Tag: new japan soul

Final wrestler qualifies for NJPW G1 Climax 35

Posted on by Ian Carey

Taichi has qualified for G1 Climax 35.

He won a Last Chance Gauntlet match against Chase Owens, Tomohiro Ishii, and Satoshi Kojima on today’s New Japan Soul show at Korakuen Hall. With the win, Taichi will replace Hirooki Goto in the tournament after Goto was withdrawn last week due to an elbow injury suffered in his match against Zack Sabre Jr. at Tanahashi Jam.

In today’s gauntlet, Owens eliminated Kojima in the first fall after a low blow and the Last Testament piledriver. Taichi was the next to enter but was ambushed by House of Torture before he could reach the ring. HOT interfered again later in the match, but the final entrant, Ishii, came out early to help fight them off. Shortly after, Taichi eliminated Owens by reversing the Last Testament into a pin.

The final fall saw Taichi and Ishii exchange near falls and each other’s signature moves before Taichi ultimately picked up the win with a Black Mephisto.

Full coverage of today’s New Japan Soul show is available here.

NJPW G1 Climax 2025 participants —

A Block:

  • Taichi
  • Oleg Boltin
  • Yuya Uemura
  • Yota Tsuji
  • David Finlay
  • EVIL
  • SANADA
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi
  • Callum Newman
  • Ryohei Oiwa

B Block:

  • El Phantasmo
  • Shota Umino
  • Shingo Takagi
  • Zack Sabre Jr.
  • Great-O-Khan
  • Gabe Kidd
  • Ren Narita
  • Konosuke Takeshita
  • Drilla Moloney
  • YOSHI-HASHI

New Japan Soul live results: Two title matches, G1 play-in gauntlet

Posted on by Corey Michaels

NJPW’s New Japan Soul tour concludes today with two title bouts, plus a G1 Climax 35 play-in gauntlet match.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion El Desperado defends his title against Kosei Fujita in the show’s main event. Desperado has won all three of their previous singles encounters.

In the semi-main, House of Torture’s SHO and DOUKI defend the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship against Master Wato and YOH in a rematch from last month’s Dominion event.

With Hirooki Goto out of this year’s G1 Climax 35 tournament due to injury as announced Friday, a spot opened up in A Block. That will be filled by the winner of today’s last chance gauntlet match featuring Taichi, Tomohiro Ishii, Satoshi Kojima, and Chase Owens. Two random participants will start the match, with the final two competitors entering after eliminations. The sole survivor will move on to participate in the G1.

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tiger Mask in a special singles match is set for today’s undercard. This will be just the second career singles meeting between the two, with Tanahashi winning their previous match, and will be the last time the two square off with Tanahashi’s retirement date set for January. This also marks the 30th anniversary of the debut of this current iteration of the Tiger Mask character.

**********

Pre-show

Zane Jay versus Tatsuya Matsumoto ended in a Time-Limit Draw

Jay leveraged his weight in a few leg holds, whereas Matsumoto cranked back on a couple of his own. Double-wrist lock and an armbar by Jay gave the American an edge. against the ropes, Matsumoto endured forearms until he absorbed enough to fire back. Since his arm was weakened, Matsumoto pulled out a single-leg Boston Crab before pulling Jay in for a full Boston Crab. During this hold, Jay desperately crawled to the ropes, but the 10-minute time-limit ran out.

These Young Lions explored the dichotomy of their styles well. Matsumoto classically trained in grappling while Jay, without it, managed to overwork the limbs of his opponent.

Daiki Nagai & Katsuya Murashima defeated Masatora Yasuda & Shoma Kato

Nagai controlled Yasuda early on. Murashima’s size and power offset Kato until the latter targeted his weak left knee. Eventually, he powered out of Kato’s advances with a pounce. Kato and Yasuda ran roughshod on Nagai, with Murashima diving for a desperate save. Yasuda yanked as far as he could on Nagai, trapped in a Boston Crab. Murashima made a spirited comeback, using an Avalanche Slam to dispatch Yasuda. Spinebuster and Boston Crab combination forced Yasuda to tap out.

Murashima and Nagai worked a thrilling babyface role. So far, the best on this month’s pre-shows.

Main show

House Of Torture (EVIL, Ren Narita, SANADA, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Yujiro Takahashi) defeated Oleg Boltin, Ryusuke Taguchi, Shota Umino, Tomoaki Honma & Yuya Uemura

House of Torture struck before the bell. Uemura came to Umino’s save when Narita and then Takahashi tried to weaken him early. Taguchi overwhelmed Narita momentarily, before Togo distracted him with a running motion that Taguchi copied. Takahashi bit the fingers of Uemura, who came to the aid of Taguchi. SANADA feigned a collapse, low-blowing Taguchi in the process; the fallen Taguchi landed his head on Takahashi’s sensitive nether regions as he fell.

Boltin’s might gave his team an advantage upon his tag-in with a Boltin Shake on SANADA. Kokeshi by Honma and Taguchi focused EVIL’s midsection. Honma fired himself like a rocket into EVIL, once again leaving him prone on the mat. EVIL hit Tonma with an EVIL STO, giving his team the pinfall victory.

Not as much House of Torture shenanigans as I expected. There wasn’t as many moments for Umino and Uemura to shine, but they made the most of it. Boltin and somehow Taguchi were the stars of their team tonight with House of Torture focusing on EVIL, Narita, and Takahashi. Though not a bad match, I’d hesitate to recommend this as must-watch.

Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji defeated TMDK (Hartley Jackson, Ryohei Oiwa & Zack Sabre Jr.)

Sabre swiftly trapped Takagi in a hold, but the latter reflexively evaded the technical prowess of the former. Takahashi charged at the unshakeable Jackson, only to be tossed after a failed flying crossbody.

TMDK took turns landing Sentons on Takahashi. Oiwa and Tsuji clashed with their dynamic stylings. The former soon landed a DDT and then an Anaconda Suplex. Pumping Bomber by Takagi sends the sturdy Jackson down. A Gene Blaster and Pumping Bomber combination fell Jackson, with Tsuji enjoying the pinfall.

Post-match, Tsuji, Takahashi, and Takagi were on their way out when Young Lion Daiki Nagai approached them to their ranks.

Without Naito and BUSHI, the triumvirate of the last Los Ingobernables de Japon are still as strong as ever. With Nagai accompanying them, this could be the start of something special.

Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Tiger Mask

These veterans locked up, feeling each other out, when Tanahashi targeted Tiger Mask’s legs. El Tigre Suicida followed a comeback, bringing Tiger Mask further in control of the match. Failing a Tiger Suplex from the top rope, Tiger Mask landed an armdrag from the same position. A Tiger Driver softened the Ace, leading him to target Tanahashi’s leg.

Figure-four leglock further agonized Tanahashi, who found the spirit to roll into a rope break. He broke this momentum with a Sling Blade, punctuated by a Twist and Shout. High Fly Flow took the breath out of a prone Tiger Mask, earning Tanahashi a victory despite the stinging in his legs.

Tiger Mask working the way he does at his age is astounding. Moreover having the chemistry with Tanahashi to have a toned down, stripped down match that isn’t boring is an added bonus. While not must-watch, there’s something to enjoy here.

Taichi won G1 Climax 35 Block A Play-In Gauntlet Match (Satoshi Kojima, Chase Owens, Taichi, Tomohiro Ishii)

Chase Owens defeated Satoshi Kojima

Though his sturdy demeanor balanced out Owens’s size, he suffered from his heelish tactics. Distracted by the ref, Owens dropped on the apron after Kojima went after his leg. The incensed veteran chopped Owens in the corner and capitalized with an elbow drop.

Change in strategy by Owens: target the leg. His plan was instantly thwarted by a lariat. Using referee Marty Asami, Chase Owens avoided another by Kojima. With a Last Testament, he soundly quelled Kojima’s hopes of advancing in the gauntlet.

Taichi defeated Chase Owens

SANADA intercepted Taichi, throwing him across tables and near the fans before dragging him into the ring. Owens hoped to pick the bones of the tenderized entrant, but couldn’t destroy Taichi’s will. SANADA further interfered, but Owens couldn’t seem to capitalize no matter how much he and his comrade tried.

High Noon by Ownes and stomps by SANADA added further damage. Just as SANADA was about to swing his guitar, the next entrant Tomohiro Ishii charged in, taking SANADA out of the proceedings. Taichi took advantage of the chaos with a Jacknife for the pin. Owens retaliated with strikes fueled by his fury.

Taichi defeated Tomohiro Ishii

Waiting for Taichi to get his bearings, Ishii threw his artillery into his fellow IWGP Tag Team Champion. Taichi ate some chops, nearly wishing to succumb to it, but persevered. In the corner, Ishii incurred chops by Taichi that showed cracks in his exterior. He saved himself with a lariat.

Vertical suplex courtesy of Ishii and Taichi still stood. Ishii pulled out Taichi’s Last Ride and a sliding forearm, both for failed pin attempts. Dangerous Backdrop gave Taichi some reprieve. A thunderous powerbomb via Taichi erupted Korakuen Hall. Taichi no-sold a Piledriver by Ishii, as well as chops. Ishii stole a Black Mephisto. Taichi fired back with a Gedo Clutch. Black Mephisto by Taichi ends this final stretch.

What a way to sell the importance of the G1 Climax. This was just to qualify in place of the injured Hirooki Goto. Chase Owens’s dastardly antics drove the drama, making an example of Satoshi Kojima before punishing an undying Taichi. Ishii only sought to bring the best out of their bout. In this, Taichi succeeded as the driving force in this match. Not only did he have my pick to win this match, but he now has my full support to win the whole thing.

House Of Torture (DOUKI & SHO) (c) defeated Master Wato & YOH for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship

YOH trapped DOUKI and SHO in SANADA’s Paradise Lock, following up with dropkicks to their rear ends alongside Wato. DOUKI used a pipe on the outside to stretch Wato’s knee on the outside. He further agonized this with a single-leg Boston Crab. YOH flew over the top to drop DOUKI and SHO to the floor.

SHO, sensing YOH gaining momentum, used the referee as a shield but ultimately fell to a lariat. DOUKI confined Watoo’s leg on the rope and struck it with the pipe from earlier. YOH came to Wato’s rescue, dropping DOUKI with a Falcon Arrow. Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Yujiro Takahashi slid in for DOUKI and SHO, only for Toru Yano to drag them out. SHO struck Wato with a metal sheet, to which DOUKI capitalized on with a Suplex de la Luna for the pinfall.

Great match until the finish.

Main event

El Desperado (c) defeated Kosei Fujita for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship

Fujita started off strong, sending Desperado every which way. Desperado, still adorned with scars from June 24’s Death Match with Jun Kasai, returned fire with chops. Driving Fujita’s knee onto the outside floor multiple times, Desperado took it further with the mat as he targeted the challenger’s legs from every angle.

Fujita terrorized Desperado, seeking to enact a deadly hold, battling for wrist control. The pair exchanged kicks and strikes, to which Fujita’s tenacity won out. Fujita further reached into the bag of mentor Zack Sabre Jr with technical wrestling before pulling a Kami Special. Desperado countered this with a Dragon Screw Leg Whip to an airborne Fujita. Taking utmost advantage of the worn Fujita, Desperado pulled off a gnarly Numero Dos to thus retain his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.

Post-match, Desperado praised Fujita while detailing the weight of being the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.

Desperado is having one of the best years in wrestling. Fujita came out of this feeling like a potential junior heavyweight champion. Just not now. Desperado lays claim to that as far as IWGP titles go.

Final thoughts

The show was filled with good to great matches. The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match was the only disappointing one—not bad in the execution of the earlier structure, but the finish left me with a bad taste. As for the G1 Climax Qualifier Gauntlet Match, that final stretch was sensational on a cosmic level. Keep this meomentum on Taichi. El Desperado’s 2025 has been a long time coming, as he continually has had phenomenal years, year after year. What’s more, is that this still feels like the beginning to his peak.

NJPW releases full lineup for New Japan Soul on July 6

Posted on by Ian Carey

NJPW has released the full lineup for Sunday’s New Japan Soul show at Korakuen Hall.

As previously announced, the card will be headlined by El Desperado defending the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against Best of the Super Juniors winner Kosei Fujita. It will also include a Junior Heavyweight Tag Title match with champions SHO and DOUKI of House of Torture defending against Master Wato and YOH.

Following news that Hirooki Goto has been pulled from the G1 Climax due to injury, a last chance play-in match has been scheduled for Sunday. Taichi, Chase Owens, Satoshi Kojima, and Tomohiro Ishii will compete in a gauntlet match with the winner earning entry into the tournament.

Just days after unsuccessfully challenging Gabe Kidd for the IWGP Global Championship in Aichi on Friday, Hiroshi Tanahashi will also be on Sunday’s show. He will face Tiger Mask in singles competition, in a match that will celebrate Tiger Mask’s 30th anniversary in wrestling after debuting in July 1995.

A six-man tag pitting former LIJ members Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi, and Shingo Takagi against TMDK’s Zack Sabre Jr., Ryohei Oiwa, and Hartley Jackson has been scheduled. A ten-man tag with members of House of Torture facing Shota Umino, Tomoaki Honma, Yuya Uemura, Ryusuke Taguchi, and Boltin Oleg has also been added to the card.

New Japan Soul lineup for Sunday, July 6:

  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion El Desperado defends against Kosei Fujita
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions SHO & DOUKI defend against Master Wato & YOH
  • Chase Owens vs. Satoshi Kojima vs. Taichi vs. Tomohiro Ishii in a G1 Climax Last Chance Play-In Gauntlet match
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tiger Mask
  • Hiromu Takahashi, Yota Tsuji & Shingo Takagi vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson
  • Ryusuke Taguchi, Tomoaki Honma, Boltin Oleg, Yuya Uemura & Shota Umino vs. EVIL, SANADA, Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • Masatora Yasuda & Shoma Kato vs. Katsuya Murashima & Daiki Nagai
  • Zane Jay vs. Tatsuya Matsumoto

Title change takes place at New Japan Soul event

Posted on by Joseph Currier

A title change took place at Friday’s New Japan Soul event in Tokyo as new NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Champions were crowned.

YOH, Master Wato & Toru Yano are the new champs after dethroning House of Torture (SHO, Yujiro Takahashi & Ren Narita). House of Torture’s reign as champions lasted just over five months, only making one successful title defense during that time.

The heels attacked the babyfaces during their entrance today and — as usual — there was interference from other members of House of Torture. But YOH, Wato & Yano ultimately prevailed after that interference backfired. Yano gave Takahashi a low blow, then the babyfaces put a bag over Takahashi’s head so Yano could roll him up for the victory.

This served as the prelude to another title bout that’s happening this weekend. On Sunday, the New Japan Soul tour concludes with YOH & Wato challenging SHO & DOUKI for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team titles. YOH & Wato are attempting to get those belts back after having dropped them to SHO & DOUKI last month at Dominion.

New Japan Soul live results: Gabe Kidd vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi title match

Posted on by Corey Michaels

NJPW’s New Japan Soul tour continues today with two title bouts, plus two G1 Climax 35 play-in matches.

In the main event, Gabe Kidd defends the IWGP Global Championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi as the countdown to Tana’s January 2026 retirement continues with perhaps his last chance to capture singles gold.

The NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team titles are on the line in the semi-main event with Ren Narita, SHO, and Yujiro Takahashi of House of Torture defending against Toru Yano, YOH, and Master Wato.

In a G1 play-in bout for B Block, YOSHI-HASHI will take on Chase Owens. In the A Block play-in, Satoshi Kojima faces Ryohei Oiwa.

El Desperado, Boltin Oleg, and Yuya Uemura take on Zack Sabre Jr., Kosei Fujita, and Hartley Jackson in a six-man tag. Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi, and Yota Tsuji face Great-O-Khan, Callum Newman, and Jakob Austin Young in another trios bout.

The main card kicks off at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time with a 10-man tag — Taichi, Shota Umino, Tomohiro Ishii, Yuji Nagata, and Tiger Mask vs. EVIL, SANADA, DOUKI, Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Dick Togo.

**********

Pre-show

Zane Jay versus Tatsuya Matsumoto ended in a Time-Limit Draw

Matsumoto controlled much of the match with his grappling expertise; he mostly worked Jay’s leg throughout. Jay gained reprieve after catching Matumoto’s leg. He continued this comeback with a dropkick and followed with a Boston Crab. Time ran out for both men during this hold, leaving there no winner.

A nice opener that told a story of Jay appearing a little in over his head in his Japanese excursion. Fighting from underneath, clawing out of the ground that was Matsumoto, he proved to have great selling. Matsumoto has potential, and he drove the early goings compellingly like an accomplished and prodigal student.

Daiki Nagai & Katsuya Murashima defeated Masatora Yasuda & Shoma Kato

Nagai disposed of Yasuda on the outside while Murashima chipped away at Kato. Yasuda fired back, with a dropkick punctuated by a Boston Crab. A flying forearm returned Yasuda to the mat while Murashima sought Nagai’s help. Nagai wore down Yasuda as Kato regained his bearings. Murashima returned, coordinating a comeback with Nagai which resulted in the latter landing a Spinebuster. Kato tapped to Nagai’s Boston Crab.

Nagai and Murashima have top star potential. In the past several months, they’ve grown as Young Lions. Once they have everything needed as a wrestler and performer, they’ll fit the molds of what I’d look forward to in a pro wrestling act. Don’t get me wrong, Yasuda and Kato have a lot of promise as well and they’ll work to it. It’s just more apparent right now with the winning team.

Main show

Shota Umino, Taichi, Tiger Mask, Tomohiro Ishii & Yuji Nagata defeated House Of Torture (Dick Togo, DOUKI, EVIL, SANADA & Yoshinobu Kanemaru)

House of Torture spared no time in attacking their opponents the second they crossed the black ropes into the ring. Ishii fired back with a vertical suplex on EVIL, with Taichi softening DOUKI for Tiger Mask. Kanemaru and Togo nearly removed the mask off of the veteran Tiger Mask. EVIL drove him into the barricade.

Nagata swung the match in his team’s favor, quickly dispatching much of House of Torture with kicks and suplexes. Togo removed a turnbuckle pad while EVIL Irish whipped Nagata to its very corner. House of Torture broke an STF hold Umino held on Togo, suffering a train of charging bodies in the corner as punishment. Backed by a watchful Taichi and Ishii, Umino tapped Togo out with one more STF.

The best House of Torture matches are ones where they get their comeuppance and this one didn’t overstay its welcome. Umino was surprisingly a highlight of the match, yet there’s still not much to his identity aside from being a wholesome babyface (exemplified by his holding of a child in the crowd). Decent opener to start the show, has its strengths, but nothing to write home about.

Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji defeated United Empire (Callum Newman, Great-O-Khan & Jakob Austin Young)

Actor and voice actor Mafia Kajita accompanied Khan to the ring; he’s starred in media such as Shin Godzilla and Netflix’s live-action City Hunter adaptation.

Newman started off strong against the evenly matched Tsuji, to the point Takahashi was called to favor his team. Young chipped away at Takahashi, giving Khan an opening with Kajita’s hammer fist prop. Takagi tenderized Khan, and cleared the intrusive pair of Newman and Young. Takagi, worn by the tandem offense of the pair, returned fire with a pop-up DDT to Young, followed by a Pumping Bomber and a Made in Japan for the win.

It’s heartwarming to see the LIJ alum sticking together. Young and Newman were very solid, and Khan was great as always.

El Desperado, Oleg Boltin & Yuya Uemura vs. TMDK (Hartley Jackson, Kosei Fujita & Zack Sabre Jr.)

Desperado swiftly overwhelmed Fujita, leading to TMDK to charge the scene. Boltin, unfazed by the technical prowess of Sabre, thundered over him with his might. flinging the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion from his back with a toss. Sabre swung a comeback with a Penalty Kick. Jackson matched Boltin’s strength, seesawing a suplex that narrowly teetered in Boltin’s favor.

Uemura, though dynamic and explosive, struggled against Jackson. This gave TMDK the edge it needed, with Jackson surmounting an invading Boltin and pummeling Uemura. The beastly Jackson got the better of Uemura, tackling him. A flash of an opening saw Uemura sneak a win over Jackson with a surprise hurricanrana.

Post-match: Fujita showed off his BOSJ trophy to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Desperado. Meanwhile, Uemura and Boltin got in Sabre’s face, talking smack. Jackson simply lay in a corner.

Boltin, Uemura, and Jackson were the stars of this match. This match was simply a good time.

Ryohei Oiwa defeated Satoshi Kojima in a G1 Climax Play-In Match for Block A

Kojima ruled in the early half, but immediately saw himself flipped to the mat. Oiwa continued his revenge by twisting the veteran on the barricade. Though classically trained to always target a man’s left arm, Oiwa focused his sights on Kojima’s weak right. Kojima struck back with an elbow drop, resulting in a DDT.

Senton by Oiwa gives the TMDK member an edge, but doesn’t get the pin. Resorting to work Kojima’s arm, Oiwa instead ate a lariat. Doctor Bomb dazed Kojima, but once more suffered a lariat. Matching this, Oiwa countered Kojima with The Grip, earning his spot in Block A.

A small passing of the torch moment for Oiwa. This match had beef and it delivered. Congratulations to Oiwa! A must-watch ahead of the G1.

YOSHI-HASHI defeated Chase Owens in a G1 Climax Play-In Match for Block B

Referee Marty Asami removed the spurs off Owens’s cowboy gear. As he did so, YOSHI-HASHI charged at him, dragging him to the outside. Owens tried a brief assault towards the barricade, but YOSHI-HASHI met him at every turn. Calling back to the infamous Jake Roberts/Ricky Steamboat spot, Owens slammed YOSHI-HASHI’s throat on the barricade.

YOSHI-HASHI lay crumpled after a bump to the turnbuckle and a slam to the mat. He countered Owens’s High Noon with a suplex. Owens finally landed a High Noon. YOSHI-HASHI reversed a piledriver into a Sunset Flip. A mad frenzy by YOSHI-HASHI drove Owens down with a lariat and a Karma to finish the match.

If you’re looking to see how a wrestler will fare heading into the G1, this may be for you, but otherwise nothing too thrilling. YOSHI-HASHI will make for an exciting entrant, however.

Master Wato, Toru Yano & YOH defeated House Of Torture (Ren Narita, SHO & Yujiro Takahashi) (c) for the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship

Within a minute of Yano’s music hitting, House of Torture came out to brutalize them. Undeterred, YOH struck back on the bullying SHO with quick-paced maneuveres. Yano and Wato provided backup against the House of Torture. Narita sent YOH through the chairs in the crowd and pressed him into the barricade. A Brainbuster and armbar furthere weakened YOH thanks to Narita, but Takahashi and SHO further stretched his now hurt arm on the turnbuckle.

Miraculously, YOH sprung back, sending Takahashi and Narita to the outside before dispatching SHO. Vendeval by Wato disposed of SHO. DOUKI interfered, stacking the odds against the opposite team. Yano had Takahashi ready for a slam, but Yoshinobu Kanemaru halted it. YOH put a bag over Takahashi’s head, giving Yano ample opportunity to roll him up for the pinfall—which he did. YOH, Toru Yano, and Master Wato are the new NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions.

House of Torture’s antics supplanted by Toru Yano-type shenanigans somehow cancel out my usual distaste. This comedic flavoring made the match a surprisingly fun watch. A lot of attention was given to YOH and SHO here.

Main Event

Gabe Kidd (c) defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship

Grappling started this ultimate bout, which Kidd gained the early advantage on as he held Tanahashi in submission. The Ace almost transitioned it into a Texas Cloverleaf, but Kidd crawled to the ropes for the save. On the mat, the pair met a stalemate, with Kidd using his weight on the challenger for the upper hand. Backdrop Suplex helped him all the more.

Kidd maintained his dominance, eventually crashing Tanahashi into the barricade—he mocked the veteran with the classic air guitar pose. A series of headbutts inflicted damage to Tanahashi’s skull. Kidd held his opponent in a neck hold, imploring him to give up so he could carry the compnay when he’s gone; Tanahashi snuck his leg to the rope to break the hold.

An irate Tanahashi came back with a Dragon Screw Leg Whip. Kidd hoped to drop the Ace to the outside with a vertical suplex, but instead incurred the wrath of a High Fly Flow. On the barricade, Tanahashi tweaked Kidd’s leg with another Dragon Screw Leg Whip. Kidd responded with a Brainbuster and stole Tanahashi’s Slingblade and High Fly Flow, the latter of which missed. Basement Dropkick and a grounded Dragon Screw Leg Whip granted him control again. Tanahashi landed a Straightjacket Suplex and followed with a High Fly Flow; attempting another one, he met Kidd’s same fate earlier with the failed attempt.

Two knees and a Powerdriver by Kidd couldn’t quell Tanahashi’s spirit. Enduring slap after slap, the veteran raged on with a German Suplex. The crowd was loud for this. He failed another High Fly Flow. Kidd evaded this and ended the match with a Drilla Killa-earned pinfall. He clutched Tanahashi’s head in his arms in thanks after the bell.

Post-match: Kidd emotionally professed how much Tanahashi helped him in his toughest and lowest times. The pair were visibly tearful during this.

Must-watch, must-watch, must-watch. Tokyo Budokan came unglued, especially at Tanahashi’s defiant last stand. This was an emotional bout that I will rank among the best if not the de-facto best in Tanahashi’s final year. Kidd receiving a passing of the torch was an added benefit.

Final Thoughts

The G1, NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team, and Global Heavyweight Championship matches are the matches to catch up on. The non-title trios matches were a blast if you’re looking for a bit of fun in-ring. But that main event was something else. There are few things in wrestling that match the feeling of a Hiroshi Tanahashi comeback. His defiant last stand had me on the edge of my seat and I was as emotional as he and Kidd were. This show may fly under the radar, but there’s a lot to enjoy here.

New title matches added to New Japan Soul tour

Posted on by Joseph Currier

NJPW has confirmed a few new title matches for the final two stops on its New Japan Soul 2025 tour.

– Kosei Fujita — this year’s Best of the Super Juniors winner — is getting his title shot against El Desperado at Korakuen Hall on Sunday, July 6. That match is now official after Desperado successfully defended his title against Jun Kasai in a death match this week.

It was originally expected that Fujita would challenge Desperado earlier this month at Dominion. But with the Desperado vs. Kasai match already scheduled, Fujita decided to delay his title shot so that Desperado would be fully focused on their match when they face each other.

The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team titles will also be on the line at the July 6 event with new champions House of Torture (SHO & DOUKI) defending in a rematch against former champs YOH & Master Wato.

– On July 4, the second-to-last show of the New Japan Soul tour will take place at Budokan Hall. A NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team title match has now been booked for that event with SHO, Yujiro Takahashi & Ren Narita defending against YOH, Wato & Toru Yano.

Both the July 4 and July 6 shows will air live on New Japan World. Here are the updated cards:

New Japan Soul 2025 —

Friday, July 4:

  • IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion Gabe Kidd defends against Hiroshi Tanahashi
  • G1 Climax A Block play-in match: Ryohei Oiwa vs. Satoshi Kojima
  • G1 Climax B Block play-in match: YOSHI-HASHI vs. Chase Owens
  • NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Champions SHO, Yujiro Takahashi & Ren Narita defend against YOH, Master Wato & Toru Yano

Sunday, July 6:

  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion El Desperado defends against Kosei Fujita
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions SHO & DOUKI defend against YOH & Master Wato
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tiger Mask

Hiroshi Tanahashi to challenge for IWGP Global title

Posted on by Joseph Currier

It’s shaping up to be a big summer for Hiroshi Tanahashi on his retirement tour.

The NJPW legend, who is retiring from the ring in January 2026, will be competing in his last-ever G1 Climax this July and August. But before that tournament even begins, Tanahashi has another big match lined up. NJPW has confirmed that he will challenge Gabe Kidd for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship at their New Japan Soul event at Budokan Hall in Tokyo on Friday, July 4.

Kidd won the Global title from Yota Tsuji at Dominion over the weekend and then immediately nominated Tanahashi to be his first challenger. Tanahashi has been a mentor to Kidd throughout his NJPW career, helping him through a battle with mental health challenges.

“Kidd’s close connection to Tanahashi goes back to his days as a Young Lion, and Kidd has been public about how support from the Ace helped him through extreme mental difficulty in years past,” NJPW wrote. “With emotional ties deep, Tanahashi’s tears at seeing Kidd’s performance and pride in the Lion Mark on January 5 at Wrestle Dynasty has remained one of the most enduring images of the year so far. This Adachi showdown, only the second singles match for the two and the first on Japanese soil is sure to be just as emotional.”

Tanahashi, 48, has never been IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion before. Since the title was first announced in December 2023, only David Finlay, Nic Nemeth, Tsuji and Kidd have held it.

A pair of G1 Climax play-in matches have also been announced for the July 4 New Japan Soul event. Here is the current lineup:

New Japan Soul 2025 (Friday, July 4) —

  • IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion Gabe Kidd defends against Hiroshi Tanahashi
  • G1 Climax A Block play-in match: Ryohei Oiwa vs. Bad Luck Fale
  • G1 Climax B Block play-in match: YOSHI-HASHI vs. Chase Owens

New Japan Soul live results: Junior title match, G1 qualifier finals

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Today’s New Japan Soul tour finale features a Junior Heavyweight title bout, plus the finals of the G1 qualifier tournament.

In the main event, El Desperado defends the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against DOUKI. It will be the fifth career singles meeting between the two, with Desperado winning each of their first four meetings.

In the G1 qualifier tournament, Taichi will face Boltin Oleg with the winner qualifying for this year’s G1 Climax 34 B Block. YOSHI-HASHI will face Callum Newman with the final spot in A Block on the line.

An all-LIJ six-man will be in today’s semi-main event spot, with Tetsuya Naito, BUSHI & Shingo Takagi taking on Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi & Titan.

Ryusuke Taguchi returns from injury on today’s show, teaming with Hiroshi Tanahashi, Yuji Nagata, Tomoaki Honma & Tiger Mask against House of Torture’s EVIL, SHO, Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru.

SANADA, Yuya Uemura & TAKA Michinoku face Great-O-Khan, TJP & Francesco Akira in a trios match.

TMDK’s Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita face KENTA & Gedo in the opener.

**********

TMDK (Kosei Fujita & Zack Sabre Jr.) defeated BULLET CLUB (Gedo & KENTA)

This was fine enough, totally inoffensive filler.

This match opened with Bullet Club stealing momentum by attacking their opponents before the opening bell. This led to a period of isolation for Fujita before ZSJ made the save. The follow-up TMDK rally allowed Fujita to focus Gedo long enough to land Abandon Hope to win the match.

United Empire (Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan & TJP) defeated Just 5 Guys (SANADA, TAKA Michinoku & Yuya Uemura)

O-Khan and Uemura opened this match with some basic grappling. From here, UE established a lead, cutting Uemura off from his team.

Once SANADA tagged in, J5G regained some footing, but a back-and-forth between teams followed. After a prolonged scramble, Akira was able to pin TAKA, winning the match.

House Of Torture (EVIL, Ren Narita, SHO, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Yujiro Takahashi) defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask, Tomoaki Honma & Yuji Nagata

This was an HoT “comedy” match with all the fixings. After fighting on the floor, distractions, false bell rings, low blows, and everything else you’d expect, Honma was hit with a pushup bar, and Everything is Evil to lose the match.

The legacy trio of Tanahashi, Nagata, and Honma almost made this tolerable but ultimately failed. That said, I’ve seen much worse from HoT.

G1 Climax Block A Qualifier Final: Callum Newman defeated YOSHI-HASHI

The match opened with chain wrestling. YH answered by dropping Newman with a tackle, but Newman responded with a boot seconds later.

On the floor, Newman whipped YH into the guardrail. YH bounced back, knocking Newman onto the padding. Back in the ring, YH maintained the pace by dropkicking Newman against the ropes. From here, YH continued to make advances, establishing a strong lead.

After a while on the back foot, Newman landed a stomp, which he used to launch a rally. YH ultimately cut him off with head hunter, setting up another stent of control.

YH continually unloaded on Newman, heading into his finish. With the end in sight, Newman trapped YH in a quick pin to win the match.

Newman advances to the G1 Climax.

G1 Climax Block B Qualifier Final: Oleg Boltin defeated Taichi

I didn’t love this match as a whole, but I loved the finishing stretch. I can not wait for Oleg’s G1.

The match opened with back-and-forth striking. From here, the match worked its way to the floor, where Taichi threw Oleg into the chairs. Back in the ring, Taichi maintained his lead, picking apart Oleg with simple strikes and holds.

After a long time on top, Taichi paused. This allowed Oleg to hit Kamikaze, resetting the match in his favor for the first time. Oleg managed to hit another to further his lead, but a Gedo clutch kept Taichi in the match.

A Dangerous Backdrop scored Taichi a nearfall. Oleg fired back by dumping Taichi on his ribs. Oleg then landed a knee to the ribs, a verdict à la Brock Lesnar, and another Kamikaze to win the match.

Oleg Boltin has qualified for the G1 Climax.

Time Limit Draw: Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, Shingo Takagi & Tetsuya Naito) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (Hiromu Takahashi, Titan & Yota Tsuji)

This match went an excruciating 30 minutes. I’m sure some people will enjoy it, but it certainly wasn’t for me.

The match opened with a few quick showcases between understandable opponents: Titan and Bushi, Shingo and Tsuji, and Naito and Hiromu. Hiromu took his opportunity, taking Naito to the floor and upping the intensity of the match.

With help from his corner, Hiromu took control over Naito. They worked in unison to isolate the heavyweight champion, gaining a strong lead.

Shingo eventually hit the ring to buy Naito space. This led to a back-and-forth with Tsuji, leaving both men grounded.

Titan and Bushi tagged in next, leading to an acrobatic exchange. Titan hit a tope and a top rope stomp. Bushi responded with a backbreaker, forcing a double tag.

Naito dropped Hiromu with a DDT, but Hiromu responded with a Victory Royal for a nearfall. With the time limit drawing near, Hiromu landed a bomber for another. Naito then tried for Destino, but everyone hit the ring to prevent the finish. After everyone hit something, Naito landed Valencia. With 30 seconds on the clock, Hiromu answered with Timebomb.

Both men were laid out as the clock ticked down. Naito tried for a last-ditch pin, but the time limit expired, leaving no one with the win.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Match: DOUKI defeated El Desperado (c)

This match was almost all Desperado ahead of the finish. It was built around DOUKI selling his knee, which he did well enough.

The match opened slow, with some basic grappling that gradually escalated. On the floor, Douki hit a DDT to gain the first advantage of the match, but Desperado fired back with an attack on the knee. This led to a prolonged stent of control from the champion.

A sudden dive and DDT from Douki provided a moment of separation for the challenger. He followed up with the Douki-Chokie, which Desperado escaped by finding the ropes. Desperado then locked in the cloverleaf, retaking his lead.

A stray kick from Douki initiated a striking battle. Desperado answered the strikes with a German, and Douki answered the German with a lariat. Douki then hit Suplex de La Luna and won the match.

For the first time in his career, Douki is the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.

New Japan Soul live results: IWGP Junior title steel cage match

Posted on by Chick Fritts

SHO defends the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title against BOSJ winner El Desperado in a steel cage in the main event of New Japan Soul night one.

The steel cage stipulation was suggested by Desperado as a way to neutralize SHO’s House of Torture comrades, and is the first singles match held in a cage in an NJPW ring in over 20 years.

In the semi-main, IWGP Global Champion David Finlay puts his title on the line against SANADA.

Shingo Takagi defends the NEVER Openweight Championship against HENARE in another title bout.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney defend their titles against Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita.

NEVER Openweight Six-Man champs Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI put their titles on the line against former title holders Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano & Boltin Oleg.

The rest of the undercard:

  • Tetsuya Naito & Titan vs. Yuya Uemura & TAKA Michinoku
  • Shota Umino, Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI vs. EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo
  • Taichi & DOUKI vs. Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • Katsuya Murashima, Shoma Kato, Tomoaki Honma, Tomohiro Ishii & Satoshi Kojima vs. Callum Newman, Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb & TJP
  • Pre-show Young Lion debut match, 10-minute time limit: Masatora Yasuda vs. Daiki Nagai

**********

United Empire (Callum Newman, Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb & TJP) defeated Katsuya Murashima, Satoshi Kojima, Shoma Kato, Tomoaki Honma & Tomohiro Ishii

This was an average opening tag. The young lions looked fine at points, but there wasn’t anything to sink your teeth into.

In the end, Akira was able to score the pinfall for UE.

Just 5 Guys (DOUKI & Taichi) defeated House Of Torture (Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru)

This match kicked off with HoT isolating DOUKI by utilizing their typical offense. Once Taichi tagged in, he reversed the momentum until an illegal strike opened the door for another stent of HoT control.

A DOUKI-Chokie prompted Narita to hit the ring with his pushup bar. After a short scuffle, Kanemaru attempted to mist DOUKI with his whiskey. DOUKI cut him off and rolled him up to eke out a win for J5G.

Bishamon (Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI) defeated House Of Torture (Dick Togo & EVIL)

HoT jumped Bishamon as the match began, establishing a short lead over YH. With help from Goto, YH was able to hold off HoT, reversing the early advantage. This lasted until HoT took the match to the floor, where they used environmental offense to secure substantial control.

An eventual hot tag allowed Goto to gain some footing over EVIL. This was fairly short-lived as HoT retook their lead once YH tagged back in. This forced Goto back into the ring.

With Goto by his side, YH was able to clear the ring of EVIL. Bishamon were then free to drop Togo with Shoto to win the match.

Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito & Titan) defeated Just 5 Guys (TAKA Michinoku & Yuya Uemura)

Titan and Uemura began the match with some basic back-and-forth wrestling. Once TAKA and Naito tagged in, LIJ was able to secure control.

Uemura stepped in to challenge Natio, finding enough success to force a tag out to Titan. TAKA tagged in to continue the advance, scoring a nearfall after a knee strike.

A tope from Titan completely reversed the match’s momentum. After wiping out J5G, Titan hit TAKA with a double stomp and pinned him to win the match.

NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Title Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Oleg Boltin & Toru Yano defeated Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi & Yota Tsuji) (c)

This was a blast. Tsuji and Oleg looked awesome throughout, and everyone else played their part very well. Good stuff.

Yano started the match by removing the turnbuckle pad before tagging out to Oleg. With help from Tanahashi, Oleg established control over Hiromu, and they passed it back to Yano.

LIJ rushed the ring to take Yano’s lead. This led to a double tag into Tanahashi and Tsuji. Tsuji leveled Tanahashi with heavy maneuvers. Tanahashi was forced to escape to Oleg.

Even after being thrown around the ring, Tsuji held on. He landed a dropkick on Oleg, prompting the rest of LIJ to hit the ring. The challenging team followed, leading to a full-fledged match breakdown.

Oleg emerged from the chaos in control. Once the ring was cleared, he dropped BUSHI and pinned him clean in the middle.

Oleg, Tanahashi, and Yano are once again NEVER Six-man tag team champions.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match: BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney) (c) defeated TMDK (Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles)

This match was fantastic. It was emotional, intense, and well-paced. A great, great match.

The War Dogs established an early lead by taking the fight to the floor. After throwing both of the challengers into the floor seats, the War Dogs took the match back to the ring.

After working over Fujita for minutes, the War Dogs were interrupted by Eagles. He managed to turn the match around with high-impact holds. To answer, the War Dogs hit the ring together, resulting in a short breakdown.

Fujita landed a dive to the floor, clearing the ring of Connors. TMDK then focused on Moloney, landing significant offense ahead of another breakdown.

TMDK managed to lock in double submissions on the champions. Once the War Dogs escaped, they retreated to the floor. Eagles tried to follow up with a dive only for Moloney to catch him with one of the nastiest Drilla Killas I have ever seen.

Back in the ring, the champions hit Fujita with a pair of spears. Fujita managed to kick out before hitting a pair of suplexes to reverse the match’s momentum once more.

Once Fujita had momentum on his side, the War Dogs used their numbers to turn the match back around. Moloney hit him with a Drilla Killa, setting up the Full Clip. This led to the pin, leaving the War Dogs with another successful defense.

G1 Climax Lineup

A Block

Tetsuya Naito, Shota Umino, Shingo Takagi, SANADA, Great-O-Khan, Zack Sabre Jr., Gabe Kidd, EVIL, Jake Lee (NOAH)

B Block

Hirooki Goto, El Phantasmo, Yota Tsuji, Jeff Cobb, HENARE, David Finlay, Ren Narita, Yuya Uemura, Konoshuke Takeshita (AEW/DDT)

A Block Qualifier Tournament

Tomohiro Ishii, YOSHI-HASHI, Callum Newman, KENTA, Yujiro Takahashi

B Block Qualifier Tournament

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Oleg Boltin, Satoshi Kojima, Taichi, TJP

NEVER Openweight Title Match: HENARE defeated Shingo Takagi (c)

This match kicked off with a striking battle that slowly escalated. Shingo gained advantage in the opening exchange, which he used to connect with even more strikes. HENARE answered Shingo with a Samoan drop. He followed up with more strikes and powerbomb for a nearfall.

A DDT from Shingo put him back in the driver’s seat. Shingo followed up with a superplex and series of lariats, but HENARE refused to fall. Eventually, Shingo ran at HENARE, but HENARE stuffed him, resulting in a double knockdown, resetting the match.

Once both men returned to their feet, they began trading strikes again. Shingo won out by hitting a sudden Last of the Dragon. HENARE fired back with a giant strike, keeping both men grounded.

After beating a double count, Shingo dropped HENARE with a pair of pumping bombers; both times, HENARE kicked out. After kicking out, HENARE hit Streets of Rage for a nearfall of his own.

A headbutt and rugby kick from HENARE resulted in another HENARE nearfall. Shingo attempted to cut off HENARE’s advance, but HENARE caught Shingo’s arms and landed a leaping headbutt. HENARE then pinned Shingo to win the NEVER Openweight championship.

For the first time in his career, HENARE holds gold in New Japan.

IWGP Global Heavyweight Title Match: David Finlay (c) defeated SANADA

SANADA landed a dropkick early, knocking Finlay to the floor. On the outside, Finlay slammed SANADA into the ring apron, establishing the first lead of the match. From here, Finlay worked over SANADA with relative ease, maintaining control for minutes.

SANADA eventually dumped Finlay back to the floor. This opened the door for three planchas from SANADA. Back in the ring, SANADA tried to follow up, but Finlay cut him off with a bomb.

Finlay took the match back to the floor, where he drove SANADA into the barricades surrounding the ring. He tried for a driver but SANADA reversed into a back body drop. SANADA followed up with some high-impact work on the floor before returning to the mat.

In between the ropes, Finlay was able to utilize strikes to the back of SANADA’s head to retake control. SANADA managed to reverse a pin attempt into Skull End. When SANADA tried for the rounding body press, Finlay blocked the move with his knees, resetting the match.

Gedo tried hitting the ring, but SANADA cut him off. Finlay attempted to capitalize on the distraction, but SANADA didn’t let him. Instead, SANADA hit a shining wizard, cementing his lead.

When SANADA attempted another shining wizard, Finlay reversed. He landed oblivion to follow up. When he tried for his finish, SANADA reversed, landing another shining wizard himself. SANADA tried to find an additional shining wizard, but Finlay caught him. Finlay followed up with Overkill, resulting in the end of the match.

Finlay is still the Global Champion.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Steel Cage Match: SHO (c) vs. El Desperado

For a main event steel cage title match, this was a lifeless outing that did virtually nothing for me. It was totally monotonous before the ref bumps. This was not good.

This cage match kicked off with some chain wrestling. Eventually, they worked their way to the floor, where Desperado dropped SHO on the mat. SHO answered by slamming Desperado into the cage, establishing a solid lead.

In the ring, SHO began to pick apart Desperado. He used basic holds, all while tearing away at Desperado’s mask, exposing his bloodied face.

Desperado eventually fired back by driving SHO into the cage himself before landing a big dive to the floor. A crossbody and a bomb scored Desperado a nearfall.

SHO retook control by slamming Desperado with his mask. A slam into the exposed corner and a spear scored SHO a nearfall.

After an extended period of SHO control, Desperado hit Pinche Loco. When he tried for a second, SHO shoved him into the exposed corner, bumping the referee. This led to HoT hitting the ring side area where they threw chairs inside the ring.

Desperado was the first to utilize the chair. Desperado hit multiple chair strikes before throwing chairs at the HoT members, trying to climb the cage.

SHO tried fighting back with a Shock Arrow, but Desperado reversed into a driver. He followed up with two pinche locos, winning the match and the Junior championship.

El Desperado is your new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.

Filthy Observer Live: Clash at the Castle, Against All Odds, more

Posted on by Mike Sempervive

With Bryan Alvarez being sent to culture training, Filthy Tom Lawlor joins Mike Sempervive in getting you ready for a busy weekend. Predictions for WWE Clash at the Castle, TNA Against All Odds, the main bouts from NJPW, NOAH & more. A fun show as always, so check it out~!

Click Here to Listen (subscription required)

NJPW reveals full lineup for New Japan Soul 2024 night one

Posted on by Ian Carey

The full lineup has been revealed for the first night of NJPW’s New Japan Soul tour.

The event takes place Sunday, June 16, 2024, at the Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center in Sapporo, Japan and will air on New Japan World.

Best of the Super Juniors 31 winner El Desperado will challenge SHO for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on the show. Desperado lost the title to SHO in February at the New Beginning in Sapporo via count-out. To keep Sho’s House of Torture teammates from interfering in Sunday’s match, it will take place inside a steel cage.

After Shingo Takagi and HENARE’s match at Dominion ended in a double knockout, a rematch has been scheduled for Sunday in Sapporo. Another rematch from Dominion has the new NEVER Openweight Six Man Champions Yota Tsuji, BUSHI, and HIromu Takahashi defending against the team they beat for those belts Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, and Boltin Oleg.

Young lions Masatora Yasuda and Daiki Nagai will also make their debuts against each other in the night’s opening contest. The full lineup is below.

New Japan Soul 2024 night one (Sunday, June 16, live on NJPW World) —

  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Sho defends against El Desperado in a steel cage
  • IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion David Finlay defends against SANADA
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Bullet Club War Dogs (Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney defend against Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles)
  • NEVER Openweight Champion Shingo Takagi defends against HENARE
  • NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions Yota Tsuji, BUSHI & Hiromu Takahashi defend against Toru Yano, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Boltin Oleg
  • Titan & Tetsuya Naito vs. TAKA Michinoku & Yuya Uemura
  • YOSHI-HASHI, Hirooki Goto & Shota Umino vs Dick Togo, Yujiro Takahashi & EVIL
  • DOUKI & Taichi vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Ren Narita
  • Katsuya Murashima, Shoma Kato, Tomoaki Honma, Tomohiro Ishii & Satoshi Kojima vs Callum Newman, Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb & TJP
  • Masatora Yasuda vs. Daiki Nagai

Two title matches booked for New Japan Soul 2024

Posted on by Joseph Currier

NJPW has made the first two match announcements for its post-Dominion summer tour.

After Dominion takes place this weekend, New Japan Soul 2024 will kick off the following week. The first event is being held in Sapporo on Sunday, June 16. A pair of title matches have been made official for the show. SANADA will challenge David Finlay for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, while Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney are defending the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team titles against Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles.

An illness forced SANADA out of action in April, but he’s now been medically cleared to return. Finlay is looking to avenge his loss to SANADA from the New Japan Cup 2023 finals.

Tournament losses are also part of the story for Bullet Club War Dogs and TMDK’s Junior Heavyweight Tag Team title match. During this year’s Best of the Super Juniors, Fujita defeated Connors and Eagles defeated Moloney when they faced off in tournament matches. Eagles & Fujita also own a victory over Connors & Moloney from Super Junior Tag League 2023.

Fujita, Eagles & Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Connors, Moloney & Gedo in a six-man tag match at an NJPW event this Monday. At Dominion, there will be another six-man tag match with Fujita, Eagles & Sabre facing Connors, Moloney & LJ Cleary.

The New Japan Soul tour runs through Friday, July 5 and features seven events in total. The final night is being held at Budokan Hall.

New Japan Soul 2024 night one (Sunday, June 16, live on NJPW World) —

  • IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion David Finlay defends against SANADA
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Bullet Club War Dogs (Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney defend against Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles)