Nic Nemeth has challenged NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi to an IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship bout.
After picking up a victory in a tag team contest at Saturday’s The New Beginning in Sapporo, Nemeth challenged Tanahashi to be his first challenger for the Global title. Tanahashi was at ringside on commentary, and answered “I agree with you” in English to Nemeth.
No date has been set for the bout.
Tanahashi had been scheduled to wrestle on Saturday’s event as part of Kazuchika Okada’s team in Okada’s farewell 10-man tag, but was pulled from the show just prior to bell time with a right ankle injury.
There have been no reports as of yet to the severity of the injury to Tanahashi, but the fact that the Nemeth match was agreed to indicates that he is not expected to miss a lot of time.
Nemeth defeated David Finlay in the main event of Friday’s The New Beginning show to win the Global title in his in-ring debut for NJPW. On the same show, Tanahashi dropped the NJPW World TV title to Matt Riddle.
Also on Saturday’s show, YOH stole SHO’s IWGP Junior Heavyweight title belt in an angle to set up a future championship bout between the former tag partners.
Saturday’s event also featured Okada and Tama Tonga’s farewell matches for the promotion.
Our full coverage of The New Beginning in Sapporo is here.
Video of Nemeth’s challenge to Tanahashi is embedded below.
Kazuchika Okada is leaving NJPW on a winning streak.
The Rainmaker scored a pinfall victory in his final match as a full-time member of NJPW’s roster at Saturday’s The New Beginning in Sapporo event, pinning United Empire’s Callum Newman in a 10-man tag in his swan song.
In the bout pitting Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, and Toru Yano of CHAOS against United Empire’s Matt Riddle, Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, Francesco Akira, and Newman, Okada landed all of his signature offense including his trademark dropkick, a landslide, and finished the bout with his Rainmaker lariat.
Okada won all of his final four matches with NJPW, including a NEVER Openweight Six-Man title defense where he vacated the title immediately after, a singles win over Hiroshi Tanahashi, plus wins in multi-man tags on both nights of The New Beginning in Sapporo this weekend.
Tanahashi had originally been slated to team with Okada in his finale, but an ankle injury forced Tana off Saturday’s card and he was replace by Yano.
Hiroshi Tanahashi will not take part in Kazuchika Okada’s NJPW farewell match due to a right ankle injury.
NJPW announced just prior to bell time for night two of The New Beginning in Sapporo that Tanahashi would not be able to take part in Okada’s farewell 10-man tag match due to a right ankle injury.
Toru Yano will replace Tanahashi in the tag match, which now consists of Okada, Yano, Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI vs. Matt Riddle, Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb, Francesco Akira & Callum Newman.
Tanahashi presumably suffered the injury in his match on night one of The New Beginning in Sapporo on Friday in his NJPW World TV Championship defense against Riddle.
NJPW’s statement:
Thank you for supporting New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
Hiroshi Tanahashi, who was scheduled to wrestle on today’s card in Sapporo, has sustained an injury to his right ankle and will be unable to compete.
We apologise to fans who were looking forward to seeing Tanahashi wrestle, and appreciate your understanding.
The following change has been made to tonight’s card:
Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, YOSHI-HASHI, Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii vs Callum Newman, Jeff Cobb, Matt Riddle, Great-O-Khan & Francesco Akira–>
Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano, YOSHI-HASHI, Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii vs Callum Newman, Jeff Cobb, Matt Riddle, Great-O-Khan & Francesco Akira
Okada will officially enter free agency following tonight’s NJPW event. His NJPW deal originally expired at the end of January, but he agreed to work three final dates for the company this month.
Our live coverage of night two of The New Beginning in Sapporo is here. The show is headlined by Tetsuya Naito vs. SANADA for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, plus a Yota Tsuji vs. Yuya Uemura hair vs. hair match.
Kazuchika Okada will say goodbye to NJPW on tonight’s The New Beginning tour closer in Sapporo.
Okada will leave the company and officially enter free agency following tonight’s show after a 12-plus year run as the promotion’s biggest star, seven IWGP Heavyweight title reigns, plus four G1 Climax wins.
Okada’s farewell match goes on second on the main card, as he teams with Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto, and YOSHI-HASHI against United Empire’s Matt Riddle, Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, Francesco Akira, and Callum Newman.
Hiroshi Tanahashi was originally scheduled to be part of Okada’s team, but was pulled from the card due to injury.
Tetsuya Naito will defend the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against SANADA in the main event.
A hair vs. hair match with Yota Tsuji facing Yuya Uemura is in the semifinal position.
A series of LIJ vs. Just Five Guys bouts are the other featured singles matches on the show, with Shingo Takagi vs. Taichi, Hiromu Takahashi vs. DOUKI, and BUSHI vs. TAKA Michinoku.
New IWGP Global Champion Nic Nemeth tags with Ryusuke Taguchi against David Finlay & Gedo.
Tama Tonga also bids farewell to NJPW after today’s show, teaming with brother Tanga Loa against brother Hikuleo & El Phantasmo.
Shota Umino, El Desperado, Togi Makabe, YOH & Boltin Oleg take on House of Torture’s EVIL, SHO, Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi & Yoshinobu Kanemaru in the main card opener.
The Frontier Zone pre-show match begins at 11:30 p.m. Eastern time.
El Desperado, Oleg Boltin, Shota Umino, Togi Makabe & YOH defeated House of Torture (EVIL, Ren Narita, SHO, Yujiro Takahashi, & Yoshinobu Kanemaru)
This match opened with a brawl on the outside. In the ring, the babyfaces established control, with Oleg connecting with huge offense against HoT, forcing EVIL to take him out with a low blow. HoT then worked to isolate Oleg, whipping him into exposed corners and choking him with weapons.
After the tag to Shota, HoT continued using their usual tactics to maintain control. Oleg hit the ring to challenge HoT, leading to a match breakdown. Shota emerged from the chaos alone with Kanemaru. He hit Kanemaru with Death Rider and won the match.
After the match, YOH stole SHO’s belt, perhaps setting up a title challenge in the future.
A video teasing “the scapegoat” Jack Perry played. After the video ended, Shota asked English coms if that was “Jungle Boy”.
CHAOS (Hirooki Goto, Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI & Toru Yano) defeated United Empire (Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan, Callum Newman & Jeff Cobb) & Matt Riddle
Riddle opened the match by hammering Okada with strikes. Okada didn’t fall but failed to connect with much before tagging out.
Akira and Goto tagged in next. Akira gained success against the heavyweight early, but O-Khan hit the ring, leading to a full, CHAOS-favored breakdown. Once CHAOS left the ring, Akira was able to regain his footing before escaping to Cobb.
Cobb and Ishii traded a couple of strikes before Cobb dropped Ishii with a big suplex. Cobb hit Ishii with a tour of the islands and another suplex. Ishii powered through, hitting a suplex of his own, initiating a back-and-forth. Once both men were exhausted, YH and O-Khan tagged in.
O-Khan and YH hit each other with chops before YH dropped O-Khan with a suplex. Now that O-Khan was down, Okada was willing to tag in. Okada tried to find the tombstone, but O-Khan escaped. O-Khan dropped Okada with a lariat before tagging out to Newman.
Akira cleared the apron of CHAOS before hitting the ring with the rest of UE. They worked together to take out Okada, but Okada held on, removing all of UE from the ring singlehandedly. Okada hit Newman with a landslide, an elbow drop, and a rainmaker before pinning Newman in the middle of the ring.
Okada beat down all of UE like a bunch of geeks and dipped. Incredible.
After the match, each of Okada’s teammates hugged him with tear-filled eyes. Okada grabbed a mic, thanked the crowd for 17 years, and promised they would see more of him. There will never be another Kazuchika Okada.
El Phantasmo & Hikuleo defeated Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa
Before the match began, Jado came to the ring dressed in referee attire. To prove his loyalty to both pairs, Jado played the middleman and officiated the match.
Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa came to the ring wearing their old face paint.
Tama and Hikuleo started the match. After a short back-and-forth, ELP and Loa tagged in. They traded quick pin attempts, tiring Jado. All four men hit the ring and started arguing over Jado, but his request for a “clean fight” calmed the tensions.
ELP and Hikuleo established a lead. ELP worked over Loa for some time, setting up the hot tag to Tama. Tama gained a substantial lead until Hikuleo hit the ring, leading to a match breakdown.
Tama and Loa emerged from the chaos with the lead. They hit Hikuleo with Magic Killer and a splash for a nearfall. In their attempt to follow up, Hikuleo hit a suplex and a scoopslam. Hikuleo and Tama went back and forth, trying for their finishes, but neither could connect.
Hikuleo hit a clothesline, but Tama kicked out at one. Hikuleo then hit a giant powerbomb, but again, Tama kicked out. Finally, Hikuleo hit Tama with his God Send chokeslam and pinned Tama to win the match.
After the match, a teary-eyed Tama shared a moment with his brothers, ELP, and Jado.
Nic Nemeth & Ryusuke Taguchi defeated BULLET CLUB (David Finlay & Gedo)
Taguchi and Nemeth gained an immediate lead by hitting Bullet Club with their rear ends rapidly. Taguchi eventually missed a B-Trigger, opening the door for a Finlay comeback. Finlay and Gedo worked to isolate Taguchi while attacking his butt.
Once Nemeth tagged in, the match turned around for the babyfaces. Nemeth cleared the ring of Finlay and dropped Gedo with Danger Zone. Nemeth pinned Gedo, winning the match.
After the match, Nemeth grabbed a microphone and requested that Tanahashi challenge for the Gloabal Championship. Tanahashi accepted the challenge, but, due to his injury, who knows when it’ll happen.
BUSHI defeated TAKA Michinoku
The opening moments saw BUSHI trying for a dive immediately. TAKA tried taking the match to the mat, but BUSHI continued to escape into the ropes. BUSHI ended TAKA’s control with a dropkick to the knee and his signature tope.
BUSHI’s control was short-lived, ending once TAKA returned to the mat. Once BUSHI escaped, TAKA tried for the Michinoku driver, but BUSHI reversed, hitting one of his own. BUSHI then tried for MX, but TAKA cut him off with a superkick.
BUSHI continued attacking the knee, landing multiple dropkicks before securing a leglock. TAKA tried everything to escape, but in the end, he was forced to tap out.
LIJ leads the series 1-0.
DOUKI defeated Hiromu Takahashi
This match opened fast, with DOUKI launching an attack before the opening bell sounded. Hiromu matched his energy, taking the fight to the floor. Hiromu drove DOUKI into the barricade, establishing the first lead of the match.
Back in the ring, Hiromu landed a falcon arrow, but DOUKI was quick to answer with a dropkick and a springboard elbow. DOUKI then hit a dive to the floor and a double stomp before locking in the DOUKI-chokey.
DOUKI went to the apron to further his offense, but Hiromu cut him off with a sunset flip powerbomb. Back in the ring, both men were on equal footing, leading to a struggle for control, with neither man landing something substantial. Eventually, Hiromu hit a Dynamite Plunger, but DOUKI kicked out. Both men then traded lariats before Hiromu landed Timebomb; DOUKI kicked out.
Hiromu was now desperate to close. He reached down to grab DOUKI, but DOUKI caught him in a deep DOUKI-chokey. Hiroumu escaped but was immediately planted with a massive DDT. DOUKI then hit Suplex de La Luna and pinned Hiromu for one of the biggest wins in his career.
The score is even. 1-1.
Taichi defeated Shingo Takagi
This match opened with both men trading strikes. This continued to escalate with both men going for bigger and bigger moves. Shingo eventually established a lead with a suplex. With Taichi on the back foot, Shingo took a second to plug his YouTube.
Taichi answered Shingo’s control with an air raid crash. Taichi then paused to remove his pants dramatically. This gave Shingo time to land a DDT, reseting the match.
Both men met in the corner, where they traded headbutts and strikes before Shingo hit Taichi with a drop from the top rope. Taichi powered up, leading to a couple of quick back-and-forth suplexes between the pair.
With both men on their last legs, they began trying for lariats. After minutes of running into each other, both men collapsed to the mat. Eventually, Shingo tried again for pumping bomber, but Taichi ducked and hit his dangerous backdrop to win the match.
J5G leads, 2-1.
Hair vs. Hair: Yota Tsuji defeated Yuya Uemura
This match was horrificly boring. I expected a little life for a match with so much on the line, but this was dreadful.
This match opened slow, with both men trying to find an opening. Yuya found a little early on utilizing basic offense. Tsuji broke this advance but kept the pace slow as he picked apart Yuya.
Tsuji eventually kicked Yuya to the floor, giving Yuya time to recover. Once Yuya returned to the ring, he retook the lead again, utilizing simple maneuvers.
Yuya worked on the mat, targeting Tsuji’s arm. Tsuji escaped but remained on the mat, locking Yuya in a Boston crab. The pair continued going tit-for-tat like this for some time.
Eventually, Yuya landed a double under-hook suplex. He then climbed to the top rope, where Tsuji met him. Tsuji hit a Spanish fly from the top, but Yuya kicked out. Yuya then fired back, hitting the deadbolt, but he failed to follow up. With both men down, the referee began a double count, forcing both men to their feet.
With five minutes left in the time limit, both men began to rally. Yuya hit a backdrop and tried for a crossbody, but Tsuji reversed into a curb stomp. Tsuji tried for a gene blast, but Yuya reversed into an arm drag. Tsuji tried again, but Yuya reversed into a cutter. Yuya hit a German, but Tsuji popped up, hit a gene blast spear, and won the match.
After the match, Tsuji cut Yuya’s hair in the center of the ring. Yuya cut him off and cut some of the hair himself.
The score is even heading into the main event, 2-2.
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Tetsuya Naito (c) defeated SANADA
This was easily the best match on the card. It was a big step down from their WrestleKingdom match, but it was still enjoyable.
This match opened with a standard feeling-out process from this pair. SANADA switched things up by attacking Naito on the floor, but Naito welcomed the attack, taking control and landing a DDT on the floor. From here, Naito continued focusing the neck with high-impact offense.
SANADA bounced back with a plancha. Instead of keeping up the pace, SANADA turned his attention to the crowd. This allowed Naito to retake the lead and keep focus on SANADA’s neck.
A dropkick in the corner sent Naito crashing into the ring post. SANADA then drove Naito’s neck into his knee to establish control. SANADA locked in Skull End, tiring Naito. SANADA then attempted a moonsault, but Naito blocked with his knees.
Naito hammered SANADA’s neck before hoisting him back to the top rope. This time, Naito was able to connect with an avalanche rana. Naito then tried for Destino, but SANADA slipped free. Both men then began attempting their finishes, but neither could connect. After a prolonged struggle, SANADA dropped Naito and hit two moonsualts. Naito held on long enough to respond with a partial Destino.
Naito wanted a full Destino, but SANADA slipped free, hitting a shining wizard. SANADA then tried for Deadfall, but Naito reversed into a choke. Naito then hit a Deadfall of his own, but SANADA responded with a pair of shining wizards. SANADA then tried for Deadfall again, but Naito reversed into a tornado DDT/inside cradle combination, earning him a sudden win.
Naito is still IWGP World Heavyweight champion. LIJ wins the series 3-2.
In his show-ending promo, Naito called attention to Okada, thanking him on his last night in New Japan. He then welcomed Okada to the ring. He offered Okada the LIJ salute. Okada accepted, but Naito spit in his face. The two had a playful scramble before Okada left the ring for the last time.
Three of the five championships on the line changed hands on night one of NJPW The New Beginning in Sapporo.
In the show’s main event, Nic Nemeth (the former Dolph Ziggler) defeated David Finlay in his NJPW debut match to win the IWGP Global Championship.
Nemeth used The Danger Zone (the renamed Zig Zag) to score a pinfall victory over Finlay in his first NJPW outing, ending Finlay’s title reign with his first defense.
In the show’s semi-main, Matt Riddle pinned Hiroshi Tanahashi after hitting a Bro Derek to win the NJPW World TV Championship.
The match was Riddle’s first NJPW match on Japanese soil after joining the company earlier this year. He did wrestle a tag at Battle in the Valley in San Jose last month, and also worked two matches on joint RevPro/NJPW shows in London in 2017.
Tanahashi successfully defended the NJPW World TV title once in his 50-day reign at New Year Dash against Ryusuke Taguchi.
A new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion was also crowned on Friday, as SHO defeated El Desperado to win the title in a countout finish. Desperado also managed one successful title defense in his 50-day reign.
SHO’s Bullet Club House of Torture stablemate EVIL retained the NEVER Openweight Championship on Friday with a victory over Shota Umino to extend his title reign.
In the night’s other title bout, Mayu Iwatani retained the IWGP Women’s Championship with a win over Mina Shirakawa.
Night two of The New Beginning in Sapporo starts Friday night at 11:30 p.m. Eastern time. The show will feature Kazuchika Okada’s NJPW farewell match, a Yota Tsuji vs. Yuya Uemura hair vs. hair battle, as well as Tetsuya Naito defending the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against SANADA in the main event.
Nic Nemeth makes his NJPW in-ring debut challenging David Finlay for the IWGP Global Championship at today’s The New Beginning in Sapporo.
Finlay vs. Nemeth for the Global title headlines today’s show that also features the first night of Kazuchika Okada’s two-night NJPW farewell tour, with The Rainmaker taking part in an eight-man tag.
Four more title bouts are also set for the card.
In the semi-main, Hiroshi Tanahashi defends the NJPW World TV Championship against Matt Riddle in Riddle’s first match in Japan since joining NJPW earlier this year.
EVIL defends the NEVER Openweight Championship against Shota Umino, IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion El Desperado defends against SHO, and Mayu Iwatani defends the IWGP Women’s Championship against Mina Shirakawa in the other title matches.
Okada teams with Tomohiro Ishii, YOSHI-HASHI, & YOH against United Empire’s Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, Francesco Akira, & Callum Newman. HENARE was pulled from this match due to an injury.
LIJ face Just Five Guys in a 10-man tag, Togi Makabe, Ryusuke Taguchi, & Boltin Oleg take on Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi, & Yoshinobu Kanemaru in a trios match, plus Zack Sabre Jr. faces Yuji Nagata in a singles bout to kick off the main card.
Toru Yano & Tomoya take on Tomoaki Honma & Shoma Kato on the pre-show beginning at 2:30 a.m. Eastern time.
Nagata opened the match with leg kicks that sent ZSJ to the mat. ZSJ responded with a kick to the arm, which he focused from here on. Nagata fired back with more kicks before hitting a suplex.
On the mat, Nagata turned to the Nagata-Lock 1, forcing ZSJ into the ropes. The groundwork continued from Nagata as he transitioned to the Nagata-Lock 2. ZSJ eventually slipped free, transitioning into a cross-arm breaker, which won ZSJ the match.
House Of Torture (Ren Narita, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Yujiro Takahashi) defeated Oleg Boltin, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tomoaki Honma
House of Torture opened the match with a team attack on their opponents. Oleg responded by taking out all of HoT by himself. Taguchi tagged in after Oleg and unloaded on HoT with a barrage of B-triggers.
Taguchi’s momentum was short-lived. After a missed B-trigger, HoT began picking him apart. Once Makabe tagged in, the babyfaces saw a little more success before falling again to HoT tactics. With a distracted referee, Narita hit Makabe with his pushup bar before landing the Double Cross to win the match.
CHAOS (Hirooki Goto, Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, YOH & YOSHI-HASHI) defeated United Empire (Callum Newman, Francesco Akira, Great-O-Khan, HENARE & Jeff Cobb)
Okada and O-Khan opened the match to raucous chants for Okada. O-Khan caught Okada with a slap before turning to the claw. In a strong position, O-Khan attempted the eliminator, but Okada reversed. Okada then tagged out to YH.
After a bit of a back-and-forth, Akira and YOH entered the fray. They had a competitive athletic sequence before Ishii joined the match. Ishii took out all of UE before facing off with Cobb. Ishii hit a suplex before tagging back to Okada.
Cobb dropped Okada and tagged out to Newman, who wanted to prove himself against the departing Okada. He unloaded with strikes before hitting an OsCutter, which forced Ishii to make the save. A match breakdown followed, with everyone hitting the ring. CHAOS emerged from the struggle with control, allowing Okada to drop Newman with a rainmaker, winning him the match.
Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi, Tetsuya Naito & Yota Tsuji) defeated Just 5 Guys (DOUKI, SANADA, Taichi, TAKA Michinoku & Yuya Uemura)
This match opened with a brawl between teams. Things continued to escalate until Uemura and Tsuji were left alone in the ring. Uemura avoided a Gene Blaster, locking in a Boston crab in response. Tsuji fought back, leading to a competitive back-and-forth ending with a match reset.
Taichi and Shingo entered next. They traded heavy strikes, forcing a tag to TAKA. Shingo overwhelmed TAKA on his own, but the rest of LIJ helped him keep the ring clear. He dropped TAKA with a pumping bomber, winning the match for LIJ.
IWGP Women’s Championship: Mayu Iwatani (c) vs. Mina Shirakawa to retain the title
This was comfortably the best match of the night. It wasn’t quite fantastic, but it kept moving in exciting ways.
This match opened with both women running at each other, kicking off a fast back and forth. The frantic pace continued as Mina began to focus the legs, establishing control. Mina then hoisted Mayu onto her shoulders, but Mayu reversed into a poison-rana.
A striking battle led to another stent of Mina control. After landing her electric chair variation, Mina turned her attention back to the legs, locking in a figure four. After an excruciating battle on the mat, Mayu escaped to the bottom rope. Mina dropped Mayu with heavy strikes, followed by a DDT.
Mina attempted the glorious driver, but Mayu escaped to hit a tombstone. Mayu followed up with a top rope dropkick, a top rope double stomp, and a moonsault for a convincing nearfall. A dragon suplex scored another near-fall for the champion. After another dragon suplex, Mayu successfully pinned Mina, winning the match and retaining her belt.
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: SHO defeated El Desperado (c) to win the title
This match was painful. When it wasn’t slow, it was frustrating. The reign of SHO is going to be dreadful.
This match opened with a brawl on the ramp. Desperado dominated SHO in the opening, gaining a solid lead before the match even started. After the opening bell, Desperado attacked the legs, locking in the stretch muffler, forcing SHO into the ropes. SHO tried to escape to the outside, but Desperado maintained his pursuit.
On the floor, SHO shoved the referee and hit Desperado with the IWGP Junior belt. Back in the ring, SHO hit a lariat and locked in a snake bite. A nasty power breaker set Desperado up for a package piledriver, but SHO’s leg failed him. Desperado then turned his attention back to SHO’s leg, but he struggled to follow up.
SHO attempted another piledriver, but Desperado reversed into a spinebuster. A dragonscrew led to a stretch muffler in the middle of the ring, but the lights turned off before SHO tapped. Once the lights turned back on, Yoshinobu Kanemaru was attacking Desperado. Before SHO could deliver a strike with his wrench, Taguchi ran to the ring, landing two hip attacks before carrying Kanemaru to the back.
With HoT gone, Desperado continued his attack, driving SHO into the ring post before returning to leg whips. Desperado locked in the stretch muffler again, but SHO powered out. SHO shoved Desperado into the referee and hit a low blow to stop his advance.
SHO tried hitting Desperado with the belt again, but Desperado responded with a punch. Desperado attempted to follow up with a tope, but SHO cut him off with a stunning chair shot. SHO landed another chair shot while the referee tried to come to.
SHO attempted a third chair strike but was interrupted by the referee. This distraction allowed Desperado to hit a low blow and a baseball swing chair shot of his own. As the referee’s count climbed, SHO managed to roll into the ring. As Desperado tried to beat the count, Ren Narita emerged from under the ring and held him down. The referee counted to twenty, leaving SHO with a stolen win and the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion.
NEVER Openweight Championship: EVIL (c) defeated Shota Umino to retain the title
This was another insufferable House of Torture match.
Shota opened the match by striking down EVIL. Once Shota established a bit of a lead, he tried taking care of Dick Togo on the outside. This gave EVIL the time to catch Shota and gain control.
EVIL slammed Shota into the barricade and taunted him with the NEVER belt. Back in the ring, EVIL attacked the eyes, whipped Shota into an exposed corner, and attempted a couple of pins. When that didn’t work, EVIL threw Shota to the floor, allowing Togo to get in some licks.
Shota eventually landed a dropkick, leading to a short rally. A quick distraction from EVIL and a forearm left EVIL back in the lead. Shota responded with a diversion of his own to retake control. Shota locked in a crossface in the center of the ring, prompting Yujiro Takahashi to ring the bell. This distraction led to a ref bump and all of HoT attacking Shota.
EVIL attempted Everything is Evil, but Shota reversed it into twist and shout. Before Shota could capitalize, EVIL bumped the referee again. Togo choked Shota with his wire. Shota survived somehow, and launched into a rally.
Shota attempted multiple signatures, but EVIL kept slipping free. Finally, Shota hit a gun stun for a nearfall. When Shota attempted Deathrider, EVIL pushed Shota into the exposed corner and drove him into the mat. EVIL then hit Everything is Evil to retain his title.
NJPW World Television Championship: Matt Riddle defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) to win the title
This match was fine.
This match opened with a scramble that turned into standing grappling. Slightly outclassed, Tanahashi fled to the floor. On the outside, Tanahashi gained a short lead, but Riddle regained his footing back inside. A corkscrew BroTon left Riddle comfortably ahead.
Tanahashi blocked a top rope dive with his knees before hitting a twist and shout and sling blade for a nearfall. A dragonscrew into the ropes only furthered Tanahashi’s lead.
Riddle challenged Tanahashi with strikes before hitting BroDerek. Riddle pinned Tanahashi, winning the match and taking the NJPW World Television championship.
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Nic Nemeth defeated David Finlay (c) to win the title
Finlay started the match by attacking Nemeth from behind. When the bell sounded, Nemeth was ready with a superkick. Nemeth then slammed Finlay into various objects around the ring.
Finlay regained his footing by spearing Nemeth through the barricade. Back in the ring, Finlay picked apart Nemeth. As Nemeth began to wiggle his way back into the match, the action returned to the floor.
Nemeth attempted another superkick, but Finlay sacrificed Gedo. Finlay then hit Nemeth with a shillelagh before brutally attacking the leg. Nemeth eventually answered Finlay’s advance with an Olympic slam, resetting the match.
Finlay stayed on top by driving Nemeth into an exposed corner. Finlay, to continue his attack on the leg, threw Nemeth to the floor in a standing position. Back in the ring, Finlay locked in a figure four leglock. Once Nemeth escaped from the leglock, Finlay dropped him with a lariat. This left Finlay free to pick apart Nemeth even further.
After minutes on the back foot, Nemeth began to rally. He slammed Finlay into the exposed corner before hitting a famouser to score a nearfall. Nemeth’s rally was short-lived, though, as Finlay quickly responded with Oblivion.
Finlay attempted Oblivion again, but Nemeth cut him off with a headbutt. After another headbutt, Nemeth hit Danger Zone (formerly the Zig Zag) and pinned Finlay in the middle of the ring. Nic Nemeth is IWGP Global Champion.
Nemeth cut the show ending promo while being showered in confetti. Before leaving Nemeth asked Tanahashi to be his partner tomorrow. Tanahashi is already booked tomorrow, so who know how that will work out.
One of wrestling’s greatest rivalries ends today with the final Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi match at NJPW The New Beginning in Osaka.
In the same building where Okada defeated Tanahashi in 2012 in the legendary Rainmaker Shock to claim his first IWGP Heavyweight title, the two legends will do battle one last time on today’s show at EDION Arena. Okada has aready announced his NJPW departure and finishes up with the promotion in two weeks.
Will Ospreay will say farewell to NJPW in the main event of today’s show in a five-on-five cage match held under War Games rules, with United Empire (Ospreay, Jeff Cobb, HENARE, TJP & Francesco Akira) facing Bullet Club War Dogs (David Finlay, Gabe Kidd, Alex Coughlin, Drilla Moloney & Clark Connors. Ospreay has signed with AEW.
AEW’s Bryan Danielson will face Zack Sabre Jr. on today’s show in a return match from WrestleDream last October where Danielson pinned Sabre.
The IWGP Tag Team Championship is also on the line today as El Phantasmo & Hikuleo defend against KENTA & Chase Owens in the show’s only title match.
Oleg opened the match against Yano, taking him down with a tackle, which prompted YOH to hit the ring. Oleg took out both of his opponents and landed a splash for an early near fall. Yano, on the back foot, grabbed the referee to buy time. He then hit Oleg with an atomic drop, removed the padding from the turnbuckle, drove Oleg into the corner, and tagged in YOH.
Once Taguchi tagged in, momentum shifted back and forth. Yano tried aiding YOH, but this led to Oleg hitting the ring. Oleg and Taguchi hoisted up their opponents and rocked them. Taguchi strained himself in this exercise, allowing YOH to transition into a quick pin. Oleg was too busy rocking Yano to notice the pin, allowing YOH to steal the win.
Newman was able to gain the upper hand early, but tandem offense from Bishamon overwhelmed him. Newman eventually landed a kick, allowing him to escape to O-Khan.
O-Khan and YH struggled for control. Once O-Khan found his footing, he tagged back into Newman. A back-and-forth between teams followed until Bishamon was alone with Newman. They planted Newman with Shoto and pinned him to win the match.
House of Torture (EVIL, Ren Narita, SHO & Yujiro Takahashi) defeated El Desperado, Shota Umino, Tiger Mask & Tomoaki Honma
This match opened with a brawl. Once they found the ring, the babyface squad worked to isolate SHO. A missed KoKeshi from Honma was followed by another brawl and HoT emerging with control.
A tag to Umino led to a short rally. SHO used some of his usual tactics to slow down Umino, forcing him to tag out to TMIV. The rest of the babyfaces backed up TMIV, leading to a match breakdown. TMIV hit SHO with a tiger driver for a near fall.
Dick Togo distracted the referee, allowing SHO to hit TMIV with a low blow. Narita then dropped TMIV with his pushup bar. To close, SHO hit TMIV with a package piledriver and pinned him.
After the match, HoT continued to attack the babyfaces. EVIL spray painted an X on Umino. SHO left with Desperado’s junior belt in hand, declaring himself the champion.
Just 5 Guys (DOUKI, SANADA, Taichi, TAKA Michinoku & Yuya Uemura) defeated Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi, Tetsuya Naito & Yota Tsuji)
Shingo and Taichi opened the match with back-and-forth strikes. TAKA and BUSHI tagged in next, with BUSHI landing a tope to secure the lead. LIJ then worked together to wear down TAKA. TAKA held his own long enough to tag out to Uemura.
Uemura unloaded on Tsuji. Uemura focused on the arm to gain a lead. Tsuji fought back, dropping Uemura for a double tag.
DOUKI and Hiromu entered next, with neither man gaining strong footing. Hiromu landed a German, but DOUKI responded with one of his own. A match reset followed, leading to a double tag to SANADA and Naito.
SANADA placed Naito in the paradise lock. After being kicked out of the hold, Naito spat in the face of SANDA and landed a dropkick of his own. SANADA tried to respond with another dropkick, but Naito ate it and landed another one himself.
From here, the match broke down. J5G dropped BUSHI with five tandem boots. LIJ hit the ring next, leading to a chaotic back and forth until SANADA locked BUSHI into a swinging Skull End, forcing him to tap.
Kazuchika Okada defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi
This match was exactly what it needed to be—an emotional sendoff for one of the greatest rivalries in pro wrestling’s history. Instead of being over-ambitious, this match focused on tying a bow on this story in an efficient, romantic way. Fantastic.
Before the match could begin, deafening “Okada” chants filled EDION Arena.
A collar-and-elbow initiated the action, with a typical feeling out back and forth following. Okada landed a dropkick, sending Tanahashi to the floor, where Okada used the barricade to establish a lead. The crowd responded to Okada’s dirty offense with boos.
Back in the ring, Okada landed Tanahashi’s signature dragon screw, drawing more boos from the Osaka crowd. He then dared Tanahashi to strike him, which Tanahashi gladly did. Tanahashi then took control with a senton and a couple of his own dragon screws. With Okada on the outside, Tanahashi climbed to the top and delivered a high-impact crossbody.
Back in the ring, Tanahashi tried running at Okada, but Okada caught him. Okada followed up with an air raid crash and an elbow drop before hitting his signature Rainmaker pose.
When Okada attempted Rainmaker for the first time, Tanahashi reversed into a sling blade; a strike exchange followed. Okada rocked Tanahashi with uppercuts, but Tanahashi answered with a twist and shout. Tanahashi followed up with a dragon suplex and sling blade.
Tanahashi climbed to the top for High Fly Flow, but Okada blocked by extending his knees. Okada then floored Tanahashi with a dropkick and a clothesline. Okada established wrist control, but Tanahashi broke it with a slap; Okada dropkick and a piledriver to gain wrist control again. Seeing the writing on the wall, Tanahashi tried to escape, but Okada landed the Rainmaker. Okada then pinned Tanahashi to win the match.
After the pin, Okada and Tanahashi embraced. Okada then took a moment to soak up the reaction from the crowd before bowing to the lion mark with tears in his eyes.
IWGP Tag Team Championship: BULLET CLUB (Chase Owens & KENTA) defeated Guerrillas of Destiny (El Phantasmo & Hikuleo) (c)
This was a stinker from these teams.
KENTA and ELP opened the match, but it didn’t take long for a breakdown with all four men involved. ELP landed a moonsault to the floor to establish a GoD lead. BULLET CLUB fired back by isolating ELP on the outside.
Owens attempted a package piledriver, but ELP escaped. A hot tag to Hikuleo followed, allowing GoD to establish the lead. After a strong stent from Hikuleo, ELP landed a dive for a nearfall.
KENTA hit the ring to steal the lead from GoD. BULLET CLUB worked together to isolate ELP until a sneaky tag allowed Hikuleo to re-enter the match. KENTA shoved Hikuleo into the referee and began striking the back of his head. Hikuleo held on long enough to respond with a scoop slam.
ELP dove on Owens to take him out. Hikuleo then dropped KENTA with a chokeslam, setting up the Thunderkiss 86. Owens saved the match by pulling the referee to the floor. Taiji Ishimori then hit the ring with a belt in hand, dropping Hikuleo and leaving KENTA free to pin him. Owens threw the referee in the ring just in time for a BULLET CLUB win. Owens and KENTA are tag champions.
I’ve not been a fan of this GoD reign at all, but I have a feeling that this BULLET CLUB pair will make me miss it.
Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Bryan Danielson
Very few matches come even close to what these two men delivered. This was a hyper-focused war filled with compelling work, bell-to-bell—a must-see.
The match opened with a standing scramble. An extended period of mat work followed, with neither man gaining an upper hand. This played out multiple times, with both men trying to break the other’s defenses; as soon as one would gain control, the other would slip free.
Eventually, Danielson whipped ZSJ into the ropes, causing him to retreat while holding his leg. Seeing an opening, Danielson began focusing solely on the leg, striking, stomping, and stretching it to establish a lead.
After minutes of Danielson brutalizing ZSJ’s leg, ZSJ flipped free and caught Danielson with a magic screw. Danielson tried to attack the leg again, but ZSJ was ready with another magic screw and a dropkick to the neck.
Danielson forced ZSJ into the corner, where he landed a few strikes and a dragonscrew. ZSJ responded with a cobra twist. The pair then worked their way to the mat, where they fought for control of the leg. ZSJ landed a handful of strikes, but Danielson responded with a mouthful of spit and a nasty kick to the ear. ZSJ, not to be outdone, began kicking Danielson himself. The pair then rolled to the edge of the apron while continuing to strike. ZSJ fell off the apron, leaving Danielson free to land a leaping knee.
Back in the ring, Danielson lept from the top rope, but ZSJ caught him. ZSJ then began to stretch Danielson with a variety of holds, forcing Danielson to escape to the bottom rope. When ZSJ tried to follow up, Danielson caught him with a kick to the injured leg.
Now late in the match, both men began trading stiff strikes in the center of the ring. A slap to the chest sent ZSJ crumbling, and a kick to the head re-established Danielson’s lead. Danielson then leaped on ZSJ’s leg before climbing to the top rope. ZSJ met Danielson on the top, leading to a back-and-forth of headbutts. Danielson won out with a back suplex, resulting in a nearfall.
Danielson landed a few of BCC’s signature elbows before attempting cattle mutilation. ZSJ escaped and landed a Zack Driver for a nearfall before Danielson could respond. ZSJ then began to hammer Danielson with kicks before attempting a triangle. Danielson slipped the hold and floored ZSJ with heavy forearms. Once ZSJ fell flat, Danielson transitioned to stomps. Danielson tried tying ZSJ up, forcing ZSJ to find the rope.
Danielson then turned to kicks to the chest. ZSJ powered up to his feet, leading to another slick back-and-forth grappling sequence. Once standing, they began to trade strikes again. After being granted a moment of separation, Danielson landed his knee strike. ZSJ reversed the second, leading to the pair trading quick pin attempts. Ultimately, ZSJ won out in this exchange, trapping Danielson with his shoulders down to eke out a win.
After the match, ZSJ offered a handshake to Danielson. Danielson hesitated momentarily but eventually shook his hand with vigor.
ZSJ gestured a missing belt on his waist before calling out the winner of Sanada and Naito.
BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Alex Coughlin, Clark Connors, David Finlay, Drilla Moloney & Gabe Kidd) defeated United Empire (Francesco Akira, HENARE, Jeff Cobb, TJP & Will Ospreay)
This had far too much going on for me to enjoy. It lacked the urgency that made the great staggered-entrance cage matches of the 90s and 00s special. That said, if you like modern war games or weapon-filled matches, this might be for you. There was a ton of blood, spots, and furniture. The visuals were incredible, but the meat just wasn’t there, at least for me.
There was an extended break before the match could begin so the giant cage could be set up. The cage wasn’t very tall, but it circled the ring, similar to the 2006 Cage of Death, leaving plenty of room to fight on the floor.
Ospreay and Finlay opened for their teams. Ospreay cut a promo before the opening bell, asking Finlay for an extended opening period. Ospreay wanted ten minutes instead of two. Finlay compromised, giving him five.
Once the match began, Finlay and Ospreay started to brawl outside the ring. Finlay tried using a chair but missed. This allowed Ospreay to slingshot him into the cage and establish the lead.
As the first period expired, Ospreay had the lead. Moloney entered the match, dragging a lifeless Callum Newman to the cage. He handcuffed Newman to the cage wall, distracting Ospreay long enough for Finlay to hit him with a chair. From here, the War Dogs began to beat down Ospreay, whipping him into the cage.
HENARE hit the ring to even the numbers. With HENARE’s help, Ospreay was able to regain footing. Connors entered next, again shifting momentum. Connors used a barbed wire-wrapped fist to draw copious blood from Ospreay’s forehead.
TJP was the next UE entrant. He entered the ring and wrapped his boot in barbed wire. He stomped Connors, drawing more blood. TJP’s presence was enough to swing momentum back in UE’s favor.
Coughlin came to the ring carrying 10+ chairs. He helped flip the match back, throwing TJP into the cage before burying him in a pile of chairs.
Akira was next to enter. He lept from the top of the cage immediately to catch the War Dogs off guard. He ran the gauntlet until Connors landed a spear, driving him through a table.
War Dog momentum continued as Kidd entered the match. He helped take out every member of UE before posing with his factionmates over a blood Ospreay.
Cobb came in next and managed to take out all of the War Dogs. The rest of UE began to rally around Cobb’s entrance. A sidestepped spear sent Connors crashing into a table.
Kidd made the save with a ladder that he spun around his neck. Ospreay kicked the ladder to nullify the threat. Ospreay then began to focus Finlay once more.
Connors and Moloney drove Akira into a chair multiple times. Before they could finish the match, TJP emerged from nowhere as the aswang. He helped Akira rally, taking out the standing War Dogs.
A back-and-forth between teams followed, with everyone getting a lick in. As TJP attempted a pin, Moloney hit the Driller Killer on Ospreay on top of the Aswang.
Both teams gathered in their corners before initiating a brawl in the center of the ring. Ospreay and Finlay were eventually left alone in the center, free to trade strikes. After a double knockdown, a spear drove Ospreay through a table on the outside.
Henare threw a trashcan at Finlay before kicking it into his skull. Kidd hit the ring to brawl with Henare, leading to a back-and-forth with chairs. Henare broke a chair over Kidd’s head, but it took a strike to ground him.
Coughlin stood against TJP and Akira, eating kendo stick blows. Unsurprisingly, Akira and TJP won out in the exchange, sending Coughlin to the floor. On the outside, UE set up two tables. They placed Coughlin on the table, with HENARE landing a senton to drive him through the wood.
Back in the ring, Connors covered the floor with tacks. He tried driving TJP into the tacks, but TJP reversed, sending Connors face-first into the tacks. Once Connors returned to his feet, TJP dropped him with a kick, sending him back in. Cobb then landed Tour of the Islands, forcing Finlay to break up the pin.
Finlay began attacking Cobb with a variety of weapons before pulling him to the outside. Finlay then handcuffed him to the cage, seemingly writing him off.
Ospreay hit the ring next, dropping Finlay with a Spanish fly. Ospreay attempted an OsCutter, but Finlay reversed into a cutter of his own. Ospreay responded with a hidden blade. Finlay wasn’t behind for long, hitting two Oblivions for another near fall at the forty-five-minute mark.
Gedo carried a barbed wire-wrapped table to the ring after UE failed to put down Ospreay. Great O-Khan attacked Gedo, taking his key, which he used to free Cobb and Newman.
Back in the ring, Finlay attempted to drive Ospreay into the barbed wire table. This backfired, allowing Ospreay to drag Kidd against the wire. The rest of UE then helped clear the ring of the War Dogs, leaving Ospreay free to powerbomb Finlay through the corner. Finlay was kicked out.
Moloney interrupted Ospreay’s advance by stabbing him with a fork. Kidd then hit Ospreay with a piledriver through a ladder. Moloney also stabbed Akira with a fork, but Akira fought back. Akira took control of the fork from Moloney, which he used to stab Moloney and Connors. Akira then hung Connors by his neck with a dog collar.
Once Kidd hit the ring, the match broke down once more. The War Dogs cleared the ring and removed the apron. HENARE interrupted the War Dogs here, driving Kidd into the exposed boards. Coughlin then pulled HENARE to the outside and handcuffed him back to the cage.
Akira attempted a superplex onto the exposed wood but was cut off by Kidd. Kidd then piledrove Akira into the boards, forcing Ospreay to make the save.
It was now Ospreay vs all of the War Dogs. Finlay dared Ospreay to hit him, but Ospreay collapsed when he attempted the sling blade. Ospreay was then hit with a spear. Finally, Finlay hit his new finish and pinned Ospreay to win the match.
Once the War Dogs left the ring, UE came together to pick up Ospreay. He then grabbed a microphone and cut his farewell promo. He thanked everyone in the crowd and promised he would return. He asked the crowd not to forget him before signing off one last time. UE was showered in confetti as they embraced.
NJPW has booked the final singles match between career rivals Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi.
In light of the announcement that Okada is departing the company after his contract expires, NJPW has revealed changes to the upcoming The New Beginning tour, including one last Okada vs. Tanahashi battle for February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka.
Osaka was the site of the first post-excursion Okada vs. Tanahashi singles match at The New Beginning in 2012 where Okada shocked the world by defeating Tanahashi to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Their last singles match will take place in the same building at the EDION Arena on Sunday, February 11.
The February 11 show is still scheduled to be headlined by a Bullet Club vs. United Empire 5-on-5 steel cage match, Will Ospreay’s final match for the promotion. Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr. is also set for that card.
Okada’s final NJPW match in Korakuen Hall will take place on Wednesday, January 24, as Okada, Tanahashi, and Tomohiro Ishii defend the NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championship against TMDK’s Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls, and Kosei Fujita. That match was originally set to take place in Osaka.
As announced on Thursday, Okada’s final NJPW dates will be at The New Beginning in Sapporo on Friday, February 23 and Saturday, February 24. NJPW says that more details regarding those final appearances will be released at a later date:
Okada will be making his final NJPW appearances in Sapporo on February 23 and 24. More details will be released at a later date.
Okada’s NJPW contract expires on January 31, 2024, but he will work the three announced dates in February.
NJPW’s full announcement regarding changes to The New Beginning:
In the wake of the announcement earlier today that Kazuchika Okada will be leaving NJPW at the conclusion of his contract on January 31, with his final appearances scheduled for February 11 in Osaka and 23 and 24 in Sappoto, changes have been made to the New Beginning series cards.
January 24 will see Okada in his last NJPW match in Korakuen Hall. There, the NEVER Openweight 6 Man Tag team Championship match, previously scheduled for New Beginning in Osaka will take place, Okada teaming with Tomohiro Ishii and Hiroshi Tanahashi to face TMDK’s Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls and Kosei Fujita. The TMDK side, and the impetuous Kosei Fujita in particular will not be looking to let a symbol of NJPW for the last decade leave with a title in his grasp. Yet with the vice like grip the champions have had over the gold to date, is this too tall of a mountain for TMDK to climb?
The freed up Zack Sabre Jr will now be facing Tiger Mask in a unique singles match to start the night’s main card action, while the scheduled opening bout pitting Katsuya Muraashima and Toru Yano against Shoma Kato and Boltin Oleg is now a special bonus kickoff.
February 11 will see the New Beginning in Osaka, and a special singles matchup for Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi. New Beginning in the EDION Arena in 2012 was the start of it all for the Rainmaker and the Ace. 12 years on, they face off one last time on a night that will be full of emotion.
Okada will be making his final NJPW appearances in Sapporo on February 23 and 24. More details will be released at a later date.
