Tag: Njpw Wrestle Kingdom 17

Wrestle Kingdom 17 in Yokohama Arena live results: NJPW vs. NOAH

Posted on by Chick Fritts

A series of NJPW vs. NOAH matches are set for night two of Wrestle Kingdom 17. 

Yokohama Arena will host NJPW vs. NOAH battles for the second consecutive year on tonight’s show, headline by five Los Ingobernables de Japon vs. Kongo singles matches. 

NJPW’s Tetsuya Naito will face NOAH’s Kenoh in the main event, with Shingo Takagi facing Katsuhimo Nakajima in the semi-main. 

SANADA vs. Manabu Soya, Hiromu Takahashi vs. Hajime Ohara, and BUSHI vs. Tadasuke comprise the other LIJ vs. Kongo matches on the show. 

The undercard: 

  • Kazuchika Okada & Togi Makabe vs. Kaito Kiyomiya
  • Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato vs. AMAKUSA, Junta Miyawaki & Alejandro
  • El Desperado vs. YO-HEY
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Satoshi Kojima & Takashi Sugiura vs. Naomichi Marufuji, KENTA, El Phantasmo & Gedo
  • Pre-show: Tomohiro Ishii & Oskar Leube vs. Masa Kitamiya & Daiki Inaba
  • Pre-show: Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita vs. Yasutaka Yano & Taishi Ozawa

Our live coverage begins with the pre-show at 2 a.m. Eastern time. 

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Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita (NJPW) defeated Taishi Ozawa & Yasutaka Yano (NOAH)

This was a fantastic opener; both teams had something to prove.

This match opened hot, with both teams of trainees going back and forth in intense sequences. The teams maintained their intensity as the bout continued, even as the pace slowed.

In the closing encounter, the NJPW team cleared the ring of Yano, allowing Fujita to lock in a deep Boston crab, forcing Ozawa to submit. After the match, Fujita and Yano traded slaps.

New Japan leads, 1-0.

Masa Kitamiya & Daiki Inaba (NOAH) defeated Tomohiro Ishii & Oskar Leube (NJPW)

They wasted no time, giving the Masa/Ishii faceoff in the opening encounter, and the pair traded strikes, teasing what was to come. Leube and Daiki acted almost as bumpers for the other pair, forcing space and building anticipation for the eventual explosion.

Once Ishii and Masa tagged back in, they continued where they left off, trading strikes and power moves. Leube eventually tried his hand at handling Masa but couldn’t hang with his more experienced foe. Instead, Masa ended the match with his signature prison lock leg submission.

After the match, Masa and Ishii traded more strikes, but Inaba was there to help Masa fight off Ishii.

NOAH evens the score, 1-1.

Jay Briscoe Tribute

The main card opened with a tribute to the late Jay Briscoe, who held gold in both New Japan and NOAH with his brother Mark.

The NOAH and NJPW rosters walked to the ring, with Naomichi Marufuji and Hiroshi Tanahashi holding portraits of Jay. After a ten-bell salute, “Reach for the sky, boy” played through Yokohama Arena.

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Satoshi Kojima & Takashi Sugiura defeated Naomichi Marufuji, KENTA, El Phantasmo & Gedo

This was a fun match, nothing incredible, but it was a cute little story.

Before the match, Bullet Club tried to get Marufuji to participate in the communal “Too Sweet,” but he rejected the offer.

Marufuji and Tanahashi opened the match but passed it off early to Gedo and Kojima. The Bullet Club trio weren’t afraid to use their usual tactics to take control of the match, even as Marufuji protested.

Sugiura took control for his team, taking out ELP with a spear and a suplex from the top rope. ELP tried twisting Sugiura’s nipples but didn’t find much success with this tactic. Instead, it was KENTA who took control back for his side, wiping out all of his opponents and forcing the tag into Tanahashi.

Tanahashi and KENTA, opponents from last year’s Wrestle Kingdom, traded heavy strikes before wiping each other out, forcing a double tag to Marufuji and Yano. Yano tried his typical antics, but Bullet Club hit the ring to stop the shenanigans; Marufuji wasn’t pleased.

KENTA and Gedo offered Marufuji another “Too Sweet”, but just as he looked to be considering the offer, Yano snuck in with a low blow, rolling up Gedo and winning the match for his team.

After the match, KENTA and Marufuji traded words over the “Too Sweet” debacle. 

El Desperado (NJPW) defeated YO-HEY (NOAH)

This did nothing for me.

After a basic back-and-forth opening, Desperado established an early control by targeting YH’s legs. YH tried to spring back into the match, but continued to “sell” his legs during his comeback (by sell, I mean he held them as he kicked, jumped, and dove).

The pair then traded lackadaisical moves and unconvincing near falls. YH landed a thrust kick, and Desperado answered with a forearm. Desperado tried for Pinche Loco, but YH reversed into a pin. Desperado kicked out and locked YH in Numero Dos, securing the win with continued targeting of the leg.

New Japan retakes the lead, 2-1.

AMAKUSA, Junta Miyawaki & Alejandro (NOAH) defeated Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & Master Wato (NJPW)

There were some clumsy moments throughout this match’s runtime and nothing that made the awkwardness worth the watch.

This match opened with a typical feeling-out process. Things pick up with more of the same. As the match continued, it got sloppier and sloppier, with the structure falling by the wayside.

AMAKUSA eventually landed a dive to take out TM for a moment. Back in the ring, TM dropped AMAKUSA with a tiger driver, but AMAKUSA’s team helped him retake control soon after. After landing a suplex, AMAKUSA connected with a Firebird Splash, his version of the 450, to win the match.

NOAH ties the score again, 2-2.

No Contest: Kaito Kiyomiya & Yoshiki Inamura (NOAH) vs. Kazuchika Okada & Togi Makabe (NJPW)

This was nothing short of incredible. This amount of emotion from Okada is so rare these days, and Kaito Kiyomiya, drug it out of him. Wow.

Inamura and Makabe opened the match and traded heavy blows before tagging in either of the heavyweight champions. Okada was the first champion to enter the match, wearing down Inamura in the center of the ring, prompting Kaito to make the save with a stiff kick that drew blood. Okada answered with a riotous flurry on the outside of the ring.

On the floor, the champions went back and forth in an intense scrap. This was nothing short of a wild brawl. After a very prolonged time on the floor, the referee called for the bell, resulting in a no-contest.

Once the match was over, Kaito grabbed a microphone and challenged Okada to a singles match. While the match is unlikely, I’d give just about anything to see it.

The score remains even, 2-2-1.

Tadasuke (NOAH/Kongo) defeated BUSHI (NJPW/LIJ) 

This was decent, but it took a lot of effort to focus after the electricity of the last match. A better Tadasuke performance, all things considered.

BUSHI opened the match by taking Tadasuke to the outside. On the floor, Tadasuke took control, which he maintained as the match returned to the ring. BUSHI fought back, landing a tope to take out Tadasuke.

After they returned to the ring again, the pair traded moves. BUSHI used the mist on Tadasuke, but Tadasuke responded with a quick pin to establish an early lead for his faction.

Kongo and NOAH lead, 2-3-1 NOAH, 1-0 Kongo.

Hiromu Takahashi (NJPW/LIJ) defeated Hajime Ohara (NOAH/Kongo)

This match was surprisingly filled with Ohara control. This led to a fun dynamic throughout the match, leading to the ultimate Hiromu comeback.

The match opened with a grappling sequence that saw the underdog, Ohara, gain an early lead over the IWGP junior champion. Ohara led the match for some time, using the barricade to cement a strong lead. When it seemed like Hiromu had a spark, Ohara had an answer.

Hiromu eventually landed a lariat to challenge Ohara’s control. This lead to a swift rally where Hiromu landed Victory Royal and Timebomb 2 to score the win.

NJPW and LIJ tie things back up. 3-3-1/1-1, all 

Manabu Soya (NOAH/Kongo) defeated SANADA (NJPW/LIJ)

This match opened with a sluggish sequence that set the pace for the rest of the match. Soya took control but didn’t accomplish much before SANADA turned things in his favor.

Soya interrupted a springboard, initiating a struggle for control in the center of the ring. Soya won out, hitting a spear to drop SANADA. A follow-up lariat was blocked and turned into a SANADA dropkick, reversing momentum once more. SANADA landed a moonasult and attempted a second, but Soya blocked the follow-up with his knee.

After the blocked moonsault, the pair stood in the middle of the ring and traded strikes. Soya won out, landed a death valley bomb, and scored a near fall. Soya tried for a bomber, and after an extended struggle, he landed one, leading to a pinfall win.

Kongo and NOAH are back in the lead, 3-4-1 NOAH, 2-1 Kongo.

Shingo Takagi (NJPW/LIJ) defeated Katsuhiko Nakajima (NOAH/Kongo)

This was everything you would expect from this pair. It was a physically intense match built around strikes and other potent offense.

The pair opened with a tense sequence where neither man gained anything substantial. As things heated up, both men made minor gains, but neither established a significant lead.

Nakajima eventually forced Shingo to the floor, where a well-placed kick left him. Once Shingo made his way back inside the ropes, Nakajima toyed with him, triggering a firey rally from the KOPW champion.

Shingo beat Nakajima across the ring before Nakajima retook the lead with a kick knee. Nakajima tried stretching Shingo, but Shingo escaped, leading to a prolonged strike exchange. After landing a suplex, Shingo tried for a pumping bomber, but Nakajima ducked and landed a head kick dropping both men.

Nakajima tried connecting with strikes to follow up, but Shingo caught him with Made in Japan. Shingo went on to land a pumping bomber, but Nakajima kicked out. Shingo was quick to respond to the kick out, connecting with a flurry of strikes and Last of the Dragon to win the match and even the score.

4-4-1, 2-2, all

Tetsuya Naito (NJPW/LIJ) defeated Kenoh (NOAH/Kongo)

The match opened with an extended feeling-out sequence. Kenoh took control after catching Naito in a posing position. Kenoh took the match to the floor, where he whipped Naito into the barricade to cement his newfound lead.

Back in the ring, Kenoh took his time picking apart Naito, but Naito eventually created opportunity with a well-timed dropkick to halt Kenoh’s advance. Naito then used a wear-down hold that forced Kenoh into the ropes.

A brief pause in Naito’s offense allowed Kento to retake control. Kenoh connected with heavy strikes, forcing Naito to the mat. Kenoh tried throwing Naito in the corner, but Naito countered, landing a swinging neckbreaker to turn the match back in his favor.

As the match drew on, Naito began to set up Destino, connecting with as many elbows to the neck as he could manage. Kenoh managed to block Naito’s first attempt to close, turning it into a suplex. Then, as the two gathered their senses on the mat, they began trading strikes again.

Kenoh emerged with another strong lead after a kick to a seated Naito led into a double-foot stomp from the top rope. Kenoh tried to follow with Ring of Fire, but Naito countered with a quick spinebuster. This reset led into a quick back-and-forth, with Kenoh winning out after another kick.

Kenoh tried for a suplex, but Naito turned it into a partial Destino. After the near fall, Naito was quick to follow up with another Destino with the full range of motion. Naito then pinned Kenoh to win the match and secure the night for his team and promotion.

NJPW and LIJ finish on top, 5-4-1 NJPW, 3-2 LIJ

After the match, Naito offered Kenoh an LIJ salute, but Kenoh rejected the gesture.

Once Kenoh and the rest of Kongo retreated to the outside, Naito cut the show-ending promo. After some positive words about his faction’s performance, he closed the show with a tandem chant with the crowd.

Once the show looked to be over, Keiji Muto entered the ring and challenged Naito to be his last opponent in the Tokyo Dome. Naito was quick to accept, setting the 2/21 main event in stone.

This was a delightful show, and a tradition that I hope keeps up. The LIJ vs. Kongo was a nice twist, and the Okada/Kaito angle was the most exciting thing New Japan has pulled off in years. 

New champions crowned at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The IWGP World Heavyweight title, along with the first-ever NJPW World Television champion and other title changes took place at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on Wednesday morning.

Okada defeated White in the main event of the show to win the IWGP World Heavyweight title for a second time. Meanwhile, Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI defeated FTR to capture the IWGP Tag Team titles, Zack Sabre Jr. became the first-ever New Japan World Television Champion, and Hiromu Takahashi became IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion once again.

The finish of main event had Okada give White a bladerunner of his own, followed by an emerald flowsion, then the rainmaker for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Shingo Takagi came out and said that one year ago today he lost the title to Okada, and since then has had an impressive resume in 2022, winning the KOPW trophy. He issued a challenge to Okada, saying that he would take his title back in February.

Okada ended the show saying Antonio Inoki’s fighting spirit would continue to live on, ending the show with his catchphrase and music.

Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI defeated FTR to win the IWGP Tag Team titles for the second time. FTR lost the titles after Harwood was pinned with Goto and YOSHI-HASHI’s GTR/spinebuster finish. With the loss, FTR’s reign ended after 192 days, originally winning the titles at Forbidden Door back on June 26 of last year.

Takahashi won the Junior title for the fifth time, pinning Master Wato with the time bomb after frequent near fall teases by Wato. It was a four way match that also included champion Taiji Ishimori and El Desperado. Ishimori had held the title for 248 days, defeating Desperado back at Wrestling Dontaku on May 1.

Sabre became the first NJPW World Television Champion after submitting Ren Narita with an armbar as Narita was going for Sabre’s leg. After the match, Sabre was confronted by Shane Haste and Mikey Nicholls of TMDK. They held up a TDMK shirt. Sabre teased he was going to throw the shirt into the crowd, but instead put it on, joining the group.

The co-main event of Wrestle Kingdom 17 also saw a title change, with Kenny Omega defeating Will Ospreay to capture the IWGP United States title. Tama Tonga also defeated Karl Anderson to recapture the NEVER Openweight title.

Kenny Omega wins IWGP United States title at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Kenny Omega is once again the IWGP United States Champion.

Omega defeated Will Ospreay to win the title for a second time in an intense, bloody back and forth match. At one point, Omega gave Ospreay a DDT on the exposed ring turnbuckle, causing Ospreay to bleed heavily. Omega’s eye was also swollen shut near the end of the match. The finish saw Omega strike Ospreay with the kamigoye, Kota Ibushi’s finisher, then pinned Ospreay with the One Winged Angel.

This is Omega’s second run with the championship, becoming the inaugural champion back in 2017. Ospreay’s reign with the title ended after over 200 days, originally winning the vacant title by pinning SANADA at Dominion back on June 12.

Omega appeared via video at NJPW and Stardom’s Historic X-Over event back on November 20 and challenged Ospreay to a match at Wrestle Kingdom. Ospreay and the Untied Empire originally attacked The Elite back on the August 31 edition of AEW Dynamite.

The Elite are scheduled to face Death Triangle in the final match of the best of seven series, a Escalera de la Muerte (ladder) match.

Four-way match for KOPW 2023 title set for NJPW New Year Dash

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Four men have qualified for Thursday morning’s four-way match for the provisional KOPW 2023 trophy.

Shingo Takagi, Great-O-Khan, SHO, and Toru Yano were the final four in the annual Ranbo battle royal prior to the start of Wednesday’s Wrestle Kingdom 17 event. El Phantasmo was the last participant eliminated, with SHO accidently eliminating him as Phantasmo and Takagi were brawling on the apron.

After the match, Great-O-Khan grabbed the KOPW 2023 belt and walked way.

As a result, the four will meet tomorrow to determine the first 2023 KOPW trophy provisional champion. Unlike the last two years, this year’s trophy has been replaced with a physical championship belt. Shingo Takagi won last year’s KOPW trophy, defeating Taichi in a last man standing lumberjack match on December 19.

New Year’s Dash on Thursday morning will be held under a mystery format. Instead of announcing the card at the start of the show, matches will not be announced at all.

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 live results: White vs. Okada, Omega vs. Ospreay

Posted on by Chick Fritts

IWGP World Champion Jay White will defend his title against Kazuchika Okada in the main event of NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 in Tokyo, Japan.

In a highly-anticipated matchup, IWGP U.S. Champion Will Ospreay will defend the title against Kenny Omega in the latter’s first NJPW match in four years.

The annual event is also expected to feature an appearance by Sasha Banks — her first in wrestling since she and Naomi walked out of WWE in May 2022.

As part of his retirement tour, Keiji Mutoh will team with Hiroshi Tanahashi & Shota Umino against Tetsuya Naito, SANADA & BUSHI.

The show will feature eight total title matches including the first-ever IWGP Women’s Champion KAIRI defending against Tam Nakano; IWGP Tag Team Champions FTR defending against YOSHI-HASHI & Hirooki Goto; and WWE wrestler Karl Anderson defending the NEVER Openweight title against Tama Tonga.

The first-ever NJPW TV Champion will be crowned as Zack Sabre Jr. faces Ren Narita.

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Time-Limit-Draw: Boltin Oleg vs Ryohei Oiwa

Oleg opened his debut with heavy grappling, taking a quick lead. Oiwa somewhat held his own, especially toward the end of the 3-minute time limit, but this match was mostly Oleg.

This was brief to a fault, but I am stoked to see Oleg’s career blossom in the coming months. 

KOPW 2023 Qualifier New Japan Rambo: SHO Great-O-Khan, Toru Yano, and Shingo Takagi advance

This match was a standard Rambo – periodic entries with a handful of oddities to set up tomorrow’s four-way for the KOPW trophy. Wrestlers can be eliminated by pinfall, submission, disqualification, and throws over the top rope.

The first two wrestlers were Sho and Hikuleo. Hikuleo gained a lead over the smaller Sho just before EVIL, and Dick Togo hit the ring. Togo wasn’t a legal competitor, but he was there anyway. Hikuleo held his own with backing sort of coming as Tomohiro Ishii entered the match.

The Great-O-Khan, DOUKI, and Rocky Romero entered the match as the ring filled. Romero scored the first elimination after a forearm sent EVIL to the floor.

KENTA, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Aaron Henare, and Ryusuke Taguchi all entered the ring before the United Empire pair eliminated Ishii. Jeff Cobb entered the ring before Hikuleo eliminated DOUKI and Kanemaru.

Shane Haste and Mikey Nicholls of TMDK entered the match around the same time, leading to them eliminating Romero and Taguchi.

Yujiro Takahashi entered the ring around the time United Empire eliminated Hikuleo. TMDK responded by eliminating Cobb as Toru Yano made his way to the ring. To follow up, the remaining United Empire members eliminated TMDK.

El Phantasmo joined the match, bolstering the Bullet Club numbers even further. ELP eliminated Henare with a nipple twist just as Taichi made his first post-Suzuki-gun entrance.

The 2022 King of Pro Wrestling, Shingo Takagi, was the last entrant. The four remaining Bullet Club members eliminated Taichi, leaving Shingo free to eliminate Yujiro and KENTA. SHO accidentally eliminated ELP to mark the match’s end, leaving himself, Great-O-Khan, Toru Yano, and Shingo Takagi in the inaugural KOPW 2023 match tomorrow. 

Antonio Inoki Memorial Match: Yuji Nagata, Satoshi Kojima & Togi Makabe defeated Tatsumi Fujinami, Tiger Mask & Minoru Suzuki

This match was a ton of fun. It was filled with a mix of sloppy old-man wrestling and special moments.

Makabe won the match for his team after Tiger Mask failed something resembling a rollup and Makabe kind of just sat on him for a pinfall.

After the match, Fujinami cut a promo, ending with Inoki’s “Ichi, Ni, San, DA!” 

Antonio Inoki Movie Announcement

After the match, a short video announced an Antoni Inoki movie in production.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Catch 2/2 (Francesco Akira & TJP) (c) defeated CHAOS (Lio Rush & YOH)

This was a bloody sprint in the best possible way: a great match and a great way to open the main card.

The match opened with YOH landing a dive to the floor. Rush followed this with a dive of his own, leading to an outside brawl. A double cutter from Catch 2/2 on the ramp allowed the champions to take control of the match, even after the hot start from the challengers.

Rush interrupted 2/2’s control with a spear, revealing a crimson mask in the process. Even with blood streaming down his face, Rush landed dives to the floor to take out both champions.

After a superplex from YOH, the match fell into chaos. Both teams landed finishes and scored near falls in quick succession. After the entire sequence, TJP reversed Direct Drive into an inside cradle, pinning YOH, and retaining their belts.

IWGP Women’s Championship: KAIRI (c) defeated Tam Nakano

This was very brief, but fantastic, given their time.

The match opened with a back-and-forth filled with grappling and impactful strikes. The action soon escalated as Tam established control, landing a Violet Screwdriver for a nearfall.

Kairi bounced back quick, landing a spinning back fist to drop the challenger. Kairi then climbed to the top rope and landed her finishing elbow drop to win the match.

After the match, the lights cut out and Mercedes Mone, formerly known as Sasha Banks, made her way to the ring in a robe adorned with the Japanese flag. Mone dropped Kairi after a brief staredown.

Mone then cut a promo and declared herself the “CEO of this women’s division.” She then challenged Kairi for Battle in the Valley in San Jose.

IWGP Tag Team Championships: Bishamon (Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI) defeated FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) (c)

Another fantastic match. If this marks the end of FTR’s legendary multi-promotional run, it was an excellent way to go out.

The match opened with a pace-setting strike exchange. Cash continued to increase the intensity with a dive to the floor followed by an FTR superplex/splash combination.

Goto reversed a Big Rig attempt and dropped Dax with a Ushigoroshi, setting YH up for a rally. FTR stopped the comeback with a sudden Big Rig that forced YH to break up a pin attempt.

An awkward suplex to the floor left Dax and Goto alone in the ring. Dax tried for multiple piledrivers but couldn’t connect. Goto survived long enough to land a headbutt and tag out to YH, who had somewhat recovered. YH attempted to turn things around but was hit by a pair of piledrivers that forced Goto to break up the pin.

After surviving another close call, Bishamon began rallying. After clearing the ring of Cash, Bishamon dropped Dax with GYR and secured the pin to win the IWGP tag team championship.

NJPW World TV Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Ren Narita

This was a great match. The abbreviated time limit is such a nice addition to the New Japan lineup, even if they don’t need another championship.

The match opened with a scramble on the mat. ZSJ unsurprisingly took control, but Narita was able to challenge him once standing.

A pattern soon developed where ZSJ would take advantage, forcing Narita into over-emotional rallies. ZSJ eventually won out in this back-and-forth, catching Narita in an armbar and winning his first singles championship in New Japan.

After the match, TMDK came to the ring and offered ZSJ a spot in their group. ZSJ, fresh out of Suzuki-gun, accepted, joining Shane Haste and Mikey Nicholls.

NEVER Openweight Championship: Tama Tonga defeated Karl Anderson (c)

This was not a good match.

Before the match could begin, Anderson dropped Tama with the NEVER belt, then slammed Tama against the barricade and dropped him with the burner driver on the ramp. Tama avoided the gun stun attempt on the ramp, saving the match from an early end.

Even as Tama fought back to the ring, Anderson maintained control. Anderson landed a cutter from the top rope for a nearfall before attempting a gun stun; Tama reversed the finish attempt.

Tama landed a splash from the top rope, which he followed with another; Anderson kicked out. Tama tried for a gun stun of his own; Anderson reversed. After a sequence of gun stun attempts from both guys, Tama connected with a second rope gun stun. Tama then went for another gun stun, fumbled it, but pinned Anderson anyways. Tama is the NEVER Openweight Champion once more.

Tama has saved NEVER and New Japan from Anderson, I guess.

Keiji Muto’s Last NJPW Match: Keiji Muto, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Shota Umino defeated Los Ingobernables De Japon (Tetsuya Naito, SANADA & BUSHI) 

Muto opened his last New Japan match against Sanada. Sanada dopped Muto with a series of dropkicks and landed a moonsault for a moonsault in the match’s opening sequence. Muto bounced back with a shining wizard before teasing a moonsault; luckily for us all, especially Muto, Tanahashi talked him down from the ropes.

After Muto tagged out, the match continued in a formulaic fashion. Shota was allowed to get in quite a bit of offense against LIJ. 

After clearing the ring of everyone but Bushi, Shota and Tanahashi set up one last shining wizard for Muto. Shoto then closed the match with a death rider, scoring the deciding fall in Muto’s final New Japan match.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi defeated Taiji Ishimori, El Desperado, and Master Wato

This match just felt off. Plotting multi-mans aren’t my thing to begin with, but this was more of a chore than I expected. The backstage fight felt much more compelling than whatever these guys were doing. There were a lot of moves, if you’re into that.

The match started fast, leading to a sequence of pin attempts, but as the match continued, there was a lot waiting outside of the ring.

After a triple-count-out spot, there was a double-submission spot that left Hiromu and Wato alone in the ring. Wato tried for a dive but was stopped. Instead, it was Hiromu who landed the dive to take out the three others. The match continued in this pattern for some time.

Desperado hit Hiromu with a Pinche Loco and tried for a second, but Hiromu reversed into a Timebomb for a nearfall. Wato scored a pair of nearfalls with Recientemente after hitting the ring to pick up the scraps. Hiromu survived a German suplex from Wato before catching Wato with Time Bomb 2 to win the match.

As this match was underway, commentary informed viewers of a backstage fight. Later on, it was announced Pro Wrestling NOAH’s Kongo faction confronted Los Ingogrenobles de Japon.

IWGP United States Championship: Kenny Omega defeated Will Ospreay (c)

This was one of, if not the, best heel performances of Omega’s career; it was incredibly vicious. Ospreay was also very good in his role. An absolutely impressive match, bell-to-bell, and a true must-watch.

The match opened with an aggressive feeling-out process. Ospreay landed a dive to the floor, but Omega wasn’t far behind, slamming Ospreay into the barricade to establish control for the first time.

Omega used his control to slow the pace, punishing Ospreay and establishing himself as the match’s heel.

Ospreay fought back into the match with methodical offense of his own before attempting OsCutter against the apron. Ospreay missed the cutter and crashed against the ring. Omega answered by pulling a table from under the ring and stomping it through Ospreay’s back.

Ospreay answered Omega’s violence with a series of strikes and a suplex into the back of the table. Ospreay followed this with a stunning dive from the top rope and a flying forearm for a near fall.

Ospreay attempted OsCutter again, but Omega had the answer. Omega tried to turn the match on its head after escaping Ospreay’s finish, but Ospreay held on. Ospreay landed on his feet from a top rope suplex attempt before landing OsCutter for the first time; Omega kicked out.

Omega landed a sickly DDT from the top rope into an exposed top turnbuckle that sent Ospreay crashing to the floor. In case the bump wasn’t nearly enough, it also busted Ospreay wide open. Omega followed up, landing a dive to the floor before driving Ospreay’s head through the table. Then, back in the ring, Omega landed a piledriver and assumed top mount to punish the champion further.

Ospreay reversed a top rope dive, but was too slow. Again, Omega sent Ospreay crashing into the exposed top turnbuckle. Omega then landed a V-trigger into the exposed corner before landing an insane suplex from the top. Omega hit another V-trigger in an attempt to close, but Ospreay kicked out.

Ospreay began to bounce back after reversing a V-trigger. Ospreay landed a pair of hidden blades and a super OsCutter; Omega kicked out. After escaping a one-winged angel attempt, Ospreay landed a Style’s Clash and a picture-perfect hidden blade for another near fall.

Ospreay tried for Stormbreaker but got caught with a V-trigger. Omega set up Ospreay for another; Ospreay, now beyond beaten down, spit in Omega’s face. After hitting another V-trigger, Omega landed the one-wing angle to win his return match to New Japan and reclaim the IWGP United States Championship.

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada defeated Jay White (c)

I had very high hopes for this match, but it didn’t deliver. It was overly-plotting and generally uninteresting. There wasn’t anything in this match to hate, but there wasn’t anything in it to love, either. It just happened.

The opening segment was definitely a sharp slowdown from the high from the last match. White set the pace with his textbook control. Okada began to gain some footing with a DDT, which he followed with a lot of his signature offense. Okada dropkicked White to the floor to take the lead for the first time.

On the outside, Okada dropped Gedo and White with a double DDT. Once back in the ropes, Okada landed a top rope drop kick and set up for the money clip, but White reversed, retaking control after driving Okada into the corner.

Okada fought through chops from White, answering with heavy forearms and a dropkick to retake momentum. A tombstone and clothesline let Okada lock in the money clip, but White escaped the hold. Okada tried for the Okada dive but was blocked by Gedo. Instead, Okada hit a top rope senton to take out both men.

After a long control sequence from Okada, White fought back, retaking a significant lead with a sleeper suplex. White attempted a Blade Runner, but Okada reversed into a German suplex. Okada landed a lariat, dropkick, and a landslide to reset the match.

When Okada attempted rainmaker proper, White reversed into a Bladerunner; Okada kicked out. A pair of short-arm lariats from White set up another Bladerunner, but this time Okada reversed into a rainmaker; White kicked out.

After a couple more meandering control segments, Okada connected with a Bladerunner of his own. Okada then hit the rainmaker to win the match and the IWGP World Heavyweight championship to close Wrestle Kingdom 17.

After the match, White and Okada had a brief staredown that was more interesting than anything that happened bell-to-bell.

Shingo Takagi interrupted Okada’s celebration to challenge him for the belt.

After Shingo’s interruption ended, Okada cut a show-ending promo, thanking the fans and the late Antonio Inoki. 

Even if the main event didn’t deliver, this was easily one of the best Tokyo Dome shows in years. The crowd was hot and most of the matches were great. This felt like a real return to form for New Japan.

Report: Bayley will be in Japan to support Sasha Banks at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Mercedes Varnado (Sasha Banks) will have some support as she makes her NJPW debut.

PWInsider reports that WWE star Bayley will be in Tokyo on Wednesday to support Varnado, who is expected to appear at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17. If Varnado does show up at Wrestle Kingdom, it will be her first pro wrestling appearance since walking out of WWE Raw this May.

Bayley traveling to Japan comes after she appeared on Raw last night. She’s currently involved in a feud with Becky Lynch.

“Obviously, Bayley is under contract to WWE and likely shouldn’t be expected to be seen on camera, but we are told she will be there,” PWInsider wrote. “In asking around, we could not confirm that WWE sent Bayley to the show, but it’s entirely possible (and probably likely) she headed to Japan herself to be there for Varnado given their long standing friendship.”

Trinity Fatu (Naomi), who walked out of WWE with Varnado last May, is also in Japan ahead of Wrestle Kingdom 17. PWInsider noted that NJPW sources intimated that Fatu was coming to Japan “on her own accord.”

Dave Meltzer reported that he hasn’t heard of anything scheduled for Fatu as far as pro wrestling is concerned: “Regarding Trinity Fatu (Naomi) being in Japan as reported by Mike Johnson, we haven’t heard of anything scheduled for her as far as pro wrestling is concerned. There has been at this point nothing talked about on the Stardom side of things.”

Wrestle Kingdom 17 is taking place at the Tokyo Dome. The pre-show will begin airing on NJPW World at 1:20 a.m. Eastern time on Wednesday morning.

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 notes: Cheering,  Road to Tokyo Dome, New Year Dash

Posted on by Bryan Rose

NJPW held a press conference Wednesday night revealing details on the upcoming Road to Tokyo Dome events, New Year Dash, and further information regarding cheering crowds.

The press conference opened with NJPW President Takami Ohbari announcing new guidelines that will allow crowds to have “in principle vocal support”, starting at Wrestle Kingdom 17.

“An important distinction is that rules concerning ‘no “loud voice” cheering’ have not changed at events,” Ohbari said (via NJPW Global’s Twitter). “However, the definition of cheering has been allowed to change after our consultations to allow an in principle, and effective return to cheering. Current government rulings state that long singing, rally songs etc are not allowed. However, counting with a referee, cheering with a catchphrase like 1,2,3 daa, or chanting for wrestlers is allowed under our guidelines.”

“As rally songs are disallowed, so are chants that might be longer than, for example, the chorus of a song. Singing to the length of a wrestler’s entrance would be disallowed,” Ohbari added. “But with chants pre pandemic lasting an average of 10-20 seconds, this is not a significant issue.”

Ohbari noted that some venues won’t recognize NJPW’s new guidelines, but they will be in place starting at Wrestle Kingdom 17.

It was also announced during the press conference that New Year Dash will have a mystery format, with matches not being announced until wrestlers come out for their matches. One match has been announced for the show, however, is a match featuring the final four participants at the Wrestle Kingdom 17 Ranbo. They will compete in a four-way match to determine the first KOPW 2023 provisional champion.

With Minrou Suzuki announcing Suzuki-gun would disband at the end of 2022, the final match featuring the stable will take place on night two of the Road to Tokyo Dome tour at Korakuen Hall. Suzuki will team with Lance Archer, El Desperado, and Taka Michinoku to take on Zack Sabre Jr., Taichi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, and DOUKI.

Night one, also at Korakuen Hall, will be headlined by a six-man tag featuring Suzuki-gun members. Suzuki, Archer, and DOUKI will take on YOH, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Kazuchika Okada.

Here are the full cards for both nights of the Road to Tokyo Dome:

Night one (December 22):

  • Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, and YOH vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, and DOUKI
  • Six or Nine (Master Wato & Ryusuke Taguchi) vs. Los Ingobernables De Japon (Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI) vs. Suzuki-gun (El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) vs Bullet Club (Taiji Ishimori & Gedo)
  • Ren Narita and Tomoaki Honma vs. Zack Sabre Jr. and Taichi
  • Shota Umino, Satoshi Kojima & Togi Makabe vs. SANADA, Shingo Takagi & Tetsuya Naito
  • Jeff Cobb vs. Oskar Leube
  • Ryohei Oiwa vs. Great-O-Khan
  • Yuto Nakashima vs. Aaron Henare
  • Kosei Fujita vs. Francesco Akira

Night two (December 23):

  • Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, El Desperado, and Taka Michinoku vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Taichi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, and DOUKI
  • Kazuchika Okada, YOH & Master Wato vs. El Phantasmo, Taiji Ishimori & Gedo
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Shota Umino vs. Tetsuya Naito, SANADA & BUSHI
  • Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. YOSHI-HASHI & Hirooki Goto vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Shingo Takagi vs. EVIL & Dick Togo
  • Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Tiger Mask & Ren Narita vs. Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan, Aaron Henare & Francesco Akira
  • Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano
  • Yuto Nakashima & Oskar Leube vs. Yujiro Takahashi & SHO

Second NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 event announced for January 21

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A second Wrestle Kingdom event has been announced.

NJPW announced Thursday morning that a second show will be held on January 21 at the Yokohama Arena.

“The Wrestle Kingdom 17 party will not be finished with the Tokyo Dome!” the company’s website reads. “After January 8 2022 saw a third night of Wrestle Kingdom sell out the Yokohama Arena, January 21 will see this special festival of an event for the second year. This year, NJPW and Pro-Wrestling NOAH collided on a card full of interpromotional battles. What does this special night have in store for 2023? Stay tuned for more information!”

Last year’s Yokohama Show was a cross-promotional event between NJPW and Pro Wrestling NOAH. It was headlined by NJPW’s Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi defeating NOAH’s Keiji Mutoh and Kaito Kiyomiya.

The first Wrestle Kingdom 17 show will take place on January 4 at the Tokyo Dome. It will be headlined by Jay White defending the IWGP World Heavyweight title against Kazuchika Okada.

Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay official for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship is official for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17. 

The company formally announced Ospreay defending the US title against in Omega on January 4, 2023 at the Tokyo Dome after setting up the bout earlier in the day Sunday at NJPW X STARDOM Historic X-Over. 

At Historic X-Over, a video promo from Omega played proposing the Ospreay match. Ospreay accepted, but the formal announcement was not officially made until later. 

It will be the first NJPW match for Omega since January 2019 in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 13. 

Additionally, the IWGP Women’s Championship match set up at the end of Historic X-Over was officially announced for Wrestle Kingdom as well. 

KAIRI will make her first defense of the IWGP Women’s title at Wrestle Kingdom against Tam Nakano. 

The updated Wrestle Kingdom lineup: 

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17, Wednesday, January 4 —

  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jay White (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada
  • IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay (c) vs. Kenny Omega
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Taiji Ishimori (c) vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Desperado vs. Master Wato
  • IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: FTR (c) vs. TBA
  • NJPW World Television Championship tournament finals: Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ren Narita
  • IWGP Women’s Championship match: KAIRI (c) vs. Tam Nakano

Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay set for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Kenny Omega is returning to New Japan Pro Wrestling. 

Omega appeared via video promo at Sunday’s NJPW X STARDOM Historic X-Over event to challenge Will Ospreay to a match at Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4, 2023. Ospreay accepted the challenge, and the bout for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship is set. 

In his video promo, Omega said that once AEW began, there was nothing keeping him in NJPW. He said that Ospreay replaced him, and blamed Ospreay for smaller crowds and lack of cheering at NJPW events. Omega said that people blame the pandemic for that, but that he knows there is another reason — Ospreay. 

Omega said that he was surprised to receive a phone call from NJPW, and that he was not particularly interested in the match, but for the sake of the fans and the good of pro wrestling, he would face Ospreay at the Tokyo Dome. 

In a brief retort to the video, Ospreay said that he stayed with NJPW while Omega left and kept the heartbeat of the company going, then accepted the challenge. 

Omega last wrestled for NJPW on January 4, 2019 in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 13, dropping the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to Hiroshi Tanahashi on his way out of the company. 

Omega’s promo and Ospreay’s response can be seen via the embedded tweets below. 

The Wrestle Kingdom lineup so far: 

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17, Wednesday, January 4 —

  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jay White (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada
  • IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Will Ospreay (c) vs. Kenny Omega
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Taiji Ishimori (c) vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Desperado vs. Master Wato
  • IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: FTR (c) vs. TBA
  • NJPW World Television Championship tournament finals: Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ren Narita
  • IWGP Women’s Championship match

FTR set for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17

Posted on by Joseph Currier

FTR are set to wrestle at the Tokyo Dome for the first time ever.

On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer confirmed that FTR (Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler) will be wrestling at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17. FTR will be defending their IWGP Tag Team titles at the event.

“FTR is going to be at the Tokyo Dome. I’ve got that confirmed, defending the championship,” Meltzer said.

FTR won the IWGP Tag Team titles by defeating Jeff Cobb & The Great-O-Khan and Trent Beretta & Rocky Romero in a three-way match at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door this June.

In their two title defenses since becoming IWGP Tag Team Champions, FTR have retained against Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) and Great-O-Khan & Cobb.

There was a post-show angle with FTR and Aussie Open after NJPW Battle Autumn in Osaka last Saturday. Aussie Open confronted FTR backstage, saying that they’re going to win NJPW’s World Tag League tournament and then go on to challenge FTR at Wrestle Kingdom.

Wrestle Kingdom 17 is taking place at the Tokyo Dome on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. FTR wrestling at the event means they’ll miss that week’s episode of AEW Dynamite.

Finals set for TV title tournament at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17

Posted on by Ethan Renner

The finals are set for NJPW’s World Television Championship tournament. 

It will be Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ren Narita in the tournament finals at Wrestle Kingdom 17, as both won their semifinal bouts at Saturday’s Battle Autumn in Osaka event. 

Narita scored an upset pinfall victory over SANADA in the first semifinal match, ducking a lariat and connecting with a Narita Special for the win. 

In the second semifinal bout, Sabre defeated EVIL after avoiding Everything is EVIL and stealing a flash pin. 

Three bouts are now official for Wrestle Kingdom on January 4, 2023. The IWGP Women’s Championship will also be defended on the show, but the first title holder and challenger have yet to be decided. KAIRI will face Mayu Iwatani on November 20 to crown the first IWGP Women’s Champion. 

The Wrestle Kingdom lineup so far: 

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17,  Wednesday, January 4 —

  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Jay White (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Taiji Ishimori (c) vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Desperado vs. Master Wato
  • NJPW World Television Championship tournament finals: Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ren Narita
  • IWGP Women’s Championship match

Two title matches announced for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17

Posted on by Bryan Rose

A four-way for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, as well as the finals for the NJPW World Television title has been added to Wrestle Kingdom 17 on January 4.

NJPW confirmed during a press conference Tuesday morning that Taiji Ishimori will defend the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title at the Tokyo Dome against El Desperado, Master Wato, and Hiromu Takahashi in a four-way match. This follows events that took place at Declaration of Power on Monday morning. The finals of a sixteen-man tournament to crown the first NJPW World Television Champion will also take place on January 4.

At Declaration of Power, Wato defeated Ishimori in a singles match. Following the match, Wato was about to cut a promo when both Takahashi and Desperado came out and wanted the next shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title. It was eventually decided that a four-way would take place.

KUSHIDA was originally set to return to action at Declaration of Power, facing Ishimori in a singles match. However, NJPW took KUSHIDA off the show due to still being ill with hand, foot, and mouth disease and instead announced that Wato would be taking his place.

The introduction of the NJPW World Television title took place at Declaration of Power. The tournament will begin this Friday at Korakuen Hall and will continue through the rest of the year.

Here is the current card for Wrestle Kingdom 17:

  • IWGP World Heavyweight title: Jay White defends against Kazuchika Okada
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight title: Taiji Ishimori defends against Master Wato, Hiromu Takahashi, and El Desperado in a four-way match.
  • NJPW World Television title finals

NJPW dedicating Wrestle Kingdom 17 to Antonio Inoki, main event set

Posted on by Joseph Currier

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 17 will be dedicated to the company’s late founder.

During NJPW’s Declaration of Power event on Monday, it was announced that Wrestle Kingdom 17 will be held in honor of Antonio Inoki. Inoki passed away at 79 years old on October 1.

“Wrestle Kingdom 17 will be held in honour and memory of Antonio Inoki,” NJPW wrote. “More details to follow.”

A ceremony honoring the life of Inoki took place at the start of Declaration of Power.

NJPW was founded by Inoki in January 1972. In celebration of the company’s 50th anniversary, NJPW planned to reveal at Declaration of Power that Inoki had accepted the ceremonial role of “Honorary Lifetime Chairman” of NJPW. He was named Honorary Lifetime Chairman on September 1.

Wrestle Kingdom 17 is being held at the Tokyo Dome on Wednesday, January 4, 2023. It will be the first time Wrestle Kingdom has been a one-night event since 2019.

The main event for Wrestle Kingdom 17 is set coming out of Declaration of Power. Jay White will defend his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Kazuchika Okada.

White retained his title against Tama Tonga in Declaration of Power’s main event. Okada was the winner of this year’s G1 Climax tournament.