It’s with tear in my eye (™ Ric Flair) that I type this message. And it’s a long one so indulge me.

They say all good things must come to an end, but for a long time I wanted to prove that wrong with Strong Style Spirit and keep it going until I was old and grey.

Unfortunately the time has come where I feel I have to stop updating the site. It may sound silly but this is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made because this site has been open for 13 1/2 years, not far off half my life. Before that I ran another website that also had Japanese wrestling news and before even that I would post tidbits on RSPW (Usenet).

When something becomes so embedded in your routine for so long, it is very hard to let go of. But time has passed and with each year other things demand more time. These things weren’t a hassle when I started SSS as a teenager. SSS doesn’t provide any income and never really has (most went to hosting costs or buying wrestling DVDs), nor have I ever wanted to monetize it because I’ve run this site out of love for what it covers and to give honest coverage.

For a few years now it has been a strain to keep the site going. Those who have been around a long time will remember just how much detail I used to go into, but in recent times I’ve only been able to cover the essentials. This always bothered me because I would pride myself on SSS offering truly in-depth coverage.

And so I have to announce that 2014 has been the final year of updates for Strong Style Spirit.

I debated doing this after the 1/4 Tokyo Dome show, an iconic event on the Japanese calendar, but thought ending coverage before 2015 arrived would offer more closure.

And no, I haven’t lost interest! I still love New Japan and professional wrestling, and always will. From idolising Hulk Hogan as a little boy to discovering the exciting world of Japanese wrestling, it’s been part of my life for many years and always will be. I’ll continue to watch New Japan and other promotions. Perhaps freeing this time will allow me to watch more of it again. I quite fancy going back and watching some 90s stuff…

Also, the site isn’t going away! I’ve secured hosting for the indefinite future and will always try to keep it around in some form as a permanent archive. There is years worth of information here that you can read through at any time. Also, the Strong Style Symphony forums will remain open for anyone wishing to chat about wrestling or other things.

It’s been a great journey for me and in other circumstances I’d keep it going for years and years to come. Who knows, I may win the lottery and retire early, allowing me to resume it some day! I won’t rule out doing an Onita and making a surprise comeback some day so don’t delete your bookmarks.

I think many English-speaking fans of Japanese wrestling who have come and gone will have stopped by puroresufan.com and I’m proud of that. I like to think of this as my small part of internet history.

I’d like to thank everyone who has visited the site. Everyone I’ve met online and chatted with, including former regulars of the #puroresu chatroom (great times!). Those who have done a great service to the scene such as BAHU and Jae. Check out their sites and support any other puroresu sites you can, such as Purolove (a great place to keep up with results).

This has been my project and ends as my project so I’m not looking for someone to run it. The site/domain isn’t actively for sale but if someone made me an offer I couldn’t refuse, I’d think about it.

I’ll still be around on the message boards, more often lurking than posting but still there. If you want to contact me with messages or anything, my email address remains toukonstuart AT gmail DOT com.

I’ll leave you with a picture of the man I have to thank for piquing my interest in puroresu when I bought the WCW Superbrawl II commercial tape in the mid-90s. It took a couple more years for me to start my tape collection but it was the sight of he and Brian Pillman flying around the ring that started my journey into the world of Japanese professional wrestling.

Strong Style Spirit, 2001-2014

The 2014 World Tag League final will be repeated at the Tokyo Dome with winners Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata challenging Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows for their IWGP Tag Team Title. This was one of several matches added to the 1/4 card today, another being Tetsuya Naito vs. AJ Styles. Jeff Jarrett also makes an appearance, while Yano and a mystery partner face a Suzuki-gun selected team.

NJPW “WRESTLE KINGDOM 9 IN TOKYO DOME”, 1/4/15 (WPW)
Tokyo Dome

0. New Japan Rumble (battle royal)
1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title – 4WAY Match: Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly (c) vs. Alex Shelley & KUSHIDA vs. Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov vs. Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson
2. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Tomoaki Honma vs. Jeff Jarrett, Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
3. Toru Yano & X vs. Suzuki-gun selected team
4. Special Singles Match – Full Conclusion Rules: Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Minoru Suzuki
5. NEVER Openweight Title: Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs. Togi Makabe
6. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Ryusuke Taguchi (c) vs. Kenny Omega
7. IWGP Tag Team Title: Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows (c) vs. Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata
8. Special Singles Match: Tetsuya Naito vs. AJ Styles
9. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Kota Ibushi
10. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada

Lineups have been announced for the upcoming “ROAD TO POWER STRUGGLE” series. The Super Jr. Tag Tournament returns with the usual cast joined by ROH’s reDRagon (Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly). The final will be held in Gifu on November 3.

The other novelty of the tour, which leads into the big Osaka show, is that Katsuyori Shibata will appear on every show, teaming with the New Japan army against CHAOS. This is the first time Shibata has worked the circuit since returning, a sign that he is becoming more integrated into the company again.

NJPW, 10/25/14 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Toru Yano, YOSHI-HASHI & Gedo vs. Minoru Suzuki, Takashi Iizuka & TAKA Michinoku
2. Togi Makabe, Tetsuya Naito, Tomoaki Honma, Captain New Japan & Kota Ibushi vs. Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows, Bad Luck Fale, Yujiro Takahashi & Tama Tonga
3. Super Jr. Tag Tournament 2014 – Round 1: BUSHI & Mascara Dorada vs. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly
4. Super Jr. Tag Tournament 2014 – Round 1: Ryusuke Taguchi & Fuego vs. Taichi & El Desperado
5. Super Jr. Tag Tournament 2014 – Round 1: Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson
6. Super Jr. Tag Tournament 2014 – Round 1: KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley vs. Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov
7. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Katsuyori Shibata & Hirooki Goto vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 10/26/14
Uonuma Horinouchi Gymnasium

1. Fuego vs. Sho Tanaka
2. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Alex Koslov & Gedo
3. Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask & BUSHI vs. TAKA Michinoku , Taichi & El Desperado
4. Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka vs. Toru Yano & Rocky Romero
5. Jushin Thunder Liger, KUSHIDA, Alex Shelley & Mascara Dorada vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Tama Tonga, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson
6. Togi Makabe, Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows & Bad Luck Fale
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Katsuyori Shibata, Hirooki Goto & Captain New Japan vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI

NJPW, 10/28/14
Tsuruga Castle Gymnasium

1. BUSHI vs. Yohei Komatsu
2. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Rocky Romero & Gedo
3. Ryusuke Taguchi, Jushin Thunder Liger & Mascara Dorada vs. TAKA Michinoku , Taichi & El Desperado
4. Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka vs. Toru Yano & Alex Koslov
5. Tiger Mask, KUSHIDA, Alex Shelley & Fuego vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Tama Tonga, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson
6. Togi Makabe, Tetsuya Naito & Captain New Japan vs. Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows & Bad Luck Fale
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Katsuyori Shibata, Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI

NJPW, 10/29/14
Kitakami City Gymnasium

1. BUSHI vs. Sho Tanaka
2. Ryusuke Taguchi, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. TAKA Michinoku , Taichi & El Desperado
3. Bobby Fish, Kyle O’Reilly, Mascara Dorada & Fuego vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Tama Tonga, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson
4. Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka vs. Toru Yano & Gedo
5. Togi Makabe, Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows & Bad Luck Fale
6. Hirooki Goto & Captain New Japan vs. Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Katsuyori Shibata, KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov

NJPW, 10/30/14
New Sunpia Tochigi

1. Bobby Fish & Kyle O’Reilly vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu
2. Ryusuke Taguchi & Mascara Dorada vs. Taichi & El Desperado
3. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, BUSHI & Fuego vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Tama Tonga, Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson
4. Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka vs. Toru Yano & Gedo
5. Togi Makabe, Tetsuya Naito & Captain New Japan vs. Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows & Bad Luck Fale
6. Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma vs. Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Katsuyori Shibata, KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov

NJPW, 11/1/14
Sagamihara Municipal Gymnasium

1. Super Jr. Tag Tournament 2014 – Semi Final: Winners of Team Taguchi/Team Taichi vs. Winners of Team Liger/Young Bucks
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Katsuyori Shibata, Togi Makabe & Hirooki Goto vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI

NJPW, 11/2/14
Twin Messe Shizuoka

1. Super Jr. Tag Tournament 2014 – Semi Final: Winners of Team BUSHI/reDRagon vs. Winners of Time Splitters/Forever Hooligans
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Katsuyori Shibata, Togi Makabe & Hirooki Goto vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI

NJPW, 11/3/14 (Samurai! TV)
Gifu Industrial Hall

1. Super Jr. Tag Tournament 2014 – Final:
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Katsuyori Shibata, Togi Makabe & Hirooki Goto vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI

NJPW, 11/4/14
Fukui Industrial Center #1 Hall

1. Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga
2. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows vs. Togi Makabe & Captain New Japan
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Katsuyori Shibata, Hirooki Goto, KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Tomohiro Ishii, Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov

NJPW, 11/6/14
Texpia Osaka

1. Togi Makabe, Tetsuya Naito, Tomoaki Honma & BUSHI vs. Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows, Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Captain New Japan vs. Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI
3. Katsuyori Shibata, Hirooki Goto, KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura

Old rivals Shinsuke Nakamura and Katsuyori Shibata headline next month’s “POWER STRUGGLE” in Osaka as Shinsuke defends his IWGP Intercontinental Title against Shibata in the main event. Also on that show, Yoshitatsu (Naofumi Yamamoto who it appears will keep his WWE name) will make his in-ring return to New Japan after 7 years, facing AJ Styles in a singles match.

And to no surprise, Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Title has been confirmed as the “WRESTLE KINGDOM 9″ main event. This will be the second time (previously in 2013) that this match has headlined the annual 1/4 show.

NJPW “POWER STRUGGLE”, 11/8/14 (WPW)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

1. Special Singles Match: Yoshitatsu vs. AJ Styles
2. Special Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kota Ibushi vs. Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI
3. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Katsuyori Shibata

NJPW “WRESTLE KINGDOM 9 IN TOKYO DOME”, 1/4/15 (WPW)
Tokyo Dome

1. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada

New Japan chairman Naoki Sugabayashi and DDT president Sanshiro Takagi today held a press conference with Kenny Omega to announce that New Japan will be Kenny’s main battlefield from now on.

Kenny’s DDT contract has expired and he told Takagi that he wants to move to New Japan, something New Japan were happy to agree to given his talent. All three parties are in a harmonious agreement that Kenny transfers to New Japan and he will join the junior division.

Unlike fellow DDT star Kota Ibushi, who held the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title with Kenny, the Canadian will not have a dual affiliation to New Japan and DDT, and will be fully transferring to Japan’s leading wrestling promotion.

Kenny said he is looking forward to testing himself every year in the Best of the Super Jr. tournament and wants to prove he is top-class by joining one of the best rosters in the world. And unlike Ibushi, who stepped into the heavyweight division, Kenny wants to be part of the junior scene but hopes to some day reunite his Golden Lovers tag team with Ibushi.

He ruled out joining the Bullet Club because after 6 years in Japan, doesn’t feel like a gaijin so doesn’t want to align himself with a gaijin unit.

Sugabayashi said it is undecided when Kenny will start up as a regular but New Japan fans can expect to see the talented Canadian regularly in the years to come.

Six titles will be defended at this year’s “KING OF PRO-WRESTLING”, which takes place at Sumo Hall on October 13. The biggest of them all sees AJ Styles make his V3 defense of the IWGP Heavyweight Title against ace Hiroshi Tanahashi in what could be a match that helps define the 1/4 Tokyo Dome main event. The other match that could do likewise sees Okada again risk his 1/4 title shot, this time against the “Stardust Genius” Tetsuya Naito.

Ishii attempts to win back the NEVER Openweight Title when he challenges Yujiro, Taguchi defends his IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against El Desperado, and the Time Splitters must fend off the challenge of both the Young Bucks and Forever Hooligans in a 3WAY Match for the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title.

Earlier on the card, two major NWA titles will be defended with the legendary Tenzan & Kojima continuing their neverending feud with the Killer Elite Squad as Archer & Smith challenge for the NWA World Tag Team Title. And an unfamiliar face enters New Japan as Chase Owens defends the NWA World Jr. Heavyweight Title against masked man BUSHI.

Unless plans have changed and I missed it, USTREAM’s iPPV service is ending on October 1 and this show isn’t advertised, so it is unlikely to air on iPPV. New Japan is apparently looking into other ways to show the events live to foreign audiences.

NJPW “KING OF PRO-WRESTLING”, 10/13/14 (WPW)
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. Special 8 Man Tag Match: Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, Tomoaki Honma & Kota Ibushi vs. Karl Anderson, Doc Gallows, Bad Luck Fale & Tama Tonga
2. NWA World Jr. Heavyweight Title: Chase Owens (c) vs. BUSHI
3. NWA World Tag Team Title: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima (c) vs. Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr.
4. Special Tag Match: Toru Yano & Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Minoru Suzuki & Takashi Iizuka
5. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title – 3WAY Match: KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley (c) vs. Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson vs. Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov
6. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Ryusuke Taguchi (c) vs. El Desperado
7. NEVER Openweight Title: Yujiro Takahashi (c) vs. Tomohiro Ishii
8. Special Tag Match: Shinsuke Nakamura & YOSHI-HASHI vs. Hirooki Goto & Katsuyori Shibata
9. Tokyo Dome IWGP Heavyweight Title #1 Contender Match: Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito
10. IWGP Heavyweight Title: AJ Styles (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

For the second year in a row, Kazuchika Okada has been named Tokyo Sports MVP (Most Valuable Player). Only Antonio Inoki, Jumbo Tsuruta and Genichiro Tenryu have achieved that before. Is Okada a legend in the making?

The IWGP Heavyweight Champion has become the leader of New Japan this year, his legendary win over Hiroshi Tanahashi at Sumo Hall in October seen as a transition of leadership.

And also for the second year running, a New Japan bout won Match of the Year, with Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kota Ibushi from the G1 Climax being named Best Bout.

Who is El Desperado?

One day after the 1/4 Tokyo Dome show, New Japan will debut a new masked man by the name of El Desperado. A logical choice might be Kyosuke Mikami, who has been away in CMLL for almost two years as Namajague. But that isn’t definite.

Also on the show, one day after Kojima challenges Rob Conway for the NWA World Heavyweight Title at the Dome, TenKoji challenge Conway & Jax Dane for the NWA World Tag Team Title.

NJPW “NEW YEAR DASH!!”, 1/5/14 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. El Desperado (debut) vs. X
2. NWA World Tag Team Title: Rob Conway & Jax Dane (c) vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima

Before the Dome show comes a low key tour to close out 2013, building up matches. A rare tour without a single foreign wrestler, that will conclude with the two 1/4 Tokyo Dome main events played out in tag form.

NJPW, 12/11/13
Yamagata Sports Center #2

1. Sho Tanaka vs. Yohei Komatsu
2. KUSHIDA vs. Takashi Iizuka
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Tiger Mask vs. Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi & BUSHI
4. Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
5. Togi Makabe & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Jado
6. Elimination Match: Tetsuya Naito, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomoaki Honma & Captain New Japan vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, YOSHI-HASHI & Gedo

NJPW, 12/12/13
Yamagata Sports Center #2

1. Sho Tanaka vs. Yohei Komatsu
2. Tiger Mask vs. Takashi Iizuka
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Tiger Mask vs. Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi & BUSHI
4. Togi Makabe & KUSHIDA vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Jado
5. Toru Yano & YOSHI-HASHI vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Captain New Japan vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii
7. Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Kazuchika Okada & Gedo

NJPW, 12/14/13
Akita Terrsa Hall

1. Sho Tanaka vs. Yohei Komatsu
2. Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Takashi Iizuka
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Captain New Japan vs. Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi & BUSHI
4. Togi Makabe & Tiger Mask vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Jado
5. Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & YOSHI-HASHI
7. Tetsuya Naito & KUSHIDA vs. Kazuchika Okada & Gedo

NJPW, 12/15/13
Shizukuishi Sports Park Gymnasium

1. Sho Tanaka vs. Yohei Komatsu
2. Captain New Japan vs. Takashi Iizuka
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Tiger Mask vs. Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi & KUSHIDA
4. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Yujiro Takahashi
5. Toru Yano & YOSHI-HASHI vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Jado
7. Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI vs. Kazuchika Okada & Gedo

NJPW, 12/21/13 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Sho Tanaka vs. Yohei Komatsu
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi, KUSHIDA & BUSHI
3. Togi Makabe & Kota Ibushi vs. Takashi Iizuka & Yujiro Takahashi
4. Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii & Jado vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Road to TOKYO DOME I: Tetsuya Naito vs. Gedo
6. Road to TOKYO DOME II: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. YOSHI-HASHI
7. Road to TOKYO DOME III: Captain New Japan vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
8. Road to TOKYO DOME IV: Tomoaki Honma vs. Kazuchika Okada

NJPW, 12/23/13 (TV Asahi ch2)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Sho Tanaka vs. Yohei Komatsu
2. Super Jr. 3WAY Tag Match: KUSHIDA & BUSHI vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi vs. Jado & Gedo
3. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Captain New Japan vs. Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi & Tomoaki Honma
5. Togi Makabe & Kota Ibushi vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Yujiro Takahashi
6. YOSHI-HASHI vs. Minoru Suzuki
7. Road to TOKYO DOME FINAL: Tetsuya Naito & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada & Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi will headline “WRESTLE KINGDOM 8″ at the Tokyo Dome, the third time this combination has main evented the famous 1/4 show. On 1/4/05 the two young men were given the big responsibility of headlining an otherwise terrible Tokyo Dome show and did well, with Shinsuke winning. Then a more mature Tanahashi and Nakamura headlined again, this time for the IWGP Heavyweight Title, on 1/4/08, Shinsuke again winning. Now, the two are established superstars of the Japanese industry and won a fan vote with 20,422 votes to headline the show above Okada vs. Naito (11,886 votes), perhaps a sign that fans are not yet ready to accept Naito as a top guy.

The full card for 1/4 was announced today with a few big additions. Hirooki Goto returns from injury to resume his fierce rivalry with Katsuyori Shibata in a singles match. Togi Makabe and King Fale will meet in a “King of Destroyer Match” where there will be no pinfalls or submissions, only a KO or TKO finish.

Toru Yano will bring a mystery partner to the Tokyo Dome to face Minoru Suzuki & Shelton Benjamin. Satoshi Kojima gets a second chance at Rob Conway’s NWA World Heavyweight Title as the two meet. And World Tag League winners Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows cash on on their chance to take the IWGP Tag Team Title, as they face the Killer Elite Squad.

So, a stacked card, so stacked that there isn’t even space for the likes of Tenzan, Nakanishi, Yujiro, Liger, and Tiger Mask, although it’s possible there will be a dark match with these.

NJPW “WRESTLE KINGDOM 8 IN TOKYO DOME”, 1/4/14 (WPW/PPV/iPPV)
Tokyo Dome

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title – 4WAY Match: Matt Jackson & Nick Jackson (c) vs. KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi vs. Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov
2. IWGP Tag Team Title: Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. (c) vs. Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows
3. NWA World Heavyweight Title: Rob Conway (c) vs. Satoshi Kojima
4. Special Tag Match: Yuji Nagata & Kazushi Sakuraba vs. Daniel Gracie & Rolles Gracie
5. Special Tag Match: Minoru Suzuki & Shelton Benjamin vs. Toru Yano & X
6. King of Destroyer Match: Togi Makabe vs. King Fale
7. Special Singles Match – Hirooki Goto Return Match: Hirooki Goto vs. Katsuyori Shibata
8. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Kota Ibushi
9. Double Main Event I – IWGP Heavyweight Title: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito
10. Double Main Event II – IWGP Intercontinental Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

La Sombra made a successful V1 defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Title at Arena Mexico last night, defeating Volador Jr. A full result isn’t available yet but Sombra won by DQ to hold on to the title.

Having retained the strap, there seems to be a big chance now that Sombra vs. Nakamura on the big 7/20 Akita show will become a title match with Shinsuke having the chance to regain the title from the CMLL star who took it from him at the end of May.

UPDATE #1: Full result (no match times given): La Sombra beat Volador Jr. by 2-1 (1st defense). Sombra used a Dragon Rana on Volador. Volador used a Spanish Fly on Sombra. Volador was DQ’d.

UPDATE #2: Sombra vs. Nakamura is now confirmed as Sombra’s V2 defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Title!

Prince Devitt will challenge Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Title in the main event of New Japan’s last big show before the G1 Climax on 7/20. Okada’s V3 defense of the title will be unlike his others and he may have more than just the Irishman to face, with the BULLET CLUB becoming renowned already for their outside inteference. Laughter7 return to New Japan once again with Kazushi Sakuraba returning from injury to face Yuji Nagata in a long awaited singles match, while old classmates Katsuyori Shibata and Hirooki Goto have their third singles match on successive big shows with Goto searching for his first win after a defeat and draw. La Sombra faces Shinsuke Nakamura in a Special Singles Match and if Sombra overcomes his upcoming V1 defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Title in Mexico against Volador Jr., you would think this would become a title match with Shinsuke given chance to reclaim the belt he dropped to Sombra in Mexico.

The newly returned Tetsuya Naito challenges Masato Tanaka for the NEVER Openweight Title, Naito having originally been the poster boy of the tournament to determine the first NEVER champion before pulling out due to injury. IWGP Tag Team Champions face GHC Tag Team Champions as Tenzan & Kojima make their V2 defense of the IWGP belts against Yano & Iizuka. The NOAH belts are not on the line and the CHAOS team may not even hold them by that point as they defend against Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls on NOAH’s major 7/7 show at Tokyo Ariake Colosseum. After their heated exchanges in a tag match yesterday, Minoru Suzuki and Tomohiro Ishii go to war in a Special Singles Match and Suzuki Gun will also have the chance to win the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title when TAKA & Taichi challenge Forever Hooligans in the second match.

Before the big 7/20 show, there will be two title matches on 7/5 at Korakuen plus the announcement of G1 Climax participants. Before he challenges Gedo’s friend Okada for the big one, Devitt makes his V4 defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against Gedo himself. Meanwhile, fan favourites Tanahashi and Liger unite to challenge El Terrible & Tama Tonga for the CMLL World Tag Team Title. New Japan will be going head-to-head with the WWE’s Sumo Hall show in Tokyo when they run Korakuen on 7/5.

NJPW, 7/5/13 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Super Strong Machine vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Jado
2. Togi Makabe, Manabu Nakanishi, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Yuji Nagata, Hirooki Goto, Captain New Japan & Takaaki Watanabe
3. Tomohiro Ishii, Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
4. Tetsuya Naito, Tomoaki Honma & La Sombra vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
5. Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI vs. Karl Anderson & Bad Luck Fale
6. CMLL World Tag Team Title: El Terrible & Tama Tonga (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jushin Thunder Liger
7. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Gedo

NJPW, 7/7/13
New Sunpia Takasaki

1. Sho Tanaka vs. Yohei Komatsu
2. Manabu Nakanishi & Tiger Mask vs. Captain New Japan & KUSHIDA
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Yuji Nagata & Takaaki Watanabe
4. Tomohiro Ishii, Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito, Tomoaki Honma & La Sombra vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi, YOSHI-HASHI & Jado
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Karl Anderson, El Terrible & Tama Tonga
7. Kazuchika Okada & Gedo vs. Prince Devitt & Bad Luck Fale

NJPW, 7/9/13
Tsuruga Castle Gymnasium

1. KUSHIDA & Takaaki Watanabe vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu
2. Yuji Nagata & Hirooki Goto vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Captain New Japan
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Tiger Mask vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Gedo
4. Tomohiro Ishii, Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Togi Makabe, Tetsuya Naito & La Sombra vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomoaki Honma & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Karl Anderson, El Terrible & Tama Tonga
7. Kazuchika Okada & Jado vs. Prince Devitt & Bad Luck Fale

NJPW, 7/10/13
Yamagata City Sports Center #2

1. Sho Tanaka vs. Yohei Komatsu
2. Yuji Nagata, Hirooki Goto & Takaaki Watanabe vs. Manabu Nakanishi, Captain New Japan & KUSHIDA
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Tiger Mask vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Jado
4. Tomohiro Ishii, Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Tetsuya Naito, Jushin Thunder Liger & La Sombra vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & Gedo
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Karl Anderson, El Terrible & Tama Tonga
7. Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI vs. Prince Devitt & Bad Luck Fale

NJPW, 7/13/13 (Samurai! TV)
Sapporo Teisen Hall

1. Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Takaaki Watanabe & Sho Tanaka
2. Yuji Nagata & Hirooki Goto vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Tomoaki Honma
3. Rocky Romero vs. Taichi
4. Tomohiro Ishii & Alex Koslov vs. Minoru Suzuki & TAKA Michinoku
5. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Jushin Thunder Liger & Captain New Japan vs. Karl Anderson, El Terrible & Tama Tonga
6. Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI vs. Prince Devitt & Bad Luck Fale
7. New Japan & CMLL vs. CHAOS Elimination Match: Togi Makabe, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Tetsuya Naito & La Sombra vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi

NJPW, 7/14/13 (Samurai! TV)
Sapporo Teisen Hall

1. Takaaki Watanabe vs. Yohei Komatsu
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Jado & Gedo
3. Alex Koslov vs. TAKA Michinoku
4. Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky Romero vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
5. Yuji Nagata & Hirooki Goto vs. Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI
6. Tetsuya Naito, Tomoaki Honma & La Sombra vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura & Masato Tanaka
7. New Japan vs. BULLET CLUB Elimination Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe, Manabu Nakanishi, Jushin Thunder Liger & Captain New Japan vs. Prince Devitt, Karl Anderson, El Terrible, Tama Tonga & Bad Luck Fale

NJPW, 7/15/13 (Samurai! TV)
Sapporo Teisen Hall

1. Sho Tanaka vs. Yohei Komatsu
2. Takaaki Watanabe vs. Rocky Romero
3. Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma & KUSHIDA vs. Manabu Nakanishi, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask
4. Tomohiro Ishii & Alex Koslov vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
5. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Tetsuya Naito & La Sombra vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Masato Tanaka
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Captain New Japan vs. Yuji Nagata & Hirooki Goto
7. CHAOS vs. BULLET CLUB Elimination Match: Kazuchika Okada, Yujiro Takahashi, YOSHI-HASHI, Jado & Gedo vs. Prince Devitt, Karl Anderson, El Terrible, Tama Tonga & Bad Luck Fale

NJPW, 7/17/13
Obihiro City Gymnasium

1. Sho Tanaka vs. Yohei Komatsu
2. Manabu Nakanishi, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Captain New Japan, KUSHIDA & Takaaki Watanabe
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & YOSHI-HASHI
4. Tomohiro Ishii, Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Tetsuya Naito, Tomoaki Honma & La Sombra vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & Jado
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Hirooki Goto vs. Karl Anderson, El Terrible & Tama Tonga
7. Kazuchika Okada & Gedo vs. Prince Devitt & Bad Luck Fale

NJPW, 7/20/13 (WPW/PPV)
Akita Municipal Gymnasium

1. Manabu Nakanishi, Tomoaki Honma, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Yujiro Takahashi, YOSHI-HASHI, Jado & Gedo
2. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov (c) vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
3. Special Singles Match: Tomohiro Ishii vs. Minoru Suzuki
4. IWGP Tag Team Title: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima (c) vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
5. NEVER Openweight Title: Masato Tanaka (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito
6. Special Singles Match: La Sombra vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
7. Special 8 Man Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe, Jushin Thunder Liger & Captain New Japan vs. Karl Anderson, El Terrible, Tama Tonga & Bad Luck Fale
8. Special Singles Match: Hirooki Goto vs. Katsuyori Shibata
9. Kazushi Sakuraba Return Match: Yuji Nagata vs. Kazushi Sakuraba
10. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Prince Devitt

-

NJPW “NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING IN MIYAKO FISH MARKET II”, 7/21/13
Miyako Fish Market

1. Yuji Nagata vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Tomohiro Ishii, Jado & Gedo vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe, Hirooki Goto & Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI

IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion and 2013 Best of the Super Jr. winner Prince Devitt goes to war with New Japan’s biggest heavyweight star Hiroshi Tanahashi at DOMINION 6.22 this month, one of several new matches added to the big Osaka show today. Devitt has thoroughly conquered the junior division and Tanahashi will present a much tougher challenge and perhaps give us a clue into whether Devitt’s future lies in the junior division, heavyweight division, or possibly even both. Nakamura also returns from Mexico without the IWGP Intercontinental Title he lost to La Sombra as he and Ishii face Minoru Suzuki & Shelton Benjamin.

Yes, that’s no misprint… Forever Hooligans will for the sixth time in eight months do battle with Time Splitters over the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title as Romero & Koslov make their V1 defense against the team they took the belts off in May, KUSHIDA & Shelley. DOMINION 6.22 has also been confirmed as New Japan’s latest iPPV, which you can pre-order for US$25 at this link.

NJPW “DOMINION 6.22″, 6/22/13 (WPW/PPV/iPPV)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

0. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov (c) vs. KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley
2. Yuji Nagata, Ryusuke Taguchi & Captain New Japan vs. Karl Anderson, Tama Tonga & Bad Luck Fale
3. IWGP Tag Team Title – 3WAY Match: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima (c) vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka vs. Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr.
4. NWA World Heavyweight Title: Rob Conway (c) vs. Manabu Nakanishi
5. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Minoru Suzuki & Shelton Benjamin
6. Tetsuya Naito Return Match: Tetsuya Naito vs. Yujiro Takahashi
7. Special Singles Match: Hirooki Goto vs. Katsuyori Shibata
8. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Prince Devitt
9. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Togi Makabe

Toru Yano earned revenge for his recent failed attempt to win the GHC Heavyweight Title today, as he and Iizuka made a successful V2 defense of the GHC Tag Team Title against KENTA & Yoshihiro Takayama. Yano scored the win directly by pinning the GHC Heavyweight Champion and the CHAOS tandem now turn their attention to New Japan’s 6/22 show where they along with Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. challenge Tenzan & Kojima for the IWGP Tag Team Title in a 3WAY Match.

NOAH, 6/8/13
Nasci Hall Umeda
420 Fans – Super No Vacancy

- GHC Tag Team Title: Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka (c) beat KENTA & Yoshihiro Takayama (17:35) when Yano used the Kagamiwari on KENTA (2nd defense).

NJPW, 6/9/13 (TV Asahi ch2)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, KUSHIDA, BUSHI & Titan vs. Rocky Romero, Alex Koslov, Brian Kendrick, Ricochet & Baretta
2. Yuji Nagata & Takaaki Watanabe vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Hiromu Takahashi
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Captain New Japan vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Jado
4. Best of the Super Jr. – Semi Final: Prince Devitt vs. Kenny Omega
5. Best of the Super Jr. – Semi Final: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Alex Shelley
6. Yujiro Takahashi, Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga
8. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Kazuchika Okada & Gedo
9. Best of the Super Jr. – Final:

Seven titles will be defended across two shows as New Japan presents “INVASION ATTACK” on 4/7 at Sumo Hall and “ROAD TO INVASION ATTACK” two days earlier at Korakuen Hall. At Korakuen, the Killer Elite Squad will make their V4 defense of the IWGP Tag Team Title against Nakamura & Ishii after accepting a challenge from the CHAOS team yesterday. Prince Devitt makes his V3 defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against Alex Shelley and like the tag match this also leads into another title match two days later. Another match of note at Korakuen is GHC Tag Team Champions, Yano & Iizuka, facing the all-star Suzuki & Takayama duo (non-title).

On to Sumo Hall and there will be a triple main event featuring three title matches! Of course the biggest of them all sees Hiroshi Tanahashi make his V8 defense of the IWGP Heavyweight Title against New Japan Cup winner Kazuchika Okada. Tanahashi’s previous reign lasted from 1/4/11 to 2/12/12 before Okada took the belt off him. But Tanahashi then won it back on 6/16/12 and has held it since, and looks to continue his domination of Japan’s most prestigious title in April. Nakamura makes his V7 defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Title against Davey Boy Smith Jr. in a direct sequel to the IWGP Tag Team Title match two days earlier, and of course he beat Smith’s tag partner Lance Archer in his previous defense. The NWA invasion begins with Rob Conway defending the historic NWA World Heavyweight Title against Satoshi Kojima, Kojima’s most high profile match for a while.

Nagata once again locks horns with Sakuraba but not in the singles match he requested, instead another tag as he and Goto face Saku & Shibata. In a rematch from the New Japan Cup second round, Minoru Suzuki looks to avenge his defeat to Toru Yano, while Tomoaki Honma makes his formal return by teaming with Makabe against Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi. The CMLL World Tag Team Title will be on the line as New Japan’s Tama Tonga and his partner El Terrible defend the belts against La Mascara & Valiente. Akebono and Bob Sapp return for the first time since 1/4 in another New Japan vs. CHAOS eight man tag, and the show opens with TIME SPLITTERS’ V3 defense of the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title against 4-time champions Apollo 55. This show should be on iPPV like most other important New Japan events these days, but nothing announced just yet.

NJPW “ROAD TO INVASION ATTACK”, 4/5/13 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Road to INVASION ATTACK I: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. KUSHIDA
2. Road to INVASION ATTACK II: Yuji Nagata & Hirooki Goto vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Captain New Japan
3. Road to INVASION ATTACK III: Togi Makabe, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Yujiro Takahashi, YOSHI-HASHI & Jado
4. Road to INVASION ATTACK IV: Minoru Suzuki & Yoshihiro Takayama vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
5. Road to INVASION ATTACK V: Hiroshi Tanahashi & BUSHI vs. Kazuchika Okada & Gedo
6. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Alex Shelley
7. IWGP Tag Team Title: Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW “INVASION ATTACK”, 4/7/13 (WPW)
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley (c) vs. Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi
2. Special 8 Man Tag Match: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Manabu Nakanishi, Super Strong Machine & Akebono vs. Takashi Iizuka, Tomohiro Ishii, YOSHI-HASHI & Bob Sapp
3. CMLL World Tag Team Title: El Terrible & Tama Tonga (c) vs. La Mascara & Valiente
4. Special Tag Match: Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
5. Special Singles Match: Toru Yano vs. Minoru Suzuki
6. Special Tag Match: Yuji Nagata & Hirooki Goto vs. Kazushi Sakuraba & Katsuyori Shibata
7. Triple Main Event I – NWA World Heavyweight Title: Ron Conway (c) vs. Satoshi Kojima
8. Triple Main Event II – IWGP Intercontinental Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr.
9. Triple Main Event III – IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada

Laughter7 face tough competition in their next assault on New Japan when third generation veterans Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi face them in Amagasaki this Sunday. Full card and match order for the show has been announced…

NJPW, 3/17/13 (Samurai! TV)
Amagasaki Memorial Park Gymnasium

1. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Captain New Japan & BUSHI
2. Togi Makabe, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Takashi Iizuka, YOSHI-HASHI & Gedo
3. Shinsuke Nakamura & Jado vs. Lance Archer & TAKA Michinoku
4. New Japan Cup – Round 2: Yujiro Takahashi vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr.
5. New Japan Cup – Round 2: Hirooki Goto vs. Tomohiro Ishii
6. Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Kazushi Sakuraba & Katsuyori Shibata
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley vs. Tama Tonga, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi
8. New Japan Cup – Round 2: Toru Yano vs. Minoru Suzuki
9. New Japan Cup – Round 2: Karl Anderson vs. Kazuchika Okada

Since the title of April’s Sumo Hall show, “INVASION ATTACK”, was revealed many have been wondering if the title could mean some sort of invasion was happening. And it looks to be, but not by any Japanese promotion but rather the NWA. NWA president Bruce Tharpe issued an advanced warning earlier that he would bring someone along with him on April 7th to begin an attack on New Japan…

Masked man BUSHI has been ruled out of action for a while with a spinal injury and is off upcoming shows.

New Japan has announced the full card for its 41st anniversary show at Korakuen Hall on 3/3, which is completely sold out in advance. As expected it will be headlined by the big IWGP Heavyweight Champion vs. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion match as company ace Hiroshi Tanahashi faces junior ace Prince Devitt in the battle of two men who have largely dominated their weight classes in recent years. However, despite Devitt’s calls for a shot at Tanahashi’s title this will be a non-title match.

What will be a title match is Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Lance Archer as Shinsuke makes his V6 defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Title against the IWGP Tag Team Title co-holder. Nakamura is really giving the IC Title its own character with matches of all styles, and this defense against the tall American powerhouse will come after defenses this year against shoot legend Kazushi Sakuraba and lucha star La Sombra.

Along with Nakamura vs. Archer, CHAOS vs. Suzuki Gun also continues in the form of an Elimination match as Okada leads Ishii, Jado & Gedo against Suzuki, Davey Boy Jr., TAKA & Mashimo. As per usual with New Japan’s Elimination Matches over-the-top rope eliminations are allowed. “TIME SPLITTERS” KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley make their V2 defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against the “junior legend duo” of Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask after accepting the challenge from the veteran masked men.

Aogi-gun reunites as Yuji Nagata brings his small group back together to face Goto, Anderson, Tama & Taguchi. Along with Wataru and Captain New Japan (who was a member under his original name Mitsuhide Hirasawa before going overseas), we see a very rare appearance nowadays of the legend Super Strong Machine (Junji Hirata, but he’ll deny it!) who has been with New Japan since 1978. The anniversary show opens in very traditional fashion as for the first time all four of New Japan’s active young lions appear in the same match.

New Japan has confirmed its first advance on Sumo Hall for 2013 in the form of “INVASION ATTACK” on 4/7. Whether the name foreshadows anything or is unclear at this stage. There will also be a Korakuen show leading directly into it two days before.

NJPW “ANNIVERSARY SHOW”, 3/3/13 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Anniversary Opening Match: Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe vs. Sho Tanaka & Yohei Komatsu
2. Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue, Super Strong Machine & Captain New Japan vs. Hirooki Goto, Karl Anderson, Tama Tonga & Ryusuke Taguchi
3. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley (c) vs. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask
4. Togi Makabe, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI
5. Elimination Match: Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, Jado & Gedo vs. Minoru Suzuki, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Kengo Mashimo & TAKA Michinoku
6. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Lance Archer
7. Anniversary Special Singles Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Prince Devitt

Kazuchika Okada faces Minoru Suzuki in a major singles battle at “THE NEW BEGINNING” in under a week’s time. This was one of several big matches added to the card for which several title matches were previously announced. CHAOS vs. Suzuki Gun has been picking up with Suzuki injecting some new blood into his faction in the form of K-DOJO stars Kengo Mashimo and Hiro Tonai. Along with Okada battling Suzuki, Shinsuke faces Kengo Mashimo who briefly feuded with Makabe last year. Makabe and Yujiro’s ongoing grudge culminates with a singles match in Hiroshima too. But perhaps the biggest news is the return of Laughter7 who after they were completely beaten at the Tokyo Dome seemed done with New Japan, especially considering their arrival was so unpopular and part of the decision that led to Chairman Kidani stepping down. But Saku and Shibata are back and face Goto and Inoue, both of whom have very strong ties to Shibata, in a special tag match. Remember this is an international PPV available for all to see and can be ordered at this page for US$25. Looks like it will be great value for money with some of the matches on offer.

NJPW “THE NEW BEGINNING”, 2/10/13 (WPW/PPV/iPPV)
Hiroshima Sun Plaza

1. Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi, Tama Tonga, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Tomohiro Ishii, YOSHI-HASHI & Jado
2. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley (c) vs. Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov
3. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Ryusuke Taguchi
4. IWGP Tag Team Title: Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. (c) vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima
5. Special Singles Match: Togi Makabe vs. Yujiro Takahashi
6. Special Tag Match: Hirooki Goto & Wataru Inoue vs. Kazushi Sakuraba & Katsuyori Shibata
7. Special Singles Match: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kengo Mashimo
8. Special Singles Match: Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki
9. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Karl Anderson

-

Cards for the two show “NEW JAPAN ROAD” mini-tour were also announced.

NJPW, 2/11/13 (Samurai! TV)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium #2

1. BUSHI & Sho Tanaka vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe
2. KUSHIDA, Alex Shelley, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Rocky Romero, Alex Koslov, Jado & Gedo
3. Hirooki Goto & Wataru Inoue vs. Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Tama Tonga & Captain New Japan vs. Lance Archer, Davey Boy Smith Jr., TAKA Michinoku & Hiro Tonai
5. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Yujiro Takahashi
6. Special Tag Match: Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki & Kengo Mashimo
7. Special Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Karl Anderson & Prince Devitt

NJPW, 2/12/13
Takaoka Techno Dome

1. Wataru Inoue vs. Yohei Komatsu
2. Manabu Nakanishi & Captain New Japan vs. YOSHI-HASHI & Jado
3. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & BUSHI vs. Ryusuke Taguchi, KUSHIDA & Hiromu Takahashi
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Yuji Nagata & Takaaki Watanabe
5. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kengo Mashimo & TAKA Michinoku
6. Kazuchika Okada & Gedo vs. Minoru Suzuki & Hiro Tonai
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Hirooki Goto vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Yujiro Takahashi

New Japan has been recognised in the 2012 Wrestling Observer Awards, with New Japan and its wrestlers winning in tons of categories this year. Just rewards for one of the finest years from New Japan since the 1990s golden age. Below are the awards won by New Japan, not listed are several others where New Japan wrestlers like Devitt and Makabe (and Tanahashi in addition to all those he won, only The Rock was deemed more charismatic!) just missed out on first place in other categories.

LOU THESZ/RIC FLAIR AWARD (WRESTLER OF THE YEAR)
1. HIROSHI TANAHASHI (419) 3,328
2. C.M. Punk (294) 2,325
3. Kazuchika Okada (75) 1,221

MOST OUTSTANDING WRESTLER
1. HIROSHI TANAHASHI (394) 2,695
2. Kazuchika Okada (114) 1,326
3. Daniel Bryan (153) 1,273

FEUD OF THE YEAR
1. HIROSHI TANAHASHI VS. KAZUCHIKA OKADA (275) 1,753
2. Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen (238) 1,689
3. The Rock vs. John Cena (121) 1,136

MOST IMPROVED
1. KAZUCHIKA OKADA (517) 2,948
2. Michael Elgin (52) 887
3. Rush (64) 576

PROMOTION OF THE YEAR
1. NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING (497) 3,452
2. Ultimate Fighting Championships (91) 1,388
3. World Wrestling Entertainment (85) 1,357

PRO WRESTLING MATCH OF THE YEAR
1. TANAHASHI VS. SUZUKI 10/8 TOKYO (277) 2,014
2. John Cena vs. Brock Lesnar 4/29 Chicago(87) 1,202
3. Davey Richards vs. Michael Elgin 3/31 Ft. Lauderdale (146) 1,185

BEST MAJOR WRESTLING SHOW
1. NEW JAPAN KINGS OF PRO WRESTLING 10/8 TOKYO (425)2,618
2. WWE Extreme Rules 4/29 Chicago (118) 1,348
3. WWE WrestleMania 4/1 Miami (13) 1,033

BEST WRESTLING MANEUVER
1. KAZUCHIKA OKADA RAINMAKER 201
2. Antonio Cesaro Neutralizer 92
3. Daniel Bryan Yes/No/LeBell lock 82

BEST BOOKER
1. GEDO & JADO 592
2. Joe Silva 154
3. Mike Quackenbush 58

Takaaki Kidani today announced his resignation as Chairman of the Board of New Japan. Rumours had been circulating for a while about his future after his decision to bring in Laughter7 turned out to be an unpopular one within the company. Kidani said he would continue to support New Japan from his post at Bushiroad but will no longer play a direct role in things. Kidani said he believes any hint of New Japan’s “Dark Age” came to an end on January 4th when 29,000 fans paid for a ticket, the largest in many years, and is excited by the future progress of the company.

President Sugabayashi held a presentation with Nakamura in attendance to discuss to global strategy of New Japan. New Japan wants to become better known around the world and the recent iPPVs are just part of the plan. Nakamura said he plans to defend his increasingly valuable IWGP Intercontinental Title around the world if possible to give it a true international feel and continue to differentiate it from the IWGP Heavyweight Title. Shinsuke talked of going to strange places such as the Amazon of Brazil or even North Korea to defend the title!

An English language version of New Japan’s official site will launch in April, giving the same information to English speaking people as Japanese. Spanish and Chinese versions of the site are also under development. Since 2001, I have run Strong Style Spirit and as far as I have seen it has been the only site in English solely focused on New Japan. New Japan did launch a Facebook in English but is now taking the next step of developing a full website. It’s quite possible the website may make this site obsolete, in which case perhaps my site will have outserved it’s purpose of providing information of the world’s best wrestling organization to people in English. If that is the case, for the first time I may have to consider it’s future but for now nothing will change and I fully support New Japan’s decision to launch a site that can reach more people than Strong Style Spirit.

Finally, New Japan announced some key dates for the next year including “WRESTLE KINGDOM VIII” back at the Tokyo Dome next January.

- 4/7 “INVASION ATTACK” @ Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan
- 5/3 “WRESTLING DONTAKU 2013″ @ Fukuoka International Center
- 8/10 “G1 CLIMAX 23″ @ Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan
- 8/11 “G1 CLIMAX 23″ @ Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan
- 1/4/14 “WRESTLE KINGDOM VIII” @ Tokyo Dome

An excellent video by forum regular Danny Milk aka kyotanahashi on YouTube, a good look at Kazuchika Okada’s in his massive breakout year (2012).

Kazuchika Okada has rejected the chance to join the WWE and pledged himself to New Japan by signing a new contract with the company. Okada wasn’t happy with all the rumours circulating that had many fans worried, so told Tokyo Sports he is going nowhere and has renewed his New Japan contract! This is great news for New Japan and the Japanese industry in general as its biggest breakout star in years is sticking around and will hopefully be around to lead the Japanese industry for many years.

New Japan has revealed extended lineups for the upcoming “ROAD TO THE NEW BEGINNING” tour. The main focus of the tour is on building up the Tanahashi vs. Anderson, Archer & Smith Jr. vs. TenKoji, and Devitt vs. Taguchi title matches set for the Hiroshima show. However there are also a series of six man tags based around Nakamura & Okada vs. Suzuki & Kengo Mashimo that might hint at an as yet unannounced tag match in Hiroshima or possibly even singles matches.

Bushiroad chief Takaaki Kidani held a talk show several days ago and gave no indication that he has resigned his post in New Japan/Bushiroad yet as has been strongly rumoured. Several wrestlers were there including Tanahashi, Makabe, and Taguchi. Kidani announced that New Japan will run Sumo Hall in April which is very unusual and for the first time in quite a while there will be two Sumo Hall shows in this year’s G1 Climax as New Japan starts to upscale again after a fantastic business year in 2012 and an impressive paid attendance for this month’s Tokyo Dome show.

Mistico (second generation) has unfortunately had to withdraw from the upcoming New Japan/CMLL shows because of a shoulder dislocation. In his place comes 50-year-old Mexican legend Atlantis so below are the revised cards for the first post-Tokyo Dome shows of 2013. This will be Atlantis’ first New Japan appearance since the 1/4/12 Tokyo Dome show when he was in a six man tag on the undercard.

NJPW/CMLL, 1/18/13 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Tama Tonga & Titan vs. Euphoria & OKUMURA
2. Ryusuke Taguchi, BUSHI & Diamante vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Tomohiro Ishii & Rey Escorpion
3. Rush vs. YOSHI-HASHI
4. La Mascara, Mascara Dorada & Maximo vs. Volador Jr., TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Atlantis, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Mephisto, Jado & Gedo
6. Special Singles Match: Prince Devitt vs. Dragon Rojo Jr.
7. Special Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & La Sombra vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Misterioso Jr.

NJPW/CMLL, 1/19/13 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Tama Tonga & Maximo vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Titan vs. Jado, Gedo & Misterioso Jr.
3. Mascara Dorada & Diamante vs. Mephisto & OKUMURA
4. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & BUSHI vs. Dragon Rojo Jr., Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI
5. Special Singles Match: Atlantis vs. Euforia
6. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi, La Mascara & Rush vs. Kazuchika Okada, Volador Jr. & Rey Escorpion
7. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. La Sombra

NJPW/CMLL, 1/20/13 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Special Singles Match: Maximo vs. Taichi
2. 6 vs. 6 Torneo Cibernetico: Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, Mascara Dorada, Diamante, Titan & BUSHI vs. Tomohiro Ishii, Jado, Gedo, Misterioso Jr., OKUMURA & YOSHI-HASHI
3. Special Singles Match: Rush vs. Rey Escorpion
4. NWA World Historic Welterweight Title: Dragon Rojo Jr. (c) vs. La Sombra
5. Mexican National Light Heavyweight Title: La Mascara (c) vs. Volador Jr.
6. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Prince Devitt & Atlantis vs. Kazuchika Okada, Mephisto & Euforia

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NJPW, 2/2/13
Gifu Industrial Hall

1. Sho Tanaka vs. Yohei Komatsu
2. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe
3. KUSHIDA, Alex Shelley & BUSHI vs. Rocky Romero, Alex Koslov & Jado
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Captain New Japan vs. Lance Archer, Davey Boy Smith Jr. & TAKA Michinoku
5. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi & Wataru Inoue vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI
6. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Minoru Suzuki, Kengo Mashimo & Taichi
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Karl Anderson, Prince Devitt & Tama Tonga

NJPW, 2/3/13 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & BUSHI vs. Tama Tonga, Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe
2. Hirooki Goto, Wataru Inoue, KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley vs. YOSHI-HASHI, Rocky Romero, Alex Koslov & Jado
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Captain New Japan vs. Lance Archer, Davey Boy Smith Jr. & TAKA Michinoku
4. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Yujiro Takahashi
5. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada & Gedo vs. Minoru Suzuki, Kengo Mashimo & Taichi
6. Special Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Karl Anderson & Prince Devitt
7. NEVER Openweight Title: Masato Tanaka (c) vs. Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 2/5/13
Koga City Gymnasium

1. BUSHI & Yohei Komatsu vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe
2. KUSHIDA, Alex Shelley & Tiger Mask vs. Rocky Romero, Alex Koslov & Jado
3. Manabu Nakanishi, Hirooki Goto & Captain New Japan vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Lance Archer, Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Taichi
5. Togi Makabe & Wataru Inoue vs. Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI
6. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada & Gedo vs. Minoru Suzuki, Kengo Mashimo & TAKA Michinoku
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Yuji Nagata & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Karl Anderson, Prince Devitt & Tama Tonga

NJPW, 2/6/13
Chino Citizen Pavilion Multi-Hall

1. BUSHI & Sho Tanaka vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe
2. KUSHIDA, Alex Shelley & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Rocky Romero, Alex Koslov & Gedo
3. Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi & Wataru Inoue vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Tiger Mask vs. Lance Archer, Davey Boy Smith Jr. & Taichi
5. Togi Makabe & Hirooki Goto vs. Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI
6. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada & Jado vs. Minoru Suzuki, Kengo Mashimo & TAKA Michinoku
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Captain New Japan & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Karl Anderson, Prince Devitt & Tama Tonga

NJPW, 2/7/13
New Sunpia Tochigi

1. BUSHI & Yohei Komatsu vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe
2. KUSHIDA, Alex Shelley & Tiger Mask vs. Rocky romero, Alex Koslov & Jado
3. Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi & Captain New Japan vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Lance Archer, Davey Boy Smith Jr. & TAKA Michinoku
5. Togi Makabe & Wataru Inoue vs. Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI
6. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada & Gedo vs. Minoru Suzuki, Kengo Mashimo & Taichi
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Karl Anderson, Prince Devitt & Tama Tonga

Bushiroad president Takaaki Kidani is reportedly stepping down according to Tokyo Sports. Kidani apparently brought in Sakuraba and Shibata without even telling Jado and Gedo, while two of New Japan’s biggest and most influential stars Tanahashi and Nakamura opposed the move. Kidani is a big pro wrestling fan who enjoyed the ‘shoot’ influence of the 80s and 90s and tried to bring some of it back with Laughter7′s invasion. However it seems some in New Japan are not in favour of this and the pressure may lead to Kidani’s exit. There was also talk of Kidani becoming an on-screen heel owner ala Eric Bischoff with the idea of an nWo style group pitched. There is the possibility of this being some sort of storyline especially as Kidani has been quite an innovative and progressive head figure since Bushiroad bought New Japan with things like the internet PPVs that allow us foreigners to watch New Japan coming from him. And despite the apparent opposition to Laughter7′s arrival in New Japan, the storyline played out very well culminating with one of the best matches I have seen in years yesterday, Nakamura vs. Sakuraba.

New Japan today announced lineups for “FANTASTICA MANIA 2013″, the now annual shows run in conjunction with CMLL. Three titles will be defended on the triple header including Nakamura’s next defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Title against La Sombra in what should be a very different match to Shinsuke’s clash with Sakuraba. Masato Tanaka makes his V2 defense of the NEVER Openweight Title at Korakuen Hall on 2/3 against Tomohiro Ishii in what should be an excellent match. The next big show which is due to be on iPPV I believe is “THE NEW BEGINNING” and is headlined by Tanahashi’s V7 defense of the IWGP Heavyweight Title against Karl Anderson in a rematch from the G1 where Anderson upset Tana on the final day to reach the final. After their big win over Muto & Otani, Tenzan & Kojima return to #1 contendership for the IWGP Tag Team Title and challenge the Killer Elite Squad who won the belts off them and beat them again in a title defense last year. Apollo 55 collide as Prince Devitt makes his V1 defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against his underachieving partner Ryusuke Taguchi. And “TIME SPLITTERS” KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley make their V1 defense of the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title against the team they won them from, “Forever Hooligans” Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov.

NJPW/CMLL, 1/18/13 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Tama Tonga & Titan vs. Euphoria & OKUMURA
2. Ryusuke Taguchi, BUSHI & Diamante vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Tomohiro Ishii & Rey Escorpion
3. Rush vs. YOSHI-HASHI
4. La Mascara, Mascara Dorada & Maximo vs. Volador Jr., TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Mistico, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Mephisto, Jado & Gedo
6. Special Singles Match: Prince Devitt vs. Dragon Rojo Jr.
7. Special Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & La Sombra vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Misterioso Jr.

NJPW/CMLL, 1/19/13 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Tama Tonga & Maximo vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Titan vs. Jado, Gedo & Misterioso Jr.
3. Mascara Dorada & Diamante vs. Mephisto & OKUMURA
4. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & BUSHI vs. Dragon Rojo Jr., Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI
5. Special Singles Match: Mistico vs. Euforia
6. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi, La Mascara & Rush vs. Kazuchika Okada, Volador Jr. & Rey Escorpion
7. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. La Sombra

NJPW/CMLL, 1/20/13 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Special Singles Match: Maximo vs. Taichi
2. 6 vs. 6 Torneo Cibernetico: Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, Mascara Dorada, Diamante, Titan & BUSHI vs. Tomohiro Ishii, Jado, Gedo, Misterioso Jr., OKUMURA & YOSHI-HASHI
3. Special Singles Match: Rush vs. Rey Escorpion
4. NWA World Historic Welterweight Title: Dragon Rojo Jr. (c) vs. La Sombra
5. Mexican National Light Heavyweight Title: La Mascara (c) vs. Volador Jr.
6. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Prince Devitt & Mistico vs. Kazuchika Okada, Mephisto & Euforia

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NJPW, 2/3/13 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. NEVER Openweight Title: Masato Tanaka (c) vs. Tomohiro Ishii

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NJPW “THE NEW BEGINNING”, 2/10/13 (WPW/PPV/iPPV)
Hiroshima Sun Plaza

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley (c) vs. Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov
2. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Ryusuke Taguchi
3. IWGP Tag Team Title: Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. (c) vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima
4. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Karl Anderson

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Plans to rename the New Japan Cup to the World War League seem to have been abandoned with the 2013 New Japan Cup announced. Six dates have been announced:

- 3/11 @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall SAMURAI!
- 3/17 @ Amagasaki Memorial Park Gymnasium SAMURAI!
- 3/19 @ Shirakawa City Central Gymnasium
- 3/20 @ Sendai Industrial Exhibition Hall Aztec Museum
- 3/22 @ Kumagaya Citizen Gymnasium
- 3/23 @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall WPW

It’s official! Akebono and Bob Sapp advance on the Tokyo Dome as part of the New Japan vs. CHAOS opening match with the 3 vs. 3 becoming a 4 vs. 4 featuring the two behemoths. And a final reminder that you can order and watch this show live on iPPV on 1/4 (US$35) anywhere in the world.

I’d like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

UPDATE: Another late card change but this time forced as young Daichi Hashimoto has suffered a fracture to his left forearm which requires two months of healing. The son of New Japan legend Shinya Hashimoto was set to make his first New Japan appearance but will be replaced by Shinjiro Otani, making his first return to New Japan in quite a while.

NJPW “WRESTLE KINGDOM 7 ~EVOLUTION~ IN TOKYO DOME”, 1/4/13 (WPW/PPV/iPPV)
Tokyo Dome

0-1. Wataru Inoue, Tama Tonga & Captain New Japan vs. Tomohiro Ishii, YOSHI-HASHI & Jado
0-2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi, KUSHIDA & BUSHI
1. Special 8 Man Tag Match: Manabu Nakanishi, MVP, Strong Man & Akebono vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Yujiro Takahashi & Bob Sapp
2. NEVER Openweight Title: Masato Tanaka (c) vs. Shelton Benjamin
3. IWGP Tag Team Title: Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. (c) vs. Hirooki Goto & Karl Anderson
4. Special Singles Match: Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki
5. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title – 3WAY Match: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Low Ki vs. Kota Ibushi
6. Special Tag Match: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Keiji Muto & Shinjiro Otani
7. Special Singles Match: Togi Makabe vs. Katsuyori Shibata
8. Double Main Event I – IWGP Intercontinental Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Kazushi Sakuraba
9. Double Main Event II – IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada

Kazuchika Okada, one of Japanese pro wrestling’s biggest breakout stars in years, dominated the 2012 Tokyo Sports awards. Not only did he become the MVP aged just 25 but his memorable match with Tanahashi on June 16th, when Tanahashi won the IWGP Heavyweight Title back from Okada, was named Best Bout. Along with these two awards, Shinsuke Nakamura added a third for New Japan by winning the Technique Prize while New Japan legend Seiji Sakaguchi picked up a Lifetime Achievement Prize.

Tokyo Sports 2012 MVP: Kazuchika Okada
Tokyo Sports 2012 Best Bout: Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (6/16 @ Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium)
Tokyo Sports 2012 Technique Award: Shinsuke Nakamura

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Satoshi Kojima failed in his attempt to win the GHC Heavyweight Title in the main event of NOAH’s Sumo Hall show on which the legendary Kenta Kobashi announced he is retiring from pro wrestling. NOAH has been struggling more and more since the death of Misawa but was able to draw a reasonable attendance of 7,500 (if real) for the show.

NOAH “GREAT VOYAGE 2012 IN RYOGOKU VOL. 2″, 12/9/12
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan
7,500 Fans

- GHC Heavyweight Title: Takeshi Morishima (c) beat Satoshi Kojima (20:17) with a backdrop suplex (8th defense).

Here are details from New Japan on how people outside of Japan can watch the upcoming “POWER STRUGGLE” PPV on 11/11. After watching the 10/8 Sumo Hall show on USTREAM, I found the video quality and value for money to be great and recommend what should be another good show from New Japan.

Time & Date of LIVE iPPV
Nov. 11 (Sun), 2012, starting at 17:00 (Japan std. time) – till the end of all the matches.

Information on the site, price etc.
Price: US$25
Start of sale : Nov. 3rd, 2012
Area: All over the world (except for Japan and the other specific area)
URL: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/njpw1972
* The above URL page will become available in a couple of days.

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NJPW “POWER STRUGGLE”, 11/11/12 (WPW)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

1. Special Tag Match: Togi Makabe & Wataru Inoue vs. Kazushi Sakuraba & Katsuyori Shibata
2. IWGP Tag Team Title: Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr. (c) vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima
3. Tokyo Dome IWGP Heavyweight Title #1 Contender Match: Kazuchika Okada vs. Hirooki Goto
4. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Karl Anderson
5. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Yujiro Takahashi

NJPW “~SUPER JR. TAG TOURNAMENT SEMI FINAL & FINAL~”, 11/2/12 (Asahi Newstar)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Super Jr. Tag Tournament – Semi Final: KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
2. Super Jr. Tag Tournament – Semi Final: Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov
3. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, Negro Casas & BUSHI vs. Low Ki, Brian Kendrick, Jado & Gedo
4. Togi Makabe & Wataru Inoue vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
5. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr.
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Manabu Nakanishi, Karl Anderson & Captain New Japan vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada, Yujiro Takahashi, Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI
7. Super Jr. Tag Tournament – Final:

It’s official! New Japan will screen the October 8th Sumo Hall show, “KING OF PRO-WRESTLING”, live on Ustream… and not just to Japan! I can tell you this is the first time a New Japan show has ever been streamed live to English speaking countries… having followed New Japan for many years I’ve waited for this opportunity for us fans. No more rambling, here are the details straight from the horse’s mouth:

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Big NEWS to overseas fans is that: “King of Pro-Wrestling” Ryogoku event on 10/8 will be broadcast through Ustream all over the world !
The hottest 9 matches including all 5 IWGP Championship are there. The air will start at 17:00 on Oct. 8th, J.S.T.
For more in detail, please refer to NJPW Ustream channel / HP etc.
Price: US $25.
Start of sale (plan): Oct. 1, 2012
URL: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/njpw1972

After some confusion over whether New Japan would take part, the company today announced lineups for the joint New Japan/All Japan 40th anniversary shows in Taiwan next month. Compared to the Sumo Hall show in July these are very low key, with New Japan unable to dispatch top stars like Tanahashi, Nakamura, Okada, Goto, Makabe, Naito, and Devitt because the company has a tour going at the same time in Japan. So older heads like Nagata, TenKoji, and Liger have been tasked with leading the company on these shows against near enough All Japan’s entire native roster. Koji Kanemoto, who spends most of his time in All Japan these days but is still a New Japan wrestler, represents New Japan in a series of interesting interpromotional matches including one battle with his Junior Stars friend Minoru Tanaka. Another big junior match pits Liger against Kaz Hayashi, while probably the biggest heavyweight match is the 10/28 main event of Tenzan, Kojima & Wataru vs. Muto, Funaki & Hayashi.

NJPW/AJPW “NJPW & AJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ WE ARE PRO-WRESTLING LOVE IN TAIWAN”, 10/27/12
Taiwan National University Gymnasium

1. Takao Omori, Manabu Soya & Hiroshi Yamato vs. Masakatsu Funaki, Masayuki Kono & Minoru Tanaka
2. New Japan vs. All Japan: Tiger Mask vs. SUSHI
3. New Japan vs. All Japan: Hiromu Takahashi vs. Seiya Sanada
4. New Japan vs. All Japan: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. KENSO & Ryota Hama
5. New Japan vs. All Japan: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Kaz Hayashi
6. New Japan vs. All Japan: Yuji Nagata , Wataru Inoue & Koji Kanemoto vs. Keiji Muto , Suwama & Shuji Kondo

NJPW/AJPW “NJPW & AJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ WE ARE PRO-WRESTLING LOVE IN TAIWAN”, 10/28/12
Taiwan National University Gymnasium

1. Suwama, Takao Omori & Manabu Soya vs. KENSO, Ryota Hama & Seiya Sanada
2. New Japan vs. All Japan: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. SUSHI
3. New Japan vs. All Japan: Koji Kanemoto vs. Minoru Tanaka
4. New Japan vs. All Japan: Tiger Mask & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Shuji Kondo & Hiroshi Yamato
5. New Japan vs. All Japan: Yuji Nagata vs. Masayuki Kono
6. New Japan vs. All Japan: Hiroyoshi Tenzan , Satoshi Kojima & Wataru Inoue vs. Keiji Muto , Masakatsu Funaki & Kaz Hayashi

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Satoshi Kojima’s busy interpromotional schedule also sees him go to NOAH soon where he faces Naomichi Marufuji in a singles match. On the heels of his failure to take the IWGP Heavyweight Title from Tanahashi, Marufuji will be looking to bounce back with a win over the IWGP Tag Team Champion.

NOAH, 9/29/12
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

- Naomichi Marufuji vs. Satoshi Kojima

New Japan presents one of its strongest lineups in a long time at “KING OF PRO-WRESTLING”, the new name of New Japan’s October show at Sumo Hall. From top to bottom this is a loaded card with all five IWGP titles being defended, and will be topped by the Tokyo Dome rematch of Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki for the IWGP Heavyweight Title. Tanahashi successfully defended the title against Suzuki in January in his previous reign as Okada has of course had a memorable first reign since then, but Suzuki hit back in the G1 Climax by beating Tanahashi. Speaking of Okada, he is willing to risk his number one contendership for the belt which he is contractually entitled to and will put it on the line against the on-fire “Machine Gun” Karl Anderson in a rematch of the 2012 G1 Climax final which Okada won.

Hirooki Goto is given chance to win back the IWGP Intercontinental Title against the man who took it from him, Shinsuke Nakamura, in the semi final while Sakuraba & Shibata face a tougher level of opposition this time with no young lion to bully as Makabe leads Wataru Inoue into war against the duo. NO LIMIT collide again as the former tag partners continue their endless grudge after Yujiro attacked Naito’s injured knee yesterday, leading to a big singles match between them at Sumo Hall. TenKoji finally make their V1 defense of the IWGP Tag Team Title after regaining them in July, taking on Suzuki Gun’s Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr., the latter being Harry Smith who has decided to rename himself in tribute of his late father.

And of course the juniors can’t be forgotten as the junior dream match is repeated, Kota Ibushi making his V3 defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against the man he won the belt from Low Ki. Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov make their V2 defense of the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title against the Japan-USA alliance of KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley. And what better way to start the show than with the return of the hugely popular Manabu Nakanishi? Nakanishi finally returns to action and teams with old friend Yuji Nagata and 2010 Tokyo Sports Tag Team of the Year partner Strong Man, who of course formed Muscle Orchestra with Nakanishi.

NJPW “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ KING OF PRO-WRESTLING”, 10/8/12 (WPW/PPV/iPPV)
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. Manabu Nakanishi Return Match: Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata & Strong Man vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
2. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov (c) vs. KUSHIDA & Alex Shelley
3. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Kota Ibushi (c) vs. Low Ki
4. IWGP Tag Team Title: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima (c) vs. Lance Archer & Davey Boy Smith Jr.
5. Tetsuya Naito vs. Yujiro Takahashi
6. Togi Makabe & Wataru Inoue vs. Kazushi Sakuraba & Katsuyori Shibata
7. Tokyo Dome IWGP Heavyweight Title #1 Contender Match: Karl Anderson vs. Kazuchika Okada
8. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Hirooki Goto
9. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Minoru Suzuki

Before then…

NJPW “THE MEMORY MEETING OF KASABOKO SUMMIT IN NIIGATA ON NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR”, 10/6/12
Niigata Nishikawa Sports Center

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Captain New Japan & BUSHI
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Jado
4. Togi Makabe & Wataru Inoue vs. Tomohiro Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI
5. Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki
6. Hirooki Goto & Tetsuya Naito vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Yujiro Takahashi
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi & KUSHIDA vs. Kazuchika Okada & Gedo

New Japan runs the “WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2012” from 11/20 to 12/2 which is part of Bushiroad’s rebranding of well known concept names (the New Japan Cup will become the World War League in 2013 unless plans change). This of course replaces the G1 Tag League which was itself renamed from the Super Grade Tag League in 1999. There is no word yet on whether there will be any change to the format and style but the schedule has been announced. Notably it begins with a double header at the 3,100 seat Tokyo Dome City Hall, formerly known as Tokyo JCB Hall, which was supposed to become the “new Korakuen” when it opened but didn’t for a variety of reasons including rental cost. These will be New Japan’s second and third shows in the building after running the “SUPER J TAG TOURNAMENT” there a couple of years ago. The tour ends with a big show at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium where the final will be held.

NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ WORLD TAG LEAGUE 2012
- 11/20 @ Tokyo Dome City Hall
- 11/21 @ Tokyo Dome City Hall
- 11/23 @ Okayama Orange Hall
- 11/24 @ Kyoto KBS Hall
- 11/25 @ Hiroshima Green Arena Small Arena
- 11/28 @ Ibaraki Prefectural Sports Center
- 12/1 @ Ishikawa Industrial Exhibition Hall #2
- 12/2 @ Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium

New Japan will present some matches at the upcoming TOKYO GAME SHOW that will mean wrestlers missing shows on the 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. The CMLL stars on tour are also competing on these shows. The events on the 21st and 22nd see Tomoaki Honma interact with New Japan wrestlers for the first time since he was fired from the company earlier this year. Not sure if “Super Strong Azteca Machine” is the rarely seen Super Strong Machine, especially as he is teaming with CHAOS members and was a Seigi Gun member last time we saw him in New Japan.

TOKYO GAME SHOW, 9/20/12
Makuhari Messe

(Morning Show)
- Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, KUSHIDA, Alex Shelley & BUSHI vs. Low Ki, Rocky Romero, Alex Koslov, Jado & Gedo

(Afternoon Show)
- Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, Harry Smith & TAKA Michinoku
- Togi Makabe, Hirooki Goto & Tetsuya Naito vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & YOSHI-HASHI

TOKYO GAME SHOW, 9/21/12
Makuhari Messe

(Afternoon Show)
- Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, Tomoaki Honma, Mascara Dorada & Felino vs. Toru Yano, YOSHI-HASHI, Jado, Super Strong Azteca Machine & Averno

TOKYO GAME SHOW, 9/22/12
Makuhari Messe

(Afternoon Show)
- Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, Tomoaki Honma, Mascara Dorada & Felino vs. Toru Yano, YOSHI-HASHI, Jado, Super Strong Azteca Machine & Averno

TOKYO GAME SHOW, 9/23/12
Makuhari Messe

(Morning Show)
- Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Mascara Dorada vs. Toru Yano, YOSHI-HASHI & Averno

New Japan is finally entering the world of iPPV (internet PPV) starting with the big 8/5 Osaka show, one of the tastiest lineups of the 2012 G1 Climax with Tanahashi vs. Marufuji, Nakamura vs. Okada, and Makabe vs. Naito. But despite a campaign by SSS forum regular enuhito in Japan to show New Japan to the world, this is only available in Japan with no apparent workarounds at the moment. However, it’s my understanding that there may be plans to eventually screen New Japan shows live to the world using the iPPV format. If this happens it will be the first time this has ever happened, as having followed New Japan since the 1990s I’ve still never been able to see it live on my screen.

I remember All Japan airing the main matches of its 2/27/00 Budokan show (Kobashi vs. Vader and Misawa vs. Akiyama) live online at a cost and people in the west were able to watch it so didn’t expect iPPV to be such a distant reality, but there are signs now that in the near future we’ll be able to watch important New Japan shows as they happen. I will keep you updated if there is any confirmation of this.

The juniors will take center stage at Korakuen Hall on July 29th as New Japan hosts “LAST REBELLION”, the final show before the 2012 G1 Climax begins. As we all knew, Low Ki makes his V2 defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against DDT’s Kota Ibushi, but this will be only one half of the double main event. Announced today was Prince Devitt’s V2 defense of the NWA World Historic Middleweight Title following his successful first defense over Taichi yesterday. And a formidable challenge is being thrown his way in the form of Volador Jr. who headlined the second New Japan/CMLL “FANTASTICA MANIA 2012″ show in January.

New Japan also announced today that the Tenzan & Kojima vs. Yano & Iizuka decision match for the IWGP Tag Team Title on 7/22 will have four referees – one in the ring (Tiger Hattori) and three around it (Red Shoes Unno, Marty Asami, and Kenta Sato). Not only that, there will be no countouts to ensure that this feud, littered with DQs, countouts, and no contests, will have a full conclusion.

NJPW “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ LAST REBELLION”, 7/29/12 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Captain New Japan & KUSHIDA vs. Jado & Gedo
2. Wataru Inoue, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Ryusuke Taguchi, BUSHI & Tama Tonga
3. Karl Anderson, MVP, Shelton Benjamin & Rush vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
5. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe, Hirooki Goto & Tetsuya Naito vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada, Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI
6. Double Main Event I – IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Low Ki (c) vs. Kota Ibushi
7. Double Main Event II – NWA World Historic Middleweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Volador Jr.

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TenKoji today suffered a defeat heading into their IWGP Tag Title match as they competed on Shinjiro Otani’s 20th anniversary show and were beaten by Emblem – Otani & Masato Tanaka. Otani has a close bond with Tenzan and Kojima as all three were part of New Japan’s third generation who graduated from the dojo in the early 1990s. Otani debuted against Tenzan (then using his real name Hiroyoshi Yamamoto) on June 25th, 1992. And of course Masato Tanaka is almost a full-timer nowadays in New Japan and is challenging Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Title on 7/22, and it was he who settled the match by pinning Kojima.

ZERO1 “SHINJIRO OTANI 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW”, 7/8/12
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

- Shinjiro Otani 20th Anniversary Match: Shinjiro Otani & Masato Tanaka beat Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima (25:53) when Tanaka used the Sliding D on Kojima.

–> “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ KIZUNA ROAD” <--

NJPW, 7/8/12 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall
1,900 Fans – No Vacancy

1. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, KUSHIDA & Maximo beat Rocky Romero, Alex Koslov, Jado & Gedo (9:38) when KUSHIDA used the Midnight Express on Gedo.
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Captain New Japan vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & YOSHI-HASHI went to a double countout (11:40).
3. Low Ki beat BUSHI (7:36) with a diving footstomp.
4. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer & TAKA Michinoku beat Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata & Ryusuke Taguchi (11:11) when Suzuki used a Gotch-style piledriver on Taguchi.
5. NWA World Historic Middleweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) beat Taichi (17:42) with a diving footstomp (1st defense).
6. Tetsuya Naito, Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga beat Kazuchika Okada, Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii (16:04) when Anderson used the Gun Stun on Ishii.
7. Special Tag Match: Shinsuke Nakamura & Masato Tanaka beat Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto (18:20) when Nakamura used the Boma Ye on Goto.

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Participants and lineups for the 2012 G1 Climax were announced today. NOAH star Naomichi Marufuji who was supposed to enter the 2010 G1 but pulled out because of an injury and was replaced by Devitt is in the tournament, and is joined by fellow G1 debutants Shelton Benjamin and highly rated CMLL star Rush. The rest are New Japan regulars who make up a typically strong cast. The blocks are below and perhaps the most notable thing is that CHAOS’ top two, Okada and Nakamura, are in the jaw-dropping Block B meaning they will face each other! Having seen every G1 Climax I believe if this one reaches its full potential it could be among the best in history.

Block A:
1. Hiroshi Tanahashi
2. Yuji Nagata
3. Satoshi Kojima
4. Karl Anderson
5. Shelton Benjamin (free)
6. Toru Yano
7. Yujiro Takahashi
8. Minoru Suzuki
9. Naomichi Marufuji (NOAH)

Block B:
1. Togi Makabe
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan
3. Hirooki Goto
4. Tetsuya Naito
5. MVP
6. Rush (CMLL)
7. Shinsuke Nakamura
8. Kazuchika Okada
9. Lance Archer

NJPW, 8/1/12 (Asahi Newstar)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Rush
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Yujiro Takahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Karl Anderson
4. G1 Climax – Block B: Togi Makabe vs. Lance Archer
5. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Kazuchika Okada
6. G1 Climax – Block B: Tetsuya Naito vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
7. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Shelton Benjamin

NJPW, 8/3/12 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Satoshi Kojima vs. Yujiro Takahashi
2. G1 Climax – Block B: Rush vs. Lance Archer
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Toru Yano
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Karl Anderson vs. Minoru Suzuki
5. G1 Climax – Block A: Shelton Benjamin vs. Naomichi Marufuji
6. G1 Climax – Block B: Togi Makabe vs. MVP
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
8. G1 Climax – Block B: Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada

NJPW, 8/4/12 (J SPORTS)
Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Karl Anderson vs. Yujiro Takahashi
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Shelton Benjamin vs. Toru Yano
3. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. MVP
4. G1 Climax – Block B: Rush vs. Kazuchika Okada
5. G1 Climax – Block B: Togi Makabe vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan
6. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Naomichi Marufuji
7. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Satoshi Kojima

NJPW, 8/5/12 (WPW)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Yujiro Takahashi
2. G1 Climax – Block B: MVP vs. Rush
3. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Lance Archer
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Karl Anderson vs. Shelton Benjamin
5. G1 Climax – Block A: Toru Yano vs. Minoru Suzuki
6. G1 Climax – Block B: Togi Makabe vs. Tetsuya Naito
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kazuchika Okada
8. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Naomichi Marufuji

NJPW, 8/7/12 (Samurai! TV)
Sendai Sun Plaza Hall

1. G1 Climax – Block B: Tetsuya Naito vs. Rush
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Shelton Benjamin vs. Yujiro Takahashi
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Satoshi Kojima vs. Karl Anderson
4. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Hirooki Goto
5. G1 Climax – Block B: Lance Archer vs. Kazuchika Okada
6. G1 Climax – Block B: MVP vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
7. G1 Climax – Block A: Minoru Suzuki vs. Naomichi Marufuji
8. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Toru Yano

NJPW, 8/8/12 (Samurai! TV)
Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Karl Anderson vs. Naomichi Marufuji
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Toru Yano vs. Yujiro Takahashi
3. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Rush
4. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Lance Archer
5. G1 Climax – Block B: Tetsuya Naito vs. MVP
6. G1 Climax – Block A: Satoshi Kojima vs. Yuji Nagata
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Togi Makabe vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
8. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki

NJPW, 8/10/12 (J SPORTS)
Niigata City Gymnasium

1. G1 Climax – Block B: Tetsuya Naito vs. Lance Archer
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Shelton Benjamin
3. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. MVP
4. G1 Climax – Block B: Togi Makabe vs. Rush
5. G1 Climax – Block A: Karl Anderson vs. Toru Yano
6. G1 Climax – Block A: Satoshi Kojima vs. Minoru Suzuki
7. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Yujiro Takahashi
8. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Kazuchika Okada

NJPW, 8/11/12 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. G1 Climax – Block B: Rush vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Satoshi Kojima vs. Toru Yano
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Shelton Benjamin vs. Minoru Suzuki
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Naomichi Marufuji vs. Yujiro Takahashi
5. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Tetsuya Naito
6. G1 Climax – Block B: MVP vs. Kazuchika Okada
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Togi Makabe vs. Hirooki Goto
8. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Yuji Nagata

NJPW, 8/12/12 (WPW/PPV)
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. G1 Climax – Block B: MVP vs. Lance Archer
2. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Tetsuya Naito
3. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
4. G1 Climax – Block B: Togi Makabe vs. Kazuchika Okada
5. G1 Climax – Block A: Naomichi Marufuji vs. Toru Yano
6. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki
7. G1 Climax – Block A: Satoshi Kojima vs. Shelton Benjamin
8. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Karl Anderson
9. G1 Climax – Final: Block A 1st place vs. Block B 1st place

Yuji Nagata will go to war with nemesis Masakatsu Funaki on All Japan’s 7/29 Korakuen Hall show. These two have been feuding for a long time now after Nagata injured Funaki’s face on January’s Tokyo Dome show, putting him out of action for months. Funaki’s henchman Kono then went after Nagata but was dominated by the New Japan veteran, but with Funaki back the feud everyone wanted to see is well in motion. Nagata said if he can defeat the legendary co-founder of Pancrase he will go after the Triple Crown, currently held by his sworn friend, NOAH’s Jun Akiyama, with whom he had a prolific rivalry in the 2000s.

AJPW, 7/29/12
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

- Special Singles Match: Masakatsu Funaki vs. Yuji Nagata

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After being announced yesterday, it’s now official – New Japan and All Japan will hold a sequel to yesterday’s 40th anniversary show in Taiwan on both October 27th and October 28th at the Taiwan National University Gymnasium. All Japan have been here before but with their cooperation it will help New Japan also push into a new market as New Japan’s owners Bushiroad have made it clear that their ambitions lie beyond just Japan.

NJPW/AJPW “NJPW & AJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ WE ARE PRO-WRESTLING LOVE IN TAIWAN”, 10/27/12
Taiwan National University Gymnasium

NJPW/AJPW “NJPW & AJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ WE ARE PRO-WRESTLING LOVE IN TAIWAN”, 10/28/12
Taiwan National University Gymnasium

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Lineups for the upcoming “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ KIZUNA ROAD” series have been announced with the focus on building up to the Yamagata show which will be headlined by Tanahashi vs. Tanaka for the IWGP Heavyweight Title. Participants for the 2012 G1 Climax will be announced on 7/8 at Korakuen Hall.

NJPW, 7/7/12
New Sunpia Gunma

1. Wataru Inoue vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. KUSHIDA & Maximo vs. Jado & Gedo
3. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & BUSHI vs. Low Ki, Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Captain New Japan vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
5. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga vs. Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Tetsuya Naito vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi

NJPW, 7/8/12 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, KUSHIDA & Maximo vs. Rocky Romero, Alex Koslov, Jado & Gedo
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Captain New Japan vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & YOSHI-HASHI
3. BUSHI vs. Low Ki
4. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer & TAKA Michinoku
5. NWA World Historic Middleweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Taichi
6. Tetsuya Naito, Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga vs. Kazuchika Okada, Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii
7. Special Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Masato Tanaka

NJPW, 7/10/12
Wakayanagi City Gymnasium

1. Wataru Inoue vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Maximo vs. Low Ki, Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Captain New Japan vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, KUSHIDA & BUSHI vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Karl Anderson, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Kazuchika Okada, Jado & Gedo
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito & Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI

NJPW, 7/11/12
Akita Furusato Village Dome Theater

1. Wataru Inoue vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Captain New Japan, BUSHI & Maximo vs. Jado, Gedo & Tomohiro Ishii
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & KUSHIDA vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Low Ki
4. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Tetsuya Naito, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. YOSHI-HASHI, Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi

NJPW, 7/13/12
Muroran City Gymnasium

1. Wataru Inoue vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Captain New Japan & Maximo vs. YOSHI-HASHI & Jado
3. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Low Ki, Rocky Romero, Alex Koslov & Gedo
4. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, KUSHIDA & BUSHI vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Hirooki Goto, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito, Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga vs. Kazuchika Okada, Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 7/14/12
Kutchan Town Gymnasium

1. Wataru Inoue vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Maximo vs. Low Ki, Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Captain New Japan vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & YOSHI-HASHI
4. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Karl Anderson, KUSHIDA & BUSHI vs. Kazuchika Okada, Jado & Gedo
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito & Tama Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 7/15/12
Yakumo Town Gymnasium

1. Wataru Inoue vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & Maximo vs. Low Ki, Jado & Gedo
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov
4. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, KUSHIDA & BUSHI vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Tetsuya Naito & Captain New Japan vs. Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 7/16/12
Hakodate Citizen Gymnasium

1. Wataru Inoue vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, KUSHIDA, BUSHI & Maximo vs. Low Ki, Rocky Romero, Alex Koslov, Jado & Gedo
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Captain New Japan vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Tetsuya Naito & Karl Anderson vs. Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI
5. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Tama Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada & Masato Tanaka

NJPW, 7/18/12 (Samurai! TV)
Sapporo Teisen Hall

1. Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Jado & Gedo
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, Captain New Japan & Maximo vs. Rocky Romero, Alex Koslov, Jado & Tomohiro Ishii
3. Special Singles Match: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Takashi Iizuka
4. Special Singles Match: Satoshi Kojima vs. Toru Yano
5. Kota Ibushi & Daisuke Sasaki vs. Low Ki & Gedo
6. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, Akebono & Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
7. Hirooki Goto, Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI
8. Special Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tetsuya Naito vs. Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi

NJPW, 7/19/12 (Samurai! TV)
Sapporo Teisen Hall

1. Wataru Inoue, Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe vs. KUSHIDA, BUSHI & Tama Tonga
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Maximo vs. Rocky Romero, Alex Koslov & Gedo
3. Special Singles Match: Satoshi Kojima vs. Takashi Iizuka
4. Special Singles Match: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Toru Yano
5. Kota Ibushi & Daisuke Sasaki vs. Low Ki & Jado
6. Tetsuya Naito, Karl Anderson & Captain New Japan vs. Kazuchika Okada, Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI
7. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
8. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Akebono vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 7/22/12 (WPW)
Yamagata Sports Center

1. Captain New Japan, Tama Tonga, BUSHI & Maximo vs. YOSHI-HASHI, Jado, Gedo & Tomohiro Ishii
2. KUSHIDA vs. Low Ki
3. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask (c) vs. Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov
4. Special Elimination Match: Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. IWGP Tag Team Title: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka (decision match)
6. Special Tag Match: Tetsuya Naito & Karl Anderson vs. Kazuchika Okada & Yujiro Takahashi
7. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Hirooki Goto (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
8. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Masato Tanaka

New Japan will this year run the annual “DESTRUCTION” major show at Kobe World Hall in late September instead of at Sumo Hall in October. This is because the scheduled Sumo Hall show in October is going to be called “KING OF PRO WRESTLING” this year and possibly in the future. Before “DESTRUCTION ’12″ will be a tour directly building up to it.

NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ ROAD TO DESTRUCTION
- 9/7 @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall J SPORTS
- 9/8 @ Saitama Asukaru Satte
- 9/9 “YUJI NAGATA 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW ~ BLUE JUSTICE IV” @ Togane Arena
- 9/12 @ Toyama Techno Hall
- 9/13 @ Nagano Sports Park Gymnasium
- 9/15 @ Matsusaka City Gymnasium
- 9/17 @ Saitama Kusunoki Hall
- 9/22 @ Takamatsu City Gymnasium

- 9/23 “DESTRUCTION ’12″ @ Kobe World Hall WPW

Yuji Nagata will celebrate his 20th anniversary as a pro wrestler with the latest show produced by himself in his local Togane, titled “BLUE JUSTICE IV”. Nagata’s last show in Togane on 9/12/09 was a major success with 2,600 fans turning up, and saw him team with Akebono in the main event to defeat Bad Intentions. Last year he produced a show at Korakuen Hall on 8/30/11 with he and Jun Akiyama defeating Nakamura & Yano in the main event. This show will be back at Togane Arena and he suggested that his generation rival and good friend Akiyama, the current Triple Crown holder and GHC Tag Team Title co-holder, could possibly appear again. Nagata spoke about his past factions like G-EGGS and Team JAPAN, and how he might organise the card with these in mind, which could possibly see the likes of Yutaka Yoshie, Kendo Kashin, and (more unlikely) Kazuyuki Fujita appear.

And as you can see below, another epic poster has been designed for the show.

NJPW “YUJI NAGATA 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW ~ BLUE JUSTICE IV”, 9/9/12
Togane Arena

New Japan today announced that CHAOS tandem Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka have been stripped of their IWGP Tag Team Title with immediate effect after the double non-finish in Osaka on Saturday. President Sugabayashi said they could not be deemed worthy champions after such a finish (or non-finish). It looks like the Osaka match won’t be recognised as Yano & Iizuka’s V1 defense either. But all is not lost for the dastardly duo as they have a quick chance to reclaim the title in a July packed with title matches.

Prince Devitt defends his NWA World Historic Middleweight Title, won earlier in the year when he traveled to Mexico, against Suzuki Gun’s Taichi on 7/8 at Korakuen Hall. At the end of the same tour, New Japan hits the Yamagata Sports Center with four huge title matches. As mentioned, Yano & Iizuka can regain the IWGP Tag Team Title but so can Tenzan & Kojima as the two sides meet in a decision match to determine the 60th champions. Whoever wins the IWGP Heavyweight Title clash at Sumo Hall on July 1st won’t have much time to enjoy that victory as either Tanahashi or Makabe will defend the title against Masato Tanaka later in the main event of the Yamagata show.

New Japan’s secondary singles belt, the IWGP Intercontinental Title, suddenly doesn’t seem quite so secondary as Hirooki Goto will make his V3 defense of the one-year old title against old rival Shinsuke Nakamura in a huge match that some would say is even bigger than the IWGP Heavyweight Title match. And finally, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask make their V1 defense of the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title against the foreign duo of Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov, the latter of whom impressed in the Super Jr. so has been invited back. Akebono, Kota Ibushi, and Daisuke Sasaki will appear on the 7/18-7/19 Sapporo Teisen Hall double header on this tour also. Update: CMLL’s Maximo has also been announced for the entire tour.

After the tour and before the G1, New Japan is again at Korakuen Hall with a show that sees Low Ki defends his IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title in an already much anticipated match against Ibushi.

NJPW, 7/8/12 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. NWA World Historic Middleweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Taichi

NJPW, 7/22/12 (WPW)
Yamagata Sports Center

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask (c) vs. Rocky Romero & Alex Koslov
2. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Hirooki Goto (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
3. IWGP Tag Team Title: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka (decision match)
4. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Winner of Tanahashi/Makabe (c) vs. Masato Tanaka

NJPW “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ LAST REBELLION”, 7/29/12
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Low Ki (c) vs. Kota Ibushi

New Japan Pro-Wrestling and All Japan Pro-Wrestling unite on July 1st to celebrate their 40th anniversaries at the historic Sumo Hall, and finally we have a full card. As previously known, NOAH’s Jun Akiyama defends the Triple Crown against Taiyo Kea while BJW tandem Daisuke Sekimoto & Yuji Okabayashi defend the All Asia Tag Team Title against the super-heavyweight pair of Akebono & Ryota Hama. Now the rest is known and Akiyama vs. Kea will be just one third of a triple main event which is topped by Hiroshi Tanahashi’s V1 defense of the IWGP Heavyweight Title against Togi Makabe. These two have surprisingly never met for the belt in any of Tanahashi’s six reigns or Makabe’s sole reign.

TenKoji recruit the legendary Keiji Muto in their attempt to deal with CHAOS as the former nWo Japan trio go to war with Yano, Iizuka & Ishii. In what should be a very stiff battle, Suwama & Shuji Kondo meet CHAOS’ top two, Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada as Okada looks to back bounce instantly from losing the IWGP Heavyweight Title. Underneath are an array of multi-person tags mixing wrestlers from the promotions, including the first interaction between Kenzo Suzuki (KENSO) and his original home New Japan since he quit the company to follow Riki Choshu in forming World Japan back in 2003. Kenzo and Tanahashi formed a popular tag team early in their careers but are at opposite ends of the card at Sumo Hall.

NJPW/AJPW “NJPW & AJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ WE ARE PRO-WRESTLING LOVE!”, 7/1/12 (WPW/Asahi Newstar/GAORA TV)
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. KENSO, Masanobu Fuchi & Captain New Japan vs. YOSHI-HASHI, Jado & Gedo
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, Shiryu, BUSHI & SUSHI vs. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi, KAI, Hiroshi Yamato & Hiromu Takahashi
3. Takao Omori, Manabu Soya, Hirooki Goto & Karl Anderson vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
4. Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & KUSHIDA vs. Masakatsu Funaki, Masayuki Kono & Minoru Tanaka
5. All Asia Tag Team Title: Daisuke Sekimoto & Yuji Okabayashi (c) vs. Akebono & Ryota Hama
6. Tetsuya Naito & Tama Tonga vs. Seiya Sanada & Joe Doering
7. Suwama & Shuji Kondo vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada
8. NJPW & AJPW 40th Anniversary Main Event I: Keiji Muto, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
9. NJPW & AJPW 40th Anniversary Main Event II – Triple Crown: Jun Akiyama (c) vs. Taiyo Kea
10. NJPW & AJPW 40th Anniversary Main Event III – IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Togi Makabe

It’s official! Ryusuke Taguchi and Low Ki go to war again just days after Taguchi defeated Low Ki to win the Best of the Super Jr. for the first time. That win moved him into instant contendership for Low Ki’s IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title and the two will collide for it in Osaka. As reported yesterday, the vacant IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title will also be on the line as the masked hero team of Liger & Tiger face Suzuki Gun’s TAKA Michinoku & Taichi. On top of those, the most notably additions are the return of the MVP & Shelton Benjamin tag team and the long awaited return of DDT’s Kota Ibushi, last seen in New Japan holding the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title before a serious injury kept him out of action long-term.

NJPW “DOMINION 6.16″, 6/16/12 (WPW)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

1. Prince Devitt, KUSHIDA & BUSHI vs. Kota Ibushi , Kenny Omega & Daisuke Sasaki
2. Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & Captain New Japan vs. YOSHI-HASHI, Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky Romero
3. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi (decision match)
4. Special Tag Match: Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga vs. MVP & Shelton Benjamin
5. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Low Ki (c) vs. Ryusuke Taguchi
6. IWGP Tag Team Title: Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka (c) vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima
7. Special Tag Match: Hirooki Goto & Tetsuya Naito vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Masato Tanaka
8. Special Singles Match: Togi Makabe vs. Minoru Suzuki
9. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Impressive young lion Hiromu Takahashi appeared at today’s pre-Best of the Super Jr. press conference and appealed for the last spot made vacant by Black Tiger. President Sugabayashi was a little hesitant but Takahashi’s enthusiasm won him over and so the youngster enters Block B in the tournament which starts tomorrow.

The new Black Tiger, who won the junior tournament on the NEVER brand shows to win a place in the Best of the Super Jr. tournament, has become the second wrestler to exit the tournament before it even starts. Although New Japan has not printed an official reason, the man under the mask (NOSAWA Rongai) was caught trying to smuggle weed out of Mexico and into Japan the other day and was arrested.

New Japan will announce a replacement soon. Davey Richards has already been forced to pull out of the tournament due to health concerns and was replaced by Brian Kendrick, but who will replace Black Tiger?

Brian Kendrick, also known as Spanky, will enter his first Best of the Super Jr. tournament as the replacement for Davey Richards in Block B. Kendrick made a brief cameo in New Japan last June as a surprise member of CHAOS and ally of Jado & Gedo, and his achievements include being a former WWE Tag Team Champion.

As feared, Davey Richards has been removed from the Best of the Super Jr. tournament after failing to overcome all of his injuries following a traffic accident.

New Japan is currently sorting out a replacement for Richards who will be announced shortly.

The first match has been announced for the joint New Japan and All Japan 40th anniversary show at Sumo Hall on July 1st. It doesn’t involve a New Japan wrestler so is very much from the All Japan side, as All Japan trueborn and Pro Wrestling NOAH star Jun Akiyama defends his Triple Crown against newly crowned Champion Carnival winner Taiyo Kea.

NJPW/AJPW “NJPW & AJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ WE ARE PRO-WRESTLING LOVE!”, 7/1/12
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. Triple Crown: Jun Akiyama (c) vs. Taiyo Kea

“Rainmaker” Kazuchika Okada makes his V3 defense of the IWGP Heavyweight Title on 6/16 at the same building where he won it and against the very man he won it from, ace Hiroshi Tanahashi. This super-battle could spell the end of Okada’s reign if the record-breaking previous IWGP Heavyweight Champion can avenge his February loss. Another rematch set sees Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka make their first defense of the IWGP Tag Team Title against TenKoji, with Tenzan & Kojima granted a quick rematch after dropping the belts to the CHAOS tandem in Fukuoka days ago. And still another rematch sees the ongoing feud between Togi Makabe and Minoru Suzuki continue as they collide in singles action. Also revealed for this show are the return of DDT’s former IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion, Kota Ibushi, the return of Shelton Benjamin, and MVP’s involvement.

Before the big Osaka show is a smaller one later this month and a title match has been announced for that too, as Hirooki Goto makes his V2 defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Title against CHAOS member Tomohiro Ishii. These had quite an entertaining feud several years ago and this should be a good match, with Goto hoping to get back on track after coming just short of winning the IWGP Heavyweight Title from Okada in Fukuoka.

Finally, block division and match schedule for the upcoming Best of the Super Jr. has been announced, with lots of enticing matches set. New Japan has warned that Davey Richards is not 100% certain to be in the tournament after his recent car accident and his involvement is pending a medical check. This tournament also marks the start of BUSHI’s one year loan from All Japan.

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NJPW “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ NEW JAPAN LIVE”, 5/20/12 (J SPORTS)
Matsushita IMP Hall

1. Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Jado & Gedo
3. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
4. Tama Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
5. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito & Captain New Japan vs. Kazuchika Okada, Masato Tanaka & YOSHI-HASHI
6. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Hirooki Goto (c) vs. Tomohiro Ishii

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NJPW, 5/27/12 (Asahi Newstar)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Jado vs. Daisuke Sasaki
2. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Alex Kozlov vs. TAKA Michinoku
3. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Low Ki
4. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Tiger Mask vs. Davey Richards
5. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Angel de Oro vs. Taichi
6. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: BUSHI vs. Rocky Romero
7. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Prince Devitt vs. KUSHIDA
8. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Pac

NJPW, 5/28/12
Chiba Port Arena Sub Arena

1. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Alex Kozlov vs. Black Tiger
2. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Low Ki vs. Daisuke Sasaki
3. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: TAKA Michinoku vs. Davey Richards
4. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: KUSHIDA vs. BUSHI
5. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Gedo
6. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Prince Devitt vs. Taichi

NJPW, 5/30/12
Shinshu Sky Park Gymnasium

1. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Jado vs. Alex Kozlov
2. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Daisuke Sasaki vs. Black Tiger
3. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Tiger Mask vs. Ryusuke Taguchi
4. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Gedo vs. Angel de Oro
5. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Taichi vs. Pac
6. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Prince Devitt vs. Rocky Romero

NJPW, 5/31/12
Wel Sunpia Tsuruga

1. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Davey Richards vs. Black Tiger
2. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Jado
3. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Low Ki vs. TAKA Michinoku
4. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: BUSHI vs. Gedo
5. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: KUSHIDA vs. Rocky Romero
6. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Angel de Oro

NJPW, 6/1/12
Iwade Municipal Citizen Gymnasium

1. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Jado vs. Black Tiger
2. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Alex Kozlov
3. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Tiger Mask vs. Daisuke Sasaki
4. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Pac vs. Angel de Oro
5. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Taichi
6. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Prince Devitt vs. BUSHI

NJPW, 6/2/12 (J SPORTS)
Kyoto KBS Hall

1. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Alex Kozlov vs. Davey Richards
2. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Low Ki vs. Black Tiger
3. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Tiger Mask vs. TAKA Michinoku
4. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: KUSHIDA vs. Pac
5. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Prince Devitt vs. Gedo
6. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Rocky Romero

NJPW, 6/3/12 (Samurai! TV)
Akashi Municipal Industrial Exchange Center

1. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: TAKA Michinoku vs. Jado
2. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Daisuke Sasaki
3. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Tiger Mask vs. Low Ki
4. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Gedo vs. Pac
5. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Prince Devitt vs. Angel de Oro
6. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. KUSHIDA

NJPW, 6/5/12
Kasukabe Convention Hall

1. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Daisuke Sasaki vs. Davey Richards
2. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Low Ki vs. Jado
3. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Black Tiger
4. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Pac vs. Rocky Romero
5. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Taichi vs. Gedo
6. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: BUSHI vs. Angel de Oro

NJPW, 6/6/12 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Daisuke Sasaki vs. Alex Kozlov
2. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Low Ki vs. Davey Richards
3. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. TAKA Michinoku
4. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Tiger Mask vs. Black Tiger
5. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Angel de Oro vs. Rocky Romero
6. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: KUSHIDA vs. Taichi
7. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. BUSHI
8. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Prince DEvitt vs. Pac

NJPW, 6/7/12
Tochigi Bunka Center Sub Hall

1. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Daisuke Sasaki vs. TAKA Michinoku
2. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Davey Richards vs. Jado
3. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Tiger Mask vs. Alex Kozlov
4. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Rocky Romero vs. Gedo
5. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: BUSHI vs. Taichi
6. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: KUSHIDA vs. Angel de Oro

NJPW, 6/9/12
Nagoya International Conference Hall

1. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: TAKA Michinoku vs. Black Tiger
2. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Alex Kozlov vs. Low Ki
3. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Tiger Mask vs. Jado
4. Best of the Super Jr. – Block B: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Davey Richards
5. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Rocky Romero vs. Taichi
6. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: BUSHI vs. Pac
7. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: KUSHIDA vs. Gedo
8. Best of the Super Jr. – Block A: Prince Devitt vs. Jushin Thunder Liger

NJPW, 6/10/12 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Best of the Super Jr. – Semi Final: Block A 1st place vs. Block B 2nd place
2. Best of the Super Jr. – Semi Final: Block B 1st place vs. Block A 2nd place
3. Best of the Super Jr. – Final:

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NJPW “DOMINION 6.16″, 6/16/12
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

1. IWGP Tag Team Title: Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka (c) vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima
2. Togi Makabe vs. Minoru Suzuki
3. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

“No Remorse Corps” Davey Richards & Rocky Romero have been forced to vacate the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title after Richards was involved in a traffic accident that has made his trip to Japan impossible. He is off upcoming shows and as mentioned the title is vacant but it won’t be decided tomorrow, with the undercard being adjusted to have normal matches instead. New Japan will announce a playoff for the vacant belts at a later date.

NJPW “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ WRESTLING DONTAKU 2012″, 5/3/12 (WPW/PPV)
Fukuoka International Center

1. Strong Man, Captain New Japan & Tama Tonga vs. YOSHI-HASHI, Jado & Tomohiro Ishii
2. Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
3. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Rocky Romero & Gedo
4. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Low Ki
5. IWGP Tag Team Title: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima (c) vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
6. Special Tag Match: Togi Makabe & Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki & Yoshihiro Takayama
7. Special Singles Match: Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
8. Special Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tetsuya Naito vs. Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
9. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Hirooki Goto

New Japan has announced a new live TV show on the “Asahi Newstar CS” channel which is owned by the long-time carriers of New Japan’s national TV show, TV Asahi. It will air full shows and the first edition will be for the 5/27 Best of the Super Jr. tour opener at Korakuen Hall, running from 6:30pm to 9:30pm.

IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion and New Japan junior ace Prince Devitt challenges Volador Jr. for the NWA World Historic Middleweight Title at the famous Arena Mexico in a fantastic match.

New Japan today announced participants for “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ BEST OF THE SUPER JR. XIX ~THE DOOR TO THE GLORY~“, Japanese wrestling’s most famous junior tournament. The big news first is the announcement that All Japan masked man BUSHI has moved to New Japan on a one year loan deal as of May 1st, which is a new initiative by New Japan that will help train and improve other wrestlers, similar to when they go overseas. This is much like they do in football/soccer with young players and could well take off in Japan now as a way of diversifying rosters and giving young men more experiences.

PAC of DRAGON GATE UK is another BOSJ debutant, while “Russian Hooligan” Alex Koslov, who recently left his WWE developmental deal and is well known for his work in Mexico, is also in. Young CMLL talent Angel de Oro makes his New Japan debut in the tournament and will hope to make an impression. Last year’s “ROAD TO THE SUPER JR. 2DAYS TOURNAMENT” winner on the NEVER brand, Daisuke Sasaki, has also been invited back for a second time. Here is the full list, blocks will be announced in the near future…

- Prince Devitt (IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion & NWA World Historic Middleweight Champion)
- Ryusuke Taguchi
- Jushin Thunder Liger
- Tiger Mask
- KUSHIDA
- BUSHI (AJPW -> NJPW)
- Low Ki (CHAOS)
- Davey Richards (CHAOS/NRC) (IWGP Jr. Tag Team Champion)
- Rocky Romero (CHAOS/NRC) (IWGP Jr. Tag Team Champion)
- Jado (CHAOS)
- Gedo (CHAOS)
- TAKA Michinoku (K-DOJO/Suzuki Gun)
- Taichi (Suzuki Gun)
- Black Tiger (Suzuki Gun)
- PAC (DRAGON GATE UK)
- Daisuke Sasaki (free)
- Alex Kozlov (free)
- Angel de Oro (CMLL)

New Japan and All Japan today announced that they will hold a joint 40th anniversary show at Sumo Hall on July 1st titled “WE ARE PRO-WRESTLING LOVE”. The presidents of both companies spoke of it today although with it still being quite far off could reveal little besides the concept of sharing their celebrations of 40 years in business. Despite being co-hosts, they did not rule out the possibility of promotion vs. promotion matches so it could be a little more intriguing in that sense than the “ALL TOGETHER” charity shows which were general a set of interpromotional tag matches.

NJPW/AJPW “NJPW & AJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ WE ARE PRO-WRESTLING LOVE!”, 7/1/12
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

Meanwhile, New Japan has also announced that “DOMINION 6.16″ for Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium on June 16th, another big show.

NJPW “DOMINION 6.16″, 6/16/12
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

Yano & Iizuka again stole Tenzan & Kojima’s title belts on Sunday at Korakuen after TenKoji had managed to get them back on the previous Korakuen show.

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NJPW “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ WRESTLING DONTAKU 2012″, 5/3/12 (WPW/PPV)
Fukuoka International Center

- IWGP Tag Team Title: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima (c) vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka

New Japan has revealed the full card for the major 5/3 show at Fukuoka International Center today, which includes four title matches and three special matches. As confirmed on the heels of his New Japan Cup win yesterday, Hirooki Goto will be Kazuchika Okada’s next challenger for the IWGP Heavyweight Title in the main event. Also confirmed was the much expected TenKoji defense of the IWGP Tag Team Title against CHAOS’ Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka, who defeated Tenzan & Kojima in a non-title match not long ago. The No Remorse Corps, Davey Richards & Rocky Romero, make their V1 defense of the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title against the masked super hero team of Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask, the first time this title has not been NRC vs. Apollo 55 this year. He’s back! “One World Warrior” Low Ki returns to New Japan for his latest stint and instantly challenges Prince Devitt for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title in a rematch from last year in America when Devitt won during New Japan’s tour of the east coast. Of the special matches announced, the standout is a rematch from the New Japan Cup where Shinsuke Nakamura and Karl Anderson blew the roof off Korakuen Hall with an incredible match that the “Machine Gun” won. Shinsuke will look to avoid a similar upset.

Tour matches before and after the Fukuoka show were also announced.

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–> NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ NEW JAPAN BRAVE 2012 <--

NJPW, 4/21/12 (Samurai! TV)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium #2

1. Tama Tonga vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Strong Man & Captain New Japan vs. YOSHI-HASHI & Tomohiro Ishii
3. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Low Ki, Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
4. Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue & KUSHIDA vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Special Singles Match: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Takashi Iizuka
6. Special Singles Match: Satoshi Kojima vs. Toru Yano
7. Special 8 Man Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito & Karl Anderson vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi

NJPW, 4/24/12
Kaikyo Messe Shimonoseki

1. Wataru Inoue & Takaaki Watanabe vs. KUSHIDA & Tama Tonga
2. Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Low Ki & Gedo
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Rocky Romero & Jado
4. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata & Strong Man vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Karl Anderson & Captain New Japan vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada, Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI

NJPW, 4/25/12
Shunan Shinnanyo Gymnasium

1. Wataru Inoue & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi & Tama Tonga
2. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Rocky Romero & Jado
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Strong Man vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Tetsuya Naito & Prince Devitt vs. Low Ki & Gedo
5. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata & KUSHIDA vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Karl Anderson & Captain New Japan vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI

NJPW, 4/27/12
Kitajima North Park Gymnasium

1. Wataru Inoue & Takaaki Watanabe vs. KUSHIDA & Tama Tonga
2. Strong Man & Prince Devitt vs. YOSHI-HASHI & Low Ki
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Captain New Japan vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Jado
4. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Tetsuya Naito & Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Kazuchika Okada, Yujiro Takahashi, Rocky Romero & Gedo

NJPW, 4/28/12
Kochi Sunpia Chres

1. Wataru Inoue & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi & Tama Tonga
2. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Rocky Romero & Gedo
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Strong Man vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & YOSHI-HASHI
4. Tetsuya Naito & Prince Devitt vs. Low Ki & Jado
5. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata & KUSHIDA vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Karl Anderson & Captain New Japan vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 4/30/12
Kumamoto City Distribution & Information Hall

1. Wataru Inoue & Takaaki Watanabe vs. KUSHIDA & Tama Tonga
2. Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Low Ki & Jado
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Rocky Romero & Gedo
4. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata & Strong Man vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Tetsuya Naito & Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & YOSHI-HASHI
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Captain New Japan vs. Kazuchika Okada, Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 5/1/12
Oita Event Hall

1. Wataru Inoue & Hiromu Takahashi vs. KUSHIDA & Tama Tonga
2. Prince Devitt, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Low Ki, Rocky Romero & Jado
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Captain New Japan vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Gedo
4. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tetsuya Naito vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii
6. Hirooki Goto, Karl Anderson & Strong Man vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura & YOSHI-HASHI

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NJPW “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ WRESTLING DONTAKU 2012″, 5/3/12 (WPW/PPV)
Fukuoka International Center

1. Strong Man, Wataru Inoue, Captain New Japan & Tama Tonga vs. YOSHI-HASHI, Jado, Gedo & Tomohiro Ishii
2. Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
3. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Davey Richards & Rocky Romero (c) vs. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask
4. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Low Ki
5. IWGP Tag Team Title: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima (c) vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
6. Special Tag Match: Togi Makabe & Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki & Yoshihiro Takayama
7. Special Singles Match: Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
8. Special Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tetsuya Naito vs. Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
9. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Hirooki Goto

-

–> NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ NEW JAPAN LIVE 2012 <--

NJPW, 5/4/12
Hiroshima Industrial Hall West Exhibition Pavilion

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Davey Richards, Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Captain New Japan vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Togi Makabe, Strong Man & Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & YOSHI-HASHI
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi

NJPW, 5/5/12
Takamatsu City Gymnasium

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Strong Man, Wataru Inoue, Captain New Japan & Tama Tonga vs. YOSHI-HASHI, Jado, Gedo & Tomohiro Ishii
3. Togi Makabe, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
4. Special Elimination Match I: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Davey Richards & Rocky Romero
5. Special Elimination Match II: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito & Karl Anderson vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi

NJPW, 5/6/12
Okayama Orange Hall

1. Wataru Inoue & Tama Tonga vs. Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe
2. Captain New Japan vs. Yujiro Takahashi
3. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Davey Richards, Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Strong Man vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
5. Togi Makabe & Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito & Karl Anderson vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & YOSHI-HASHI

Updated cards for the current tour.

NJPW, 4/4/12
Hitachinaka Matsudo Gymnasium

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Captain New Japan vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Jado & Gedo
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Wataru Inoue vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Hirooki Goto & Tama Tonga vs. MVP & Karl Anderson
5. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito & La Sombra vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura & YOSHI-HASHI

NJPW, 4/5/12 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. KUSHIDA, Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe vs. Jado, Gedo & Tomohiro Ishii
2. Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Yoshihiro Takayama, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & YOSHI-HASHI
4. MVP, Captain New Japan & Tama Tonga vs. Kazuchika Okada, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
5. New Japan Cup – Round 2: Hirooki Goto vs. La Sombra
6. New Japan Cup – Round 2: Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
7. New Japan Cup – Round 2: Togi Makabe vs. Minoru Suzuki
8. New Japan Cup – Round 2: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tetsuya Naito

NJPW, 4/7/12
Yokkaichi Australia Memorial Hall

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Captain New Japan vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Jado & Gedo
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & YOSHI-HASHI
4. Tetsuya Naito & Tama Tonga vs. Karl Anderson & La Sombra
5. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & KUSHIDA vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & MVP vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 4/8/12 (WPW)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. New Japan Cup – Semi Final: Winner of Goto/Sombra vs. Winner of Makabe/Suzuki
2. New Japan Cup – Semi Final: Winner of Tanahashi/Naito vs. Winner of Anderson/Nakamura
3. New Japan Cup – Final:

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For the second year running, New Japan’s NEVER brand will host a small tournament that gives a young junior the chance to qualify for the Best of the Super Jr. tournament. Last year 16 men competed for two spots but this year 8 men compete for 1 spot, with New Japan young lions Takaaki Watanabe and Hiromu Takahashi being joined by various other young juniors in the two night tournament. The most intriguing entrant is “Black Tiger”, who will be under the mask this time?

NJPW “NEVER.9 ~ROAD TO THE SUPER JR. 2DAYS TOURNAMENT 1st”~, 4/13/12
Shin-Kiba 1st RING

1. ROAD TO THE SUPER JR. 2DAYS TOURNAMENT – Round 1: Takaaki Watanabe vs. Ryuichi Sekine
2. ROAD TO THE SUPER JR. 2DAYS TOURNAMENT – Round 1: Yusuke Kodama vs. Black Tiger
3. ROAD TO THE SUPER JR. 2DAYS TOURNAMENT – Round 1: Hiromu Takahashi vs. Hiro Tounai
4. ROAD TO THE SUPER JR. 2DAYS TOURNAMENT – Round 1: Madoka vs. Kaji Tomato
5. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi vs. Jado & Gedo
6. Tetsuya Naito & Captain New Japan vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka

NJPW “NEVER.9 ~ROAD TO THE SUPER JR. 2DAYS TOURNAMENT Final~”, 4/15/12
Shin-Kiba 1st RING

1. ROAD TO THE SUPER JR. 2DAYS TOURNAMENT – Semi Final:
2. ROAD TO THE SUPER JR. 2DAYS TOURNAMENT – Semi Final:
3. ROAD TO THE SUPER JR. 2DAYS TOURNAMENT – Final:

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Former IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion, Low Ki, is on his way back to New Japan! The 55th generation champion made a brief return last May on the USA tour when he challenged Devitt for the belt in New York, and the loss there has been gnawing at Ki, who has his eyes fixed on Devitt and the prestigious IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title.

Not for the first time in his already hugely successful career, New Japan junior ace Prince Devitt is a double champion! The IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion, on excursion to CMLL in Mexico, today captured the NWA World Historic Middleweight Title from Volador Jr. at Arena Mexico. Devitt posted a Tweet saying “My luggage is going to be slightly heavier leaving Mexico that when I arrived!” with a photo of his two belts.

New Japan have today announced that due to a private issue, the company has terminated the contract of Tomoaki Honma. The company haven’t elaborated but it usually takes something quite serious for a Japanese wrestler to leave a company while under contract.

Honma had been with New Japan since early 2007 when he joined Makabe’s heel group GBH, and when Nakamura performed a coup d’état and took over GBH in 2009 (turning it into CHAOS), Honma was the only one who remained with Makabe and the two became fan favourites. I’ll post more details on his exit if they ever come to light.

Yuji Nagata followed up on his recent win over Masayuki Kono by completely defeating him on All Japan’s Sumo Hall show earlier in a Cage Death Match. A bloodied up Nagata knocked out Kono who has been feuding with Nagata over the honour of his mentor Masakatsu Funaki, who Nagata injured at the Tokyo Dome in January. It’s unknown if this ends the feud until Funaki returns or if perhaps Nagata might enter the Champion Carnival again. Kojima also appeared on the show in his old haunt, pinning Seiya Sanada.

AJPW “40TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR 2012 PRO-WRESTLING LOVE IN RYOGOKU VOL. 14″, 3/20/12
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan
9,000 Fans

- STACK OF ARMS vs. Seigi Gun – Cage Death Match: Yuji Nagata beat Masayuki Kono (18:44) by KO.
- AJPW vs. NJPW – Special Singles Match: Satoshi Kojima beat Seiya Sanada (14:08) with a lariat.

The battle between the Rainmaker and the Stardust*Genius was one of my personal favourite matches of the last decade in New Japan. Two young up-and-coming stars thrust into the spotlight, the potential was there for a disappointment but it was anything but as they seized the reins and put on a fantastic match.

Here is the video from YouTube.

Or if that link disappears any time soon, click here to see it on Dailymotion.

New Japan have announced participants and first round pairings for the 2012 New Japan Cup, the eighth edition of the singles elimination tournament. No real surprise entrants besides La Sombra but after some questions about whether he’d remain with New Japan after his first year, MVP is back and battles CHAOS leader Shinsuke Nakamura in the first round. Other notable first round matches include Nagata vs. Suzuki, a rematch from two past Tokyo Dome events, Kojima vs. Naito, and Tanahashi vs. Yano. The winner of the tournament will challenge Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Title on 5/3 at the Fukuoka International Center.

Full cards for the upcoming March series have also been revealed, adding to the title matches already known. The legendary Riki Choshu makes his first appearance in a long time for New Japan on the 3/11 Hamamatsu show.

NEVER’s “ROAD TO THE SUPER JR. 2DAYS TOURNAMENT” returns this year also with the youth-based sub-brand hosting a tournament before the prestigious Best of the Super Jr. that will give one or two young juniors the chance to enter the tournament via another tournament. If the format remains the same as last year, the two day tournament will have eight round one matches then on the second day two sets of semi finals and two finals, with the winners advancing.

-

–> “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ NEW JAPAN GLORY 2012” <--

NJPW, 3/10/12 (Samurai! TV)
Nagoya International Conference Hall

1. Takaaki Watanabe vs. Tomohiro Ishii
2. KUSHIDA vs. Hiromu Takahashi
3. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
4. Karl Anderson, Captain New Japan & Tama Tonga vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & YOSHI-HASHI
5. Togi Makabe, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki, Yoshihiro Takayama, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
7. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Davey Richards

NJPW, 3/11/12 (Samurai! TV)
Act City Hamamatsu

1. Wataru Inoue vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Jado & Gedo
3. Captain New Japan & Tama Tonga vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
4. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Davey Richards, Rocky Romero & Tomohiro Ishii
5. Togi Makabe, Riki Choshu, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki, Yoshihiro Takayama, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito, Karl Anderson & Tomoaki Honma vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & YOSHI-HASHI
7. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Hirooki Goto (c) vs. Yujiro Takahashi

NJPW, 3/12/12
Tsubame Citizen Gymnasium

1. Tama Tonga vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Davey Richards, Rocky Romero & Gedo
3. Wataru Inoue, Captain New Japan & KUSHIDA vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Jado
4. Togi Makabe, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Tetsuya Naito & Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & YOSHI-HASHI
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma vs. Kazuchika Okada, Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 3/13/12
Ota Nitta Bunka Center Airys Hall

1. Tama Tonga vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Davey Richards, Rocky Romero & Jado
3. Wataru Inoue, Captain New Japan & KUSHIDA vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Gedo
4. Togi Makabe, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Hirooki Goto & Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Yujiro Takahashi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Kazuchika Okada, YOSHI-HASHI & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 3/16/12
Kumagaya Citizen Gymnasium

1. KUSHIDA vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Davey Richards, Rocky Romero & Gedo
3. Wataru Inoue, Captain New Japan & Tama Tonga vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Jado
4. Togi Makabe, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Karl Anderson & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & YOSHI-HASHI
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada, Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 3/17/12 (Samurai! TV)
Aomori Industrial Hall

1. Takaaki Watanabe vs. Tomohiro Ishii
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Davey Richards, Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
3. Captain New Japan & Tama Tonga vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
4. Togi Makabe, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki, Yoshihiro Takayama, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Hirooki Goto & Tetsuya Naito vs. Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Karl Anderson & Tomoaki Honma vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura & Masato Tanaka

NJPW, 3/18/12 (Samurai! TV)
Iwate Prefectural Gymnasium

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Tomohiro Ishii
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Davey Richards, Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
3. Tomoaki Honma, Captain New Japan & Tama Tonga vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Yujiro Takahashi
4. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito & Karl Anderson vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & YOSHI-HASHI
6. IWGP Tag Team Title: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima (c) vs. Yoshihiro Takayama & Lance Archer

NJPW, 3/19/12 (Samurai! TV)
Fukushima National Athletic Meet Gymnasium #2

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Davey Richards, Rocky Romero & Gedo
3. Captain New Japan, Tama Tonga & KUSHIDA vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Wataru Inoue vs. Yoshihiro Takayama, Lance Archer & Taichi
5. Togi Makabe & Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki & TAKA Michinoku
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito, Karl Anderson & Tomoaki Honma vs. Kazuchika Okada, Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI

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NJPW “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ EXCITING BATTLE IN OKINAWA 2012″, 3/25/12
Okinawa Prefectural Budokan

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Ryusuke Taguchi, Kaijin Habu Otoko & Gurukun Diver vs. KUSHIDA, Menso~re Oyaji & Eisa 8
3. Hirooki Goto & Tiger Mask vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Jado
4. Togi Makabe & Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
5. Tetsuya Naito & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Kazuchika Okada & Gedo
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii

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–> “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ NEW JAPAN CUP 2012” <--

NJPW, 4/1/12
Amagasaki Memorial Park Gymnasium

1. New Japan Cup – Round 1: La Sombra vs. YOSHI-HASHI
2. New Japan Cup – Round 1: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Karl Anderson
3. New Japan Cup – Round 1: Hirooki Goto vs. Yujiro Takahashi
4. New Japan Cup – Round 1: MVP vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
5. Ryusuke Taguchi, Captain New Japan & KUSHIDA vs. Kazuchika Okada, Jado & Gedo
6. New Japan Cup – Round 1: Togi Makabe vs. Lance Archer
7. New Japan Cup – Round 1: Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki
8. New Japan Cup – Round 1: Satoshi Kojima vs. Tetsuya Naito
9. New Japan Cup – Round 1: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Toru Yano

NJPW, 4/4/12
Hitachinaka Matsudo Gymnasium

NJPW, 4/5/12 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. New Japan Cup – Round 2:
2. New Japan Cup – Round 2:
3. New Japan Cup – Round 2:
4. New Japan Cup – Round 2:

NJPW, 4/7/12
Yokkaichi Australia Memorial Hall

NJPW, 4/8/12 (WPW)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. New Japan Cup – Semi Final:
2. New Japan Cup – Semi Final:
3. New Japan Cup – Final:

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NJPW “NEVER.9 ~ROAD TO THE SUPER JR. 2DAYS TOURNAMENT 1st”~, 4/13/12
Shin-Kiba 1st RING

NJPW “NEVER.9 ~ROAD TO THE SUPER JR. 2DAYS TOURNAMENT Final~”, 4/15/12
Shin-Kiba 1st RING

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–> “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ NEW JAPAN BRAVE 2012” <--

NJPW, 4/21/12
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium #2

NJPW, 4/24/12
Kaikyo Messe Shimonoseki

NJPW, 4/25/12
Shunan Shinnanyo Gymnasium

NJPW, 4/27/12
Kitajima North Park Gymnasium

NJPW, 4/28/12
Kochi Sunpia Chres

NJPW, 4/30/12
Kumamoto City Distribution & Information Hall

NJPW, 5/1/12
Oita Event Hall

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NJPW “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY ~ WRESTLING DONTAKU 2012″, 5/3/12 (WPW/PPV)
Fukuoka International Center

1. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. New Japan Cup 2012 winner

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–> “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ NEW JAPAN LIVE 2012” <--

NJPW, 5/4/12
Hiroshima Industrial Hall West Exhibition Pavilion

NJPW, 5/5/12
Takamatsu City Gymnasium

NJPW, 5/6/12
Okayama Orange Hall

Bushiroad, the new owners of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, today held a live presentation to announce some details on the future direction of the company. Here are the main things revealed at the event:

- “WRESTLE KINGDOM 7 IN TOKYO DOME” has already been confirmed for 1/4/13. They seem to have dropped the Roman numeral numbers for various concepts such as this so it’s listed as 7 instead of VII.
- The “G1 CLIMAX 22″ was also announced with two dates revealed: 8/3 Korakuen Hall and 8/12 Sumo Hall (the final).
- The yearly Sumo Hall event in October has been given a “more intelligible name” and from now on will be called “KING OF PRO WRESTLING IN RYOGOKU”, named after a new card game Bushiroad will be releasing.
- The historic “G1 TAG LEAGUE” name is no more and the concept will be renamed to the “WORLD TAG LEAGUE” while the end-of-year tour will be called “ROAD TO TOKYO DOME” to make it more of a coherent lead-in to the January super-show.
- Other minor tours will be renamed such as the January/February series becoming “NEW YEAR GOLDEN ROAD”.
- The most intriguing one is that something called the “WORLD WAR LEAGUE” will begin in Spring 2013, hinting at something new, possibly international based and a replacement for the New Japan Cup?

- New Japan will begin to produce a new 60 minute show on BS Asahi with the tentative name of “WORLD PRO WRESTLING RETURNS”.
- New Japan will begin to produce a new late-night radio show on AM1422 with the tenative name of “NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING RADIO”.
- TOKYO MX will beging to rebroadcast the famous “Tiger Mask” anime with the idea it could reach young kids who would then become interested in New Japan, where of course the fourth generation of Tiger Mask has wrestled for years now.

- As mentioned, Bushiroad will release a new trading card game called “KING OF PRO WRESTLING”, a release that has been planned for some time, even before the company bought out New Japan. The first booster pack is scheduled to come out around the time of the 10/8 Sumo Hall show and players will be able to discover combos with tag teams and many other cool features.

- The well known Good Smile Company have began making a brand new range of New Japan figures and the president of the company, Aki Takanori, had some banter with wrestlers present today – such as being politely asked by Tenzan to make his head smaller than on usual Tenzan action figures! Kojima wants people to be able to press a button and hear his voice.

- New Japan wrestlers will begin to use the power of Twitter more, to communicate with fans. Ace Hiroshi Tanahashi can now be found @tanahashi1_100. Others are already on Twitter such as Nagata, Naito, Devitt, Nakamura, Captain New Japan, and Kanemoto.

- Sumo legend Akebono will return to New Japan from the summer and by the sounds of it will make New Japan his main home from that point onwards. He said he is looking forward to returning and dying New Japan the colour of Akebono.

The ultimate aim of New Japan under Bushiroad seems clear – to become bigger, better, and more accessible to new fans. And not just Japanese fans as it is clear that Bushiroad wants to make New Japan more of an international company and expand beyond the comfort zone of Japan. The renaming of shows/tours, the release of card games and action figures, the rebroadcast of Tiger Mask… all point towards a new direction for New Japan with new names and ideas, without changing the traditional feel of the company too much.

Kazuchika Okada makes his V1 defense of the IWGP Heavyweight Title on March 4th at Korakuen Hall, in the main event of New Japan’s 40th anniversary show. A new generation steps into the spotlight when the 24-year-old new champion battles 29-year-old Tetsuya Naito in the main event. Soon after the March series, “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ NEW JAPAN GLORY 2012“, begins, and although full cards have not yet been announced, three title matches have. Prince Devitt continues his long-running feud with Davey Richards when the two meet for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title in Nagoya on 3/10. This will be the third match for the title the two have had, with Devitt 2-0 so far. A day later in Hamamatsu, Hirooki Goto makes his V1 defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Title against rival Yujiro Takahashi, who like his former tag partner Naito will be looking for his first singles gold in New Japan. Then on the 18th in Iwate, TenKoji face the imposing challenge of Yoshihiro Takayama & Lance Archer in their V2 defense of the IWGP Tag Team Title.

NJPW “40TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW”, 3/4/12 (WPW)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Tama Tonga, Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe
2. Tomoaki Honma & Captain New Japan vs. YOSHI-HASHI & Tomohiro Ishii
3. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask vs. Jado & Gedo
4. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
6. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
7. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito

NJPW, 3/10/12 (Samurai! TV)
Nagoya International Conference Hall

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Davey Richards

NJPW, 3/11/12
Act City Hamamatsu

1. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Hirooki Goto (c) vs. Yujiro Takahashi

NJPW, 3/18/12
Iwate Prefectural Gymnasium

1. IWGP Tag Team Title: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima (c) vs. Yoshihiro Takayama & Lance Archer

–> “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ NEW JAPAN ISM 2012” <--

NJPW, 2/6/12
Takaoka Techno Dome
1,000 Fans

1. Tomohiro Ishii beat Hiromu Takahashi (8:52) with a lariat.
2. Yujiro Takahashi beat King Fale (8:27) with a jackknife hold.
3. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka beat Captain New Japan & Tama Tonga
4. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tiger Mask beat Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo (11:29) when Taguchi used the Dodon on Gedo.
5. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Thunder Liger beat Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & KUSHIDA (12:40) when Kojima used a lariat on KUSHIDA.
6. Togi Makabe, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue beat Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi (11:17) when Inoue used the Spear of Justice on Taichi.
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma beat Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada, Masato Tanaka & YOSHI-HASHI (13:37) when Tanahashi used the High Fly Flow on YOSHI-HASHI.

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The superstars of Japanese pro wrestling reunite once more for chapter two of “ALL TOGETHER”, the charity event in aid of victims of last year’s terrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The show is set up much like last year’s, with a double main event, the first of which features well known veterans in a special tag match, then a mix of today’s stars and those not far off joining them in a six man tag main event. Reunions and interesting matches fill the undercard of what should be another great show.

NJPW/AJPW/NOAH “ALL TOGETHER”, 2/19/11 (PPV)
Sendai Sun Plaza Hall

1. ALL TOGETHER Opening Match – CHEER UP NIPPON: The Great Sasuke , Tiger Mask , Ryusuke Taguchi & Taiji Ishimori vs. Jado , Gedo , Kenou & Taro Nohashi
2. HERO IS COMING!!: Hiroyoshi Tenzan , Satoshi Kojima & Kentaro Shiga vs. Captain New Japan , Captain All Japan & Captain NOAH
3. SHINE ON TOMORROW: Jushin Thunder Liger , Kotaro Suzuki , Minoru Tanaka & KAI vs. Yoshinobu Kanemaru , Kaz Hayashi , Shuji Kondo & Katsuhiko Nakajima
4. BRAVE NEW WORLD: Togi Makabe & Manabu Soya vs. Takashi Sugiura & Yujiro Takahashi
5. SUN PLAZA QUARREL FESTIVAL: Kensuke Sasaki, Yuji Nagata , Akebono & Naomichi Marufuji vs. Minoru Suzuki, Yoshihiro Takayama, Taichi & Masayuki Kono
6. BE STRONG JAPAN: Hirooki Goto , Akitoshi Saito & Jinsei Shinzaki vs. Shinsuke Nakamura , Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
7. Double Main Event I – THIS IS “PROWRESTLING”: Keiji Muto & Kenta Kobashi vs. Jun Akiyama & Takao Omori
8. Double Main Event II – FIGHTING TOGETHER NOW: Hiroshi Tanahashi , Suwama & Takeshi Morishima vs. Tetsuya Naito , Seiya Sanada & Go Shiozaki

New Japan has new owners! After seven years of being majority owned by Yukes, the company has changed hands and has been purchased by Bushiroad Inc.. Bushiroad appears to have no only bought out Yukes’ 51.5% majority of shares but the rest, and now owns 100% of the company (10,000,000 shares). The reasons behind the sale are not clear but it is thought that Yukes may be cutting costs.

Bushiroad, a relatively young company that has grown fast, is already quite famous for its collectible card games and has been a sponsor of New Japan events for several years now so is no stranger to the promotion it now owns. What special plans, if any, Bushiroad has for New Japan will be revealed at a special presentation on February 29th.

The president of Bushiroad did drop some hints though, suggesting they want to appeal to wrestling fans of all ages and perhaps grab the attention of more young people. And they are not content with New Japan being merely the domestic giant of professional wrestling, they want to company to be known around the world which could mean more overseas events. Bushiroad has sponsored WWE shows in Japan which raises the intriguing question of whether there could be a relationship between the the two famous organizations.

Encouragingly the president is a lifelong fan of pro wrestling, saying he was a big fan of Inoki and was obsessed with wrestling. New Japan wrestlers were very thankful to Yukes as fans also will be, as by purchasing the company they helped lay out a platform for a rebuilding process that has dragged New Japan from a bad state where extinction wasn’t out of the question into a very healthy state now. The Bushiroad-owned New Japan and Yukes will retain a close relationship.

Bad Intentions finally relinquished their grip on NOAH’s GHC Tag Team Title earlier, just 2 1/2 weeks after losing the IWGP Tag Team Title to TenKoji. They were beaten by one of NOAH’s most reputable tag teams of past years, Triple Crown holder Jun Akiyama and the now-freelance Akitoshi Saito. Despite losing both titles, Bernard and Anderson will go down in record books for being the most successful IWGP Tag Team Champions in a single reign ever and also the first team to hold both the IWGP and GHC Tag Team titles at the same time.

NOAH “GREAT VOYAGE 2012 IN OSAKA”, 1/22/12
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium
3,400 Fans

- GHC Tag Team Title: Jun Akiyama & Akitoshi Saito beat Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson (c) (15:38) when Saito used the Death Brand on Anderson to become the 23rd champions.

New Japan has announced lineups for the upcoming joint New Japan/CMLL double header, the entire February tour, the latest edition of NEVER, and finally the big Osaka show in February where all roads lead. As expected it will be Kazuchika Okada who faces Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Title in Tana’s V12 defense in this record-breaking reign. Some very big news is that Okada does after all appear to have joined CHAOS after he appeared at the press conference with Gedo and is teaming up with CHAOS for the entire February tour. This, plus the addition of Okada’s Tokyo Dome opponent YOSHI-HASHI, means New Japan’s heel faction is heavily strengthened.

The Osaka show will see three rematches, two from the Dome and one from last year, with Hirooki Goto challenging Masato Tanaka for the IWGP Intercontinental Title as he looks to follow up on his big win over Takashi Sugiura. “No Remorse Corps” Davey Richards & Rocky Romero continue their long-running feud with “Apollo 55″ Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi as they are granted an immediate rematch for the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title, and finally “Bad Intentions” Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson are also given a quick rematch against new IWGP Tag Team Champions, “TenKoji” Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima.

All in all, a very eventful start to the touring year and New Japan seems as loaded with talent and diversity as it has in many year, especially with Minoru Suzuki also appearing to stick around after his Tokyo Dome loss to Tanahashi. Also of note, Hideo Saito seems to have transformed permanently into Captain New Japan!

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NJPW/CMLL “NJPW PRESENTS CMLL FANTASTICA MANIA 2012″, 1/21/12 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Danshoku Dino & Maximo vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
2. Tama Tonga & King Fale vs. YOSHI-HASHI & OKUMURA
3. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tiger Mask vs. Jado, Gedo & Misterioso Jr.
4. Hirooki Goto & KUSHIDA vs. Rush & Mascara Dorada
5. Tetsuya Naito, Jushin Thunder Liger & Diamante vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & Mephisto
6. Special Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & La Sombra vs. Kazuchika Okada & Volador Jr.

NJPW/CMLL “NJPW PRESENTS CMLL FANTASTICA MANIA 2012″, 1/22/12 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask & Tama Tonga vs. YOSHI-HASHI, Jado, Gedo & OKUMURA
2. Jushin Thunder Liger & Maximo vs. Misterioso Jr. & Taichi
3. CMLL World Welterweight Title: Mascara Dorada (c) vs. KUSHIDA
4. Special Singles Match: Hirooki Goto vs. Rush
5. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito & Diamante vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada & Mephisto
6. NWA World Historic Welterweight Title: La Sombra (c) vs. Volador Jr.

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NJPW, 1/25/12
Shirakawa Central Gymnasium

1. King Fale vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Hiromu Takahashi vs. TAKA Michinoku
3. Tiger Mask, KUSHIDA & Captain New Japan vs. Takashi Iizuka, Jado & Gedo
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Prince Devitt
5. Yuji Nagata, Tetsuya Naito & Tama Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii
6. Togi Makabe & Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tomoaki Honma & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Kazuchika Okada, Yujiro Takahashi, YOSHI-HASHI & Rocky Romero

NJPW, 1/26/12
New Sunpia Tochigi

1. King Fale vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Gedo
3. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & Captain New Japan vs. Takashi Iizuka, Rocky Romero & Jado
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tiger Mask
5. Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue & KUSHIDA vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Yuji Nagata, Hirooki Goto & Tama Tonga vs. Kazuchika Okada, Toru Yano, Yujiro Takahashi & YOSHI-HASHI

NJPW, 1/29/12 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
2. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask & Captain New Japan vs. Takashi Iizuka, Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
3. Tomoaki Honma, Tama Tonga & King Fale vs. Masato Tanaka , YOSHI-HASHI & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Special Singles Match: Yuji Nagata vs. Toru Yano
5. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & KUSHIDA
6. Special Tag Match: Togi Makabe & Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki & Yoshihiro Takayama
7. Special Singles Match: Hirooki Goto vs. Yujiro Takahashi
8. Special Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tetsuya Naito vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Kazuchika Okada

NJPW, 1/30/12
Chiba Port Arena Sub Arena

1. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. YOSHI-HASHI, Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi

NJPW, 2/3/12
Nagano Sports Park Gymnasium

1. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & Captain New Japan vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Rocky Romero
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Kazuchika Okada, Yujiro Takahashi, Jado & Gedo

NJPW, 2/4/12
Wing Hat Kasukabe

1. Wataru Inoue, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Yuji Nagata vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & King Fale
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 2/5/12
Gifu Industrial Hall

1. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Tiger Mask vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & KUSHIDA
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi

NJPW, 2/6/12
Takaoka Techno Dome

1. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tiger Mask vs. Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & KUSHIDA
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada, Masato Tanaka & YOSHI-HASHI

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NJPW “NEVER.8 ~GO TO THE NEXT LEVEL~”, 2/10/12
Osaka World Hall

1. KUSHIDA vs. Shoichi Uchida
2. Takaaki Watanabe vs. YOSHI-HASHI
3. Captain New Japan vs. Gedo
4. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Toru Yano
5. Karl Anderson vs. Tama Tonga
6. Yuji Nagata vs. King Fale
7. Tomoaki Honma vs. Yujiro Takahashi

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NJPW “THE NEW BEGINNING”, 2/12/12 (WPW/PPV)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi (c) vs. Davey Richards & Rocky Romero
2. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Masato Tanaka (c) vs. Hirooki Goto
3. IWGP Tag Team Title: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima (c) vs. Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson
4. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada

Bad Intentions will make their V3 defense of the GHC Tag Team Title on NOAH soil against one of NOAH’s most successful tag teams of the past, Triple Crown holder Jun Akiyama and former New Japan wrestler Akitoshi Saito, who held the belts for close to a year in 2002-2003. This big match will take place on 1/22 at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium but of course Bad Intentions, who are again angry at being overlooked by Tokyo Sports for the Best Tag Team award after a historic record-breaking year, must first focus on defending the IWGP Tag Team Title at the Tokyo Dome against TenKoji.

NOAH “GREAT VOYAGE 2012 IN OSAKA”, 1/22/12
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

- GHC Tag Team Title: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson (c) vs. Jun Akiyama & Akitoshi Saito

The returning Nobuo Yoshihashi, now known as YOSHI-HASHI, let his plans and affiliation be known in an interview yesterday. YOSHI-HASHI will face another former young lion who is returning, Kazuchika Okada, and announced firstly that he will no longer be a junior. Predicted by some to help bolster the junior division, YOSHI-HASHI will instead enter the heavyweight division. The other important thing he announced is that he will be entering CHAOS as a heel, after falling in love with the rudo/heel ways during his very long stay in CMLL.

Okada on the other hand will not be joining CHAOS but was coy on his affiliation, saying he was a loner in the USA and for now will be a loner back home in New Japan. One interesting thing that he did say is that having seen the world, he will not stand out in the “confines of Japan” like Tanahashi, but will be a bigger star with global appeal.

An already young New Japan roster will get even more firepower with the return of these two promising young men who collide on January 4th at the Tokyo Dome.

TenKoji do battle at Kojima’s upcoming 20th anniversary show with the announcement today that Tenzan will replace the injured Naito in the main event to team with former WWE superstar FUNAKI against Kojima & Kaz Hayashi. Having recently reuniting as a team, this may be the last time the two are on opposite sides for a while. This subsequently frees up a spot in the fifth match and in Tenzan’s place on the 3rd generation team will be New Japan old boy Osamu Nishimura!

NJPW “SATOSHI KOJIMA 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW ~ RUSH!!”, 12/14/11 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Tiger Mask & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi & Kyosuke Mikami
2. Hideo Saito vs. Tomohiro Ishii
3. Togi Makabe, Hirooki Goto & King Fale vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Yujiro Takahashi
4. Special Tag Match: The Great Sasuke & The Great Kosuke vs. Jado & Gedo
5. 3rd Generation vs. Hamaguchi Dojo Special 6 Man Tag Match: Yuji Nagata, Osamu Nishimura & Koji Kanemoto vs. Yutaka Yoshie, Wataru Inoue & Tomoaki Honma
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi & KUSHIDA vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
7. Satoshi Kojima 20th Anniversary Match: Satoshi Kojima & Kaz Hayashi vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & FUNAKI

All eleven matches have been determined for “WRESTLE KINGDON VI” at the Tokyo Dome in January and it’s a big one! In addition to what was previously known, some very enticing bouts were announced today, most notably the battle of the master Keiji Muto against a man who has been showing that similar natural genius that Muto is renowned for, Tetsuya Naito. Togi Makabe and Yoshihiro Takayama go to war in a grudge match that has been building some time, while MVP unleashes his hidden weapon, Shelton Benjamin, to take on CHAOS duo Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi.

Two of New Japan’s bright young stars return after long excursions overseas with Kazuchika Okada facing YOSHI-HASHI, who was of course Nobuo Yoshihashi when he departed New Japan some one and a half years ago to gain experience. Okada made a brief return one year ago to the day of this show and made a good impression in the tag match but is back for good this time. Juniors begin the show with a special New Japan and CMLL eight man tag following the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title show opener where Apollo 55 attempt to regain the belts from Davey Richards & Rocky Romero.

NJPW “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ WRESTLE KINGDOM VI IN TOKYO DOME”, 1/4/12 (WPW/PPV)
Tokyo Dome

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Davey Richards & Rocky Romero (c) vs. Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi
2. AERIAL KINGDOM feat. CMLL SUPER ESTRELLAS: Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, KUSHIDA & Mascara Dorada vs. Atlantis, Valiente, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
3. NEW JAPAN RESPIRATION – Kazuchika Okada & YOSHI-HASHI Return Match: Kazuchika Okada vs. YOSHI-HASHI (Nobuo Yoshihashi)
4. BLUE JUSTICE NEVER DIE: Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Masakatsu Funaki & Masayuki Kono
5. TOKYO MONSTER WAR: MVP & Shelton Benjamin vs. Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
6. IWGP Tag Team Title: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson (c) vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima
7. NJPW vs. NOAH BATTLE CONCENTRATION I: Hirooki Goto vs. Takashi Sugiura
8. FIGHTING WITHOUT HONOR OR HUMANITY: Togi Makabe vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
9. NJPW vs. NOAH BATTLE CONCENTRATION II: Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano vs. Go Shiozaki & Naomichi Marufuji
10. GENIUS FACES GENIUS: Tetsuya Naito vs. Keiji Muto
11. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Minoru Suzuki

Masakatsu Funaki returns to his original home at last! New Japan announced five matches for “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ WRESTLE KINGDOM VI IN TOKYO DOME”, Japanese professional wrestling’s annual super-show at the Tokyo Dome in January. Funaki, who many New Japan fans have long waited to see in the company where he was trained, teams up with Masayuki Kono against Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue in a special tag match. New Japan and NOAH go to war as old rivals Hirooki Goto and Takashi Sugiura lock horns, while CHAOS’ Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano do battle with the duo of GHC Heavyweight Champion, Go Shiozaki, and Naomichi Marufuji. TenKoji’s revival grants them a shot at the most dominant IWGP Tag Team Champions in history, Bad Intentions, meaning whether they win or lose, Bernard & Anderson’s reign will have gone from 2010, all the way 2011, and into 2012. And of course, as we all knew, Hiroshi Tanahashi attempts to become the most successful IWGP Heavyweight Champion to ever live as he makes his V11 defense of the prestigious belt against Minoru Suzuki in the main event. More matches are yet to be added but these five promise lots of excitement.

NJPW “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ WRESTLE KINGDOM VI IN TOKYO DOME”, 1/4/12 (WPW/PPV)
Tokyo Dome

1. BLUE JUSTICE NEVER DIE: Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Masakatsu Funaki & Masayuki Kono
2. NJPW vs. NOAH BATTLE CONCENTRATION: Hirooki Goto vs. Takashi Sugiura
3. NJPW vs. NOAH BATTLE CONCENTRATION: Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano vs. Go Shiozaki & Naomichi Marufuji
4. IWGP Tag Team Title: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson (c) vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima
5. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Minoru Suzuki

Full cards for the remaining shows of New Japan’s 2011 have been announced, including the fan voted dream match show, Kojima’s 20th anniversary show, ahd the Korakuen double header around Christmas time. Naito has been removed from the main event of Kojima’s show where he was to team with FUNAKI, due to an injury he has been carrying that has forced him off shows. Singles matches between TenKoji and Bad Intentions appear to confirm suspicions that the most dominant IWGP Tag Team Champions in history, Bernard & Anderson, will face one of the most beloved tag teams in history, Tenzan & Kojima, at the Tokyo Dome. Two titles will be defended on the first Xmas show at Korakuen with Devitt making his V3 defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against Rocky Romero, while in what would have once been an indie dream match, Masato Tanaka makes his V3 defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Title against Tomoaki Honma. Cards also reflect Hideo Saito being booted out of CHAOS as he goes up against members of the group.

NJPW “J SPORTS CROWN DREAM MATCH”, 12/9/11 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Tomohiro Ishii
2. Hirooki Goto, Tomoaki Honma & King Fale vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Yujiro Takahashi
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Jado & Gedo
4. Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki & TAKA Michinoku
5. J SPORTS CROWN DREAM MATCH ~ Worst Voted: Hideo Saito vs. Taichi
6. J SPORTS CROWN DREAM MATCH ~ #3: Togi Makabe vs. KUSHIDA
7. J SPORTS CROWN DREAM MATCH ~ #2: Tiger Mask vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
8. J SPORTS CROWN DREAM MATCH ~ #1: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi

NJPW “NEW JAPAN LIVE IN YOKKAICHI”, 12/11/11
Yokkaichi Australia Memorial Hall

1. Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. King Fale & Hiromu Takahashi
2. Hideo Saito vs. Jado
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Takashi Iizuka & Gedo
4. Yuji Nagata & Tomoaki Honma vs. Masato Tanaka & Tomohiro Ishii
5. Togi Makabe, Hirooki Goto & Wataru Inoue vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Yujiro Takahashi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi

NJPW “SATOSHI KOJIMA 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW ~ RUSH!!”, 12/14/11 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Tiger Mask & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Ryusuke Taguchi & Kyosuke Mikami
2. Hideo Saito vs. Tomohiro Ishii
3. Togi Makabe, Hirooki Goto & King Fale vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Yujiro Takahashi
4. Special Tag Match: The Great Sasuke & The Great Kosuke vs. Jado & Gedo
5. 3rd Generation vs. Hamaguchi Dojo Special 6 Man Tag Match: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata & Koji Kanemoto vs. Yutaka Yoshie, Wataru Inoue & Tomoaki Honma
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi & KUSHIDA vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
2. Satoshi Kojima 20th Anniversary Match: Satoshi Kojima & Kaz Hayashi vs. FUNAKI & X

NJPW “NEW JAPAN LIVE IN TOKOROZAWA”, 12/18/11
Saitama Kusunoki Hall

1. Tomoaki Honma vs. King Fale
2. Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Kyosuke Mikami & Hiromu Takahashi
3. Hideo Saito vs. Gedo
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Takashi Iizuka & Jado
5. Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii
6. Togi Makabe & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Yujiro Takahashi
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tiger Mask vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi

NJPW “ROAD TO KINGDOM 1ST”, 12/23/11 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Kyosuke Mikami vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Hirooki Goto, Ryusuke Taguchi & Hideo Saito vs. Takashi Iizuka, Yujiro Takahashi & Gedo
3. Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & King Fale vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Special Singles Match: Satoshi Kojima vs. Karl Anderson
5. Special Singles Match: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Giant Bernard
6. Special 8 Man Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Minoru Suzuki, Yoshihiro Takayama, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
7. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Rocky Romero
8. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Masato Tanaka (c) vs. Tomoaki Honma

NJPW “ROAD TO KINGDOM ~BATTLE XMAS~”, 12/24/11 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
2. Special Singles Match I: Hideo Saito vs. Takashi Iizuka
3. Special Singles Match II: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Karl Anderson
4. Special Singles Match III: Satoshi Kojima vs. Giant Bernard
5. Special Singles Match IV: Wataru Inoue vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
6. Special Singles Match V: Hirooki Goto vs. Yujiro Takahashi
7. Special Singles Match VI: Yuji Nagata vs. Toru Yano
8. Special Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Togi Makabe vs. Minoru Suzuki & Yoshihiro Takayama

NJPW “NEW JAPAN LIVE IN AKITA”, 12/25/11
Akita Terrsa Hall

1. Kyosuke Mikami vs. Tomohiro Ishii
2. Ryusuke Taguchi & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Rocky Romero & Gedo
3. Tomoaki Honma & Hideo Saito vs. Takashi Iizuka & Yujiro Takahashi
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima & Hirooki Goto vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & King Fale
5. Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Minoru Suzuki, Yoshihiro Takayama, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi

One of New Japan’s most famous tag teams is back! Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima, affectionately known as TenKoji, are reuniting and New Japan has hurriedly altered the big 12/4 Aichi lineup to pit them against the dastardly CHAOS’ duo of Iizuka & Saito. It will be about 2 1/2 years since TenKoji last teamed in a reunion that ended on a flat note with the two losing to Bad Intentions on 5/3/09 in Fukuoka. Could fate drive them towards facing that very team who have become the most successful IWGP Tag Team Champions of all time?

NJPW, 12/4/11 (WPW/PPV)
Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium

1. Karl Anderson & Killer Rabbit vs. Jado & Gedo
2. Tomoaki Honma, Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tama Tonga vs. Toru Yano, Yujiro Takahashi, Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky Romero
3. Special Tag Match: Hirooki Goto & KUSHIDA vs. Takashi Sugiura & Atsushi Aoki
4. Special Tag Match: Togi Makabe & Wataru Inoue vs. Yoshihiro Takayama & Lance Archer
5. Special Tag Match: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima vs. Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
6. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Davey Richards
7. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Masato Tanaka vs. MVP
8. Special Singles Match: Giant Bernard vs. Minoru Suzuki
9. Special Singles Match: Tetsuya Naito vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
10. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Yuji Nagata

Former IWGP Tag Team Champions, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Osamu Nishimura, reunited earlier on Hiromitsu Kanehara’s 20th anniversary show against Daisuke Ikeda & The Great Sasuke. Tenzan pinned Sasuke for the win and the two had a nostalgic chat backstage, Nishimura saying it felt like only yesterday when the two beat Yutaka Yoshie & Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the IWGP Tag Team Title back on 12/14/03 at the Nagoya Rainbow Hall. Nishimura of course has long since left New Japan, becoming a freelancer in January ’06, but when Tenzan invited him home Nishimura thanked him and said maybe he would some day.

Hiromitsu Kanehara Produce “Hiromitsu Kanehara 20th Anniversary Show ~U-SPIRITS~”, 11/16/11
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

- Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Osamu Nishimura beat Daisuke Ikeda & The Great Sasuke (15:42) when Tenzan used the TTD on Sasuke.

Ten big matches make up the last major show of 2011 for New Japan in Aichi, the tour climax of the upcoming “NEW JAPAN ALIVE 2011“. All eyes are on the most prestigious prize in Japanese pro wrestling, the IWGP Heavyweight Title, as Hiroshi Tanahashi looks to equal Yuji Nagata’s defense record of ten by making his V10 defense of the belt against the man himself. Tanahashi vs. Nagata is the centerpiece of the entire tour, meaning every main event has a New Japan vs. New Japan look to it, rather than the typical New Japan vs. enemy faction setup. The G1 Climax final is revisited in Aichi also as Tetsuya Naito tries to take down Shinsuke Nakamura, while following on from the IWGP Tag Team Title match in Osaka, Giant Bernard and Minoru Suzuki go to war in singles action.

After bypassing the challenge of Hirooki Goto, Masato Tanaka makes his V2 defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Title against the founding champion MVP, while Prince Devitt again treads on familiar ground by making his V2 defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against one of the men who took the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title from he and Taguchi recently, Davey Richards. Of course Richards pinned Devitt in that match and so earns another shot at singles gold as he did during Devitt’s first reign. Special tag matches are also set up including the revival of an old feud between Hirooki Goto and the most successful GHC Heavyweight Champion in its history, NOAH’s Takashi Sugiura. Since their singles series these two have sporadically met in tag action, suggesting another singles match could be on the cards at some point.

Satoshi Kojima reforms his “KojiKaz” team with Kaz Hayashi on 12/14 at Korakuen as part of his 20th anniversary show. They team up against the special Animal Hamiguchi Dojo pair of Tetsuya Naito and FUNAKI in the main evemt. Kojima will also revive his old Great Kosuke persona to team with The Great Sasuke again Jado & Gedo. More matches to be announced for that show.

NJPW, 11/18/11
Sun Village Shibata

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Kyosuke Mikami vs. Hideo Saito
3. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & King Fale vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
5. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tiger Mask vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Hirooki Goto, MVP, Tetsuya Naito & Tama Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Yuji Nagata, Satoshi Kojima & Wataru Inoue

NJPW, 11/19/11
Odawara Arena

1. Kyosuke Mikami vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Tomohiro Ishii
3. Tiger Mask, KUSHIDA & King Fale vs. Jado, Gedo & Hideo Saito
4. Satoshi Kojima & Tama Tonga vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
5. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Tetsuya Naito, MVP, Tomoaki Honma & Prince Devitt vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi & Rocky Romero
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Hirooki Goto vs. Yuji Nagata, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Wataru Inoue

NJPW, 11/20/11
Tatebayashi Citizen Gymnasium

1. Kyosuke Mikami vs. Rocky Romero
2. Tama Tonga & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Jado & Gedo
3. Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
4. Hirooki Goto, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Wataru Inoue vs. Takashi Iizuka, Hideo Saito & Tomohiro Ishii
5. King Fale vs. Minoru Suzuki
6. Togi Makabe, Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Yujiro Takahashi
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, MVP, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Yuji Nagata, Satoshi Kojima, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA

NJPW, 11/23/11
Tottori Industrial Gymnasium

1. King Fale vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Hiromu Takahashi vs. TAKA Michinoku
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Black Buffalo vs. Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
4. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Davey Richards, Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
5. Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
6. Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito, Tomoaki Honma & Tama Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & MVP vs. Yuji Nagata, Satoshi Kojima & Wataru Inoue

NJPW, 11/24/11
Onohara Hall

1. Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe vs. Jado & Gedo
2. Kyosuke Mikami vs. Hideo Saito
3. King Fale vs. Takashi Iizuka
4. Tomoaki Honma, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Davey Richards & Rocky Romero
5. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & Tetsuya Naito vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, MVP & KUSHIDA vs. Yuji Nagata, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Wataru Inoue & Tiger Mask

NJPW, 11/26/11
ITEM Ehime

1. Kyosuke Mikami vs. Tomohiro Ishii
2. KUSHIDA & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Jado & Gedo
3. King Fale vs. Yujiro Takahashi
4. Hirooki Goto, Satoshi Kojima & Tama Tonga vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
5. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tiger Mask vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Tetsuya Naito, MVP, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka , Davey Richards & Rocky Romero
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Yuji Nagata, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Wataru Inoue

NJPW, 11/27/11
Tex Port Imabari

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Toru Yano
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, King Fale & Kyosuke Mikami vs. Takashi Iizuka, Hideo Saito & Tomohiro Ishii
3. Giant Bernard & Tama Tonga vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
4. MVP, Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Masato Tanaka , Davey Richards, Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
5. Karl Anderson vs. Minoru Suzuki
6. Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Yujiro Takahashi
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Hirooki Goto vs. Yuji Nagata, Satoshi Kojima & Wataru Inoue

NJPW, 11/28/11
Yamaguchi Butterfly Arena

1. Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe vs. Jado & Gedo
2. Wataru Inoue & King Fale vs. Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
3. Satoshi Kojima, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Tomohiro Ishii, Davey Richards & Rocky Romero
4. Togi Makabe, Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Tetsuya Naito, MVP, Tomoaki Honma & Tama Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & KUSHIDA vs. Yuji Nagata, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Tiger Mask

NJPW, 11/29/11
Wakayama Arita Municipal Gymnasium

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Tomohiro Ishii
2. King Fale & Kyosuke Mikami vs. Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
3. Karl Anderson, Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tama Tonga vs. Davey Richards, Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
4. Giant Bernard, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
5. Satoshi Kojima, Tetsuya Naito, MVP & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Hirooki Goto vs. Yuji Nagata, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Wataru Inoue

NJPW, 12/4/11 (WPW/PPV)
Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium

1. Karl Anderson & Killer Rabbit vs. Jado & Gedo
2. Satoshi Kojima, Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tama Tonga vs. Toru Yano, Yujiro Takahashi, Tomohiro Ishii & Rocky Romero
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Tomoaki Honma vs. Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
4. Special Tag Match: Hirooki Goto & KUSHIDA vs. Takashi Sugiura & Atsushi Aoki
5. Special Tag Match: Togi Makabe & Wataru Inoue vs. Yoshihiro Takayama & Lance Archer
6. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Davey Richards
7. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Masato Tanaka vs. MVP
8. Special Singles Match: Giant Bernard vs. Minoru Suzuki
9. Special Singles Match: Tetsuya Naito vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
10. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Yuji Nagata

-

NJPW “SATOSHI KOJIMA 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW ~ RUSH!!”, 12/14/11 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Special Tag Match: The Great Sasuke & The Great Kosuke vs. Jado & Gedo
2. Satoshi Kojima 20th Anniversary Match: Satoshi Kojima & Kaz Hayashi vs. Tetsuya Naito & FUNAKI

“POWER STRUGGLE” will live up to its name as today’s full card announcement for the 11/12 Osaka super-show confirmed that all five IWGP titles will be on the line and each one will have a New Japan vs. enemy faction theme. G1 Tag League 2011 winners Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer are granted their IWGP Tag Team Title match quickly as they face the most successful champions in the title’s 26 year history, Bad Intentions. This will be Bernard & Anderson’s V10 defense of the belts and although they already hold the defense record, reaching double figures would be a massive achievement for the two and is something they will want to do. 11 matches make up the show with two special tag matches also added today, including one-time tag partners from long ago Makabe and Takayama renewing their feud. The full card for 11/13 Kyoto was also announced.

* Correction from yesterday – the NJPW/CMLL shows will be on the 21st and 22nd of January, not the 23rd and 24th. Thanks to Walt for emailing me that correction.

NJPW “POWER STRUGGLE”, 11/12/11 (WPW/PPV)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

1. Tama Tonga & Killer Rabbit vs. Jado & Gedo
2. Wataru Inoue & Tomoaki Honma vs. Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
3. Yuji Nagata vs. Tomohiro Ishii
4. Special Tag Match: Togi Makabe & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Yoshihiro Takayama & Taichi
5. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Davey Richards & Rocky Romero (c) vs. Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA
6. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt vs. TAKA Michinoku
7. Special Tag Match: MVP & Tetsuya Naito vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Yujiro Takahashi
8. Special Singles Match: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Satoshi Kojima
9. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Masato Tanaka (c) vs. Hirooki Goto
10. IWGP Tag Team Title: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson (c) vs. Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer
11. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Toru Yano

NJPW “NEW JAPAN LIVE IN KYOTO”, 11/13/11 (Samurai! TV)
Kyoto KBS Hall

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Tama Tonga vs. Kyosuke Mikami
3. Special 8 Man Tag Match I: Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Davey Richards, Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
4. Satoshi Kojima vs. King Fale
5. Special 8 Man Tag Match II: Togi Makabe, Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tomoaki Honma vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Takashi Iizuka, Hideo Saito & Tomohiro Ishii
7. Special 8 Man Tag Match III: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, MVP & Tetsuya Naito vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi

Hiroshi Tanahashi makes his V9 defense of the IWGP Heavyweight Title at “POWER STRUGGLE” next month against the man who stole it from him yesterday, CHAOS’ Toru Yano. Tanahashi had accepted a challenge from IWGP Heavyweight Title defense record holder Yuji Nagata before Yano attacked Tana and ran off with his belt, in doing so luring the ace of New Japan into agreeing to a title match against the super-heel. The show name is fitting as four title matches have been announced and all have a theme of New Japan army vs. rival faction. In addition to Tanahashi vs. Yano, CHAOS’ Masato Tanaka makes his V1 defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Title against old rival Hirooki Goto who he had a lengthy series of matches with not so long ago.

Prince Devitt makes his V2 defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against TAKA Michinoku, who challenged Devitt unsuccessfully in February during the Irishman’s previous reign. And new IWGP Jr. Tag Team Champions, Davey Richards & Rocky Romero, make their V1 defense against Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA. KUSHIDA has yet to hold a title in New Japan while Tiger Mask, once the dominant ace of the division, hasn’t held any IWGP gold since losing the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title at the beginning of 2010. TenKoji collide again as old friends and rivals Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima have another singles battle, going into this match 1-1 after recent matches.

Also announced today were full G1 Tag League cards. New Japan also runs a charity show on the 15th at the Miyako Fish Market for victims of the earthquake earlier this year. This will be free admission and will have just a few matches.

NJPW “NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING IN MIYAKO FISH MARKET ~ EAST JAPAN EARTHQUAKE CHARITY”, 10/15/11
Miyako Fish Market

1. Tetsuya Naito vs. King Fale
2. Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Jado & Gedo

NJPW “NEW JAPAN LIVE IN YAMAGATA”, 10/16/11
Yamagata Sports Center #2

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. TAKA Michinoku
2. Yuji Nagata & Kyosuke Mikami vs. Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
3. Tetsuya Naito, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Jado & Gedo
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & King Fale vs. Satoshi Kojima & Tama Tonga
5. Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer & Taichi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 10/22/11 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Ryusuke Taguchi & Takaaki Watanabe vs. Kyosuke Mikami & Hiromu Takahashi
2. Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
3. G1 Tag League – Block B: Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Don Fujii
4. G1 Tag League – Block A: Yuji Nagata & King Fale vs. Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
5. G1 Tag League – Block A: Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Strong Man & Tama Tonga
6. G1 Tag League – Block A: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer
7. G1 Tag League – Block B: Togi Makabe & Satoshi Kojima vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Wataru Inoue
8. G1 Tag League – Block B: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano

NJPW, 10/23/11 (J SPORTS)
Kuki City Gymnasium

1. Ryusuke Taguchi & Takaaki Watanabe vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
2. Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Kyosuke Mikami & Hiromu Takahashi
3. G1 Tag League – Block A: Yuji Nagata & King Fale vs. Strong Man & Tama Tonga
4. G1 Tag League – Block A: Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer
5. Tetsuya Naito, Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii & Jado
6. G1 Tag League – Block B: Togi Makabe & Satoshi Kojima vs. Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
7. G1 Tag League – Block B: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Wataru Inoue

NJPW, 10/24/11
New Sunpia Tochigi

1. Takaaki Watanabe vs. TAKA Michinoku
2. Yuji Nagata, King Fale & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Strong Man, Tama Tonga & Kyosuke Mikami
3. G1 Tag League – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Wataru Inoue vs. Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
4. G1 Tag League – Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Don Fujii
5. Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer & Taichi
6. G1 Tag League – Block A: Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi, Jado & Gedo

NJPW, 10/26/11
Chiba Port Arena Sub Arena

1. Kyosuke Mikami vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. G1 Tag League – Block A: Strong Man & Tama Tonga vs. Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
3. G1 Tag League – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Wataru Inoue vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Don Fujii
4. G1 Tag League – Block A: Yuji Nagata & King Fale vs. Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma
5. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Jado
6. Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
7. G1 Tag League – Block B: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito

NJPW, 10/30/11 (J SPORTS)
Nishio City Gymnasium

1. Ryusuke Taguchi & Takaaki Watanabe vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
2. Tetsuya Naito, Tomoaki Honma & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Strong Man, Tama Tonga & Kyosuke Mikami
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Wataru Inoue, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Takashi Iizuka, Hideo Saito, Jado & Gedo
4. G1 Tag League – Block A: Yuji Nagata & King Fale vs. Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer
5. G1 Tag League – Block A: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
6. G1 Tag League – Block B: Togi Makabe & Satoshi Kojima vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano
7. G1 Tag League – Block B: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Don Fujii

NJPW, 11/3/11 (J SPORTS)
New Sunpia Gunma

1. Ryusuke Taguchi & Hiromu Takahashi vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Wataru Inoue & Takaaki Watanabe vs. Yuji Nagata, King Fale & Kyosuke Mikami
3. G1 Tag League – Block A: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Strong Man & Tama Tonga
4. G1 Tag League – Block B: Togi Makabe & Satoshi Kojima vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Don Fujii
5. G1 Tag League – Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano vs. Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
6. G1 Tag League – Block A: Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi, Jado & Gedo

NJPW, 11/4/11 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. Takaaki Watanabe vs. Hideo Saito
2. Kyosuke Mikami & Hiromu Takahashi vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
3. Tiger Mask, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Takashi Iizuka, Jado & Tomohiro Ishii
4. G1 Tag League – Block A: Strong Man & Tama Tonga vs. Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer
5. G1 Tag League – Block A: Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
6. G1 Tag League – Block A: Yuji Nagata & King Fale vs. Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson
7. G1 Tag League – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Wataru Inoue vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano
8. G1 Tag League – Block B: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Togi Makabe & Satoshi Kojima

NJPW, 11/6/11 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. G1 Tag League – Semi Final: Block A 1st place vs. Block B 2nd place
2. G1 Tag League – Semi Final: Block B 1st place vs. Block A 2nd place
3. G1 Tag League – Final:

NJPW “POWER STRUGGLE”, 11/12/11 (WPW/PPV)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Davey Richards & Rocky Romero (c) vs. Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA
2. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt vs. TAKA Michinoku
3. Special Singles Match: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Satoshi Kojima
4. IWGP Intercontinental Title: Masato Tanaka (c) vs. Hirooki Goto
5. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Toru Yano

Below is the updated schedule for what is left of 2011 in New Japan. The big news is that following Tenzan’s successful 20th anniversary show, Satoshi Kojima will have his own on 12/14 at Korakuen, so his official return to New Japan couldn’t have come at a better time. With a big Osaka show in November this year, there won’t be one on the final tour, so the customary Aichi show will be the last major event of 2011 for New Japan.

NEW JAPAN ALIVE 2011 (11/18/11 to 12/4/10)
- 11/18 @ Sun Village Shibata
- 11/19 @ Odawara Arena
- 11/20 @ Tatebayashi Citizen Gymnasium
- 11/23 @ Tottori Industrial Gymnasium
- 11/24 @ Onohara Hall
- 11/26 @ ITEM Ehime
- 11/27 @ Tex Port Imabari
- 11/28 @ Yamaguchi Butterfly Arena
- 11/29 @ Wakayama Arita Municipal Gymnasium
- 12/4 @ Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium WPW/PPV

- 12/14 “SATOSHI KOJIMA 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW ~ RUSH!!” @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall SAMURAI!
- 1/4/12 “NJPW 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR ~ WRESTLE KINGDOM VI IN TOKYO DOME” @ Tokyo Dome WPW/PPV

IWGP Tag & GHC Tag double champions Bad Intentions will make their V2 defense of NOAH’s GHC Tag Team Title on 10/31 at Differ Ariake against the young generation team of Go Shiozaki & Shuhei Taniguchi. Shiozaki is the reigning GHC Heavyweight Champion and just bypassed a tough V2 defense against Yoshihiro Takayama, so will be looking to become a 2-crown champion like both Bernard and Anderson are at the moment.

NOAH “NOAHFUL HALLOWEEN NIGHT”, 10/31/11
Tokyo Differ Ariake

- GHC Tag Team Title: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson (c) vs. Go Shiozaki & Shuhei Taniguchi

New Japan have revealed the entrants into this year’s G1 Tag League that runs from 10/22 to 11/6. It marks the return of Bad Intentions, the all-conquering IWGP Tag Team Champions, after a short absence.

Many other interesting combinations are involved including the all-star team of Tanahashi & Goto and a special team comprised of Ishii and DRAGON GATE’s Don Fujii called “SOUL OF W”, the “W” standing for WAR (Tenryu’s old promotion).

Last year’s winners Nagata & Inoue are in separate teams this year with Wataru having seemed to have shifted from having Nagata to Tenzan as his teacher lately. Nagata assumes a similar role for King Fale who he teams up with.

- “Bad Intentions” Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson
- “The Billion Powers” Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto
- “Beast Combination” Satoshi Kojima & Togi Makabe
- “Teacher & Student” Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Wataru Inoue
- “Blue Justice” Yuji Nagata & King Fale
- “Stardust * Stream” Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma
- “CHAOS Top Team” Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano
- “CHAOS OF THE NORTHERN” Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
- “Complete Players” Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
- “SOUL OF W” Tomohiro Ishii & Don Fujii
- “Suzuki-gun” Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer
- “Muscle Pavilion” Strong Man & Tama Tonga

Tetsuya Naito’s massive year continues at Sumo Hall on October 10th when he challenges Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Title and attempts to break into the upper tier of New Japan. Naito reached the G1 Climax final and lost narrowly to the man Tanahashi beat yesterday, Shinsuke Nakamura, so will have to go to a new level in order to defeat the ace of New Japan. Ten matches were announced for the October super-show today with this match topping it.

Underneath, Makabe faces Suzuki while MVP finally defends his IWGP Intercontinental Title against someone other than Yano as he faces a man with much international experience, former ECW World Heavyweight Champion, Masato Tanaka. Nagata vs. Yano is set as expected, while Apollo 55 make their V8 defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title against Davey Richards & Rocky Romero. They already beat this team in their V4 defense but aren’t afraid to beat the same team twice as they did TAKA & Taichi (V2 and V7).

Satoshi Kojima makes his official return as a New Japan wrestler, his first match as a fully affiliated member of the roster since 1/24/02 when he faces eternal friend Hiroyoshi Tenzan in a rematch from the G1 Climax. CMLL superstar Ultimo Guerrero also makes a special appearance as he teams with CHAOS leader Nakamura against Goto & Tama Tonga in a special tag match.

The opening match features “Schwarz” and “Weiss” who seem to be based on anime characters as President Sugabayashi mentioned that they are “special athletes” who are appearing as part of a tie-up with Bushiroad.

NJPW “DESTRUCTION ’11″, 10/10/11 (WPW/PPV)
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. Schwarz, Weiss, Tiger Mask, KUSHIDA & Killer Rabbit vs. Takashi Iizuka, Jado, Gedo, Tomohiro Ishii & Hideo Saito
2. Tomoaki Honma vs. Yujiro Takahashi
3. Wataru Inoue vs. Lance Archer
4. Special Tag Match: Hirooki Goto & Tama Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Ultimo Guerrero
5. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi (c) vs. Davey Richards & Rocky Romero
6. Satoshi Kojima Return Match: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Satoshi Kojima
7. Special Singles Match: Yuji Nagata vs. Toru Yano
8. IWGP Intercontinental Title: MVP (c) vs. Masato Tanaka
9. Special Singles Match: Togi Makabe vs. Minoru Suzuki
10. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito

NJPW “NEW JAPAN LIVE IN UONUMA”, 10/8/11
Koide Village Gymnasium

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Rocky Romero, Jado, Gedo & Tomohiro Ishii
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Kyosuke Mikami vs. Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
4. Togi Makabe & Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
5. Yuji Nagata, King Fale & Tama Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Yujiro Takahashi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma

NJPW “HIROYOSHI TENZAN 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW”, 10/3/11 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Kyosuke Mikami, Hiromu Takahashi & Takaaki Watanabe vs. Rocky Romero, Jado & Gedo
2. Taichi vs. Hideo Saito
3. Tomoaki Honma, Tama Tonga & King Fale vs. Takashi Iizuka, Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Togi Makabe & Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki & TAKA Michinoku
5. Yuji Nagata & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Tetsuya Naito, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi
7. Hiroyoshi Tenzan 20th Anniversary Match: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Masahiro Chono & Hiro Saito vs. Osamu Nishimura, Koji Kanemoto & Shinjiro Otani

Lineups for all but four of the shows making up “G1 CLIMAX SPECIAL 2011” have been announced with all roads leading to Kobe World Hall on 9/19. On 9/11 at Korakuen, “Apollo 55″ Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi make their V7 defense of the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title against the team they beat in their second defense back in March, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi. Four singles matches have been added to the 9/19 Kobe big show, including chapter three of Tetsuya Naito vs. Yujiro Takahashi, with the G1 Climax runner-up looking to get revenge over his former tag partner, who is now 2-0 up in singles matches since the team split. Tanahashi is missing for much of the tour as he will be in Mexico working for CMLL but the IWGP Heavyweight Champion will of course be back for his title defense against Nakamura.

Also announced today was the card for NEVER.7, which has a theme of young but established stars against less established young men, headlined by Naito vs. KUSHIDA.

NJPW, 9/3/11
Yokkaichi Australia Memorial Hall

1. Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tama Tonga vs. Tiger Mask & Tomoaki Honma
3. Yuji Nagata & King Fale vs. Toru Yano & Hideo Saito
4. Togi Makabe & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
5. Wataru Inoue & Prince Devitt vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
6. Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito & KUSHIDA vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & Gedo

NJPW, 9/4/11
Twin Messe Shizuoka

1. Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Prince Devitt & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA
3. Tama Tonga vs. Hideo Saito
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata & Tomoaki Honma vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Gedo
5. Wataru Inoue & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
6. Togi Makabe, Hirooki Goto & Tetsuya Naito vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 9/7/11
Saku City Gymnasium

1. King Fale vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. KUSHIDA vs. Kyosuke Mikami
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata & Tomoaki Honma vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
4. MVP & Tama Tonga vs. Masato Tanaka & Tomohiro Ishii
5. Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito & Tiger Mask vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & Gedo

NJPW, 9/8/11
Toyama Techno Hall

1. Tama Tonga vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. KUSHIDA vs. Hiromu Takahashi
3. Yuji Nagata & King Fale vs. Toru Yano & Hideo Saito
4. MVP, Tetsuya Naito & Tiger Mask vs. Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi & Gedo
5. Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 9/9/11
Chichibu Cultural Sports Center

1. Kyosuke Mikami vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Tama Tonga vs. King Fale
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Tiger Mask vs. Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
4. MVP, Tetsuya Naito & KUSHIDA vs. Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi & Gedo
5. Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Hirooki Goto, Yuji Nagata & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Hideo Saito

NJPW, 9/10/11
Tokorozawa Citizen Gymnasium #2

1. King Fale vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Kyosuke Mikami & Hiromu Takahashi
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata & Tomoaki Honma vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
4. Tetsuya Naito & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Gedo
5. Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Hirooki Goto, MVP & Tama Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 9/11/11 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Kyosuke Mikami vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Jushin Thunder Liger & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA
3. Tomoaki Honma & Tama Tonga vs. Toru Yano & Gedo
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata & King Fale vs. Takashi Iizuka, Hideo Saito & Tomohiro Ishii
5. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi (c) vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Special Tag Match: Togi Makabe & Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer
7. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Hirooki Goto, MVP & Tetsuya Naito vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi

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

1. Special Singles Match: Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki
2. Special Singles Match: Togi Makabe vs. Lance Archer
3. Special Singles Match: Yuji Nagata vs. Hideo Saito
4. Special Singles Match: Tetsuya Naito vs. Yujiro Takahashi
5. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Kota Ibushi (c) vs. KUSHIDA
6. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

NJPW “NEVER.7 ~GO TO THE NEXT LEVEL~”, 9/21/11 (Samurai! TV)
Osaka World Hall

1. Go To the Next Level I: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Takaaki Watanabe
2. Go To the Next Level II: Yujiro Takahashi vs. Kyosuke Mikami
3. Go To the Next Level III: Hideo Saito vs. King Fale
4. Go To the Next Level IV: Toru Yano vs. Hiromu Takahashi
5. Go To the Next Level V: Hirooki Goto vs. Tama Tonga
6. Go To the Next Level VI: Tetsuya Naito vs. KUSHIDA

Wataru Inoue replaces the injured Satoshi Kojima at “ALL TOGETHER”, teaming with several third generation peers including his mentor Yuji Nagata. New Japan’s King Fale, along with All Japan’s BLACK BUSHI and freelancer Kentaro Shiga have been added to the battle royal on the show too. In all, 82 wrestlers will appear on this special event.

NJPW/AJPW/NOAH “ALL TOGETHER”, 8/27/11
Tokyo Nippon Budokan

1. ALL TOGETHER Opening Match ~ SUNRISE OF J: Kota Ibushi , Taiji Ishimori , Hiroshi Yamato & BUSHI vs. Tiger Mask , Kaz Hayashi , Shuji Kondo & Ricky Marvin
2. FIGHTING FOR FUTURE: Tetsuya Naito , Shuhei Taniguchi & Seiya Sanada vs. Mohammed Yone , Yujiro Takahashi & Manabu Soya
3. OVER THE BORDER: Togi Makabe & Akitoshi Saito vs. Hirooki Goto & Taiyo Kea
4. JUNIOR ONE NIGHT CARNIVAL: Prince Devitt , Ryusuke Taguchi , Kotaro Suzuki , Katsuhiko Nakajima & KAI vs. Koji Kanemoto , KENTA , Yoshinobu Kanemaru , Minoru & Genba Hirayanagi
5. ONE NIGHT REUNION: Masakatsu Funaki , Takuma Sano & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Minoru Suzuki, Atsushi Aoki & Taichi
6. Destroyer Cup – ALL TOGETHER Special Battle Royal: Hideo Saito , Tomohiro Ishii , Gedo , Takaaki Watanabe , Hiromu Takahashi , King Fale , KUSHIDA , Wataru Inoue , Tomoaki Honma , Super Strong Machine , Jun Nishikawa , Satoshi Kajiwara , Kento Miyahara , Che-Gyong Lee , Takumi Soya , Soshun , Yasufumi Nakanoue , Masanobu Fuchi , Rene Dupree , Joe Doering , BLACK BUSHI , Masao Inoue , Yoshinari Ogawa , Akira Taue , Kentaro Shiga, MAZADA, Zack Sabre Jr.
7. MIDSUMMER ENCOUNTER IN BUDOKAN: Yuji Nagata , Hiroyoshi Tenzan , Osamu Nishimura & Wataru Inoue vs. Takeshi Morishima , Akebono, Yutaka Yoshie & Ryota Hama
8. NO FEAR! GO AHEAD!: Kensuke Sasaki & Jun Akiyama vs. Yoshihiro Takayama & Takao Omori
9. BELIEVE THE POWER OF “Prowrestling!”: Kenta Kobashi & Keiji Muto vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
10. ALL TOGETHER NOW!: Hiroshi Tanahashi , Go Shiozaki & Suwama vs. Shinsuke Nakamura , Takashi Sugiura & KENSO

Satoshi Kojima is off Nagata’s 8/30 Korakuen show due to an eye injury suffered in the G1 Climax, which looks likely to keep him out of action a while. Young lion Kyosuke Mikami is also sidelined at the moment with injury, while Manabu Nakanishi remains a long-term casualty after suffering spinal damage earlier in the year. The card for the 8/22 house show was announced, featuring a Tanahashi vs. Nakamura prelude match.

NJPW “NEW JAPAN LIVE IN TSUBAME ~TSUBAME RETURNS~”, 8/22/11
Tsubame Citizen Gymnasium

1. Jushin Thunder Liger & Takaaki Watanabe vs. Tiger Mask & Hiromu Takahashi
2. Wataru Inoue vs. King Fale
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Yuji Nagata vs. Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
4. Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii
5. Togi Makabe & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & KUSHIDA vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Gedo

NJPW “NAGATA PRODUCE ~ BLUE JUSTICE.3″, 8/30/11 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Hiromu Takahashi vs. Kyosuke Mikami
2. Wataru Inoue & King Fale vs. Hideo Saito & Gedo
3. Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Jushin Thunder Liger & Tiger Mask
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Tomoaki Honma
5. Togi Makabe & KUSHIDA vs. Minoru Suzuki & Taichi
6. Tama Tonga Return Match: Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito & Tama Tonga vs. Takashi Iizuka, Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii
7. Special Tag Match: Yuji Nagata & Jun Akiyama vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano

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

New Japan Pro-Wrestling, All Japan Pro-Wrestling, and Pro Wrestling NOAH unite later this month for “ALL TOGETHER”, the special charity event for victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan earlier this year. Ten matches make up one of the most unique and diverse cards ever seen in Japanese pro wrestling, featuring wrestlers from the three most well known promotions but also several guests from elsewhere, including the Kensuke Office and DDT.

Top young generation stars from the “Big 3″ collide in an exciting main event as Hiroshi Tanahashi (IWGP Heavyweight Champion), Go Shiozaki (GHC Heavyweight Champion) & Suwama (Triple Crown Champion) battle Shinsuke Nakamura, Takashi Sugiura & KENSO. In one of many emotional reunions on the day, this will mark the first time former tag partners Tanahashi and Kenzo Suzuki have been in the same ring since KENSO left New Japan many years ago now.

Underneath that the legends take center stage as Kenta Kobashi, recently back from a very long absence, teams with Keiji Muto against CHAOS’ Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka. For Yano and even Iizuka, despite his age and experience, this is a huge match in such a prominent position on such a big card, considering some of the names in lower profile matches.

The seventh match features another emotional reunion as New Japan third generation trueborns, Yuji Nagata, Satoshi Kojima, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, and Osamu Nishimura unite against the “fat man” team of Takeshi Morishima, Akebono, Yutaka Yoshie & Ryota Hama. The fifth match is also of particular interest with Masakatsu Funaki, Takuma Sano, Jushin Thunder Liger, and Minoru Suzuki all involved, and all came out of New Japan’s dojo from 1984 to 1988, the first three within a year of each other.

Many other matches including special junior bouts make up what should be a great card for a great cause.

NJPW/AJPW/NOAH “ALL TOGETHER”, 8/27/11
Tokyo Nippon Budokan

1. ALL TOGETHER Opening Match ~ SUNRISE OF J: Kota Ibushi , Taiji Ishimori , Hiroshi Yamato & BUSHI vs. Tiger Mask , Kaz Hayashi , Shuji Kondo & Ricky Marvin
2. FIGHTING FOR FUTURE: Tetsuya Naito , Shuhei Taniguchi & Seiya Sanada vs. Mohammed Yone , Yujiro Takahashi & Manabu Soya
3. OVER THE BORDER: Togi Makabe & Akitoshi Saito vs. Hirooki Goto & Taiyo Kea
4. JUNIOR ONE NIGHT CARNIVAL: Prince Devitt , Ryusuke Taguchi , Kotaro Suzuki , Katsuhiko Nakajima & KAI vs. Koji Kanemoto , KENTA , Yoshinobu Kanemaru , Minoru & Genba Hirayanagi
5. ONE NIGHT REUNION: Masakatsu Funaki , Takuma Sano & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Minoru Suzuki, Atsushi Aoki & Taichi
6. Destroyer Cup – ALL TOGETHER Special Battle Royal: Hideo Saito , Tomohiro Ishii , Gedo , Takaaki Watanabe , Hiromu Takahashi , KUSHIDA , Wataru Inoue , Tomoaki Honma , Super Strong Machine , Jun Nishikawa , Satoshi Kajiwara , Kento Miyahara , Che-Gyong Lee , Takumi Soya , Soshun , Yasufumi Nakanoue , Masanobu Fuchi , Rene Dupree , Joe Doering , Masao Inoue , Yoshinari Ogawa , Akira Taue , MAZADA, Zack Sabre Jr.
7. MIDSUMMER ENCOUNTER IN BUDOKAN: Yuji Nagata , Satoshi Kojima, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Osamu Nishimura vs. Takeshi Morishima , Akebono, Yutaka Yoshie & Ryota Hama
8. NO FEAR! GO AHEAD!: Kensuke Sasaki & Jun Akiyama vs. Yoshihiro Takayama & Takao Omori
9. BELIEVE THE POWER OF “Prowrestling!”: Kenta Kobashi & Keiji Muto vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
10. ALL TOGETHER NOW!: Hiroshi Tanahashi , Go Shiozaki & Suwama vs. Shinsuke Nakamura , Takashi Sugiura & KENSO

Full cards and match order (besides 8/14) for the upcoming “G1 CLIMAX XXI ~THE INVINCIBLE FIGHTER~” have been announced. Two very notable additions for the opening and closing day shows.

On day one in Fukuoka, Kota Ibushi makes his V2 defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against Ryusuke Taguchi. Having taken the belt off Taguchi’s tag partner Devitt, then having defeated Devitt in his first defense, Ibushi must now overcome the other half of Apollo 55.

Then on the tour climax at Sumo Hall, the long-running Apollo 55 vs. Golden Lovers saga continues when Devitt & Taguchi make their V6 defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title against Ibushi & Kenny Omega, the team they regained the belts from in January after previously losing them to the DDT tandem.

NJPW, 8/1/11 (WPW/PPV)
Fukuoka International Center

1. G1 Climax – Block B: Wataru Inoue vs. La Sombra
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Giant Bernard vs. Hideo Saito
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Toru Yano vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
4. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan
5. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Kota Ibushi (c) vs. Ryusuke Taguchi
6. G1 Climax – Block A: Tetsuya Naito vs. Yujiro Takahashi
7. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Lance Archer
8. G1 Climax – Block B: Satoshi Kojima vs. Minoru Suzuki
9. G1 Climax – Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. MVP
10. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Yuji Nagata

NJPW, 8/2/11 (Samurai! TV)
Fukuoka International Center

1. G1 Climax – Block B: Karl Anderson vs. La Sombra
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Lance Archer vs. Hideo Saito
3. G1 Climax – Block B: Wataru Inoue vs. Strong Man
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Giant Bernard vs. Yujiro Takahashi
5. Hirooki Goto, Jushin Thunder Liger & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Jado, Gedo & Tomohiro Ishii
6. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Tetsuya Naito
7. G1 Climax – Block B: MVP vs. Minoru Suzuki
8. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Toru Yano
9. G1 Climax – Block B: Satoshi Kojima vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
10. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Yoshihiro Takayama

NJPW, 8/5/11 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. G1 Climax – Block B: Strong Man vs. La Sombra
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Yujiro Takahashi vs. Hideo Saito
3. G1 Climax – Block B: Wataru Inoue vs. MVP
4. G1 Climax – Block B: Karl Anderson vs. Minoru Suzuki
5. G1 Climax – Block A: Giant Bernard vs. Lance Archer
6. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Toru Yano
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
8. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Tetsuya Naito
9. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Satoshi Kojima

NJPW, 8/6/11 (J SPORTS)
Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium

1. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. La Sombra
2. G1 Climax – Block B: Karl Anderson vs. Strong Man
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Yujiro Takahashi
4. G1 Climax – Block B: Wataru Inoue vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
5. Satoshi Kojima & MVP vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Hideo Saito
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Minoru Suzuki
8. G1 Climax – Block A: Tetsuya Naito vs. Toru Yano
9. G1 Climax – Block A: Giant Bernard vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
10. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Lance Archer

NJPW, 8/7/11 (J SPORTS)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Hideo Saito vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Toru Yano vs. Yujiro Takahashi
3. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Wataru Inoue
4. G1 Climax – Block B: La Sombra vs. Minoru Suzuki
5. Tetsuya Naito & Tomoaki Honma vs. Lance Archer & TAKA Michinoku
6. G1 Climax – Block B: Strong Man vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Karl Anderson
8. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Giant Bernard
9. G1 Climax – Block B: Satoshi Kojima vs. MVP
10. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Togi Makabe

NJPW, 8/8/11 (J SPORTS)
Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium

1. G1 Climax – Block B: Wataru Inoue vs. Karl Anderson
2. G1 Climax – Block B: Satoshi Kojima vs. Strong Man
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Yujiro Takahashi vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Tetsuya Naito vs. Lance Archer
5. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. MVP
6. G1 Climax – Block B: La Sombra vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
7. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Hideo Saito
8. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Minoru Suzuki
9. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Yuji Nagata

NJPW, 8/10/11 (Samurai! TV)
Yoyogi National Stadium Gymnasium #2

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Yujiro Takahashi vs. Lance Archer
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Toru Yano vs. Hideo Saito
3. G1 Climax – Block B: Satoshi Kojima vs. La Sombra
4. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Strong Man
5. G1 Climax – Block B: Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki
6. G1 Climax – Block B: Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. MVP
8. G1 Climax – Block A: Tetsuya Naito vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
9. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Giant Bernard

NJPW, 8/11/11 (Samurai! TV)
Yoyogi National Stadium Gymnasium #2

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Tetsuya Naito vs. Hideo Saito
2. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. La Sombra
3. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Wataru Inoue
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Toru Yano vs. Lance Archer
5. G1 Climax – Block B: MVP vs. Strong Man
6. G1 Climax – Block B: Karl Anderson vs. Satoshi Kojima
7. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Giant Bernard
8. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Yujiro Takahashi
9. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Yoshihiro Takayama

NJPW, 8/13/11 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. G1 Climax – Block B: MVP vs. La Sombra
2. G1 Climax – Block B: Wataru Inoue vs. Satoshi Kojima
3. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Karl Anderson
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Lance Archer
5. G1 Climax – Block B: Strong Man vs. Minoru Suzuki
6. G1 Climax – Block A: Tetsuya Naito vs. Giant Bernard
7. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
8. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
9. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Toru Yano

NJPW, 8/14/11 (WPW/PPV)
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi (c) vs. Kota Ibushi & Kenny Omega
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Lance Archer vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Giant Bernard vs. Toru Yano
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Hideo Saito
5. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Yujiro Takahashi
6. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tetsuya Naito
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Karl Anderson vs. MVP
8. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Strong Man
9. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Satoshi Kojima
10. G1 Climax – Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Minoru Suzuki
11. G1 Climax – Final: Block A 1st place vs. Block B 1st place

Prince Devitt’s attempt to win back the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title from the man who ended his one year reign as champion failed today. Devitt challenged Kota Ibushi on Ibushi’s home soil in a feature match on DDT’s Sumo Hall super-show. The match progressed at a breakneck pace before Ibushi dropped his Phoenix splash on Devitt to complete a successful V1 defense.

DDT “RYOGOKU PETER PAN 2011″, 7/24/11
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan
8,660 Fans – Super No Vacancy

- IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Kota Ibushi (c) beat Prince Devitt (13:53) with a Phoenix splash (1st defense).

Bad Intentions made a successful V1 defense of their GHC Tag Team Title earlier today at NOAH’s big Osaka event. Bernard & Anderson can clearly be considered easily the top team in Japan nowadays, holding both New Japan and NOAH’s tag belts, and today’s victory came over Takeshi Morishima & Yutaka Yoshie, with Bernard pinning Yoshie after the Magic Killer.

NOAH “GREAT VOYAGE 2011 IN OSAKA”, 07/23/11
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium
4,800 Fans – No Vacancy

- GHC Tag Team Title: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson (c) beat Takeshi Morishima & Yutaka Yoshie (16:27) when Bernard pinned Yoshie after the Magic Killer (1st defense).

The block division for this year’s G1 Climax has been announced on the heels of the 20-man cast being revealed.

Block A:
1. Hiroshi Tanahashi
2. Togi Makabe
3. Yuji Nagata
4. Tetsuya Naito
5. Giant Bernard
6. Toru Yano
7. Yujiro Takahashi
8. Hideo Saito
9. Lance Archer
10. Yoshihiro Takayama

Block B:
1. Hirooki Goto
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan
3. Wataru Inoue
4. Karl Anderson
5. Shinsuke Nakamura
6. Satoshi Kojima
7. Minoru Suzuki
8. MVP
9. Strong Man
10. La Sombra

And here are the lineups. Match order is undetermined.

NJPW, 8/1/11 (WPW/PPV)
Fukuoka International Center

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Giant Bernard vs. Hideo Saito
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Toru Yano vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Lance Archer
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Tetsuya Naito vs. Yujiro Takahashi
5. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Yuji Nagata
6. G1 Climax – Block B: Wataru Inoue vs. La Sombra
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan
8. G1 Climax – Block B: Satoshi Kojima vs. Minoru Suzuki
9. G1 Climax – Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. MVP

NJPW, 8/2/11 (Samurai! TV)
Fukuoka International Center

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Lance Archer vs. Hideo Saito
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Giant Bernard vs. Yujiro Takahashi
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Tetsuya Naito
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Toru Yano
5. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
6. G1 Climax – Block B: Wataru Inoue vs. Strong Man
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Karl Anderson vs. La Sombra
8. G1 Climax – Block B: MVP vs. Minoru Suzuki
9. G1 Climax – Block B: Satoshi Kojima vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

NJPW, 8/5/11 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Yujiro Takahashi vs. Hideo Saito
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Giant Bernard vs. Lance Archer
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Toru Yano
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Tetsuya Naito
5. G1 Climax – Block B: Strong Man vs. La Sombra
6. G1 Climax – Block B: Karl Anderson vs. Minoru Suzuki
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Wataru Inoue vs. MVP
8. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
9. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Satoshi Kojima

NJPW, 8/6/11 (J SPORTS)
Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Tetsuya Naito vs. Toru Yano
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Yujiro Takahashi
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Hideo Saito
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Giant Bernard vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
5. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Lance Archer
6. G1 Climax – Block B: Karl Anderson vs. Strong Man
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. La Sombra
8. G1 Climax – Block B: Wataru Inoue vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
9. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Minoru Suzuki

NJPW, 8/7/11 (J SPORTS)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Toru Yano vs. Yujiro Takahashi
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Hideo Saito vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Giant Bernard
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Togi Makabe
5. G1 Climax – Block B: La Sombra vs. Minoru Suzuki
6. G1 Climax – Block B: Strong Man vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Satoshi Kojima vs. MVP
8. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Wataru Inoue
9. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Karl Anderson

NJPW, 8/8/11 (J SPORTS)
Yokohama Bunka Gymnasium

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Tetsuya Naito vs. Lance Archer
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Yujiro Takahashi vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Hideo Saito
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Yuji Nagata
5. G1 Climax – Block B: La Sombra vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
6. G1 Climax – Block B: Satoshi Kojima vs. Strong Man
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Wataru Inoue vs. Karl Anderson
8. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. MVP
9. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Minoru Suzuki

NJPW, 8/10/11 (Samurai! TV)
Yoyogi National Stadium Gymnasium #2

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Yujiro Takahashi vs. Lance Archer
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Toru Yano vs. Hideo Saito
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Tetsuya Naito vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Giant Bernard
5. G1 Climax – Block B: Satoshi Kojima vs. La Sombra
6. G1 Climax – Block B: Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Wataru Inoue vs. Minoru Suzuki
8. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Strong Man
9. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. MVP

NJPW, 8/11/11 (Samurai! TV)
Yoyogi National Stadium Gymnasium #2

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Toru Yano vs. Lance Archer
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Tetsuya Naito vs. Hideo Saito
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Giant Bernard
5. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Yujiro Takahashi
6. G1 Climax – Block B: MVP vs. Strong Man
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Karl Anderson vs. Satoshi Kojima
8. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. La Sombra
9. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Wataru Inoue

NJPW, 8/13/11 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Tetsuya Naito vs. Giant Bernard
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Lance Archer
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Toru Yano
5. G1 Climax – Block B: Strong Man vs. Minoru Suzuki
6. G1 Climax – Block B: MVP vs. La Sombra
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Wataru Inoue vs. Satoshi Kojima
8. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Karl Anderson
9. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

NJPW, 8/14/11 (WPW/PPV)
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. G1 Climax – Block A: Lance Archer vs. Yoshihiro Takayama
2. G1 Climax – Block A: Giant Bernard vs. Toru Yano
3. G1 Climax – Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Hideo Saito
4. G1 Climax – Block A: Togi Makabe vs. Yujiro Takahashi
5. G1 Climax – Block A: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tetsuya Naito
6. G1 Climax – Block B: Karl Anderson vs. MVP
7. G1 Climax – Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Strong Man
8. G1 Climax – Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Satoshi Kojima
9. G1 Climax – Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Minoru Suzuki
10. G1 Climax – Final: Block A 1st place vs. Block B 1st place

Hiroshi Tanahashi will be the next big name New Japan star to head to CMLL in Mexico. He’ll depart after the multipromotional “ALL TOGETHER” show at Budokan on 8/27 and return in the middle of September. Interestingly enough, he will miss several New Japan shows at the time (see below) including probably a big Kobe World Hall show. This would be especially strange if he is still IWGP Heavyweight Champion at that time.

An expanded schedule has been announced up until early October. As mentioned, there is the customary September series with a big show at Kobe World Hall. But the main talking point is that on October 3rd, Hiroyoshi Tenzan will have a 20th anniversary show at Korakuen Hall. The big news? Tenzan wants to revive Ookami Gundan for the show and announced that for the first time since his harmonious exit from New Japan in January ’10, “Mr. G1″ Masahiro Chono will return home! Tenzan also wants to bring back Hiro Saito, who left New Japan in January ’06 with Tatsumi Fujinami, so the trio Tenzan was part of after returning to New Japan from his overseas learning excursion in the mid-90s looks set for an emotional reunion.

- 8/30 “NAGATA PRODUCE ~ BLUE JUSTICE.3″ @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall SAMURAI!

G1 CLIMAX SPECIAL 2011 (9/3/11 to 9/19/11)
- 9/3 @ Yokkaichi Australia Memorial Hall
- 9/4 @ Twin Messe Shizuoka
- 9/8 @ Toyama Techno Hall
- 9/9 @ Chichibu Cultural Sports Center
- 9/10 @ Tokorozawa Citizen Gymnasium #2
- 9/11 @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall SAMURAI!
- 9/15 @ Fukuchiyama Park Gymnasium
- 9/16 @ Hiroshima Green Arena Small Arena
- 9/17 @ Izumo City Gymnasium
- 9/18 @ Okayama Orange Hall
- 9/19 @ Kobe World Hall WPW/PPV

NEW JAPAN LIVE 2011 (9/22/11 to 9/25/11)
- 9/22 @ Niihama Citizen Gymnasium
- 9/23 @ Takamatsu City Gymnasium
- 9/24 @ Yawatahama Citizen Sports Center
- 9/25 @ Tokushima Municipal Gymnasium

- 10/3 “HIROYOSHI TENZAN 20TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW” @ Tokyo Korakuen Hall SAMURAI!

–> “NEW JAPAN SOUL 2011” <--

NJPW, 7/3/11 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall
1,950 Fans – Super No Vacancy

1. Jado & Gedo beat Jushin Thunder Liger & Kyosuke Mikami (8:51) when Jado used the Crossface of JADO on Mikami.
2. Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi beat KUSHIDA & Hiromu Takahashi (10:02) when Devitt used a diving footstomp on Takahashi.
3. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito beat Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & King Fale (12:57) when Nakamura used the Boma Ye on Fale.
4. Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi beat Strong Man & Tomoaki Honma (10:27) when Takahashi used the Tokyo Pimps on Honma.
5. MVP beat Tomohiro Ishii (12:10) with the TTB.
6. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi beat Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & Tiger Mask (12:11) when Taichi pinned Tiger after Suzuki used a Gotch-style piledriver.
7. IWGP Tag Team Title: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson (c) beat Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto (17:12) when Anderson used the Gun Stun on Goto (9th defense).

* Bad Intentions’ record-breaking IWGP Tag Team Title reign continued with a successful V9 defense over the all-star team of Tanahashi & Goto. Much of the attention was on Tanahashi vs. Bernard ahead of their tour-ending battle for Tana’s IWGP Heavyweight Title, but it was Anderson’s Gun Stun on Goto that decided the match and ensured yet another victory for the team that has reigned since June 19th, 2010.
* Hideo Saito (Mitsuhide Hirasawa) made his in-ring return, back from Puerto Rico, along with his new CHAOS leader Nakamura, back from Mexico with some a new haircut and some new attire. Saito was a man transformed from the clumsy, obedient young lion that left for his overseas excursion, a wild bearded man who seems to have lost much of his sanity. He targetted his former mentor Yuji Nagata, who he meets in a singles match on the tour climax.

* All participants for the 2011 edition of professional wrestling’s biggest tournament, “G1 CLIMAX XXI ~THE INVINCIBLE FIGHTER~“, were announced with a staggering 20 wrestlers involved in what will be a huge tournament! Yoshihiro Takayama and Minoru Suzuki are big outside inclusions, while it will be G1 debuts for Hideo Saito, MVP, Lance Archer, and La Sombra. Blocks and match schedule will be announced in the near future.

- Hiroshi Tanahashi (IWGP Heavyweight Champion / 2007 winner)
- Togi Makabe (2009 winner)
- Hirooki Goto (2008 winner)
- Hiroyoshi Tenzan (2003, 2004, 2006 winner)
- Yuji Nagata (2001 winner)
- Wataru Inoue
- Tetsuya Naito
- Shinsuke Nakamura
- Toru Yano
- Yujiro Takahashi
- Hideo Saito
- Giant Bernard (IWGP Tag Team Champion)
- Karl Anderson (IWGP Tag Team Champion)
- MVP (IWGP Intercontinental Champion)
- Lance Archer (free)
- Strong Man (CMLL)
- La Sombra (CMLL)
- Satoshi Kojima (free / 2010 winner)
- Minoru Suzuki (Pancrase MISSION)
- Yoshihiro Takayama (Takayama-do)

Dick Togo wrestled his last ever match in Japan earlier against CHAOS’ Gedo in the main event of DDT’s Korakuen Hall show. Togo, one of the most underrated junior workers for many years now and a personal favourite of mine since I started watching Michinoku Pro in 1998, is a close friend of Jado & Gedo’s and has a long history with them. Unsurprisingly, when Togo offered a handshake before the match, Gedo said “no” and Togo grinned knowingly. The two had a 25 minute match full of action and rulebreaking before Togo dropped his diving senton on Gedo to win his last bout on Japanese soil. The two embraced after the match before the likes of The Great Sasuke, Super Delfin, and Tiger Mask appeared to give Togo a send-off. Togo will embark on a lengthy overseas tour before calling it a day once and for all.

DDT “DICK TOGO LOCAL RETIREMENT SHOW ~IKIZAMA~”, 6/30/11
Tokyo Korakuen Hall
1,721 Fans – Super No Vacancy

- The Great Sasuke & TAKA Michinoku beat Jado & Antonio Honda (16:59) when Sasuke used the Sasuke Special X ver10.2 Segway on Honda.
- Dick Togo Japanese Retirement Match: Dick Togo beat Gedo (25:23) with a diving senton.

Bad Intentions will make their V1 defense of NOAH’s GHC Tag Team Title in the same building they won the belts recently, Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium. The only difference is that it will be a NOAH show as they defend against Takeshi Morishima and New Japan trueborn Yutaka Yoshie.

NOAH “GREAT VOYAGE 2011 IN OSAKA”, 7/23/11
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

- GHC Tag Team Title: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson (c) vs. Takeshi Morishima & Yutaka Yoshie

* Tetsuya Naito is the latest big name from New Japan to head to CMLL in Mexico, where he along with now former partner Yujiro have been before. Naito will return to New Japan close to the end of July, so will stay a month or so just like Nakamura.
* Some changes to the six man tag tournament that begins tomorrow. Brian Kendrick replaces Killer Rabbit to continue his team with Jado & Gedo that surprisingly formed in Osaka. With Nakanishi having been badly injured recently, he is out so Kanemoto leads the young lion tandem of Kyosuke Mikami and Hiromu Takahashi. And with Naito out of CHAOS and heading to CMLL, the soon to retire Dick Togo replaces him and teams with Yujiro and Tanaka.
* MVP returns for the summer tour, while Strong Man, Minoru Suzuki, Masato Tanaka, and CMLL star Hector Garza are other guests. Nakamura is also back from his CMLL expedition to lead CHAOS.
* Mitsuhide Hirasawa, permanently using his new ring name of Hideo Saito it appears, returns to New Japan on the tour and begins a feud with former teacher Nagata. Hirasawa or Saito as he will now be known is now a member of CHAOS.
* Yutaka Yoshie makes a rare return home on the 7/10 house show in his local Maebashi.
* Tanahashi vs. Bernard is the focus of the tour, with Tana & Goto challenging Bad Intentions for the IWGP Tag Team Title at Korakuen on 7/3 before Tanahashi defends his IWGP Heavyweight Title against Bernard on the big tour climax.

NJPW “J SPORTS CROWN 6 MAN OPENWEIGHT TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT”, 6/21/11 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. J SPORTS CROWN 6 Man Openweight Tag Team Tournament Prelude: Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Wataru Inoue & King Fale vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Jushin Thunder Liger
2. J SPORTS CROWN 6 Man Openweight Tag Team Tournament Prelude: Hirooki Goto, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
3. J SPORTS CROWN 6 Man Openweight Tag Team Tournament – Round 1: Koji Kanemoto, Kyosuke Mikami & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Tsuyoshi Kikuchi, Madoka & Shinobu
4. J SPORTS CROWN 6 Man Openweight Tag Team Tournament – Round 1: Yuji Nagata, Super Strong Machine & Tiger Mask vs. Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi & Dick Togo
5. J SPORTS CROWN 6 Man Openweight Tag Team Tournament – Round 1: Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & Tomoaki Honma vs. Lance Archer, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. J SPORTS CROWN 6 Man Openweight Tag Team Tournament – Round 1: Hiroshi Tanahashi, KUSHIDA & Mascara Dorada vs. Brian Kendrick , Jado & Gedo

NJPW “J SPORTS CROWN 6 MAN OPENWEIGHT TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT”, 6/22/11 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. J SPORTS CROWN 6 Man Openweight Tag Team Tournament – Round 2: Winner of Team Tanahashi/Team Kendrick vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Jushin Thunder Liger
2. J SPORTS CROWN 6 Man Openweight Tag Team Tournament – Round 2: Winner of Team Kanemoto/Team Kikuchi vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
3. J SPORTS CROWN 6 Man Openweight Tag Team Tournament – Round 2: Winner of Team Nagata/Team Tanaka vs. Hirooki Goto, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi
4. J SPORTS CROWN 6 Man Openweight Tag Team Tournament – Round 2: Winner of Team Makabe/Team Archer vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Wataru Inoue & King Fale

NJPW “J SPORTS CROWN 6 MAN OPENWEIGHT TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT”, 6/23/11 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. J SPORTS CROWN 6 Man Openweight Tag Team Tournament – Semi Final:
2. J SPORTS CROWN 6 Man Openweight Tag Team Tournament – Semi Final:
3. J SPORTS CROWN 6 Man Openweight Tag Team Tournament – Final:

-

NJPW, 7/3/11 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Jushin Thunder Liger & Kyosuke Mikami vs. Jado & Gedo
2. Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. KUSHIDA & Hiromu Takahashi
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & King Fale vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
4. Strong Man & Tomoaki Honma vs. Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
5. MVP vs. Tomohiro Ishii
6. Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & Tiger Mask vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
7. IWGP Tag Team Title: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto

NJPW, 7/8/11 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. Takaaki Watanabe vs. Jado
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Kyosuke Mikami & Hiromu Takahashi vs. Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi & Hector Garza
3. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Kota Ibushi , Daisuke Sasaki & Madoka
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
5. Satoshi Kojima, Tomoaki Honma & Tiger Mask vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
6. Togi Makabe & MVP vs. Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii
7. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Strong Man vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & King Fale

NJPW, 7/10/11
Green Dome Maebashi Sub Arena

1. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Yuji Nagata vs. Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
2. Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & Tiger Mask vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
3. Strong Man, Yutaka Yoshie & Tomoaki Honma vs. Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Hector Garza

NJPW, 7/13/11
Sapporo Teisen Hall

1. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Wataru Inoue, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii
2. MVP & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Toru Yano & Hector Garza
3. Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & Tiger Mask vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
4. Hiroshi Tanahashi & KUSHIDA vs. Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson

NJPW, 7/14/11
Asahikawa Local Industry Promotion Center

1. MVP, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Toru Yano, Jado & Gedo
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
3. Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & Tomoaki Honma vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
4. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & KUSHIDA vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tiger Mask

NJPW, 7/15/11
Muroran City Gymnasium

1. MVP, Strong Man & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Hector Garza
2. Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & Tomoaki Honma vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Yuji Nagata vs. Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
4. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & KUSHIDA vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tiger Mask

NJPW, 7/16/11
Yakumo Town Gymnasium

1. MVP, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Toru Yano, Jado & Gedo
2. Strong Man, Tomoaki Honma & KUSHIDA vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi
3. Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & Tiger Mask vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
4. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Hector Garza

NJPW, 7/18/11 (WPW/PPV)
Makomanai Sekisui Heim Ice Arena

1. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Kota Ibushi , Kenny Omega & Daisuke Sasaki
2. Yuji Nagata vs. Hideo Saito
3. Special Singles Match: Satoshi Kojima vs. Minoru Suzuki
4. IWGP Intercontinental Title: MVP (c) vs. Toru Yano
5. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Giant Bernard

-

NJPW, 7/19/11
Obihiro City Gymnasium

1. Hirooki Goto, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Jushin Thunder Liger, KUSHIDA & King Fale
2. Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & MVP vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito

NJPW, 7/20/11
Shiranuka Town Gymnasium

1. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & King Fale vs. Takashi Iizuka, Masato Tanaka , Yujiro Takahashi & Hideo Saito
2. Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Tiger Mask vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 7/22/11
Hakodate Citizen Gymnasium

1. Hirooki Goto & KUSHIDA vs. Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii
2. Togi Makabe, Satoshi Kojima & MVP vs. Minoru Suzuki, TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Yuji Nagata & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito

NJPW, 7/23/11
Aomori Industrial Hall

1. Togi Makabe, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Tomoaki Honma vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito
2. Satoshi Kojima & MVP vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi, Jado & Gedo

NJPW, 7/24/11
Akita Terrsa Hall

1. Hirooki Goto, Ryusuke Taguchi & KUSHIDA vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Jado & Gedo
2. Togi Makabe & Satoshi Kojima vs. TAKA Michinoku & Taichi
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Hideo Saito

Kota Ibushi will make his V1 defense of the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title against the man he just won the belt from, Prince Devitt, at DDT’s Sumo Hall super-show on July 24th. After winning the Super Jr. then dethroning Devitt yesterday, this is a potential banana skin for Ibushi, as Devitt will be desperate to reclaim the belt he held for a year.

DDT “RYOGOKU PETER PAN 2011″, 7/24/11
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

- IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Kota Ibushi (c) vs. Prince Devitt

-

Yuji Nagata failed to follow up on winning All Japan’s Champion Carnival by winning the Triple Crown at All Japan’s own Sumo Hall show today. He challenged a man he defeated during the Carnival, Suwama, in a gripping match. Nagata won both the New Japan Cup and Champion Carnival this year but failed to beat either Tanahashi or Suwama in the subsequent title matches he earned from winning the tournaments.

AJPW “PRO WRESTLING LOVE IN RYOGOKU VOL.12″, 6/19/11
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan
8,000 Fans

- Triple Crown: Suwama (c) beat Yuji Nagata (30:13) with a backdrop hold (4th defense).

Best of the Super Jr. 2011 winner Kota Ibushi challenges Prince Devitt for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title in one of several matches added to a stacked Osaka PPV today. There will be little time for Ibushi to lose the momentum he gained by becoming the first outsider to ever win the BOSJ yesterday as he challenges Devitt about a week from now in the Irishman’s V8 defense of the belt he will have held a day shy of one year when this match takes place.

NO LIMIT explode in Osaka as Tetsuya Naito and Yujiro Takahashi go to war after their recent split, when Yujiro betrayed Naito and forcibly ejected him from the CHAOS faction. Naito appeared yesterday at Korakuen demanding this match and the two upstarts will do battle.

Also added today was BOSJ runner-up Ryusuke Taguchi’s V3 defense of the CMLL World Welterweight Title against the man he took it from in January, Mascara Dorada. Ten matches make up what should be an exciting show, with the main event of course being Tanahashi’s V5 defense of the IWGP Heavyweight Title against Goto, while for the first time ever New Japan’s IWGP Tag Team Champions battle NOAH’s GHC Tag Team Champions, with Bad Intentions battling Takayama & Sano in a double title match.

NJPW “DOMINION 6.18″, 6/18/11 (WPW/PPV)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium

1. Koji Kanemoto vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask & KUSHIDA vs. Jado, Gedo & Killer Rabbit
3. CMLL World Welterweight Title: Ryusuke Taguchi (c) vs. Mascara Dorada
4. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Takashi Iizuka, Masato Tanaka & Tomohiro Ishii
5. Special Singles Match: Tetsuya Naito vs. Yujiro Takahashi
6. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Kota Ibushi
7. Special Tag Match: Togi Makabe & Satoshi Kojima vs. Minoru Suzuki & Lance Archer
8. IWGP Intercontinental Title: MVP (c) vs. Toru Yano
9. Double Title Match – IWGP Tag Team Title & GHC Tag Team Title: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson (c) vs. Yoshihiro Takayama & Takuma Sano (c)
10. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Hirooki Goto

DDT’s Kota Ibushi & Kenny Omega made a successful V2 defense of the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title on home soil against Jado & Gedo yesterday, Omega pinning Gedo for the big win.

DDT “NEVER MIND 2010″, 12/26/10
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

- IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Kota Ibushi & Kenny Omega (c) beat Jado & Gedo (21:24) when Omega used the Croyt’s Wrath on Gedo (2nd defense).

Koji Kanemoto and Tiger Mask’s four month reign of the GHC Jr. Tag Team Title finally ended today at NOAH’s second Christmas show. Where KENTA and Atsushi Aoki had previously failed, Naomichi Marufuji and Aoki succeeded, Aoki pinning the man who defeated him in the 2009 Best of the Super Jr. semi finals, Kanemoto, to reclaim the tag belts for NOAH.

NOAH “NOAHFUL GIFT IN DIFFER 2010″, 12/24/10
Tokyo Differ Ariake
1,400 Fans

- GHC Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Naomichi Marufuji & Atsushi Aoki beat Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask (c) (23:18) when Aoki used the Assault Point on Kanemoto to become the 13th champions.

New Japan advances on the Tokyo Dome with “WRESTLE KINGDOM V” on January 4th, and the full card of 13 big matches were announced today! As expected, ace Hiroshi Tanahashi is the chosen one to try and bring home the IWGP Heavyweight Champion from freelancer Satoshi Kojima, who has returned to New Japan with such impact this year. The feud that never dies, Togi Makabe vs. Masato Tanaka, continues under it as in a rematch from their IWGP Heavyweight Title slugfest a few months ago, they collide again.

Two young men at the top of their promotions go to war again as Shinsuke Nakamura and Pro Wrestling NOAH’s great young hope Go Shiozaki meet one year to the day after Shiozaki faced Nakamura’s generation rival, Tanahashi, in the same building. One half of NO LIMIT, Tetsuya Naito, is thrown into the spotlight as he challenges the “Charismatic Enigma” Jeff Hardy for the TNA World Heavyweight Title in the biggest match of Naito’s career to date. One of New Japan’s brightest young stars, Naito has impressed massively this year and is rewarded with this match.

Another of New Japan’s great young hopes, Kazuchika Okada, returns home after a lengthy spell in TNA Wrestling, as he teams with Hirooki Goto against GHC Heavyweight Champion, Takashi Sugiura, and the man who was in last year’s 1/4 main event, Yoshihiro Takayama. A very big return match for Okada, who will look to show his growth and make an impact. The Best of the Super Jr. final will be replayed, this time over the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title, as two of the most impressive junior heavyweights in Japan, Prince Devitt and Kota Ibushi, collide over the prestigious belt. This continues Devitt’s run of defending the belt against outsiders, the Irishman yet to have defended against one of New Japan’s own.

Old rivals Yuji Nagata and Minoru Suzuki reunite in combat on the heels of Suzuki return to New Japan days ago, in a rematch from the original “WRESTLE KINGDOM” titled show on 1/4/07. Rob Van Dam, known to all American wrestling fans, is another TNA star to hit the Dome as he battles CHAOS second-in-command, Toru Yano. And speaking of CHAOS, the dastardly Takashi Iizuka revives his blood feud from 2009 with the recently returned Hiroyoshi Tenzan in a “DEEP SLEEP TO LOSE MATCH”, where the only way to win is to render your opponent unconscious.

The road to the CMLL/New Japan co-hosted “FANTASTIC MANIA” show sees three of CMLL’s finest showcased at the Dome, as Hector Garza teams with New Japan’s own Jushin Thunder Liger against La Sombra & Mascara Dorada. The show will kick off with a bang as Bad Intentions defend their IWGP Tag Team Title in a 3WAY Match against Tokyo Sports Tag MVP winners, Manabu Nakanishi & Strong Man, and TNA Wrestling’s Beer Money Inc., who defeated Bernard & Anderson in a non-title match at the beginning of the G1 Tag League tour.

There will also be two dark matches for fans who arrive early, focusing on interpromotional junior action and the New Japan vs. CHAOS feud.

NJPW “WRESTLE KINGDOM V IN TOKYO DOME”, 1/4/11 (WPW/PPV)
Tokyo Dome

0-1. World Wrestling Interpromotional Match: Wataru Inoue, Tiger Mask, Tomoaki Honma & Tama Tonga vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Tomohiro Ishii, Jado & Gedo
0-2. World Wrestling Invitation Match: Koji Kanemoto & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Kenny Omega & Taichi
1. IWGP Tag Team Title – 3WAY Match: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson (c) vs. James Storm & Robert Roode vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Strong Man
2. ROAD TO FANTASIC MANIA: Jushin Thunder Liger & Hector Garza vs. La Sombra & Mascara Dorada
3. DEEP SLEEP TO LOSE: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Takashi Iizuka
4. NJPW-TNA Greatest Showcase: Toru Yano vs. Rob Van Dam
5. NO JUSTICE, NO LIFE: Yuji Nagata vs. Minoru Suzuki
6. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Prince Devitt (c) vs. Kota Ibushi
7. NJPW vs. NOAH Battle Combustion I – Kazuchika Okada Return Match: Hirooki Goto & Kazuchika Okada vs. Takashi Sugiura & Yoshihiro Takayama
8. TNA World Heavyweight Title: Jeff Hardy (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito
9. NJPW vs. NOAH Battle Combustion II: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Go Shiozaki
10. The Absolute Exhaust: Togi Makabe vs. Masato Tanaka
11. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Satoshi Kojima (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Before the Tokyo Dome comes a build-up show at Korakuen with some big matches leading in!

NJPW “ROAD TO KINGDOM ~BATTLE XMAS!~”, 12/23/10 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Manabu Nakanishi & Tomoaki Honma vs. Toru Yano & Jado
2. Hirooki Goto & Tama Tonga vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito
3. Jushin Thunder Liger, Koji Kanemoto & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Taichi, X & X
4. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Togi Makabe, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Tiger Mask vs. Masato Tanaka , Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
5. Special Tag Match: Shinsuke Nakamura & Gedo vs. Go Shiozaki & Atsushi Aoki
6. Special Tag Match: Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Yoshihiro Takayama & Minoru Suzuki
7. Special Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Prince Devitt vs. Satoshi Kojima & Kota Ibushi

Full cards for four shows have been announced, including the upcoming “J SPORTS CROWN DREAM MATCH” double header. The 12/18 show was a mystery to me, as I missed a recent announcement that it was happening. It is a charity event with free admission but features all the top names. Taichi is back and teaming with Kojima, who works all of these shows. The only other remaining event of 2010 is the 12/23 Korakuen show called “ROAD TO KINGDOM ~BATTLE XMAS!~”, for which a card should be announced soon. Still no 1/4 matches announced, but there is a press conference set for tomorrow where the full lineup is expected to be announced.

NJPW “J SPORTS CROWN DREAM MATCH”, 12/16/10 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask vs. Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii
2. King Fale vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
3. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Jado & Gedo
4. Hirooki Goto & Tama Tonga vs. Satoshi Kojima & Taichi
5. J SPORTS CROWN DREAM MATCH: Hiroshi Tanahashi & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue
6. J SPORTS CROWN DREAM MATCH: Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito vs. Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi

NJPW “J SPORTS CROWN DREAM MATCH”, 12/17/10 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & King Fale vs. Hirooki Goto, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tama Tonga
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Manabu Nakanishi & Koji Kanemoto vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
3. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Satoshi Kojima & Taichi
4. J SPORTS CROWN DREAM MATCH EXTRA: Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito vs. Jado & Gedo
5. J SPORTS CROWN DREAM MATCH: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tiger Mask
6. J SPORTS CROWN DREAM MATCH: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Prince Devitt

NJPW “SUPER DREAM FIESTA 2010 IN MIYAZAKI”, 12/18/10
Miyazaki Sports Park Gymnasium

1. Wataru Inoue vs. Tama Tonga
2. Yuji Nagata, Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Tetsuya Naito & Tomohiro Ishii
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Takashi Iizuka, Jado & Gedo
4. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano
5. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Satoshi Kojima & Taichi

NJPW “NEW JAPAN LIVE IN AKITA”, 12/26/10
Akita City Gymnasium #2

1. Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Manabu Nakanishi & King Fale vs. Hirooki Goto & Koji Kanemoto
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Wataru Inoue vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
4. Yuji Nagata & Tiger Mask vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii
5. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Satoshi Kojima & Taichi

Apollo 55 want revenge and aimed to achieve it quickly! Devitt & Taguchi head into DDT on November 14th in an attempt to reclaim the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title from the Golden Lovers, who dethroned the popular New Japan team at Sumo Hall. This will be a rematch from the battle that some are calling the best bout of 2010 and takes place in Osaka.

DDT, 11/14/10
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium #2

- IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Kota Ibushi & Kenny Omega (c) vs. Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi

Hiroyoshi Tenzan is back! After over 14 months on the shelf with serious injuries that threatened his career, the multiple time IWGP Heavyweight Champion is ready to ease himself back into action. Rather than a high profile return match, Tenzan has volunteered to appear on NEVER.4, the fourth installment of New Japan’s youth-oriented brand that has been a success so far. This takes place on November 18th at Shin-Kiba 1st RING in Tokyo. He joins several other names in being announced including two first timers…

From New Japan:
- Hiroyoshi Tenzan
- “NO LIMIT” Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito (CHAOS)
- Tomoaki Honma (GBH)
- King Fale (Seigi Gun)
- Hiromu Takahashi
- Tomohiro Ishii (CHAOS)
- Tama Tonga

Returning:
- Shinobu (666)
- Keisuke Ishii (DDT)
- Madoka (freelancer)
- Daisuke Sasaki (freelancer)

Introducing:
- Jun Ogawauchi (freelancer ~ former Toryumon Japan/T2P)
- Antonio Honda (freelancer ~ former DDT)

On the heels of the G1 Tag League announcement comes information on the five show tour at Differ Ariake that follows, “J SPORTS CROWN ~ SUPER J TAG LEAGUE 2010“. Ten teams will compete in total, separated into two blocks, with the winners of each meeting in the final on the last show.

Block A:
- Jushin Thunder Liger & El Samurai
- Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi (Apollo 55)
- Davey Richards & Rocky Romero (CHAOS)
- NOSAWA Rongai & FUJITA (Tokyo Gurentai)
- La Sombra & Mascara Dorada (CMLL)

Block B:
- Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask (GHC Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Champions)
- Jado & Gedo (CHAOS)
- Fujita “Jr.” Hayato & Taro Nohashi (Michinoku Pro)
- Masaaki Mochizuki & Super Shisa (DRAGON GATE)
- AKIRA & KUSHIDA (SMASH)

-

NJPW, 11/9/10 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. Young Lion 3 Match Series I: King Fale vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block B: Fujita “Jr.” Hayato & Taro Nohashi vs. Masaaki Mochizuki & Super Shisa
3. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block A: Jushin Thunder Liger & El Samurai vs. La Sombra & Mascara Dorada
4. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block B: Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask vs. Jado & Gedo
5. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block A: Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Davey Richards & Rocky Romero
6. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi, AKIRA & KUSHIDA vs. Yuji Nagata, NOSAWA Rongai & FUJITA

NJPW, 11/10/10 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. Young Lion 3 Match Series II: King Fale vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block A: Davey Richards & Rocky Romero vs. La Sombra & Mascara Dorada
3. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block A: Jushin Thunder Liger & El Samurai vs. NOSAWA Rongai & FUJITA
4. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block B: Jado & Gedo vs. Masaaki Mochizuki & Super Shisa
5. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block B: Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask vs. AKIRA & KUSHIDA
6. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Hirooki Goto, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Takashi Iizuka, Fujita “Jr.” Hayato & Taro Nohashi

NJPW, 11/11/10 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. Young Lion 3 Match Series III: King Fale vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block B: Jado & Gedo vs. Fujita “Jr.” Hayato & Taro Nohashi
3. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block B: Masaaki Mochizuki & Super Shisa vs. AKIRA & KUSHIDA
4. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block A: NOSAWA Rongai & FUJITA vs. La Sombra & Mascara Dorada
5. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block A: Jushin Thunder Liger & El Samurai vs. Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi
6. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Manabu Nakanishi, Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Davey Richards & Rocky Romero

NJPW, 11/12/10 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. Young Lion Special Challenge Match: Yuji Nagata vs. Winner of Fale/Takahashi series
2. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block B: Fujita “Jr.” Hayato & Taro Nohashi vs. AKIRA & KUSHIDA
3. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block A: Jushin Thunder Liger & El Samurai vs. Davey Richards & Rocky Romero
4. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block B: Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask vs. Masaaki Mochizuki & Super Shisa
5. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block A: Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. NOSAWA Rongai & FUJITA
6. Special 8 Man Tag Match: Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, La Sombra & Mascara Dorada vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Tetsuya Naito, Jado & Gedo

NJPW, 11/13/10 (J SPORTS)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block B: Jado & Gedo vs. AKIRA & KUSHIDA
2. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block B: Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask vs. Fujita “Jr.” Hayato & Taro Nohashi
3. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block A: NOSAWA Rongai & FUJITA vs. Davey Richards & Rocky Romero
4. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Block A: Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. La Sombra & Mascara Dorada
5. SUPER J TAG LEAGUE - Final: Block A 1st place vs. Block B 1st place

New IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Satoshi Kojima, is already having disagreements with management after a meeting today with President Sugabayashi led to a stalemate.

Sugabayashi and New Japan want to name Hirooki Goto the top contender for Kojima’s belt following the young man’s big win over Nakamura yesterday. Kojima, though, is adament of facing Nakamura in his V1 defense as he views the CHAOS leader as a stronger and higher ranked opponent despite his loss to Goto yesterday at Sumo Hall. Kojima’s only losses in the G1 Climax came against Nagata and Nakamura, with the latter now on Cozy’s mind.

When questioned, Kojima said he hadn’t even watched Goto vs. Nakamura and told Sugabayashi that even if he did, his opinion and wish to face Shinsuke would not be compromised. A slightly perplexed Sugabayashi argued that yesterday’s match showed that Goto is very strong and even if not on Nakamura’s overall level still, would be a worthy challenger for Kojima. Once again, Kojima shunned this and said that while he is sure Goto is a good wrestler, he’d prefer to face him in a non-title match for now.

Sugabayashi reminded Kojima that he isn’t a New Japan contracted talent at this time and he also needs to respect the opinions of management. Kojima said he can only think of facing Nakamura and asked the president to understand. Sugabayashi said he will consider Kojima’s request, so we still don’t know who is the top contender - Goto or Nakamura.

Before then we have the G1 Tag League, for which teams were announced yesterday. Although Kojima is not in the tournament itself, he will be making appearances in singles matches. On day one at Korakuen he has a mouthwatering clash with NO LIMIT’s Tetsuya Naito. One of American pro wrestling’s top teams, Beer Money Inc., also return to New Japan for the first time in over 1 1/2 years, as they battle IWGP Tag Team Champions, Bad Intentions, in a non-title match!

NJPW, 10/22/10 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Super Strong Machine & King Fale vs. Jushin Thunder Liger & Hiromu Takahashi
2. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi, Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Tomohiro Ishii, Jado & Gedo
3. G1 Tag League - Block B: El Terrible & El Texano Jr. vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
4. G1 Tag League - Block A: Manabu Nakanishi & Strong Man vs. Hirooki Goto & Tama Tonga
5. G1 Tag League - Block A: Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue
6. Special Tag Match: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. James Storm & Robert Roode
7. Special Singles Match: Satoshi Kojima vs. Tetsuya Naito
8. G1 Tag League - Block B: Hiroshi Tanahashi & TAJIRI vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Daniel Puder

NJPW, 10/24/10
Koide Village Gymnasium

1. Tama Tonga vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Wataru Inoue, Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask vs. Jushin Thunder Liger, El Terrible & El Texano Jr.
3. Manabu Nakanishi, Strong Man, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Takashi Iizuka, Daniel Puder, Jado & Gedo
4. G1 Tag League - Block A: Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Super Strong Machine & King Fale
5. G1 Tag League - Block B: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Yuji Nagata vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 10/25/10
New Sunpia Takasaki

1. Tomoaki Honma vs. Daniel Puder
2. Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Koji Kanemoto, Tiger Mask & Tama Tonga
3. Manabu Nakanishi, Strong Man, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. El Terrible, El Texano Jr., Jado & Gedo
4. G1 Tag League - Block A: Super Strong Machine & King Fale vs. Masato Tanaka & Tomohiro Ishii
5. G1 Tag League - Block B: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Togi Makabe vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito

NJPW, 10/26/10
Matsumoto Meitetsu Show Hall

1. Tama Tonga vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Koji Kanemoto, Tiger Mask & Tomoaki Honma
3. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Tetsuya Naito, Jado & Gedo
4. G1 Tag League - Block A: Manabu Nakanishi & Strong Man vs. Super Strong Machine & King Fale
5. G1 Tag League - Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura & Daniel Puder vs. El Terrible & El Texano Jr.
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Togi Makabe vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 10/30/10
Yokkaichi City Gymnasium

1. Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask vs. King Fale & Hiromu Takahashi
2. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Takashi Iizuka, Jado & Gedo
3. G1 Tag League - Block A: Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Strong Man
4. G1 Tag League - Block B: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Daniel Puder
5. Satoshi Kojima vs. Tomohiro Ishii
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, El Terrible & El Texano Jr. vs. Toru Yano, Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito
7. G1 Tag League - Block A: Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Hirooki Goto & Tama Tonga

NJPW, 10/31/10
Obama Citizen Gymnasium

1. Tiger Mask vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. El Terrible, El Texano Jr., Jado & Gedo
3. Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Manabu Nakanishi, Strong Man & Koji Kanemoto
4. G1 Tag League - Block A: Hirooki Goto & Tama Tonga vs. Super Strong Machine & King Fale
5. G1 Tag League - Block B: Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Daniel Puder & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 11/1/10 (Samurai! TV)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium #2

1. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi & Koji Kanemoto vs. Takashi Iizuka, Jado & Gedo
2. G1 Tag League - Block B: Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. El Terrible & El Texano Jr.
3. G1 Tag League - Block A: Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Masato Tanaka & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Hirooki Goto, Tama Tonga & King Fale vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Daniel Puder
5. G1 Tag League - Block A: Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Strong Man
6. Special Singles Match: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Satoshi Kojima
7. G1 Tag League - Block B: Hiroshi Tanahashi & TAJIRI vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito

NJPW, 11/2/10 (Samurai! TV)
Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium #2

1. Manabu Nakanishi, Strong Man, Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi
2. G1 Tag League - Block A: Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Super Strong Machine & King Fale
3. G1 Tag League - Block B: Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito vs. El Terrible & El Texano Jr.
4. Togi Makabe, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Jado & Gedo
5. G1 Tag League - Block A: Hirooki Goto & Tama Tonga vs. Masato Tanaka & Tomohiro Ishii
6. Special Singles Match: Satoshi Kojima vs. Daniel Puder
7. G1 Tag League - Block B: Hiroshi Tanahashi & TAJIRI vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka

NJPW, 11/3/10
Kyoto KBS Hall

1. King Fale vs. Hiromu Takahashi
2. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi, Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Tetsuya Naito, Jado & Gedo
3. Yuji Nagata, Hirooki Goto, Wataru Inoue & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Manabu Nakanishi, Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Strong Man
4. Tama Tonga vs. Satoshi Kojima
5. G1 Tag League - Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura & Daniel Puder vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
6. G1 Tag League - Block A: Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Masato Tanaka & Tomohiro Ishii
7. G1 Tag League - Block B: Hiroshi Tanahashi & TAJIRI vs. El Terrible & El Texano Jr.

NJPW, 11/6/10
Kuki City Gymnasium

1. Prince Devitt, Ryusuke Taguchi, Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Jado & Gedo
2. Togi Makabe & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. El Terrible & El Texano Jr.
3. Tomoaki Honma vs. Satoshi Kojima
4. G1 Tag League - Block A: Manabu Nakanishi & Strong Man vs. Masato Tanaka & Tomohiro Ishii
5. G1 Tag League - Block A: Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Hirooki Goto & Tama Tonga
6. G1 Tag League - Block B: Shinsuke Nakamura & Daniel Puder vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito

NJPW, 11/7/10 (WPW)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. G1 Tag League - Semi Final: Block A 1st place vs. Block B 2nd place
2. G1 Tag League - Semi Final: Block B 1st place vs. Block A 2nd place
3. Special Singles Match: Satoshi Kojima vs. Koji Kanemoto
4. G1 Tag League - Final:

Young lion Mitsuhide Hirasawa is a champion! He hasn’t even been in Puerto Rico long on his learning excursion but the Nagata disciple, using the ring name Hideo Saito, captured the WWC Caribbean Heavyweight Title in a battle royale on the 25th.

This is Hirasawa’s first career title and he has made an immediate impact in Puerto Rico. He has called himself Hideo Saito to combine two well known Japanese names in America: former New Japan star Masa Saito and former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hideo Nomo.

The full card and match order for “DESTRUCTION ‘10″ on October 11th has been announced with some interesting additions. Yuji Nagata & Koji Kanemoto go to war with Pro Wrestling NOAH when they battle Go Shiozaki & Atsushi Aoki in a special tag match. Nagata and Shiozaki squared off in the G1 with Nagata victorious that day and Shiozaki is out for revenge. In an attempt to settle their grudge, Yano and TAJIRI again meet in a special singles match. And as announced recently, Jushin Thunder Liger returns in triumph after a very successful expedition to CMLL in Mexico, teaming with Wataru and Honma against the Complete Players.

New Japan heads to Yamagata before Sumo Hall with a standalone show featuring a special main event of Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Satoshi Kojima & Great Sasuke!

New Japan also announced NEVER.4, the fourth installment of its youth-centered brand, for November 18th at Shin-Kiba 1st RING.

NJPW “NEW JAPAN LIVE IN YAMAGATA”, 10/3/10
Yamagata Sports Center Sub Arena

1. Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Kyosuke Mikami
2. Manabu Nakanishi vs. King Fale
3. Super Strong Machine & Wataru Inoue vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
4. Yuji Nagata, Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask vs. Tomohiro Ishii, Jado & Gedo
5. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Tama Tonga vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito
6. Special Tag Match: Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Satoshi Kojima & Great Sasuke

NJPW “DESTRUCTION ‘10″, 10/11/10 (WPW/PPV)
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. Manabu Nakanishi vs. Tama Tonga
2. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tiger Mask vs. Takashi Iizuka, Yujiro Takahashi & Tomohiro Ishii
3. Jushin Thunder Liger Return Match: Jushin Thunder Liger, Wataru Inoue & Tomoaki Honma vs. Masato Tanaka , Jado & Gedo
4. Special Singles Match: Toru Yano vs. TAJIRI
5. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi (c) vs. Kota Ibushi & Kenny Omega
6. NJPW vs. NOAH Special Tag Match: Yuji Nagata & Koji Kanemoto vs. Go Shiozaki & Atsushi Aoki
7. Special Singles Match: Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
8. Special Singles Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tetsuya Naito
9. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Togi Makabe (c) vs. Satoshi Kojima

CMLL held a press conference yesterday to discuss many things, including its healthy relationship with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. The following news was revealed:

* Taichi will be returning to CMLL for a second expedition, this one said to be long-term. He will arrive on October 4th and return to Arena Mexico on the 8th.
* The legend is back! After tournaments, titles, and much success in CMLL for several months, Jushin Thunder Liger finally returns home to New Japan. Liger’s return match will be on 10/11 at “DESTRUCTION ‘10″, New Japan’s next Sumo Hall event.
* No mention of young lion Nobuo Yoshihashi, who has been away with Liger all this time in Mexico. Will he stay there longer or return home?
* El Terrible & El Texano Jr., who feuded with NO LIMIT in Mexico and challenged the duo for the IWGP Tag Team Title on February’s Sumo Hall show, will return to New Japan for the 2010 G1 Tag League that begins on October 22nd!
* La Sombra was very popular in this year’s Best of the Super Jr. tournament and will return to New Japan, bringing young Mascara Dorada with him to compete in the 5-show SUPER J TAG LEAGUE from November 9th to 13th.
* Finally, CMLL confirmed that it will send talent for “WRESTLE KINGDOM V IN TOKYO DOME” on January 4th, 2011!

It’s official! New Japan heads to the Tokyo Dome on January 4th for its annual super-show, this time “WRESTLE KINGDOM V IN TOKYO DOME”. No matches have been announced yet but should be in the coming months. The announcement was made on YouTube before and can be viewed below.

Tickets go on general sale on December 10th, and here are the prices:

Royal Seat: ¥30,000
Special Seat: ¥20,000
Arena A: ¥10,000
1F Stand A: ¥5,000
1F Stand B: ¥3,000
Junior/Senior (1F Stand): ¥2,000
Elementary Child (1F Stand): ¥1,000

The second floor (2F) isn’t likely to be opened unless of good ticket sales, which have caused them to open limited sections of the 2F at times in the past few years.

NEVER continues with its third event, NEVER.3, at Shin-Kiba 1st RING on October 8th. BattlARTS and DDT will be just two of the promotions with representatives there in addition to the usual cast from New Japan. Here is the list of announced outsiders:

- Taishi Takizawa (K-DOJO)
- Shinobu (666)
- Madoka (free)
- Keita Yano (BattlARTS)
- Keisuke Ishii (DDT)
- Tomato Kaji (K-DOJO)
- Daisuke Sasaki (free)

Hiromu Takahashi became the latest graduate of New Japan’s esteemed dojo yesterday when he debuted against classmate Kyosuke Mikami at the NEVER.1 show in Tokyo. 20-year-old Takahashi is the smallest of the three, standing only 5′7″ and weighing 181lbs. Unlike many New Japan juniors who are tall and subsequently become heavyweights after a while (Makabe, NO LIMIT, Inoue, Goto, and others), Takahashi is much shorter so it seems less likely he will follow their path. Takahashi spoke to New Japan’s official website, allowing us to learn some things about him.

- Has aspired to be a pro wrestler since early in his junior high school days.
- Watching the Chono vs. Takayama G1 Climax final in 2002, when he was only 12 years old, is when he first said to himself “I want to try this”.
- Not surprisingly, Masahiro Chono is who he admires most, after Chono pummeled Takayama with an endless array of Yakuza kicks en route to winning the 2002 G1.
- Worked hard during high school to become strong as part of the track & field team, and as soon as he graduated, he took (and passed) New Japan’s tryout.
- Admitted he had thought about running away from the difficult life in New Japan’s dojo hundreds of times but stuck it out and has now been rewarded.
- Although he admires Chono the most, due to his height he aims to be like Jushin Thunder Liger and Koji Kanemoto.
- For now he will focus on gaining experience and he hopes sooner rather than later he can beat Mikami and Fale, who also debuted thi syear.

New Japan sent three stars to Pro Wrestling NOAH’s latest big anniversary show at the 12,000 seat Tokyo Ariake Coloseum Colosseum today as the interpromotional work continued after the G1.

Go Shiozaki and Shinsuke Nakamura cancelled each other out on the last day of the G1, denying each other the chance of reaching the final. Today they met with no time limit to prevent a possible draw and Nakamura suffered an upset loss to the young ace of NOAH, who pinned Nakamura after a modification of the Go Flasher. This, his failure to recapture the IWGP Heavyweight Title from Makabe in July, and not reaching the G1 final has mean Nakamura has had a slow patch after a destructive year prior to losing the belt to Makabe earlier this year.

Tiger Mask, just back from injury, formed an all-star team with Koji Kanemoto to challenge NOAH’s GHC Jr. Tag Team Champions, Taiji Ishimori & Ricky Marvin. This was the champions’ V3 defense of the belts they won in February but the veterans proved too much for the speedy younger wrestlers, Kanemoto dropping Marvin with a Tiger suplex for the win and belts. Kanemoto & Tiger Mask become the first New Japan team to win this title and now the GHC Heavyweight Title remains the only major NOAH belt to have never entered New Japan custody. Kanemoto & Tiger were challenged by Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Genba Hirayanagi post-match with their V1 defense already set for NOAH’s 8/28 Korakuen Hall show.

G1 Climax winner Satoshi Kojima also appeared on the event ahead of his upcoming IWGP Heavyweight Title shot, lariating Mohammed Yone in 12 minutes.

NOAH “PRO-WRESTLING NOAH 10TH ANNIVERSARY ~ NEW NAVIGATION 2010 IN TOKYO”, 8/22/10 (G+)
Tokyo Ariake Colosseum
5,500 Fans

- GHC Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask beat Taiji Ishimori & Ricky Marvin (c) (21:27) when Kanemoto used a Tiger suplex on Marvin to become the 12th champions.
- Special Singles Match: Go Shiozaki beat Shinsuke Nakamura (19:08) with a modified Go Flasher.

Jushin Thunder Liger has been absent from New Japan for quite a while now along with young lion Nobuo Yoshihashi, the two over in Mexico with CMLL. Liger has been on a rampage and a few days ago won the “G1 of Mexico”, the CMLL Universal Championship (Campeonato Universal). Liger beat La Sombra over three falls in the final, acquiring the help of OKUMURA (Shigeo Okumura) to wrap up the win.

Liger received a title belt for his win but it isn’t the sort that is defended, more like a trophy, unlike the CMLL World Middleweight Championship, which Liger has held since May.

The junior legend will remain in CMLL for a while yet as he is part of a cage match on CMLL’s 9/3 anniversary show, also featuring the likes of Mistico, Ultimo Guerrero, Volador, Atlantis, and others.

In addition to young lions King Fale and Kyosuke Mikami, the following have been announced for NEVER.2 on 9/16 in Osaka:

- Takuya Tomakomai (DRAGON GATE)
- Daisuke Hara (Osaka Pro)
- Tadasuke (Osaka Pro)
- Yohei Nakajima (free)

The cast for NEVER.1, which is the brand’s debut event on 8/24, is:

- Taichi (New Japan)
- King Fale (New Japan)
- Kyosuke Mikami (New Japan)
- Hiromu Takahashi (New Japan / debuting)
- Taichi Takizawa (K-DOJO)
- Shinobu (666)
- Kazuhiro Tamura (STYLE-E)
- Yusuke Kodama (SMASH)
- Madoka (free / former K-DOJO)
- Osamu Namiguchi (free / former ZERO1)

Satoshi Kojima must wait as Togi Makabe wants vengeance on Masato Tanaka after the latter’s sneak attack on the Unchained Gorilla yesterday! The former ECW World Heavyweight Champion returns to New Japan and challenges Makabe for the IWGP Heavyweight Title at the big Kobe World Hall show next month, the only match announced for that thus far. This saves Kojima vs. the winner for “DESTRUCTION ‘10″, the recently announced Sumo Hall show on October 11th. Kojima will also appear on the upcoming tour, titled “CIRCUIT 2010 G1 CLIMAX SPECIAL“, on various events, including the Kobe World Hall PPV where he may have a big match.

NJPW, 9/3/10 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Jado Return Match: Koji Kanemoto, Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Davey Richards, Jado & Gedo
2. Special Singles Match: Prince Devitt vs. Kenny Omega
3. Riki Choshu, Taichi & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Manabu Nakanishi, Tama Tonga & King Fale
4. Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
5. Tomoaki Honma vs. Satoshi Kojima
6. Special Tag Match: Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito
7. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Togi Makabe, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Masato Tanaka

NJPW, 9/4/10
Nishio City Gymnasium

1. Satoshi Kojima vs. Tama Tonga
2. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tomoaki Honma vs. Toru Yano, Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito
3. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Togi Makabe, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 9/5/10
Twin Messe Shizuoka South Pavilion A

1. Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga
2. Tomoaki Honma vs. Satoshi Kojima
3. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Togi Makabe, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & Takashi Iizuka

NJPW, 9/10/10 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. Prince Devitt, Koji Kanemoto, Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Tomohiro Ishii, Davey Richards, Jado & Gedo
2. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Hirooki Goto, Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito
3. Special Tag Match: Togi Makabe & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Satoshi Kojima & Masato Tanaka

NJPW “FSW5 ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL EVENT”, 9/11/10
Fuji Speedway Event Plaza Dome Tent

1. Manabu Nakanishi & Tama Tonga vs. Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson
2. Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Takashi Iizuka, Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito
3. Togi Makabe, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 9/12/10
Chichibu Cultural Sports Center

1. Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomoaki Honma vs. Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito
3. Togi Makabe, Hirooki Goto, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka , Jado & Gedo

NJPW, 9/15/10
Toyama Techno Hall

1. Riki Choshu & Taichi vs. Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue
2. Hirooki Goto, Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito
3. Togi Makabe & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka

NJPW, 9/17/10
Toyooka City Gymnasium

1. Riki Choshu & Taichi vs. Manabu Nakanishi & Tomoaki Honma
2. Yuji Nagata, Hirooki Goto & Wataru Inoue vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito
3. Togi Makabe & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 9/18/10
Hiroshima Green Arena Small Arena

1. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Tetsuya Naito, Jado & Gedo
2. Hirooki Goto vs. Tomohiro Ishii
3. Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
4. Special Tag Match: Togi Makabe & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Satoshi Kojima & Masato Tanaka

NJPW, 9/19/10
Izumo City Gymnasium

1. Riki Choshu, Manabu Nakanishi & Tiger Mask vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
2. Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga
3. Togi Makabe, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito

NJPW, 9/20/10
Okayama Orange Hall

1. Riki Choshu, Manabu Nakanishi & Tomoaki Honma vs. Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & Mitsuhide Hirasawa
2. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Tetsuya Naito, Jado & Gedo
3. Togi Makabe, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka

NJPW, 9/22/10
Iwade Municipal Citizen Gymnasium

1. Yuji Nagata, Wataru Inoue & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Yujiro Takahashi, Tetsuya Naito & Tomohiro Ishii
2. Hirooki Goto & Koji Kanemoto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Davey Richards
3. Togi Makabe, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Jado & Gedo

NJPW, 9/23/10
Takamatsu City Gymnasium

1. Riki Choshu & Tomoaki Honma vs. Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue
2. Hirooki Goto, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Jado & Gedo
3. Togi Makabe, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito

NJPW, 9/24/10
Niihama Citizen Gymnasium

1. Riki Choshu & Taichi vs. Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Yujiro Takahashi & Tetsuya Naito
3. Togi Makabe, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Masato Tanaka , Jado & Gedo

NJPW, 9/25/10
Tokushima Municipal Gymnasium

1. Riki Choshu, Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tama Tonga
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Prince Devitt & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Toru Yano, Jado & Gedo
3. Togi Makabe, Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Masato Tanaka & Takashi Iizuka

NJPW, 9/26/10 (WPW/PPV)
Kobe World Hall

1. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Togi Makabe (c) vs. Masato Tanaka

NJPW “DESTRUCTION ‘10″, 10/11/10 (WPW)
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Winner of Makabe/Tanaka (c) vs. Satoshi Kojima

Naomichi Marufuji’s replacement in the G1 Climax has been named as none other than the man who brought down Marufuji to end his IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title reign, Prince Devitt! The IWGP Jr. 2-crown holder will continue his big year and step into some big matches, facing Strong Man (8/6), Anderson (8/7), Makabe (8/8), Nakanishi (8/12), Naito (8/13), Tanahashi (8/14), and Yano (8/15).

President Sugabayashi said there had been a lot of candidates from inside and outside of Japan but in the end they thought they should give the chance to home-based Devitt after he did manage to beat Marufuji, as well as win the Best of the Super Jr. and recapture the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title.

All nine matches for the 2/14 Sumo Hall show were finalized today, with one under review. That is Apollo 55’s IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title defense against Jado & Gedo, which is in significant doubt after Jado’s injury yesterday. Matches added today include Tanahashi vs. Yano, one of Yano’s biggest singles opportunities to date. Meanwhile, Goto vs. Tanaka has been made into a Hardcore Rules match which would seem to work against Hirooki given that Tanaka is something of a hardcore legend in wrestling from his time in FMW and ECW.

There is also a special opening match, with three of New Japan’s junior veterans facing three of the brightest young talents from the indie scene. The event has also been announced as a SKYPerfecTV! PPV. Meanwhile, New Japan has confirmed that the next IWGP Heavyweight Title match after this will be on 4/4 at Korakuen Hall, the main event of “NEW DIMENSION”. The winner of the 2010 New Japan Cup is likely to challenge the victor of Nakamura vs. Nakanishi there.

NJPW, 2/14/10 (WPW/PPV)
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. Special Opening Match: Jushin Thunder Liger, Koji Kanemoto & Tiger Mask vs. Kota Ibushi , Fujita “Jr.” Hayato & GENTARO
2. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt (c) vs. Jado & Gedo
3. Riki Choshu & Wataru Inoue vs. Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson
4. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
5. Special Singles Match: Yuji Nagata vs. TAJIRI
6. IWGP Tag Team Title: Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito (c) vs. El Terrible & El Texano Jr.
7. Special Singles Match - Hardcore Rules: Hirooki Goto vs. Masato Tanaka
8. Special Singles Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Toru Yano
9. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Manabu Nakanishi

New Japan has been renowned in the past decade for it’s development of young wrestlers. Even during it’s darkest times, there was always a cast of dojo boys and young lions that presented hope for a brighter future, and that future has become now with Tanahashi, Nakamura, and others leading the company safely of late.

Lately though there have been less debutants, probably due to a mixture of the recession (having to balance roster size) and other factors. Kazuchika Okada, originally a Toryumon trainee who re-trained and re-debuted for New Japan, appears to be the one to keep an eye on, as personally I think he could be just as successful as Nakamura and Tanahashi. Hirasawa and Yoshihashi show less right now but both also have potential.

Someone on the forums dug up some information on three of the newer dojo boys who look set to debut in the near future. Hopefully, if all make it to the ring, these can add some new freshness to lineups.

(Left to right)
- Simi Taitoko Fale (28-years-old) (former rugby player for the Fukuoka Sanix Blues)
- Koyume Takahashi (19-years-old)
- Kyosuke Mikami (25-years-old)

Masahiro Chono will leave New Japan in February after spending his entire career in the company. It is a harmonious departure that contradicts President Sugabayashi’s statement the other day that his contract was all but signed and that he planned a six month “body remodeling” excursion. Chono refuses to call it a “resignation” and prefers to label it a “graduation” as he believes he no longer has a major role in New Japan so by becoming free will be able to explore whatever options he wants. As mentioned, it is a very peaceful separation and the likelihood is that Chono will continue to make special appearances, which is basically what he has been doing for a long time now. This decision seems to have come after Sugabayashi could offer Chono no concrete guarantee on his future role in New Japan.

Chono is the only “Musketeer” who stuck with New Japan in the dark days, when Muto, Hashimoto, and other key names like Kensuke Sasaki and Riki Choshu left the promotion. However, a clear shift in priorities in recent years has led to the successful transition into a youth-based company, with Nakamura and Tanahashi at the top, supported by other upcoming names and a few younger (than Chono) veterans like Nagata and Nakanishi. This has led to Chono being something of a novelty act along with Choshu and the nWo Japan founder probably feels he still has a bit more to offer the pro wrestling community at large.

Chono has always been an advocate of the “no fences” ideal where wrestlers can travel between promotions easily, which you could see on his “PREMIUM” shows a lot. So there is a possibility he may promote shows under the ARISTRIST banner of a similar style. No word as yet on whether his disciple, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, will follow him or remain with New Japan. Tenzan remains a long-term absentee due to all of his injuries and hasn’t been seen since the G1 Climax.

Three or four years ago, Chono leaving New Japan would have set off alarm bells and been a huge blow for the company but all the hard work in stabilizing the company and creating new stars means he can now “graduate” knowing New Japan is in a good state.

NJPW, 1/31/10 (SXW)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. Super Strong Machine, Tiger Mask & El Samurai vs. Koji Kanemoto, Taichi & Nobuo Yoshihashi
2. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Tamon Honda & Kentaro Shiga
3. Special Tag Match: Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. TAJIRI & Takashi Iizuka
4. Special Tag Match: Jado & Gedo vs. Kota Ibushi & Kenny Omega
5. Yujiro, Tetsuya Naito, Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt vs. Toru Yano, Giant Bernard, Karl Anderson & Tomohiro Ishii
6. Kazuchika Okada Farewell Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada
7. Special Tag Match: Manabu Nakanishi & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Masato Tanaka

Takao Omori held an interview at New Japan offices earlier to announce that he is changing his career from “pro wrestler” to “pro wrestler who manages an inn”. You may have noticed that Omori, who has been a freelancer based in New Japan for quite a while now, isn’t booked on the next tour. That’s because he has decided to focus on managing a family inn in Kanazawa.

However, he isn’t finished as a pro wrestler. Don’t expect to see Omori too often but he has no plans to fully retire and said he will appear occasionally. He isn’t sure exactly what the future holds but wants to maintain strong relations with New Japan, who offered him a big chance to restore his career after a lengthy break following his departure from ZERO1.

40-year-old Omori goes into semi-activity with many honours behind him as a former IWGP Tag Team Champion, GHC Tag Team Champion, AJPW World Tag Team Champion, All Asia Tag Team Champion, AWA Heavyweight Champion, NWA United National Heavyweight Champion, NWA Intercontinental Tag Team Champion, and WLW Heavyweight Champion.

Two of New Japan’s young warriors are heading overseas in an attempt to transform themselves. Kazuchika Okada, one of the better heavyweight prospects in many years, is leaving indefinitely for TNA Wrestling, while Taichi is off to CMLL. President Sugabayashi said he is giving Okada as long as he needs to transform himself into what New Japan knows he can be, not even ruling out a 2-3 year stay in America if Okada needs that long. He will have a special send-off match on 1/31 against Tanahashi. With the retirement of his tag partner Milano, Taichi now seeks new direction and where better for an upcoming junior than CMLL in Mexico…

New Japan also announced today that Tamon Honda and Kentaro Shiga, who recently left NOAH as part of the company’s downsizing, will appear specially on the 1/31 Differ Ariake show. The two will face Makabe & Honma in a tag match and Sugabayashi was complimentary of Honda, saying he had been a “symbol of strength” for NOAH after his surprising “boom” several years ago where he took many big scalps and won the GHC Tag Team Title. Also announced for the Differ show was El Samurai in another special appearance.

Masahiro Chono, however, has cancelled his appearance for an interesting reason. Chono is undertaking long-term “body remodeling”. Chono has just signed a new contract with the company but will be away for up to half a year and should return around summer (G1?). Could this mean one last run at the top for Chono, with so much effort going into improving his condition?

Young lion Nobuo Yoshihashi scored his first ever singles victory earlier on Riki Choshu’s LOCK UP show, pinning ZERO1’s Yuzuru Saito in one of various matches featuring New Japan wrestlers.

LOCK UP, 1/17/10
Shinjuku FACE

- Nobuo Yoshihashi beat Yuzuru Saito (7:24) with a modified cross armbreaker.
- Daisuke Sekimoto beat Kazuchika Okada (9:02) with a German suplex hold.
- Jado & Gedo beat Dick Togo & Ikuto Hidaka (19:03) when Gedo used a schoolboy on Togo.
- Yuji Nagata beat Tomohiro Ishii (15:47) with a backdrop hold.

New Japan announced today on it’s mobile site that Milano Collection AT is retiring from pro wrestling. Milano has been dogged by a serious eye injury since last year and even after an operation there is great risk to it if he keeps on wrestling, so he has decided to end his career. Milano joined New Japan several years ago but despite winning the Best of the Super Jr. never quite reached the heights expected of him, and many were anticipating his return to see if he could finally get there. His career ends after ten years active service.

December 4th, 1943 – January 16th, 2010

Katsuhisa Shibata, former New Japan wrestler and referee, and father of second generation pro wrestler Katsuyori Shibata (who he is pictured above with when Katsuyori was 3-years-old), passed away earlier today following a heart attack. Shibata wrestled on the very first New Japan show on 3/6/72 and after retiring in February, 1976, would become a referee for the company. He temporarily retired as a referee on 6/25/99 at Korakuen Hall but would return for sporadic appearances, recently officiating in Tatsumi Fujinami’s DRADITION promotion.

Togi Makabe will challenge Takashi Sugiura for the GHC Heavyweight Title on February 28th at Tokyo Nippon Budokan. Makabe is currently in NOAH with Honma as part of the Global Tag League ‘10, where they have one win (over Bison Smith & Keith Walker) and one loss (to Sugiura & Shuhei Taniguchi). Oddly though, it is their only non-tournament match that has caught most of the attention so far, when they defeated Sugiura & Atsushi Aoki, with Makabe pinning the GHC Heavyweight Champion.

Sugiura has lots of recent history with the “4 Heroes”, having dominated Hirooki Goto in their singles match series but having unavenged losses to Nakamura, Tanahashi, and Makabe. At Budokan, he’ll have his chance to avenge those two pinfall losses to Makabe and perhaps afterwards will turn his eyes to the top two of New Japan, Nakamura and Tanahashi.

NOAH, 2/28/10
Tokyo Nippon Budokan

- GHC Heavyweight Title: Takashi Sugiura (c) vs. Togi Makabe

IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Shinsuke Nakamura, and K-1 Heavyweight Champion, Kyotaro, go to war next month! Gulp? No, it’s not quite as scary as it sounds as it will be an Exhibition Match held under K-1 (kickboxing rules) at the “GILCO POWER PRODUCTION DREAM MATCH” show on February 28th. Two rounds, two minutes, so it’s not very long but should be interesting.

NJPW “GILCO POWER PRODUCTION DREAM MATCH”, 2/28/10
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. K-1 Rules: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kyotaro
2. Keiji Muto , Hiroshi Tanahashi & Power Pro Kamen vs. Akebono, Yutaka Yoshie & Ryota Hama

Yuji Nagata attempts to avenge his Tokyo Dome tag loss to the nuisance TAJIRI at Sumo Hall, in one of two special singles matches added today. The other sees Hirooki Goto and ZERO1’s Masato Tanaka attempt to decide their deadlocked singles match series. Other cards have also been announced for the series, with appearances by El Samurai, Kota Ibushi, and Kenny Omega also.

NJPW “EXCITING BATTLE IN OKINAWA 2010″, 1/22/10
Okinawa Prefectural Budokan

1. Jushin Thunder Liger, Super Delfin , Kaijin Habu Otoko & Golden Pine vs. Ryusuke Taguchi, Shisaou , Mil Mongoose & Menso~re Oyaji
2. Riki Choshu & Kazuchika Okada vs. Yuji Nagata & Mitsuhide Hirasawa
3. Masahiro Chono & Koji Kanemoto vs. Super Strong Machine & Tiger Mask
4. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
5. Manabu Nakanishi, Hirooki Goto & Wataru Inoue vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Jado & Gedo
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 1/27/10 (Samurai! TV)
Chiba Port Arena Sub Arena

1. Hirooki Goto, Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt vs. Toru Yano, Jado & Gedo
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Kazuchika Okada vs. Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito
3. Manabu Nakanishi, Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson

NJPW, 1/29/10
Shirakawa City Central Gymnasium

1. Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. Hirooki Goto & Kazuchika Okada
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt vs. Toru Yano, Jado & Gedo
3. Manabu Nakanishi, Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson

NJPW, 1/30/10 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Taichi vs. Nobuo Yoshihashi
2. Black Cat Memorial Match: Super Strong Machine, Wataru Inoue & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Koji Kanemoto, Tiger Mask & El Samurai
3. Hirooki Goto vs. Kazuchika Okada
4. Riki Choshu, Togi Makabe, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tomoaki Honma vs. Takashi Iizuka, Tomohiro Ishii, Jado & Gedo
5. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Yuji Nagata, Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito vs. TAJIRI, Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson
6. Special Tag Match: Manabu Nakanishi & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Toru Yano
7. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Naomichi Marufuji (c) vs. Prince Devitt

NJPW, 1/31/10 (SXW)
Tokyo Differ Ariake

1. Special Tag Match: Jado & Gedo vs. Kota Ibushi & Kenny Omega
2. Special Tag Match: Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue vs. TAJIRI & Takashi Iizuka
3. Special Tag Match: Manabu Nakanishi & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Masato Tanaka

NJPW, 2/3/10
Ueda Creation Hall

1. Wataru Inoue, Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito vs. Toru Yano, Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma
3. Manabu Nakanishi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Jado & Gedo

NJPW, 2/6/10
Kasukabe City Gymnasium

1. Wataru Inoue & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Toru Yano & Karl Anderson
3. Manabu Nakanishi & Yuji Nagata vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 2/7/10
Wel Sunpia Tochigi

1. Yuji Nagata & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Toru Yano, Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson
3. Manabu Nakanishi & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 2/8/10
Ota City Nitta Gymnasium Ex Arena

1. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt vs. Toru Yano, Jado & Gedo
3. Manabu Nakanishi & Wataru Inoue vs. Shinsuke Nakamura & Giant Bernard

NJPW, 2/10/10 (SXW)
Osaka Central Gymnasium #2

1. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito
2. Yuji Nagata, Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt vs. TAJIRI, Jado & Gedo
3. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Manabu Nakanishi, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Hirooki Goto vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Masato Tanaka

NJPW, 2/11/10
Gifu Industrial Hall

1. Wataru Inoue & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito
2. Hirooki Goto, Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt vs. Masato Tanaka , Jado & Gedo
3. Special 6 Man Tag Match: Manabu Nakanishi, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yuji Nagata vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & TAJIRI

NJPW, 2/14/10 (WPW)
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt (c) vs. Jado & Gedo
2. Special Singles Match: Yuji Nagata vs. TAJIRI
3. Special Singles Match: Hirooki Goto vs. Masato Tanaka
4. IWGP Tag Team Title: Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito (c) vs. El Terrible & El Texano Jr.
5. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Manabu Nakanishi

Manabu Nakanishi will again try to stall the new generation’s leadership of New Japan when he challenges Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP Heavyweight Title at Sumo Hall next month. Shinsuke’s V5 defense of the belt is now official, one day after he toppled the mighty Yoshihiro Takayama. NO LIMIT attempt to finish one piece of business from CMLL as they make their V1 defense of the IWGP Tag Team Title against the men who took their hair, El Terrible & El Texano Jr., the New Japan/CMLL relationship in full effect. February will be a busy month for Prince Devitt, as at Korakuen Hall on the 30th, he challenges new IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion, Naomichi Marufuji, in a rematch from the SUPER J-CUP final, then at Sumo Hall he and Taguchi defend their IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title against Jado & Gedo. And as for Tanahashi? He is interested in further battles with NOAH, after pinning Shiozaki yesterday but named no one in particular. He said if there was an offer, he’d consider it, and expects NOAH will be interested in throwing some wrestlers at the MVP this year.

NJPW “EXCITING BATTLE IN OKINAWA 2010″, 1/22/10
Okinawa Prefectural Budokan

1. Jushin Thunder Liger, Super Delfin , Kaijin Habu Otoko & Golden Pine vs. Ryusuke Taguchi, Shisaou , Mil Mongoose & Menso~re Oyaji
2. Riki Choshu & Kazuchika Okada vs. Yuji Nagata & Mitsuhide Hirasawa
3. Super Strong Machine & Tiger Mask vs. Koji Kanemoto & Nobuo Yoshihashi
4. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma vs. Toru Yano & Takashi Iizuka
5. Manabu Nakanishi, Hirooki Goto & Wataru Inoue vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Jado & Gedo
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tomohiro Ishii

NJPW, 1/30/10 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Naomichi Marufuji (c) vs. Prince Devitt

NJPW, 2/14/10 (WPW)
Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title: Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt (c) vs. Jado & Gedo
2. IWGP Tag Team Title: Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito (c) vs. El Terrible & El Texano Jr.
3. IWGP Heavyweight Title: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Manabu Nakanishi

May 14th, 1960 – December 30th, 2009

Two final matches and full card order for the biggest show of 2010 in Japan, “WRESTLE KINGDOM IV IN TOKYO DOME”, have been announced. Apollo 55, after doing so well in the J-CUP, face two assassins from CMLL in the form of Ultimo Guerrero & Averno with the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title on the line. And Aogi-gun’s Machine, Wataru & Hirasawa battle Liger, Kanemoto & Okada in NJ’s first match of 2010.

NJPW “WRESTLE KINGDOM IV IN TOKYO DOME”, 1/4/10 (WPW/PPV)
Tokyo Dome

1. New Japan Pro-Wrestling 2010 Beginning: Super Strong Machine, Wataru Inoue & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Jushin Thunder Liger, Koji Kanemoto & Kazuchika Okada
2. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Title ~Amistad combativa~: Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt (c) vs. Ultimo Guerrero & Averno
3. IWGP Tag Team Title - 3WAY Hardcore Rules Match ~Victim and Greed~: “Team 3D” Brother Ray & Brother Devon (c) vs. Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito
4. Wrestle Kingdom Special Tag Match ~Blood Stream Blue~: Yuji Nagata & Akebono vs. TAJIRI & Masato Tanaka
5. Wrestle Kingdom Special 8 Man Tag Match ~The legend never rots~: Terry Funk, Riki Choshu, Masahiro Chono & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Abdullah The Butcher, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
6. NJPW vs. NOAH Battle Effusions ~Wilderness~: Togi Makabe vs. Mohammed Yone
7. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title ~Highest sky~: Tiger Mask (c) vs. Naomichi Marufuji
8. NJPW vs. NOAH Battle Effusions ~Radiance~: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Go Shiozaki
9. GHC Heavyweight Title - NJPW vs. NOAH Battle Effusions ~Blast~: Takashi Sugiura (c) vs. Hirooki Goto
10. IWGP Heavyweight Title - The newest, The strongest: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Yoshihiro Takayama

NJPW “NEW JAPAN LIVE IN USHIKU”, 12/20/09
Ushiku Movement Park Gymnasium
1,000 Fans

1. Jado & Gedo beat Tiger Mask & Nobuo Yoshihashi (10:50) when Jado used the Crossface of JADO on Yoshihashi.
2. Jushin Thunder Liger & Ryusuke Taguchi beat Koji Kanemoto & Taichi (14:24) when Liger used an air scissors drop on Taichi.
3. Takashi Iizuka beat Tomoaki Honma (9:01) by pinfall.
4. Super Strong Machine & Mitsuhide Hirasawa beat Riki Choshu & Kazuchika Okada (9:31) when Machine used a Devil Windmill suplex hold on Okada.
5. Special Tag Match ~ NJPW year-end gift: Manabu Nakanishi & Takao Omori beat Yuji Nagata & Wataru Inoue (15:09) when Nakanishi used an Argentine backbreaker on Inoue.
6. Special 6 Man Tag Match ~ USHIKU ONE NIGHT STAND: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Togi Makabe beat Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii (17:28) when Tanahashi used the High Fly Flow on Yano.

New Japan held it’s annual tryout today for new dojo boys, featuring the usual brutal requirements necessary to even be considered for NJ’s famous dojo. Rather than list them all as I seem to have done a hundred times over the years, I’ll just write about a few noteworthy events at the tryout.

The first will be of interest to some. I’ve received lots of emails over time asking if it’s possible for Americans to get in on these tryouts. There was one there today, 24-year-old William Francis (pictured on left), who is 6′2″ and 225lbs and is a keen American Footballer. His way in involved some luck though, as at the Camp Zama show in October, he went right up to President Sugabayashi and asked for the chance to follow his dream of becoming a pro wrestler. He was given the chance today but as always results of the tryouts will be kept under lock and key, although the reports indicated he did well.

Yuji Nagata, who is known for his extremely strict standards and once dropped this man from tryouts, looked on and said his opinions varied on this year’s cast. At one point, a 22-year-old whose only experience is student professional wrestling tried a dropkick which lacked height. Nagata demanded more height and the young man achieved it, drawing warm applause in the dojo.

Others who tried out included judo fighters and a 15-year-old boy in the third grade of junior highschool.

Will any of these make it to the ring? Only time will tell as nowadays we see far fewer young lions debuting. New Japan has a wealth of young talent, from those leading the promotion nowadays - including Nakamura, Tanahashi, and Goto - to those emerging like NO LIMIT and Okada, so don’t seem in any dire need to mass recruit new ones.

The boys are back in town and ready to make an impact. “NO LIMIT” aka Yujiro and Tetsuya Naito re-landed in Japan today and made their way to New Japan offices to discuss what has been and what is to come. The 22nd generation IWGP Jr. Tag Team Champions lost the belts to TNA Wrestling’s Motor City Machine Guns and pursued them back to the U.S., but their excursion turned out to be far more fruitful and lengthy than anticipated. After some time in TNA, they headed to CMLL in Mexico where they became not only heavyweights but two of the biggest heels in Mexico.

Their growth has not been unnoticed by New Japan, who always look to push their young wrestlers into stars. NO LIMIT now challenge Team 3D, along with Bad Intentions, for the IWGP Tag Team Title at the Tokyo Dome on January 4th. Both are now bigger, stronger, and cockier, and spoke at the press conference after President Sugabayashi explained that their place in the three way match is a response to their demands.

Naito said they had reached the top of the mountain in Mexico to the extent that they couldn’t walk into town without being recognized. He said that four young men well known in Japan who have previously been to CMLL - Nakamura, Tanahashi, Goto, and Taguchi - had nothing on their level of stardom in Mexico and are obscure compared to them. Naito called himself a “super-celebrity” and said it would be a natural result if they win the IWGP Tag Team Title and show the effects of their expedition. Yujiro claimed that winning the title would raise the commercial value of NO LIMIT more worldwide and turn them into a famous tag team.

When answering questions, both men made it clear that they love being in Mexico and may even head back there even if they do win the belts. Naito said that everything after the Dome is a blank slate but that he hopes to return to CMLL. Yujiro also said that Mexico is very comfortable for them. President Sugabayashi admitted that their attitudes had changed and wordplay had improved a lot and that he wants them to win the tag belts in order to show they aren’t all talk.

Togi Makabe and Tomoaki Honma go to war in Pro Wrestling NOAH next January as one of eight teams involved in the Global Tag League. This will likely follow up in some way on Makabe vs. Yone at the Tokyo Dome as Yone is one half of the GHC Tag Team Champions with Takeshi Rikio. Makabe will take his GBH underling Honma with him and attempt to make an impact in NOAH, with Honma hopefully able to step up and take this big chance, and avoid being a liability for the Unchained Gorilla.

Competing teams, which will be split into two blocks, are:

- Takeshi Rikio & Mohammed Yone (GHC Tag Team Champions)
- Takashi Sugiura & Shuhei Taniguchi
- Kensuke Sasaki & Takeshi Morishima
- Go Shiozaki & Akitoshi Saito
- Yoshihiro Takayama & Takuma Sano
- Bison Smith & Keith Walker
- Chris Hero & Claudio Castagnoli
- Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma (New Japan)

New Japan will produce a show in conjunction with Gilco Power Pro next February, featuring a big main event! 2009 MVP Hiroshi Tanahashi and 2008 MVP Keiji Muto unite, teaming with the masked Power Pro Kamen against the sumo trio of Akebono, Yutaka Yoshie & Ryota Hama. Four more matches are scheduled as well as a bench press contest.

NJPW “GILCO POWER PRODUCTION DREAM MATCH”, 2/28/10
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Keiji Muto , Hiroshi Tanahashi & Power Pro Kamen vs. Akebono, Yutaka Yoshie & Ryota Hama

Eight matches are now confirmed for the Tokyo Dome, with the addition of three more today. As expected, Makabe vs. Yone becomes the third New Japan vs. NOAH match, while to follow up from the earlier story, gaijin legends Terry Funk and Abdullah The Butcher return in a special eight man tag, Abby teaming up with CHAOS and Terry with Choshu, Chono, and Nakanishi. Finally, the new Aogi-gun vs. TAJIRI war continues with Nagata bringing in his friend Akebono to battle the tandem of TAJIRI and Masato Tanaka.

This would seem to complete the card on the heavyweight side, unless a minor NJ vs. NOAH match or such is added. All of the top heavyweights are booked except Tenzan, who doesn’t seem ready to return from injury yet. There may be a couple of junior matches yet added but with the J-CUP yet to happen, it’s hard to announce them without giving away something about the tournament. The New Japan vs. NOAH series was touted as a 5 vs. 5 so it’s possible the last two matches could be that (Tiger Mask vs. J-CUP winner would enter the series if Marufuji or Aoki won the tournament).

NJPW “WRESTLE KINGDOM IV IN TOKYO DOME”, 1/4/10 (WPW/PPV)
Tokyo Dome

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Tiger Mask (c) vs. Super J-Cup 5th Stage winner
2. Wrestle Kingdom Special 8 Man Tag Match: Terry Funk, Riki Choshu, Masahiro Chono & Manabu Nakanishi vs. Abdullah The Butcher, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
3. Wrestle Kingdom Special Tag Match: Yuji Nagata & Akebono vs. TAJIRI & Masato Tanaka
4. IWGP Tag Team Title - 3WAY Hardcore Rules Match: “Team 3D” Brother Ray & Brother Devon (c) vs. Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito
5. NJPW vs. NOAH Battle Effusions ~Wilderness~: Togi Makabe vs. Mohammed Yone
6. NJPW vs. NOAH Battle Effusions ~Radiance~: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Go Shiozaki
7. GHC Heavyweight Title - NJPW vs. NOAH Battle Effusions ~Blast~: Takashi Sugiura (c) vs. Hirooki Goto
8. IWGP Heavyweight Title - The newest, The strongest: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Yoshihiro Takayama

Two of the most famous gaijin legends in Japanese pro wrestling history will return to Japan for the 1/4 Tokyo Dome show, according to Nikkan Sports. 68-year-old Abdullah The Butcher and 65-year-old Terry Funk will do battle in some form, possibly a match involving New Japan wrestlers. No word as yet what said match will be but the idea may be to bring in some old fans from the Showa era to watch the show.

Yoshihiro Takayama returns to New Japan Pro-Wrestling on January 4th at the Tokyo Dome six years to the day after suffering a humiliating upset loss to the then “green boy” Nakamura in the main event of the 1/4/04 event. It is a very different Shinsuke Nakamura these days, then a trickster relying mostly on speed and instincts to win matches, now a conqueror much like Takayama himself who has become one of the kingpins of pro wrestling in Japan.

Shinsuke’s V4 defense was today confirmed at a special event that saw others on the show comment, as well as some pre-J-CUP hype. Takayama confessed that New Japan has changed since he was last there, becoming a much stronger and more orderly promotion that can stand on it’s own two feet again, and cited the growth of Tanahashi and Nakamura as two factors in that. Still, he is in New Japan to win the IWGP Heavyweight Title and hasn’t forgotten his defeat to Nakamura, who took the NWF Heavyweight Title off him back at the start of 2004 and sealed it. Whatever the result on January 4th, it is thought that Takayama has transferred his main attention to New Japan from All Japan and could be a regular fixture in the company come 2010.

Nakamura was complimentary of Takayama who in some ways he resembles now with his knee kicks and heavy strikes. Shinsuke called Takayama a unique individual in Japan and called him a “big wall” to get past even now. He pointed out that Takayama is very worthy having accomplished what he calls a “super-grand slam” of the IWGP Heavyweight & IWGP Tag (New Japan), GHC Heavyweight & GHC Tag (NOAH), and Triple Crown & AJPW World Heavyweight Tag (All Japan) titles. While New Japan vs. NOAH dominates a large part of the upcoming Tokyo Dome super-show, Nakamura said his fight with Takayama will be a personal battle unrelated, Takayama having become a freelancer a long time ago now after once belonging to NOAH.

No other matches were announced today, with much still undecided. Nagata and Nakanishi both said they are looking forward to whoever is thrown their way, while Makabe was a little less polite, saying he has introduced himself as a member of the NJ vs. NOAH feud but no one from “cowardly NOAH” has yet stepped forward to receive his challenge. Akira Taue, Takeshi Morishima, and Kenta Kobashi are just three possibilities to face the Unchained Gorilla at the Dome on 1/4.

NJPW “WRESTLE KINGDOM IV IN TOKYO DOME”, 1/4/10 (WPW/PPV)
Tokyo Dome

1. IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title: Tiger Mask (c) vs. Super J-Cup 5th Stage winner
2. IWGP Tag Team Title - 3WAY Hardcore Rules Match: “Team 3D” Brother Ray & Brother Devon (c) vs. Giant Bernard & Karl Anderson vs. Yujiro & Tetsuya Naito
3. NJPW vs. NOAH Battle Effusions ~Radiance~: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Go Shiozaki
4. GHC Heavyweight Title - NJPW vs. NOAH Battle Effusions ~Blast~: : Takashi Sugiura (c) vs. Hirooki Goto
5. IWGP Heavyweight Title - The newest, The strongest: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Yoshihiro Takayama

Jushin Thunder Liger will be the eighth opponent in Atsushi Aoki’s “Flash” trial series on NOAH soil on June 22nd. The two are in opposite blocks in the Best of the Super Jr. tournament so this will be a first time meeting.

NOAH, 6/22/09
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

- Atsushi Aoki vs. Jushin Thunder Liger

Non-tournament matches for the upcoming Super Jr. tour have been announced, with two real noteworthy trends. Tanahashi and Goto unite in a series of six man tags against Nakanishi and Nagata, a generation war designed to build up the Tanahashi vs. Nakanishi rematch. And in what could be an uneasy alliance, Makabe and Honma unite with the man who was kicked out of GBH by the Makabe-led force, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, in an attempt to crush the sequel to GBH, CHAOS. Chono, Choshu, Bernard, and Omori will not be on this tour.

The Motor City Machine Guns will appear on the 7/5 Korakuen show, which opens the summer tour (not the Super Jr. one). They will face undetermined opposition, possibly in an IWGP Jr. Tag Team Title defense.

NJPW, 5/30/09 (Samurai! TV)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Nobuo Yoshihashi vs. Tsuyoshi Kikuchi
2. Jushin Thunder Liger, AKIRA & Taichi vs. Karl Anderson, Black Tiger & Jado
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Kazuchika Okada
5. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. YAMATO
6. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Tiger Mask vs. Atsushi Aoki
7. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Milano Collection AT vs. Prince Devitt
8. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: Koji Kanemoto vs. Kota Ibushi

NJPW, 5/31/09
Mito Citizen Gymnasium

1. Mitsuhide Hirasawa & Kazuchika Okada vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Karl Anderson
2. Nobuo Yoshihashi vs. Atsushi Aoki
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue & Tiger Mask vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & YAMATO
4. Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata, Milano Collection AT & AKIRA vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt
5. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: Black Tiger vs. Jado
6. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Taichi
7. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Koji Kanemoto vs. Tsuyoshi Kikuchi

NJPW, 6/3/09 (SXW)
Tokorozawa Citizen Gymnasium #2

1. Nobuo Yoshihashi vs. YAMATO
2. Koji Kanemoto & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Tsuyoshi Kikuchi & Atsushi Aoki
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue, Tomoaki Honma & Kazuchika Okada vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Tomohiro Ishii & Karl Anderson
4. Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata, Jushin Thunder Liger & Milano Collection AT vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tiger Mask & Ryusuke Taguchi
5. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Taichi vs. Kota Ibushi
6. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: Prince Devitt vs. Jado
7. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: AKIRA vs. Black Tiger

NJPW, 6/5/09
Yonago Industrial Gymnasium

1. Nobuo Yoshihashi vs. Atsushi Aoki
2. Tiger Mask & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Black Tiger & YAMATO
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe, Super Strong Machine, Wataru Inoue & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Tomohiro Ishii & Karl Anderson
4. Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata, Koji Kanemoto & Milano Collection AT vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Prince Devitt & Kazuchika Okada
5. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: AKIRA vs. Jado
6. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Taichi vs. Tsuyoshi Kikuchi
7. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Ryusuke Taguchi

NJPW, 6/6/09
Shinji Lake Park

1. Tiger Mask & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Kazuchika Okada & Nobuo Yoshihashi
2. Super Strong Machine & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Tomohiro Ishii & Karl Anderson
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Jado
4. Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata, Koji Kanemoto & Taichi vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Ryusuke Taguchi & Prince Devitt
5. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: AKIRA vs. Atsushi Aoki
6. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Tsuyoshi Kikuchi vs. YAMATO
7. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: Milano Collection AT vs. Black Tiger

NJPW, 6/7/09
Akashi Municipal Industrial Exchange Center

1. Kazuchika Okada & Nobuo Yoshihashi vs. Karl Anderson & Jado
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
3. Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata & Milano Collection AT vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Ryusuke Taguchi
4. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Taichi vs. YAMATO
5. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: Black Tiger vs. Atsushi Aoki
6. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: Tiger Mask vs. Prince Devitt
7. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Koji Kanemoto

NJPW, 6/8/09
Fukui City Gymnasium

1. Nobuo Yoshihashi vs. Atsushi Aoki
2. Ryusuke Taguchi, Mitsuhide Hirasawa & Kazuchika Okada vs. Karl Anderson, Jado & YAMATO
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue, Jushin Thunder Liger & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Tomohiro Ishii & Black Tiger
4. Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata & Milano Collection AT vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Prince Devitt
5. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Koji Kanemoto vs. Taichi
6. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Tsuyoshi Kikuchi vs. Kota Ibushi
7. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: Tiger Mask vs. AKIRA

NJPW, 6/9/09
Gifu Mount Ace

1. AKIRA & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Tomohiro Ishii & YAMATO
2. Koji Kanemoto & Nobuo Yoshihashi vs. Kota Ibushi & Atsushi Aoki
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Karl Anderson
4. Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata, Jushin Thunder Liger & Taichi vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto, Tiger Mask & Kazuchika Okada
5. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: Milano Collection AT vs. Jado
6. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: Prince Devitt vs. Black Tiger
7. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Tsuyoshi Kikuchi

NJPW, 6/11/09
Mie Yume Dome Ueno #2

1. Kazuchika Okada & Nobuo Yoshihashi vs. Tsuyoshi Kikuchi & Kota Ibushi
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue, Tomoaki Honma & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka, Tomohiro Ishii & Karl Anderson
3. Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata & Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Prince Devitt
4. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Taichi
5. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Koji Kanemoto vs. YAMATO
6. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: Tiger Mask vs. Jado
7. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: AKIRA vs. Milano Collection AT

NJPW, 6/12/09
Toyohashi City Gymnasium #2

1. Tiger Mask & Mitsuhide Hirasawa vs. Karl Anderson & Black Tiger
2. Koji Kanemoto & Milano Collection AT vs. Kazuchika Okada & Nobuo Yoshihashi
3. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & Tomohiro Ishii
4. Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata & Taichi vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Ryusuke Taguchi
5. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: Jado vs. Atsushi Aoki
6. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Kota Ibushi vs. YAMATO
7. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: AKIRA vs. Prince Devitt
8. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Tsuyoshi Kikuchi

NJPW, 6/13/09
Kyoto KBS Hall

1. Taichi, Mitsuhide Hirasawa & Kazuchika Okada vs. Tomohiro Ishii, Karl Anderson & Jado
2. Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Togi Makabe, Wataru Inoue & Tomoaki Honma vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Toru Yano, Takashi Iizuka & YAMATO
3. Manabu Nakanishi, Yuji Nagata & AKIRA vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hirooki Goto & Prince Devitt
4. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: Milano Collection AT vs. Atsushi Aoki
5. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Jushin Thunder Liger vs. Kota Ibushi
6. Best of the Super Jr. - Block B: Koji Kanemoto vs. Ryusuke Taguchi
7. Best of the Super Jr. - Block A: Tiger Mask vs. Black Tiger

NJPW, 6/14/09 (SXW)
Tokyo Korakuen Hall

1. Best of the Super Jr. - Semi Final: Block A 1st Place vs. Block B 2nd Place
2. Best of the Super Jr. - Semi Final: Block B 1st Place vs. Block A 2nd Place
3. Best of the Super Jr. - Final: