Category: New Japan Pro Wrestling

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.

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