New Japan Pro Wrestling had its second day of the New Japan Cup tournament on March 6 at the Ota Ward General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. March 6 marks the 51st anniversary of the first NJPW event.
The main event had IWGP Tag Team Champions Yoshi-Hashi, and Hirooki Goto defend their titles against Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada. The event also had two New Japan Cup tournament matches, with David Finlay taking on Tomohiro Ishii and Shota Uno facing Yujiro Takahashi.
The event went live on NJPW World for free at 4:30 AM ET/1:30 AM PT. However, to watch more of NJPW’s New Japan Cup, fans must subscribe to their service, which is $9.99 in the United States.
If you would like more results for this week’s events in wrestling, please check back on our results section.
New Japan Pro Wrestling held the start of this year’s New Japan Cup tournament on March 5 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
The main event had Sanada taking on Taichi to determine who would advance in the New Japan Cup. Last year, Zack Sabre Jr. was the talent who won the annual tournament. Another match on the card had Tetsuya Naito taking on El Phantasmo in the opening round of this year’s tournament.
The event went live on NJPW World and is available on replay, but fans must have a subscription. An NJPW World subscription costs $9.99 in the United States.
If you would like more results for this week’s events in wrestling, please check back on our results section.
New Japan Pro Wrestling held its event, Battle in the Valley, on Feb. 18 at the San Jose Civic in San Jose, California.
One of the featured matches was IWGP Women’s Champion Kairi defending her title against Mercedes Monè. The event marked Monè’s first wrestling match since leaving the WWE. Another match on the card was Jay White vs. Eddie Kingston in a Loser Leaves NJPW match. It’s rumored that White could leave the company when his contract expires.
NJPW: Battle in the Valley aired live on FITE TV for $19.99 at 10 PM ET/ 7 PM PT. Fans who missed the event can watch it on replay with an NJPW World subscription.
NJPW Battle In The Valley Results
Alex Coughlin def. JR Kratos
David Finlay def. Bobby Fish
Kushida, Volador Jr., Kevin Knight & The DKC def. Máscara Dorada, Josh Alexander, Adrian Quest & Rocky Romero
KENTA def. (C) Fred Rosser- Strong Openweight Championship match
(C) The Motor City Machine Guns(Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) def. West Coast Wrecking Crew (Jorel Nelson and Royce Issacs)- Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship match
Eddie Kingston def. Jay White- Loser Leaves NJPW match
Tom Lawler def. Homicide- Filthy Rules Fight match
(C) Zack Sabre Jr def. Clark Connors- NJPW World TV Championship match
Mercedes Monè def. (C) Kairi- IWGP Women’s Championship match
C) Kazuchika Okada def. Hiroshi Tanahashi- IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match
NJPW Battle in The Valley Highlights
Eddie Kingston def. Jay White- Loser Leaves NJPW match
New Japan Pro Wrestling held its event The New Beginning in Osaka, on Feb. 11 at the Edion Arena Osaka in Osaka, Japan.
The event had the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada defend his title against Shingo Takagi. Okada’s match also marks the first title defense of his current reign. Another match on the card will have Jay White against Hikuleo in a Loser Leaves Japan match. Both wrestlers are rumored to be leaving NJPW, with the possibility of entering free agency.
The New Beginning in Osaka aired live on NJPW World. Fans can watch the event on video on demand by subscribing to NJPW World for $9.99.
If you would like more results for this week’s events in wrestling, please check back on our results section.
Wrestling promotions love having tournaments for cups or various other prizes. But there’s not one that involves various wrestling companies around the globe, especially the one involving the biggest promotions in the world.
The so-called “Forbidden Door” was been busted down with wrestlers having dream matches around the world over the last few years. WWE even allowed Shinsuke Nakamura wrestle in Pro Wrestling NOAH against Great Muta earlier this month. Of course, NJPW and AEW had their Forbidden Door pay-per-view last year.
“We had an all-star event before, but last year we had the World Cup (soccer), and this year we have the WBC (baseball) and the World Cup (rugby). It would be interesting to have pro-wrestling matches between different countries and have Japan represent Japan. The World Cup in soccer was interesting, and I think the WBC will be stimulating,” Okada explained.
He continued,“I think there are such events overseas, but I don’t think there are any big tournaments. I think it would be fun to have a big event on a global scale. Maybe we could have a tag team with Okada and (Shinsuke) Nakamura, or Okada and (Tetsuya) Naito if they are asked to fight for their country. I don’t know if that would work. I think it would be interesting to include various groups. If necessary, I will go see (AEW president) Tony Khan and (WWE executive) Triple H. Even in this Tokyo Dome, there are AEW wrestlers (such as Kenny Omega), WWE wrestlers (Karl Anderson), and (Mercedes) Mone, who quit the WWE. Even New Japan is worldwide now, isn’t it? There are players from many different countries, so I would like to do something interesting. I feel like I really want to do it now that I’m talking about it (laughs).” (h/t Fightful)
At this year’s New Year Dash, Okada had a dream tag team opponent in Kenny Omega and they defeated Jeff Cobb and Aaron Henare. On February 21, NJPW and NOAH will have a crossover show. Okada will be facing GHC Heavyweight Champion, Kaito Kiyomiya in a non-title match.
WWE may have been more likely to be involved before Vince McMahon forced his way back into a position of power. Depending on who WWE sells to, Okada may have to wait on WWE ever being involved in something like this, no matter how awesome it would be for wrestling and wrestling fans.
Six months after their Dominion showdown, Kazuchika Okada has finally gotten the better of Jay White.
Wrestle Kingdom 17 marks Okada’s first win over ‘Switchblade’ in almost four years. In that time, White picked up a 2020 G1 Climax win over ‘The Rainmaker’ as well as taking the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship off of him last year.
Okada vanquished his long-running foil with a Rainmaker at the 33-minute mark of the bout. This marks the second consecutive Wrestle Kingdom closed out with ‘The Rainmaker’ on top. Last year, he won back-to-back main events over then-champion Shingo Takagi and Will Ospreay.
Tonight’s match was especially notable for White’s unpleasant, mouth-foaming selling of Okada’s Money clip submission hold. ‘The Rainmaker’ also kicked out of the highly-protected Blade Runner finisher.
Kazuchika Okada victorious at Wrestle Kingdom 17.
Kazuchika Okada’s First Challenger Revealed
Following his win, Kazuchika Okada was confronted by none other than the man he beat at last year’s January 4 event: Shingo Takagi.
Takagi was relegated to the prelims at this year’s Tokyo Dome extravaganza. There, he was one of the winners of the annual New Japan Ranbo. The KOPW 2022 Champion ultimately made his presence felt on the main card when he confronted the new champ after the main event.
The popular Los Ingobernables de Japon member made clear his intention to regain the gold he lost to Okada last year.
Wrestle Kingdom 17 then rounded out on a fitting tribute to the late Antonio Inoki. The founder of NJPW, Inoki passed away in October last year. This year’s Tokyo Dome show, and particularly its main event, marked the promotion’s tribute to its original ace. It’s fitting then, that current leading man Kazuchika Okada was the one to close out the show.
Kazuchika Okada is one of the biggest stars in the history of New Japan Pro Wrestling but has never wrestled in WWE. In a dream match scenario, it doesn’t get much bigger than a match between Okada and The Rock.
At a recent press event for “Black Adam” in Japan, Okada worked on the Japanese dubbed version of the film “Black Adam,” which stars the former WWE Champion.
The top NJPW star attended a press event to promote the film that will be released in Japan on December 2nd. During it, the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion was asked if there was any interest in getting in the ring with the film’s leading man.
Kazuchika Okada vs. The Rock
“It looks like he can fight. He looks like he can do it [Okada joked about the Black Adam figure]. I think we can have a match… Well, as a fellow pro wrestler, I’d like to have a match with him [Dwayne Johnson].”
The Rock hasn’t wrestled in 8 years, with the last time being a quick six-second squash win against Erick Rowan). Okada is set to challenge for Jay White’s IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at January’s NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17.
Since opening on October 21, the film has grossed $351,573,563, with $150,573,563 coming domestically and $201,000,000 internationally.
Kazuchika Okada has made his thoughts on Jay White abundantly clear ahead of their IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match at Wrestle Kingdom 17.
At the January 4 event (the first time since 2019 Wrestle Kingdom will be a one-night show) the two will face off in a rematch from their Dominion 6.12 in Osaka-jo Hall collision.
At Dominion, White pinned Okada to win the title in a 36-minute main event to begin his first reign as World Heavyweight Champion.
Embarrassed
Okada earned his rematch against the New Zealand-born wrestler with a victory in the G1 Climax, becoming a four-time winner and a back-to-back winner.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Okada spoke about White and his attitude as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
“I find Jay White’s attitude embarrassing, to be honest. It’s a disgrace to have him representing New Japan Pro-Wrestling as our top champion, and that’s why I have to show just how great an Okada title match is at the Tokyo Dome—and to end that era of his.”
Kazuchika Okada.
Okada added that he will have his work cut out for him, as White has emerged victorious in four of their last five matches.
Forbidden Door
Okada’s most recent title opportunity against White came at the AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door crossover event in June of this year.
That match also saw Adam Cole and ‘Hangman’ Adam Page involved but it was White who won the fatal four-way.
Speaking about his relationship with AEW, Okada had plenty of praise for Tony Khan’s first foray into wrestling.
“There are places where they win out over NJPW, and areas where New Japan is superior as well. I think both sides came away with something to learn and work on, and I’d love to have another event with those lessons learned.”
Okada also expressed his hope that the next Forbidden Door event will happen in his homeland.
“Last time was in the U.S., so let’s have it in Japan next time.”
Kazuchika Okada.
While Okada hopes for a Japan show, Tony Khan has ruled out any future Forbidden Door shows going outside North America.
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.
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
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.
Claudio Castagnoli would love to have a match with Kazuchika Okada down the line.
Castagnoli recently took part in a media scrum at Starrcast V. During the scrum, Castagnoli discussed the possibility facing New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star Kazuchika Okada.
The Ring Of Honor (ROH) Champion said a match with Okada would mean a lot to him, especially given their past.
“I would just pick Okada. Mainly because I’ve known Okada for over 10 years, actually. When he wrestled at Chikara, he stayed at — me and Chris Hero had a house that a lot of the guys stayed, including Okada, and then I saw him again when he was training in Mexico.
“So, I think I have a picture of me and him when I still had hair and when he was not ‘The Rainmaker’ yet. So I think there’s definitely a lot of history there. So yeah, definitely. He would be one of many guys that we want to face.“
Castagnoli has been on quite the roll since leaving WWE. He competed in WWE for over 10 years as Cesaro where he was one of the company’s most promising stars. However, he was arguably underutilized throughout his run, with many seeing World Championship potential in the Swiss powerhouse.
Throughout his 11 years with WWE, Castagnoli only won one singles title – the United States Championship. However, he signed with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in June after his WWE contract expired in February.
He then won the ROH World Title from Jonathan Gresham at Death Before Dishonor in July. As for Okada, he has been one of Japan’s biggest stars for years. He’s a five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, and also does work for AEW.
A match between Okada and Castagnoli down the road is certainly a possibility in the near future.
“He’s gonna be okay long term, but probably if he couldn’t continue wrestling it made sense [to end the match]. I think if you can’t keep fighting there’s discretion is a better part of valor. I think long term he’ll be okay.”
Okada’s Future in AEW
Kazuchika Okada at AEWxNJPW: Forbidden Door
On Monday, Kazuchika Okada addressed his future with All Elite Wrestling.
The Rainmaker thanked AEW, as well as the city of Chicago. The rowdy crowd nearly lost it at the sight of Okada in an AEW ring and showered him with praise and appreciation.
Okada wrote, “The door is closed. But I’ll open the door again. See you next time.”
Thank you Chicago. Thank you AEW. The door is closed. But I’ll open the door again. See you next time.
It remains to be seen when we’ll see the likes of Okada, Tanahashi and White back in AEW. However, all indications are that Forbidden Door was a huge success We already know the event grossed over $1 million in ticket sales and sold over 100,000 PPV buys.
With so many of AEW’s top stars unable to compete at Forbidden Door, it’s just a matter of time before we Okada and more cross paths with the likes of Kenny Omega, CM Punk and Bryan Danielson.
Kazuchika Okada has stepped foot inside an AEW ring.
The June 22 episode of Dynamite featured a match between former AEW World Champion Hangman Page and Silas Young.
Page ended up getting the win but he had no time to celebrate as he was interrupted by Adam Cole, followed by IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Jay White.
Jay and Cole put the boots to Hangman but Okada’s music hit and he ran down to make the save.
Later in the show, AEW announced a four-way match between Jay White, Kazuchika Okada, Hangman Page, and Adam Cole for the IWGP gold at Forbidden Door.
There was a lot of speculation on “The Rainmaker’s” status for Forbidden Door. He has put the rumors to rest and many can agree that the AEW-NJPW crossover show set for June 26 just wouldn’t have felt right without him.
UPDATE: Dave Meltzer has retracted his claim that Kazuchika Okada vs. Hangman Page is being planned for Forbidden Door
Per @davemeltzerWON, his WOR note last night that Hangman Page vs. Okada was tabbed for Forbidden Door based on a lineup he had seen was incorrect. That match is not planned for the PPV as the lineup is being kept a secret. ^JN
A big-time championship match for the AEW-NJPW crossover show may have been revealed.
Forbidden Door will be taking place on June 26. The special PPV event will see the biggest stars from AEW and NJPW collide. The action will be held inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
AEW has already teased Jeff Cobb and Great-O-Khan of NJPW faction United Empire having a presence at Forbidden Door. The two interrupted an ROH Tag Team Title match between champions FTR and Roppongi Vice.
On the June 1 edition of Dynamite, the seeds were planted for an AEW World Title match between champion CM Punk and NJPW legend Hiroshi Tanahashi.
One major title match that hasn’t been hinted at on AEW TV may have been leaked.
Kazuchika Okada vs. Hangman Page?
(via NJPW)
Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio has reported that an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match between titleholder Kazuchika Okada and Hangman Page is internally listed for Forbidden Door.
The other match listed was indeed CM Punk vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the AEW World Championship.
There is a bit of history between Okada and Hangman. The two competed in NJPW’s G1 Climax back in 2018. Okada picked up the win.
Reigning IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada is soon to be adding a new accolade to his name as he is set to become a father later this year.
It was confirmed by Yahoo Sports Japan that Okada and his wife, voice actress Suzuko Mimori, are expecting their first child this August.
Speaking earlier this year, Okada was asked about possibly becoming a parent and said he would not stop his child from wanting to be a wrestler.
“I can’t say anything because it’s a little ahead of the story …” I was allowed to do what I wanted to do, so I don’t think I can say “Pro-wrestling? No.”
Okada on whether he’d allow his child to be a professional wrestler.
Okada captured the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in January 2022 at Wrestle Kingdom 16 (Night One), defeating Shingo Takagi.
On the show’s second night, he retained the title against the returning Will O’Spreay, who had vacated the gold in May 2021 due to a neck injury.
Okada is also a five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and holds the record for the longest reign (his fourth) at 720 days, as well as the record for the most title defenses at 12.
Mimori has worked as a voice actor since 2010 and has worked with several popular franchises including Digimon, Tokyo Ghoul, and Fairy Tail.
We here at SEScoops would live to wish Okada and Mimori our congratulations on their joyous news.
Kazuchika Okada says the upcoming Forbidden Door pay-per-view wouldn’t be much of a super-show without him.
The reigning IWGP World Heavyweight Champion spoke about the upcoming PPV at Sunday’s press conference following NJPW Dontaku.
Okada says he does not know what the format will be when AEW and NJPW make history on June 26th. It might be AEW stars vs. NJPW stars, it might be talent from both companies teaming up together. What matters is that he’s a part of it.
“Well, of course I don’t know what shape that event will take, but the fact that we’re having this combined event at all means I should absolutely be a part of it,” he said (via NJPW1972.com).
“There wouldn’t be much point in having a supershow like that if I’m not there.”
– Kazuchika Okada
Okada feels that New Japan Pro Wrestling will gain new fans from working with AEW, just like some NJPW fans will discover All Elite Wrestling.
Okada joked that he is certainly aware of AEW. He complimented them for having world class talent. However, there is always the opportunity to reach new fans.
There are still many people who have never heard of AEW. He said that cuts both ways, and there are many people who will be seeing him for the first time, as well.
“Whatever happens, I’m fully confident that those people will be leaving knowing how good I am. No matter who it might be, I think that a lot of people will get fired up, draw on that energy. There’ll be fans counting the days, not sleeping the night before, and that’s great. But anything more specific, I can’t really say at this point.”
He added that he plans on walking into Chicago as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega have put on some classic matches under the NJPW banner. Omega’s bouts with Okada helped him become a worldwide star among fans. However, their rivalry ended when Omega left NJPW in 2019 to sign with AEW.
The top New Japan Pro Wrestling star has no problem running it back with Omega in the United States, but only if that’s what the fans want to see. AEW and NJPW will host their first joint pay-per-view event, AEW X NJPW: Forbidden Door, on June 26th.
While speaking with Sports Illustrated about whether or not he will wrestle Omega at the pay-per-view, Okada stated that if there’s enough support from fans for the bout then they will go in that direction.
“Is there still unfinished business there?” Okada asks. “I’ve already wrestled a lot of great opponents. It was an honor for me last month to team with Tatsumi Fujinami and wrestle against a legend like Yoshiaki Fujiwara. There are a lot of truly great professional wrestlers out there and a lot of possible dream matches. If running me and Kenny back really is a dream match, well then that’s definitely a direction to take.”
Okada also stated in this interview that he feels confident the day will come when he wrestles CM Punk and Bryan Danielson.
Adam Cole says everyone in AEW is psyched for Forbidden Door, and he already knows who he wants to work with at the show.
During a recent discussion with Stephanie Chase, Cole spoke about the excitement that’s building for the upcoming inter-promotional super-show.
Both companies have huge stars and passionate fan bases. Forbidden Door is a chance to see the top stars of both companies square off.
Some AEW fans do not watch New Japan Pro Wrestling. Many NJPW fans don’t watch All Elite Wrestling. This collaboration will expose both companies to new viewers and that’s a huge win for everybody.
“Some of my fondest moments years ago were over in New Japan so yeah, I’m very, very excited for this event,” said Cole. “I think it’s gonna be awesome.”
Cole vs. Okada
The top stars of AEW and NJPW are making it known who they want to work with at Forbidden Door. Cole has his eye on Kazuchika Okada, the reigning IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
“So I’ve never had a singles match with Okada,” he said. “I’ve wrestled Okada before in like a six-man tag team match in Ring of Honor but we barely had any interaction together.”
Cole is eager to make history with Okada and steal the show at Forbidden Door.
“I’ve wrestled Tanahashi, just wrestled Ishii, which was really cool. Wrestled Jushin Liger, YOSHI-HASHI.. so many different guys, but I would love a classic one-on-one singles match with Okada at some point. I think that’d be really cool.”
While no matches have been signed as of this writing, it’s worth tracking who wrestlers are saying they want to work with. In addition to Cole saying he wants to wrestle Okada, we’ve also seen:
One of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s (NJPW) biggest stars, Kazuchika Okada, might not be available for the promotion’s upcoming joint pay-per-view (PPV) with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), The Forbidden Door, this summer.
It was announced on yesterday’s AEW Dynamite that NJPW and AEW would be hosting the join PPV event from the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on June 26. Shortly after the announcement there was a huge buzz on Twitter about Okada appearing on the show, and who he could potentially compete against. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio recently reported on this.
Meltzer noted that the show was just now brought up to Okada as it was announced in Japan. However, his wife’s birthday is on the 28th of June, and that is June 27th in the United States. With that being said, it would be difficult for Okada to make the show and be back in time for his wife’s birthday.
While Meltzer did note that Okada “kind of” said he wasn’t doing the show, he could have been kidding. He then speculated that if Okada was a part of the show, it would be a perfect opportunity to re-introduce Kenny Omega and build up to a potential match – likely in September.
Omega and Okada have extraordinary chemistry with each other inside the ring, having competed three times in singles action against one another under the NJPW banner. Currently, Omega has a 2-1 lead in the rivalry, a number Kazuchika Okada is hoping to make even in a potential rematch.
CM Punk has dropped a big hint pertaining to a potential crossover show.
Tony Khan is set to make a major announcement on the April 20 episode of Dynamite. The AEW boss is known for having his share of big announcements. Back in March, he revealed that he is now the owner of ROH.
Speculation has run rampant on what the announcement will be this time. Ringside News has reported that there are plans in place for a joint show involving AEW and NJPW in Chicago this June.
The outlet made note that there’s no guarantee that the crossover show will be the announcement, however.
CM Punk seems to be having fun with the rumors as he has taken to his Instagram Stories to tease the crossover show. He even threw in the coin drop, potentially signaling an appearance from the “Rainmaker,” Kazuchika Okada.
CM Punk’s latest IG story hints Okada will be part of the AEWxNJPW show rumored for June 23rd at Chicago’s United Center #CoinDroppic.twitter.com/qmGeEOTu9N
Wrestle Kingdom 16 is set to be a three-night event for the very first time in the history of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s biggest show.
The traditional January 4th show took place with Shingo Takagi defending his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Kazuchika Okada in the main event.
The winner of that bout, Okada, would then go on to face Will Ospreay as the main event of Night 2 on January 5th.
According to Eastern Lariat, the attendance for Wrestle Kingdom Night 2 compared to Night 1 can only be considered a disaster.
The attendance for Night 1 of the event was 12,047 and Night 2 of the event was 6,379.
Wrestle Kingdom Night 2 Poor Attendance
There’s a number of reasons as to why the number was so low, as mentioned it is traditional for January 4th to be the date of the big event for New Japan.
Much like you see ‘casual’ fans decide to go to WrestleMania in the US, there may be a number of fans in Japan that opted to go out for the traditional 04/01 show.
Another reason for the abysmal number (comparative to Night 1) may well be the main event itself; which when you look into it objectively, falls on the shoulders of Ospreay as Okada was in the main event of Night 1.
Whatever the reasoning may be, it will be interesting to see what the attendance is for the NJPW vs NOAH event that will be taking place on Saturday 8th January.
The attendance for the second day of Wrestle Kingdom is 6,379. HALF the number compared to day 1. #njwk16https://t.co/sg99KBW154
Kazuchika Okada hopes that he can share the ring with Bryan Danielson and CM Punk before it’s too late.
Okada is gearing up for Wrestle Kingdom 16. He’ll be challenging Shingo Takagi for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Okada won the 2021 G1 Climax and if he defeats Takagi on Jan. 4, he’ll defend the gold against Will Ospreay on Jan. 5.
While Okada has a lot on his mind going into the big Tokyo Dome show, he isn’t afraid to look into the future.
Kazuchika Okada’s Dream Matches
Ahead of Wrestle Kingdom 16, Kazuchika Okada spoke to Sports Illustrated. Okada admitted that he wants to have matches with Danielson and Punk but he knows there isn’t a lot of time left.
“Danielson and Punk would make for some incredible matches. A lot of those dream match scenarios are about getting excited for the possibilities, and once the match is done, it’s done. So it is important to keep that excitement and anticipation, I think. Still, if we wait too long, they’ll both retire eventually, so I want to face them both while they’re still active.”
(Update) CM Punk has has since replied to Okada expressing interest in working together. Punk provided the address of Chicago’s United Center and says, “come see me.”
Danielson and Punk are currently members of the AEW roster. NJPW and AEW have been chummy as of late and once Japan allows foreigners to return without a quarantine period, Okada may get his wish.
Okada has had some classics against the likes of Kenny Omega, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito, and many more.
NJPW has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. There has already been rumblings about Wrestle Kingdom this year not being as heavily hyped as it had been in years past. Still, Okada is looking to remind fans of his legendary status.
NJPW has attempted to spice things up by adding a third night of WK on Jan. 8. That show will be a crossover with Pro Wrestling NOAH.
New Japan Pro Wrestling President Takami Obari has addressed Will Ospreay’s status for Wrestle Kingdom 16, which takes place from January 4-6, 2022.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced yesterday that the country is banning foreigners from enterting the country indefinitely. Japan also joins other countries that are trying to combat the new variant of COVID-19, Omicron.
Japan’s new travel restriction casts doubt on wrestlers like Will Ospreay participating in Wrestle Kingdom 16.
In an interview with Tokyo Sports, Obari addressed the situation. He shared that Ospreay should be able to visit Japan because he has a work visa. However, the situation in Japan can change.
“Under the current rules, foreign wrestlers who are regularly participating in the war are not expected to enter the country. I’ve heard that (regular foreign wrestlers) have visas to work in Japan, so they will be treated as re-entry. This has been confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” said Obari.
Ospreay tweeted the following, reassuring fans that he’ll be there on January 5th.
Ospreay will return to Japan for NJPW since his match with Shingo Takagi at Wrestling Dontaku on May 4. It was also the last match that he defended the NJPW Heavyweight Championship before vacating the title due to a neck injury. After Ospreay relinquished the title, Takagi defeated Kazuchika Okada to win the vacant NJPW Heavyweight Champion at Dominion on June 7. To get back into the title picture, Okada won the G1 Climax.
It’s unclear if NJPW planned to have all three wrestlers involved, but the Ospreay injury helped build an eight-month storyline.
Wrestle Kingdom Three Night Event
Wrestle Kingdom 16 will be a three-night event. It is also the first three-night Wrestle Kingdom in NJPW history. The main event of Night One on January 4 will be Takagi vs. Okada for the NJPW Heavyweight Championship. The winner of Night One will also defend the championship against Ospreay in the main event of Night Two on January 5. It is unclear if the winner will defend the NJPW Heavyweight Champion on Night Three on January 6.
For now, it seems Ospreay will get his opportunity to reclaim the NJPW Heavyweight Championship on January 5. It is unclear if he is in Japan currently. However, with the new variant of COVID-19, NJPW may also need to have a backup plan just in case.
Buddy Matthews has quite the task going into his NJPW debut.
Matthews will be sharing the ring with Kazuchika Okada, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest wrestlers today. The match will be taking place at NJPW Battle In The Valley this Saturday (Nov. 13).
Buddy Matthews Wants Classic With Okada
During an interview with Forbes, Buddy Matthews said that he’s more than happy with being thrown to the wolves in his first NJPW match.
“I feel like I’m a better performer when there’s less buildup to it, less pressure and whatnot.
“I’m just going to go out there, do what I do best and tear it up. I don’t think there’s any bigger match that you could have in a debut in New Japan Pro Wrestling. I wanted to swim with the whales and they gave me the biggest whale they could find.”
Matthews competed as Buddy Murphy under the WWE banner. He was released from the company back in June.
Matthews has been praised for his in-ring style. Many fans clamored for him to sign with NJPW since he has the style to match. Those fans will get their wish for at least one night.
NJPW Battle In The Valley will feature a NEVER Openweight Title match between champion Jay White and Tomohiro Ishii. Plus, Impact Wrestling World Heavyweight Champion Moose will collide with Juice Robinson.
The self-proclaimed “real” IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay will also be in action. He’ll take on Ren Narita.
Kazuchika Okada has kept his word and brought back the retired IWGP Heavyweight Championship as a symbol of his promise to Kota Ibushi.
NJPW Road to Power Struggle tour kicked off last night. The G1 Climax winner entered the arena with the belt instead of the usual contract as he had suggested earlier:
The finals of the G1 climax saw Okada going up against Kota Ibushi. However, Ibushi couldn’t complete the match because of a dislocated shoulder, and Okada was declared the winner.
Before the rainmaker picked up his trophy, he checked on his opponent. He promised Ibushi that they will have a rematch when he is ready to step back into the ring again.
On the G1 climax press conference, Kazuchika Okada asked chairman Naoki Sugabayashi if he can bring back the retired belt. He said that he wanted to hold it instead of the contract that’s usually awarded to the G1 winner.
IWGP Heavyweight Championship
The fourth championship belt was unified with the IWGP Intercontinental Championship back in March. Kota Ibushi was the final wrestler to hold both the belts.
The G1 climax winner gets to face the IWGP world heavyweight champion at the following Wrestle Kingdom event. Though Okada will be defending his title shot against Tama Tonga at Power Struggle on November 6.
