IWGP Junior Heavyweight, KUSHIDA, announced earlier this month his intentions to leave New Japan Pro Wrestling. His final match with the promotion will be on January 29th against Hiroshi Tanahashi. KUSHIDA is expected to end up with WWE.
According to a report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, part of KUSHIDA’s decision to leave had to do with how he was being booked.
“One of the things with Kushida which led to his leaving for WWE is that early last year he wanted to go heel and join the Bullet Club,” Dave Meltzer wrote. “Gedo wanted him to stay in his place.”
The report continued to say his booking was likely not the only factor in his decision, however.
“That probably isn’t the only reason but it was part of it,” Meltzer continued. “He handled it professionally, working until 1/29, doing his clean jobs at the Dome and Dash, and because he handled it so professionally he’s getting his first career singles match with Hiroshi Tanahashi on his last night at Korakuen Hall.”
KUSHIDA Announces Departure From NJPW
Kushida announced he is leaving NJPW at a press conference in Tokyo earlier this month.
“As mentioned previously by Mr. Sugabayashi, I will leave New Japan Pro-Wrestling at the end of January,” KUSHIDA said. “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.”
After 8 years with the promotion, KUSHIDA is leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling. In his final match for NJPW, he’ll face IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi, on January 29th.
“Wow. January 29, will be KUSHIDA’s Final NJPW Match: one on one with Tanahashi!”
KUSHIDA Leaving New Japan Pro Wrestling
Chris Charlton provided some translations of KUSHIDA’s comments from the recent press conference in Tokyo where he announced his departure.
“I will leave NJPW on January 31,” Kushida said. “This was an extremely tough condition made with Meij, Sugabayashi and Kidani. It was a very big decision in my life and I’m thankful they understood. I will head overseas and to see the world of pro wrestling.”
Kushida then said, “I am contracted with this company until the end of January so I won’t be talking much about beyond then. But it has been my dream for a long time to travel the world with professional wrestling. And that’s what I will be doing.
KUSHIDA To WWE Speculation
In December, a report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter noted WWE’s interest in the junior heavyweight.
“Kushida is a name has been talked about for weeks and we’ve been hearing more and more about it,” Dave Meltzer wrote. “He’s under contract to New Japan until the end of January so we shouldn’t be hearing his name, but WWE has been more forward about trying to get people and not caring about contracts.”
Kushida lost the IWGP Junior heavyweight championship to Taiji Ishimori this weekend at Wrestle Kingdom. He has held the title 8x.
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.
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’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.
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
Taiji Ishimori has emerged as the new number 1 contender to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. The Bullet Club member attacked current Champion KUSHIDA with a crutch following his tag team bout loss. Ishimori was using the crutch due to his previously diagnosed ankle injury on November 1st.
NJPW confirmed via their English language site NJPW1972.com on 11/01 that “Taiji Ishimori will not participate in the event in Shizuoka at the Twin Messe Shizuoka South Building today. Thursday November 1st, due to a left ankle injury. This happened during the event in Nagano on October 31st.”
After the attack Ishimori cut a short promo. He confirmed that he was next in line for an IWGP Junior Heavyweight title shot.
The Bullet Club member was revealed as the new BONE SOLDIER earlier this year. He has been setting the Junior division on fire ever since. Ishimori has also competed in this year’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament, he gained 5 wins and 2 loses in the tournament and advanced to the finals. Taiji came up short in the BOSJ as he lost to Hiromu Takahashi in the final.
Marty Scurll defeated Will Ospreay today at NJPW Fighting Spirit Unleashed. The win earns him a spot in the finals of a 4-man tournament to declare a new champion. Former champion, Hiromu Takahashi, was forced to vacate the title due to injury in August.
Kushida defeated Bushi at Destruction in Kobe on September 23rd to advance to the finals as well.
Marty Scurll vs Kushida for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship will take place at King of Pro Wrestling on October 8th, 2018.
Marty Scurll vs Kushida – IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
Kushida is a 5x former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. He’s defended the title 8x and held it a combined 586 days, good for 7th all-time.
Marty Scurll won the title for the first and only time at Power Struggle 2017. He would lose it 60 days later at WrestleKingdom 12 to Will Ospreay.
Scurll and Kushida have met 3 times previously, twice in Ring of Honor and once in NJPW. Kushida has won all 3 matches. He defeated Scurll twice in 2017 in ROH, first to win the TV title and then again to defend it. They met for the 3rd time at the Best of the Super Juniors this May.
Marty Scurll vs Will Ospreay Stats
Scurll’s victory over Ospreay avenges the most recent match between the two. Ospreay defended the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title against Scurll at Sakura Genesis in April. Prior to that, Scurll had defeated Ospreay 5x in a row.
Revolution Pro Wrestling (Rev Pro) has announced the final competitors for their upcoming British J Cup.
This will be the second iteration of the tournament, the debut field in 2017 included Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger, Kushida, Will Ospreay, Marty Scurll, Kyle O’Reilly, Josh Bodom, Ryusuke Taguchi and Tiger Mask IV. This year’s tournament will be taking place from the Bowlers Exhibition Centre in Manchester, England on September 8th and 9th.
The newly confirmed competitors include:
New Japan Pro Wrestling’s KUSHIDA
Independent Star David Starr
Dean Allmark
Bandido
The final confirmed field of 16 is now as follows:
Rich Swann
Jushin Thunder Liger
SHO
YOH
Taguchi
Chris Ridgeway
Rocky Romero
El Phantasmo
Kyle Fletcher
KUSHIDA
David Starr
Dean Allmark
Bandido
Tiger Mask
Kurtis Chapman
Kyle Fletcher
Opinion: Some of the more unknown entities such as Kyle Fletcher (of the Aussie Open tag team), Kurtis Chapman, El Phantasmo and Chris Ridgeway will certainly be worth watching alongside the more established stars of New Japan and the Mexican scene. Rev Pro has a history of giving the younger Junior style performers a platform which includes the likes of Marty Scurll and Will Ospreay so this could be special. This could well be the launching pad for the likes of Chris Ridgeway who recently had a standout performance against KENOH in Ospreay’s Frontline Wrestling Promotion.
KUSHIDA becomes the 16th and final entrant in the 2018 #BritishJCup September 8/9 live in Manchester.
Revolution Pro Wrestling (Rev Pro) has announced the latest name for their upcoming Summer Sizzler event which takes place on Friday August 17th from the historic York Hall in Bethnal Green, London.
Former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion KUSHIDA will be making his way to York Hall for the first time since the NJPW/ROH/CMLL combined War of The Worlds UK event way back in August 2017. That event saw KUSHIDA successfully defend his ROH Television title against Titan. KUSHIDA’s opponent for Summer Sizzler has not yet been named.
KUSHIDA is the second name to be announced for Summer Sizzler behind Rev Pro British Heavyweight and former NEVER Openweight Champion Tomohiro Ishii. The returning Champion Ishii’s opponent has not yet been named, his last successful defence took place against the WWE bound Keith Lee.
It will be interesting to see who Rev Pro bring into the UK for their upcoming events after announcing that WWE UK talents would no longer be performing for the company. You can check out our full report on that story here.
Also whilst you're all here…
KUSHIDA returns to RevPro on Friday August 17th for the 2018 Summer Sizzler.
Another title match for Ring of Honor’s Death Before Dishonor XV PPV has been announced. Kushida will defend the ROH World Television Title against Kenny King at the upcoming pay-per-view event, which takes place later this month. The Death Before Dishonor PPV is set to take place at Sam’s Town Live in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 22nd. Several wrestlers from New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) are expected to work the event. Cody will defend the ROH World Heavyweight Title against Minoru Suzuki in the main event.
Last night saw the Pro Wrestling World Cup come to a close. The final night featured two semi final matches as well as the highly anticipated final.
KUSHIDA defeated both Joseph Conners and Will Ospreay to become the first ever winner of the ambitious tournament. The final between KUSHIDA and Ospreay is especially worth checking out as it was a rematch from this year’s Best of the Super Juniors final and an incredible end to the tournament.
The event was/is available to watch in full on YouTube below:
What Culture Pro Wrestling has announced the first batch of bouts for their upcoming pay per view event ‘Stacked.’
Two stars of the New Japan Pro Wrestling Juniors division will be in action when Hiromu Takahashi takes on ‘Speedball’ Mike Bailey and KUSHIDA faces Travis Banks.
Banks vs KUSHIDA is especially intriguing for fans of the UK scene. Travis Banks is the current number 1 contender to the PROGRESS Championship and is set to have a breakout year on the international scene.
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
New Japan’s Best of the Super Juniors tournament has come to an end. Here are the results for the final day:
Yuji Nagata, Shota Umino & Tomoyuki Oka b. Manabu Nakanishi, Tetsuhiro Yagi & Katsuya Kitamura – Oka took the win for his team using a Boston Crab on Yagi
Yano, Tomohiro Ishii & Jado b. Hirai Kawato, Togi Makabe & Hiroyoshi Tenzan – Ishii secured the win for his team after hitting a Lariat on Kawato
Volador Jr., Tiger Mask IV & Jushin Thunder Liger b. TAKA Michinoku, El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru – Volador beat TAKA with a Spanish Fly in a short match
Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi b. ACH, David Finlay, Hanson & Raymond Rowe – Takahashi took the win for Bullet Club after hitting the Pimp Juice on Finlay
YOSHI-HASHI & Hirooki Goto b. Taichi & Minoru Suzuki – YOSHI took the win for his team after hitting the Karma on Taichi
Hiromu Takahashi, EVIL, BUSHI, SANADA & Tetsuya Naito b. Ryusuke Taguchi, Dragon Lee, Juice Robinson, Ricochet & Satoshi Kojima – Naito took the win for Los Ingobernables after finishing Kojima with the Destino. Tanahashi appeared after the match to proclaim that he will win the IC Title at Dominion and stop Naito from destroying it completely.
Kenny Omega & Marty Scurll b. Gedo & Kazuchika Okada – Scurll made Gedo tap with the Crossface Chickenwing on Gedo in just over 13 minutes. This has been an extremely successful debut tour for Scurll and he has adjusted well to the New Japan style
Best Of The Super Juniors Final: KUSHIDA b. Will Ospreay – KUSHIDA hit the Back to the Future in just under 28 minutes to win the BOSJ Tournament. This was an INCREDIBLE match that you must go out of your way to see
The full event is now available to view on NJPWWorld.com, New Japan’s next big live event is the Dominion show on June 11th featuring Okada vs Omega II.
New Japan’s yearly Best of the Super Juniors tournament is now heading towards its conclusion….
The Best of the Super Juniors (also known as BOSJ) is essentially the Junior Heavyweight version of the G1 Climax tournament that takes place in July. Competitors are split into two Blocks and must compete with every wrestler in their block round robin style. Points are awarded for victories and the eventual winners of the two groups face off in a final match to determine the winner.
Here are the results from Day 13 of the tournament which is now available to view on NJPWWorld.com.
BOSJ B Block Results
Yoshinobu Kanemaru b. El Desperado – Kanemaru took the win via count out and ends his tally on 4-3 (8 Points). Desperado finishes his run on 3-4 (6 Points)
Ryusuke Taguchi b. ACH – Taguchi wins with the Boston Crab to move his tally up to 4-3 (8 Points), ACH ends the tournament on 3-4 (6 Points)
BUSHI b. Tiger Mask IV – BUSHI continues his late surge with a win here over Tiger Mask, he finishes the tournament on 4-3 (8 Points), Tiger Mask ends his run on 3-4 (6 Points)
KUSHIDA b. Volador Jr. – KUSHIDA wins with the Back to the Future in just over 15 minutes, due to his record in the tournament against Kanemaru, Taguchi and BUSHI he wins B Block and will face Will Ospreay in the final (8 Points), Volador Jr ends the tournament on 3-4 (6 Points)
Block A & B winners have been decided! On June 3rd, Will Ospreay vs. KUSHIDA will determine …https://t.co/cwe37ALtn2
New Japan’s yearly Best of the Super Juniors tournament is now well underway.
The Best of the Super Juniors (also known as BOSJ) is essentially the Junior Heavyweight version of the G1 Climax tournament that takes place in July. Competitors are split into two Blocks and must compete with every wrestler in their block round robin style. Points are awarded for victories and the eventual winners of the two groups face off in a final match to determine the winner.
Here are the results from Day 5 of the tournament which is now available to view on NJPWWorld.com.
Non Tournament Matches
Hirai Kawato & Tomoyuki Oka b. Katsuya Kitamura & Shota Umino – Kawato took the win for his team with a Boston Crab in around 7 minutes
Taichi & TAKA Michinoku b. Will Ospreay & Jado – Taichi took the win for his team after hitting the Tenshojujiho on Jado
Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Yujiro Takahashi & Marty Scurll b. Raymond Rowe, Hanson, David Finlay & Ricochet – Tonga took the win for Bullet Club after hitting the Gun Stun on Rowe
Satoshi Kojima, Juice Robinson, Jushin Thunder Liger & Dragon Lee b. Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI – Juice Robinson took the win for his team after hitting the Pulp Fiction on EVIL
Yoshinobu Kanemaru b. Volador Jr. – Kanemaru hit the Deep Impact to take his tournament tally to 2-1 (4 Points). Volador is now on 1-2 (2 Points)
Tiger Mask IV b. ACH – Tiger Mask wins in another upset with his Crucifix Hold. He is now 2-1 in the tournament (4 Points). ACH is now at 1-2 (2 Points)
El Desperado b. Ryusuke Taguchi – Desperado wins again with his Pinche Loco, he is now 3-0 (6 Points). This was Taguchi’s first loss, he is now at 2-1 (4 points)
KUSHIDA b. BUSHI – KUSHIDA finally gets his first win to take his tally up to 1-2 (2 Points). This was BUSHI’s third consecutive loss 0-3 (0 Points)
New Japan’s yearly Best of the Super Juniors tournament is now well underway.
The Best of the Super Juniors (also known as BOSJ) is essentially the Junior Heavyweight version of the G1 Climax tournament that takes place in July. Competitors are split into two Blocks and must compete with every wrestler in their block round robin style. Points are awarded for victories and the eventual winners of the two groups face off in a final match to determine the winner.
Here are the results from Day 3 of tournament which is now available to view on NJPWWorld.com.
Non Tournament Match – Hirai Kawato & Tomoyuki Oka b. Katsuya Kitamura & Shota Amino – Oka scored the win for his team with a Single Leg Crab on Umino.
Non Tournament Match –Taichi & TAKA Michinoku b. Will Ospreay & Jado – TAKA and Taichi of Suzuki-Gun took the win after Taichi hit a Super Kick on Jado
Best of the Super Juniors B BLOCK Match – Yoshinobu Kanemaru b. ACH – Kanemaru won in just over 10 minutes with the Deep Impact, he is now 1-1 in the tournament, ACH is also 1-1.
Best of the Super Juniors B BLOCK Match – Tiger Mask IV b. KUSHIDA – Tiger Mask won the match with his Tiger Suplex in what can only be described as an upset. Tiger is now 1-1 and KUSHIDA is 0-2.
Non Tournament Match – Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, Yujiro Takahashi & Marty Scurll b. Raymond Rowe, Hanson, Jushin Thunder Liger & David Finlay – Bullet Club took the win after Yujiro hit the Pimp Juice on Finlay
Best of the Super Juniors B BLOCK Match – El Desperado b. BUSHI – Desperado took the win via pinfall to move to 2-0 in the tournament, BUSHI is now at 0-2
Best of the Super Juniors B BLOCK Match – Ryusuke Taguchi b. Volador Jr. – Taguchi hit the Dodon to advance to 2-0 in the tournament, Volador is now at 1-1
Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI b. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, Ricochet & Dragon Lee – Naito secured the win for his team after hitting the Destino on Kojima
Revolution Pro Wrestling has announced that Kyle O’Reilly will be part of the inaugural British J Cup event taking place on Saturday July 8th at the Walthamstow Assembly Hall in London, England.
O’Reilly has hand picked his opponent for the first round of the tournament, and it is former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion KUSHIDA.
O’Reilly and KUSHIDA have had a storied rivalry dating back to the Best of the Super Juniors 2015 final. You may recall an Editorial I posted nearly a year ago discussing the incredible trilogy of matches that they had, if you didn’t then check it out here.
‘The Villain’ Marty Scurll is beginning to make his mark on the worldwide independent scene. The current Ring of Honor Television Champion will be taking part in Revolution Pro’s British J Cup on July 8th at the Walthamstow Assembly Hall in London, England.
The ‘Aerial Assassin’ Will Ospreay will also be taking part in the first ever British J Cup alongside his fellow countryman. Scurll/Ospreay are the first two British stars announced for the one day tournament behind New Japan Pro Wrestling’s KUSHIDA & Jushin Thunder Liger.
Both Scurll/Ospreay will also be taking part in this year’s Best of The Super Juniors tournament in New Japan. This will Scurll’s debut for the company and Ospreay will be looking to win the tournament again after his stellar performance in 2016.
Ring of Honor has announced the first few New Japan Pro Wrestling stars that will be appearing as part of the War of The Worlds tour starting May 7th in Toronto, Ontario. The performers currently signed to appear are:
KUSHIDA
Tetsuya Naito
EVIL
NEVER Openweight Champion – Hirooki Goto
The following Ring of Honor stars have also been announced for the tour:
ROH WORLD CHAMPION Christopher Daniels
ROH WORLD TELEVISION CHAMPION Marty Scurll
ROH WORLD TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS Young Bucks (Nick & Matt Jackson)
ROH WORLD 6-MAN TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS Bully Ray, Mark & Jay Briscoe
Cody
Will Ospreay
Dalton Castle
Jay Lethal
Ring of Honor released the following press release for the NJPW/ROH super shows:
“For the fourth-consecutive year, the stars of Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling will do battle with and against one another on the War of the Worlds Tour! Titles will be contested and dream matches realized as all of your favorite stars from ROH and NJPW do battle in Toronto, Dearborn, New York City, and Philadelphia! With the relationship between ROH and NJPW stronger than ever, tickets have moved fast and these events will sell out.”
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
???????THE NEW BEGINNING in OSAKA?2?11???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? #njnbg#njpwpic.twitter.com/i7PpjwJQkr
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.
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