Just after WWE WrestleMania 42 concluded in Las Vegas, Nevada, Toru Yano of NJPW and Super Sasadango Machine of DDT announced a future NJPW vs. DDT event.
“In a joint press conference on April 20, Yano and Sasadango announced an NJPW (Team Yano) vs. DDT (Team Sasadango) five vs. five gauntlet match for June 8, 2026. June 8 DDT vs NJPW Team Yano vs Team Sasadango 5 vs 5 gauntlet ‘in the interests of sportsmanship’ in a Wrestle Universe and NJPW World PPV simulcast!“
However, the meaning of the five vs. five gauntlet was later clarified. It has to be noted that it does not mean a five-on-five Gauntlet match will take place at the event.
“Five vs five doesn’t necessarily mean five members on each team, nor that the card will consist of singles matches, but may include tags as well. There will be at least five matches,” the tweet from NJPW read.
The event will be available to stream on NJPW World and Wrestle Universe. Last year, in 2025, the two men produced NJPW Vs. DDT Toru Yano vs. Super Sasadango Machine on June 9, 2025. The main event of the card featured Super Sasadango Machine against Toru Yano.
“Our last match was something that transcended the result. I have huge respect for Toru Yano and for NJPW. This will be an event all about sportmanship and that’s the spirit I hope to bring,” Sasadango said.
“Last year was about DDT and NJPW’s history and relationship into one focal point, but there’s a lot more to be seen, and a lot more to Toru Yano than just one side as well. There’s more to show, and as Sasadango has said this is about sportmanship, I absolutely embody that spirit,” Yano added.
Sasadango suggests that five vs five doesn't necessarily mean five members on each team, nor that the card will consist of singles matches, but may include tags as well. There will be at least five matches.
SSM: I truly believe in our trust and sportsmanship, and that there…
Kazusada Higuchi, one of the best wrestlers on the DDT roster, has been forced to cut his in-ring career short.
DDT Pro Wrestling announced today that the 37-year-old Higuchi is retiring from the ring after a medical check-up found an issue with his neck. A retirement ceremony will be held at DDT’s event at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo on April 5, but Higuchi will not be able to have one final match due to the condition his neck is in.
The announcement from DDT said:
During a regular health check-up conducted by the promotion, a subluxation of the first and second cervical vertebrae was detected, and a doctor determined that ‘continuing to participate in contact sports would be dangerous.’ In light of this, Higuchi, his doctor, and the promotion carefully reviewed and discussed the possibility of him continuing his career, but unfortunately, we have reached the conclusion that he must retire.
Higuchi spoke at a press conference and said that, while he isn’t experiencing any noticeable symptoms, his neck has “reached its limit.” He is disappointed that he cannot wrestle anymore but is grateful that this issue was detected early and he can leave the ring on his own two feet.
“While I can no longer compete in the ring, I believe life goes on, so I intend to take a new step forward and continue to do my best,” he said. “Thank you all so much for the past 12 years.”
A cervical disc herniation previously caused Higuchi to miss several months in 2024-2025. He returned from that injury in March of last year. In 2025, he won the King of DDT tournament and had a reign as KO-D Openweight Champion.
Before starting his career as a pro wrestler in 2014, Higuchi competed in sumo wrestling.
Konosuke Takeshita is returning to DDT Pro Wrestling next month for the first time since winning the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
DDT has announced that Takeshita will make “special appearances” at its events in Japan on November 6, 8, and 9. Whether Takeshita will still be IWGP Champion then is in question, though, with him set to make his first title defense against Hirooki Goto at an NJPW show on November 2.
Takeshita has contracts with all three of AEW, NJPW, and DDT. Before he came to the United States for AEW, DDT was his home promotion.
Earlier this week, Takeshita defeated Zack Sabre Jr. at NJPW King of Pro Wrestling to become the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. It’s the first time that Takeshita has held NJPW’s top prize. He earned the title shot by winning the 2025 G1 Climax tournament.
Speaking at a press conference after his title win, the new champion said that — despite his AEW duties — he’ll be able to be in Japan for any NJPW tour that calls for it. Takeshita said he wants to represent NJPW worldwide as champion.
Takeshita & Kazuchika Okada are set to challenge Bandido & Brody King for the AEW Tag Team titles at WrestleDream in St. Louis this weekend. In AEW, Takeshita’s current storyline is teasing a split away from the Don Callis Family and an eventual feud with Okada.
Here are the locations for the three DDT events Takeshita will be appearing at:
Thursday, November 6 at Shinjuku FACE in Tokyo
Saturday, November 8 at Fukuoka Event Hall in Fukuoka
Sunday, November 9 at Kumamoto Castle Hall Civic Hall in Kumamoto
*The most detailed look at the UFC deal with Paramount, and all the doors that had to be opened to put it together, UFC getting out of PPV, how TKO boxing fights, trying to make this work economically, the loss to ESPN and the loss of ESPN exposure for UFC, analysts, stock market reaction and how much Vince McMahon and Dwayne Johnson made on this deal. *A look at the next AEW, NXT and WWE major shows between now and the end of the month. The lineups, the business, the stories and more. *Full G-1 Climax reports, the booking, the best matches, the worst matches and more *The most detailed look at the strange case involving Karrion Kross *Amateur wrestling Hall of Famer Greg Wojciechowski, who later was a world champion with Dick the Bruiser’s Indiana promotion, the grandstand challenge to Hulk Hogan, the boycotted Olympics and more. *The most detailed look at the ratings for all the wrestling television shows this past week as well as UFC, competition, placings and more. *A look at CMLL and the popularity of wrestling in Mexico City and Guadalajara. *Arena Mexico coverage for this week. *TripleMania notes *Five Star Grand Prix notes *Notes on two different Hulk Hogan documentaries *What the documentaries didn’t cover *Robbie Ellis, the art dealer turned independent wrestler *Longest match in history *More career highlights of Gerry Morrow *The most detailed look at TNA, its agreement with WWE, why WWE may want outside ownership of the company and another attempt to break its attendance record *New AEW signings *Lots of injury updates *Taz talks about Bret Hart’s view of wrestling *WWE library *Latest WWE cut *New movies WWE talent is in *Leading YouTube numbers
We’re thrilled with the performance of WWE programming as a whole. From the start in January to now, it’s just been everything we could hope for and more, and a really great partnership.
Spitzer noted that viewers who watch Raw are watching a wide variety of other Netflix programming:
It’s bringing in kids, men, women, everyone. So it’s not like they’re just watching WWE and turning and watching standup comedy. It’s everything from a ‘Bridgerton’ to ‘Squid Game’ to standup. It’s pretty family-friendly overall.
Eddie Guerrero is probably my top one that I always watch, and just his mannerisms and the way he wrestled, and even in his entrance. It’s like he’s not doing much, but he is with his face. And so him for sure. CM Punk, he was one of my favorite heels growing up. AJ Lee, Alexa Bliss’ Goddess era, so many but I think those are like my top inspos.
I have high hopes that with Naomi and Gigantic Jim (the nicest Bloodline member despite being so misguided) as his parents, the child will turn out to be a decent human being UNLIKE HIS UNCLES AND THE CHILDREN OF HIS VARIOUS FAMILY MEMBERS’ FORMER TAG TEAM PARTNERS!!!
Tony Khan is the best boss I’ve had in my whole life. I love working with him. I love working for him. It has been so positive just to be around him. He brings such an energy that I’ve never experienced from a boss before. I don’t know, he makes you so happy even before you go out to the ring. He is just so energetic and passionate about wrestling. I love wrestling, and he does. So, it’s the best working with someone who loves it just as much as you do.
TV Insider asked Mone about her relationship with boyfriend The Beast Mortos:
First of all, that mask he has is really, really hot. Two, he is a lawyer so I can sue you at any time I want. Three, it’s awesome to have someone that understands what you do. Wrestling is extremely, extremely hard, and nobody gets it but wrestlers. Just to have someone who loves it and understands it as much as I do, it’s the best feeling to have a partner like that.
Mone named British wrestler Kanji as an under-the-radar talent who people should be watching:
Yes! From Rev Pro, I’m obsessed and love Kanji. I think she is so talented and brings something to the ring I haven’t really seen women do. She definitely reminds me of a female Zack Sabre Jr. in that she is so technical. She has such a drive and passion for this. If I could choose someone to sign here [in AEW], she would be my number one pick.
Nothing against anyone doing the powerslap deal props to you but they hit me up and asked me if I wanted to do it, & I said f*ck no.
Was the money good yes, was the money good enough to give someone a free shot at jaw, The Embarrassment & CTE deluxe? F*ck no, I’ll take the $50 to launch myself off a ladder through the thumbtack table any day of the week..
While teasing a new tequila partnership that he’s going to be involved with, Adam Scherr (Braun Strowman) gave an update on his wrestling status and what’s next for him:
It’s been an absolute amazing ride – not saying that I’m not going to get back in the ring and whip somebody’s ass, because we all know I can. But it’s an opportunity for me to try some new stuff, and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to rekindling relationships with family and friends that I’ve missed out on and things that, you know, you just don’t get to do while you’re on the road because it’s so busy.
Konosuke Takeshita is now affiliated with three different promotions.
After retaining the NEVER Openweight title and AEW International titles at Wrestle Dynasty, Takeshita announced in a backstage interview that in addition to being affiliated with DDT and AEW, he is now affiliated with NJPW, who posted the comments on social media.
Takeshita has had a successful weekend. He won the NEVER title at Wrestle Kingdom 19, defeating Shingo Takagi. The following day, he defeated Tomohiro Ishii in a strong back-and-forth contest to retain both of his titles.
Since breaking into pro wrestling in 2012, Takeshita has been affiliated with DDT, where he has held the KO-D Openweight title on five different occasions. In 2021, he began making appearances for AEW, eventually signing with them in November of 2022 while remaining with DDT. The last year has seen him win gold as a member of the Don Callis family, defeating Will Ospreay and Ricochet in a three-way at WrestleDream last October to win the International title.
Kota Ibushi’s in-ring return with DDT has been announced.
Ibushi appeared at Peter Pan 2024 last month and told company founder Sanshiro Takagi that he wants to return to a DDT ring.
On Wednesday, DDT officially revealed Ibushi will wrestle on its August 25 show at Korakuen Hall. He will team with Akito and Danshoku Dino in a tag match against Yuki Iino, Yuya Koroku, and Tetsuya Endo.
In a social media post responding to the match announcement, Ibushi noted that he has received permission from AEW to perform on the show.
“Ahhhh!! It’s been 8 years, I think. It feels both nostalgic and new. Akito-kun, Dino-san. I only have memories of you two. And I never thought I would cross paths with Endo, who I entrusted things to. I’ve also gotten permission from AEW, so everything is set. Oh, and to the younger members, please go easy on me… I think I’ll go at full power. Did I hold the mic at that time, or was it a coincidence? Inevitable?” A translation of Ibushi’s comments read.
Ibushi’s last match for DDT took place on March 20, 2017, in Saitama. He teamed with Daisuke Sekimoto and Jun Akiyama in a win over Kodaka, Keiji Muto, and Sanshiro Takagi on the show.
Announced lineup for DDT at Korakuen Hall on August 25, 2024 —
Kota Ibushi, Akito, & Danshoku Dino vs. Yuki Iino, Yuya Koroku, & Tetsuya Endo
KO-D Openweight Champion Yuki Ueno defends against Shinya Aoki
Soma Takao 15th Anniversary match: Soma Takao vs Keisuke Ishii
After his involvement in a stabbing, 2 Cold Scorpio is no longer scheduled to wrestle in Japan this August.
DDT Pro Wrestling announced that Scorpio is postponing his visit to Japan, where he was supposed to compete at DDT & Game Changer Wrestling’s event on August 12 and for GCW on August 13-14. The postponement is due to Scorpio’s trouble that occurred in America. DDT apologized to anyone who was looking forward to his match.
As was first reported by TMZ Sports this week, Scorpio (Charles Scaggs) was arrested on June 15 for stabbing a man during an incident that happened while Scorpio was working as a security guard at a gas station. Scorpio claims the stabbing was self-defense after the man threatened him and tried to grapple with him, while the man says Scorpio was the aggressor. The man was taken to the hospital and suffered cuts to his head, chest, buttocks, legs, and abdomen. TMZ Sports reports that the man “required dozens of staples and stitches throughout his body.”
The 58-year-old Scorpio is facing one charge of first-degree assault and one charge of armed criminal action. Both are felony charges. Scorpio bonded out of jail after the arrest and has a hearing set for July.
Scorpio previously competed in Japan for Pro Wrestling NOAH, AJPW, and NJPW. He’s best known for his runs in ECW, WWF, and WCW.
A new All Together event has been announced for May.
United Japan Pro Wrestling, an alliance of Japanese promotions featuring NJPW, announced early Tuesday in a press conference that an All Together event will be held on May 6 at Nippon Budokan. NJPW, Pro Wrestling NOAH, DDT, Dragon Gate, Big Japan Pro Wrestling, and Stardom will be participating.
All Together will be broadcast on Abema pay-per-view, with international details and English purchase information to follow.
The following matches have been announced:
Shota Umino (NJPW), Kaito Kiyomiya (NOAH) and Yuki Ueno (DDT) vs. Yuya Uemura (NJPW), Konosuke Takeshita (AEW/DDT) and Shun Skywalker (Dragon Gate)
Tomohiro Ishii (NJPW) and Daisuke Sekimoto (BJPW) vs. Jeff Cobb (NJPW) and Masa Kitamiya (NOAH)
Hiroshi Tanahashi (NJPW), Sanshiro Takagi (DDT), and Naomichi Marufuji (NOAH) vs. EVIL, Ren Narita, and Yujiro Takahashi (NJPW)
The full title of the event is All Together: United Japan Pro-Wrestling Inauguration & Noto Earthquake Benefit Event. A portion of the proceeds will go to those recovering in the Noto region of Japan from an earthquake that struck on January 1.
A second event will take place on June 15 in Sapporo that will focus on promotions unable to participate in the May event.
Nine promotions in Japan have formed a new industry group, United Japan Pro Wrestling.
The purpose of the organization will be to “further the presence of pro-wrestling and its cultural merit in Japanese society at large, allow professional wrestling to contribute further to cultural and sporting sectors, and work toward continued health and prosperity of the industry,” according to a press release.
United Japan Pro Wrestling member companies:
New Japan Pro-Wrestling (New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co. Ltd.)
All Japan Pro-Wrestling (All Japan Pro-Wrestling Co. Ltd.)
Pro-Wrestling NOAH (Cyber Fight Co. Ltd.)
DDT Pro-Wrestling (Cyber Fight Co. Ltd.)
Ganbare ☆ Pro-Wrestling (Cyber Fight Co. Ltd.)
Big Japan Pro-Wrestling （Yotsuba Industries Ltd.)
DRAGONGATE (DRAGONGATE Co. Ltd.)
STARDOM (BushiRoad Fight Co. Ltd.)
Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling (Cyber Fight Co. Ltd.)
A joint event featuring all nine promotions will be held on May 6, 2024, at the Nippon Budokan. The show will be held under the United Japan Pro Wrestling banner.
📣 OFFICIAL – 9 major pro wrestling organisations will establish the ‘United Japan Pro Wrestling’ group:
New Japan Pro-Wrestling today announces that it is one of nine organizations that will constitute United Japan Pro-Wrestling, a new industry group representing professional wrestling in Japan.
Without an industry wide group for professional wrestling in Japan, the unprecedented crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic made it all the more clear that there was a need to consolidate and express accurate information and best operating practices between promotions, as well as to communicate effectively with national and municipal governments. In a bid to better anticipate and adapt to societal changes in the future, nine Japanese promotions at the forefront of pro-wrestling in the country will be be part of a collective industry group (henceforth ‘the Group’).
The members of the Group will maintain their individual business identities and competition in the marketplace, but the Group will provide a space to discuss issues that concern the industry at large, and to exchange information with an interest in maintaining its growth. The formation of the Group will be marked by an event on May 6 2024 in Nippon Budokan under the banner of United Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Mission statement
To further the presence of pro-wrestling and its cultural merit in Japanese society at large, allow professional wrestling to contribute further to cultural and sporting sectors, and work toward continued health and prosperity of the industry.
Background
The COVID-19 pandemic made it apparent that there was a lack of communication and unified approach to event guidelines, and no common point of contact between the industry and national and municipal governments. There was also a desire to discuss issues surrounding wrestler health and safety (including in their online presence), to create a pipeline to other sporting organizations and to further the image of professional wrestling through issues of corporate social responsibility. There was a shared desire between members of the Group to continue existing competition within the marketplace while also sharing relevant information and know-how on these and other socio-economic issues.
Core tenets
Unity and integrity. The Group will be the representative spokesgroup for all of professional wrestling in Japan.
Representation. The Group will be the public facing symbol for the collective whole of professional wrestling in Japan.
Continuity. The Group will have a continuous presence and activity in the future.
As a result, the existence of the Group will be made known worldwide, and its members will be actively engaged in actions of merit.
Activities
Governmental communication and requests
Strengthening connections to other industries and sectors
Sharing resources and practices
Including those related to wrestler health and safety, such as the provision of financial support for wrestlers while injured, and to offer compliance training. Group members will also consolidate event data for historical archive purposes.
Monetization Any proceeds from the monetized use of iconography shall be split among the Group members. Joint events and festivals will be held.
Founding chair: Seiji Sakaguchi
Executive office: New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co. Ltd.
Executive chief: Naoki Sugabayashi (Chairman: New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co. Ltd.)
Chris Jericho wrestled Konosuke Takeshita on Sunday at DDT Ultimate Party 2023.
The event took place in Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan and aired on the promotion’s streaming service, Wrestle Universe.
Jericho and Takeshita was the semi-main event of the evening. They went 23 minutes and Jericho made Takeshita tap to the Liontamer for the win.
After the match, Jericho spoke to the media about having the match in DDT rather than AEW.
“I had this idea for this match with Takeshita and I didn’t want to have it just on Dynamite, just another match, I wanted it to be something special,” Jericho said.
“I wanted to have a match that was special and I wanted to have it here in Japan and I think the match was very special and I was very happy with the crowd, the fans, DDT as a company, and most importantly Takeshita as a great opponent.”
Also on the show, the DDT Iron Man Heavy Metal Championship had quite an evening. First, Hiromu Takahashi defeated Kazuki Hirata in a five-round match to retain the belt. The rules for each fall were different. Multiple rounds included dancing, another included Hirata teaming with a blow-up doll (who entered to Undertaker’s Ministry of Darkness theme music), and yet another was a “Blindfold Bra Match.”
After the match, Takahashi’s IWGP Junior title belt was draped over him as he lay on the mat. Since Takahashi’s shoulders were down at the time, the referee counted the pin. The belt was declared the new Iron Man Heavy Metal Champion, joining a long list of inanimate objects that have won the title. Hirata then grabbed the new champion/belt and pinned it, making him the new Iron Man Heavy Metal Champion.
Hiromu Takahashi and Kazuki Hirata are laying on the mat.
But the referee sees that the IWGP Junior belt was placed on top of the Ironman belt.
Sunday’s show also marked the end of Saki Akai’s in-ring career. The 36-year-old announced in May that she was retiring. She teamed with Yukio Sakaguchi and Hideki Okatani in a loss to Naomichi Marufuji, Miyu Yamashita, and Kazusada Higuchi. Yamashita pinned Akai with a spinning kick to pick up the win for her team.
After the match, Akai was given flowers, and video messages from Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe, and others aired on the screen. A video featuring WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura aired at the show but was not broadcast on Wrestle Universe.
DDT also announced they are offering Akai a position on their staff.
Other new champions were crowned on the show as well. MAO defeated Matt Cardona to win the DDT Universal Championship and Yuki Ueno defeated Chris Brookes to win the KO-D Openweight championship.
DDT Ultimate Party results:
KO-D Tag Team Champions Shota & Soma Takao defeated Antonio Honda & Masahiro Takanashi to retain their titles
Yusuke Okada & Yuya Koroku won a delayed entry tag team battle royal against KANON & MJ Paul, Kazuma Sumi & Naruki Doi, Rukiya & Yuni, and Toy Kojima & Yuki Ishida
Sukeban is the new Japanese women’s promotion that debuted in America last week using some of the best freelancers available but working in new costumes and gimmicks.
Fumi Saito and I cover Sukeban in-depth including the roster, wrestler history, the characters, the matches, the presentation, the announcers, the ring announcer and commissioner Bull Nakano. Given Fumi’s deep knowledge of the history of Japanese women’s wrestling, you will find his observations and opinions interesting.
Plus, Chris Jericho returns to Japan but this time for the DDT promotion.
Enjoy this always educational and informative look at Japanese wrestling.
Chris Jericho wants to face Konosuke Takeshita in DDT Pro-Wrestling.
Jericho appeared via video on today’s DDT show from Korakuen Hall. He challenged his rival from the Don Callis Family for Ultimate Party 2023 on November 12. It will be Jericho’s first time wrestling for the promotion.
“Takeshita! Congratulations on your big victory tonight, Takeshita. You looked good as always. Everybody says you’re one of the best pro wrestlers in the world. Well, Chris Jericho is one of the greatest of all time and Takeshita, not once but twice, you attacked me with a chair with Don Callis and I’m done! I will have revenge on you Takeshita.”
“I have worked in Japan for over 30 years and you can ask Onita, you can ask Tenryu, Oniki-san, Chono, Okada, Naito, ask them all who one of the best to ever come to Japan is. It’s Chris Jericho. So, at the Ultimate Party 2023, Ryogoku Sumo Arena, November 12, it’s Takeshita vs. Chris Jericho. I challenge you Takeshita and I’m going to teach you a lesson.”
／ 📢HUGE NEWS‼‼ ＼ We've received a video message from Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) wanting to face Takeshita! A grudge from AEW right in front of your eyes!
「Ultimate Party 2023」 📅November 12th Starts 14:00 🏢Ryogoku Sumo Hall
Jericho and Takeshita are also set to be on opposing sides of a tag match coming up at AEW WrestleDream on October 1. The Don Callis Family team of Takeshita, Will Ospreay, and Sammy Guevara will wrestle Jericho, Kenny Omega, and Kota Ibushi.
A match between Minoru Suzuki and Sanshiro Takagi will take place inside a bullet train.
DDT announced Monday evening that Suzuki and Takagi will wrestle in a Shinkansen, a Japanese high-speed bullet train. When the match takes place has not been announced. However, a press conference will be held at 4 am ET on Tuesday on their YouTube channel with further details.
“A wrestling event inside the Shinkansen, the world’s first high speed rail every Japanese person knows!,” Takagi wrote on X, the former platform known as Twitter. “Wrestling isn’t wrestling without dreams and romanticism! Watch today’s PressCon at 17:00 JST on YouTube for more information!”
Suzuki has spent most of the year wrestling for other promotions outside of New Japan Pro Wrestling, including AJPW and AEW. On this past Saturday’s Collision event, Suzuki made a surprise appearance losing to Darby Allin after Allin issued an open challenge at the start of the show. A week prior, he participated in the Royal Rampage battle royal, which Allin ended up winning.
Suzuki and Takagi previously wrestled in an empty Tokyo Dome arena match back in June of 2017, with Suzuki winning.
Takeshita wrote on Twitter after his appearance on AEW Dark tonight that he is heading back to Japan ahead of DDT’s Wrestle Peter Pan event on August 20.
“I have to go back to Japan at the DDT big show on August 20,” Takeshita wrote. “I don’t have much time left in the US. I hope to come back to here soon and I hope you all feel the same way.”
Takeshita, who regularly wrestles for DDT, arrived for an excursion back in May, wrestling both for AEW and the independent wrestling scene. In AEW, he faced off against the likes of Hangman Page, Eddie Kingston, and most recently Jon Moxley.
On the independent scene, Takeshita wrestled against names such as Speedball Mike Bailey, Josh Alexander, Davey Richards, and Jonathan Gresham.
DDT’s Wrestle Peter Pan event, their annual big show of the year, will take place August 20 at the Ota City General Gymnasium.
