Category: NJPW

Tomohiro Ishii Pulled From 2026 New Japan Cup Due To Neck Injury

Just days before the 2026 New Japan Cup gets underway, New Japan Pro Wrestling has confirmed that Tomohiro Ishii will no longer be part of the tournament field.

NJPW announced on its official website that the “Stone Pitbull” has been sidelined with a neck injury, forcing him to withdraw from the 24-man tournament set to kick off on March 4. The promotion issued an apology to fans who were looking forward to seeing Ishii compete in this year’s Cup, especially given the high stakes involved.

The winner of the New Japan Cup will earn a shot at Yota Tsuji’s IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Sakura Genesis on April 4. For Ishii, this year represented another opportunity to finally capture a tournament that has eluded him throughout his storied career. Despite several deep runs — including semifinal appearances in 2017 and 2019 — Ishii has never managed to win the Cup.

With Ishii out, NJPW has tabbed a veteran replacement: former two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Satoshi Kojima. Kojima will step directly into Ishii’s position in the bracket. Since Ishii had previously received one of eight random byes into the second round, Kojima will now face the winner of the first-round bout between Taichi and Ren Narita.

As of now, NJPW has not clarified how or when Ishii sustained the neck injury. His most recent match took place on February 27 at The New Beginning USA, where he dropped the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship to Boltin Oleg. There were no reported issues coming out of that match, but given the physical nature of the contest, it stands as the most likely point where the injury may have occurred.

Interestingly, Ishii also appeared on the February 28 episode of AEW Collision against Andrade El Idolo. However, that match was taped on February 25 — prior to his loss to Oleg — meaning it would not have been affected by the injury in question.

This latest setback comes shortly after what initially appeared to be another scare. During the February 18 episode of AEW Dynamite, Ishii looked to have suffered a potentially serious hamstring injury while teaming with Orange Cassidy against Clark Connors and Gabe Kidd. Fortunately, that issue turned out to be far less severe than initially feared.

Now, though, it’s a neck injury that has put Ishii on the shelf at a critical point in the calendar. With Sakura Genesis looming and the IWGP Heavyweight Championship picture set to shift following the Cup, Ishii’s absence is a significant blow to both the tournament and fans who were hoping 2026 might finally be his year.

We’ll continue to monitor Ishii’s status and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Hiromu Takahashi Set To Leave NJPW As Major Roster Changes Continue

New Japan Pro Wrestling is preparing for another significant shift, as the company has officially confirmed that longtime standout Hiromu Takahashi will be departing the promotion once his current contract expires.

NJPW announced the news on its official website earlier today, explaining that the decision came after discussions between both sides. Officials apologized to fans for the abrupt nature of the announcement and expressed gratitude for Takahashi’s contributions, wishing him success in whatever comes next.

While the news marks the beginning of the end of an era, Takahashi still has a handful of appearances left with the company. He is currently touring with the roster on The Road To The New Beginning, which wraps up on February 11 at The New Beginning in Osaka. That night will feature Takahashi’s final NJPW match, where he will team with fellow Unbound Co. member Taiji Ishimori against United Empire’s Jakob Austin Young and Francesco Akira. Once the bell rings for the final time, Takahashi will officially become a free agent.

Following the announcement, “The Time Bomb” spoke with Tokyo Sports in an exclusive interview, shedding light on his mindset and why now felt like the right moment to move on. Takahashi described the decision as something he had given serious thought to, noting that the outpouring of love from fans reinforced just how meaningful his NJPW run had been.

While he made it clear that his ambitions within wrestling haven’t changed — including his long-standing dream of eventually holding the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and competing at the very top of the card — Takahashi revealed that another personal dream has taken priority. He explained that waiting any longer could have led to regret later in life, making the timing of this decision crucial for him.

Takahashi exits NJPW with one of the most decorated résumés in junior heavyweight history. His accomplishments include five reigns as IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, a run as IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, a NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championship reign, and a record-setting four Best of the Super Juniors tournament victories.

As NJPW continues to evolve, Takahashi’s departure leaves a massive hole in the junior division — and opens the door to endless speculation about where one of the most influential performers of his generation may land next.

Report: NJPW Standout EVIL Expected to Depart Company, Likely WWE-Bound

A major shakeup could be on the horizon for both New Japan Pro Wrestling and WWE, as longtime NJPW star EVIL is reportedly preparing to exit the promotion with expectations that he’s headed stateside.

According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live, EVIL has likely already informed NJPW of his decision to move on once his contract situation is finalized. Alvarez added that, internally, WWE is widely believed to be his next destination. That report lines up with earlier information from Super J-Cast, which stated that the House of Torture leader had officially given notice to New Japan.

The timing has only added to the speculation. EVIL recently lost the NEVER Openweight Championship to Aaron Wolf at Wrestle Kingdom 20, a title change that immediately raised eyebrows and fueled rumors that his run with the company was nearing its end.

If this truly marks the conclusion of EVIL’s NJPW tenure, it closes the book on a highly decorated run. Since debuting with the promotion, EVIL rose from a popular tag team wrestler into a main event fixture, capturing both the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships. He’s also been a New Japan Cup winner, a four-time NEVER Openweight Champion, and a consistent presence in the tag and six-man divisions as part of Bullet Club and later House of Torture.

While WWE has yet to confirm any signing, the idea of EVIL joining the company is already sparking conversation. His darker persona, physical style, and experience at the top level in Japan could make him an intriguing addition, whether on the main roster or elsewhere within WWE’s system.

For now, it’s a waiting game. But if EVIL’s NJPW chapter is indeed closing, the next phase of his career could put him on the biggest stage he’s ever performed on.

Report – WWE Interested In David Finlay

David Finlay’s future in New Japan Pro-Wrestling may be approaching a crossroads, as new reports suggest the BULLET CLUB War Dogs leader is at least on WWE’s radar.

According to recent chatter, Finlay’s NJPW contract is coming up relatively soon, and he’s been exploring what his next move could look like. It was noted a few weeks back that Finlay has interest in spending more time in the United States in 2026, which naturally has fueled speculation about potential opportunities outside of Japan.

That speculation picked up more steam thanks to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, which reported that Finlay has been discussed internally within WWE. While there have been no direct talks between the two sides and Finlay still has commitments to NJPW, the report indicates that WWE has interest, with NXT being floated as a possible landing spot if things ever progressed.

From NJPW’s side, the company would reportedly like to keep Finlay around. He’s been a fixture in the promotion since 2015 and has steadily built an impressive résumé. Finlay is a two-time IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, a former IWGP Tag Team Champion, and a former NEVER Openweight Champion. He also added a major accolade to his legacy by winning the 2025 New Japan Cup, further cementing his status as a top-level player.

On-screen, Finlay was active over the past weekend, competing at both Wrestle Kingdom 20 and New Year Dash!!. In both cases, he found himself on the losing end of multi-man tag matches, with United Empire getting the better of the BULLET CLUB War Dogs.

For now, there’s no indication that Finlay is leaving NJPW imminently, but the fact that WWE interest has already been noted will only add intrigue to his contract situation. With his combination of experience, size, and leadership presence, Finlay is the type of talent that multiple companies would understandably want to keep an eye on as his next career decision approaches.

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 Results 1/4/2026 – Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Retirement Match

New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s biggest night of the year lived up to the hype and then some. Wrestle Kingdom 20 took over the Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2026, and by the time the dust settled, NJPW had closed one legendary chapter while kicking the door wide open on its future.

The show will forever be remembered as the night Hiroshi Tanahashi wrestled his final match, but it was also packed with title changes, surprise moments, and major statements from the next generation.

Hiroshi Tanahashi’s legendary career came to an emotional close on Saturday night, but not before New Japan Pro-Wrestling delivered another historic Wrestle Kingdom from the Tokyo Dome. The January 4, 2026 event blended title changes, faction warfare, surprise appearances, and one final bow for “The Ace.”

Below is a full recap of Wrestle Kingdom 20.

Opening Match

Katsuya Murashima & Masatora Yasuda def. Shoma Kato & Tatsuya Matsumoto

The young lions set the tone with a hard-fought opener. After a competitive back-and-forth featuring suplexes and power wrestling, Murashima sealed the victory by forcing Kato to submit to a Boston Crab, giving the Tokyo Dome crowd an early glimpse of NJPW’s future.

NJPW World Television Championship

El Phantasmo (c) def. Chris Brookes

Phantasmo retained his title after a spirited clash with Brookes. Despite Brookes repeatedly cutting off the champion’s momentum and coming close with a Brainbuster, Phantasmo rallied with CR2 and capped things off with a decisive Thunderkiss 86 to remain champion.

NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championship Rambo

TMDK (Zack Sabre Jr., Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson) win the match

Chaos reigned in the multi-team Rambo, with War Dogs, House of Torture, Bishamon, Team 100, and the defending champions all colliding. In the closing stretch, Zack Sabre Jr. neutralized Oleg Boltin’s power game and scored the final pinfall, crowning TMDK as the new NEVER six-man champions.

IWGP Women’s & NJPW Strong Women’s Championship (Winner Takes All)

Syuri (IWGP Women’s Champion) def. Saya Kamitani (Strong Champion)

Two champions entered, but only one left with both belts. Kamitani pushed the pace and came within inches of victory multiple times, but Syuri’s technical precision proved decisive. A Fujiwara Armbar followed by Syu-Sekai sealed Syuri’s status as double champion.

Eight-Man Tag Match

United Empire (Jake Lee, Andrade El Idolo, Callum Newman, Great-O-Khan & HENARE) def. War Dogs & Hiromu Takahashi/Shingo Takagi

This fast-paced faction battle broke down into chaos. Takahashi briefly stole the spotlight before Jake Lee shut things down with the Facebreak Shot for the pinfall. Post-match surprises followed, as Jakob Austin Young aligned with United Empire, along with the returning Francesco Akira.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Contender Match

El Desperado def. Taiji Ishimori, SHO & Kosei Fujita

Alliances were temporary and chaos constant in this four-way. SHO attempted to evade danger but ultimately paid for it, as El Desperado capitalized with Pinche Loco to secure future title contention.

Event Announcements

NJPW officially announced “Death Vegas Invitacional” for April 16, 2026, in Las Vegas. Additional upcoming events include the New Japan Cup, Sakura Genesis, Wrestling Dontaku, Wrestling Red Zone (Hiroshima), and G1 Climax 36, including U.S. dates.

NEVER Openweight Championship

Aaron Wolf def. EVIL (c)

In a physical and interference-heavy bout, Wolf shed his judogi and embraced a gritty approach. Despite House of Torture’s involvement and EVIL’s trademark shortcuts, Wolf survived everything thrown at him. He ultimately rendered EVIL unconscious with a brutal submission to capture the NEVER Openweight Championship.

IWGP World Heavyweight & Global Heavyweight Championship

Yota Tsuji def. Konosuke Takeshita (c)

One of the night’s standout matches saw Tsuji outlast Takeshita in a grueling war. After surviving multiple Power Drives and near-falls, Tsuji locked in a deep Boston Crab, forcing Takeshita to tap out. Tsuji walked away as both IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and still Global Champion. Post-match, Jake Lee blindsided Tsuji, immediately establishing new tension.

Retirement Match

Kazuchika Okada def. Hiroshi Tanahashi

In the main event, Tanahashi’s final match delivered emotion, callbacks, and intensity. The longtime rivals pushed each other to the limit, with Tanahashi summoning flashes of his prime. Ultimately, Okada’s relentless Rainmakers proved too much, and Tanahashi was pinned in the center of the ring.

Post-Match Tribute to Hiroshi Tanahashi

After the bell, Okada bowed to Tanahashi and simply said, “Thank you.” The ring filled with flowers and tributes from NJPW legends and former stars, including Jay White, Will Ospreay, Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Katsuyori Shibata, Keiji Muto, and Tatsumi Fujinami. Even former NJPW stars BUSHI and Tetsuya Naito appeared to pay their respect. Tanahashi closed the night with heartfelt words and his trademark air guitar, greeting fans as Wrestle Kingdom 20 faded to black.

Tetsuya Naito And BUSHI Win GHC Tag Team Championships In Pro Wrestling NOAH – First Match In Japan Since Leaving NJPW

Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI wasted absolutely no time reminding the Japanese wrestling scene that they’re still major players.

On New Year’s Day, the former Los Ingobernables de Japon members made their first in-ring appearance in Japan since leaving New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and they walked out of the Nippon Budokan with gold. Competing at Pro Wrestling NOAH’s The New Year event, Naito and BUSHI defeated Naomichi Marufuji and Kenoh to capture the GHC Tag Team Championships, marking an immediate statement run in a new promotion.

The victory is especially notable given the circumstances. Naito and BUSHI officially departed NJPW in 2025 and had largely been quiet on the Japanese scene since, aside from a few appearances with RevPro. Their NOAH debut under the name Los Tranquilos de Japon came with plenty of intrigue, but few expected them to end the night as champions—especially against a team as established as Marufuji and Kenoh.

Interestingly, Naito leaned into his laid-back persona after the match, admitting that the duo doesn’t have a clearly defined plan for their future in NOAH. That uncertainty only adds to the intrigue, as both men are seasoned enough to thrive without a rigid roadmap.

For NOAH, the title change was sudden. Marufuji and Kenoh had only held the GHC Tag Team Titles for 19 days, having won them in December from Team 2000X’s Masa Kitamiya and Takashi Sugiura. For Naito and BUSHI, however, the win represents their first-ever championships in NOAH, giving their post-NJPW chapter immediate credibility.

Their arrival also highlights how fractured the former LIJ lineup has become. After the group’s dissolution, Shingo Takagi and Hiromu Takahashi aligned themselves with the War Dogs, while Yota Tsuji is focused on his looming IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match against Konosuke Takeshita at Wrestle Kingdom 20.

Speaking of Wrestle Kingdom, this year’s event will feel very different without Naito. Wrestle Kingdom 20 will be the first Tokyo Dome show since 2013 to not feature him, with Wrestle Kingdom 8 being the last card he missed. BUSHI’s absence is less jarring, as he hasn’t appeared at the event since 2023.

Still, if their NOAH debut is any indication, Naito and BUSHI aren’t slowing down—they’re just taking a different road. And for now, that road has led them straight to championship gold.

Update On Andrade El Idolo’s WWE Non-Compete

Andrade El Idolo’s path back to the ring just became a lot clearer, and it opens the door for some major possibilities across the wrestling landscape.

According to recent reports, Andrade’s contractual ties to WWE officially ended on December 12, meaning he is now free to sign with any promotion he chooses. While his WWE departure dates back to September, the biggest hurdle was a reported year-long non-compete clause that could have kept him sidelined well into 2025. That obstacle, however, has now been removed.

Fightful Select reports that Rush played a key role behind the scenes by connecting Andrade with an attorney and representative who has an extensive working history with WWE. That assistance helped lead to an agreement that waived the non-compete entirely. Since Andrade had not been paid by WWE since his September release, both sides were able to reach terms allowing him to immediately explore opportunities elsewhere.

As a result, Andrade could soon appear in AEW once again. Andrade is now free to negotiate with any promotion, including AEW, CMLL, AAA, TNA, or others around the world. There were also visa-related complications after WWE’s sponsorship ended, but those issues are reportedly being addressed, and Andrade is said to be back in the United States.

On the AEW side, Tony Khan has remained openly optimistic. During the Worlds End media call earlier this week, Khan spoke highly of Andrade, noting mutual respect and interest between both parties. While Khan stopped short of confirming any immediate appearances, his comments only fueled speculation that Andrade’s AEW return could be closer than ever.

AEW has reportedly been cautious throughout the situation, especially following Andrade’s surprise appearance on AEW programming earlier this year, when he aligned with Don Callis and attacked Kenny Omega. Once WWE’s legal stance became clearer, AEW aimed to ensure the transition wouldn’t create further complications.

Adding even more intrigue, Andrade recently announced his return to NJPW, where he is scheduled to appear at Wrestle Kingdom 20 as part of the United Empire. That confirmation further supports the idea that his contractual limitations are now fully behind him.

With his non-compete waived, international bookings lined up, and AEW interest still very much alive, Andrade finds himself in one of the strongest positions of his career. Wherever he lands next, it’s clear that his name is once again a major player in the global wrestling conversation.

Andrade Makes Surprise NJPW Announcement Ahead of Wrestle Kingdom 20 Despite Reported WWE Non-Compete Clause

New Japan Pro Wrestling wrapped up its 2025 schedule on December 22 with Road To Tokyo Dome (Day 3) from Korakuen Hall, and the promotion didn’t go quietly into the offseason. Instead, NJPW delivered a surprise that instantly sent the wrestling world into speculation mode: Andrade El Idolo is officially returning to a New Japan ring.

The reveal came after United Empire scored a win over Gedo, Shingo Takagi, and Hiromu Takahashi. With momentum on his side, United Empire leader Callum Newman addressed the crowd and promised an early Christmas gift — not just for the fans, but for their Wrestle Kingdom 20 opponents as well. Newman announced that United Empire would have mystery partners lined up for the January 4 Tokyo Dome event, and the first reveal was delivered via a video package on the big screen.

That video featured Andrade, confirming that he will compete at Wrestle Kingdom 20 as a member of United Empire. Andrade will join Newman, HENARE, Great-O-Khan, and one yet-to-be-revealed partner in a massive ten-man tag team bout. On the opposite side will be Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi, and Bullet Club War Dogs members David Finlay, Drilla Moloney, and Gabe Kidd.

The match marks Andrade’s first NJPW appearance in over a decade. His last run with the company came back in January 2015, when he wrestled under the La Sombra name while still affiliated with CMLL. Andrade’s history in New Japan runs deep — he is a former IWGP Intercontinental Champion and once held the distinction of being the youngest competitor in G1 Climax history when he entered the tournament in 2011 at just 21 years old. Interestingly enough, that record was later matched by his upcoming United Empire teammate, Callum Newman.

Beyond the in-ring excitement, Andrade’s return raises plenty of questions about his current contract status. Following his surprise appearance on AEW Dynamite in October, WWE reportedly enforced a non-compete clause that could keep him sidelined from in-ring action for up to a year. However, Andrade has already been active elsewhere, having received WWE approval to wrestle for WWC in Puerto Rico on December 13 and later appearing at a House of Glory event in New York.

Whether Andrade needed — or received — clearance from WWE to compete at Wrestle Kingdom 20 remains unclear. Still, his involvement on NJPW’s biggest show of the year is notable, especially given the ongoing partnership between NJPW and AEW that has been in place since 2021. For many fans, Andrade’s Tokyo Dome appearance could be another sign pointing toward an eventual full-time return to AEW once all contractual dust settles.

Either way, Andrade’s name on the Wrestle Kingdom 20 card adds another layer of intrigue to an already stacked event, and all eyes will be on the Tokyo Dome to see what this surprise comeback leads to next.

Jushin Thunder Liger Shocks Fans With Surprise In-Ring Return At WrestleCade

WrestleCade weekend delivered one of its biggest surprises ever when Japanese wrestling icon Jushin Thunder Liger briefly stepped out of retirement for an unexpected showdown with The Bad Boy Joey Janela.

Liger officially wrapped up his legendary 35-plus–year career back in 2020, closing the book with a tag match in New Japan Pro-Wrestling. But the 61-year-old Hall of Famer proved he still had one more run-in left in him, answering Janela’s open challenge at the Winston-Salem convention. According to Wrestling Observer, the quick exhibition went about four minutes, with Liger picking up the victory to the delight of the crowd.

Janela didn’t leave with the win, but he left with a bucket-list moment. The former AEW star shared just how surreal it felt to find himself across the ring from the masked legend he grew up watching.

“I thought I saw a ghost! In high school when I was 16, I would bring a portable DVD player on the bus and watch a seven-hour Jushin Liger compilation. Twenty years later, somehow WrestleCade made this wizardry happen! Spectacular feels!” Janela wrote.

Since hanging up the boots, Liger has stayed active in the business through commentary work in NJPW and even popped up in AEW during the 2023 Owen Hart Cup, where he had a brief segment with Ricky Starks.

This year’s WrestleCade was stacked as usual, featuring appearances from Ricky Morton, the Hardy Boyz, JBL, Matt Cardona, Nic Nemeth, and plenty more. But Liger’s unadvertised return easily stole the show — a rare treat for longtime fans and a reminder of why his legacy still resonates across generations.

AEW’s Kazuchika Okada Announced As Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Final Opponent At Wrestle Kingdom 20

The end of an era is officially upon us. New Japan Pro Wrestling has confirmed that Hiroshi Tanahashi’s final match will be against none other than his greatest rival, Kazuchika Okada, at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026.

The announcement went down during NJPW’s Road in Anjo event, where Okada made a surprise return to the company for the first time since moving to AEW in early 2024. The Tokyo Dome crowd won’t just witness Tanahashi’s farewell—they’ll see one of the most iconic rivalries in wrestling come full circle.

In an emotional moment, Okada stepped into the ring and echoed the same words he said to Tanahashi over a decade ago, following their legendary 2012 encounter:

“Congratulations on your retirement, and thanks for all your hard work.”

Longtime NJPW booker Gedo joined Okada in the ring, emphasizing that there was no better way for Tanahashi to close his career. “Okada is on a whole other level,” Gedo said, promising a sendoff worthy of The Ace of New Japan.

Tanahashi and Okada’s feud helped define modern New Japan, producing classics that elevated both men to icon status and drew international attention to the promotion. From their epic Tokyo Dome clashes to their fierce battles over the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, their rivalry has become the stuff of legend.

Now, after decades of carrying NJPW on his back, Tanahashi will have one final chance to go out on the biggest stage against the opponent who pushed him to his limits—and ultimately helped shape the legacy of both men.

The emotional showdown is set for January 4, 2026, live from the Tokyo Dome and streaming worldwide on NJPW World.

The Ace’s final match. The Rainmaker’s return. One more Tokyo Dome classic awaits.