Hiroshi Tanahashi will make his V7 defense of the IWGP Heavyweight Title against 2011 G1 Climax winner Shinsuke Nakamura at Kobe World Hall on 9/19. This battle of eternal rivals promises to be one of the biggest between them yet as Nakamura looks to end Tanahashi’s nine month reign as champion. Also announced was Kota Ibushi’s V3 defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against KUSHIDA. Kojima picked up a right eye injury in yesterday’s match with Tenzan and is a doubt for the tour.

Also announced today was another excursion to CMLL in Mexico for the living legend Jushin Thunder Liger. He will leave after the 9/11 Korakuen show and his return date is undecided, suggesting he could be there for a while. Koji Kanemoto, a part-timer in New Japan these days despite being under contract, will also be missing as he competes in All Japan’s Jr. Heavyweight League from 9/11 to 9/25.

NJPW “KANTARO HOSHINO MEMORIAL SHOW”, 9/19/11 (WPW/PPV)
Kobe World Hall

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Kota Ibushi (c) vs. KUSHIDA
1. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura