Tag: NJPW

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

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.