IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada recently spoke to Yahoo Japan on a variety of topics. Japanese wrestling pundit Chris Charlton (@reasonjp) translated some of what New Japan’s ‘Ace’ had to say and it makes for some interesting reading:
Okada says TNA changed his image of wrestling (for the better). not enough to be good in ring or have good matches. You need to draw ppl in. https://t.co/uUr4EePG7A
Okada talks about how meeting Nakamura in 2007 in Mexico put him onto New Japan, Nak was drawn to his height, '1cm is worth 10 million Yen' https://t.co/uUr4EePG7A
Do you agree with Okada? Is he the best professional wrestler in the world today? His resume certainly speaks for itself…let you know your thoughts in the comments
Pro Wrestling Illustrated’s #1 ranked wrestler of 2017 Kazuchika Okada spoke with the magazine about topping this year’s list, the possibility of joining WWE and more.
Several of WWE’s top Superstars, including AJ Styles, Finn Balor and Shinsuke Nakamura wrestled for New Japan Pro Wrestling before signing with the company. Okada has worked with them all and would love to compete against them again, but he’s not sold that WWE is a good fit for him.
When asked if he’d consider working for WWE, he said, “It’s not something I think about. New Japan is far superior to WWE when it comes to the quality of the roster and the quality of the matches.”
Okada follows the WWE product and has been backstage for several WWE events over the past year. He attended last year’s NXT Takeover: Brooklyn and SummerSlam shows (photo) was backstage at RAW and SmackDown in July (video) when NJPW was in town for the G1 Special tournament in California. He keeps an eye on what Balor, AJ and Nakamura are doing in WWE and says they look like they’re having fun.
“One thing I will say is that I do pay attention to what Finn Balor, AJ, and Nakamura are doing, and they look like they’re having fun. I might want to wrestle them again someday, but I might want to do that in New Japan.”
With so many big name wrestlers crossing over into other fields like movies and even UFC, Okada teased that he might follow in the footsteps of guys like The Rock and Batista.
“Hell, I might want to be like some other people and become a movie star or join the UFC. You never know.”
Pro Wrestling Illustrated senior writer Dan Murphy was Jim Ross’ guest on this week’s Ross Report podcast. During the discussion, Murphy revealed the Top 10 wrestlers on this year’s annual PWI 500 list, which covers the period of June 2016-17.
The top spot on this year’s PWI 500 went to IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada, the ‘ace’ of New Japan Pro Wrestling. Eight of the Top 10 spots were awarded to WWE Superstars this year, with IWGP United States Champion Kenny Omega cracking the top 5 as the other NJPW star in the Top 10.
Kazuchika Okada
AJ Styles
Kevin Owens
Roman Reigns
Kenny Omega
Shinsuke Nakamura
Dean Ambrose
Samoa Joe
Bobby Roode
The Miz
In topping this year’s list, Kazuchika Okada becomes the first-ever Japanese wrestler to rank #1 in the PWI 500 and the first wrestler to not be from WWE, WCW or TNA.
New Japan Pro Wrestling has announced several big matches for the two Destruction shows that will take place in September. Also, a big match has been revealed for the King of Pro Wrestling event in October. Here is a list of matches along with dates and times that they will air live on NJPW’s official streaming service, New Japan World:
Destruction in Fukushima – September 10th
—- Tomohiro Ishii and Will Ospreay vs. Tetsuya Naito and Hiromu Takahashi
—- Tomoyuki Oka and Katsuya Kitamura vs. Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI
—- Juice Robinson and David Finlay vs. Kenny Omega and Bad Luck Fale
—- Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe, KUSHIDA, Ryusuke Taguchi and Ricochet vs. Takashi Iizuka, Taka Michinoku, El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Taichi
—- Baretta and Jado vs. Yujiro Takahashi and Chase Owens
—- Yuji Nagata and Hirai Kawato vs. Manabu Nakanishi and Shota Umino
—- Minoru Suzuki vs. Michael Elgin for the NEVER Openweight title
—- War Machine vs. Guerillas of Destiny vs. Killer Elite Squad in a triple threat match for the IWGP tag team titles
—- EVIL, SANADA and BUSHI vs. Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano and Rocky Romero for the NEVER Six Man titles
—- Destruction in Hiroshima (September 16th, 5:00 a.m. EDT)
—- Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano, Will Ospreay and Gedo vs. Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, SANADA, BUSHI and Hiromu Takahashi
—- Juice Robinson and David Finlay vs. Kenny Omega and Bad Luck Fale
—- Kota Ibushi, Michael Elgin and Togi Makabe vs. Minoru Suzuki, Takashi Iizuka and Taka Michinoku
—- Roppongi Vice vs. Yujiro Takahashi and Chase Owens
—- Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask vs. Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI and Jado
—- Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP Intercontinental title
—- KUSHIDA vs. El Desperado for the IWGP Jr. title
—- War Machine vs. Guerillas of Destiny and Killer Elite Squad in a triple threat match for the IWGP tag team titles
—- Ricochet and Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Taichi for the IWGP Jr. tag team titles
Destruction in Kobe – September 24th
—- Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ryusuke Taguchi and Ricochet vs. Takashi Iizuka, Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Taichi
—- Hirooki Goto, Baretta and YOSHI-HASHI vs. Bad Luck Fale, Yujiro Takahashi and Chase Owens
—- Jushin Thunder Liger and Tiger Mask vs. Taka Michinoku and El Desperado
—- Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Hirai Kawato vs. Tomoyuki Oka and Shota Umino
—- Togi Makabe and David Finlay vs. Michael Elgin and Katsuya Kitamura
—- Kenny Omega vs. Juice Robinson for the IWGP United States title
—- Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay vs. EVIL and Hiromu Takahashi
—- Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano and Rocky Romero vs. Tetsuya Naito, SANADA and BUSHI
—- War Machine vs. Guerillas of Destiny and Killer Elite Squad in a triple threat match for the IWGP tag team titles
King of Pro Wrestling – October 9th
—- Tetsuya Naito vs. Tomohiro Ishii
—- Kazuchika Okada vs. EVIL for the IWGP Heavyweight title
– Johnny Gargano returns to NXT television next week, his first NXT TV appearance since [former] partner Tommaso Ciampa turned on him at NXT Takeover: Chicago. It’s the start of a new chapter for Gargano, who ventures off as a singles competitor once again after a successful yet ultimately tragic run as part of the DIY tag team.
Ciampa underwent ACL surgery shortly after Takeover. As noted earlier this week, he’s now expected to be out of action until early 2018, a devastating setback for the Boston native and this feud.
– Following up on the news that IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada was backstage for Monday’s RAW from Phoenix, it turns out the “ace” of NJPW was also in attendance for SmackDown the following night. Nerdcore rapper Mega Ran, who was in the New Day’s corner for their rap battle with The Usos on SmackDown, revealed that Okada was not only backstage – but spent the entire show in the gorilla position.
Mega Ran says Okada was shaking hands with everyone before and after they hit the ring, wishing them luck and congratulating them. The top star of a rival promotion backstage at WWE TV two nights in a row is note worthy in itself. Spending the entire show in the gorilla position speaks volumes about WWE’s level of respect for the 29-year-old phenom.
Okada is under contract with New Japan for several more years and will play a key role in the promotion’s expansion into the United States. He won’t be following Balor, Nakamura, Gallows & Andersonto WWE any time soon, but we’ll see what happens a few years down the road when he eventually becomes a free agent.
IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada was seen leaving the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona last night after a taping of RAW. Okada had been in the United States for New Japan’s recent G1 Specials tapings in Long Beach.
Okada has stated many times that he has no intention of leaving New Japan for the WWE and that he plans on bringing the NJPW style to the United States. The most likely outcome of his appearance is to see some friends backstage, but with the way that the wrestling world has been in 2017 there is bound to be some speculation on the future of NJPW’s newest Ace.
What do you think? Is there more to this story than meets the eye? Let us know in the comments.
NJPW G1 Los Angeles Special Night 1 July 1st 2017 Long Beach Convention Center (AXS TV, Fight Network)
Beretta, Rocky Romero, Will Ospreay & the Briscoes (CHAOS) vs. the Young Bucks, Marty Scurll, Yujiro Takahashi & Bad Luck Fale (Bullet Club)
Matt Jackson directly into the camera: “They put us in the opening match, are you kidding me?”
High paced fun match.
Scurll got in a period of offence, using his normal moves: finger breaking spot, super kick to the shin, then got countered when he elaborately announced he was going for the chicken wing.
Ospreay hit a standing spanish fly on Scurll. Also a springboard shooting star press onto everyone.
Romero got a period of offence in as well, hitting “clotheslines forever” on the Young Bucks.
The Bucks looked to be going for the Meltzer Driver onto Romero, but Nick was pulled to the ground from the outside while Romero rolled up Jackson for the pin.
Romero seemed surprised he got the pin.
Matt Jackson to the camera “I’ve got a deal with Hot Topic, I can’t lose on TV!”
Winners: Roppongi Vice, the Briscoes and Will Ospreay (Romero pinned Matt Jackson)
Titan, Dragon Lee, Volador Jr. & Jushin Liger vs. Hiromu Takahashi, BUSHI, EVIL & SANADA (Los Ingobernables)
Liger got a big ovation before the match began.
Seemed like Los Ingobernables had the bulk of the offence.
Takahashi distracted the ref, which allowed Evil to hit Titan with a chair.
Takahashi then hit Titan with the Time Bomb for the pin.
Winners: Los Ingobernables (Takahashi pinned Titan)
IWGP US Heavyweight Title Tournament (Quarter-Final) Jay Lethal vs. Hangman Page (Bullet Club)
The IWGP United States Championship Belt was brought out by the CHairman of NJPW.
Before the match, Ross mentioned that Lethal suffered bruised ribs in a match with the Beer City Bruiser in ROH 8 days ago.
Page attacked Lethal before the bell to gain the early advantage.
The story of this match was Lethal battling through his injured ribs.
Lethal went for the Lethal Injection but Page countered it into an abdominal stretch.
He then went for the Lethal Injection a 2nd time, but Page countered again.
Lethal finally hit the Lethal Injection on his 3rd attempt (kinda botched) but he couldn’t make the cover because his ribs were too sore.
They both got back up and started exchanging strikes. Lethal got the advantage with an enziguri, hit Lethal Injection again and got the pin.
Winners: Jay Lethal
IWGP US Heavyweight Title Tournament (Quarter-Final)
Juice Robinson vs. Zack Sabre Jr. (Suzuki-Gun)
Sabre Jr. focussed on Juice’s arm for most of the match.
Robinson hit a jackhammer like slam, a standing senton, and a cannonball in the corner.
He then went for the Pulp Friction but Sabre Jr. countered that into an abdominal stretch.
Robinson went for the ropes, but Zack pinned both of his arms back in a modified stretch, causing Juice to submit.
Winner: Zack Sabre Jr. via submission
David Finlay, Jay White, KUSHIDA, & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Sho Tanaka, Yohei Komatsu, YoshiTatsu, & Billy Gunn
Josh and Ross talked about Tanahashi having an injured arm, and he has to defend the IC title against Billy Gunn tomorow night.
Kushida got a big cheer when he held up both the ROH TV title and the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight championship.
A good portion of this match previewed the Billy Gunn vs. Tanahashi match tomorrow.
Gunn’s team isolated Kushida, though he eventually made the hot tag to Tanahashi, who cleared house.
With everyone on the outside, Jay White hit a flatliner on Yoshi Tatsu for the win.
Tanahashi and Gunn had a brief staredown afterwards.
Before the match, Rowe cut a promo saying that their opponents introduced weapons into the last match, so let’s have them legal in this match.
Tama Tonga was about to answer but then both brohters attacked War Machine to start the match. Weapons are legal.
GoD used a trash can early, which gave them the advantage for a bit.
Hanson started a comeback for War Machine by giving both members of GoD his own version of Clotheslines Forever.
A lot of good double team moves from each team.
Chase Owens interfered on behalf of his Bullet Club teammates, hitting members of War Machine with chairs.
War Machine battled back and hit Fallout through a table on Tanga Roa and got the pin to win the belts.
Winners: War Machine (New Champions)
IWGP US Heavyweight Title Tournament (Quarter-Final)
Tomohiro Ishii (CHAOS) vs. Tetsuya Naito (Los Ingobernables)
Naito attacked Ishii before the bell to start the match.
Each guy landed a lot of their moves.
Naito hit a frankensteiner, 2 flying dropkicks, german suplex, dragon suplex, but couldn’t hit Destino on 2 attempts.
Ishii hit mainly power moves, several lariats, chops, head butt, power-bomb, and countered Destino twice.
Ishii hit a brainbuster and got the pin.
Winner: Tomohiro Ishii
IWGP US Heavyweight Title Tournament (Quarter-Final)
Michael Elgin vs. Kenny Omega (Bullet Club)
Commentary mentioned that Elgin has never lost to Omega in a 1-on-1 match.
Elgin got most of the offence early, with a gorilla press slam and springboard splash.
Omega hit a hurricanrana which sent Elgin to the outside. He hit a plancha, and a fameasser on the ramp.
Omega gave Elgin a body slam on the outside at an 18 count and then got back in the ring. Elgin got back in just before the 20 count.
Elgin got back on offence, hitting moves such as a series of rolling german suplexes, which Ross referred to as the “3 Canucks”.
Elgin hit a turnbuckle powerbomb, Omega hit a dragon suplex, and each hit various other moves as well.
The finish of the match started when Omega hit Elgin with a running knee. Elgin initially shook off the first knee and charged back at Omega who gave him a 2nd knee, and that one wobbled him.
Omega hit some more knees and then a reverse-hurricanrana for a near-fall.
He hit yet another knee on Elgin and eventually got him up for the 1-Winged Angel and pinned him.
Winner: Kenny Omega
Updated IWGP US Championship Tournament Brackets:
Kenny Omega vs. Jay Lethal
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Tomohiro Ishii
IWGP Heavyweight Title Match Kazuchika Okada (c)(CHAOS) vs. Cody (Bullet Club)
The crowd really did not like Cody Rhodes (although some fans would later chant for him), this despite his all-American apparel he had on. Brandi was wearing a USA flag dress.
The match started with some grappling and then each trying to hit a few signature moves but getting blocked or avoided.
Okada went on offence first, landing a running dropkick to a seated Cody.
Cody escaped to the outside, where Okada eventually hit him with a running crossbody that took them both about 3 rows deep in the crowd.
Cody got on offence by catching Okada as he was getting back into the ring. He hit a flatliner, facebuster, and a springboard dropkick.
Cody got some heat by spitting at the referee and flipping off the fans.
It was mentioned that Cody has an injured shoulder.
Okada hit a neckbreaker and goes back on offence. He hits a series of running elbows to knock Cody down.
Okada continued on offence with a ddt and a running uppercut for a near-fall.
Cody was perched on the top turnbuckle, when Okada hit a dropkick to take him to the outside.
Cody countered a tombstone attempt on the outside into a back body drop.
Okada countered Cody’s draping ddt into his own draping ddt, and eventually thew him back into the ring.
Okada was going to the top rope but Cody countered by hitting a an arm drag off the top.
Cody then hit a Disaster Kick for a near-fall.
Okada countered a 2nd Disaster Kick with a flapjack.
Okada then hit a side-slam neckbreaker combo that nobody ever refers to by a name. He then hit a flying elbow and called for the Rainmaker.
Cody countered the Rainmaker attempt by grabbing Okada’s leg and rolling into a modified calf-slicer. Okada would eventually get to the ropes.
They ended up in a slap and strike contest, which was won soundly by Okada. He eventually knocked Cody all the way down and stomped on his back several times. This brought Brandi to ringside.
Okada hit him in the back with a dropkick, then landed a tombstone piledriver and called again for the Rainmaker.
Cody countered the Rainmaker attempt again, this time by spitting at Okada.
Okada just wiped off the spit and hit him with a partial Rainmaker, then picked him up and hit him with another Rainmaker.
This brought Kenny Omega to ringside with a white towel, just like Cody did for his match with Okada in Osaka.
The Young Bucks tried to talk some sense into Omega, as he started encouraging Brandi to throw in the towel for Cody’s sake.
Cody then countered another Rainmaker but was eventually hit with yet another dropkick.
Cody then countered yet another Rainmaker with his own Rainmaker and got a near-fall.
Cody grabbed the towel, wiped off his sweat from it, then made a rude gesture with it, and threw it at Kenny. This caused Ross to state that there are clearly issues within Bullet Club.
Okada then countered Cody’s Cross Roads attempt with his own Cross Roads for a near fall.
Cody went for Cross Roads again but Okada countered with knees, so Cody hit him with a slam instead for another near-fall.
Cody went for the 1-winged angel but was countered by Okada into a German suplex.
Okada then hit a jumping spinning tombstone followed by one more Rainmaker for the pin.
Winner: Kazuchika Okada (7th Title Defence this Reign)
After the match Omega called for a mic as Okada was going to speak.
Omega said that he would not steal Okada’s moment, but said they have a date for a rematch in the G1.
Gedo then spoke english. He told the crowd that Okada is the future of strong-style.
Okada then spoke english and asked everyone how New Japan Pro Wrestling was? this got a big pop and the crowd chanted “New Japan! New Japan!”.
We then saw a backstage interview with Okada that was very loosely translated by Josh Barnett. Basically Okada said he underestimated Cody and complimented the American media.
As we’ve previously noted, former WWE Intercontinental Champion Cody Rhodes is set to take on Kazuchika Okada at New Japan Pro Wrestling’s (NJPW) G1 US Special on July 1st. WWE Hall Of Famer Jim Ross was recently interviewed on Busted Open Radio to talk about a variety of pro wrestling topics, and offered his thoughts on the matchup between Rhodes and Okada, which he calls ‘good booking’:
“I think it’s a good booking. Cody needs this match. He needs to show everybody exactly where he is since leaving the WWE, because I believe, that eventually, Cody will make a triumphant return to WWE, [as] a much better performer and business man than he was when he left. And he will make a major impact. But right now it’s a great place to see where he is in that evolution. Whether I’m right or I’m wrong, this is a big match for him, and of course, Okada got that pressure that he seemingly now has to have a five star like match everyone outing and that’s damn hard to do.”
You can listen to Ross’ full interview on Busted Open Radiohere.
In the late 90s, the old NWO faction would release “paid advertisements” on Nitro. Bullet Club is now doing the same in NJPW.
The faction has been the focal point of NJPW’s marketing strategy for their July 1st and 2nd shows in L.A, and have now released the following video:
Bullet Club at NJPW G1 L.A Special
Somewhat surprisingly, Cody will receive an IWGP heavyweight title shot on night 1 of the 2-night event. At Dominion, Cody defeated Michael Elgin in what turned out to be a pretty important match.
The rest of the announced lineup so far:
NJPW July 1st 2017 Lineup
the Briscoes, Will Ospreay, & Roppongi Vice (CHAOS) vs. Bad Luck Fale, the Young Bucks, Yujiro Takahashi & Marty Scurll (Bullet Club)
Jushin Liger, Volador Jr., Dragon Lee & Titan vs. Sanada, Evil, Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi (Los Ingobernables)
IWGP U.S Championship Tournament (1st Round)
Jay Lethal vs. Hangman Page (Bullet Club)
IWGP U.S Championship Tournament (1st Round)
Juice Robinson vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kushida, Jay White & David Finlay vs. Billy Gunn, Yoshi Tatsu, Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu
NJPW held their second biggest show of the year Sunday from Osaka. 7 title matches took place at the event, including a 60-minute time limit draw between Kenny Omega and IWGP heavyweight champion, Kazuchika Okada.
While he only retained his title on a time limit draw, Okada has now tied the Great Muta’s tally of total IWGP heavyweight title defences, and is moving closer to the all-time record.
IWGP Heavyweight Champion: Kazuchika Okada
Title Defences (current reign): 6 Title Defences (all-time): 19 Title Reigns: 4 Total Days as Champion: 1,154
Only 5 other wrestlers have ever had title reigns of equal or greater length in terms of title defences: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shinsuke Nakamura, Yuji Nagata, Shinya Hashimoto, and Tatsumi Fujinami.
Tanahashi holds the record for most title defences in a single reign, when he had 11 from 2012 to 2013.
The title defence Sunday moved Okada into a tie with the Great Muta for 3rd most title defences all-time with 19. Should Okada defeat Cody on July 1st in L.A, he would tie Shinya Hashimoto for 2nd with 20 title defences. Tanahashi is again the leader in this category with 28.
Greatest IWGP Heavyweight Champions of All-Time:
Hiroshi Tanahashi – 7 Title Reigns – 28 Title Defences
Shinya Hashimoto – 3 Title Reigns – 20 Title Defences
the Great Muta – 4 Title Reigns – 19 Title Defences
Kazuchika Okada – 4 Title Reigns – 19 Title Defences
Tatsumi Fujinami – 6 Title Reigns – 13 Title Defences
Yuji Nagata – 2 Title Reigns – 12 Title Defences
Kensuke Sasaki – 5 Title Reigns – 9 Title Defences
Shinsuke Nakamura – 3 Title Reigns – 9 Title Defences
Riki Choshu – 3 Reigns – 5 Title Defences
Big Van Vader – 3 Reigns – 4 Title Defences
Antonio Inoki, the company’s 1st champion, held the title just the once, and defended it 4x.
New Japan Pro Wrestling made a major announcement during last night’s Ring of Honor/NJPW co-branded ‘War of the Worlds’ pay per view.
The following is from the NJPW1972.com website detailing the brand new IWGP United States Championship:
“New Japan Pro-Wrestling Chairman Naoki Sugabayshi, and referee Tiger Hattori, Kevin Kelly, Ring of Honor COO Joe Koff, George Carroll Jr and ROH Ambassador Cary Silkin stood in a sold out Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan, New York and shocked the world.
New Japan officials took note of the demand for the global branding and wanted to ensure that the already epic G1 in the USA specials on July 1 & 2 become truly landmark events in the history of professional wrestling.
It was announced that at the G1 in the US Specials in Long Beach California, the stars of New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Ring of Honor will complete in a round robin tournament.
For the first time in its 45 year history, New Japan Pro-Wrestling will add their first championship based in the US. At the G1 Specials in the USA, The winner of this tournament will become the New IWGP United States Champion!
It was also announced that former ROH World Champion Jay Lethal would be the first competitor announced for this epic tournament!
The Bullet Club’s Hangman Page attempted to crash that party and let Lethal and NJPW officials know that he wants to be the first champion!”
There has previously been speculation that New Japan were looking to give Kenny Omega the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and make him the focal point for their push into the American market. With this announcement of the new title there is an even greater chance that Kazuchika Okada retains his title at Dominion on June 11th.
Will you be headed to the G1 Specials at Long Beach in July? Who do you think should be crowned the inaugural IWGP United States Champion? Let us know in the comments
After his show stealing bout against Kazuchika Okada at New Japan’s Sakura Genesis event last weekend Katsuyori Shibata was rushed to hospital with what was reported as a subdural hematoma. This is an extremely serious injury where blood builds up between the skull and brain.
Several reports from Dave Meltzer at the Wrestling Observer seemed to indicate that this may have been part of an angle to ‘get over’ the severity/brutality of the match. It is now believed that the injury is in fact very real and there is a chance that Shibata will never wrestle another match. Whilst in hospital Shibata temporality lost mobility on the right side of his body, he apparently has now recovered fully from this paralysis however given the severity of this injury he may never again be cleared to wrestle.
Shinsuke Nakamura recently spoke to Yahoo Japan regarding the New Japan wrestling style and the risks that performers are taking:
“Lately exchanging dangerous moves has become a trend in Japanese wrestling. With serious injuries happening, it might have to change and wrestlers should look back and think about dangerous moves they do and the risks they take.”
NJPW has a big show early Sunday morning. Sakura Genesis begins at 3AM Sunday, with 5 scheduled championship matches. The event is being held in the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
Manabu Nakanishi vs. Tomoyuki Oka The big veteran Nakanishi takes on the young lion Oka in the opener. Oka submits to Nakanishi’s torture rack. Winner: Nakanishi via submission
Hirooki Goto, Yoshi Hashi, Jado and Gedo (CHAOS) vs. Minoru Suzuki, Taka Michinoku, El Desperado and Davey Boy Smith Jr. (Suzuki-Gun)
Multi-person tag match with CHAOS taking on Suzuki-Gun. Since returning from NOAH, Suzuki-Gun has done a lot of losing. That trend continues here as Yoshi-Hashi forces Taka to submit to a butterfly lock. Winners: CHAOS (Yoshi-Hashi forced Taka to submit)
Kenny Omega, Yujiro Takahashi, Tonga Loa, Tama Tonga and Bad Luck Fale (Bullet Club) vs. Togi Makabe, David Finlay, Tiger Mask, Yuji Nagata and Jushin Liger Kenny Omega has made it clear that he does not take his shirt of for big matches. He actually said this to the camera. This was evidently not a big match.
They gave an update on Honma’s injury. He’s still in the hospital, but regaining the use of his extremities and promises to be back.
This was the only match for Bullet Club tonight, but 5 of them will take part in the New Japan Cup which starts this weekend.
At one point Kenny Omega was choking Tiger Mask with a large stick and saying “I’m cheating” to the camera.
Finish of the match came when Bad Luck Fale hit Finlay with the Tongan death spike. They played up Fale’s opening round match with Michael Elgin on March 11th a bit. Winners: Bullet Club (Fale pinned Finlay)
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Roppongi Vice (c) (CHAOS) vs. Taichi and Kanemaru (Suzuki-Gun)
Suzuki-Gun attacked Roppongi Vice during their entrance. Kelly and Romero played up how successful Kanemaru and Taichi were in NOAH. There was a lot of interference from El Desperado on the outside for Suzuki-Gun.
Finish of the match came when Kanemaru hit a diving DDT from the top on Romero for the pin. Winners: Taichi and Kanemaru (new champions)
After the match Gedo and Jado came to the ring. Suzuki-Gun taunted the titles at them a bit, indicating there will be a future matchup between the two teams in the near future.
British Heavyweight Championship Katsuyori Shibata (c) vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Not surprisingly there was a lot of technical wrestling to start this match off. Shibata defeated Sabre Jr. for the title, this is his rematch tonight. Minoru Suzuki, who will meet Shibata in the first round of the New Japan Cup, hits the ring and Suzuki-Gun takes out Shibata. Zack Sabre Jr then hits the PK on Shibata for the win. Zack Sabre Jr has aligned with Suzuki-Gun. Winner: Zack Sabre Jr. (new champion)
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships
Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano (c)(CHAOS) vs. Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan Yano tried to go for his normal low blow and roll-up for the win but Tenzan broke it up. Kojima then hit Yano with a big lariat for the win. Nagata and Nakanishi came out to celebrate the win with them. Winners: Tenzan and Kojima (new champions) (6th time as champions)
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kushida, Juice Robinson, and Michael Elgin vs. Sanada, Evil, Tetsuya Naito, and Bushi (Los Ingobernables)
Surprising finish here as Naito pinned Juice Robinson after hitting Destino. There has been a rivalry brewing here, which would be quite an opportunity for Robinson. After the match Evil attacked Tanahashi, which is a preview of their first round match this weekend. Naito also continued to beat up Robinson after the bell. Winners: Los Ingobernables (Naito pinned Robinson)
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship Hiromu Takahashi (c)(Los Ingobernables) vs. Ryusuke Taguchi
Clean victory for Takahashi. Taguchi had him in the ankle lock on 3 occassions, but Takahashi didn’t tap and got out each time. So they are probably trying to build him up as tough. After the match Takahashi cut a screaming promo that was directed at Kushida. Somewhat predictably this brought out Kushida. Looks like it will be former 4x champion Kushida who is next to get a title shot. Winner: Takahashi (2nd title defence)
Tiger Mask W vs. Kazuchika Okada (non-title)
This match has to do with the Tiger Mask anime series that is currently airing. Kota Ibushi is this new version of Tiger Mask. Tiger Mask hit several big moves, including a super tiger bomb, but Okada kept kicking out. Okada eventually hit a string of rainmaker clotheslines in a row for the pin. Winner: Okada
New Japan Pro Wrestling have announced that several title matches will take place on March 6th 2017. The event is to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the promotion and will air live on New Japan World (5am est.)
NJPW 45th Anniversary Show Lineup
Jushin Liger and Hirai Kawato vs. Tiger Mask and Tomoyuki Oka
Hirooki Goto, Yoshi-Hashi, Gedo and Jado (CHAOS) vs. El Desparado, Taka Michinoku, Davey Boy Smith Jr. and Minoru Suzuki (Suzuki-Gun)
Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi and David Finlay vs. Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa, Yujiro Takahashi, Bad Luck Fale and Kenny Omega (Bullet Club)
Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, Bushi and Sanada (Los Ingobernables) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Michael Elgin, Kushida and Juice Robinson
RPW British Heavyweight Championship
Katsuyori Shibata (c) vs. Zack Sabre Jr. *
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship
Hiromu Takahashi (c) vs. Ryusuke Taguchi
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
Roppongi Vice (c) vs. Taichi and Yoshinobu Kanemaru (Suzuki-Gun)
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano (c)(CHAOS) vs. Tomoaki Honma and Togi Makabe (GBH)**
Kazuchika Okada (CHAOS) vs. Tiger Mask W***
* Zack Sabre Jr. is making his NJPW debut ** This match was made after GBH beat CHAOS at Togi Makabe’s anniversary show this weekend. *** non-title match. Tiger Mask W is played by Kota Ibushi and is from the current Tiger Mask anime series.
Here are the results from New Japan Pro Wrestling’s ‘The New Beginning’ event that took place in Osaka, Japan to a gate of around 5,500 people:
TAKA Michinoku b. Henare – TAKA took the win in just under 5 minutes after hitting the Heavy Killer Number 1
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima b. Yoshitatsu & KUSHIDA – Kojima took the pinfall victory for his team after hitting a Lariat on Yoshi Tatsu
Yuji Nagata, Juice Robinson, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask IV b. Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, Jado & Gedo – Juice continues to impress in his NJPW by taking the pinfall victory over Jado, expect him to have a strong showing in the New Japan Cup as he is expected to enter.
Minoru Suzuki, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Taichi b. Kazuchika Okada, Rocky Romero & Barreta – Kanemaru took the win over Rocky Romero, yet another win for him over the IWGP Junior Tag Team Champion
NEVER Openweight 6 Man Tag Championship Match – SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI b.Hiroshi Tanahashi, Manabu Nakanishi & Ryusuke Taguchi – SANADA hit the Skull End on Nakanishi to dethrone the champions in their first defence. Los Ingobernables are crowned the 11th champions
Revolution Pro Wrestling British Heavyweight Championship Match – Katsuyori Shibata b. Will Ospreay – Shibata retains his title in an EXCELLENT bout, cementing Will Ospreay as a true global star. Shibata’s next opponent for the belt will most likely be Zack Sabre Jr in the UK
IWGP Tag Championship 3WAY Match – Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano b. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Takashi Iizuka – Yano rolled up Davey Boy Smith Jr in a schoolboy to retain his and Ishii’s titles, this was their second successful defence
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Match –Hiromu Takahashi b. Dragon Lee – Takahashi hit the TIME BOMB in around 18 minutes to retain his title in his first official defence. Taguchi appeared after the match and will likely be the next challenger for the belt
IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match – Tetsuya Naito b. Michael Elgin – Naito hit the Destino to retain his title in his 3rd defence, The Los Ingobernables stable celebrated after the match as all members now hold a championship in NJPW
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New Japan have announced the dates of this year’s New Japan Cup:
The First round matches will be taking place on March 11th/12th.
The Second round matches will be split between 4 shows from March 13th through to March 17th
The Semi-Final bouts will be taking place on March 19th
The Final will take place March 20th
The winner of the annual tournament will then decide to challenge for either the IWGP Heavyweight, IWGP Intercontinental or NEVER Openweight title at the company’s April 9th show at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
The tournament has a very prestigious history, previous winners include Hiroshi Tanahashi, Yuji Nagata, Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kota Ibushi and the 2016 winner Tetsuya Naito.
The winner of this year’s tournament is likely to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight title as the current champion Kazuchika Okada does not yet have a clear feud going forward. After his bout at New Beginning with Minoru Suzuki he hinted at Tiger Mask W as a possible challenger for his belt, this may lead to Tiger Mask finally being unmasked as Kota Ibushi and leading to a program for the title.
Here are the results from New Japan Pro Wrestling’s ‘The New Beginning’ show that took place in Sapporo, Japan:
Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado b KUSHIDA & Hirai Kawato – Desperado hit the Guitara de Angel on Kawato to take the win for his team. He now looks set to join the Junior ranks in NJPW following a staredown with KUSHIDA after the match.
Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata b. Yoshitatsu, Henare & Tomoyuki Oka – Nagata took the submission win with the Nagata Lock 2 on Oka.
Will Ospreay, Jado & Gedo b. Katsuyori Shibata, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask IV – Ospreay hit the OsCutter on Tiger Mask to take the pinfall victory. He stated after the match that he would defeat Shibata for the Revolution Pro British Heavyweight Championship on February 11th
YOSHI-HASHI b. Takashi Iizuka – YOSHI-HASHI took the win in around 7 minutes with the Karma
Michael Elgin, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Manabu Nakanishi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Dragon Lee b. Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL, BUSHI & Hiromu Takahashi – Dragon Lee won the bout following the Death Nukadora in around 13 minutes, he and Takahashi had a staredown after the bout ahead of their clash over the IWGP Junior Heavyweight belt on February 11th.
IWGP Junior Tag Championship Match: Rocky Romero & Barreta b. Taichi & TAKA Michinoku – Barretta hit the Strong Zero on TAKA Michinoku to retain the belts for Roppongi Vice in their 1st defence as champions.
NEVER Openweight Championship Match: Hirooki Goto b. Juice Robinson – Goto successfully defended his NEVER title after hitting the GTR for the pinfall victory. This was his first defence since winning the title from Shibata at Wrestle Kingdom.
IWGP Tag Championship Match: Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano b. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. – Yano rolled up Makabe in a schoolboy for the pinfall victory, this was also Ishii/Yano’s first title defence.
IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match: Kazuchika Okada b. Minoru Suzuki – Okada hit the Rainmaker on Suzuki for his third successful title defence. No one appeared after the match to challenge Okada for the belt however Okada hinted that Tiger Mask W may be his next feud.
It has been described by some as the greatest match in Professional Wrestling history and now New Japan have made Kenny Omega vs Kazuchika Omega available to view for free on NJPWWorld.com for a limited time.
If you have not seen the bout or any NJPW content then this would be an excellent place to start, go to the 11th minute mark of the video if you want to skip the intros and get right into the action.
Here are the results from the third and final day of the CMLL/NJPW Fantasticamania shows, the event is available to view on the NJPW World service now:
Cavernario, Jado & Gedo b. Blue Panther Jr., Soberano Jr. & Henare – Cavernario took the win for his team following the Cavernaria on Blue Panther Jr
Stuka Jr., Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask IV b. Hechicero, OKUMURA & Raziel – Tiger Mask took the win for his team after hitting a Tiger Suplex on Raziel
Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI b. Dragon Lee & Titan – BUSHI took the win after catching Titan in the BUSHI ROLL. After the match Takahashi took Dragon Lee’s mask
Ephisto, Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay b. Maximo Sexy, Juice Robinson & Ryusuke Taguchi – Okada hit the Rainmaker on Taguchi to take the win via pinfall
Rush, Tetsuya Naito, SANADA & EVIL b. Atlantis, Hiroshi Tanahashi, KUSHIDA & David Finlay – Naito took the pinfall win over Finlay
Mistico b. Euforia – Mistico took the win after hitting the La Mistica in just over 11 minutes
Volador Jr. b. Ultimo Guerrero – Volador Jr took the win after hitting an incredible Avalanche Spanish Fly
Here are the results from CMLL and New Japan Pro Wrestling’s co-branded Fantasticamania show that took place at the world famous Korakuen Hall (01/21- Day 2). If you are unfamiliar with Lucha style wrestling then this show (available on NJPW World) is certainly worth a watch.
Ephesto, Raziel, Jado & Gedo b. Blue Panther Jr., Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask IV & Henare – Ephesto pinned Blue Panther to take the win for his team
Stuka Jr. b. OKUMURA – Stuka took the win in just under 8 minutes with a Torpedo Splash
Barbaro Cavernario, Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay b. Soberano Jr., KUSHIDA & Ryusuke Taguchi – Cavernario took the win for his team after hitting a Cavernaria on Soberano
Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI b. Dragon Lee, Titan, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson & David Finlay – SANADA took the win for Los Ingobernables after hitting the Skull End on David Finlay
Ultimo Guerrero & Euforia b. Mistico & Volador Jr. – Ultimo took the win for his team with the Guerrero special on Volador Jr
Rush b. Atlantis – Rush hit the Rush Driver to secure the pinfall win in just under 11 minutes
CMLL World Heavyweight Championship Match: Maximo Sexy b. Hechicero – Maximo retained his CMLL World Heavyweight title after hitting an Avalanche style Frankensteiner on Hechicero
New Japan have officially announced the cards for their two ‘New Beginning’ shows that take place on February 5th/11th in Sapporo and Osaka, Japan respectively. Following the events of the New Years Dash show Suzuki-Gun are set to make a huge impact on the landscape of New Japan with the group’s leader Minoru Suzuki set to face IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada for the belt in Sapporo on February 5th.
Also notable is the inclusion of a Revolution Pro Wrestling title bout between Shibata and Will Ospreay on the Osaka show. Shibata won the RPW British Heavyweight title from Zack Sabre Jr at the company’s last York Hall show.
The cards line up as follows:
New Beginning in Sapporo (02/05/17)
KUSHIDA & Hirai Kawato vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado (Suzuki-Gun)
Yuji Nagata & Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Yoshitatsu & David Finlay & Henare
Katsuyori Shibata & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask IV vs. CHAOS’ Will Ospreay & Gedo & Jado
YOSHI-HASHI vs. Takashi Iizuka
Michael Elgin & Hiroshi Tanahashi & Manabu Nakanishi & Ryusuke Taguchi & Dragon Lee vs. Tetsuya Naito & SANADA & EVIL & BUSHI & Hiromu Takahashi
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match – Roppongi Vice (c) vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi (Suzuki-Gun)
NEVER Openweight Championship Match – Hirooki Goto (c) vs. Juice Robinson
IWGP Tag Team Championship Match – Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano (c) vs. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. The Killer Elite Squad
IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match – Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Minoru Suzuki
New Beginning in Osaka (02/11/17)
Yoshitatsu & Hirai Kawato vs. David Finlay & Henare
Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima & KUSHIDA vs. Suzuki-gun’s Takashi Iizuka & Yoshinobu Kanemaru & El Desperado
Juice Robinson & Jushin Liger & Tiger Mask IV vs. YOSHI-HASHI & Gedo & Jado
Kazuchika Okada & Rocky Romero & Beretta (CHAOS) vs. Minoru Suzuki & TAKA Michinoku & Taichi (Suzuki-Gun)
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship Match – Hiroshi Tanahashi & Manabu Nakanishi & Ryusuke Taguchi (c) vs. SANADA & EVIL & BUSHI
Revolution Pro British Heavyweight Championship Match – Katsuyori Shibata vs. Will Ospreay
IWGP Tag Team Championship Match – Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano (c) vs. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Killer Elite Squad
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Match – Hiromu Takahashi (c) vs. Dragon Lee
IWGP Intercontinental Championship Match – Tetsuya Naito (c) vs. Michael Elgin
Here are the results from New Japan’s annual New Year Dash show. This is traditionally seen as New Japan’s version of the ‘Raw After Mania’ and the main storylines/feuds heading into February’s New Beginning shows start to take shape.
Kyle O’Reilly, Ricochet & David Finlay b. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask IV & Henare – Finlay took the win for his team
Yujiro Takahashi & Hangman Page b. Yoshitatsu & Billy Gunn – Hangman Page took the win after hitting the Right of Passage on Yoshitatsu
YOSHI-HASHI, Rocky Romero & Barreta b. Adam Cole and The Young Bucks – Yoshi-Hashi took the pinfall victory for his team after rolling up ROH Champion Adam Cole
Scott Norton, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Hiro Saito & Cheeseburger b. Kenny Omega, Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa & BONE SOLDIER – Kojima hit the Lariat on BONE SOLDIER to take the win for his team
Michael Elgin & KUSHIDA b. Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi – Elgin took the win after hitting a Burning Hammer on Naito, he now looks set to be the next challenger for Naito’s Intercontinental Championship. CMLL Star Dragon Lee also appeared to attack longtime rival Takahashi and stated that he wants a shot at Takahashi’s IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title. Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Katsuyori Shibata, Yuji Nagata & Juice Robinson b. Kazuchika Okada, Hirooki Goto, Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii & Will Ospreay – Robinson took the shock win over NEVER Champion Hirooki Goto to set himself as the next challenger for the title
NJPW/NOAH legend Minoru Suzuki appeared after the bout with his stable (The Suzuki Army) and attacked the members of CHAOS, Suzuki then proclaimed that all of New Japan’s titles will soon be theirs.
NEVER Openweight 6 Man Tag Championship Match – Hiroshi Tanahashi, Manabu Nakanishi & Ryusuke Taguchi b. SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI – Nakanishi hit the Hercules Cutter on BUSHI to win the titles and make Los Ingobernables’ title reign end after one day.
Here are the results from New Japan’s final event of the year at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan:
Ryusuke Taguchi & Yoshitatsu b. Jushin Thunder Liger & Henare – Taguchi took the win for his team after hitting the Dodon on Henare
Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano b. Yujiro Takahashi & BONE SOLDIER – Ishii hit the Brainbuster on BONE SOLDIER to take the pinfall victory
Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma & Juice Robinson b. Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa & Chase Owens – Makabe hit the King Kong Knee Drop on Owens for the win
Yuji Nagata b, Manabu Nakanishi – Nagata hit the Exploder of Justice to take the win
Katsuyori Shibata & Tiger Mask IV b. Hirooki Goto & Jado – Shibata hit the Penalty Kick on Jado to take the pinfall victory
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, KUSHIDA & David Finlay b. Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI – Kojima hit BUSHI with a Lariat to take the win for his team
Kenny Omega & Bad Luck Fale b. Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI – Omega hit the One Winged Angel on YOSHI-HASHI to gain the momentum leading up to his IWGP Heavyweight Title match against Okada at Wrestle Kingdom.
Here are the results from the Road to Tokyo Dome show that took place 12/16 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan.
Yuji Nagata, Yoshitatsu & Ryusuke Taguchi b. Manabu Nakanishi, Tiger Mask IV & Henare – Taguchi took the pinfall victory over Henare
Tomohiro Ishii b. Chase Owens – Ishii took the pinfall victory in just over 8 minutes with the Brainbuster
SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI b. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & David Finlay – EVIL hit his namesake finisher on Finlay to take the pinfall victory for his team
Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma & Juice Robinson b. Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa & BONE SOLDIER – Robinson hit the Pulp Fiction on Tonga to take the win leading into his match against Cody at the Tokyo Dome
Hirooki Goto & Jado b. Katsuyori Shibata & Jushin Thunder Liger – Goto took the win after hitting the GTR on Liger
Kenny Omega, Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi b. Kazuchika Okada, YOSHI-HASHI & Jado – Yujiro took the win after hitting the Pimp Juice on Jado
Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi b. Hiroshi Tanahashi & KUSHIDA – Takahashi took the win after hitting the TIME BOMB on KUSHIDA