Category: NJPW

AEW’s Kenny Omega Announced For Upcoming NJPW Appearance

It has now been nearly a year since Kenny Omega was forced to put his wrestling career on hold thanks to a bout of diverticulitis so severe that there were concerns for Omega’s life. And save for an appearance on “AEW Dynamite” in May, where he was brutally assaulted by The Elite’s Young Bucks, Kazuchika Okada, and Jack Perry, Omega has largely focused on his recovery from surgery. There have been signs, however, that a return could be on the horizon, with Omega being spotted training with long-time tag partner Kota Ibushi, and sitting down with old New Japan rival Hiroshi Tanahashi.

But the biggest sign Omega may be getting set for an in-ring return may have just been revealed by New Japan on Tuesday evening. The promotion announced on their website that Omega will be making a special appearance at NJPW Power Struggle, scheduled to be held on November 4 in Osaka. In their announcement, New Japan pondered what would come from Omega’s special appearance, his first in New Japan since New Year’s Dash 2023, teasing it could be related to Omega’s reunion with Tanahashi earlier this month.

During said reunion, both Omega and Tanahashi expressed interest in teaming together for the first time, with Omega naming the Young Bucks as potential opponents as he looks to avenge their attack on him. Since then, there’s been speculation that the duo’s match against the Bucks could take place at Wrestle Dynasty, a joint show between AEW, CMLL, and New Japan set for January 5 in the Tokyo Dome, Whether Omega’s Power Struggle appearance will hint towards that, or signal a return to the ring sooner than anticipated, remains to be seen.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

NJPW’s Hiroshi Tanahashi Announces He Will Retire At Wrestle Kingdom 1/4/2026

Top NJPW star Hiroshi Tanahashi announced that he will retire from in-ring competition in 2026, with his final match taking place at Wrestle Kingdom on January 4, 2026.

Tanahashi is the current President and Representative Director for NJPW.

Tanahashi has held the IWGP World Championship a record of eight times. He is also a three-time G1 Climax winner and a Triple Grand Slam Winner in NJPW.

NJPW Video Teases Reunion With AEW’s Kenny Omega At WrestleDynasty Crossover Show

Kenny Omega has faced some of the best wrestlers in NJPW history, and the promotion was where he firmly established himself as a major name in the business. On AEW television, Omega hasn’t been seen since May, when he was written off after an attack by former allies The Elite, but it seems like “The Best Bout Machine” is returning to the public eye.

The official NJPW X account recently shared a brief clip where Hiroshi Tanahashi looked back at his last match with Omega, and teased an upcoming reunion. “We wrestled in the main event in the Tokyo Dome in 2019. That match and what came out of it? It was a unique situation, so I think everyone’s curious as to how we’ve been. I’ve got a lot of mixed emotions, but I’m curious too. Excited to see him,” Tanahashi said. The two men then met in a room, and greeted one another, with the post’s hashtags teasing that their “reunion” is somehow tied to the multi-promotion Wrestle Dynasty pay-per-view, which will take place on January 5, 2025.

The most recent update on Omega’s health was one month ago, in August. The star has been suffering from diverticulitis for quite some time, and had surgery recently. His good friend and AEW star, Michael Nakazawa, claimed that “The Cleaner” had 25 centimeters removed of his colon, and had lost abdominal strength as a result, making basic tasks difficult for him. However, Nakazawa added that Omega had steadily been recovering, and that he’d been training at the time. Considering that he’s seemingly planning to appear at Wrestle Dynasty in January, it appears like his recovery has gone quicker than many anticipated.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Update On Matt Riddle’s Likelihood In AEW

A year out from his WWE exit, Matt Riddle recently teased the possibility of joining All Elite Wrestling, specifically with the intention of making more money and working a decent television schedule. According to a new report, though, that idea may be a little far-fetched right now.

Fightful Select reports that AEW President Tony Khan has had zero interest in bringing Riddle aboard to the company, “especially over the last number of years.” In recent months, Riddle has worked with some talents signed to AEW — including Brian Cage, Dralistico, Komander, Penta El Zero Miedo, and The Beast Mortos — on the wrestling circuit. As Fightful points out, though, all those matches emanated from promotions based in Mexico, and not the United States.

In addition to the idea of signing with AEW, Riddle also recently discussed a backstage encounter he had with Khan following his loss to Zack Sabre Jr. at the April 2024 NJPW Windy City Riot show in Chicago. According to Riddle, the conversation between him and Khan was relatively awkward. While Khan initially seemed happy, Riddle stated that he later seemed “confused” when Riddle asked him if he liked the match with Sabre Jr. in a “different” kind of tone.

Since leaving WWE last year, Riddle has worked for several independent promotions across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. “The Original Bro” has additionally appeared for New Japan Pro-Wrestling and Major League Wrestling. Riddle’s latest MLW appearance came at the Summer Of The Beasts event on August 29, which saw him defeat former MLW World Tag Team Champion Matthew Justice.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

NJPW Star Minoru Suzuki Updates Fans On His Condition After Collapsing Mid-Match

Minoru Suzuki provided a positive update on his status after the NJPW legend suffered a concussion mid-match on Saturday. Suzuki was wrestling for Tenryu Project at their Osake Crush Night show on July 6, a trios match pitting Suzuki, Kengo and YASSHI against Tomohiro Ishii, Yuji Hino, and Don Fuji for the Tenryu Project WAR Six-Man Tag Team titles. But the match was stopped by referee Keigo Yushino when, as he would explain on social media, Suzuki did not respond to initial calls. 

Yushino noted that Suzuki wanted to continue, but it was determined that he would not be safe to do so and the match was thrown out. In an announcement posted by Tenryu Project, it was revealed that Suzuki was diagnosed with a concussion after hospital examination, he has since been discharged and the promotion confirmed it would be keeping tabs on his condition over the next few days. The statement made note that Suzuki is walking and talking properly, not showing any significant symptoms and did not suffer any bleeding on the brain.

“Murder Grandpa” has since taken to social media himself, stating he’d had a CT scan which reflected no particular issues, further assuring fans that there was no need to worry. He said that he remembered everything about the incident, including the moment he collapsed. Tenryu Project said in its statement on the matter that it apologized for the abrupt finish to the match, and that it will endeavor to book a rematch once the 56-year-old is ready to return.  Suzuki had been active this week leading into his collapse, wrestling twice during Hiratsuka Shinshiku Yokocho Tanabata Matsuri on July 5. He has been teased for an upcoming clash against AEW’s Chris Jericho, confirming he wouldn’t team with Jericho at Forbidden Door last weekend for the first time, and that he would be seeking a shot at the FTW Championship when they do meet.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Wrestle Dynasty With NJPW, AEW, ROH, STARDOM And CMLL Set For January 2025 At The Tokyo Dome

During Sunday’s AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door pay-per-view, a promo from NJPW aired for Wrestle Dynasty, which will feature stars from NJPW, CMLL, AEW, ROH and STARDOM.

The event is set to take place on Sunday, January 5, 2025 from the Tokyo Dome.

Wrestle Dynasty will take place just one day after Wrestle Kingdom, which will also be held at the Tokyo Dome.

The promo video is below, along with the official announcement from NJPW.

https://twitter.com/njpw1972/status/1807609267824054316
Wrestle Dynasty comes to the Tokyo Dome January 5!

Five promotions in one mega card after Wrestle Kingdom

A huge announcement was made during Forbidden Door as it was revealed the Tokyo Dome will play host to Wrestle Dynasty on January 5 2025.

Five promotions will come together for one mega card as NJPW, AEW, CMLL, ROH and STARDOM will all be under the roof of the Dome just 24 hours after Wrestle Kingdom 19. A night of dream matches is in store to kick off the year!

Source: WrestleView

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 6/30/2024 (Results), Dr. Britt Baker DMD Returns

Zero Hour.

  • RJ City, Rocky Romero, Jeff Jarrett & Renee Paquette hosted the Zero Hour previewing the card of the show.
  • The Acclaimed (Billy Gunn, Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) cut a promo backstage, where Billy Gunn said he pulled some strings to get Bowens & Caster to team with Hiroshi Tanahashi against The Elite and promised to kick Okada back to his Studio Apartment in Manhattan.
  • Amanda Huber & Negative One talked about the collaboration between AEW & Reebok Classic Leather to pay tribute to Jon Huber, famously known as Brodie Lee Jr.
  • Kyle Fletcher def. Serpentico via Pinfall (BRAINBUSTAH!).
  • Four Way Tag Match: Kings of The Black Throne (Malakai Black & Brody King) def. Private Party (Isiah Kassidy & Marq Quen), Kyle O’Reilly & Tomohiro Ishii, and NJPW STRONG Openweight Champion Gabe Kidd & Roderick Strong (w/ Gedo, Matt Taven & Mike Bennett) via Pinfall (Ganzo Bomb from King on Kassidy).
  • Willow Nightingale & Tam Nakano def. Momo Watanabe & Kris Statlander (w/ Stokely Hathaway) via Pinfall (Hammerlock Dragon Suplex from Nakano on Watanabe).
  • 2024 Women’s Owen Hart Foundation Cup Tournament – First Round Match: Mariah May (w/ Toni Storm & Luther) def. Saraya (w/ Harley Cameron) via Pinfall (Roll-Through Bridge).​​​​​​
    • Mina Shirakawa appeared after the match to celebrate with Mariah May. Storm & Shirakawa then butted heads due to Shirakawa’s sudden appearance.
  • Místico & Lucha Brothers (Penta El Zero Miedo & Rey Fénix) (w/ Alex Abrahantes) def. Los Ingobernables de Japón (Titán, Yota Tsuji & Hiromu Takahashi) via Submission (La Mística from Místico on Titán).

Main Show.

  • Excalibur, Nigel McGuiness & Taz welcomed the audience to the broadcast before transitioning into the opening match.
  • Maxwell Jacob Freidman def. Hechicero via Pinfall (Sheer Drop Brainbuster).
  • The Elite (AEW International Champion Kazuchika Okada and AEW Tag Team Champions Matthew Jackson & Nicholas Jackson) def. Hiroshi Tanahashi & The Acclaimed (Max Caster & Anthony Bowens) via Pinfall (Rainmaker from Okada on Tanahashi).
    • Okada was going to hit another Rainmaker on Tanahashi, but Billy Gunn came to the ring and made the save.
  • 2024 Men’s Owen Hart Foundation Cup Tournament – First Round Match: Bryan Danielson def. Shingo Takagi via Submission (Disarmer Arm Breaker).
  • AEW Women’s World Championship Match: Toni Storm (c) (w/ Luther & Mariah May) def. Mina Shirakawa (w/ Mariah May) via Pinfall (Storm Zero).
    • After a vicious match, Mina Shirakawa & Toni Storm embraced with a hug and a handshake before they & May kissed. Nigel McGuiness was spotted crying at the wholesome ending.
  • Zack Sabre Jr def. Orange Cassidy via Submission (Clarky Cat Lock).
  • Katsuyori Shibata, Samoa Joe & HOOK def. NJPW Television Champion Jeff Cobb & The Learning Tree (Chris Jericho & Big Bill) (w/ Bryan Keith) via Pinfall (Judas Effect from HOOK on Jericho).
  • TNT Championship Ladder Match: Jack Perry def. Konosuke Takeshita, Mark Briscoe, Jack Perry, Lio Rush, Dante Martin & El Phantasmo to win the title.
  • TBS Championship & NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship Match: Mercedes Mone (c) def. Stephanie Vaquer (c) via Submission (Banks Statement).
  • NJPW announced they will host the ” WrestleDynasty ” event from the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan on January 5, 2024.
  • IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Match: Tetsuya Naito def. Jon Moxley (c) via Pinfall (Destino).
  • AEW World Heavyweight Championship Match: Swerve Strickland (c) (w/ Prince Nana & Jim Jones) def. AEW International Champion Will Ospreay via Pinfall (JML Driver).
    • After the referee was taken out, Don Callis tried to give a screwdriver to help Ospreay, but Prince Nana took him out. Ospreay then threatened to stab Nana with the screwdriver, but had second thoughts and tossed the tool away. Ospreay got back in the ring, but Swerve then hit the House Call and a Swerve Stomp to try and pick up the win, but Ospreay kicked out. Swerve got back up and hit another House Call before hitting the JML Driver for the win. Swerve Strickland celebrated with Flash Garments, Jim Jones, and Prince Nana ss Ospreay was consoled by Kyle Fletcher in the ring to end the broadcast.

Results from WrestleZone

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 6/30/2024 (Card)

AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door – Sunday June 30, 2024 – UBS Arena in Elmont, New York

Featuring wrestling talent from AEW, NJPW, STARDOM and CMLL

CARD

THE AEW WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Swerve Strickland (c) vs. Will Ospreay

LADDER MATCH FOR THE VACANT AEW TNT CHAMPIONSHIP
Dante Martin vs. Jack Perry vs. Konosuke Takeshita vs. Lio Rush vs. Mark Briscoe vs. El Phantasmo

WINNER TAKES ALL MATCH FOR THE AEW TBS CHAMPIONSHIP AND NJPW STRONG WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP
Mercedes Moné (c–AEW) vs. Stephanie Vaquer (c–NJPW)

AEW WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
“Timeless” Toni Storm (c) (with Mariah May and Luther) vs. Mina Shirakawa (with Mariah May)

IWGP WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Jon Moxley (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito

The Elite (Young Bucks & Kazuchika Okada) vs. The Acclaimed & Hiroshi Tanahashi w/“Daddy Ass” Billy Gunn

MEN’S OWEN HART CUP TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND MATCH
Bryan Danielson vs. Shingo Takagi

MJF vs. Hechicero

Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Orange Cassidy

The Learning Tree (Chris Jericho and Big Bill) and Jeff Cobb (with Bryan Keith) vs. Samoa Joe, Hook, and Katsuyori Shibata

ZERO HOUR
Kris Statlander & Momo Watanabe w/Stokely Hathaway vs. Willow Nightingale & Tam Nakano

[ZERO HOUR] WOMEN’S OWEN HART CUP TOURNAMENT FIRST-ROUND MATCH:
Mariah May (with “Timeless” Toni Storm, Luther and Mina Shirakawa) vs. Saraya (with Harley Cameron and Anna Jay)

[ZERO HOUR] TRIOS MATCH:
Los Ingobernables de Japon (Yota Tsuji, Titan, and Hiromu Takahashi) vs. The Lucha Brothers (Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fénix) and Místico (with Alex Abrahantes)

NJPW Dominion 6/9/2024 (Results)

* Tetsuya Naito def. Callum Newman

* Kosei Fujita, Robbie Eagles & Zack Sabre Jr. def. Clark Connors, Drilla Moloney & LJ Cleary

* NJPW King Of Pro-Wrestling Championship Storm Catch Rules Match: Great-O-Khan def. Yuya Uemura

* NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship Match: BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi & Yota Tsuji def. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Oleg Boltin & Toru Yano

* NJPW World Television Championship Match: Jeff Cobb def. Tomohiro Ishii

* IWGP Tag Team Championships & NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Championships Tornado Match: Mikey Nicholls & Shane Haste def. Chase Owens & KENTA, Guerrillas Of Destiny & Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI

* NEVER Openweight Championship Match: Shingo Takagi found HENARE to a draw

* IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Lumberjack Match: Jon Moxley def. EVIL. Moxley then issued a challenge for AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door and Tetsuya Naito answered.

* Best Of The Super Junior 31 Finals: El Desperado def. Taiji Ishimori

NJPW Dominion 6/9/2024 (Card)

NJPW Dominion – June 9, 2024 – the Osaka-jō Hall in Osaka, Japan.


Best of the Super Juniors Final: El Desperado vs. Taiji Ishimori

IWGP World Heavyweight Championship — Lumberjack Match: Jon Moxley (c) vs. EVIL

NEVER Openweight Championship: Shingo Takagi (c) vs. HENARE

NJPW STRONG Openweight & IWGP Tag Team Championships — Tornado Elimination Four-Way Match: BULLET CLUB (Chase Owens & KENTA) (IWGP) vs. Hikuleo & El Phantasmo (STRONG) vs. T.M.D.K. (Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls) vs. Bishamon (Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI)

NJPW World Television Championship: Jeff Cobb (c) vs. Tomohiro Ishii

NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championships: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Oleg Boltin & Toru Yano (c) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI)

KOPW Championship — Storm Catch Rules Match: Yuya Uemura (c) vs. Great-O-Khan

T.M.D.K. (Kosei Fujita, Robbie Eagles & Zack Sabre Jr.) vs. Clark Connors, Drilla Moloney & L.J. Cleary

Tetsuya Naito vs. Callum Newman