Category: NJPW

Tetsuya Naito to Undergo Eye Surgery & Begin Knee Treatment Following NJPW Exit

After officially wrapping up his storied run with New Japan Pro Wrestling at Wrestling Dontaku on May 4, Tetsuya Naito has confirmed that he’s shifting focus from in-ring action to recovery and rehabilitation—for now, at least.

In a new interview with Tokyo Sports, Naito revealed he is undergoing surgery on May 7 to address ongoing issues with his left eye. The surgery is the latest in a long line of procedures aimed at correcting his vision, as the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion has dealt with double vision in his right eye for years. He’s hopeful this latest operation will resolve complications that have now surfaced in his left eye.

In addition to eye surgery, Naito is beginning stem cell treatment on his right knee—an area that’s plagued him throughout his career and required consistent maintenance. Given the physical toll of a near two-decade run at the top of NJPW, it’s no surprise that Naito is now prioritizing his health.

While fans have speculated about what’s next for the Los Ingobernables de Japon leader, Naito made it clear that he has no immediate post-retirement plans. “I don’t have anything set,” he said, emphasizing that recovery is the top priority before thinking about the next phase of his life or career.

Naito’s NJPW career saw him become one of the company’s most popular and influential figures. From headlining Wrestle Kingdom to representing NJPW abroad in promotions like TNA and AEW, his legacy spans continents and generations. Whether or not fans see him back in a ring again remains to be seen—but for now, the tranquilo icon is taking a well-earned pause.

Tetsuya Naito Leaving NJPW After Nearly Two Decades – Bushi Also Leaving

In a move that few wrestling fans saw coming, Tetsuya Naito is officially parting ways with New Japan Pro-Wrestling after nearly 20 years with the company. NJPW confirmed the news via a press release, revealing that both sides have mutually agreed not to renew his contract. Naito isn’t leaving alone either—fellow Los Ingobernables de Japon member Bushi is also set to exit the promotion.

Naito will fulfill his remaining obligations with NJPW through May 4. After that, he’s free to explore new opportunities across the wrestling world. While there’s been no announcement yet about his next destination, NJPW made it clear that the split was amicable.

Behind the scenes, it turns out Naito had been operating without a contract for some time. According to Fightful Select, the veteran star and NJPW had been in discussions for a new deal, but ultimately couldn’t come to terms. The report also indicates that several other NJPW talents are in similar contract limbo, working without signed agreements.

Alongside Naito and Bushi, Jeff Cobb is another name expected to depart, with heavy speculation linking him to a WWE debut. This follows a growing trend over the past few years that’s seen some of NJPW’s top stars—like Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay—head to AEW or WWE in search of new challenges.

Naito’s departure hits differently, though. Apart from brief stints in CMLL, ROH, and various indies, NJPW has been his wrestling home since the very beginning. A founding member of Los Ingobernables de Japon and one of the promotion’s most beloved and decorated stars, Naito’s exit marks the end of an era. Bushi, while not a day-one NJPW talent, has been a consistent presence for more than a decade and was instrumental in the faction’s identity and growth.

What’s next for the Los Ingobernables de Japon leader? Time will tell. But one thing’s for sure—wherever Naito shows up next, the wrestling world will be watching.

Stay tuned to WrestlingNewsBlog.com for updates on this developing story and the latest on NJPW’s shifting landscape.

Mina Shirakawa Set to Leave STARDOM, Heading to AEW

Mina Shirakawa’s time in STARDOM is coming to an end, as the former multi-time champion is set to depart the promotion when her contract expires at the end of March. According to Tokyo Sports’ Kimoto Riju, Shirakawa plans to move to the United States, where she has already made a name for herself with appearances in AEW and NJPW.

A Championship Legacy in STARDOM

Since joining STARDOM in 2020, Shirakawa has built an impressive résumé, capturing multiple championships:

  • Wonder of STARDOM Champion
  • Future of STARDOM Champion
  • Goddesses of STARDOM Champion
  • Two-time Artist of STARDOM Champion

Her run in STARDOM has solidified her as a major force in women’s wrestling, and her transition to the U.S. could open even more doors for her career.

AEW Bound

After months of speculation, Mina Shirakawa has confirmed that she is officially joining AEW full-time. The former STARDOM star, who has already been heavily involved in AEW storylines over the past year, announced her decision following her exit from STARDOM.

“I, Shirakawa Mina, will be leaving STARDOM,” she said in a statement. “It is only thanks to the fans who have always believed in me and supported me that I have been able to continue to pursue my dreams and pursue my career as a professional wrestler. Thank you so much. As for the future, I, Shirakawa Mina, will be joining AEW.”

A press conference is expected later this week to announce the signing, which has reportedly been in the works for quite some time.

AEW’s growing women’s division has seen a surge of international talent in recent years, and Shirakawa’s addition could be a significant boost. She has already competed for AEW in the past, and with her connections to NJPW, she could play a key role in AEW’s ongoing relationship with Japanese wrestling promotions.

Shirakawa’s AEW Journey So Far

Although not officially signed until now, Shirakawa has played a key role in AEW’s women’s division. She made her AEW debut nearly a year ago, defeating Anna Jay on an episode of Dynamite in April. From there, she became intertwined with the storyline between “Timeless” Toni Storm and Mariah May, eventually earning two AEW Women’s World Championship opportunities.

Her first title shot came at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2024, where she challenged Storm but was unable to capture the gold. Later in the year, tensions rose between Shirakawa and May, culminating in another title opportunity at Winter Is Coming in December. This time, she faced May for the championship, but once again came up short.

A Rising Star on the Global Stage

Beyond AEW, Shirakawa has made waves in NJPW as well. In January, she competed against Mercedes Moné at Wrestle Dynasty in a high-stakes title match, with both Moné’s NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship and Shirakawa’s RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship on the line. While Shirakawa was unable to secure the victory, Moné expressed interest in a rematch, hinting that their rivalry may not be over.

Though Shirakawa suffered an injury during the Wrestle Dynasty bout, she has since recovered and returned to the ring, setting the stage for what could be an explosive run in AEW.

What’s Next for Shirakawa in AEW?

Now that she’s officially All Elite, Shirakawa’s next move will be closely watched. Could another clash with Mariah May be in her future? Will she cross paths with Toni Storm once again? And with Moné’s arrival in AEW seemingly imminent, a rematch between the two could be on the horizon.

One thing is for sure: Shirakawa is ready to make an impact in AEW, and her journey is just getting started.

Before her AEW debut, Shirakawa is scheduled to appear at NJPW Windy City Riot on April 11, which could serve as a preview of what’s to come. With her talent, charisma, and championship pedigree, she has the potential to be a major player in AEW’s women’s division.

What Is the Queen of Southside Championship That Mercedes Moné Carries?

Mercedes Moné has been making headlines not just for her dominance in AEW and NJPW, but also for the collection of championship gold she proudly displays. Among her titles is the Queen of Southside Championship, a belt that has left many fans scratching their heads. Unlike the TBS Championship or the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship, which are well-known in mainstream wrestling, the Queen of Southside title carries a legacy that some might not be familiar with.

So, what is this championship, and why is Moné still carrying it?

A Championship With Deep Roots

The Queen of Southside Championship originates from Southside Wrestling, a UK-based independent promotion that was active for nearly a decade. In 2019, Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro) acquired Southside’s venues and video library when the promotion ceased operations. As part of this transition, Southside’s championship titles were absorbed into RevPro’s lineage.

According to RevPro owner Andy Quildan, the Queen of Southside Championship was officially unified with the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship, meaning that the two titles are technically one and the same.

“I’ve never seen a championship belt cause so much confusion and controversy,” Quildan admitted on the Cultaholic Podcast. “The Queen of Southside belt is a legacy title from Southside Wrestling. When RevPro took over, we inherited all their championships, and they were unified with our own.”

Why Does Mercedes Moné Carry It?

Typically, when championships are unified, only the primary title belt is carried going forward—much like what happened with RevPro’s Tag Team and Heavyweight Championships. However, in this case, Moné has personally chosen to continue carrying the Queen of Southside belt alongside the Undisputed British Women’s Championship.

“It’s similar to boxing,” Quildan explained. “Unified, undisputed champions often carry multiple belts. In wrestling, there’s no commission governing each belt separately, so there’s no risk of the titles being split again. If Mercedes Moné decides she only wants to carry the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship, she can. Or, she can choose to be covered in gold.”

Given Moné’s history of embracing championship legacies, it’s no surprise she’s opted to carry the belt. Whether it’s a tribute to Southside Wrestling’s history or simply a statement of dominance, one thing is clear—Mercedes Moné is making sure that wherever she goes, she brings gold with her.

H/T to BritWrestling 

WWE Reportedly Targeting Former NJPW Star Jeff Cobb

WWE’s recent wave of free-agent signings could be continuing, as reports indicate that former NEVER Openweight Champion Jeff Cobb might be heading to the company. According to Fightful Select, WWE has expressed interest in signing Cobb, who previously turned down an opportunity with the company in favor of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).

One source even claimed that Cobb is already listed on WWE’s internal roster, though this has yet to be confirmed. Meanwhile, AEW sources reportedly do not expect Cobb to be heading their way, suggesting that if he leaves NJPW, WWE could be his next destination.

Cobb’s NJPW Future in Question

Cobb is currently set to compete in the New Japan Cup, where he faces former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito in the second round. His recent frustrations about his lack of success in NJPW—including underwhelming performances in the G1 Climax—have fueled speculation that he may be on his way out. Given his standing in NJPW’s United Empire faction, previously led by AEW star Will Ospreay, a potential departure would mark a major shift in his career.

The outcome of his upcoming tournament match could provide further clues regarding his future. If Cobb suffers an early elimination, it may signal that NJPW is preparing for his exit.

WWE’s Free Agent Surge Continues

If Cobb does sign with WWE, he would join a growing list of high-profile acquisitions. The company has already brought in Penta, Ricky Saints (formerly Ricky Starks), Jade Cargill, Ethan Page, and Lexis King (formerly Brian Pillman Jr.), along with top international talents like Giulia and Stephanie Vaquer. Additionally, former AEW star Malakai Black has been rumored to be on WWE’s radar, with creative reportedly pitching ideas for his return despite no official confirmation.

With WWE continuing to reshape its roster with fresh talent, Cobb’s potential arrival could add another dynamic powerhouse to the mix. His blend of strength, agility, and technical prowess would make him a strong fit for the company’s heavyweight division.

Stay tuned as more details emerge on Cobb’s future and whether WWE will land yet another major free agent.

NJPW ‘The New Beginning’ In Osaka, Japan Results (2/11/25)- Young Bucks Lose IWGP Tag Titles

On Tuesday, February 11, New Japan Pro Wrestling hosted The New Beginning at the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium in Osaka, Japan

Pre-Show:

United Empire (Francesco Akira & Jeff Cobb) def. El Desperado & Katsuya Murashima

Main Card:

Hiroshi Tanahashi def. Togi Makabe

Drilla Moloney def. Shingo Takagi

Great-O-Khan def. Shota Umino

SANADA def. Taichi

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships: Ichiban Sweet Boys (Robbie Eagles & Kosei Fujita) (c) def. Rocky Romero & YOH 

NEVER Openweight Championship: Konosuke Takeshita (c) def. Boltin Oleg 

IWGP Tag Team Championships: Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi def. The Young Bucks (c) 

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji (c) vs. Gabe Kidd ended in a Draw

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Hirooki Goto def. Zack Sabre Jr. (c) 

Konosuke Takeshita Kicks Off 2025 With Gold, Glory, And A Triple Contract Status

Konosuke Takeshita is setting the wrestling world ablaze as he kicks off 2025 with an unprecedented level of success and a packed schedule. “The Alpha” is now leaving Japan not only with two championship belts but also with contracts from three major promotions: AEW, NJPW, and DDT. Takeshita’s rise in prominence highlights his undeniable talent and the growing collaboration between wrestling companies across the globe.

A Triple Threat Career

Since signing with AEW in 2022, Takeshita has balanced his commitments with DDT while making waves in the U.S. wrestling scene. Now, with a one-year deal freshly inked with NJPW following the Wrestle Dynasty event on January 5, Takeshita has expanded his already busy schedule. Wrestling Observer Radio’s Dave Meltzer shed light on how this unique arrangement works.

“Takeshita’s primary contract is still with AEW,” Meltzer explained. “He can work indies and has been active in Japan with DDT. But now, he’ll be wrestling more for New Japan. AEW remains the priority, but Tony Khan and Rocky Romero are collaborating to ensure he can perform for both AEW and NJPW effectively.”

A Historic Start to 2025

Takeshita’s latest accomplishments in Japan only add to his growing legacy. On January 3, he teamed with his mentor Jun Akiyama at a DDT event. Just one day later, at NJPW’s Wrestle Kingdom 19, he defeated Shingo Takagi to claim the NEVER Openweight Championship. The momentum didn’t stop there. At the Wrestle Dynasty event on January 5, Takeshita retained both the NEVER Openweight and AEW International Championships in a hard-fought battle against Tomohiro Ishii.

With two championships to defend and three promotions to juggle, Takeshita is set for a whirlwind year. His next major challenge will come at NJPW’s Battle in the Valley on January 11, where he’ll defend his NEVER Openweight Championship against KUSHIDA.

Collaboration Across Promotions

Takeshita’s triple-contract situation is a testament to the evolving wrestling landscape. The collaboration between AEW, NJPW, and DDT highlights a willingness among promotions to share talent and provide fans with unforgettable matches. For Takeshita, this means greater opportunities to showcase his skills on multiple platforms, while for fans, it promises exciting cross-promotional matchups in 2025.

As Takeshita embarks on this monumental chapter in his career, one thing is clear: “The Alpha” is poised to dominate the wrestling world and redefine what it means to be an international star. Stay tuned to see how he balances this historic run!

NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty 1/5/2025 (Results)

Sorry for this post being so late, but here in Southern Indiana we are dealing with problems from a winter storm with a lot of ice from freezing rain that left a lot of people without power from frozen tree limps falling on power lines. Some are still without power.

So below is the results from Wrestle Dynasty:

Pre-Show:

  • Momo Watanabe def. Athena, Persephone, and Willow Nightingale via pinfall to win the International Women’s Cup
    Momo Watanabe triumphed in a thrilling four-way bout against Athena, Persephone, and Willow Nightingale to claim the International Women’s Cup. The match featured fast-paced action with wrestlers rotating in and out of the ring to break up pinfalls. Athena appeared poised for victory after hitting her O-Face on Willow, but interference from Thekla pulling the referee out gave Watanabe an opening. She capitalized by using her signature bat and finishing with Peach Sunrise to score the pin on Athena. This marked Athena’s first pinfall loss in two years, a point commentary emphasized. Watanabe now has the opportunity to challenge any champion of her choosing.
  • Sons of Texas (Dustin Rhodes & Sammy Guevara) def. House of Torture (SHO & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) via pinfall to retain the Ring of Honor Tag titles
    Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara defeated House of Torture’s SHO and Yoshinobu Kanemaru to retain their ROH Tag Team Championships. Guevara started hot before the challengers’ underhanded tactics slowed him down. A hot tag to Dustin brought the crowd to life as he hit signature moves. After whiskey mist antics from Kanemaru, Rhodes returned the favor and set up Guevara to seal the victory with a 630 Splash.

Main Card:

  • Taiji Ishimori wins the 8-Man Lucha Gauntlet
    In an eight-man lucha gauntlet, Taiji Ishimori outlasted competitors including El Desperado, Hechicero, and Titan to secure the win. Desperado, the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, became the primary target, enduring finishers from several participants. Ishimori used clever strategy, throwing the referee onto Desperado and Kosei Fujita before applying the Gedo Clutch on the champ to steal the victory.
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Katsuyori Shibata’s five-minute exhibition match ends in a draw
    The exhibition match between two legends ended in a five-minute time-limit draw. The grappling-focused bout carried emotional weight for fans familiar with their storied history, as every lock-up and chop exchange felt significant.
  • Mercedes Moné  def. Mina Shirakawa via pinfall to win the RevPro British Women’s championship
    Mercedes Moné added another title to her collection, defeating Mina Shirakawa in a hard-fought contest. Shirakawa targeted Moné’s knee throughout the match, but Mercedes adapted, using her resilience to stay in the fight. A Moné Maker sealed the deal, though Shirakawa rejected a post-match handshake in frustration.
  • David Finlay def. Brody King via pinfall
    The Bullet Club War Dogs leader overcame Brody King in a physical clash. King dominated early with his size and power, but Finlay exploited an opening with an eye poke, eventually hitting Overkill for the win. Post-match, Finlay seemed preoccupied with the loss of his IWGP Global title at Wrestle Kingdom.
  • Shota Umino def. Claudio Castagnoli via pinfall
    Shota Umino defeated Claudio Castagnoli in a statement-making victory. Claudio dominated early, using his power and technical prowess, but Umino rallied with Moxley-inspired elbow strikes and a Death Rider to secure the pin.
  • Konosuke Takeshita def. Tomohiro Ishii via pinfall to retain New Japan’s NEVER Openweight title & AEW International title
    One night after claiming the NEVER Openweight title, Konosuke Takeshita successfully defended it alongside his AEW International Championship against Tomohiro Ishii. The match was a brutal affair, with both men exchanging stiff strikes and power moves. Takeshita ultimately prevailed with his Raging Fire finisher.
  • Young Bucks def. Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb and Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi to win the vacant IWGP Tag Team titles
    The Young Bucks emerged victorious in a chaotic triple-threat match against Great-O-Khan & Jeff Cobb and LIJ’s Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi. True to form, the Bucks waited for their moments before diving into the action. They outlasted their opponents and sealed the win with a TK Driver, securing the vacant IWGP Tag Team Championships.
  • Yota Tsuji def. Jack Perry to retain the IWGP Global championship
    Yota Tsuji retained his newly won IWGP Global Championship in a match against Jack Perry. Perry played the heel, using dirty tactics to target Tsuji’s back. Despite Perry’s nearfalls, Tsuji rallied with a Gene Blaster spear to secure the win.
  • Kenny Omega def. Gabe Kidd via pinfall
    Kenny Omega’s return to action was a violent showdown with Gabe Kidd. The match featured suplexes, table spots, and even steel chair exchanges. Despite Kidd’s resilience and brutal piledrivers, Omega hit Kamigoye and the One-Winged Angel to emerge victorious. Post-match, NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi was seen visibly emotional, suggesting Kidd’s promising future.
  • Zack Sabre Jr. def. Ricochet via submission to retain the IWGP World Heavyweight championship
    In the night’s main event, Zack Sabre Jr. retained the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in a highly technical match against Ricochet. Ricochet’s high-flying offense was countered by Sabre’s calculated submission holds. After dodging a 630 splash, Sabre locked in The Inexorable March of Progress, forcing Ricochet to submit. Sabre closed the show with a passionate promo reaffirming his loyalty to NJPW and TMDK.

NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 19 1/4/2024 (Results)

  • New Japan Ranbo Match for IWGP World Title Shot: Hirooki Goto def. Alex Zayne and Great-O-Khan and Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Josh Barnett and KENTA and Oleg Boltin and SANADA and Satoshi Kojima and Taichi and Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma and Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano and YOSHI-HASHI and Yuji Nagata and Yujiro Takahashi
  • Tokyo Terror Ladder Match for IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Ichiban Sweet Boys (Kosei Fujita & Robbie Eagles) def. Intergalactic Jet Setters (Kevin Knight & KUSHIDA) (c), BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney), and Catch 2/2 (Francesco Akira & TJP) to win the titles
  • IWGP Women’s Championship: Mayu Iwatani (c) def. AZM
  • NJPW World Television Championship: El Phantasmo def. Ren Narita (c), Jeff Cobb, and Ryohei Oiwa to win the title.
  • Lumberjack Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi def. EVIL
    • HOUSE OF TORTURE attacked Tanahashi after the bell. Katsuyori Shibata made the save and challenged Tanahashi to face him at NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty.
  • Winner Takes All Match for the NEVER Openweight Championship & AEW International Championship: Konosuke Takeshita (c) def. Shingo Takagi (c)
  • IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado def. DOUKI (c) via referee stoppage to win the title.
    • DOUKI suffered an apparent injury, and the match was stopped. Desperado was declared the winner and the new champion.
  • IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji def. David Finlay (c) (with Gedo) to win the title.
  • Tetsuya Naito def. Hiromu Takahashi
  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship: Zack Sabre Jr. (c) def. Shota Umino

NJPW x AEW Wrestle Dynasty 1/5/2025

NJPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling) recently announced the full card of their upcoming Wrestle Dynasty PPV event that will see wrestlers from NJPW, AEW, STARDOM, ROH and CMLL compete.

The NJPW x AEW: Wrestle Dynasty PPV is set to take place on Sunday, January 5th, 2025, from the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.

You can check out the full card below:

Kenny Omega vs. Gabe Kidd

Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ricochet

Claudio Castagnoli vs. Shota Umio

David Finlay vs. Brody King

Jack Perry vs. Yota Tsuji

NEVER Openweight Championship Match
Shingo Takagi or Konosuke Takeshita (c) vs. Tomohiro Ishii

IWGP Tag Team Championship Decider Match
Great-O-Khan and a Mystery Partner vs. The Young Bucks (Matthew Jackson and Nicholas Jackson) vs. Tetsuya Naito & Hiromu Takahashi,

NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship and RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship Match
“The CEO” Mercedes Moné (c) [NJPW STRONG Women’s Champion] vs. Mina Shirakawa (c) [RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Champion]

Lucha Gauntlet Match
Four NJPW Stars and Four CMLL Stars Will Compete

Kickoff Match #1
International Women’s Cup Fatal Four Way Match
Momo Watanabe (STARDOM) vs. Willow Nightingale (AEW) vs. Persephone (CMLL) vs. Athena (ROH)

Kickoff Match #2
ROH World Tag Team Championship Match
The Sons Of Texas (Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara) (c) vs. House Of Torture (Yoshinobu Kanemaru and SHO)