SEScoops

Tag: Tetsuya Naito

  • Chris Jericho’s Expletive-Filled Promo For Naito

    Chris Jericho’s Expletive-Filled Promo For Naito

    Earlier today at Night Four of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) BOTSJ), Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI defeated Tiger Mask and Toa Henare in Tag Team action.

    After the match the lights went out and Chris Jericho appeared on the screen and cut an expletive-filled promo on Naito ahead of their clash at Dominion for the Intercontinental Title.

    “Naito, I read all of the things you’re saying about me,” Jericho said. “I know how you really feel and listen, you are one of the greatest performers in the world today. One of the biggest stars in NJPW, but to me you mean as much as this turtle.

    “Naito, I’m gonna f— you up! I’m going to take your Intercontinental Championship from you, not because you wanted it, you don’t want it, you’re too tranquilo. I’m not tranquilo,” Jericho scoffed. “I’m f—— crazy! I’m gonna show you just how crazy I can be at Dominion on June 9. I’ve been waiting for six months to get my hands on your stupid filthy head. Yeah, Los Ingobernables de Japon. Kiss my f—– ass!

    “You’re the best New Japan has to offer, but I’ve seen pieces of s— like you come and go, year after year, and guess what? Chris Jericho is still here,” Jericho continued. “The Alpha is still here. … I’m gonna make your famous Naito, when I beat your f—– ass at Dominion, take the Intercontinental Championship away from you, away from those filthy animals in Japan and take it back to the United States where it belongs. Be careful what you wish for junior because it’s going to come true. I’ll see you on June 9th at Dominion, f— face!”

    Afterwards the camera went back to Naito, who was seemingly taking a nap on the mat before cutting a promo in Japanese. A fan on Twitter translated Naito’s promo:

    H/T Wrestling Inc. for the transcriptions

  • Tetsuya Naito Comments on Chris Jericho in NJPW

    Tetsuya Naito Comments on Chris Jericho in NJPW

    Leader of the Los Ingobernables stable, former IWGP Heavyweight Champion and reigning IWGP Intercontinental Champion Tetsuya Naito is set to face Chris Jericho as part of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s upcoming Dominion event on June 9th at the iconic Osaka-Jo Hall. This will be Jericho’s first bout for New Japan since his show-stealing match against Kenny Omega at this year’s January 4th Wrestle Kingdom show in the Tokyo Dome and the seeds were sown for this clash way back on January 5th as part of the New Year Dash event.

    Speaking on his feud with Jericho with Tokyo Sports, Naito stated that “Jericho lost at Wrestle Kingdom 12, attacked me unprovoked 1/5 (at New Year Dash). He’s not interested in the (Intercontinental) title, he’s interested in me. This can be a non title match.” He went on to state that “Even just the value of Naito transcends the belt, and Jericho is also world famous worldwide.”  

    The already stacked event will also feature the fourth instalment of Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega’s critically acclaimed series, the two men will face in a 2 out of 3 falls match for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and the whole show will be available to view with English language commentary on NJPWWorld.com.

     

  • Chris Jericho vs Tetsuya Naito Confirmed For NJPW Dominion

    Chris Jericho vs Tetsuya Naito Confirmed For NJPW Dominion

    Chris Jericho attacked Tetsuya Naito Friday at Wrestling Dontaku in Fukuoka, Japan. The two had previously been involved in a brawl at the New Beginning earlier this year.

    New Japan Pro Wrestling has officially confirmed that Jericho will face Naito on the June 9th Dominion show from Osaka, Japan.

    NJPW Dominion in Osaka

    Jericho vs Naito will be contested for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Naito defeated Minoru Suzuki for the title recently but has since refused to wear it or bring the belt to the ring. Kevin Kelly cleared up on commentary that Naito does this because he feels New Japan Pro Wrestling has too many title belts. Jericho versus Naito will likely be the semi-main event for the show.

    Three other matches have been announced for the show thus far and the promotion has also revealed Rey Mysterio Jr will compete in single’s action. They have not, however, announced who the legendary Luchador’s opponent will be.

    Lineup Announced so Far:

    • Rey Mysterio Jr. vs TBA
    • NEVER Openweight Championship
      3-Way Match
      Hirooki Goto (c) vs Michael Elgin vs Taichi
    • IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships
      Evil and Sanada (c) vs the Young Bucks
    • IWGP Intercontinental Championship
      Tetsuya Naito (c) vs Chris Jericho
    • IWGP Heavyweight Championship
      Best 2-of-3 Falls
      Kazuchika Okada (c) vs Kenny Omega

    It was Okada who challenged Kenny Omega to main event Dominion this year. Following his victory over Hiroshi Tanahashi, Okada said he wanted to make his next title defense special and so he needed to face Omega. He pointed out that the last time he faced Omega at Dominion, it went to a time limit draw.

    The Young Bucks challenged Evil and Sanada to a heavyweight tag team championship match at Wrestling Dontaku last week.

  • Chris Jericho Returns to NJPW, Attacks Tetsuya Naito

    Chris Jericho Returns to NJPW, Attacks Tetsuya Naito

    Chris Jericho has returned to New Japan Pro Wrestling. He attacked Tetsuya Naito last night/this morning on night 2 of Wrestling Dontaku 2018.

    Jericho had previously said he was done with NJPW but reports surfaced earlier this week that he had been spotted in Japan. He was dressed as a Los InGobernables fan and wearing a mask. As Naito was exiting the ring area following his match Jericho attacked him.

    Naito was busted wide open during the melee.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BiWqFKPlSY5/?utm_source=twitter

    Chris Jericho Attacks Tetsuya Naito

    Security and the Young Lions were unable to pry the masked Jericho off Naito as Callis and Kelly speculated he was some overzealous fan. After beating him up for awhile he rolled him back into the ring. Jericho then fumbled to get his mask off which drew a bit of laughter. When the crowd realized it was him, however, they reacted pretty positively, even getting a few Y2J chants.

    Jericho then grabbed the ring bell and cracked Naito over the head with it, busting him wide open in the process.

    Chris Jericho versus Tetsuya Naito

    Naito and Jericho had a slight back and forth in the days leading up to WrestleKingdom this year. Naito took exception to Jericho calling the show a double main event despite his match with Kazuchika Okada closing the show. Jericho later attacked Naito at the New Beginning. It looked like a match was going to be made between the two, possibly scheduling it for Strong Style Evolved but then it seemed as though Jericho was done with NJPW.

    Jericho even teased earlier this week that he was in Tampa with his family

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BiVFPMnDYSN/?taken-by=chrisjerichofozzy

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BiWdQodFPVc/?taken-by=chrisjerichofozzy

    Tetsuya Naito recently defeated Minoru Suzuki for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Since then, however, he has refused to wear the title or carry it with him to the ring. Kevin Kelly has said Naito is doing this because he feels NJPW has too many title belts.

  • Main Event Match Revealed for ROH War Of The Worlds: Chicago

    Main Event Match Revealed for ROH War Of The Worlds: Chicago

    Ring of Honor wrestling has announced on their website that the main event in War of the Worlds: Chicago will feature a match between the teams of Los Ingobernables de Japon’s Tetsuya Naito, Seiya SANADA, EVIL, BUSHI, and Hiromu Takahashi going against Bullet Club’s Cody Rhodes, Marty Scurll, Adam Page and The Young Bucks.

    The announcement issued states:

    RING OF HONOR WAR OF THE WORLDS TOUR – CHICAGO
    INTERNATIONAL TELEVISION TAPING
    SUNDAY, MAY 13THBELL TIME @ 07:00 PM CDT
    THE ODEUM EXPO CENTER
    1033 NORTH VILLA AVENUE
    60181 VILLA PARK

    ALREADY SIGNED

    MAIN EVENT
    LOS INGOBERNABLES DE JAPON (NAITO, HIROMU TAKAHASHI, BUSHI, AND IWGP HEAVYWEIGHT TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS EVIL & SANADA) vs. BULLET CLUB (CODY, MARTY SCURLL, ADAM PAGE, & THE YOUNG BUCKS)

    SIGNED TO COMPETE
    WOMEN OF HONOR CHAMPION SUMIE SAKAI
    JUSHIN THUNDER LIGER
    ROPPONGI 3K

    Other matches on the card include:

    • Silas Young (c) and Austin Aries for ROH World Television Championship
    • Sumie Sakai (c) vs Jenny Rose for Women of Honor Championship
    • Jay Lethal vs Chuckie T.
    • Kelly Klein vs Deonna Purrazzo

    The event is set to take place at the Odeum Expo Center on Sunday, May 13. You can check out the announcement here.

  • Tetsuya Naito Captures IWGP Intercontinental Title, Wrestling Hinokuni Results

    Tetsuya Naito Captures IWGP Intercontinental Title, Wrestling Hinokuni Results

    Tetsuya Naito has won back the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. This is Naito’s second reign with the title after his first run with the belt almost ended in the title’s destruction.

    The title change happened yesterday in Kumamoto, Japan. New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Hinokuni 2018 show featured several matches with wrestlers from Los InGobernables de Japon (LIJ) taking on members of Suzuki-Gun. In the end, it would be LIJ who would get the better of the evening, successfully defending the heavyweight tag titles and winning the IC title in the night’s main and co-main event.

    Naito originally won the title from Michael Elgin on September 25th, 2016. As part of his Tranquilo perspective, Naito developed a disrespectful attitude towards the belt itself. After each title defense, Naito began chipping away at the title and breaking off pieces. He defended the title against Jay Lethal, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Michael Elgin, and Juice Robinson before losing it to Tanahashi at Dominion 2017 in Osaka, Japan. Naito had said if he defeated Tanahashi on that night, he would have destroyed the title belt completely.

    Minoru Suzuki’s reign with the title did not last long. After defeating Tanahashi for the belt at the New Beginning in Sapporo, Suzuki was able to defend it successfully against Togi Makabe in March. His match against Naito yesterday was just his second scheduled title defense.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYfReYe94II

    NJPW Wrestling Hinokuni 2018 Results

    1. Ren Narita & Yuji Nagata defeated Shota Umino & Tomoyuki Oka
    2. David Finlay, Jushin Thunder Liger, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tiger Mask defeated CHAOS (Jay White, Rocky Romero, SHO & YOH)
    3. CHAOS (Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano) defeated Toa Henare & Togi Makabe
    4. Suzuki-gun (Taichi, TAKA Michinoku, Takashi Iizuka & Zack Sabre Jr.) defeated Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi) & BULLET CLUB (Chase Owens& Yujiro Takahashi)
    5. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, KUSHIDA & Michael Elgin defeated CHAOS(Hirooki Goto, Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay & YOSHI-HASHI)
    6. BUSHI defeated El Desperado by DQ
    7. Hiromu Takahashi defeated Yoshinobu Kanemaru
    8. IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Title Championships
      Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL & SANADA) (c) defeat Killer Elite Squad(Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Lance Archer)
    9. IWGP Intercontinental Championship
      Tetsuya Naito defeats Minoru Suzuki (c)
  • Tetsuya Naito Criticises Current NJPW Booking

    Tetsuya Naito Criticises Current NJPW Booking

    Former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito has recently been voicing his displeasure with certain elements of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s booking choices. Japanese wrestling correspondent Chris Charlton posted a series of tweets with translations of Naito’s recent interview with Tokyo Sports and he had this to say regarding his opponent for the NJPW 46th Anniversary show and member of Suzuki-Gun Taichi:

    “I actually rate Taichi, a bit. But I won MVP two years in a row, right? And I just beat him (at Takataichimania) anyway..? Why not have YOSHI-HASHI face Taichi, and then the winner faces me? Just chucking people at me for no reason, expectations get raised, and then they lose, obviously. It’s bad for them, if anything. They need to stop throwing matches together at random.”

    Several fans were not happy with Naito’s loss to Kazuchika Okada at this year’s Wrestle Kingdom, feeling that the time had come for Okada to lose his IWGP Heavyweight title to the 2017 G1 Climax winner Naito.

  • Tetsuya Naito Claims He’s Bigger Than IWGP Heavyweight Championship

    Tetsuya Naito Claims He’s Bigger Than IWGP Heavyweight Championship

    Tetsuya Naito has twice competed for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in the Tokyo Dome but has lost both matches to Kazuchika Okada. Although he did defeat Okada for the title in 2016, he would lose it back to him on only his 2nd title defense.

    Naito was recently announced as Tokyo Sports’ MVP for 2017, the 2nd straight year he has won the award. During his acceptance speech, Naito claimed he is bigger than the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. NJPW1972.com translated his comments below.

    Tetsuya Naito Acceptance Speech Transcribed

    ‘Representing New Japan Pro Wrestling and Los Ingobernables De Japon, your Tokyo Sports MVP is Tetsuya Naito. I’d like to thank the Tokyo Sports editorial board for naming me MVP. A lot of people saw me and Los Ingobernables De Japon as a flash in the pan, that just as quickly as we got popular, it’d all be over. Yet here I am, only the fifth in history to win this award two years straight. And I did this in a year where the IWGP champion held his belt from start to finish. What that means is that I exist on another plane. It means that Tetsuya Naito is bigger than the IWGP Championship. That’s not arrogance talking; that’s something that I’ve proven to everyone.”

    Naito was attacked by Chris Jericho on the New Years Dash show the night after WrestleKingdom. It is believed the two will wrestle each other sometime in the near future, possibly on the NJPW in Long Beach show on March 25th.

  • Bobby Roode Tries To “Woo!” (Video), Chris Jericho Trades Words With Naito

    Bobby Roode Tries To “Woo!” (Video), Chris Jericho Trades Words With Naito

    – SmackDown Live Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair hit the gym with her Mixed Match Challenge partner Bobby Roode to work on some cardio. Roode tried to hit a couple of “Woo’s” during the session but Flair did not approve. She ended the video by showing him how it’s done. Check it out here:

    – With rumors circulating around that Chris Jericho vs. Tetsuya Naito could go down at NJPW’s USA: Strong Style Evolved event in Long Beach, California at the Walter Pyramid on March 25th, “Y2J” and Naito recently got into a short exchange on Twitter in Spanish:

  • Update On Chris Jericho Possibly Working Another NJPW Event

    Update On Chris Jericho Possibly Working Another NJPW Event

    It appears that Tetsuya Naito’s attack on Chris Jericho at the New Year’s Dash event following Wrestle Kingdom 12 last week could’ve beeen to set up a match between the pair.

    Per a report from Wrestling Observer Radio, the current plan is to have Jericho vs. Naito go down at the New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) USA: Strong Style Evolved show on March 25th from Long Beach, California at the Walter Pyramid.

    The Walter Pyramid seats approximately 5,000 fans and hosted the 2-night 2017 G1 Special event that saw Kenny Omega be crowned the first-ever IWGP United States Champion. Ticket information and match card will be announced soon at NJPW1972.com.

  • Tetsuya Naito Responds to Kenny Omega’s Claims of Wrestle Kingdom “Double Main Event”

    Tetsuya Naito Responds to Kenny Omega’s Claims of Wrestle Kingdom “Double Main Event”

    Wrestle Kingdom 12 is set to take place on January 4th from Japan’s legendary Tokyo Dome. There are two matches on the card which have arguably driven more ticket sales and generated the most hype: Chris Jericho vs Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada vs Tetsuya Naito.

    Kenny Omega recently spoke to Yahoo Sports in Japan and commented on the buzz surrounding his upcoming match with Chris Jericho. He made mention of the mainstream U.S. appeal of this bout and how it could create a “double main event” feel to the show next to the IWGP World Heavyweight Title match.

    Tetsuya Naito also spoke to Yahoo Sports and responded to ‘The Cleaner.’ Naito stated that “One, I’ve been through this. I’ve been called ‘double main event one. It doesn’t mean anything. It’s the semi main event.” Of course alluding to his previous G1 Climax 2013 win wherein he did not go on to main event the next year’s Wrestle Kingdom due to a fan vote.

    He went on to say “Two, if you truly respect that you lost to me, then you don’t need to pull this ‘double main event’ stuff. If anything, cut the crap and say ‘let me be the main event’. Say what you mean. Third, you’re saying the US belt is now number two, not the IC belt. So you and Jericho and Jay White and Tanahashi should be the ‘double semi main event’ then, surely? Maybe the US title match is getting more focus abroad. But who will eyes be on at the Tokyo Dome?”

    Credit to Chris Charlton for the translation

  • Naito Comments On If He Thinks NJPW Is Superior To WWE

    Naito Comments On If He Thinks NJPW Is Superior To WWE

    New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) star Tetsuya Naito recently spoke to Sports Illustrated to discuss a variety of professional wrestling topics, including beating Kenny Omega at the G1 Climax 27 finals, the G1 tournament being grueling and if NJPW is superior to WWE or Ring Of Honor (ROH), and his thoughts on Hiroshi Tanahashi. Here are the highlights:

    Defeating Kenny Omega at the G1 Climax 27 final:

    “There’s no doubt that Kenny Omega is a phenomenal wrestler. Every time I’m in the ring with him, my heart beats out my chest. I can’t wait to wrestle him again. He’s world class. But Bullet Club? What happened to them? What happened to the energy they used to have? There are a lot of great individual wrestlers in there, but look at them as a unit, and I don’t see any appeal whatsoever.”

    The grueling nature of the G1 tournament and if NJPW is superior to WWE or ROH:

    “The G1 Climax is a huge springboard for a wrestler’s career. Everyone who enters has a chance to launch themselves into the stratosphere. Right now, I’ve launched myself off that springboard. I’m on my way up. How far I’ll go, what I’ll be able to see at the peak, I don’t know, but I’m really excited to find out. I don’t know whether New Japan thinks the tournament makes them superior, but they’re establishing the name worldwide and they’re doing it with confidence. I think the words you used before, most elite in the world? They’re an appropriate description.”

    His thoughts on Hiroshi Tanahashi:

    “Of course Tanahashi was a great wrestler. He was someone I used to aspire to be. But that’s all in the past now. The shining star that was Hiroshi Tanahashi is long gone. As far as the final block match is concerned, it was just another block match that led me to the finals. No secret tactics needed. The result was a matter of course.”

    You can check out Naito’s full interview with Sports Illustrated here.

  • Tetsuya Naito Proposes Changes to G1 Climax Format

    Tetsuya Naito Proposes Changes to G1 Climax Format

    G1 Climax winner Tetsuya Naito took part in a press conference for New Japan recently and he made some ‘proposals’ on the format of the G1 and how he feels that the tournament could be changed for the better. The following comes from New Japan’s English language site NJPW1972.com:

    ‘I said as much in the ring last night, but I’m honestly grateful for all the fans for the atmosphere they all created in Ryogoku. But that’s not limited to the last match yesterday. This G1 I was able to put on amazing matches in front of amazing audiences every night. I think this was the best G1 Climax of all time.

    But I have one… proposal? Or maybe a problem as winner. Something I want to happen if possible, as it relates to next year.

    I want there to be a more sound selection criteria for anyone who enters the G1.

    On August 11 and 12, the final group matches. There were five group matches on each night, but on the 11th, Tanahashi v Naito was the only match that decided the block. On the 12th, only Kenny and Okada. So out of 10 matches, 8 were meaningless.

    That’s an issue with league matches, it can’t be helped to an extent. But it’s on the company to ensure that the fans are excited, kept on the edge of their seats until the very end, is it not? You have to raise questions over whether the choices made were the right ones, or whether 20 wrestlers was really the right number.

    Recently the G1 Climax has been made up of 19 cards. Wrestlers in two blocks of ten. Nine group matches each and a final. That’s the framework that’s been laid out. It’s only after that that the company decides who goes in. “Ah, he sucks but we need to fill the blocks up so he gets in.” That’s how I felt it was this year. It should be a case of finding the absolute best of the best and only then deciding how many shows there needs to be.

    Anyway, that’s just an idea, as this year’s winner to make the tournament better for all concerned. I know the company never really listens to me. If you just bear in mind that ol’ Naito had that suggestion for ya, I’d appreciate it.

    So then.. this contract. This appears every year, doesn’t it? I knew I’d be getting one of these, but I didn’t know until right now that you’d go as far as to lay it out in front of me. A part of me suspected that they’d say “Naito won, so let’s nix it this year.” I gotta say, it’s kinda surprising to have this actually in front of my eyes. If I can have it, I’ll take it. But what I do with it? I think you know the answer. Of course- tranquilo- asssen na yo. That’s about it.”

     

  • Tetsuya Naito Wins the G1 Climax Tournament

    Tetsuya Naito Wins the G1 Climax Tournament

    Tetsuya Naito has won the 2017 G1 Climax Tournament! The leader of Los Ingobernables defeated Kenny Omega in an absolutely incredible match to earn himself a spot in the main event of next year’s Wrestle Kingdom (providing he retains the briefcase over the next few months…).

    If you have never checked out New Japan and you are looking for a true ‘alternative’ to WWE then check out njpwworld.com now, with the recent inclusion of an English language site and the ability to use PayPal the company has never been easier to access.

    Did you catch the G1 Final? Let us know what you thought in the comments.

  • Bullet Club Release “Paid Advertisement” For NJPW Los Angeles Shows

    Bullet Club Release “Paid Advertisement” For NJPW Los Angeles Shows

    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

    1. the Briscoes, Will Ospreay, & Roppongi Vice (CHAOS) vs. Bad Luck Fale, the Young Bucks, Yujiro Takahashi & Marty Scurll (Bullet Club)
    2. Jushin Liger, Volador Jr., Dragon Lee & Titan vs. Sanada, Evil, Bushi & Hiromu Takahashi (Los Ingobernables)
    3. IWGP U.S Championship Tournament (1st Round)
      Jay Lethal vs. Hangman Page (Bullet Club)
    4. IWGP U.S Championship Tournament (1st Round)
      Juice Robinson vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
    5. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kushida, Jay White & David Finlay vs. Billy Gunn, Yoshi Tatsu, Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu
    6. IWGP U.S Championship (1st Round)
      Tomohiro Ishii (CHAOS) vs. Tetsuya Naito (Los Ingobernables)
    7. IWGP U.S Championship (1st Round)
      Michael Elgin vs. Kenny Omega
    8. IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match
      Kazuchika Okada (c)(CHAOS) vs. Cody (Bullet Club)

    NJPW July 2nd 2017 Lineup

    1. IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag-Team Championships
      the Young Bucks (c) (CHAOS) vs. Roppongi Vice (CHAOS)
    2. IWGP Intercontinental Championship
      Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Billy Gunn
    3. U.S Championship Tournament Semi-Finals & Finals
  • NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Winner Crowned

    NJPW Best of the Super Juniors Winner Crowned

    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.

  • NJPW May No Longer Have An Intercontinental Championship

    NJPW May No Longer Have An Intercontinental Championship

    Current IWGP Intercontinental champion, Tetsuya Naito, is slowly tearing apart his championship belt. Naito is saying that the Dominion PPV on June 11th will be his last as champion. If he defends the title successfully against Hiroshi Tanahashi, he will destroy the belt completely.

    Check out video of Naito damaging the belt below:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yjOrPaM3XM

    Why Is Naito Doing This?

    This is all part of Naito’s “Un-governable” gimmick he picked up when he joined CMLL’s Los Ingobernables, and then brought the faction to Japan. Some are speculating that NJPW could drop the title after Dominion, seeing as they plan to crown an inaugural “United States” champion on July 2nd in Los Angeles.

    Last year, when Naito won the IWGP heavyweight title briefly from Okada, he was also disrespectful to the belt, and even legitimately damaged it.

  • Tetsuya Naito Talks John Cena, Brock Lesnar and Hiroshi Tanahashi

    Tetsuya Naito Talks John Cena, Brock Lesnar and Hiroshi Tanahashi

    New Japan Pro Wrestling star and current IWGP Intercontinental Champion Tetsuya Naito recently spoke to Sports Illustrated’s Extra Mustard on a number of topics including John Cena, Brock Lesnar and the Bullet Club.

    When asked if he ever compares himself to the stars of WWE, specifically John Cena and Brock Lesnar:

    “Of course, I know of them, but, unfortunately, I have no interest,” To me, New Japan is the foremost pro wrestling in the world. Entering the ring here means you are the world’s best, so to be a New Japan wrestler speaks for itself.”

    When asked about Los Ingobernables’ First US Appearance with New Japan:

    “New Japan Pro Wrestling, but more specifically, Los Ingobernables de Japon, will show American wrestling fans a truly electric experience in the ring,” The matches are going to captivate and excite like no other, good luck trying to blink.”

    “Even though the matches coming up will be in America, what we’ll show everyone is the exact same thing we show here,” So I want everyone in America to make sure their eyes are open and on us when we are in the ring. I want you all to enjoy what Los Ingobernables de Japon are all about.”

    When asked about his match against Hiroshi Tanahashi at the upcoming Dominion show:

    “I really don’t have much motivation going into this match with him,” Tanahashi is the one who has to make sure he’s in shape and puts in the effort. I didn’t even want to accept his challenge this time. I don’t know what gives him the right to challenge again. But you know New Japan, this crazy ass company, they’ll bend over backwards for Tanahashi.”

    You can watch the Los Ingobernables leader defend his IC title against Tanahashi live and in full on NJPWWorld.com.

  • NJPW: Best of the Super Juniors Day 3 Results

    NJPW: Best of the Super Juniors Day 3 Results

    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.

    https://twitter.com/KUSHIDA_0904/status/864468080948375552

    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

  • NJPW Announces Matches for 45th Anniversary Show

    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. 

  • NJPW ‘The New Beginning’ in Osaka Results

    NJPW ‘The New Beginning’ in Osaka Results

    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

  • NJPW: New Japan Cup Dates Set, Early Winner Projection

    NJPW: New Japan Cup Dates Set, Early Winner Projection

    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.

  • NJPW ‘The New Beginning’ in Sapporo Results

    NJPW ‘The New Beginning’ in Sapporo Results

    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.

  • CMLL/NJPW Fantasticamania Day 3 Results

    CMLL/NJPW Fantasticamania Day 3 Results

    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 

  • CMLL/NJPW Fantasticamania Day 2 Results

    CMLL/NJPW Fantasticamania Day 2 Results

    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