Tag: january 5

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 to be two-night event

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Like last year, NJPW will run Wrestle Kingdom on two consecutive nights.

The company announced tonight that Wrestle Kingdom 15 will take place on January 4 and January 5, 2021 at the Tokyo Dome. This follows a new trend that started this year, when NJPW ran the Tokyo Dome for the first time on two consecutive nights.

A date was not announced for New Year Dash, which took place this year on January 6.

Wrestle Kingdom 14, which also had Jushin Thunder Liger’s final match, drew 40,008 on night one with Kazuchika Okada retaining the IWGP Heavyweight title over Kota Ibushi. The second night, which was headlined by Tetsuya Naito defeating Kazuchika Okada to become both the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental champion, drew 30,063.

The last major events for New Japan this year include Power Struggle, which takes place on November 7, and the combination World Tag League and Best of the Super Jr. 27 tour, which starts on November 15 and runs through December 11.

Jericho challenges Tanahashi for Wrestle Kingdom 14 night two

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Chris Jericho has resurfaced in New Japan, challenging Hiroshi Tanahashi to a match at Wrestle Kingdom 14.

Jericho challenged Tanahashi at Power Struggle tonight following a tag team match where Kota Ibushi and Tanahashi defeated Kazuchika Okada and YOSHI-HASHI. As the two were celebrating in the ring, a video aired showing someone vaguely looking like Tanahashi rocking out to his theme song. Suddenly, everyone in the video was laid out.

Jericho then emerged in the video wearing his Painmaker outfit. He challenged Tanahashi to a match on the January 5 card and warned that he’ll make this Tanahashi’s last match. Tanahashi accepted, saying he had no other plans for Wrestle Kingdom.

Nothing about All Elite Wrestling was mentioned in Jericho’s promo. He is the current AEW World Champion. Although he is an AEW contracted wrestler, his contract allows him to take dates with New Japan Pro Wrestling. He last appeared for the promotion at Dominion back in June, where he lost to Okada.

No other bouts have been confirmed for the Wrestling Kingdom 14 night two card aside from Jushin Thunder Liger having his retirement match. Okada vs. Ibushi for the IWGP Heavyweight title will take place at Wrestle Kingdom 14 night one on January 4.