Category: New Japan Pro Wrestling

John Morrison Interested In Signing With NJPW

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New Japan Pro Wrestling is continuing to gain popularity as a promotion. Although the company has been in operation since 1972, it has only been the past few years that they have made such a strong American presence. For years, NJPW has partnered with American promotions such as the NWA and Ring of Honor, even featuring these promotions and the NWA and ROH World Championships on their annual Wrestle Kingdom pay-per-view.

However, due to the ongoing western popularity, New Japan had their first American independent event last year, G1 Special in USA, which crowned Kenny Omega as the inaugural IWGP United States Champion after winning an eight-man tournament. Since then, the promotion announced two more U.S. events, Strong Style Evolved which occurred on March 25, and G1 Special in San Francisco, scheduled for July 7.

With the influx of gaijin (non-Japanese, or “foreign”) wrestlers now frequently competing in New Japan, such as Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks, Cody, Will Ospreay, Marty Scurll, Juice Robinson, Michael Elgin, Zack Sabre, Jr., Jay White, Bad Luck Fale, Killer Elite Squad, Beretta, and more, other names have become interested in joining the promotion. According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, former Intercontinental Champion John Morrison has inquired to New Japan to compete for the company.

Morrison, 38, left WWE in 2011. Since then, he has competed for a number of promotions, primarily Impact Wrestling, Lucha Underground, and AAA. According to the Observer, Morrison’s relationship with AAA may cause a snag in being able to join New Japan. There had been some interest previously, but this same issue kept him from joining the New Japan roster. New Japan typically does not use anyone from the AAA roster, due to their working relationship with CMLL. However, New Japan executives have seemingly softened their restrictions on the AAA ban, since Rey Mysterio is competing for both promotions.

Source: WrestlingINC

Chris Jericho Cuts Foul-Mouthed Tirade Against Tetsuya Naito At NJPW BOTSJ

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Over the past couple months, Chris Jericho has attacked Tetsuya Naito twice from behind, first at New Year Dash and then at Wrestling Dontaku. Earlier today at NJPW BOTSJ (Night 4) IWGP Intercontinental Championship Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI defeated Tiger Mask and Toa Henare in a tag match. Afterwards, the lights went out and Chris Jericho popped up on the screen to cut a promo on his upcoming opponent at Dominion. Just a note, the video above is not safe for work.

“Naito, I read all of the things you’re saying about me,” Jericho said. “I know how you really feel and listen, you are one of the greatest performers in the world today. One of the biggest stars in NJPW, but to me you mean as much as this turtle.”

Jericho was outside and actually showed a turtle that he came across. He then continued on about taking Naito’s title away from him.

“Naito, I’m gonna f— you up! I’m going to take your Intercontinental Championship from you, not because you wanted it, you don’t want it, you’re too tranquilo. I’m not tranquilo,” Jericho scoffed. “I’m f—— crazy! I’m gonna show you just how crazy I can be at Dominion on June 9. I’ve been waiting for six months to get my hands on your stupid filthy head. Yeah, Los Ingobernables de Japon. Kiss my f—– ass!”

Naito had recently said in an interview he was, “superior” to Jericho, aside from name recognition, Jericho responded to that as well.

“You’re the best New Japan has to offer, but I’ve seen pieces of s— like you come and go, year after year, and guess what? Chris Jericho is still here,” Jericho continued. “The Alpha is still here. … I’m gonna make your famous Naito, when I beat your f—– ass at Dominion, take the Intercontinental Championship away from you, away from those filthy animals in Japan and take it back to the United States where it belongs. Be careful what you wish for junior because it’s going to come true. I’ll see you on June 9th at Dominion, f— face!”

When cameras cut back to Naito in the ring, he was relaxing on the mat (seemingly taking a nap) and cut a promo (translation by Chris Charlton).

https://twitter.com/reasonjp/status/998875727503097857

Source: WrestlingINC

NJPW President Wants To ‘Trouble WWE’

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As noted, New Japan Pro Wrestling has hired a new President, Harold Meij. At 54 years old, Meij (Dutch) will be the first NJPW President who is not Japanese. Previously, he held the role of CEO for TOMY, a Japanese toy company, and has lived in Japan for over 30 years. Meij began with TOMY in 2014 and took the company from its biggest loss year to the most profitable ever in 2017. In an interview (translation by Chris Charlton), Meij is looking to expand the company globally and said in three years he wants NJPW to bring in about $90 million in sales. In regards to WWE, “Long term, I want us to trouble WWE. If you just look at our product you’ll see that’s not out of the question.”

Source: WrestlingINC

New Japan Pro Wrestling Hires New President

According to Tokyo Sports (translation by @EvanDeadlySinsW), New Japan Pro Wrestling has hired a new President, Harold Meij. At 54 years old, Meij (Dutch) will be the first NJPW President who is not Japanese, replacing Katsuhiko Harada.

Previously, he held the role of CEO for TOMY, a Japanese toy company, and has lived in Japan for over 30 years. Meij began with TOMY in 2014 and took the company from its biggest loss year to the most profitable ever in 2017.

Bushiroad President (parent owner of NJPW) Takaaki Kidani decided to bring him into the wrestling fold and Meij is scheduled to begin his duties next month.

Source: WrestlingINC

Brandi Rhodes Injured During Recent Japan Tour Over The Weekend, Will Require Surgery

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Brandi Rhodes injured her collarbone wrestling in Japan.

Brandi tweeted:

According to Cody he injury, which is a broken clavicle, will require surgery to fix two separate fractures.

Cody tweeted:

Rey Mysterio NJPW Return Confirmed For Dominion

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NJPW has announced Rey Mysterio will be making up for his missed match this year at Strong Style Evolved by wrestling at their upcoming Dominion event.

As you may recall, Mysterio was sidelined back in march due to a bicep injury and was forced to miss his scheduled match against Jushin “Thunder” Liger. He did, however, set up possible matches with Liger, Will Ospreay, and Marty Scurll during a post-match altercation.

No official word yet on who Rey’s opponent will be.

Also confirmed for Dominion:

  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega in a 2-out-of-3 falls, no time-limit match
  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Chris Jericho for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship
  • The Young Bucks vs. EVIL and SANADA for the IWGP Tag Team Championship
  • Hirooki Goto vs. Michael Elgin vs. Taichi for the NEVER Openweight Championship

Source: Pro Wrestling Sheet

NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2018 (Night 2) Results: Chris Jericho Attacks Naito

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NJPW Wrestling Dontaku (Night 2) took place earlier today with IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi in the main event. In his most current title run, Okada now has a record 12 title defenses to his name. Chris Jericho also made a return to NJPW by initially posing as a fan and then attacking Tetsuya Naito, Jericho would use a ring bell to bust open Naito, which you can see in the video below.

It was also teased Bullet Club member, Bone Soldier, would be returning to NJPW, typically wearing a mask, he would take it off and reveal himself as Taiji Ishimori. In the U.S., Ishimori has spent much of his time in Impact Wrestling. Bone Soldier was previously played by Captain New Japan / Hideo Saito.

Bellow are the full results:

* Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, and Ryusuke Taguchi defeated Ren Narita, Shota Umino, and Yuya Uemura
* Yujiro Takahashi and Chase Owens defeated Yuji Nagata and Tomoyuki Oka
* Roppongi 3K defeated Taichi, Taka Michinoku and Takashi Iizuka
* Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano defeated Togi Makabe and Henare
* Hirooki Goto, Jay White, and YOSHI-HASHI defeated Juice Robinson, David Finlay, and Michael Elgin
* Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, SANADA, Hiromu Takahashi, and BUSHI defeated Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Yoshinobu Kanemaru, and Desperado
* Kenny Omega, Kota Ibushi, Bad Luck Fale, and Guerrillas of Destiny defeated Cody, The Young Bucks, Hangman Page, and Marty Scurll
* Will Ospreay (c) defeated KUSHIDA (IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship)
* Kazuchika Okada (c) defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi (IWGP Heavyweight Championship)

Source: WrestlingINC

NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2018 (Night 1) Results

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NJPW Wrestling Dontaku (Night 1) took place with Kenny Omega defeating Adam Page in the main event. Also featured, Cody beat Kota Ibushi in a rematch from when they met at Wrestle Kingdom 12. In tag team action, The Young Bucks / Marty Scurll won the NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Titles away from Tanga Loa, Tama Tanga, and Bad Luck Fale.

Below are the full results:

* Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi defeated Yota Tsuji and Shota Umino
* Ryusuke Taguchi, Jushin Liger, and Tiger Mask defeated Ren Narita, Tomoyuki Oka, and Yuji Nagata
* Sho, Yoh, and Rocky Romero defeated Iizuka, Lance Archer, and Davey Boy Smith Jr.
* YOSHI-HASHI, Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii, Jay White, and Hirooki Goto defeated Toa Henare, Michael Elgin, Togi Makabe, David Finlay, and Juice Robinson
* Marty Scurll and the Young Bucks defeated Tanga Loa, Tama Tonga, and Bad Luck Fale (c) (NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Championship)
* Hiromu Takahashi, BUSHI, EVIL, SANADA, and Tetsuya Naito defeated Desperado, Kanemaru, Taichi, Zack Sabre Jr, and Minoru Suzuki
* Will Ospreay and Kazuchika Okada defeated KUSHIDA and Hiroshi Tanahashi
* Cody defeated Kota Ibushi
* Kenny Omega defeated Adam Page

 

NJPW next’s show is Wrestling Dontaku (Night 2), which takes place early tomorrow at 4am ET / 1am PT on NJPW World. Below is the full card:

* Jushin Liger, Ryusuke Taguchi, and Tiger Mask IV vs. Ren Narita, Shota Umino, and Tomoyuki Oka
* Bullet Club (Chase Owens and Yujiro Takahashi) vs. Tetsuhiro Yagi and Yuji Nagata
* Roppongi 3K (Rocky Romero, SHO, and YOH) vs. Suzuki-gun (Taichi, TAKA Michinoku, and Takashi Iizuka)
* Chaos (Tomohiro Ishii and Toru Yano) vs. Toa Henare and Togi Makabe
* Chaos (Hirooki Goto, “Switchblade” Jay White, and YOSHI-HASHI) vs. David Finlay, Juice Robinson, and Michael Elgin
* Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, EVIL, Hiromu Takahashi, SANADA, and Tetsuya Naito) vs. Suzuki-gun (Davey Boy Smith, Jr., El Desperado, Lance Archer, Minoru Suzuki, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru)
* Bullet Club (Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Loa) and Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi) vs. Bullet Club (Cody Rhodes, Hangman Page, Marty Scurll, Matt Jackson, and Nick Jackson)
* Will Ospreay (c) vs. KUSHIDA (IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship)
* Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (IWGP Heavyweight Championship)

Chris Jericho Scheduled To Make His Return To New Japan Pro Wrestling This Week

Chris Jericho

Chris Jericho, who just appeared for WWE at the Greatest Royal Rumble event last Friday in Saudi Arabia, is scheduled to make his return to New Japan Pro Wrestling this week at the company’s Wrestling Dontaku event in Fukuoka, Japan.

According to a report by Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com, Jericho’s appearance this week will setup a storyline for another appearance for New Japan at next month’s Dominion event in Osaka, likely with IWGP Intercontinental champion Tetsuya Naito.

Jericho became involved with New Japan earlier this year at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in a highly touted match against Kenny Omega. He then showed up at New Japan’s New Year’s Dash event attacking Naito. The angle never ended up leading to anything long-term. However, it would appear they will be picking back up where they left off this week.

Source: WrestleView

Jake Roberts Agrees To Drop Charges Against Davey Boy Smith Jr. After WrestleCon Altercation

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Earlier this month, there was an incident between WWE Hall of Famer Jake Roberts and New Japan Pro Wrestling star Harry Smith (aka Davey Boy Smith Jr.) at WrestleCon in New Orleans. The two exchanged words and Smith threw a hot cup of coffee in Jake’s face. Security quickly cleared the area and police were called, but Smith left the building before police could speak with him.

According to F4WOnline, it now looks like Roberts will be dropping charges against Smith after the two spoke on the phone, which was set up by Bret Hart.

Smith wasn’t happy about things Roberts had said about his Father, Davey Boy Smith (aka The British Bulldog), during a podcast with Roddy Piper.

Both apologized privately, but Smith also apologized publicly earlier today.

https://twitter.com/DBSmithjr/status/990523284562292736

Source: WrestlingINC