Kidd reflects on Tokyo Dome On January 5, Gabe Kidd wrestled the biggest match of his career against Kenny Omega in the Tokyo Dome, and while he lost the bout, he also picked up the biggest long term victory of his career in the process. Gaining rather than losing momentum, Kidd now looks to Osaka on February 11, and a chance to capture the IWGP Global Heavyweight title from Yota Tsuji. We spoke to Gabe over adult beverages about his Wrestle Dynasty epic. Watch New Beginning in Osaka LIVE in English on NJPW World! F**k the rules, I’ll do what’s right for NJPW — We’re a couple of weeks removed from the Tokyo Dome now. How are you feeling physically and mentally? Gabe: It doesn’t matter how I’m feeling physically. I’m going to keep going regardless. It doesn’t matter that I wrestled 31 minutes in the Tokyo Dome and then six days later wrestled another 30 in San Jose with one of the hardest men in wrestling Tomohiro Ishii. That doesn’t matter because mentally I feel better than ever. I did what I always said I would do. — You proved yourself to a worldwide audience. Gabe: Kenny won that match in the Tokyo Dome, but I won the war. ‘War Ready’ for a reason. It’s a loss in my column, and I only want to get wins from here- if I was 100% I would have battered Ishii in San Jose in ten minutes- but the answer to your question is I feel great. — Kenny had been away from wrestling for over a year, and obviously had health concerns going in. How was Omega in the ring? Gabe: I’ll give him credit. He isn’t the phony I thought he was, or that I said he was before. He is the best of the best and that’s who I deserve to be in the ring with. He got me, but I do want round two. — You want a rematch? Gabe: When the time is right, I do. And you know, it’ll be harder a second time. Tokyo Dome was his first match back, his first step back into the wrestling ring. A second time and he’ll be more confident, he’ll have been wrestling consistently. There’s no doubt, I could feel and you can see watching the match back that he was nervous in there. It’s a credit to him as a wrestler that he was able to beat me, because I was 100%. It’s given me things to work on, and that’s what I’m doing with my coaches, so next time we face off I’ll be 100% better than the 100% I was then. — From your entrance gear to you using a version of the Cobra Twist in the middle of the match, there were a lot of points where it felt clearly that you were representing NJPW against AEW, as well as or even above it being you versus Kenny. Was that conscious on your part? Gabe: 100 percent. In my head, this was NJPW vs AEW. That company has more money than us, it has stars there that used to be stars for us. So in my mind I wanted to put New Japan back on the map. New Japan is the best wrestling company in the world, and it has been for a long time, so I wanted to represent, and I wanted to prove this company is the best. maybe it’s to my detriment, but I wanted to win that match with simple moves. I wanted to beat Kenny with what I learned in the Dojo. Maybe I should have pushed the boat out a little bit further, but I wanted to win for me. I wanted to beat him in a simple way that people have seen thousands of times. When you’re in the ring you’re rolling with the punches and some of that thought goes out the window, but was it conscious? Absolutely. — The fans definitely feel that ‘NJPW love’ from you. Gabe: Look, this is the place I’ve chosen to dedicate my life to. I don’t like the word ‘sacrifice’, because I made the choice to do this. I had the choice to go home when COVID hit, and I made the choice to stay. It’s not a sacrifice, it’s a choice. I dedicated my life to here, and I do feel like I’m the man that’s going to put us back on top. — There was a very prominent image that a lot of people left with of Hiroshi Tanahashi crying on camera after the match. There’s a lot of history between the two of you- what did you think seeing that moment back afterward? Gabe: He knows what I’ve been through. I was Facetiming him from a psychiatric hospital. I would Facetime with him, and he gave me an hour of his time every day when he knew I was going crazy. So there is a deeper relationship there. We’ve had our differences, enough that back in April I said I was going to stab him, but in that moment in the Tokyo Dome, he understood who was going to carry this company forward. He understood what the moment meant to me, and he knows what the company means to him. He dedicated his life to this place, too. So it was a realization, and an overhwelmingly emotional one. I’m not one to cry on camera, but I know what emotion he was feeling, and Tokon, fighting spirit, it’s built on that emotion. He saw that his company is about to be on the up and I’m sure there was some pride in there as well. — On your entrance there was a message played that said you weren’t a babyface or a heel, but one of one. Did you feel a different connection with the people during that match? Gabe: I’ve felt like, for a while now, I’m not going to let some pro-wrestling role dictate how I react. I’m not going to tell the people to ‘f**k off’ when they are showing more love to me than anyone has in my life. They understand the pride I have, so how could I turn my back when they have chosen me? You can’t replicate the energy in the room when the camera showed I had the Lion Mark on my gear. It’s all about showing my team in New Japan is the best. — It was a cross promotional event at Wrestle Dynasty. Do you feel NJPW was able to set itself on a higher standard than the other companies that night on the whole? Gabe: To be honest, not enough in my opinion. They were coming onto our turf at the end of the day. We’ve gone to theirs and looked like fools at times. I think more people needed to feel like ‘f**k those guys, let’s beat the s**t out of them’. That’s how I felt anyway, and some other guys felt the same way. But I think we need to be more vocal about that and if that means I am that voice, then I’m happy to be in that position. Japanese people, as much as I respect them, they respect the rules too much sometimes. I say f**k the rules, I want us to be number one, simple as that. I’ll make sure that happens, but it isn’t going to happen if I keep my mouth shut. I’ll do what I set out to do, and do what’s right for NJPW. The energy in the room at Wrestle Dynasty- that’s world changing. — After New year Dash, you talked about NJPW being ‘your company’. Both nights at the Tokyo Dome saw a lot of changes in New Japan- if you feel like this is your company, what do you want to see from New Japan in 2025? Gabe: I want to see people stepping up this year. No lazy sh*t. We have a crazy crop of talent coming up, when you look at the Dojo classes these last few years it’s pretty mad. I don’t like 90% of them, but the top three, Gabe Kidd Clark Connors, Drilla Moloney. That’s mad right away. Then you’ve got Shota Umino, Yota Tsuji, Yuya Uemura, Narita, Oiwa, Fujita. I want to see people step up. You want to be here, you have to turn it up. Ospreay, Ricochet, Okada, Naito, that time is done. This is the Reiwa era, so let’s make it one to remember, the best it’s ever been. I know my boys will. I know Clark and Dan will. The rest of yous, step the f**k up. — The young talent have to take over fully in your view. Gabe: Tanahashi’s almost done, and how much longer do you think Naito will go? That’s not even a diss, that’s being realistic. That time is done, they can’t keep up, I can. But you have to shout out to Takagi, and to Ishii, he’s pushing 50 and they’re putting in more work than the young kids! You can’t let 50 year olds show us up. I was in the ring with Ishii in America, he’s one of the hardest MFers on the planet. The Reiwa era has to step up. — Shota Umino lost in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 19, albeit following with a win over Claudio Castagnoli the next night. Do you feel he stepped up enough? Gabe: Not at all. He was given the biggest chance of his life and he f***ing flopped it, bad. You think you’re going to come out and kiss a baby and people will believe in you? You can’t replicate something you’ve seen other people do and expect it to work without understanding why they did it. Okada wasn’t a huge star because of moves he did, he got reactions because of his presence, because of that he was putting of himself out into the world. Umino doesn’t have a clue. No clue and no heart. — So now that the Tokyo Dome is behind you, what do you want to make of 2025? Gabe: Everybody always says ‘this is my year’ and I hate that because 90 percent of the time it isn’t. But truly, this is the year that everyone sees that I’m not just saying stuff, I’m saying my truth. Everything I say, I do. It’s pretty simple. I’m looking at being in there with the best this year, I’ll fight everyone, go drinking after and wake up to fight another one. I want to be tested. — The Japanese promotion for the weekend said that it was two days that would change the world. Do you think that happened? Gabe: Listen, they said the first day was about 24000 people and the second was about 16. I can tell you, and everyone in that building can tell you that didn’t feel like 16,000 people. That energy filled the whole room. So what happens when I bring NJPW back into the big time, and there’s 30,000 people, then 40,000, then 60,000, because I make this place the best it’s ever been? 16,000 was the worst Dome attendance since the COVID era, and I was there both times then, it was the worst it had ever been. The energy when I showed the Lion Mark, when I had that Cobra Twist on? That’s world changing. That’s what’s only going to grow even more from here. Me and Tsuji will be the main event in the Tokyo Dome next year — February 11 you wrestle Yota Tsuji for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship. It’s off the back of the biggest match of your career with Kenny Omega, as well as the biggest result of Yota Tsuji’s career, having beaten David Finlay for the IWGP Global Championship. Gabe: This is a very important match for bringing that title back to the Dogs, but at the end of the day, me and Tsuji, we are the top two of this company right now. Me and him are at the top of NJPW. Nobody’s prouder than us, nobody stronger willed about representing NJPW to the fullest. This isn’t about the future of New Japan, it’s about the now, it’s about the match that I believe will be the Tokyo Dome main event next year. — The January 4 2026 main event? Gabe: By then I will be the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, and he’s the only viable challenger. Right now though, it’s going to be fireworks when I take that Global title in Osaka. Osaka is Gabe Kidd country, it’s War Dogs country. — You’re both very proud of representing New Japan, while being away from Hontai. With Tsuji being part of Los Ingobernables de Japon and you representing War Dogs, where do your factioons lie in the NJPW landscape right now? Gabe: I don’t care about the other factions, and I don’t think they know what they are. We killed the United Empire, that’s a dead faction. LIJ, they’re having an identity crisis right now. And Hontai? I don’t see one guy there that’s proud of New Japan. I tell a lie- Desperado, in San Jose saying ‘New Japan Ichiban’, that’s different. But War Dogs- if we didn’t think that NJPW was where the roughest and toughest competition was; if we didn’t think that this was the highest pressure environment that we can put ourselves in, we wouldn’t be here. We wouldn’t be spending so much time away from our families. — So you’re proud of that competition. Gabe: I spend more time in Japan than anywhere. Most of my time is here putting this company on the map. Tsuji represents New Japan in a certain LIJ way, fine. I don’t care about that. I know I represent in my way and this is a battle of who is going to be the one. Let’s see. It might not be settled really until we main event the Tokyo Dome, but let’s see in Osaka. — Yota Tsuji has remarked on the similarities of the IWGP Global Championship to the old Intercontinental title. Certainly David Finlay has done a lot to make that championship known. What do you see that title as representing? Gabe: It’s the workhorse title. If you watched the past year you’ll see why. David Finlay is one of the best. He might be my favourite wrestler right now. David Finlay whoops Brody King, powerbombed a, what, 300 pound plus man. That’s the spirit that he had in all the matches when he was champion. He was a workhorse, and that’s a workhorse title. — And that suits Gabe Kidd. Gabe: I work hard, I play hard. I’m a modern day Terry Gordy. I’m everything you want in a perfect gaikokujin wrestler. That’s me. I am a workhorse, and I will make Tsuji work, make him tired because he’s full of too many Marlowe puddings and I will pin him and take the title. — Fans who perhaps have just started wrestling might not know the history between you and Tsuji, especially during the pandemic. you, Tsuji and Yuya Uemura wrestled a lot during the G1 Climax 30 tour- Gabe: Let me stop you there. Before you say anything else, the Reiwa Musketeers, if you want to use that title, and I know Tsuji said he didn’t want to be a part of it, I don’t give a sh*t. The Reiwa musketeers are Gabe Kidd, Yota Tsuji and Yuya Uemura. We are the three. Not what the company wants to throw down people’s throats. That’s the test now. Out of us three, who will become the one. That’s not a question though because I know in my heart it’s gonna be me. — After your Korakuen Hall match in World Tag League, Yota Tsuji offered some words of support when it came to facing Kenny Omega and AEW. It seems there is some support between you, or respect? Gabe: When you spend nights, some country town in Tochigi at 2AM and you don’t know where you are. When there’s the three of you in a launderette, in the Dojo, waiting for everyone to get on the bus, loading people’s bags. There’s a bond that comes with that. That’s why the LA Dojo boys are so close and always will be. You’ve had a shared experience, and there’s a bond that comes with that. Of course, there’s a level of respect. But the more important thing thart they have to respect is that it’s me. Not them. If they agree to that, that’s all good. If they want to challenge that, then even better, because I’m about that competition. — Yota Tsuji said before the Tokyo Dome that 2025 is about showing what lies ahead in the new era. He has his own ideas, but.. Gabe: OK, what does Tsuji want to do then? — Well, he talked about the global stage being more than just America. Would you agree there’s a lot more that can be done, especially as a global champion? Gabe: He’s right. it doesn’t have to be like that. Why would we accept being at a certain level? We are the best professional wrestling company in the world, and there’s no reason why we can’t be at the top worldwide if we all work hard. That’s why I chose to be here. I don’t like many people here, but you can’t find a harder working roster in the world. There’s no reason why we can’t break these imaginary barriers. Let’s show we’re number one. — You said at the Tokyo Dome that Zack and Ricochet was on last, but you and Kenny was the main event. Here in Osaka, you and Yota Tsuji are second from the top underneath Zack Sabre Jr. again. Do you feel you’re competing with ZSJ perhaps, especially as two British wrestlers? Gabe: If I was Zack Sabre Jr, I’d be pissed off at me. I’d be calling me out as the champ. First foreigner to double main event in the Tokyo Dome. And who was on the Weekly Pro-Wresting cover? Gabe Kidd. I’d be pissed if I was him. I don’t put too much thought into that though. Wherever I am on the bill, I’ll go out and fight someone. Me and Tsuji is where people will have their eyes on. I’m not focused on the main event, I’m focused on becoming the IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion. * * * Gabe’s *New* New Japan: Gabe Kidd interviewed was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_Future goals set out for association_ A special press conference on January 20 saw the official recognition of United Japan Pro-Wrestling as a general incorporated association. The legal designation of the industry group strengthens governance and enhances public transparency, as well as allowing for more freedom in the scope of UJPW, while maintaining that commercial activity is not a core goal of the association, which is a non-profit organization. Chaired by Sanshiro Takagi, the press conference explained the move to incorporation and its function in UJPW’s mission statement ‘to support the people of Japan through professional wrestling’, as well as to ‘show the strengths of pro-wrestling to the world’. Takagi recalled the thought process behind UJPW’s establishment, inspired by the challenges faced by the pro-wrestling industry during the COVID pandemic and the need for a unified ‘point of call’ for the industry at large during social issues, as well as to benefit communication between member organizations. Currently, those member organizations comprise All Japan Pro-Wrestling, Big Japan Pro-Wrestling, DDT Pro-Wrestling, DRAGONGATE, Ganbare☆Pro-Wrestling, Kyushu Pro Wrestling, NJPW, NOAH, STARDOM and Tokyo Joshi Pro, but Takagi would also present a roadmap for future members to join. The seven requirements to join UJPW are: * an organization to be a regularly running, active promotion in Japan. * to be a legally recognised company * to have at least one contracted wrestler working for them * to have annual revenue of at least 50 million Yen * to have been established for at least two years * to have a corporate compliance system in place for wrestlers and staff * to share in a vision of betterment for the pro-wrestling space at large even in competition with other members. Takagi also explained a road map for ‘supporting members’ of the association to join would be announced in the near future, with the key difference in barrier to entry being that the annual revenue and contracted wrestler distinctions are waived. Takagi went on to discuss the broader vision of UJPW. The four central goals of the group, Takagi said, started with introducing more people to professional wrestling and ‘elevating its status in society.’ In elevating social status, a core tenet will be charitable activities, such as the support for Noto earthquake survivors expressed in the last year. Takagi also talked about more international efforts, explaining the need to introduce the world to the unique culture of Japanese professional wrestling, and using this as the basis to drive tourism to Japan. Takagi’s fourth goal was to ‘expand the marketplace’ of professional wrestling in Japan, with a vision to grow the entire industry to double its current size within the next decade. Citing 1954 as the beginning of the current era of professional wrestling in japan in the form of the JWA under Rikidozan, Takagi discussed a vision of ‘supporting the people of Japan as we approach pro-wrestling’s centennial’. Takagi closed by discussing the immediate goals for the group, which will see further strengthening and regular meetings with the Japanese government, as well as collaboration between member organizations on policies for health and safety of wrestlers. ‘We look forward to your support and understanding in our ongoing mission’. * * * United Japan Pro-Wrestling incorporates in press conference was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_Tanahashi’s last US match, Ironman match for STRONG title confirmed for April 11_ The first two matches have been made official for Windy City Riot, and NJPW’s return to Chicago on April 11. Last year, Chicago showed up in force for one of the most memorable events of 2024, and 2025 is sure to be just as hard fought-and emotional. Windy City Riot April 11 Wintrust Arena Chicago TICKETS (pre sale January 16, on sale January 17!) Topmost in fans’ minds heading into this Chicago event will be the final ever match on US soil for the Ace, Hiroshi Tanahashi. From defending the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to winning IWGP United States gold in New Japan’s return from the pandemic, to memorable outings in TNA, ROH and AEW, Tanahashi’s legacy is indelible in America as it is Japan. With his last match coming up on January 4 2026 however, the final road for the Ace runs through Chicago for its last American stop, opposite the Alpha Konosuke Takeshita. Way back in 2014, Tanahashi wrestled a then teenage prodigy Takeshita in DDT, and was far from charitable in his comments toward either Takeshita or his then home promotion following the match. The Ace’s comments back then that the two ‘didn’t belong in the same conversation’ would lit a fire that burned brightly in Takeshita, and saw his transformation from the ‘The Future’ to ‘the Alpha’ and now NEVER and AEW International Champion. Takeshita will not let Tanahashi retire without taking out this pent up aggression on Tanahashi, and while this is a Final Road “Kinship” match for the Ace, feelings will be anything but friendly. In Chicago, Takeshita will seek to show he is erverything to the modern era that Tanahashi was to his own, and perhaps more. Also official for Chicago is a rematch for Gabe Kidd and Tomohiro Ishii, under Ironman Match rules. At Battle in the Valley, an intense, wild fight for Ishii and Kidd saw both men at their hard hitting best, battling for the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship. As both men went the 30 minute distance with no decision rendered however, Kidd took a draw as good as a loss. Now, it might not be one fall that decides this issue for the Mad Man and the Stone Pitbull; under the Ironman Match rules, the most decisions rendered in the 30 minute time period will settle the bout and the fate of the STRONG gold. Should the two tie again however, sudden death will mean they will go as long as it takes. Who will leave the better man? * * * Two massive matches set for Windy City Riot! was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_Takeshita to face Boltin on February 11 card_ Watch New Beginning in Osaka Live in English February 11 on NJPW World! An already stacked lineup for February 11 in Osaka that will see four big singles matchups and four major title bouts previously announced, now has a fifth title on the line! Immediately after retaining NEVER Openweight and AEW International Championship gold in the Tokyo Dome at Wrestle Dynasty, Konosuke Takeshita was confronted by Boltin Oleg. The Big Man From Kazakhstan had not forgotten his win over the Alpha during G1 Climax 34 and had come to collect, with Takeshita promising that he would put the NEVER title on the line when he was back in Japan. After a defence of the Openweight title against KUSHIDA at Battle in the Valley, Takeshita’s return is now set for New Beginning. The Alpha will not only want to continue affirming himself as champion with a second defence of his NEVER title, but to present a show of force in his hometown, with his first Osaka appearance since becoming a contracted NJPW wrestler. Yet having already outpowered the young sensation once during the summer, could Boltin shock the champion and potentially end his tour with two NEVER titles? * * * NEVER Openweight Championship bout added to Osaka! was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_Major cards in Japan added to big international schedule_ Bushiroad’s New Year event on January 13 saw NJPW participating, with the first announcements of major cards to come through the summer. Added to the busy international schedule for the start of the year, it’s shaping up to be an unmissable 2025! Major events to come: Tuesday, February 11: NEW BEGINNING in OSAKA, EDION Arena Osaka Thursday, March 6: NJPW 53RD ANNIVERSARY, Ota-ku Gymnasium Thursday, March 20: NEW JAPAN CUP FINAL, Ao-re Nagaoka Saturday, April 5: Ryogoku Sumo Hall Friday, April 11: WINDY CITY RIOT, Wintrust Arena Chicago Saturday, April 26: Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall Saturday May 3 & Sunday May 4: Fukuoka International Center Friday, May 9: RESURGENCE, Toyota Arena Ontario CA Sunday, June 1: BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. 32 FINAL, Ota-ku Gymnasium Sunday, June 15: Osaka Jo Hall Sunday, June 29: Dolphin’s Arena, Nagoya Friday, July 4: Tokyo Budokan Saturday, July 19 & Sunday July 20: G1 CLIMAX 35 OPENING WEEKEND, Hokkai Kita-Yell Saturday, August 16 & Sunday August 17: G1 CLIMAX 35 FINALS, Ariake Arena Sunday, August 24: FORBIDDEN DOOR LONDON Mid September: Hokkaido Tour * * * A big schedule of big events to come in 2025! was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

A legendary figure in women’s wrestling, Sumie Sakai retired at battle in the Valley on January 11 in six person tag action. Watch the replay! Sakai had selected EVIL and SHO as her partners opposite Hiromu Takahashi, Yuka Sakazaki and Mayu Iwatani. As Kamaitachi Jr. was around ringside attending as well, Sakai was full of emotion, but also a veteran’s instincts as she looked for a series of quick wins, and EVIL pushed an ill gotten advantage on the outside with a steel chair. Sakai wasn’t happy at EVIL’s offense, and ditched an offered steel chair, but SHO had no problem bending the rules as he used his retiring partner as a weapon. As Hiromu battled back, an abdominal stretch from Takahashi saw everyone in the match and even the crowd add pressure to EVIL, but SHO ensured that HOUSE OF TORTURE kept their hand in. Hiromu, Sakazaki and Iwatani all ate the exposed steel turnbuckle, but the women would bounce back, a double dropkick taking down SHO and EVIL before a rolling cradle set Sakazaki up for two on Sakai. Iwatani also came close to being the one to end Sumie’s career; SHO would intervene only to be pinponged between both the Icon and the Magical Girl. Feeling the momentum, Sakazaki and Iwatani went for a double suplex on EVIL, and a Hiromu assist sealed the deal. As Sakai came back in, Hiromu was dropped with Smash Mouth from Sakai but SHO pulled the referee out of the ring as HOUSE OF TORTURE’s desire for revenge took hold of the match. Sakazaki corked SHO with his own wrench as Iwatani landed a German suplex on EVIL and Hiromu followed with EVIL’s own signature hold. As SHO and EVIL were cleared from the ring, Sakai’s opponents let the legdn deliver her final shots in anger before exhaustion took over. A rolluing elbow from Sakazaki and thrust kick from Iwatani preceded a Hiromu Chan Bomber, but Sakai still sensationally kicked out. Moments later though and the Time Bomb called time on a sensational career. Post match, Sakazaki, Iwatani and Hiromu all offered their gratitude, and Sakai gave her own thanks to the fans. * * * Time called for Sumie Sakai after unique retirement bout was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_ZSJ triumphs over Hechicero as 2025 starts hot_ Battle in the Valley saw NJPW’s US campaign for 2025 kick off in earnest. The event saw major battles across the card, with a lot of eyes on a non title contest for Zack Sabre Jr. in an international rubber match with el alchemista del ring, Hechicero. Watch the replay! Both men fought for control with ankle submissions in particular straining at both the Mexican and Britoish masters. After being badly worked over, Hechicero foudn space by dropping Sabre onto the mat face first, but a Romero special was there in response; still a counter was available to the llave alchemist who found a punishing figure four variant. Hechicero had Sabre badly worried with a Frankensteiner from the top rope, but the world champion fired back with a PK punt. A diving lariat from the masked maestro scored two, but ZSJ would find a Zack Driver and then a cross armbreaker for another near finish. The match going back and forth, Hechicero scored two from El Conjuro but it was a flash clutch from Sabre that ended the bout, Sabre inviting Hechicero for one more shot with the World Heavyweight Championship on the line someday. Eight woman elimination tag action saw Trish Adora, Johnnie Robbie, Anna Jay and AZM facing Viva Van and E Nexus V members Maika, Mina Shirakawa and HANAKO. After a hard shot to Adora, the E Nexus V side was up one woman albeit unofficially; HANAKO pressed the advantage by eliminating Johnnie Robbie. AZM Sushi saw the High Speed Queen’s side fight back, and Van tapped to the Queenslayer from Jay to bring the sides to 3–2. A recovered Adora was knocked out over the top rope, and it was down to Maika and Mina against AZM and Jay. AZM and Shirakawa both took one another over the top rope, leaving Maika and Jay remaining. Jay cracked a charging Maika for two, but former World of STARDOM Champion Maika landed a rolling elbow to drop Jay off the apron and pick up the win. Two kickoff matches saw current and former STRONG Survivors in action. Following his defeat at Strong Style Evolved, Matt Vandagriff was able to carve a new opportunity for himself alongside Fred Rosser as they took on Shane Haste and Bad Dude Tito. The precocious Vandagriff quickly paid for perceived arrogance at the powerful hands of Tito. Deeper into the bout, Rosser and Vandagriff mounted some impressive offense together, but miscommunication was still rife; Vandagriff refused to tag in when his partner needed him as a result, and the TMDK side soon picked up the win. As for new STRONG Survivor Zane Jay, he defended his spot against Viento on the night. Viento looked to draw on a home crowd and took to the air against Jay, but the ‘American Lion’ bounced back and despite uncertain footing on the top rope, still delivered a gorgeous flying elbow and then a Boston Crab for a successful start to his year. * * * Big Battles in the San Jose Valley was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_Despe secures first defence_ The main event of Battle in the Valley January 12 saw El Desperado defending his freshly won IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against Taiji Ishimori. Watch the replay! With both men very well versed opposite one another, a series of exchanges for control saw champion and challenger both at times thinking a step ahead of their foe. The first significant advantage came for Ishimori though, as distance created by the champion seemed to be closed by a tope suicida but was instead shut with a brutal kick from the floor. The challenger now had the edge and, with an exposed buckle, Ishimori drank in the boos of San Jose and agonised yells from Desperado. Finding a familiar wheelhouse in the left shoulder of the champion, Ishimori had a sustained edge, but when he went for a handspring overhead, Ishimori was caught with a dangerous back suplex. A pair of reverse Dragon Screws, and now Desperado had his path toward Numero Dos secured. A sliding German suplex scored for Ishimori though, who followed with a sickening Divorce Court on the apron to get back on the shoulder. Still, Ishimori’s main offence was hindered, and Cipher Utaki did more on the challenger’s knee than it did to hurt the champion’s chances. Desperadop found Numero Dos as a result, but was countered into a Bone Lock. Ishimori nearly found a jacknife pin as both went back and forth but was rocked with a reverse Tiger Driver; as Desperado rolled into a Pinche Loco attempt he was brought back into the Bone Lock submission. Desperado came close to the ropes, and was pulled center for the Bloody Cross, but a combination of ring positioning and the bad knee of the challenger saved Desperado’s title. Ishimori and Desperado still went back and forth, Ishimori running into the buckle he himself had exposed. Guitarra Del Angel, Numero Dos and a Dudebuster didn’t finish Ishimori, who was crunched with a reverse Tiger Driver and the Pinche Loco for a decisive three. * * * Desperado moves to V1 with Junior belt in San Jose was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

The fourth of five championship matches at Battle in the Valley saw KUSHIDA challenge NEVER Openweight Champion Konosuke Takeshita. Watch the replay! Knowing he was giving up a lot in size and strength, KUSHIDA was tentative as he looked to find an opening on the Alpha to start. A Takeshita line would see the early advantage go to the champion though, and outside on the floor, that advantage was further pressed, but a counter armbar over the apron saw KUSHIDA create opportunity for himself. The Timesplitter continued to work over Takeshita’s damaged arm, but Takeshita’s power was sensational even on one wing. A Blue Thunder Bomb scored as long two, but the Fable senton was caught into another cross armbreaker. With even more pain shooting down the arm, a Hitodenashi Driver was all the champion could summon. The apron was no solace for Takeshita either as KUSHIDA clipped the Alpha’s base and applied a figure four on the outside, and nearly got a countout title win. A surprise hurricanrana saw two for KUSHIDA, who landed Back to the Future for yet another nearfall. With his good arm, Takeshita landed a World Class elbow, but KUSHIDA stayed on with the offensive advantage. Pushed to the very limit, Takeshita was still able to land a pair of right shots before Raging Fire landed for three, Takeshita barely surviving. Post match, the Alpha took the microphone and issued a challenge for Windy City Riot to Hiroshi Tanahashi for the Ace’s final ever match on American soil. * * * Takeshita survives in San Jose with NEVER gold was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_ELP records first defence, but only via countout_ The third of five championship matches at Battle in the Valley on January 11 had the NJPW World TV Championship as the stakes, Jeff Cobb challenging El Phantasmo for the gold. Watch the replay! It was a high speed start for both men, Jeff Cobb getting the first sustained advantage with brute force in the opening minutes. A tornado DDT from the champion though, and the crowd got behind ELP, who hopped up to his feet and sprung with an escalada into a tijeras. A spin cycle from Cobb and the Imperial Unit looked to outperform Phantasmo with a flashy standing moonsault. A second try though and Phantasmo got the knees up before using his own incredble power. Unidentified Flying Opponent and a Sudden Death scored before a Thunder Kiss ’86 for a near two, but Cobb managed to surge back with an incredible dropkick. As both looked to hit big offense in the face of an unbowing opponent, Phantasmo landed a tope suicida that took Cobb over the barriers and into the crowd. Cobb tried to get away from the champion only to be hit with a sensational leap from Phantasmo. As the referee’s twenty count came near to its limit, Phantasmo was well on the way to making his way back in, but Jeff Cobb hurled an attending Zane Jay into Phantasmo, and both men were counted out, an angry San Jose crowd letting their feelings be heard with deafening chants of ‘let them fight’. * * * Controversy reigns after TV title spectacular was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_First defence for Isaacs and Nelson_ With two tag team championship matches on their schedules to start 2025, Rocky Romero and YOH looked to win STRONG Openweight Tag Team gold at battle int he Valley as they faced the World Class Wrecking Crew, Jorel Nelson and Royce Isaacs. Watch the replay! The challengers had the advantage early, but a stereo tope suicida attempt saw YOH and Rocky planted with a brutal pair of suplexes on the floor. Isaacs power showed through as the World Class Wrecking Crew took charge, but a tornado DDT brought YOH in at last. Ropponmgi ReVice’s tag team chemistry saw a nearfall on Nelson, and even as Isaacs came back in, Romero went for Forever Clotheslines, but was caught with a brutal cutter. Nelson and Isaacs locked both their foes in a double submission before Rocky escaped and landed Sliced Rocky on Isaacs. Nelson escaped a 3K attempt but was rocked with Nomisugi knees, Isaacs needing to make a desperate save. Both champions and challengers had miscommunication issues, and YOH and Rocky nearly capitalised with a 3K for two; Isaacs would crack Romero with a title belt from the floor though and he and Nelson would record their first defence. * * * World Class Wrecking Crew plumb depths to keep STRONG Tag heights was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_Defence brings surprising main card start_ Battle in the Valley’s main card got off to an explosive start when NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion Gabe Kidd defended against Tomohiro Ishii. Watch the replay! Kidd backed Ishii into the corner early and controlled his challenger with a headlock, but couldn’t knock the Stone Pitbull down. A southpaw lariat did the job, and Kidd drank in a mixed yet fervent reaction from the audience before charging into the corner. The champion was in cruise control before Ishii was able to tap into his patented aggression, and the Stone Pitbull rocked Kidd with a ferocious elbow and sensational tackle before unleashing a Tenryu combination. A mighty powerslam got two for the challenger as Kidd was suddenly on the back foot. The STRONG Champion summoned up chops and elbows and beckoned Ishii in to respond in kind, the match becoming a mid ring slugfest. A massive chop exchange saw both men’s chests bruised and bloody as ‘fight forever’ chants rang out; chops turned to suplexes of the vertical and German varieties before both men slumped to the canvas among a standing ovation. Ishii found his feet first and looked for a superples to Gabe, but the champion bit his way out of danger and hung his challenger with a front chancerie at the 15 minute mark. A rising headbutt from the Stone Pitbull and Ishii landed the move to a huge reaction, but still couldn’t put Kidd away; the champion rallied and went for a piledriver but was back body dropped away and the two men reset with yet more crunching blows exchanged. The match now passing the 20 minute mark, Kidd went for the O-Knee and landed on his second try but could only get one. Ishii landed a brutal lariat for a one count of his own, and the match was back to square one. Neither man showing any signs of give, time was dwindling fast; a sliding lariat from Ishii got a near two, as did a Ground Cobra and piledriver on the part of Kidd. With under a minute left, Kidd landed a barrage of open hand strikes; Ishii hoisted Kidd for a Vertical Drop Bainbuster but couldn’t follow up as the time limit expired. Wanting more, Kidd said that he would put his title on the line again at Windy City Riot April 11, this time in an Ironman Match. * * * No ground gained or given as Kidd and Ishii go the STRONG distance was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

**_☆NEW YEAR DASH!!☆ Ota-City General Gymnasium Mon.Jan.6.2025 17:00 Door 18:30 Bell _****_NJPWWORLD_** ** _Kick off Match 20 Minutes Limit Shoma Kato＆Katsuya Murashima＆✘Nagai Daiki Hiroyoshi Tenzan＆Satoshi Kojima ＆〇Yuji Nagata vs 8m53s / Nagata Lock_** ** _1st Match 20 Minutes Limit：Special Exivision Match △Boltin Oleg vs Josh Barnett△ 5m00s / Time out Draw_** ** _2nd Match 20 Minutes Limit El Phantasmo＆Shota Umino＆✘Tomoaki Honma＆Master Wato＆Jado vs Jeff Cobb＆Great-O-Khan〇＆TJP＆Francesco Akira＆Jakob Austin Young 10m50s / Eliminator_** ** _3rd Match 20 Minutes Limit Hiroshi Tanahashi＆Toru Yano＆Togi Makabe＆Tiger Mask vs Ren Narita＆Yujiro Takahashi＆SHO＆Yoshinobu Kanemaru 7m47s / Boston Crab_** ** _4th Match 30 Minutes Limit Taichi＆✘TAKA Michinoku vs SANADA〇＆Clark Connors 9m23s / Skull End_** ** _5th Match 30 Minutes Limit El Desperado＆〇KUSHIDA vs Taiji Ishimori＆KENTA✘ 9m07s / Hoverboard lock_** ** _6th Match 30 Minutes Limit Yota Tsuji＆Shingo Takagi＆〇Titan＆BUSHI vs David Finlay＆Gabe Kidd✘＆Drilla Moloney＆Gedo 12m01s / Llave Immortal_** ** _7th Match 30 Minutes Limit 〇Tetsuya Naito＆Hiromu Takahashi vs Alex Zayne＆Ryusuke Taguchi✘ 8m36s / Destino_** ** _8th Match 30 Minutes Limit Hirooki Goto ＆YOSHI-HASHI＆〇YOH＆Rocky Romero vs Zack Sabre Jr.＆Ryohei Oiwa＆Robbie Eagles✘＆Kosei Fujita 18m34s / Ground Cobra Twist_** * * * 【NEW YEAR DASH!!】at Ota-City General Gymnasium (1/6)Results! was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

After the request of KOPW 2024 Champion Great-O-Khan on December 22 2024, the IWGP Committee has hereby formally retired the KOPW Championship. The KOPW title was created in July 2020 by Kazuchika Okada. With fan votes determining rules, over 50 matches were contested for the KOPW Championships over its lifespan. On behalf of the IWGP Committee, NJPW thanks fans for their support of the KOPW title, and for their votes and interaction over the years. * * * IWGP Committee formally retires KOPW title was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_Rogue general’s New Year address_ NJPW TAMASHII January 11 Auckland TICKETS (Ringside sold out!) In November 2024, South Auckland’s Mangere Arts Centre was buzzing with excitement as wrestling fans gathered for the first NJPW TAMASHII event in Auckland — the NJPW Oceania Cup Finals. The event was highlighted by the strong sense of community and connection, particularly in areas like Mangere, South Auckland, known for its Polynesian spirit, where a vibrant population of Māori and Pacific people reside. One of the key factors contributing to the interest of the NJPW Oceania Cup was the wrestlers’ ability to engage with fans and to hold their attention the entire evening. Bad Luck Fale, the principal force behind New Japan TAMASHII noted: “The audiences from our LION’S DEN show came in full force, however many others were new to pro wrestling and had never experienced such an event before.” Fale feels Auckland’s first TAMASHII was a success and an engaging experience for all. “I believe the New Japan TAMASHII Oceania Cup was a success in showcasing our local talent for the first time in Auckland,” said Fale. “We’ve been building our roster, training our wrestlers, and gaining our fan base, all while showcasing the incredible talent that exists right here in Auckland.” Fale continued: “Mark Tui and Richard Mulu, along with Nikolai Anton Bell were a part of our first TAMASHII event in Christchurch, 2022. At the recent show in Mangere, all three competed in high calibre matches. Then TJ Illes and Trent Hooper joined our ranks at the launch of our weekly LION’S DEN shows in July 2023. From the LION’S DEN series and TAMASHII tours, TJ and Trent, who we know best as the Ungrateful 1’s tag team, have currently competed together in 40 tag matches. They were also featured at our show in Mangere.” The camaraderie and excitement of the event left a lasting impact on the NZ Dojo and the wrestling community as a whole. “This event has set a standard for a new era of wrestling in our part of the world,” explained Fale. TAMASHII’s unique approach to pro wrestling resonated with fans on a certain level as Fale stated: “TAMASHII is different to other products in modern wrestling. Our brand is closer to what pro wrestling was like 30 years ago. We’ve heard stories from people that came to the event of how the show reminded them of their childhood when they used to watch wrestling on TV with their Dad. For some, it was a trip down memory lane, while for others, it was a chance to introduce their own kids to the world of wrestling.” Location was also a key part of the show’s success. Fale, a proud resident of Mangere, found the ideal location for the NJPW Oceania Cup right in his hometown. “The Mangere Arts Centre was the perfect spot to hold our first Auckland show,” said Fale, the state of the art cultural hub is nestled in the heart of the Mangere Town Centre with supportive local businesses. “It had everything we needed with lighting and sound, and the staff were very accommodating,” Fale shared a glowing review. . “Moving forward, the Mangere Arts Centre will be the home of our TAMASHII Auckland shows.” One of the standout moments of the Oceania Cup for Fale was witnessing his fellow Rogue Army member, Jack Bonza, emerge victorious in an intense battle against Punch-drunk Istria to claim the Oceania Cup in the tournament final. “My highlight was seeing Bonza, my Rogue Army brother, win the Oceania Cup,” stated Fale, the last OG of BULLET CLUB. “But I was also proud at the number of Pacific wrestlers we had competing on the card,” Fale observed. “I could see so many young Pacific fans watching in the crowd, and as an entrepreneur and trainer, I recognised the hope and inspiration on their faces while watching their own people thrive in the wrestling ring.” “With New Years Showdown just around the corner, I am hopeful that our show this Saturday will attract even more fans,” Fale stated confidently in closing. “I believe that spreading the word about TAMASHII and the NZ Dojo will help pro wrestling become a mainstream form of entertainment in New Zealand once again, opening up doors for wrestlers to pursue a career in the industry. Our aim is to replicate this success throughout New Zealand, Australia, and in the Pacific.” * * * Ite Lemalu’s TAMASHII Focus: Bad Luck Fale and the new year for TAMASHII was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

**_☆JR Tokai Presents WRESTLE DYNASTY☆ Tokyo Dome Sun.Jan.2025 11:00 Door 13:00 Bell _**** _NJPWWORLD_** ** _12:00 BEll Kick off Match No Time Limit-Ⅰ International Women’s Cup 4 Way Match Willow Nightingale<AEW> vs✘Athena<ROH>vsPersephone<CMLL>vsMomo Watanabe〇<STARDOM> 11m13s / Peach Sunrise_** ** _Kick off Match 60 Minutes Limit-Ⅱ ROH WORLD TAG Championship Match <Champion Team>〇Dustin Rhodes ＆Sammy Guevara vs SHO ＆Yoshinobu Kanemaru✘<Challenger Team> 9m27s / Boston Crab_** ** _1st Match No time Minutes Limit Lucha Gauntlet Match No Time Limit 〇Taiji Ishimori vs El Desperado✘ 16m23s / Gedo Clutch_** ** _2nd Match 5 Minutes Limit Special Special Exhibition Match △Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Katsuyori Shibata△ 5m00s / Time out Draw_** ** _3rd Match 20 Minutes Limit NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship + RPW Undisputed British Women’s Championship <RPW Undisputed British Women’s Champion>✘Mina Shirakawa vs Mercedes Mone〇<NJPW STRONG Women’s Champion> 14m06s / Moné Maker_** ** _4th Match 30 Minutes Limit Special Single Match 〇David Finlay vs Brody King✘ 12m53s / Overkill_** ** _5th Match 30 Minutes Limit Special Single Match 〇Shota Umino vs Claudio Castagnoli✘ 14m31s / Death Rider_** ** _6th Match 60 Minutes Limit NEVER Openweight Championship Match <Challenger>✘Tomohiro Ishii vs <Champion>KONOSUKE TAKESHITA〇 13m30s / Rasing Fire_** ** _7th Match 60 Minutes Limit 106th IWGP Tag Team Championship Decider 3 Way Match Jeff Cobb＆✘Great-O-Khan vs Tetsuya Naito＆Hiromu Takahashi vs Nicholas Jackson＆Matthew Jackson〇 13m46s / Tonny Kahn Driver_** ** _8th Match 60 Minutes Limit:IWGP GLOBAL Heavy weight Championship Match <Champion>〇Yota Tsuji vs Jack Perry✘<Challenger> 13m15s / Gene Blaster_** ** _9th Match No Time Limit : Special Single Match 〇Kenny Omega vs Gabe Kidd✘ 31m55s / One Winged Angel_** ** _10th Match 60 Minutes Limit: IWGP WORLD Heavy Championship Match <11th Champion>〇Zack Sabre Jr. vs Ricochet✘<Challenger> 20m57s / Clarky Cat *Zack retains 4th defense_** * * * 【JR Tokai Presents WRESTLE DYNASTY inTokyo Dome】 (1/5)Results! was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

**_☆JR Tokai Presents WRESTLE KINGDOM 19 in Tokyo Dome☆ Tokyo Dome Sat.Jan.4.2025 14:45 Door 17:00 Bell _**** _Match Card_**** _/_****_NJPWWORLD_** ** _Kick off Match: IWGP WORLD Heavyweight Championship №1 Contender’s New Japan Rambo ✘Great-O-Khan vs Hirooki Goto 〇 34m35s / Over the Top Rope_** ** _＊Hiroki Goto wins the right to challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title. 1st Match 60 Minutes Limit: IWGP Junior Tag Team 4 Way Tokyo Terror Ladder Match <76th Champion Team>KUSHIDA＆Kevin Knight vs Robbie Eagles＆〇Kosei Fujita <Challenger Team / Winners of Super Jr.Tag League 2024>vs TJP＆Francesco Akira<Challenger Team>vsClark Connors＆Drilla Moloney<Challenger Team> 13m05s / Fujita takes the belt_** ** _＊Robbie Eagles＆Kosei Fujita is new Champion._** **_2nd Match 60 Minutes Limit: IWGP Women’s Championship Match <3rd Champion>〇Mayu Iwatani vs AZM✘<Challenger> 8m24s / Double Dragon Suplex Hold_** ** _＊Iwatani retains 9th defense._** **_3rd Match 15 Minutes Limit: NJPW WORLD TV Championship 3WAY Match <Challenger>〇El Phantasmo vs Ren Narita✘<6th Champion>vs Ryohei Oiwa<Challenger> vs Jeff Cobb<Challenger> 10m04s / Thunder Kiss’86_** ** _4th Match 30 Minutes Limit : Hiroshi Tanahashi Final Road Lumberjack Deathmatch 〇Hiroshi Tanahashi vs EVIL✘ 15m07s / Neck Lock_** ** _5th Match 60 Minutes Limit :NEVER Openweight ＆AEW International Double Championship Match <46th Champion>✘Shingo Takagi vs KONOSUKE TAKESHITA〇<AEW International Double Champion> 12m42s /Raging Fire_** ** _＊TAKESHITA is NEVER Openweight Champion_** ** _6th Match 60 Minutes Limit : IWGP Junior Heavy weight Championship Match <97th Champion>✘DOUKI vs El Desperado〇<Challenger> 5m23s / Referee Stop_** ** _＊Desperado is IWGP Junior Heavy weight Champion._** **_7th Match 60 Minutes Limit : IWGP GLOBAL Heavyweight Championship Match <Challenger>〇Yota Tsuji vs David Finlay✘<3rd Champion> 19m39s / Gene Blaster_** ** _＊Tsuji is IWGP GLOBAL Heavyweight Champion._** **_8th Match 60 Minutes Limit : Special Single Match Tetsuya Naito vs Hiromu Takahashi 17m08s /Destino_** ** _9th Match 60 Minutes Limit: IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Match <Challenger>✘Shota Umino vs Zack Sabre Jr.〇<11th Champion> 43m44s / Zack Driver（you’ve been tangoed special）_** * * * 【JR Tokai Presents WRESTLE KINGDOM 19 in Tokyo Dome】(1/4)Results! was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_Hiroshi Tanahashi’s last US match_ Friday April 11 will see NJPW return to Chicago and the Wintrust Arena for Windy City Riot! After an electric 2024 event saw Jon Moxley lift the AEW World Championship and much more besides, 2025 will see all the stops pulled out once more for the electric Chicago faithful. Hiroshi Tanahashi will wrestle his final match in the USA on the card. The Ace’s incredible global legacy extends to many memorable bouts in the US as well, but this night will see him step in the ring for the final time ever on AMerican sopil. What will Tanahashi’s last American match be? Tickets for this unmissable occasion go on special venue presale on THURSDAY January 16, with public on sale taking place FRIDAY January 17. Tickets moved fast for last year’s event- don’t miss out! Windy City Riot TICKETS * * * Windy City Riot hits Wintrust Arena April 11! was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_Sabre meets the press_ Zack Sabre Jr. spoke to media on January 7 to discuss his championship defences on back to back nights in the Tokyo Dome on January 4 and 5 and his defence schedule for the year to come, starting with Hirooki Goto on February 11 in Osaka. Sabre admitted that he hadn’t had time to reflect on a busy weekend, but that he had ‘had the best career year and the best few months of any wrestler in the world.’ In regards to his next defence in five weeks, Sabre said that he’d ‘set a precedent as a defending champion,’ by defending the championship the same week he had won the belts as well as going back to back int he Tokyo Dome. With an eye to the year ahead, he said that ‘this weekend proved that we have a lot of global partners and I’m eager to take the title there,’ including Forbidden Door in the summer, but that ‘the top title in New Japan should be prioritized in Japan’ With an eye to Hirooki Goto in Osaka, Sabre remarked that he was ‘intrigued and eager’ to face the veteran, having had Dome defences against a younger wrestler in Umino and contemporary in Ricochet over the weekend. The champion remarked that it would be ‘a neat hattrick’ to face Goto as well, acknowledging that ‘this might be the last time he has a chance to challenge for the title and he’ll be at his most motivated.’ Asked about whether a pro-Goto crowd in Osaka would affect him, ZSJ said that he would be ‘surprised if Osaka wasn’t behind Goto with his story’. Sabre continued that ‘although I’ve been so heartened by fan support through my G1 and title win, I’ve been a rudo most of my career,’ suggesting a more aggressive style in his fifth defence than any of his others to date. * * * Zack addresses Dome achievements, Goto challenge was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_“Connection” and “Kinship” central themes_ After announcing his retirement for January 4 2026, Hiroshi Tanahashi had to put his career on the line one year early at Wrestle Kingdom 19. With that match behind him, and after a surprise encounter with Katsuyori Shibata at Wrestle Dynasty, Tanahashi now embarks on the Road to New Beginning. From the coming year, Tanahashi’s Final Road matches will be marked by one of two themes- “Kinship” and “Connection”. Final Road Kinship matches will see Tanahashi face off against those he has shared bonds with in the squared circle in singles bouts, with the first being on February 11 against Togi Makabe. On January 19 at Blue Justice XV in Chiba, he teams with NEVER 6 Man Championship partners Boltin Oleg and Toru Yano as well as long time partner and rival Yuji Nagata. With the Blue Justice hero of Chiba Nagata at their side, the four will face Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Yujiro Takahashi, Ren Narita and SHO of HOUSE OF TORTURE in a preview of Sendai’s title clash on January 30. On January 22, Tanahashi wrestles the first of his “Connection” matches. These singles bouts with younger members of the roster will see the future tested, and the legacy of Tanahashi carried forward. The first of these will be against Shoma Kato, while on January 23, he will face Katsuya Murashima, both in Korakuen Hall. Away from the Tanahashi road, January 23 will see YOSHI-HASHI face Ryohei Oiwa! In fallout from New Year dash, what will happen when the brash young TMDK member faces a CHAOS senior? More “Connection” action will happen for Tanahashi on February 3 in Korakuen. Speaking of ‘brash’, Tanahashi takes on Daiki Nagai. Nagai has the biggest attitude of all the current Young Lion class, but does he have enough to best the boss? That will be followed on February 4 with tag team action. A preview of Tanahashi’s “Kinship” match with Togi Makabe in Osaka the following week, the Ace will team with Katsuya Murashima to face Shoma Kato and Togi Makabe. There’s plenty more to be announced for the Road to New Beginning, stay tuned! * * * Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Final Road on Road to New Beginning was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_Goto goes for gold in EDION Arena card already stacked for February 11_ The first matches have been announced for New Beginning in Osaka on February 11. Four title matches are already official, as are four special singles matchups that keep the fire burning from an incredible Tokyo Dome weekend. Hirooki Goto will challenge Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in Osaka. Nine years to the day removed from his last challenge, to then IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada in the very same building, Goto will be looking to erase that emotional and painful defeat. He will also be looking to claim the richest prize in professional wrestling for the very first time in his career. Starting at Destruction in 2007, Goto has challenged for the title nine times, never having gotten gold; an ignominious record. Despite surviving a hard fought New Japan Ranbo at Wrestle Kingdom 19 to earn this position, there is little doubt that he will be the underdog in this matchup. Still, he isn’t somebody that Zack Sabre Jr. can take lightly. ZSJ has been victorious in his last five encounters with the Fierce Warrior, but Goto has beaten Sabre in the past and has more than a puncher’s chance with the best wrestler int he world today. Yota Tsuji puts the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship on the line against Gabe Kidd. Two men driven by desire to make NJPW recognised as the world’s absolute best, their combined love and pride for New Japan was on full display at Wrestle Kingdom and Wrestle Dynasty. For Tsuji that passion brought him to a pair of wins and the white and gold he possesses now, while for Kidd, a superstar was born albeit in defeat. New Year Dash saw both men battle in a heated tag team contest, one that ended with Tsuji holding up the belt for Kidd. As both have different ideals and means in mind for a common goal, whoever holds the gold holds the power- who will that be? The IWGP Tag Team Championships are on the line when Tetsuya Naito and Hiromu Takahashi face the Young Bucks, Nicholas and Matthew Jackson. AEW EVPs the Bucks were victorious in a tumultuous three way tag team match at Wrestle Dynasty to become the 106th champions, and to win the title for a second time. Still ‘working from home’ since their last appearance on AEW television, the Jacksons stated that they would be happy to put their belts on the line back in Japan, and that they always enjoyed wrestling in Osaka. After a win over Funky Sauce in Ota at new Year Dash, Hiromu and Naito, not pinned in the Tokyo Dome, asked to be the Bucks’ opposition. What happens when the World Tag League 2024 winners get their two on two shot? New IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Champions the Ichiban Sweet Boys will make their first defence agasinst Roppongi ReVice. YOH and Rocky Romero were absent from Tokyo Dome cards but made their presence felt backstage, and a contract for this title match was quickly sealed with kisses all around. There’ll be no love lost when the bell sounds; will Rocky and YOH win two sets of tag titles in a one month span? Taichi takes on SANADA one on one. Last time NJPW was in EDION Arena Osaka, Taichi was a hair away from capturing the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship from David Finlay. Then SANADA would ensure the three count wasn’t rendered before revealing himself as the newest member of the BULLET CLUB War Dogs. For two months, tensions simmered as both men were separated, but when they found themselves in the same ring during the New Japan Ranbo at WK19, everything was let loose. Still, as SANADA found himself on the back foot, a phony ‘low blow’ got Taichi disqualified. That meant tempers flaring even more at new Year Dash!!, and now these issues must be settled. Will Taichi’s hot head be able to overcome SANADA’s cold blood? Shota Umino will go head to head with Great-O-Khan. Umino suffered defeat at the hands of Zack Sabre Jr. on January 4, but still continued from a demanding epic to defeat Claudio Castagnoli. Umino continues to be driven to get his hands on Jon Moxley, but also to show his young fans, who created hand made belts for Shota to carry, the Roughneck with the real deal. Yet at New Year Dash, Great-O-Khan got his hands on Umino’s mini replicas and tore them to shreds. Now O-Khan has their sights on stopping Umino’s post Tokyo Dome resurgence. Shingo Takagi will face Drilla Moloney. While Drilla and his partner Clark Connors are no longer with the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag team Championships, Moloney has been eager to set his sights on new opposition, and a tag team clash with LIJ in Ota saw opportunity knock in the form of Shingo Takagi. Shingo is eager to regain the NEVER Openweight gold he lost in the Dome, and will start with this openweight singles clash. Yet regardless of weight class, Moloney is one of the most dangerous players int he game, and after a pinfall victory over Tetsuya Naito was the biggest feather in his 2024 cap, will he slay the Dragon to mark his 2025? Also official is Hiroshi Tanahashi, continuing his Final Road to retirement January 4 2026, facing Togi Makabe. Backstage at New Year dash, Makabe said that there was one thing not yet announced in Tanahashi’s retirement plans, and the Ace agreed. It’s a rematch of Hiroshi Tanahashi’s debut bout in Osaka! * * * Eight matches made for New Beginning in Osaka was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_Card set for first US event of 2025_ After the Tokyo Dome saw the biggest weekend in pro-wrestling on January 4 and 5, NJPW now starts its 2025 US campaign with Battle in the Valley. The San Jose Civic will see a loaded card packed with five title matches and NJPW’s top stars all with their sights set on a new beginning! San Jose Civic January 11 TICKETS Watch live in English for all NJPW World subscribers! Also available as PPV on Triller! Here’s the card so far! (match order, final card TBA) #### IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship- El Desperado vs Taiji Ishimori _Singles record: 3–2 Desperado_ The first IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship defence on American soil in nearly six years will see new champion El Desperado seek the first defence of his fifth reign. His opponent, Taiji Ishimori was the champion on a fateful night in March 2019 in Madison Square Garden, and wound up losing the gold. After a victory in Wrestle Dynasty’s Lucha Gauntlet Match, Ishimori asserted his claim and now will battle Desperado in their sixth singles encounter. Back in June of 2024, the two men headlined Dominion in the biggest Best of the Super Jr. final of the modern era, and an explosive battle saw Desperado victorious. Now, after Desperado regained his junior title from DOUKI at Wrestle Kingdom, and Ishimori snuck in his victory January 5, champion and challenger will fight for pride, the prestigious title, and to show the world that the era of the once much lauded ‘big three’ in junior heavyweight wrestling is still not done. #### NEVER Openweight Championship: Konouske Takeshita vs KUSHIDA The biggest weekend in professional wrestling in the Tokyo Dome was no more demanding than on Konosuke Takeshita. Insistent on showing the world that Japanese pro-wrestling was best in the world, Takeshita overcame first Shingo Takagi and then Tomohiro Ishii to leave with both the NEVER Openweight and AEW International Championships. Backstage, Takeshita was confronted by Boltin Oleg, the Kazakh having beaten Takeshita during the G1 and wanting a chance at the Alpha. Takeshita would say he’d soon be back in Japan to take a fight with Boltin, but in the meantime, he’ll deal with KUSHIDA. Defeat in Wrestle Kingdom 19’s Tokyo Terror Ladder Match has put KUSHIDA a rung off on the ladder to success, but the Timesplitter will seek to recover in his first NEVER challenge since 2014. #### NJPW World TV Championship- El Phantasmo vs Jeff Cobb One of the high points of an emotional weekend in the Tokyo Dome came when El Phantasmo won the NJPW World TV Championship in a sensational four-way bout. Returning from a bout with cancer, ELP had not missed a step, but had missed Jeff Cobb on the way to victory. While it was a Thunder Kiss 86 on Ren Narita that sealed the deal in the Tokyo Dome, Cobb was well on the way to the win himself. Now, with no three- or four-way distractions, Cobb and Phantasmo will go head-to-head for the TV gold. #### NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship- Gabe Kidd vs Tomohiro Ishii What started as a partisan NJPW versus AEW fight between Kenny Omega and Gabe Kidd in the Tokyo Dome at Wrestle Dynasty became a unifying force as both Kidd and Omega were united under the thrall of combat. Kidd undoubtedly earned the respect of Omega and the world, but as he continued to utter that ‘NJPW is number one’, he still has to prove that standpoint in the ring. Tonight, he faces Tomohiro Ishii in a fight that will be every bit as spirited as both Kidd and Omega, and Ishii’s memorable battle with Konosuke Takeshita over AEW International and NEVER Openweight Championships. #### STRONG Openweight Tag Team Championships- West Coast Wrecking Crew (Royce Isaacs & Jorel Nelson) vs Roppongi ReVice (Rocky Romero & YOH) Roppongi ReVice may have been absent from the Tokyo Dome cards, but were certainly active behind the scenes at Wrestle Kingdom and Wrestle Dynasty. That action included Rocky Romero and YOH challenging new champions Robbie Eagles and Kosei Fujita for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships at New Beginning in Osaka, and that in addition to gunning for NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag gold tonight. The West Coast Wrecking Crew completed a very long journey to get to the top of the STRONG tag heap, and tonight have to protect that spot against a hungry CHAOS side. #### Sumie Sakai Retirement Match- Sumie Sakai, EVIL & SHO vs Hiromu Takahashi, Mayu Iwatani & Yuka Sakazaki The teams are now set for Sumie Sakai’s last ever match in San Jose. With Sakai being such a loved and respected figure in pro-wrestling, Hiromu Takahashi took the task of finding partners for this mixed 6-person tag very seriously. Needing to find two women, he found two of the best in STARDOM’s Icon Mayu Iwatani, and the ever colorful Yuka Sakazaki. Yet after a backstage attack on Hiromu Takahashi, Sumie’s partners were revealed as EVIL and SHO of HOUSE OF TORTURE! Sumie’s last match has seen her try to bring SHO and EVIL back around to the kinds of people who she aided in their respective US excursions; will they see the light before her career comes to an end? #### Zack Sabre Jr. vs Hechicero _Singles record: 2–1 Sabre_ Zack Sabre Jr. will face Hechicero in a special singles match in San Jose. In 2024, the llave alchemist Hechicero reunited in ring with ZSJ after six years apart, and the result was a win for the maestro on home turf in Mexico. Then Sabre would get a victory back on his own home ground in London later in the summer. That has led to the need for a rubber match on the neutral territory of the San Jose Civic, as all eyes will be on perhaps the two finest technicians in the world. #### Fred Rosser & Matt Vandagriff vs TMDK (Shane Haste & Bad Dude Tito) More tag team action will see a TMDK side fielded by Shane Haste and Bad Dude Tito to take on Fred Rosser and Matt Vandagriff. STRONG Survivor for well over a year, Vandagriff lost that spot in the kickoff to Strong Style Evolved against Zane Jay. Later that night, Tom Lawlor took a Tequila Screwdriver from Bad Dude Tito that left he and Rosser eager for revenge against TMDK. Yet with Lawlor indisposed, Vandagriff saw an opportunity to move up the card. Will the brash and arguably disrespectful Vandagriff be able to gel with the Academy coach? #### STRONG Survivor- Zane Jay vs Viento The first kickoff match of the night will see Zane Jay defend his STRONG Survivor spot for the first time against Viento. Jay’s firm fundamentals drilled in the NJPW Academy saw him to be the first to put away Matt Vandagriff in over a year to take the STRONG Survivor label at Strong Style Evolved. Now he faces the exciting luchador Viento in his return to NJPW for the first time since Fantasticamania USA. The STRONG will survive, but who will it be? Fans can also expect to see AZM, Mina Shirakawa, Maika and HANAKO in action representing STARDOM- keep your eyes out for announcements on this loaded San Jose card! * * * More big matches official for Battle in the Valley was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_Takeshita signs with NJPW, becomes triple contracted_ As he mentioned in backstage comments January 5 at Wrestle Dynasty, Konosuke Takeshita has joined the NJPW roster in addition to AEW and DDT Pro-Wrestling. NJPW joins fans in looking forward to Takeshita’s future activities. * * * Konosuke Takeshita to represent AEW, DDT, NJPW was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

_Main Event Sets the Stage for Goto vs. ZSJ and Oiwa’s Grudge with YOSHI-HASHI_ The main event of New Year Dash!! in Ota City, held one day after Wrestle Dynasty, featured CHAOS taking on TMDK in an electric showdown. **Watch the replay!** Kosei Fujita and YOH opened the match, with both competitors evenly matched in style and speed, showing mutual respect in the ring. After an initial exchange, Rocky Romero squared off against the other half of the newly crowned IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, Robbie Eagles. However, Azucar didn’t take his opponent too seriously, injecting his signature flair into the contest. The action escalated when Zack Sabre Jr. entered the fray to face not just one but two members of Bishamon. Soon after, the entirety of CHAOS became involved. A quick tag brought YOSHI-HASHI and Ryohei Oiwa into the ring, and tensions flared. YOSHI-HASHI’s fierce chops didn’t sit well with Oiwa, whose frustration boiled over. With the help of his TMDK teammates, Oiwa sought revenge. YOSHI-HASHI’s troubles continued as he found himself isolated and on the receiving end of punishment from the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions. Despite being cornered, YOSHI-HASHI managed to rally and tag in Hirooki Goto. Energized by his upcoming title opportunity, Goto went head-to-head with Zack Sabre Jr. The two evenly matched, exchanged strikes until both collapsed to the mat, exhausted. The TMDK tag champs returned to the ring next, facing YOH. Although YOH initially seemed to be on the losing end, he turned the tide with the support of his CHAOS teammates. After a perfectly timed assist from his tag partner Rocky Romero, who delivered the 3K, YOH capitalized on a missed kick by Robbie Eagles and locked in a ground Cobra for the victory. After the match, Ryohei Oiwa, restrained by the Young Lions, made things personal with YOSHI-HASHI, continuing their battle out of the arena. Meanwhile, Hirooki Goto officially announced his challenge to Zack Sabre Jr. for New Beginning in Osaka. * * * New Year Dash!! Sparks Rivalries for 2025 was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

**_NEW YEAR DASH!! hits Ota-City General Gymnasium!_** **_There will be event day tickets available at 4:30PM with limited seats remaining._** **_Join the action in person or watch all the matches LIVE in English on njpwworld!_** **_☆NEW YEAR DASH!!☆ Ota-City General Gymnasium Mon.Jan.6.2025 17:00 Door 18:30 Bell _**** _NJPWWORLD_** * * * Join the action! 【NEW YEAR DASH!!】at Ota-City General Gymnasium on 6th January! was originally published in NJPW Global on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.