Giulia, who is the reigning NJPW Strong Women’s Champion. One source said that Giulia was expected to be at the WWE Performance Center that month, though that ultimately fell through. 

Giulia is Leaving

Giulia may not have attended the WWE PC in Florida last November, but all signs are pointing toward an exit from New Japan. reports that Giulia informed STARDOM at the end of 2023 that she planned on leaving the company. Her deal with the promotions expires next month. 

Not Joining WWE Just Yet

While Giulia is expected to join WWE, she won’t be making the move immediately after her STARDOM deal expires. Instead, she is expected to work for the new promotion of former STARDOM head Rossy Ogawa. Ogawa was fired earlier this year in a move that earned backlash against Bushiroad, STARDOM’s parent company. Giulia is one of several wrestlers loyal to Ogawa, and it is believed she will join to help the promotion get off the ground. 

Giulia’s Title Reign

Giulia’s impending exit from STARDOM has raised questions regarding her ongoing reign as NJPW Strong Women’s Champion. Giulia’s reign began after dethroning Willow Nightingale in July of last year. While it had been hoped she’d lose the title at New Japan’s Windy City Riot event this April, her exit from STARDOM in March has indicated that she’ll need to lose the gold before Windy City Riot. 

While much of his bookings have been committed to New Japan Pro-Wrestling in recent years, Minoru Suzuki, who remains a freelancer, has exercised his option to extend his reach elsewhere as well. Within the last two months, Suzuki has found himself competing for the likes of AJPW, RevPro, and All Elite Wrestling. 

Earlier today, the veteran performer issued a statement about his future in professional wrestling, noting his desire to expand his travels even further. As such, Suzuki said he is giving back the “Strong Style” name back to NJPW, as he and his fellow stablemate El Desperado are no longer in need of it.

“I’m giving back to New Japan the name Strong Style that I borrowed a year ago,” Suzuki wrote (translated).

“Me and Despe don’t need it anymore. I’ve made new friends, had a lot of fun, and a lot of things happened… I’ve been to New Japan Pro Wrestling for quite some time, but my professional wrestling life is still in the middle of a journey. In order to become even stronger… on a journey of freedom… let’s set sail.”

Strong Style, of course, served as the faction name for the trio of Suzuki, El Desperado, and Ren Narita in NJPW.

1????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????…????????????????????????????????????????????????????…??????…?????? pic.twitter.com/ifSw01r1FD

— ????? (@suzuki_D_minoru) February 23, 2024

Suzuki To Take On The ‘Fired Idol’

Earlier this week, Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling revealed that Minoru Suzuki will be making his promotional debut at their upcoming Grand Princess event on March 31. There, Suzuki will take on the “Fired Idol” Maki Itoh in a first-time singles matchup.

Last month, Suzuki made a notable appearance in AEW as he wrestled fellow veteran Adam Copeland in the main event of AEW Dynamite.

New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced a new partnership with the Costa Rica Wrestling Embassy (CWE). This collaboration will see NJPW stars making appearances for the company. 

CWE, established in March 2014, has previously collaborated closely with CMLL in Mexico in 2015. CWE is based in San Jose, Costa Rica. Here is the full announcement from NJPW:

New Japan Pro-Wrestling is pleased to announce it has entered into a working relationship with Costa Rica Wrestling Embassy.

Founded in March 2014, CWE has been working closely with CMLL in Mexico in 2015, and will now see several NJPW names appearing in CWE rings in future.

Look forward to more information to come!

NJPW also collaborates with CMLL itself for its Fantastica Mania series of events, which has been ongoing since 2011. In the 2024 iteration, seven matches took place from February 12 to February 19 in various Japanese cities including Osaka, Takamatsu, Nagoya, Chiba, and Tokyo.

In June 2023, an event called Fantastica Mexico took place in Mexico City, Mexico instead, as opposed to Fantastica Mania which only takes place in Japan.

Recently, WWE was reportedly in conversation with Japanese wrestling promotion STARDOM, which resulted in a deal (via Fightful). Things were also said to be looking good with WWE and AJPW’s current arrangement.

When it comes to NJPW, WWE doesn’t have any significant involvement with them, except for some interest from the American company in maintaining at least some connection with NJPW.

On the other hand, NJPW has a healthy relationship with AEW. They do an annual event, AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door, and last year’s event drew the biggest live gate in company history. 

New Japan Pro Wrestling is currently undergoing massive changes to start the year. The company has seen featured stars on their roster leave for All Elite Wrestling in the past year. Recently, NJPW could not re-sign fan favorites Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay, and Mercedes Monè. In the wake of talent leaving, fans have questioned who can fill the void left. 

NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi knows the company’s condition and aims to create new stars. In an interview with Inside The Ropes’ Liam Wyatt, Tanahashi spoke openly about NJPW needing star power and its importance in the wrestling business. 

Inside The Ropes‘ Alex Hunt transcribed the following quote.

“This is a star-driven business, and we need to make new stars. That goes beyond success in the ring as well- mainstream awareness and name value is the key to success. I want more of our wrestlers becoming household names,” said Tanahashi

In the past year, NJPW has tried to feature some of the talent the company views highly. Shota Umino, Ren Narita, and Yota Tsuji were named the Reiwa Three Musketeers. This is an honor to recognize talent they believe will lead the company for this generation. However, NJPW has made questionable decisions, like not having Okada or Ospreay take a loss against any of the younger talent.

The most notable decision was not to have Umino defeat Ospreay to win the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship at NJPW Power Struggle on November 4, 2023. Ospreay would sign with AEW a few weeks later at AEW Full Gear. 

Although the company has a star power issue, talent leaving puts NJPW in a position to be motivated to focus on its future. 

What’s The Next Big Events In NJPW?

NJPW has a chance to showcase their roster on the next big event, NJPW The New Beginning In Sapporo, on February 23 and 24. The two-day show will have Okada compete in his final matches in NJPW and represent a new start for the company. 

One of NJPW’s younger stars, Umino, will be in a featured match against NEVER Openweight Champion EVIL for the title. The ‘Roughneck’ will attempt to win his first championship with the company and potentially end his rivalry with the NJPW veteran. 

The upcoming two-day event presents Tanahashi with an opportunity to start creating new stars that can lead the way in a new era for NJPW. 

Will Ospreay is on his way to AEW, and it was revealed during Full Gear that he was Tony Khan’s big signing. His deal with NJPW still had some time left on it, but now Ospreay is bidding farewell.

Will Ospreay’s Goodbye to NJPW

Ospreay made a lot of memories in NJPW, and he performed on some of the biggest stages the company could give him. All great things must come to an end, and that includes his time in the company.

While taking to Twitter/X, Will Ospreay thanked everyone at NJPW who had a hand in making him who he is today. He said that the roster is like family, and his door is always open for them.

Thank you to all the lads of UE. When the fans didn’t have a voice we were the shot in the arse that NJPW needed. You all are like my brothers and if you ever needed me, my door will always be open to you all.

Thank you for getting in that cage with me & making history

Thank you to all the lads of UE.

When the fans didn’t have a voice we were the shot in the arse that NJPW needed. You all are like my brothers and if you ever needed me, my door will always be open to you all.

Thank you for getting in that cage with me & making history pic.twitter.com/QIrOi62Vha

— Will Ospreay • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) February 12, 2024

What’s Next For Will Ospreay

Will Ospreay inked a deal with AEW, but Tony Khan’s company is also going to allow him to wrestle for NJPW on occasion. Ospreay will not be the regular face in NJPW that he once was, but it’s very possible that he will be able to still be a part of the company’s major events.

SE Scoops will have more coverage of this story, and so many more, as Will Ospreay makes his way to AEW as a full-time wrestler. He will be doing a lot of traveling between the UK and America, but that will also come with a brand-new opportunity to show fans why he is considered one of the best active pro wrestlers today.

https://twitter.com/PuroresuFlow/status/1757036599617929269

NJPW legend Kazuchika Okada will soon depart the Japanese promotion and a couple of farewell matches in NJPW have been announced.

As Kazuchika Okada is finishing up his career in Japan, NJPW has announced full cards for their upcoming New Beginning in Sapporo on February 23 and 24. 

‘The Rainmaker’ will soon decide his next destination. WWE and AEW have been in the race to obtain his services. In the increasingly competitive wrestling war between WWE and AEW, Okada is one of the hottest free agents in the market. 

As it seems, he could soon be a part of the AEW roster. However, ahead of that, he will compete in a couple of matches for NJPW.

Okada’s two matches have been announced 

Okada is set to team with his fellow CHAOS stablemates in two 10-man tag team matches against members of the United Empire.

On February 23, Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, and YOH will take on Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, Aaron Henare, Francesco Akira, and Callum Newman. 

In his final match with the company on February 24, Okada will team with Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ishii, Goto, and YOSHI-HASHI against Matt Riddle, Cobb, Great-O-Khan, Henare, and Akira.

Meanwhile, Tama Tonga will have his final match with NJPW on February 24 as well. He will join forces with Tanga Loa to take on fellow Guerillas of Destiny stablemates Hikuleo and ELP.

The singles match between El Desperado and SHO on February 23 has been announced as a title match after SHO stole the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title during The New Beginning in Osaka on Sunday.

Card for NJPW The New Beginning in Sapporo, Friday, February 23:

• IWGP Global Champion David Finlay defends against Nic Nemeth
• NJPW World TV Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi defends against Matt Riddle
• NEVER Openweight Champion EVIL defends against Shota Umino
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion El Desperado defends against SHO
• IWGP Women’s Champion Mayu Iwatani vs. Mina Shirakawa
• Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi, Yota Tsuji, and BUSHI vs. SANADA, Taka Michinoku, Yuya Uemura, DOUKI, and Taka Michinoku
• Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, and YOH vs. Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, Henare, Francesco Akira, and Callum Newman
• Ryusuke Taguchi, Togi Makabe, and Boltin Oleg vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Yujiro Takahashi, and Ren Narita
• Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Yuji Nagata
• Toru Yano & Tomoya vs. Tomoaki Honma & Katsuya Murashima

Card for NJPW The New Beginning in Sapporo, Saturday, February 24 —

• IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito defends against SANADA
• Hair vs. hair: Yota Tsuji vs. Yuya Uemura
• Shingo Takagi vs. Taichi
• Hiromu Takahashi vs. DOUKI
• BUSHI vs. TAKA Michinoku
• Nic Nemeth & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. David Finlay & Gedo
• Guerillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) vs. Guerillas of Destiny (El Phantasmo and Hikuleo)
• Kazuchika Okada’s NJPW farewell match: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto, and YOSHI-HASHI vs. Matt Riddle, Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, Henare, and Francesco Akira
• Shota Umino, El Desperado, Togi Makabe, YOH, and Boltin Oleg vs. EVIL, SHO, Ren Narita, Dick Togo, and Yujiro Takahashi
• Toru Yano & Tomoya vs. Tomoaki Honma & Katsuya Murashima

Kazuchika Okada is ending his lofty New Japan Pro Wrestling career on a high with a victory over Hiroshi Tanahashi at New Beginning in Osaka 2024.

Before the match began, the crowd delivered a thunderous “Okada” chant inside the EDION arena. Okada got the early advantage by sending Tanahashi to the floor with a drop-kick. Some dirty tactics from Okada, including using the barricade, elicited boos from the crowd. 

Back in the ring, Okada landed Tanahashi’s signature dragon screw, drawing more boos from the Osaka crowd. Tanahashi took control with a senton and his own dragon screws. Okada caught Tanahashi mid-run and followed up with an air raid crash and elbow drop before hitting his Rainmaker pose. 

Okada’s first attempt at the Rainmaker was reversed into Tanahashi’s sling blade. Tanahashi later climbed to the ropes for High Fly Flow but Okada blocked by extending his knees. Okada used a dropkick and a piledriver to gain wrist control. Seeing the writing on the wall, Tanahashi tried to escape, but Okada landed the Rainmaker. Okada then pinned Tanahashi to win the match.

Post-match, the two men embraced. Okada took a moment to soak up the response from fans before bowing to the lion mark.

You can check out some of the highlights from the match below. 

RAIN MAKER @rainmakerXokada

Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njnbg #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/7AybC5KYqR

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) February 11, 2024

.@tanahashi1_100 "High Fly Attack"

Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njnbg #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/w56oSZrurq

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) February 11, 2024

.@rainmakerXokada "Heavy Rain"

Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njnbg #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/Pqm9QGFAzj

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) February 11, 2024

.@tanahashi1_100 "???"

Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njnbg #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/FihMXOyP6N

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) February 11, 2024

.@rainmakerXokada "???"

Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njnbg #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/VGonrqlBEc

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) February 11, 2024

?THE NEW BEGINNING in OSAKA?

?????????????12?…
??????????"?????"????????????????

? @rainmakerXokada × @tanahashi1_100#njpwworld ?????

??????https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njnbg #NJPW pic.twitter.com/oRnrATtDYJ

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) February 11, 2024

Thank you @rainmakerXokada.

Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njnbg #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/mDKkLSHoGP

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) February 11, 2024

What’s Next for Kazuchika Okada? 

A highly talented individual, it’s no surprise that both AEW and WWE are hopeful to sign Okada when the time is right. Of the two, it has been reported that Okada is believed to be WWE-bound. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion has reportedly always dreamed of competing at WrestleMania, something those in WWE are well aware of. WWE Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER recently stated that Okada would be more than welcome in WWE. 

AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door will return for a third show, which could also feature talent from CMLL judging by recent comments from Tony Khan. 

AEW and New Japan Pro Wrestling hosted their first Forbidden Door event in 2022. The show proved to be a massive success and a second show was hosted last year. AEW and New Japan have also worked together outside of these Forbidden Door events, with several AEW stars appearing at NJPW’s annual Wrestle Kingdom event. 

Forbidden Door III Confirmed

With the success of the Forbidden Door shows thus far, fans are eager to see AEW and NJPW talent lock horns again. Speaking recently to Sportsgrid, Tony Khan confirmed that a third show is in the works. Khan also praised the efforts of Hiroshi Tanahashi, who was recently appointed NJPW President. 

“There will be a Forbidden Door III. The AEW/New Japan partnership is 100% here to stay. Shota [Umino]’s tremendous. NJPW’s got a great young roster right now. President Tanahashi is a perfect leader for the organization at the right time.”

Tony Khan on CMLL

New Japan isn’t the only company AEW has worked with. Recently, CMLL talent began competing on AEW shows, and there was a faceoff between AEW and CMLL rosters on this week’s Dynamite. In the interview, Khan was delighted to be working with CMLL and is hopeful for more involvement between the two sides. 

“It’s great working with New Japan and CMLL. I definitely want CMLL involved in practically anything we do, they’re such a great partner already. It’s been great.”

Tony Khan has taken note of WWE’s lucrative new agreement with Netflix… 

NJPW legend Kazuchika Okada will be a free agent in just a matter of days. As the wrestling world braces for news about his next career move, an announcement regarding his current line of merchandise being pulled has fans jumping to conclusions about what what this really means.

Okada’s contract with New Japan expires this month, but his final match for his home promotion will take place at New Beginnings.

‘The Rainmaker’ will soon be able to see what his services are worth on the open market. In the increasingly competitive wrestling war between WWE and AEW, Okada is one of the most valuable pieces on the chess board.

Okada’s merch removed

Pro Wrestling Tees owner Ryan Barkan posted a message on social media on Tuesday evening announcing that all of Okada’s merchandise is being removed within 12 hours.

What does this mean?

Pro Wrestling Tees sells very limited merchandise for a few WWE Superstars, but they’re primarily a store selling merch for everyone else – All Elite Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling, GCW, and countless other independent wrestlers and promotions. 

Okada’s merchandise being pulled from PWT is not a confirmation that he’s headed to WWE. Whichever company signs Okada will immediately get to work slapping his likeness on everything from t-shirts to keychains. 

Thankfully, Okada will be a free agent very soon. He’s working NJPW New Beginning on February 24, but could sign with another company as early as next week. 

New Japan Pro Wrestling is in a unique era under the leadership of President and active wrestler Hiroshi Tanahashi. After getting the position on December 23, 2023, fans have wondered when the NJPW veteran would take a step back from wrestling. However, Tanahashi has confirmed he will continue wrestling and wants the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. 

In an interview with Yahoo Japan, Tanahashi shared that he aspires to become the world champion and aims to be the best. 

Tanahashi Still Aims For The Throne

Yahoo Japan also transcribed the following quotes.  

“The fighting spirit disappears when I no longer aim to be the best. If I feel like I can’t reach it or can’t do it anymore, I’ll retire immediately,” said Tanahashi.

He continued, “I want to aim for the throne no matter what so that people won’t think, ‘No, I don’t get tired (lol). I’ll bring my body to its peak once again.”

While Tanahashi hopes to lead NJPW into a new era, some fans are worried about if he can separate his two jobs. He is in a unique position, being the boss of his peers and looking to win titles. 

What’s Next For Hiroshi Tanahashi?

Tanahashi’s year is off to a great start as he begins his first year as the NJPW President and active wrestler. He defeated Zack Sabre Jr. at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4 to become the NJPW World Television Champion. Since then, he has successfully defended the title once against Ryusuke Taguchi at NJPW New Year’s Dash on January 5. 

 His next big match will be against longtime rival and former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada. 

For the ‘Rainmaker’s’ last match under NJPW, he’ll take on Tanahashi at NJPW The New Beginning In Osaka on February 11. It’s unclear who will win, but Tanahashi is seemingly the favorite to be victorious. 

If the momentum continues for Tanahashi, he could potentially enter the 2024 NJPW New Japan Cup and earn a chance to challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. 

This year is looking great for Tanahashi. Hopefully, he can find balance as the NJPW President and wrestler. 

‘The Rainmaker’ Kazuchika Okada could have things easy if he stayed in New Japan Pro Wrestling, but the departing star is hungry for a new challenge. 

Last week, it was confirmed that Okada’s contract will expire this month. Despite this, Okada will work the New Beginnings event scheduled for February, as a sign of respect to the promotion. Once these are finished, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion will be a completely free agent. 

Kazuchika Okada on Leaving New Japan

New Japan Pro Wrestling has been very good to Kazuchika Okada, so it’s not hard to see why there’d be a temptation to stay. In an interview with Tokyo Sports, however, Okada explained that this comfort in New Japan was a factor in his decision to leave. 

“Maybe if I stay here, I can wrestle without any inconvenience. But I don’t want to become the same Kazuchika Okada without such hunger.

“I don’t want to be in a situation where I have to rest on my laurels. If I were “human” Okada, I would have friends here, and I would be in the best environment. But as “wrestler” Okada, it was different.”

What’s Next? 

Given his talents, it’s no surprise that both AEW and WWE are interested in bringing Okada on board. The Rainmaker has a history with AEW, as he competed at last year’s Forbidden Door event against Bryan Danielson. With that said, Okada has always dreamed of wrestling at WrestleMania, an aspiration that those in WWE, including CCO Triple H, are well aware of. 

Okada has something big in mind before he hangs up his boots for good… 

Tama Tonga has bid emotional goodbye to his NJPW fans.

Tonga had dethroned Shingo Takagi to regain the NJPW NEVER Openweight title at Wrestle Kingdom 18 but his title run was short-lived. That night, in a post-match press conference, Tonga had announced that January would be his final month with the promotion. He added that he wants to find work closer to home and that he misses his family.

EVIL dethrones Tama Tonga

At Saturday’s NJPW The New Beginning in Nagoya event, EVIL defeated Tama Tonga in the headlining clash to win the NEVER Openweight Title. The main event originally resulted in a double disqualification after Bullet Club, Guerrillas of Destiny, and Hontai members got involved. 

Tama went on to insist that the match should be restarted but this time as a lumberjack match. At the end, EVIL dethroned Tama in latter’s farewell match.  

Following the match, Tama Tonga, who was quite emotional, cut a promo and expressed his gratitude to the fans. He said:

“Thank you for giving me a chance to know you. I love you.”

Thank you @1TamaTonga????

Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njnbg #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/93LLGuhsWh

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 20, 2024

Tama Tonga emerged as a significant force in the tag team division alongside his brother Tanga Loa. He tasted success as part of Guerrillas of Destiny and the Bullet Club. Tonga’s journey in NJPW is marked by multiple IWGP Tag Team Championships. He has also held the NEVER Openweight Championship and NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship four times each. He has now decided to depart NJPW and it is needless to mention that the fans will miss him.

Where is Tama Tonga headed? Well, WWE had been interested in signing him. Read more below:

NJPW legend Kazuchika Okada is departing the promotion and his rival Hiroshi Tanahashi has best wishes for him.

‘The Rainmaker’ is set to end a 16-year run with NJPW after his contract expires on January 31. Okada will still work on February 11 in Osaka, and February 23 and 24 in Sapporo as part of the New Beginning tour.

Fans will be able to witness a clash between Okada and Tanahashi for one final time on February 11 at The New Beginning at the EDION Arena in Osaka. It was at this same venue where Okada faced Tanahashi at The New Beginning in 2012. Okada had secured a stunning win that night over Tanahashi and captured the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

Hiroshi Tanahashi expresses gratitude to Kazuchika Okada

Kazuchika Okada’s last appearance under the NJPW contract will take place on January 24 in Korakuen Hall. Ahead of Okada’s departure, Tanahashi spoke with Tokyo Sports and shared his thoughts on working with ‘The Rainmaker.’

“I can only express my gratitude in the sense that I have contributed to New Japan for the past 12 years,” Tanahashi said (as translated by Fightful). “Speaking personally, I would have liked to have seen more matches with the new generation (Shota Umino, Ren Narita, Yota Tsuji, and Yuya Uemura).”

He continued:

“However, if I feel for Okada, I know that he has done enough in New Japan. I hope he will spread his wings to the world. If he is going overseas with what he has achieved at the top in New Japan, I hope that he will show (them) Kazuchika Okada. It’s the same feeling I had with Nakamura. I am very proud of him. I think things will get interesting from now on. We have an abundance of talent right now, and there are a lot of young fighters in the dojo. When the rain stops, there will be a rainbow. Who will light up the future of New Japan when the rain of money stops falling?”

Okada’s departure will certainly leave a void that the NJPW fans will feel. The memories of Okada’s legendary matches with Tanahashi will be cherished by the fans for the times to come. 

Kazuchika Okada dreams of competing at WrestleMania, and that’s a dream that those in WWE management are well aware of. 

This week, it was confirmed that Okada’s tenure with New Japan Pro Wrestling will finish at the end of this month. While his contract will run out on January 31, Okada will compete at the NJPW New Beginnings events scheduled for February. Okada is a five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and two-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. He is the only person to hold the latter title more than once. 

Is Kazuchika Okada WWE Bound? 

WWE has had interest in Okada for some time and has sought to win him over in recent months. The push of Shinsuke Nakamura in late 2023 was reportedly an effort to show Okada that Japanese talent can thrive in WWE. Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated reports Triple H and Shawn Michaels have “significant interest” in bringing Okada on board. 

Multiple sources close to NJPW revealed that he has always wanted to perform at a WrestleMania, a dream Triple H is aware of. The belief is that should a match happen, AJ Styles or Finn Balor would be the right opponents for Okada’s WrestleMania match. Both men have pre-existing relationships with Okada thanks to their respective NJPW runs. 

Is Okada All-Elite? 

WWE may want Okada, but AEW also has its sights set on the Japanese star. Okada has worked with AEW in the past via the Forbidden Door crossover events with New Japan. He is also close with AEW EVPs Kenny Omega and the Young Bucks. Okada has formed a rivalry and friendship with Bryan Danielson, whom he faced at Forbidden Door II in 2023 and earlier this month at Wrestle Kingdom 18. Okada also competed on an October 2023, edition of Dynamite. 

NJPW legend Kazuchika Okada is set to face his rival Hiroshi Tanahashi in his farewell match.

‘The Rainmaker’ will soon end a 16-year run with the company after his contract expires on January 31. However, Okada will still work on February 11 in Osaka, and February 23 and 24 in Sapporo as part of the New Beginning tour.

NJPW has shuffled the upcoming The New Beginning tour lineup in the wake of Okada’s departure. 

Kazuchika Okada will face Hiroshi Tanahashi in their last clash 

Okada and Tanahashi will battle for one last time on February 11 at The New Beginning at the EDION Arena in Osaka. It was the same venue where Okada faced Tanahashi at The New Beginning in 2012. That night, Okada stunned the fans by defeating Tanahashi to capture the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. 

Kazuchika Okada’s last appearance under NJPW contract will take place on January 24 in Korakuen Hall. At the show, he will compete in the NEVER Openweight 6 Man Tag team Championship match, previously scheduled for New Beginning in Osaka.   Okada will join forces with Tomohiro Ishii and Hiroshi Tanahashi to face TMDK’s Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls and Kosei Fujita.

Okada will be making his final NJPW appearances in Sapporo on February 23 and 24. 

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada are certainly two of NJPW’s biggest superstars, and their storied rivalry which began in 2012 remains to be one of the greatest chapters in pro wrestling. They have put on legendary matches over the years and it is quite a way for Okada to bid adieu to NJPW fans.

The 16-year run of Kazuchika Okada with New Japan Pro Wrestling will end very soon, the promotion has confirmed Thursday evening. 

Okada debuted for New Japan in 2007 and has since gone on to become one of the promotion’s biggest stars. He is a five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion where his fourth reign with the championship is the longest in history at 720 days.

He is also a two-time IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, having held the gold more times than any other wrestler. Currently, he is one-third of the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions.

Kazuchika Okada is leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling

In a statement, New Japan confirmed that Okada’s contract will expire on January 31. Despite this, Okada will appear on February dates on February 11 in Osaka, and February 23 and 24 in Sapporo as part of the New Beginning series of events. 

New Japan apologized for the abrupt nature of this announcement. In a statement, Okada was thankful for his NJPW tenure: 

“I have nothing but gratitude for having been a part of New Japan Pro-Wrestling since 2007, and for NJPW bringing me from a 19 year old kid off the plane in Mexico to the Rainmaker I am today. Thank you to the best of companies in NJPW, to the best of opponents that I’ve been able to face here, and to the best of fans that have cheered and booed over the years. I promise to make it rain in every match I have left, so keep watching.”

What could be next for the career of Kazuchika Okada… 

Jack Perry showed up at NJPW’s Battle in the Valley event, and he made a very bold statement. With a “Scapegoat” band on his arm, the former Jungle Boy ripped up his AEW contract to the shock of the pro wrestling world.

Jack Perry’s Big NJPW Stunt

This move from the former Jurassic Express member was shocking, to say the least. They also kept the angle very close to the vest.

During Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer brought up Perry’s big NJPW surprise appearance. Apparently, even security was in the dark about what was going to happen.

“The security didn’t know about this angle. They thought it was a fan hitting the ring. They were quickly told it wasn’t.”

Jack Perry’s AEW Status

Jack Perry’s absence from AEW is notable, and it is even more odd that Tony Khan would allow this huge angle about his company to go down during a NJPW event. Obviously, there is a lot to unpack here, but Perry needs to make some kind of impression on AEW television to really send the message home.

He has been absent from AEW television for a very long time, as CM Punk, who was fired for his part in Brawl In, is already back in WWE at this point.

While some fans thought The Devil was Perry, that role went to Adam Cole. Now, the pro wrestling world will have to wait and see how Tony Khan plays his next move in this situation. 

Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada gave a finale to be proud of with their showdown in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Last weekend, New Japan Pro Wrestling held its Battle in the Valley event. The show was headlined by what is likely the final chapter of Okada and Ospreay’s storied rivalry. The pair’s feud has been the crown jewel of New Japan over the past few years. The match saw Okada get the win, bringing his record against Ospreay to 8-2.

Okada and Ospreay. Counter after Counter. THIS FREAKING SEQUENCE.pic.twitter.com/DLsOkfItpo

— Drainmaker ?? ? (@DrainBamager) January 14, 2024

What’s Next?

Ospreay’s final match for New Japan will take place at the New Beginning in Osaka on Sunday, February 11. The match will see the United Empire face the Bullet Club War Dogs in New Japan’s first steel cage match since 2004. After this match, Ospreay will begin competing full-time for AEW.

Okada’s future is far less certain. His current deal with New Japan is set to expire by the end of this month. There has been renewed interest in Okada from WWE but it is unclear if an offer has been made at this time.

While WWE would love to sign Okada, his future may remain with New Japan. With Hiroshi Takahashi recently appointed as the promotion’s new President, there is a belief that Takahashi could resolve Okada’s strained relationship with management. Okada has also been promoted for New Japan events in February, suggesting that an agreement has already been reached.

NJPW Battle in the Valley 2024 Results

Here are the results for NJPW Battle in the Valley 2024: 

• Pre-Show: Matt Vandagriff defeated Goldy by pinfall (Strong Survivor Match

• Pre-Show: Stephanie Vaquer defeated Viva Van by pinfall

• Jacob Fatu, Fred Rosser, and Shota Umino defeated Team Filthy (Tom Lawlor, Jorel Nelson, and Royce Isaacs) by pinfall

• Máscara Dorada and Volador Jr. defeated Rocky Romero and Soberano Jr. by pinfall

• David Finlay defeated TJP by pinfall

• Guerrillas of Destiny (Hikuleo and El Phantasmo) (c) defeated Bullet Club War Dogs (Clark Connors and Alex Coughlin) by pinfall (NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships)

• Giulia (c) defeated Trish Adora by pinfall (NJPW Strong Women’s Championship)

• The Chosen Bros (Matt Riddle and Jeff Cobb) defeated TMDK (Zack Sabre Jr. and Bad Dude Tito) by pinfall

• Eddie Kingston (c) vs. Gabe Kidd ended in a double count out (American Triple Crown Championship)

• Jon Moxley defeated Shingo Takagi by pinfall (Steel Cage match)

• Kazuchika Okada defeated Will Ospreay by pinfall

2024 could see numerous pro wrestlers depart from their current companies to find work elsewhere. Now, NJPW is facing the possibility of losing some key members of the Bullet Club.

NJPW Could Lose More Bullet Club Members

NJPW has lost a few members of their roster in recent memory. With Will Ospreay leaving for AEW, and Kazuchika Okada’s future contract status seemingly up in the air, it appears that their roster will be a bit lighter by the end of 2024. 

Sean Ross Sapp reported on Fightful Select that the contracts of Bullet Club members Gabriel Kidd, Clark Connors, and Alex Coughlin are nearing expiration. Now, we can add Drilla Moloney’s name to that list.

In previous days, Fightful has reported that Gabriel Kidd, Clark Connors and Alex Coughlin all had contracts set to expire in January. They aren’t alone, as we’re told that Drilla Moloney, aka Dan Moloney is among those whose contracts are actually already up. We’ve not heard if he’s been in active negotiations with NJPW.

Drilla Moloney is a former tag team champion with Clark Connors, holding the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles until Wrestle Kingdom 18. He could be a valuable asset to another company. 

Moloney also had experience in WWE’s NXT UK brand prior to his NJPW run. He has some acting experience as well. His future remains uncertain, but various opportunities may be open to him very soon.

Jack Perry has returned to wrestling, but not for AEW.

The former FTW Champion has been absent from wrestling since August last year with little to no update about his status with Tony Khan’s promotion.

He finally made his return to the wrestling scene tonight. In a surprising turn of events, Perry made an appearance during NJPW’s Battle In The Valley event.

The former champion attacked Shota Umino during the show. Interestingly, after taking out Umino, Jack Perry tore up an AEW contract and then put on an armband that read ‘scapegoat’

??Battle in the Valley??

?1??????????BUSHI????????????????
????????AEW?????????(@boy_myth_legend)??#njpwworld ?????

??????https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njbitv #NJPW pic.twitter.com/uz2S5JpHMK

— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 14, 2024

All this is in reference to his backstage confrontation with the former AEW Champion CM Punk at the All In event last year that led to Punk’s release from the company.

Perry who had been advised by Punk to not use real glass during an episode of Collision made a reference to it during his match with Hook at the Wembly show.

This led to Punk confronting the young star at gorilla after his bout. This confrontation turned into a physical brawl soon enough with Punk even exchanging words with Tony Khan himself.

The Straight Edge Star had subsequently been fired by the company due to his actions. Jack Perry on the other hand had been put on an indefinite suspension and had not been seen since the PPV before tonight’s NJPW show.

A prominent name will be leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling at some time this month, until a new deal can be reached very soon. 

The contract of Alex Coughlin is set to expire this month, Fightful Select has reported. Coughlin is a current member of the Bullet Club and joined the faction in June of last year. 

Alex Coughlin in New Japan

At NJPW Independence Day 2021: Night One, Coughlin teamed with Gabe Kidd to capture the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Championships. The pair defeated Bishamon to win the titles, the first taste of New Japan gold for either man. The pair would hold the gold until October’s Destruction in Ry?goku where they lost the titles to Guerrillas of Destiny.

Coughlin Outside of New Japan

In addition to his work with NJPW, Coughlin is known for his work with Ring of Honor. After appearing a few times in 2019, Coughlin returned to ROH in April 2023 and would team with Katsuyori Shibata, to defeat The Workhorsemen. After the match, Coughlin pointed at Shibata’s ROH Pure Championship, teasing a future match. That match would happen in June and saw Shibata retain the Pure Championship. 

Coughlin has also appeared for AEW. He made his debut on the May 10, 2022, edition of Dark . He and other members of the LA Dojo would save LA Dojo’s The DKC and Kevin Knight from a post-match attack by The Factory. At the AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door Buy-In show, Coughlin teamed with Yuya Uemura, The DKC, and Kevin Knight in a losing effort to Max Caster, Billy Gunn, Austin Gunn, and Colten Gunn.

Nic Nemeth wouldn’t tolerate any disrespect towards the fans.

The former Dolph Ziggler kicked off the new year by surprising the fans with an appearance at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 and went on to have a brawl with IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion David Finlay.

Nemeth, one of the top free agents in all of pro wrestling, arrived in New Japan Pro Wrestling months after his surprising release from WWE. The former World Champion  was included in the first wave of releases after the launch of TKO Group Holdings and he was among the list of Mustafa Ali, Shelton Benjamin, Matt Riddle, Emma, Riddick Moss, Aliyah, and other Superstars. 

Nemeth’s presence was kept a secret from virtually everybody. Nemeth watched David Finlay face Jon Moxley and Will Ospreay to crown the first IWGP Global Champion. Following the match, Finlay got in the face of Nemeth and had a heated exchange which led to the brawl.

Nic Nemeth apologizes for losing his cool

Following the incident, Nemeth spoke with NJPW interviewer Emily Mae and decided to explain his brawl with David Finlay. He said he was enjoying the show but Finlay messed it all up with his disrespectful gesture. Nemeth was apologetic for his actions:

“I don’t even work here. I was enjoying the show. I haven’t been to Japan in a really long time and I just wanted to see this big show, this beautiful show and see what it was like. I lost my cool and I completely apologize to the fans, New Japan Pro Wrestling. Finlay spit my face and shoved me and again I’m a grown up and I should have turned my cheek and walked away. Those three athletes beat the hell out of each other and put on a display and I was very proud to be a fan and just enjoy that moment and Finlay took that away from me and all the fans and I felt like someone had to do something.”

Nemeth said that he was standing up for the fans and wouldn’t tolerate disrespect towards the fans. He added:

“Ospreay and Moxley laid it all out there for that title just to show what that global championship means and I thought it was a spit in the face to the fans. Technically, I don’t work here, I’m an observer on the outside, he’s attacking a fan, I feel like I’m standing up for the fans and say, ‘hey, if you’re going to take the cheap shots someone’s going to knock you on your ass’ and again I am so, I’m sorry, I was out of line and if there’s anything I can do, I completely understand.”

“I lost my cool because I felt that everything that was laid out there in that match was something special, it took me back to a time when I was a kid and you just know what these wrestlers go through on a day to day basis and to have a chance on a giant stage to prove that you are this brand new title holder, that title deserves better and that’s all I should say, I think I apologize to the fans and New Japan Pro Wrestling, it’s a beautiful show, I’m so sorry, I lost my cool, I apologize”.

In the wake of a shocking brawl after yesterday's IWGP Global Championship match, @emilymaeheller was able to catch up with Nic Nemeth.#njpw #njwk18 @HEELZiggler pic.twitter.com/SzJcCNVaIi

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) January 5, 2024

With the incident, NJPW is seemingly sowing the seeds of Nemeth facing Finlay for the IWGP Global Championship. There is a possibility that the match could take place at NJPW Battle in the Valley on January 13.