Category: NJPW

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.

NJPW Star Tomohiro Ishii Sidelined with Shoulder Injury Following AEW Collision Match

New Japan Pro-Wrestling has confirmed on their website that Tomohiro Ishii will be out of action for the foreseeable future after suffering a dislocated shoulder during his recent AEW Collision bout with PAC.

Fans were quick to notice Ishii’s absence from the upcoming Blood & Guts lineup on AEW Dynamite, where the Conglomeration (Darby Allin, Orange Cassidy, Mark Briscoe, Kyle O’Reilly, and Roderick Strong) are set to battle the Death Riders (Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, Wheeler Yuta, and Daniel Garcia). Many assumed Ishii had simply returned to Japan for NJPW duties—but it turns out the “Stone Pitbull” is on the shelf instead.

In a statement, NJPW expressed regret over the situation, apologizing to fans and wishing Ishii a quick recovery. No specific timetable has been announced for his return, with the company noting that his status will be evaluated later.

For a competitor as notoriously tough as Ishii, this injury comes as a rare setback. Over nearly three decades in the ring, the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion has built a reputation for his unbreakable spirit and punishing style, rarely missing time due to injury. In fact, outside of pandemic-related breaks, Ishii has competed almost continuously for 29 years.

Given that history, this shoulder dislocation could mark the longest layoff of Ishii’s storied career. Wrestling fans around the world will no doubt be hoping the “Stone Pitbull” bounces back soon and returns to delivering the hard-hitting battles he’s known for.

Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Final Match: Could Shinsuke Nakamura Be “The Ace’s” Last Opponent?

As NJPW legend Hiroshi Tanahashi prepares for his final match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in January 2026, rumors are swirling about who will face him in his retirement bout. Recent reports suggest WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura — one of Tanahashi’s most iconic rivals — could be in line for the honor. However, interpromotional politics between WWE, AEW, and NJPW could complicate the dream matchup.

The Ace’s Last Dance

As 2025 winds down, New Japan Pro Wrestling is preparing to say goodbye to one of its greatest icons. Hiroshi Tanahashi, the man affectionately known as “The Ace,” is nearing the end of his legendary in-ring career. After more than a year on his emotional farewell tour, Tanahashi will wrestle for the final time on January 4, 2026, at Wrestle Kingdom 20 inside the historic Tokyo Dome.

Tanahashi’s retirement tour has been a celebration of two decades of excellence — a journey that saw him face top stars across generations, from Kazuchika Okada and Tetsuya Naito to Will Ospreay and Zack Sabre Jr. But as the Tokyo Dome finale approaches, fans are buzzing about who will stand across the ring from him in his final match.

According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, one potential — and emotional — choice could be Shinsuke Nakamura, the current WWE Superstar and Tanahashi’s most famous rival.

Nakamura Teases the Possibility

Speculation started growing during WWE’s recent tour of Japan. Nakamura paid homage to Tanahashi by mimicking his signature mannerisms during matches and later referencing him in a post-show promo — a nod that didn’t go unnoticed by fans or by Meltzer.

Interestingly, Nakamura’s WWE contract reportedly includes a clause that allows him to work select dates in Japan. On paper, that would make a Tanahashi vs. Nakamura farewell match possible. However, Meltzer pointed out that it’s far from a done deal, and there are major hurdles to overcome.

NJPW, AEW, and WWE Politics Complicate Things

The biggest obstacle isn’t Nakamura’s willingness — it’s the current state of interpromotional politics. NJPW maintains a close working relationship with AEW, and with AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita currently holding the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, it’s expected that AEW talent will feature prominently at Wrestle Kingdom 20.

Having a WWE talent like Nakamura appear on the same card could create political friction between the promotions. Meltzer speculated that NJPW may hesitate to invite a WWE wrestler to such a high-profile show while the AEW partnership is active.

That said, Tanahashi’s retirement isn’t just another event — it’s a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. Meltzer added that if there’s any scenario that could make WWE, AEW, and NJPW look past competitive barriers, this could be it. Tanahashi’s influence and legacy are that significant.

A Rivalry That Defined an Era

If Nakamura were to be chosen, it would bring things full circle. Tanahashi and Nakamura’s careers have been intertwined since the early 2000s, leading New Japan through one of its most transformative periods.

Their clashes — including classic bouts over the IWGP Intercontinental Championship and main events at Wrestle Kingdom 8 — helped define NJPW’s modern in-ring style and reestablished the promotion as a global wrestling powerhouse. The chemistry between Tanahashi’s fiery heroism and Nakamura’s flamboyant charisma became a cornerstone of New Japan’s resurgence.

A final encounter between the two, more than a decade after their last major showdown, would be the perfect symbolic closing chapter for both men’s shared legacy.

When Will the Opponent Be Revealed?

Fans likely won’t have to wait long for answers. Meltzer noted that the identity of Tanahashi’s final opponent could be revealed as soon as November 2, during Tanahashi’s “Final Homecoming” event in his hometown of Gifu, or in the days following.

Regardless of who steps up — whether it’s Nakamura, an AEW name, or a rising NJPW star — one thing is certain: Hiroshi Tanahashi’s last match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 will be more than a wrestling match. It’ll be a celebration of a legacy that helped rebuild New Japan Pro Wrestling and inspire an entire generation of wrestlers and fans alike.

AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita Stuns Zack Sabre Jr. To Capture IWGP World Heavyweight Title at NJPW King of Pro Wrestling – (Results)

New Japan Pro Wrestling crowned a new top champion this morning, as AEW standout Konosuke Takeshita shocked fans in Tokyo by dethroning Zack Sabre Jr. to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

The victory came after a grueling 31-minute battle at King of Pro Wrestling, where over 5,000 fans watched Takeshita outlast one of the most dominant champions in recent NJPW history. Sabre, who had held the title twice since first winning it nearly a year ago, came in with momentum from high-profile victories over Shota Umino, Shingo Takagi, Ricochet, and Nigel McGuinness.

But on this night, Takeshita proved to be the better man. The match told a classic NJPW story of contrasting styles — Sabre methodically targeted Takeshita’s arm, looking to neutralize his power, while Takeshita relied on his explosive strikes and athleticism. In the end, the AEW star broke through, delivering a pair of brutal knee strikes — the final one with the kneepad down — to score the decisive pinfall and claim the gold.

Takeshita’s celebration didn’t last long, though. Hirooki Goto, the man who briefly interrupted Sabre’s championship dominance earlier this year, confronted the new champion immediately after the match and issued a challenge. Takeshita mocked Goto and took shots at New Japan’s younger generation for failing to step up, but he ultimately accepted the challenge. Whether that title match happens soon or is saved for Wrestle Kingdom in January remains to be seen.

The win marks Takeshita’s first reign as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and continues his rapid ascent across multiple promotions. Already under contract with AEW, NJPW, and DDT, Takeshita now joins Jon Moxley as the second AEW wrestler in the past year to hold New Japan’s top championship.

And the momentum might not stop there — Takeshita is scheduled to compete at AEW WrestleDream this weekend, where he’ll team with Kazuchika Okada, his sometimes ally and rival within the Don Callis Family, to challenge Brodido for the AEW World Tag Team Titles.

If Takeshita can pull off another win, the “Alpha of the Callis Family” could soon be holding gold in two major promotions at once — a feat that would firmly cement his status as one of wrestling’s most unstoppable rising stars.

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) held the 2025 King of Pro-Wrestling event on October 13 from Ryogoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan.

You can check out the complete results from the show below:

  • IWGP Women’s Championship: Syuri def. Sareee (c) to win the title.
  • War Dogs (David Finlay, Taiji Ishimori & Clark Connors) def. Shingo Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi & Titan.
  • Riot in Ryogoku: Drilla Moloney def. SANADA.
  • YOH, YOSHI-HASHI & Hirooki Goto def. TMDK (Ryohei Oiwa, Hartley Jackson & Kosei Fujita).
  • NJPW World TV Championship: El Phantasmo (c) def. Hiroshi Tanahashi.
  • NEVER Openweight Championship: EVIL def. Boltin Oleg (c) to win the title. House of Torture attacked Boltin after the match. Aaron Wolf made the save.
  • IWGP Tag Team Championships: Knockout Brothers (OSKAR & Yuto-Ice) (c) def. Yuya Uemura & Shota Umino.
  • IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji def. Gabe Kidd (c) to win the title. Unaffiliated and War Dogs shook hands after the match.
  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita def. Zack Sabre Jr (c) to win the title. Hirooki Goto challenged Takeshita after the match.

Backstage News on Why NJPW Has Cut Back on U.S. Shows in 2025

New Japan Pro Wrestling’s footprint in the United States has noticeably shrunk this year, and new details are shedding light on why fans aren’t seeing as many American dates from the promotion in 2025.

According to Fightful Select, NJPW has only run three shows in the U.S. by the end of August. That’s a sharp decline compared to six in 2024 and eight in 2023 — and that doesn’t even factor in the company’s collaborative events with other promotions.

The reasons behind the pullback appear to be a mix of business and talent concerns. Ticket sales for NJPW’s American events have been slipping, which has made the financial side of the expansion harder to justify. On top of that, some wrestlers within the company reportedly aren’t enthusiastic about making the trips across the Pacific, leading management to rethink how often they stage shows in the States.

This isn’t the first time NJPW’s U.S. strategy has shifted. Years ago, the company pushed hard to build its presence in North America, bolstered by a roster of international stars. Even after the exodus of talent to AEW, NJPW pressed ahead with its expansion, introducing the STRONG brand during the pandemic to keep its U.S.-based wrestlers active. That initiative eventually came to an end, but NJPW still maintained some of its championships and sporadically held American shows.

The landscape, however, has changed dramatically since AEW’s arrival. With AEW now firmly established as the number two promotion in North America — and offering the kind of in-ring product that once drove fans to NJPW — New Japan’s influence outside Japan has diminished.

For now, it seems the company is prioritizing stability at home rather than overextending abroad. American fans may have fewer chances to see NJPW live in 2025, but the promotion continues to focus on strengthening its core product in Japan.

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door London Results 8/24/2025, Wardlow Returns

AEW and NJPW brought the chaos to London’s O2 Arena for this year’s Forbidden Door, a marathon show that blended dream matches, title defenses, and wild cross-promotional energy. From shocking saves to brutal wars inside a steel cage, the night had something for every type of wrestling fan. Here’s the full rundown of what went down match by match:

El Desperado, Paragon & Yuya Uemura def. CRU & Don Callis Family

The opener was a fast-paced, multi-man clash that swung back and forth until Yuya Uemura scored the deciding fall with a bridging butterfly suplex on Lio Rush. Post-match, the Callis Family ambushed the victors, only for Tomohiro Ishii to storm down and even the odds. The segment ended with a hot crowd-pleaser: Ishii planting Lance Archer with a thunderous brainbuster.

Gates of Agony & Ricochet def. JetSpeed & Michael Oku

Ricochet and the Gates controlled much of the action, isolating Michael Oku before chaos broke out with a string of dives. Despite a valiant effort from Oku and JetSpeed, Ricochet sealed the deal with his Spirit Gun finisher.

Megan Bayne & Triangle of Madness def. Kris Statlander, Willow Nightingale, Queen Aminata & Harley Cameron

The women’s eight-woman tag turned into a back-and-forth brawl. Miscommunication among the babyfaces gave Bayne an opening, and she flattened Harley Cameron with a Liger Bomb for the win.

AEW World Trios Championship: The Opps (c) def. Bullet Club War Dogs

Katsuyori Shibata, Samoa Joe, and Will Hobbs successfully defended their titles in a hard-hitting showdown with Bullet Club’s UK branch. The match ended when Joe dropped Robbie X with a Muscle Buster.

Adam Copeland & Christian Cage def. The Patriarchy

Old friends reunited as Copeland and Cage teamed up to take down Killswitch and Kip Sabian. After withstanding Patriarchy’s antics (and interference from Mother Wayne), Cage pinned Sabian following a spear from Copeland into an inverted DDT.

AEW TNT Championship: Kyle Fletcher (c) def. Hiromu Takahashi

In one of the night’s hardest-hitting bouts, Fletcher and Takahashi traded bombs until the champion finally retained with a brutal brainbuster.

AEW TBS Championship Four-Way: Mercedes Moné (c) def. Alex Windsor vs. Bozilla vs. Persephone

The TBS Champion survived a chaotic four-way. After near falls from every challenger and a tower of doom spot, Mercedes Moné snatched the win with a victory roll on Persephone.

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. (c) def. Nigel McGuinness

In a technical masterclass, hometown hero Nigel McGuinness pushed ZSJ to the edge in his return to the ring. Sabre narrowly escaped with his title via a sunset flip pin. Post-match, the two shared a handshake and embrace, while Daniel Garcia loomed with visible tension.

AEW World Tag Team Championship: Brodido def. FTR & Hurt Syndicate (c)

This triple threat had constant action, with FTR and Brodido both trying to wrestle the gold away from Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin. In the chaos, Bandido hit a frog splash on Dax Harwood to secure the pin, crowning Brodido as the new champions.

AEW Unified Championship: Kazuchika Okada (c) def. Swerve Strickland

Okada retained the top prize after weathering Swerve’s storm. The challenger connected with multiple House Calls but couldn’t put the Rainmaker down. A final Rainmaker lariat ended it, but the aftermath stole the spotlight — Okada targeted Swerve’s knee with a chair until Wardlow aligned with Don Callis, leaving Strickland broken.

AEW Women’s World Championship: Toni Storm (c) def. Athena

Toni Storm survived a bruising battle with Athena, who nearly won with the O-Face before Billie Starkz’s antics backfired. Storm locked in the Chickenwing and forced Athena to tap out.

AEW Men’s World Championship: Hangman Page (c) def. MJF

With countouts and DQs allowed to decide the title, MJF threw everything at Hangman — weapons, low blows, and referee distractions. In the end, Page overcame it all, blasting Friedman with a Deadeye and Buckshot Lariat to retain.

Lights Out Steel Cage Match: Darby Allin, Golden Lovers, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Will Ospreay def. Death Riders & Young Bucks

The insane main event lived up to the Lights Out billing with chaos, blood, weapons, and a moonsault off the top of the cage from Will Ospreay. Tanahashi scored the winning fall with one last High Fly Flow in the UK. But celebration quickly turned dark as the Death Riders destroyed Ospreay post-match, stomping a chair around his neck while the crowd rained boos on Moxley.

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 8/24/2025 (Card)

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door – Sunday, August 24, 2025, at The O2 Arena in London, England – 11:30am ET with the Zero Hour pre-show and the main card starting at 1pm ET.

CARD

  • AEW World Championship Match (Title can change hands with DQ or Count Out): “Hangman” Adam Page (c) vs. MJF
  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Match: Zack Sabre Jr. (c) vs. Nigel McGuinness w/ Daniel Garcia
  • Lights Out Steel Cage Match: Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi), Darby Allin, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Will Ospreay vs. Claudio Castagnoli, Jon Moxley, The Young Bucks & Gabe Kidd
  • AEW Unified Championship Match: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Swerve Strickland
  • AEW Women’s Championship Match: “Timeless” Toni Storm (c) vs. Athena
  • AEW Tag Team Championship Match: Hurt Syndicate (c) vs. Brodido vs. FTR
  • AEW TBS Championship Match: Mercedes Moné (c) vs. Alex Windsor vs. Bozilla (STARDOM) vs. Persephone (CMLL)
  • AEW TNT Championship Match: Kyle Fletcher (c) vs. Hiromu Takahashi
  • Adam Copeland & Christian Cage vs. Kip Sabian & Killswitch
  • (Zero Hour) Kyle O’Reilly, Roderick Strong, Yuya Uemura & El Desperado vs. Hechicero, Josh Alexander & CRU
  • (Zero Hour) The Triangle of Madness & Megan Bayne vs. Queen Aminata, Harley Cameron, Willow Nightingale & Kris Statlander

Mercedes Mone Adds Another Championship to Her Collection

Mercedes Mone’s championship resume just keeps growing. The AEW star has once again proven why she’s one of the most decorated names in women’s wrestling, walking away with yet another title to add to her already stacked collection.

In a Title vs. Title clash, Mone defeated Emersyn Jayne to retain her Rev Pro Undisputed British Women’s Championship and simultaneously capture the Discovery Wrestling Scottish Women’s Championship. With the win, she now boasts nine championships across her career — earning her the fitting nickname “Nine Belts Mone.”

Since making her move to AEW, Mone has kept herself busy by taking bookings overseas, continuing to build her reputation as one of wrestling’s most sought-after global stars. This latest title victory further cements her as a dominant force who isn’t just making waves in AEW, but across the independent and international scene as well.

It’ll be interesting to see how AEW highlights Mone’s growing collection of hardware and whether these outside championships will play into her ongoing storylines on TV. For now, though, Mone’s reign as one of wrestling’s most in-demand champions shows no sign of slowing down.

A Decorated Career of Championships

Mone’s championship journey has stretched across multiple companies and continents. Here’s a quick look at some of the most notable titles she’s held during her career:

  • WWE Women’s Championships: A multiple-time champion on both Raw and SmackDown, Mone (then known as Sasha Banks) left her mark with memorable reigns that helped redefine the division.
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Alongside Bayley, she was part of the very first team to win the titles, cementing her place in tag team history.
  • IWGP Women’s Championship: After leaving WWE, she shocked the world by capturing gold in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, helping elevate NJPW’s newly launched women’s division.
  • Rev Pro Undisputed British Women’s Championship: Her current reign overseas has been another example of how she continues to grow her global presence.
  • Discovery Wrestling Scottish Women’s Championship: The latest addition to her trophy case, proving she’s not slowing down anytime soon.

A Global Star Beyond AEW

Since signing with AEW earlier this year, Mone has kept herself busy both inside and outside the company. While fans eagerly anticipate her eventual climb toward AEW’s top women’s title, she’s also been building her brand internationally, defending and winning championships across the independent circuit.

Her growing collection of belts only strengthens her reputation as a worldwide attraction — the kind of wrestler who can walk into any promotion and instantly raise its profile.

With “Nine Belts Mone” now officially part of her legacy, the real question is simple: how long before she makes it ten?

Report: The Good Brothers Officially Return to NJPW, Set for Resurgence Appearance

The speculation is over — Karl Anderson and Doc Gallows, collectively known as The Good Brothers, are back in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

After weeks of buzz and online rumors linking them to NJPW’s Resurgence event, Fightful Select has confirmed that the duo has indeed signed on with the promotion once again. While fans had pegged them as the likely mystery partners for The Young Bucks at Resurgence, the return is now official.

The former WWE and Impact stars have a storied history with NJPW, and their reunion with the promotion has been kept tightly under wraps until their WWE contracts officially came to an end. With the paperwork finalized, the floodgates have opened — and The Good Brothers are wasting no time getting back into the spotlight.

They’ve already begun doing media appearances to promote Resurgence, signaling that NJPW has plans to put them front and center as they ramp up their presence in the U.S. market.

This marks another major return for NJPW’s international expansion, and given The Good Brothers’ popularity and Bullet Club ties, their reappearance could have major implications across both Japanese and American wrestling scenes.

Will we see the Bullet Club OGs reignite old alliances or stir up new rivalries in their latest NJPW run?