Hirooki Goto defending the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against David Finlay headlines today’s NJPW Sakura Genesis.
Finlay earned today’s World title shot by winning the 2025 New Japan Cup. The two competitors have a 1-1 record in their two prior singles meetings.
Five more title matches are also set for the show.
IWGP Global Champion Yota Tsuji defends against EVIL, and NEVER Openweight Champion Konosuke Takeshita defends against Ryohei Oiwa.
IWGP Tag Team Champions Tetsuya Naito and Hiromu Takahashi defend against Jeff Cobb and Callum Newman. The NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Champions SHO, Ren Narita, and Yujiro Takahashi will defend against Gabe Kidd, Taiji Ishimori, and Drilla Moloney.
The Great-O-Khan challenges El Phantasmo for the NJPW World TV title in the show’s other championship tilt.
A special singles match features Hiroshi Tanahashi facing Shota Umino for just the second time in their careers, and for the first time since Umino’s time as a Young Lion.
SANADA faces Yuya Uemura in the main card opener.
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Pre-show
Katsuya Murashima defeated Daiki Nagai
Having felt each other out, Murashima soon gained command of the match. He extended this sway further with leglocks, each subsequent ones broken by rope breaks. Nagai soon found favor courtesy of a dropkick, followed by a Crossbody. Murashima trapped Nagai in his own Boston Crab, this time successful; Nagai tapped to the agony placed upon him.
Main card
Yuya Uemura defeated SANADA
Competing for wrist control, both competitors teetered back and forth. Uemura damaged SANADA’s arm with a twist and then a dropkick. On the outside, SANADA flung Uemura into the barricade, further tossing him into members of the Japanese commentary table, disturbing a nearby Chris Charlton and Walker Stewart. SANADA capitalized on his carnage to Uemura with an elevated Magic Screw off the ring apron. He added another Magic Screw on the top rope for further hurt. Uemura’s blazing hot comeback halted starkly to SANADA’s Shining Wizard. However, he tapped resoundingly to a Daiyaru Gatame, leaving Uemura the victor.
SANADA’s initial clean approach was refreshing, but his heel tactics made each swing for Uemura’s comebacks so exciting. His Bullet Club involvement has been adding more layers to his character that’s made him interesting compared to his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship run two years ago. As for Uemura, a lot has been said about how great he already is, but I personally don’t think it’s talked about enough. He’s got the right movements to make for an exhilarating presence in the ring.
Great-O-Khan defeated El Phantasmo (c) for the NJPW World TV Title
Phantasmo struck quick and first, sending Khan to the outside. Leaping from the top rope, he landed on his challenger as nearby fans scurried (including one nervous man holding a Daryl plushie cat). Khan planted Phantasmo on the ring apron, focusing more on using his weight and targeting the champion’s weak shoulder. Khan set up a structure of chairs to be used for later. Phantasmo found enough spirit to send Khan flying with a Hurricanrana from the top rope. Having dislocated his shoulder, Phantasmo miraculously toppled Khan in a struggle for power, capitalized with an Unidentified Flying Opponent. Khan once more took Phantasmo to the outside as the 15-minute time limit drew nearer, slamming him through his previously made chair structure. Hastily returning to the ring, Khan watched as Phantasmo lay down for the 20-count. For the first time, the NJPW World TV title changed hands via countout.
Unexpectedly, this was a blast. Khan’s brains and brawn superceded Phantasmo’s spirit in brilliant displays of resiliency from both men. The 20-count especially added drama to heighten the urgency of a NJPW World TV title match.
Shota Umino defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi
Entering through the crowd in a huge Fatal Fury reference, Tanahashi proudly wore a brown leather jacket as Rock Howard, accompanied by Terry Bogard, portrayed by famed Japanese cosplayer Momo Momoto. Tanahashi began the match firing against Umino with Crossbodies, but dropped due to a Dragon Screw Leg Whip. Umino cruelly centered his focus on Tanahashi’s notoriously weak knees. Beyond the strain of his full force attacks, there was nothing behind Umino’s eyes as he held Tanahashi in a crossface.
The pair traded forearms against the turnbuckle with a numb rage emanating from Umino, replaced at last by a look of emotional hurt as his strikes grew in aggression. Tanahashi’s ferocity and tenacity saw him eke out momentum, conducting the crowd like a maestro as he endured Umino’s ruthlessness; narrowly escaping a Bridged Suplex Pin. After three Twist’n’Shouts, a suplex, Sling Blade, and High-Fly Flow, he failed to gain the pin after a second H-FF. Umino collapsed Tanahashi with a Shining Wizard to the back of his skull. Seeking a Northern Lights Suplex, Umino nearly lost to an inside cradle. Umino finally concluded the match, pinning Tanahashi after using The Second Chapter.
This was something special. My goodness. My hands are shaking and I have goosebumps as I type this. In context, 2025 is an important year for both Tanahashi and Umino. The former had strong shades of his past work before his knees gave him troubles. Umino felt like someone to worry about, someone who has an exciting new direction if followed upon correctly. In a way that professional wrestling can communicate, this match served as a communication from a veteran to a rookie to shape up and find out exactly who he is as a man. Incredible stuff in a rare loss during Tanahashi’s final year.
House Of Torture (Ren Narita, SHO & Yujiro Takahashi) (c) defeated BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Drilla Moloney, Gabe Kidd & Taiji Ishimori) for the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship
Each opposing side of BULLET CLUB clashed before the bell could even ring. One by one, the War Dogs fell to the House of Torture’s forces. The trio of Narita, SHO, and Takahashi took turns pecking at Moloney, deterring Kidd and Ishimori, but not for long. Kidd chopped at Narita’s chest, who then introduced him to the mat with a Guillotine Clothesline. The Brit responded in kind with a lariat, setting Moloney up for a Drilla Killa, thwarted by House of Torture interference.
SANADA and Clark Connors entered the fray, with SANADA teasing a guitar shot to Narita before smashing it over Moloney’s head. Narita took advantage of this, covering the now bloody body of Moloney for the win.
— Post-match: SANADA ripped open his jacket, revealing a House of Torture T-shirt, thus defecting from the War Dogs. Kidd, Ishimori, and Connors chased the opposing faction away and tended to Moloney.
I’ll regret this later, but I found that a big development in this Bullet Club civil war can be a benefit to this angle. Though I’m disappointed to see SANADA go down this route, something had to happen. That said, this match built up to something nice, despite my misgivings to House of Torture. Perhaps there’s something to be said about SANADA’s constant faction-jumping, that maybe he’d be better off a loner.
Best of the Super Juniors Announcement
In a comic book-themed presentation, the competitors for the 2025 Best of the Super Juniors Tournament were revealed.
Participants: El Desperado, Ryusuke Taguchi, YOH, Master Wato, KUSHIDA, Kevin Knight, Ninja Mack, Kosei Fujita, Robbie Eagles, Hiroshi Takahashi, BUSHI, Francesco Akira, Taiji Ishimori, Clark Connors, SHO, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, an unnamed CMLL wrestler, Dragongate’s Dragon Dia, DDT Pro Wrestling‘s Mao, AEW‘s Nick Wayne.
Konosuke Takeshita (c) defeated Ryohei Oiwa for the NEVER Openweight Championship
Evenly matched, Oiwa proceeded with trepidation, paying off as he sent Takeshita into the barricades. The champion returned the favor, kicking his challenger in the skull. In the ring, Oiwa controlled Takeshita’s left arm, concentrating his strength to soften and weaken it. Though this undoubtedly affected him, Takeshita’s use of height and power during a top rope suplex triumphed over Oiwa. Proceeding to a Blue Thunderbomb, Takeshita further bullied his opponent. After a back and forth, Oiwa twirled Takeshita to the mat with a lariat. Another back and forth, this time resulting in Takeshita landing a lariat.
Dropping Oiwa with a Brainbuster, Takeshita earned a 1-count pin to a huge ovation. Determined to keep his momentum, Takeshita reached for a Raging Fire. With that, Takeshita retains his NEVER Openweight Championship once again.
Since Oiwa’s return and Takeshita’s signing, I yearned for this match. It did not disappoint. In fact, it left me wanting more, and it’s clear they have much more they’d love to do together, in terms of in-ring excitement and storytelling. Oiwa kicking out at 1 heightened the urgency, showing that Takeshita needed to try everything. The future is still bright for Oiwa.
United Empire (Callum Newman & Jeff Cobb) defeated Los Ingobernables de Japon (Hiromu Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito) (c) for the IWGP Tag Team Championship
Takahashi had an early advantage over the younger Newman, bolstered with assistance by Naito to Cobb’s chagrin. However, Newman fought for his reprieve with a dropkick. Cobb crushed Takahashi with a Standing Moonsault. The pair teetered for control, but Takahashi reversed a powerbomb with a hurricanrana. Naito soon followed with an Esperanza and later a Tornado DDT. Newman nearly thwarted a Destino, but Takahashi added a dropkick needed to complete it.
Hoping for a Tour of the Islands, Cobb’s flight for Naito had been canceled due to turbulence by way of a Takahashi dropkick. Once more countering Cobb’s Tour of the Island with a DDT, Naito was met by an Oscutter 2.0 from Newman. Cobb sent Naito into Newman’s knee, followed up by a Vertical Suplex for a surprise win.
Nothing short of a rollercoaster. Naito and Takahashi were slow as usual, but every segment hit, and they gave it the best they could. Newman and Cobb are great choices for this title victory. With whatever is on the horizon for Cobb, this accolade is a fine one for someone who’s given a lot. Whether he stays or leaves, he’s a great asset to NJPW’s roster. This will undoubtedly be great for Newman in the long run as well as he works for his own identity.
Yota Tsuji (c) defeated EVIL for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship
No sooner had Tsuji walked to the ring when EVIL and the House of Torture ambushed him. Dragging him to the ring, the faction were attacked by none other than the real Yota Tsuji—the decoy was his twin brother Shota Tsuji. Nevertheless, EVIL capitalized on the days of fixated attacks on the champion’s knee to great effect. Employing the Nagata Lock, EVIL laughed as Tsuji writhed in agony, or torture if you will. In the background, Dick Togo continued his assault from earlier on Shota.
In defiance of his hurt knee, Tsuji spilled EVIL with a hurricanrana and sent him to the barricade. Togo attempted to halt a hobbling Tsuji, but he remained undettered. Aiming for a high-flying maneuver, Tsuji’s knee gave out. EVIL exploited this by slamming it into the mat. Strength depleting, Tsuji made a weak crawl to the ropes to break out of EVIL’s Cloverleaf. Tsuji unleashed a Backbreaker + Stomp combination to falter EVIL, but at the cost of more knee pain. Nearly maximizing on the moment of a prone EVIL, Tsuji was distracted by Yoshinobu Kanemaru dragging Shota to the ring. EVIL abused this opportunity as the House of Torture struck hard on him. Shingo Takagi sprinted to the ring, emptying the House. Low-blowing Takagi, EVIL met the same fate courtesy Tsuji. Tossing referee Marty Asami, EVIL countered Tsuji’s Gene Blaster with a Magic Killer. Kanemaru spat whiskey in Tsuji’s direction, who ducked in time, leading Takagi to down him with a Pumping Bomber. EVIL, reeling from the whiskey spit, lost the match to a successful Gene Blaster.
— Post-match: Tsuji called out Yuya Uemura, who already made his way to the ring. The pair agreed to set up a match for Tsuji’s gold at a later date.
Nearly as good as Tsuji’s defense against Gabe Kidd, I can forgive the House of Torture interference thanks to the cathartic nature in their takedown. However, Shingo Takagi’s role and the mind games involving Shota Tsuji being a trap made for at least a fun story, ended with a spectacular finish.
Hirooki Goto (c) defeated David Finlay for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
Locking up, Goto quickly gained an advantage, putting Finlay in a hold broken by the bottom rope. Once Finlay could lay Goto to the mat, he struck with a series of punches and forearms. Finlay’s dominance reigned for a few minutes until Goto pulled out a lariat at the last minute. A Cactus Clothesline by Finlay tumbled him and Goto to the outside; Goto’s foot unwittingly struck Finlay in the groin during the process. Finlay grabbed a table from beyond the barricade and under the ring for later use.
Seeking a powerbomb through the tables, Finlay instead stumbled backwards as a result of a frantic Goto punching his skull. Goto sent his challenger headfirst into a ringpost by way of a hurricanrana. Finlay deployed a grim Backbreaker to crunch Goto’s spine. Denying Finlay the opportunity to send him through a table, Goto instead slammed him through a Fireman’s Carry. A Kaiten nearly put Finlay away, as did Finlay’s Overkill. Stealing a Gun Stun from Karl Anderson, Finlay then transitioned into Oblivion before falling flat from a Shouten Kai. A series of of three GTRs dedicated to his children and the world saw Goto ultimately victorious over Finlay as he gained the pinfall.
— Post-match: Goto celebrated his win, thanking his children and the world for fighting alongside him. Announcing that he knew who he wanted his next challenger to be, he called out Shota Umino. A fully dressed yet emotionless Umino obliged an appearance, nearly entering the ring but leaving after hearing boos. Re-entering at Goto’s request, he accepted the champion’s challenge at Windy City Riot on April 11.
Strong opener and even stronger finisher, this title defense meandered a bit in the middle. The dichotomy of Goto fighting for his family and Finlay fighting out of spite for his own proved a gripping narrative. Full credit to both men—they made the most of the spots that needed the sense of urgency in a deeply personal feud. Moreover, the meandering was made obselete by the overall catharsis of triumphing over past failures. Seeing his children sitting proud gave a heartwarming conclusion to the night.
Sakura Genesis went by incredibly fast and with many memorable moments. Tanahashi’s rare loss this year to Umino, United Empire winning the NJPW World TV and IWGP Tag Team titles, and SANADA’s defection to House of Torture provided must-watch material. The Best of the Super Juniors including talents from DDT, Dragongate, CMLL, and AEW already fills that tournament with sheer excitement. Umino doesn’t seem to edge toward heel activity, yet fully aware of the boos is interesting, albeit polarizing. He’s 2010’s John Cena and 2020-2021 AEW Cody Rhodes. Whatever the case is, he needs something to make him interesting. Maybe Windy City Riot will have just what his character needs. As a whole, Sakura Genesis made for an exhilarating night, and an enjoyable one.
