Post-Wrestle Kingdom 13, we reported on a meeting that was held between All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Ring Of Honor (ROH), and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). The gathering took place to assess the options available in developing an active working relationship between all 3 promotions.

At the time, Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com reported that the companies wanted to work together and that brokering a deal was “not impossible by any means.”

Since that initial meeting, further news has broken regarding their potential business relationship.

According to Meltzer, NJPW and ROH will continue their long-standing relationship. It appears All Elite will not be involved in any capacity.

“New Japan has made the decision that they are going to work with Ring Of Honor and, right now, at least for now, they’re not working with All Elite,” Meltzer said.

Although this may be the case at the time of writing, that doesn’t eliminate further discussions or future negotiations.

No further word was available at this time regarding a relationship between AEW and ROH.

Their next event is Double Or Nothing. An event rally is currently scheduled to take place on 1/8. Details on how to watch the event if you are unable to attend live are available here.

DEFIANT Wrestling has announced their first PPV of the year. The UK based company will be heading to the Manchester Academy on Saturday February 9th for ‘Unstoppable.’

Tickets are now available to purchase as of Wednesday 12th December. The first match of the show has finally been announced. DEFIANT Tag Team Champions Aussie Open will be defending against CCK (Chris Brookes and Kid Lykos).

DEFIANT also recently announced the return of ‘Loaded.’ The show is a free-to-air programme that features many of the top talent from the UK independent scene. The show has seen many iterations over the past few years. DEFIANT sent out the following press release for the return back in September:

“Loaded previously ran for 33 episodes between July 2016 and October 2017, amassing over 25 MILLION views on YouTube. Loaded, at that time, ran under the WCPW (What Culture Pro Wrestling) banner, with WCPW since rebranded as Defiant Wrestling in late 2017 following a diversification from the What Culture brand.”

The company also recently announced that PAC will be making his debut for the company in 2019. The former WWE Cruiserweight Champion is confirmed for the first two dates of 2019’s ‘Loaded’ tapings. It is not confirmed if PAC will be part of Unstoppable but it would be a huge opportunity to get the former WWE Champion on PPV.

Manchester… Saturday, February 9th… Tag Titles on the line as Kid Lykos returns to Chris Brookes’ side to take on Aussie Open!

Manchester Academy, Oxford Road. Tickets from just £16 via https://t.co/47Yf6PmjAt pic.twitter.com/wGJKTRKlzS

— DEFIANT Wrestling (@DEFIANTwres) January 7, 2019

We recently noted that WWE made a “fantastic” offer to Kenny Omega. The New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star recently dropped the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at the Wrestle Kingdom 13 pay-per-view (PPV). WWE is looking to boost their roster this year, especially with their new broadcast deal with FOX coming into play in a few months. Signing Omega would undoubtedly be the biggest free agency move of the year.

However, with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) now official and looking to make a name for itself, there’s a possibility Omega ends up there as well. With that being said, there have been a lot of rumors going around in regard to WWE’s offer to Omega. One of those being that the offer included creative control. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio notes that perk was not included in their offer to “The Cleaner.” Such a perk is an extreme rarity in WWE today.

Recently, Omega told Tokyo Sports that he is leaving NJPW. There’s no clear indication, as of this writing, where he could go next:

“There is no real place for me to fit, so it’s best for me not to be in (NJPW),” Omega said. “I can’t be there working under Tanahashi. I don’t think he’s surpassed me, don’t think he’s better. If we can, I want to face him again. But I need time away, and not just from New Japan.”

What do you make of WWE not offering Omega creative control?

Its been a tough past few days for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). Recently, it was announced that both Kenny Omega and KUSHIDA are likely moving on from the promotion. Also, longtime NJPW star and Suzuki-gun member, Takashi Iizuka, will be retiring. A celebratory ceremony will be held for him at Korakuen Hall on February 21st.

However, there are a few bright spots for NJPW. They recently re-signed IWGP United States Champion Juice Robinson. Robinson recently defeated Cody Rhodes to reclaim the US strap at Wrestle Kingdom 13 at the Tokyo Dome. Now, it has been announced NJPW and Rocky Romero have come to an agreement on a new multi-year deal.

Romero made the announcement on Twitter this morning:

“Happy to say I came to terms with @njpw1972 for a multi-year deal. RoppongiLights,RoppongiVice #RPG3k #CelebrateProWrestling”

Happy to say I came to terms with @njpw1972 for a multi-year deal. ?RoppongiLights,RoppongiVice? #RPG3k #CelebrateProWrestling pic.twitter.com/fhXrvF5AtB

— ROCKY ROMERO?? ?? ?? ??“Chico El Luchador” (@azucarRoc) January 7, 2019

During his time with NJPW, Romero has won eight Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles. He also won the Super Jr. Tag Tournament with Baretta in 2016. Romero has an IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship reign under his belt as well. Now it looks like he’ll be continuing his run with NJPW for the next few years.

What do you think about Romero re-signing with NJPW on a multi-year deal?

New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) has announced some big matches taking place at their New Beginning in Sapporo and New Beginning in Osaka events next month.

The shows in Sapporo are scheduled to take place on February 2nd and February 3rd. On the flip side, the Osaka show is scheduled for February 11th. You can see the card for NJPW Fantastica Mania Osaka here. Here are the lineups:

New Beginning in Sapporo Night 1 on February 2nd

Ren Narita vs. Yuya Uemura.

Toa Henare & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Shota Umino & Ayato Yoshida.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Tiger Mask IV vs. TAKA Michinoku & Takashi Iizuka.

Ryusuke Taguchi, YOSHI-HASHI, Togi Makabe, Toru Yano & Tomoaki Honma vs. BULLET CLUB (Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Chase Owens, Yujiro Takahashi & Taiji Ishimori) – 10-Man Tag Team Match

Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi & BUSHI) vs. Suzuki-gun (Yoshinobu Kanemaru, El Desperado & Taichi) – 6-Man Tag Team Match

SANADA vs. Minoru Suzuki.

Zack Sabre Jr vs. EVIL.

Kazuchika Okada & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Jay White & Bad Luck Fale.

New Beginning in Sapporo Night 2 on February 3rd

Toa Henare vs. Yota Tsuji.

Manabu Nakanishi & Tiger Mask IV vs. Ayato Yoshida & Shota Umino.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Ren Narita vs. TAKA Michinoku & Takashi Iizuka.

Ryusuke Taguchi, Togi Makabe, Toru Yano & Tomoaki Honma vs. BULLET CLUB (Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Yujiro Takahashi & Taiji Ishimori) – 8-Man Tag Team Match

Kazuchika Okada, YOSHI-HASHI & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. BULLET CLUB (Jay White, Chase Owens & Bad Luck Fale) – 6-Man Tag Team Match

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Los Ingobernables de Japon (Shingo Takagi & BUSHI) vs. Suzuki-gun (Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado).

IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Los Ingobernables de Japon (SANADA & EVIL) vs. Suzuki-gun (Minoru Suzuki & Zack Sabre Jr).

IWGP Intercontinental Champion Tetsuya Naito vs. Taichi.

New Beginning in Osaka on February 11th

Jushin Thunder Liger, Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Suzuki-gun (Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Takashi Iizuka) – 6-Man Tag Team Match

Los Ingobernables de Japon (SANADA & EVIL) vs. Shota Umino & Ayato Yoshida.

Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi & BUSHI) vs. Suzuki-gun (Yoshinobu Kanemaru, El Desperado & Taichi) – 6-Man Tag Team Match

YOSHI-HASHI & Tomoaki Honma vs. BULLET CLUB (Chase Owens & Yujiro Takahashi).

Toru Yano & Togi Makabe vs. Guerillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa).

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Taiji Ishimori vs. Ryusuke Taguchi.

Kazuchika Okada vs. Bad Luck Fale.

IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Jay White.

We’re hit the aftermath of New Japan’s biggest show Wrestle Kingdom. This means that the annual Fantastica Mania tour is just around the corner. Several of the top stars from Mexico’s CMLL promotion will be in the New Japan ring for the next few weeks.

Probably the biggest headline grabber on this show is the appearance of KUSHIDA. The New Japan star has announced that he will be leaving the promotion when his contract expires on January 31st. KUSHIDA will be teaming alongside Soberano JR and Mistico to face Namahage, Barbaro Cavernario and Caristico.

Another notable bout will see Fujin, Raijin, Toa Henare and Satoshi Kojima take on Los Ingobernables’ Shingo Takagi, BUSHI, Tetsuya Naito and CMLL star Terrible.

Here’s the lineup for the show in Osaka (01/11):

• Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi and Audaz vs Gedo, Taiji Ishimori and Templarino
• Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger, Flyer and Titan vs Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Taichi and Forastero
• Atlantis Jr and Atlantis vs OKUMURA and Sanson
• Angel de oro, Dragon Lee and Mistico vs Cuatrero, Gran Guerrero and Ultimo Guerrero
• KUSHIDA, Soberano JR and Mistico vs Namahage, Barbaro Cavernario and Caristico
• Fujin, Raijin, Toa Henare and Satoshi Kojima vs Shingo Takagi, BUSHI, Tetsuya Naito and Terrible

It’s official. Former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and Time Splitter, KUSHIDA, is done with NJPW as of January 31st 2019.

The news comes following an official translation, via njpw1972.com, of New Japan’s post-Wrestle Kingdom 13 press conference. The conference was held at NJPW’s Corporate Headquarters and was hosted by NJPW Chairman, Mr. Naoki Sugabayashi.

“As mentioned previously by Mr. Sugabayashi, I will leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling at the end of January,” KUSHIDA confirmed. “Regarding this choice and decision, it was one made with the full co-operation and understanding of Mr. Kidani, Mr. Meij and Mr. Sugabayashi. It was a very big decision in my life and I’m thankful they understood. As for the future, I would like to see the wide world of professional wrestling with my own eyes, from one end of the earth to the other.”

KUSHIDA then reflected on his 8 years with NJPW, remembering how amazed he was at the “scale of the company” at the time before taking a moment to thank NJPW and their fans.

“This company has allowed me to become a professional wrestler and more than anything I feel that the warm reception and words from the fans has made me who I am today. I really appreciate it. Thank you very much.”

“It’s been a crazily fulfilling 8 years” – KUSHIDA announces his retirement from NJPW at the end of January. A question from Tanahashi leads to tears.

Read the full article on the NJPW official English website:https://t.co/cliI7hrw76#njpw #njnbg pic.twitter.com/FoXBNGI0BZ

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) January 7, 2019

Q+A Session

After his official announcement, KUSIDA held a Q+A session for those in attendance.

When asked about what he wants to achieve overseas, he responded that he is looking forward to fulfilling his “childhood dream of “Becoming a Man of the World” — a dream he believes can only be achieved by fighting overseas.

“I won the “SUPER Jr.” [tournament] twice and won the [IWGP Jr. Heavyweight] championship several times,” KUSHIDA said. “That’s when I thought “Well, what will happen next?”

With rumors surrounding the Jr. Heavyweight regarding WWE interest, and his candid mentioning of fighting overseas, where do you think KUSHIDA will end up? WWE? ROH? AEW?

There’s a world of opportunity out there, but surely not enough time.

New Japan Pro Wrestling held a press conference on Monday from Tokyo, Japan to address some of the fallout from Wrestle Kingdom 13 weekend. While Kenny Omega was absent from the New Year’s Dash show from Korakuen Hall, he was at the press conference.

According to NJPW commentator Chris Charlton, Omega said that there is currently no place for him in NJPW and he needs time away.

“‘There is no real place for me to fit, so it’s best for me not to be in (NJPW). I can’t be there working under Tanahashi. I don’t think he’s surpassed me, don’t think he’s better. If we can, I want to face him again. But I need time away, and not just from New Japan.”

Charlton also cited this article from Japan’s Tokyo Sports news publication with a more aggressive framing, that Omega is “leaving” New Japan.

Kenny Omega is leaving NJPW. https://t.co/hfSYmZKaHd

— chris charlton (@reasonjp) January 7, 2019

During an interview with Tokyo Sports, Omega spoke directly about the possibility of signing with either WWE or the upstart All Elite Wrestling. Omega said (translated),  “If I go to WWE, the fans there will be pleased, and the fans there will be pleased if I go to AEW. I want to be in a place where I’m going to be happy.” Omega added, “I do not know what will happen myself .”

It is believed that Kenny Omega’s contract with New Japan Pro Wrestling expires later this month. At this time, we don’t have any further details about whether or not Omega is taking time off as part of a storyline or if he is legitimately leaving Japan.

WWE Reportedly Make Kenny Omega A “Fantastic Offer”

Omega’s comments indicate he could be leaving NJPW. This could mean he will sign with All Elite Wrestling or WWE. Then again, it could also just be Omega giving an excuse for taking some time off before coming back for trilogy match with Tanahashi.

It was reported that if Omega doesn’t sign with WWE this year, it won’t be because WWE wasn’t interested.

Yujiro Takahashi and Chase Owens are back in Bullet Club. The two had been seemingly kicked out of the group by the Firing Squad last year and placed with the Elite on NJPW tours. They were accepted back into the faction earlier today at New Year’s Dash in Korakuen Hall, however.

Family means you forgive. The boys are back together ? #BulletClub
2019=#GoodGuyTamaTonga @realchaseowens @yujiroTakahashi pic.twitter.com/R3OqXGyP2m

— Tama Tonga (@Tama_Tonga) January 5, 2019

Chase Owens released the following statement:

For months people have been asking what side are you on or why does chase still wear bulletclub gear. Well last night I answered ;) bc4life

— chase owens (@realchaseowens) January 5, 2019

“For months people have been asking what side are you on or why does chase still wear bulletclub gear. Well last night I answered ;) bc4life”

Yujiro Takahashi and Chase Owens Back In Bullet Club

Owens and Takahashi interfered during the NEVER 6-Man tag team championship match at New Year’s Dash. Their run-in allowed Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Taiji Ishimori to keep their belts. After the match, Owens and Takahashi were accepted back into Bullet Club.

Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi Being Booked With The Elite

Even after members of the Elite began saying they were no longer members of Bullet Club, Owens and Takahashi never did. Owens Tweeted out “BC 4 Life” shortly after news broke the Elite were officially leaving Bullet Club. Takahashi seemingly never realized he’d been placed with the Elite, as evidenced by his comments on an episode of Being the Elite during the World Tag League tour. Takahashi and Hangman Page teamed together in the tournament.

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

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

New Japan Pro Wrestling presented their annual New Year’s Dash show from Korakuen Hall in Tokyo earlier today. The show aired live and for free on their streaming service, NJPWWorld.com.

NJPW New Year’s Dash 1/5 Results

1. Roppongi 3K (Sho & Yoh) and Rocky Romero (CHAOS) defeated the Killer Elite Suad and Takashi Iizuka (Suzuki-Gun)

• Yoh got the pin on Iizuka with a roll-up.

2. Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi defeated Tomoaki Honma and Toa Henare

• Kevin Kelly and Chris Charlton talked about how the future of Owens and Takahashi was uncertain after the departure of the Elite. Charlton noted that both still wore the Bullet Club colors and logo, however.
• Owens picked up the pin on Honma after delivering his cradle piledriver.

3. Juice Robinson and David Finlay defeated the Best Friends (Chuckie T & Beretta) (CHAOS) via DQ

• This match ended like several others did in the World Tag League recently. Chuckie T pulled out several chairs and begun hitting his opponents, causing the disqualification. Beretta tried to calm him down but Chuckie got loose from him after the match and delivered a piledriver to Juice Robinson onto a chair.
• Yesterday after Wrestle Kingdom, Beretta let it be known he wants a shot at Juice’s IWGP United States title.

4. Will Ospreay, Tomohiro Ishii and Hirooki Goto (CHAOS) defeated Yuji Nagata, Kushida, and Jeff Cobb

• They replayed Ospreay’s elbow to Ibushi from Wrestle Kingdom. After he delivered the move, Ibushi was dead weight when Ospreay picked him up for Storm Breaker.
• Ospreay picked up the pin on Kushida after Storm Breaker here too. Before giving him his finish, however, Ospreay looked as though he was going to give Kushida the same elbow he gave Ibushi but then decided not to. Kelly then said Ospreay could break out that dangerous move at any time.
• Ishii and Nagata had to be separated after the match and Cobb and Goto were also getting at each other a bit as well.

https://twitter.com/WillOspreay/status/1081297523493396480

5. NEVER 6-Man Tag Team Championships
Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, & Taiji Ishimori (Bullet Club) (c) defeated Toru Yano, Ryusuke Taguchi, & Togi Makabe

• Yujiro Takahashi and Chase Owens interfered in this match, allowing Bullet Club to successfully defend their titles. Tanga Loa picked up the pin on Makabe with his Apes**t piledriver.
• After all 5 beat down the challengers after the match, Owens and Takahashi put their hands up in a 2-sweet gesture.
• Tama Tonga looked as though he didn’t want the others to accept Owens and Takahashi back into the group but then turned and hugged both guys.
• The rest of the group celebrated with Owens and Takahashi being officially brought back into Bullet Club

I told you it was time. Time for the boys to get back together!!!! https://t.co/9qsCt7Aa6n

— chase owens (@realchaseowens) January 5, 2019

6. Minoru Suzuki, Zack Sabre Jr, El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Taichi (Suzuki-Gun) defeated Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, SANADA, Shingo Takagi and BUSHI (LIJ)

• This match started with Taichi hitting Naito in the head with a chair before the bell.
• Taichi would eventually get the pin on Naito later in the match and then continued the beat down after the match as well. He would then challenge Naito to a match for the Intercontinental championship. We could get that at one of the New Beginning shows at the end of the month.

7. Jay White, Bad Luck Fale, & Gedo (Bullet Club) defeated Yoshi-Hashi, Hiroshi Tanahashi, & Kazuchika Okada

• White and Bullet Club continue their undefeated streak against Okada and Tanahashi when they team up.
• This match was also Yoshi-Hashi’s return match. He was injured with a concussion back in September. He also took the pin here after taking Blade Runner from White.
• White challenged Tanahashi for a match at the post-match press conference yesterday and continued his taunting of the new champion after the match before leaving to close the show. White vs Tanahashi for the title could be booked for the New Beginning shows as well.

New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) will be holding their New Year Dash pay-per-view (PPV) from the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan tomorrow. The event will begin at 4:30 A.M. ET. You can watch the first two matches of the show for free in the video player below. However, to watch the full show, you’ll have to sign up for NJPW World (very much worth it).

Traditionally, New Year Dash always kicks off a major storyline of the year for NJPW. Last year, Chris Jericho’s feud with Tetsuya Naito was set up when “Y2J” attacked Naito. Naito defeated Jericho for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship last night at Wrestle Kingdom 13. Back in 2016, AJ Styles was kicked out of The Bullet Club, shortly before joining WWE that year when he debuted at the Royal Rumble.

Currently, only one match has been announced for the show. A NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championship match. Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Taiji Ishimori will be defending their titles against the team of Ryusuke Taguchi, Togi Makabe, and Toru Yano. It’s likely that no more matches will be announced before the show begins. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

Will you be tuning in to watch New Year Dash tomorrow?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_T8WvDA9nc&feature=youtu.be

Chris Jericho Shows Off WK13 Bruise (Photo)

During last night’s Wrestle Kingdom 13 pay-per-view (PPV), Chris Jericho dropped the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. He was defeated by Tetsuya Naito in a No Disqualification match.

In a match that saw weapons such as kendo sticks, steel chairs, and tables used, both men endured a lot of pain. After the bout, “Y2J” took to Instagram to share a photo of a bruise he suffered during the bout. Jericho captioned the photo with  “#WrestlingIsFake…???” Check it out below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsNt7-2FVCY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading

Cody & Kenny Omega React To WK13 Defeats

Also at WK13, Cody Rhodes dropped the IWGP United States Championship to Juice Robinson. Rhodes took to Twitter to react to the news, admitting that Juice was the better man on the night. With fans knowing Cody is on his way to All Elite Wrestling, the result didn’t come as much of a surprise. He closed out his Tweet by thanking Japan:

“Certainly not the outcome I expected, but in the ring tonight Juice was the better man. Thanks Japan, see ya’ soon.”

Certainly not the outcome I expected, but in the ring tonight Juice was the better man.

Thanks Japan, see ya’ soon. ????

— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) January 4, 2019

Another member of The Elite who was defeated at WK13 was Kenny Omega. He lost the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to Hiroshi Tanahashi in the night’s main event. As for what’s next for Omega’s professional wrestling career, that remains to be seen:

“1-1 #njwk13”

1-1 #njwk13 pic.twitter.com/w5Y7C0UX9t

— Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) January 4, 2019

Chris Jericho has put his sights on earning some more gold while competing under the NJPW banner. This comes after the fact that he lost the IWGP Intercontinental Title to Tetsuya Naito at the Wrestle Kingdom 13 event on Friday at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.

It was a wild match that was contested with no disqualifications and Jericho showed off some bruises that he sustained in the match when he wrote the following on his official Instagram account:

“#WrestlingIsFake…??? @njpw1972 #JerichoVsNaito2 #WrestleKingdom13.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BsNt7-2FVCY/

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

“I just lost the belt I took from Naito in June last year. It is a big mistake if you think that the time with me and New Japan Pro Wrestling will be over.” Jericho stated, H/T to Yahoo! Japan for the transcript. “I’ve kept the Intercontinental belt for the longest in 2018. So let me tell you, I want to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight belt, unreasonable or not.”

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

“Switchblade” Jay White didn’t waste any time being the first to issue a challenge to new IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi. White and Gedo showed up in the post-match press conference during Tanahashi’s interview and issued the challenge, which Tanahashi accepted.

????????????????????????????????
???????????????“”?IWGP??”????????????????????
?1.4?????????????????????????????https://t.co/YWh0dANZix#njwk13 #njpw pic.twitter.com/t1KN7vo4UO

— ?????????????? (@njpw1972) January 4, 2019

A date for the match has yet to be scheduled.

White defeated the former champion, Kazuchika Okada, in a special grudge match at Wrestle Kingdom.

Jay White Vs Hiroshi Tanahashi

Jay White and Hiroshi Tanahashi each had an eventful 2018. Tanahashi started the year by defeating White in the Tokyo Dome on White’s first match back from an excursion to ROH. White then avenged the loss in the G1 this summer but Tanahashi won the rubber match at King of Pro Wrestling with the G1 briefcase on the line.

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kenny Omega III?

Omega hinted after Wrestle Kingdom that there is still unfinished business between the two. Wrestle Kingdom 13’s main event was just the second time Omega and Tanahashi have faced each other in single’s competition. Omega won the first match which was for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship at the New Beginning in Niigata in 2016.

1-1 #njwk13 pic.twitter.com/w5Y7C0UX9t

— Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) January 4, 2019

Kota Ibushi is said to have suffered a concussion during his match with Will Ospreay at Wrestle Kingdom. Ibushi was taken out on a stretcher after the match by several of the New Japan young lions.

NJPW commentator, Chris Charlton, Tweeted out an update on Ibushi’s condition after the match. “Kota Ibushi suffered a concussion against Ospreay,” Charlton Tweeted. “His condition is not described as serious. More information to come.”

Ibushi lost to Will Ospreay in the opening match of the Wrestle Kingdom main card. With the win, Ospreay is the new NEVER Openweight Champion. Ibushi had defeated Hirooki Goto for the title on the final night of the World Tag league.

Kota Ibushi Vs Will Ospreay

Not long before Ibushi and Ospreay met at Wrestle Kingdom, Ospreay paid tribute to his opponent on Instagram. He posted a photo of the two from April 2016.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Br-MImaFZCB/?utm_source=ig_embed

“You have no idea how much you helped me this day,” Ospreay wrote. “Only a few days before this photo/match, I lost a friend who helped me in British Wrestling, Kris Travis.
To be in the ring with a man I would call an inspiration, helped me not focus on grieving but to celebrate his life.
After this moment and how fans reacted to how we were in the ring, I knew that this was the match I wanted.
Now I’m under a week my dream match on the biggest stage of my life. For a championship that has lost its place in New Japan but now shall live up to what it should be, an Openweight Championship.”

Ring Of Honor has announced that popular New Japan Pro Westling star, Katsuyori Shibata, will be in attendance for all three nights of their Texas ‘Road to G1 Supercard’ events this January.

Shibata will be in attendance in order to sign autographs and take photos with fans as part of the promotion’s pre-event Meet and Greets.

One of NJPW’s most prominent stars during his time with the company, ‘The Wrestler’ has not competed in-ring following his brutal matchup with Kazuchika Okada on April 9th, 2017, during New Japan’s Sakura Genesis event.
Shibata suffered a severe injury via a vicious headbutt during the match that led to him to experience paralysis to the right side of his body. This injury has led to speculation that Shibata is most likely done wrestling.

He has since been assigned as Head Coach for New Japan’s American dojo, located in Los Angeles, California.

NJPW has released a series of YouTube documentaries following his journey adjusting to life in America and his new role within the company, entitled ‘California Dreamin’.”

Road To G1 Supercard

You can meet Shibata on the following dates:

ROAD TO G1 SUPERCARD – DALLAS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24TH
BELL TIME @ 07:30 PM CT
GILLEY’S DALLAS
1135 S LAMAR ST
DALLAS , TX 75215

ROAD TO G1 SUPERCARD – HOUSTON

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25TH
BELL TIME @ 07:30 PM CT
NRG ARENA
NRG PKWY
HOUSTON , TX 77054

ROAD TO G1 SUPERCARD – SAN ANTONIO

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26TH
BELL TIME @ 07:00 PM CT
AUSTIN HIGHWAY EVENT CENTER
1948 AUSTIN HWY
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78218

New Japan’s annual Tokyo Dome show is now underway. The stacked card could end up being one of NJPW’s best ever and we’ve got the results as and when they happen, including the main event between Kenny Omega and Hiroshi Tanahashi.

The main event has just taken place in front of the Tokyo Dome crowd. Up to this point every Championship had changed hands on the card. That trend continued here.

One of the biggest spots in the match saw Tanahashi attempt to hit his High Fly Flow to Omega who was on a table outside the ring. Omega avoided the impact and Tanahashi took a huge spill through the wood. Kenny then opted to not take the count out victory as he rolled Tanahashi back into the ring.

The finish saw Tanahashi hit one final High Fly Flow to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the 8th time in his career.

You can follow all of our coverage for this historic event here

Here’s the full card for the event:

• NEVER Openweight Championship Match – Kota Ibushi (c) vs. Will Ospreay
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Suzuki-gun (Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado) (c) vs. Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (Shingo Takagi & BUSHI)
• RPW British Heavyweight Championship Match – Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs. Zac Sabre Jr.
• IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) (c) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL & SANADA) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)
• IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Match – Cody (c) vs. Juice Robinson
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match – KUSHIDA (c) vs. Taiji Ishimori
• Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada
• IWGP Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship No Disqualification Match – Chris Jericho (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match – Kenny Omega (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

New Japan’s annual Tokyo Dome show is now underway. The stacked card could end up being one of NJPW’s best ever and we’ve got the results as and when they happen.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Chris Jericho in the co-main event of the card. Naito is now once again the IWGP Intercontinental Champion, dethroning Y2J. This bout was changed to a No DQ contest when Jericho attacked Naito at the Fan Fest earlier this week. The match featured some hellacious kendo stick attacks from Jericho, the GOAT vowing to end Naito’s illustrious career. Naito also got some nasty looking strikes in late in the match, a huge welt appearing on Jericho’s chest. The finish came when Naito hit Destino on Jericho for the pinfall win.

You can follow all of our coverage for this historic event here

Here’s the full card for the event:

• NEVER Openweight Championship Match – Kota Ibushi (c) vs. Will Ospreay
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Suzuki-gun (Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado) (c) vs. Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (Shingo Takagi & BUSHI)
• RPW British Heavyweight Championship Match – Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs. Zac Sabre Jr.
• IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) (c) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL & SANADA) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)
• IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Match – Cody (c) vs. Juice Robinson
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match – KUSHIDA (c) vs. Taiji Ishimori
• Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada
• IWGP Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship No Disqualification Match – Chris Jericho (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match – Kenny Omega (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

New Japan’s annual Tokyo Dome show is now underway. The stacked card could end up being one of NJPW’s best ever and we’ve got the results as and when they happen.

Taiji Ishimori defeated KUSHIDA to become the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion in the 6th match of the might. Ishimori hit the Bloody Cross to become the new champion and end KUSHIDA’s 6th reign with the belt.

After the match the commentary team were describing the win as the end of an era. The team where discussing KUSHIDA being one the greatest performers in the division’s history and the vibe felt like his time in NJPW was coming to an end. There have been numerous reports recently linking KUSHIDA with WWE, so there may well be a chance that his contact ends soon with New Japan and he appears in NXT. Though this is in no way confirmed.

You can follow all of our coverage for this historic event here

Here’s the full card for the event:

• NEVER Openweight Championship Match – Kota Ibushi (c) vs. Will Ospreay
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Suzuki-gun (Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado) (c) vs. Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (Shingo Takagi & BUSHI)
• RPW British Heavyweight Championship Match – Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs. Zac Sabre Jr.
• IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) (c) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL & SANADA) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)
• IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Match – Cody (c) vs. Juice Robinson
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match – KUSHIDA (c) vs. Taiji Ishimori
• Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada
• IWGP Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship No Disqualification Match – Chris Jericho (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match – Kenny Omega (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

New Japan’s annual Tokyo Dome show is now underway. The stacked card could end up being one of NJPW’s best ever and we’ve got the results as and when they happen.

Juice Robinson won the IWGP United States Championship in the 5th match of the night. Robinson hit two Pulp Frictions on Cody to win the title. Brandi Rhodes interfered multiple times in the match.

The general consensus was that Cody would lose this match due to the announcement of All Elite Wrestling. ROH, NJPW and AEW are reportedly meeting following the conclusion of the show, you can check out our full report on that here.

You can follow all of our coverage for this historic event here

Here’s the full card for the event:

• NEVER Openweight Championship Match – Kota Ibushi (c) vs. Will Ospreay
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Suzuki-gun (Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado) (c) vs. Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (Shingo Takagi & BUSHI)
• RPW British Heavyweight Championship Match – Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs. Zac Sabre Jr.
• IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) (c) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL & SANADA) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)
• IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Match – Cody (c) vs. Juice Robinson
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match – KUSHIDA (c) vs. Taiji Ishimori
• Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada
• IWGP Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship No Disqualification Match – Chris Jericho (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match – Kenny Omega (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

January 4th marks the biggest day in the Japanese wrestling calendar. Wrestle Kingdom 13 took place earlier today and featured some of the top stars from all over the globe. One of the biggest talking points of 2019 will be All Elite Wrestling, the new promotion brought together by Cody Rhodes, The Young Bucks, Hangman Page and the Khan family.

According to the Wrestling Observer All Elite, Ring of Honor and New Japan will be meeting at the conclusion of Wrestle Kingdom. Dave Meltzer stated that the companies do want to work together and that it is “not impossible by any means.”

There are several issues pertaining to all three companies ‘working together.’ New Japan has been working hard to develop their presence in the United States alongside Ring of Honor, AEW may well threaten that. Another issue is that Cody, The Young Bucks and Page are current NJPW talent. New Japan finding out that their own stars were looking to establish their own brand may not have sat well with them, however that is purely speculative on my part.

Reports have shown that AEW are offering multiple year deals to independent talent and they want to lock them down as quickly as possible. Could the three companies work in conjunction? Possibly.

With AEW looking to make a splash quickly it might actually be in their favor to not get in bed with the more established companies and to carve their own path.

New Japan’s annual Tokyo Dome show is now underway. The stacked card could end up being one of NJPW’s best ever and we’ve got the results as and when they happen.

SANADA and EVIL captured the IWGP Tag Team Championships in the 4th match of the night. SANADA took the win after hitting the Magic Killer and a Moonsault. SANADA was on fire during the bout, easily the star of the show.

You can follow all of our coverage for this historic event here

Here’s the full card for the event:

• NEVER Openweight Championship Match – Kota Ibushi (c) vs. Will Ospreay
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Suzuki-gun (Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado) (c) vs. Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (Shingo Takagi & BUSHI)
• RPW British Heavyweight Championship Match – Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs. Zac Sabre Jr.
• IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) (c) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL & SANADA) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)
• IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Match – Cody (c) vs. Juice Robinson
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match – KUSHIDA (c) vs. Taiji Ishimori
• Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada
• IWGP Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship No Disqualification Match – Chris Jericho (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match – Kenny Omega (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

New Japan’s annual Tokyo Dome show is now underway. The stacked card could end up being one of NJPW’s best ever and we’ve got the results as and when they happen.

Zack Sabre Jr defeated Tomohiro Ishii in the 3rd match of the night. ZSJ won the bout to become the new Undisputed British Champion of Revolution Pro wrestling. Zack took the win after locking Ishii in a double octopus arm stretch and the referee Chris Roberts called for the bell. Ishii initially stopped ZSJ’s original run with the belt so Zack finally got his revenge here.

You can follow all of our coverage for this historic event here

Here’s the full card for the event:

• NEVER Openweight Championship Match – Kota Ibushi (c) vs. Will Ospreay
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Suzuki-gun (Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado) (c) vs. Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (Shingo Takagi & BUSHI)
• RPW British Heavyweight Championship Match – Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs. Zac Sabre Jr.
• IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) (c) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL & SANADA) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)
• IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Match – Cody (c) vs. Juice Robinson
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match – KUSHIDA (c) vs. Taiji Ishimori
• Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada
• IWGP Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship No Disqualification Match – Chris Jericho (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match – Kenny Omega (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

New Japan’s annual Tokyo Dome show is now underway. The stacked card could end up being one of NJPW’s best ever and we’ve got the results as and when they happen.

Shingo Takagi and BUSHI captured the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championships in the second match of the night. Takagi hit the Last of the Dragon on SHO to win the Championships and end Suzuki-gun’s run with the belts.

Here’s the full card for the event:

• NEVER Openweight Championship Match – Kota Ibushi (c) vs. Will Ospreay
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Suzuki-gun (Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado) (c) vs. Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (Shingo Takagi & BUSHI)
• RPW British Heavyweight Championship Match – Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs. Zac Sabre Jr.
• IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) (c) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL & SANADA) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)
• IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Match – Cody (c) vs. Juice Robinson
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match – KUSHIDA (c) vs. Taiji Ishimori
• Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada
• IWGP Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship No Disqualification Match – Chris Jericho (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match – Kenny Omega (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

New Japan’s annual Tokyo Dome show is now underway. The stacked card could end up being one of NJPW’s best ever and we’ve got the results as and when they happen.

Will Ospreay defeated Kota Ibushi in the opening bout. Ospreay used the Stormbreaker to become the new NEVER Openweight Champion. Ibushi took a nasty bump against the ring post during the bout and there appeared to be a cut in his mouth. Ibushi was stretched out of the ring following the match.

Here’s the full card for the event:

• NEVER Openweight Championship Match – Kota Ibushi (c) vs. Will Ospreay
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Suzuki-gun (Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado) (c) vs. Roppongi 3K (SHO & YOH) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (Shingo Takagi & BUSHI)
• RPW British Heavyweight Championship Match – Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs. Zac Sabre Jr.
• IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) (c) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL & SANADA) vs. The Young Bucks (Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson)
• IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship Match – Cody (c) vs. Juice Robinson
• IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship Match – KUSHIDA (c) vs. Taiji Ishimori
• Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada
• IWGP Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship No Disqualification Match – Chris Jericho (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match – Kenny Omega (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi