Category: NJPW

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.

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.