Tag: Pro Wrestling NOAH

AJ Styles squares off against Naomichi Marufuji at NOAH Destination 2024

Posted on by Bryan Rose

AJ Styles and Naomichi Marufuji squared off on Saturday.

The WWE star and one of NOAH’s all-time greats wrestled in the co-main event of Pro Wrestling Noah’s Destination event on Saturday in Budokan Hall. The finish of the match had Marufuji escaping from the Styles Clash once, but was unable to do so a second time, giving Styles the win.

Styles appeared in a video last month during a NOAH event in Yokohama to announce his appearance for the show. Styles had been a regular in Japan for New Japan Pro Wrestling before signing with the WWE in 2016, winning the IWGP Heavyweight title on two occasions.

Since returning to the WWE following a hiatus, Styles has wrestled for the WWE Championship twice. He was unsuccessful in his most recent effort, losing to Cody Rhodes in an I Quit match at Clash at the Castle last month.

It was also announced during Noah Destination that two WWE stars, Josh Briggs and Tavion Heights, will be wrestling in this year’s N1 Victory tournament.

Two WWE NXT wrestlers to compete in NOAH N1 Victory tournament

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Two NXT stars are competing in this year’s N1.

During Saturday’s NOAH Destination event, it was announced that Josh Briggs will be competing in the A Block of the N1 Victory tournament, while Tavion Heights will take part in the B Block. The tournament, similar to NJPW’s G1 Climax tournament, begins on August 4 and runs through September 1 when the finals will be held in Osaka.

Here is the full list of entrants for this year’s tournament:

A Block:

  • Kaito Kiyomiya
  • Go Shiozaki
  • Masa Kitamiya
  • Rohei Oiwa
  • Jack Morris
  • Dragon Bane
  • Luis Mante
  • Josh Briggs

B Block:

  • Kenoh
  • Manabu Soya
  • Ulka Sasaki
  • YOICHI
  • El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr.
  • Alpha Wolf
  • Titus Alexander
  • Tavion Heights

In last year’s tournament, Go Shiozaki defeated Kenoh in the finals to win for the first time.

Briggs has been on NXT television for several years, most recently breaking out as a singles wrestler after teaming with Brooks Jensen. Heights meanwhile has just started making regular appearances on NXT as the newest member.

WWE’s AJ Styles to face Naomichi Marufuji at NOAH Destination 2024

Posted on by Bryan Rose

AJ Styles is returning to Japan.

During a NOAH event in Yokohama on Sunday, WWE star AJ Styles appeared via video and announced he would be at NOAH’s Budokan event on July 13 to face Naomichi Marfuji. He ended the video by asking Marufuji to tear the house down.

It was announced last week that a “major announcement” in collaboration with WWE would be taking place Sunday, and a video from a “certain wrestler” would be released. In a press conference last month, new CyberFight president Yasuaki Okamoto stated that one of his goals was to strengthen their relationship with WWE.  Both WWE and NOAH air on ABEMA, which is owned by CyberFight parent company CyberAgent.

WWE and NOAH have worked together in the past. Shinsuke Nakamura made an appearance for NOAH’s New Year show in 2023, defeating The Great Muta, who retired later in the year. WWE has also been open to working with more promotions recently, including Shayna Baszler and Charlie Dempsey wrestling for GCW’s Bloodsport event during WrestleMania weekend.

WWE & Pro Wrestling NOAH to make ‘major announcement’

Posted on by Joseph Currier

An announcement from WWE & Pro Wrestling NOAH is set to be made this weekend.

It was revealed today that WWE & NOAH will be making a “major announcement” at NOAH’s Grand Ship 2024 show in Yokohama, Japan this Sunday (June 16). NOAH wrote on social media:

BREAKING A MAJOR announcement from NOAH & WWE will be made at our Yokohama BUNTAI event on Sunday! A message from a certain wrestler will also be released!

Last month, Yasuaki Okamoto — the new president of CyberFight — stated that one of his goals was to strengthen CyberFight’s relationship with WWE. CyberFight is the parent company of Pro Wrestling NOAH, DDT, and Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling.

WWE is returning to Japan next month for its first events in the country since 2019. There will be three WWE house shows from July 25-27. The events are taking place in Osaka and Tokyo.

Grand Ship 2024 is being headlined by Kaito Kiyomiya defending his GHC Heavyweight Championship against NJPW wrestler Gabe Kidd. The show will air live on Wrestle Universe with English commentary. In Japan, it will stream on Abema. Abema is also WWE’s broadcast partner in Japan.

New CyberFight president wants to ‘strengthen relationship’ with WWE

Posted on by Bryan Rose

The new president of Pro Wrestling NOAH and DDT’s parent company wants a stronger relationship with WWE.

Yasuaki Okamoto, who was appointed as the new president of CyberFight on Wednesday in a press conference, said one of Cyberfight’s targets was to strengthen their relationship with WWE.

CyberAgent, the parent company of CyberFight, also owns ABEMA, a streaming service that is the new home for WWE content in Japan including Raw, SmackDown, and premium live events.

WWE and Pro Wrestling NOAH have worked together in the past. Shinsuke Nakamura took part in a NOAH event back in 2023 where he wrestled The Great Muta in one of Muta’s final matches before retiring later in the year.  KENTA, who was under contract to WWE in 2018, participated in Naomichi Marufuji’s 20th anniversary show that year losing to Marufuji.

Wednesday’s press conference saw Keiji Muto being appointed as an official scouting advisor for Pro Wrestling NOAH. It was also announced that Ulka Sasaki and Eita would be officially joining NOAH.

Big Audio Nightmare: Iwatani vs. Sareee classic, Wrestling Dontaku & All Together previews

Posted on by Adam Summers

The Big Audio Nightmare is back with myself and Mike Sempervive to talk about everything happening in the very busy world of Japanese wrestling.

This week’s topics include:

  • A full review of the top matches on Stardom’s All Star Grand Queendom show
  • The Mayu Iwatani vs. Sareee classic that was more than worth the wait
  • Additional thoughts on Rossy Ogawa’s Marigold promotion as the debut show nears
  • A preview of NJPW’s big Wrestling Dontaku weekend
  • NOAH’s Wrestle Magic show at Sumo Hall
  • A full rundown of the upcoming All Together show at Budokan
  • Quick thoughts on AJPW’s Champion Carnival and more

Click Here to Listen (sub needed)

Giulia makes surprise NOAH appearance on first day of free agency

Posted on by Ian Carey

Giulia is set to make her in-ring debut for Pro Wrestling NOAH. 

On her first official day of free agency, Giulia appeared on NOAH Monday Magic in a segment with Nosawa. Nosawa first attempted to convince her to wrestle on today’s card, but after she rejected his proposal, Giulia announced she will compete at Wrestle Magic on May 4 at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. 

Her opponent for the event has yet to be announced. 

Giulia would later say:

I’m Giulia, unemployed from today, I quit Stardom yesterday. I came here because I was called. The fact that I’m here means that the wrestling world will become more and more interesting, so please look forward to the future Giulia. Arrivederci, see you soon!

Giulia’s contract with Stardom officially expired at the end of March. She is expected to be part of Rossy Ogawa’s new promotion in Japan before eventually landing in WWE. She dropped the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship to Stephanie Vaquer on Stardom’s March 10 show in Korakuen Hall. 

Kota Ibushi apologizes for NOAH The New Year match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Kota Ibushi has issued an apology for his performance at NOAH The New Year 2024.

Ibushi faced Naomichi Marufuji in the main event of the January 2 show. Despite being injured going into the match, Ibushi wrestled for 33 minutes. The match fell apart and Ibushi’s performance was clearly hindered by injury. He further injured both of his ankles during the match and was taken to the hospital after the show.

On Friday, Ibushi posted a message on X apologizing for the match and stating that it was his fault. Ibushi claimed that he was scammed by a C5 Clinic that he received treatment from.

Ibushi hurt his ankles during the match when hitting a moonsault to the outside.

“Ibushi definitely needs a lot of time off and there are real questions about him going forward given how little he wrestles and how many injuries he has,” Dave Meltzer wrote in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. “He did walk backstage on his own after the match but said he was in so much pain he couldn’t do post-match interviews. They called an ambulance for him and took him to the hospital.”

Ibushi hasn’t been the same physically since injuring his shoulder against Kazuchika Okada in the 2021 G1 Climax finals. He was out of action from October 2021 to March 2023 after that injury.

Last November, it was confirmed that Ibushi is officially signed to an AEW contract. Ibushi described it as a flexible deal where he’s also able to wrestle for other promotions.

“I’m based in Japan and I will travel for the matches,” Ibushi said. “Basically, I’m in Japan, I work in Japan, I will be active.”

Ibushi defeated Marufuji in their match for Pro Wrestling NOAH. There was a staredown between Ibushi and Jake Lee & Kaito Kiyomiya after the match.

Kota Ibushi taken to hospital after NOAH The New Year 2024

Posted on by Ian Carey

Kota Ibushi needed medical attention following his match at NOAH The New Year 2024.

The 41-year-old defeated Naomichi Marufuji with a Kamigoye to headline the event. However, Ibushi’s performance appeared to be hindered by injuries.

According to Hochi News, Ibushi walked to the back on his own but soon reported he had hurt both ankles early in the match and was in severe pain. He was then taken to hospital in an ambulance and did not speak with media following the show. 

“We won’t know the details until after receiving a diagnosis at the hospital,” reads a translation of NOAH director Arihiro Takeda’s comments.

In October, Ibushi spoke with Sports Illustrated about his injury status. 

“I cannot say that I am completely better,” said Ibushi, speaking through a translator. “Newer injuries have proven difficult. However, my fighting style will never be limited. I will continue to find a way to fight.” 

Kota Ibushi challenges Naomichi Marufuji for NOAH The New Year 2024

Posted on by Joseph Currier

For the first time in more than a decade, Kota Ibushi will be competing for Pro Wrestling NOAH.

Ibushi made a surprise appearance for NOAH on Saturday, setting up a match against Naomichi Marufuji for NOAH The New Year 2024. Ibushi issued a challenge that Marufuji accepted.

NOAH The New Year 2024 is taking place at Ariake Arena on Tuesday, January 2 and will air live on Wrestle Universe with English commentary.

“Today I was able to step into Noah’s ring for the first time in 12 years. And thank you, Marufuji-san, for accepting the match,” Ibushi posted on social media.

“Welcome, Ibushi-kun, to Ariake Arena on 2 January,” Marufuji said in a post-show press conference. “It’s finally time to do it. Let’s do it first thing next year, on the best stage, one on one.”

NOAH has officially confirmed the match and announced that it will be the main event of NOAH The New Year.

Last month, it was officially announced that Ibushi is under contract with AEW. It’s a “flexible” deal that allows Ibushi to wrestle for other promotions.

“I’m based in Japan and I will travel for the matches,” Ibushi said. “Basically, I’m in Japan, I work in Japan, I will be active.”

NOAH The New Year 2024 will feature a GHC Heavyweight Championship match with Kenoh defending against Manabu Soya. Among the other matches scheduled for the show is a tag bout with Zack Sabre Jr. & Yoshinari Ogawa facing Hiroshi Tanahashi & HAYATA.

Hiroshi Tanahashi to face Zack Sabre Jr. in Pro Wrestling NOAH tag match

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Before their Wrestle Kingdom 18 match, Zack Sabre Jr. and Hiroshi Tanahashi will be competing against each other in Pro Wrestling NOAH.

NOAH has announced that Sabre & Yoshinari Ogawa will face Tanahashi & HAYATA in tag team action at NOAH The New Year 2024 on Tuesday, January 2. The show is airing live on Wrestle Universe with English commentary.

The tag team bout is being billed as a “Wrestling Symphony.”

NOAH The New Year is taking place just two days before NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18. Sabre will defend his NJPW World Television Championship against Tanahashi at the January 4 Tokyo Dome event.

Tanahashi pinned Sabre during a trios match at NJPW Power Struggle earlier this month, setting himself up as Sabre’s Wrestle Kingdom challenger.

NOAH The New Year 2024 is being held at Ariake Arena and will be headlined by Kenoh vs. Manabu Soya for the GHC Heavyweight Championship. Here’s the updated card for the show:

  • GHC Heavyweight Champion Kenoh defends against Manabu Soya
  • Three-way match: GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Dragon Bane & Alpha Wolf defend against Yo-Hey & Tadasuke and Ninja Mack & Alejandro
  • GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion Daga defends against Eita
  • Zack Sabre Jr. & Yoshinari Ogawa vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & HAYATA

Big Audio Nightmare: Power Struggle preview, Ospreay-Bailey

Posted on by Adam Summers

The Big Audio Nightmare is back to talk about everything happening in the very busy world of Japanese professional wrestling.

This week’s topics include:

  • Adam’s live perspective on the Will Ospreay – Mike Bailey classic at Bound for Glory
  • Thoughts on Stardom’s Halloween-themed PPV
  • A preview of NJPW’s Power Struggle event this weekend
  • How Bryan Danielson’s latest injury may impact WrestleKingdom
  • Katsuhiko Nakajima invades AJPW
  • The (merciful?) end of Jake Lee’s GHC Title reign

All that and more for f4wonline.com subscribers!

Right Click Save as

Katsuhiko Nakajima to leave NOAH in October

Posted on by Bryan Rose

Katsuhiko Nakajima, one of the top stars of Pro Wrestling NOAH, is leaving the company.

NOAH announced Nakajima’s departure on Monday night in a press release. His final match in the company will be in October.

“We would like to announce that Katsuhiko Nakajima, a member of Pro Wrestling NOAH, will terminate his contract with the company at the end of September,” the statement says. “Katsuhiko Nakajima will have his last NOAH match on October 20 (Fri.) at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo and October 28 (Sat.) at Fukuoka International Center in Fukuoka.”

Nakajima’s last match at Korakuen Hall for NOAH will have him team with Go Shiozaki and Masa Kitamiya against Masaaki Mochizuki, Manabu Soya, and Daiki Inaba. His last match in the company overall on October 28 will have him team with Go Shiozaki against Naomichi Marufuji and Takashi Sugiura.

Nakajima has spent most of his career in NOAH, dating back to 2005. During his time in the company, he’s held the GHC Heavyweight title on two occasions and the GHC Junior Heavyweight title three times. 

Big Audio Nightmare: AJPW & NOAH show reviews, Forbidden Door, STARDOM

Posted on by Adam Summers

This week’s two-hour Big Audio Nightmare is back to talk about everything happening in the world of Japanese professional wrestling and more.

This week’s topics include:

  • An in-person perspective on AEW’s debut episode of Collision
  • A preview for Forbidden Door and why the underwhelming title matches are nothing to worry about
  • The contrast between AJPW and Pro Wrestling NOAH as seen by their major shows last weekend
  • A potentially surprising choice for first half Japanese wrestling MVP
  • Thoughts on recent STARDOM matches and upcoming PPVs
  • A look at the NJPW Strong in Japan cards

Right Click Save as

Big Audio Nightmare: What promotion shone brightest at All Together Again?

Posted on by Adam Summers

This week’s two-hour Big Audio Nightmare is back to talk about everything happening in the world of Japanese professional wrestling.

This week’s topics include:

  • All Together Again and which promotion shined the brightest and what dream match we want to see as a result of the show happening
  • Thoughts on NJPW Dominion and Yota Tsuji
  • A first look at the NJPW G1 Climax 33 format, blocks and schedule
  • Our thoughts on recent matches in Pro Wrestling NOAH, Dragon Gate, Stardom, Big Japan, and more.

Click Here To Listen for subscribers