Embracing the fun in Wrestling
Tetsuya Naito’s long, tumultuous journey to the top of New Japan Pro Wrestling is one of the greatest stories in wrestling because it isn’t just a story about wrestling. Naito dreamt of entering NJPW, becoming the IWGP Heavyweight Champion and main eventing the Tokyo Dome. Whilst today we can rest easy with the knowledge that Naito has surpassed those …
In an unusual year for New Japan, one thing that remains consistent is World Tag League being the final tournament of the year. But in a unique twist, the tournament will be running side by side with Best of the Super Juniors 27! World Tag League will see 10 teams enter the fray, with the action taking place within …
Against the odds, New Japan has given us the New Japan Cup and G1 Climax, and now they will close off 2020 with a joint Best of Super Juniors and World Tag League tour! For only the third time in its 27 year history, BOSJ will be held with 10 participants in a single block. Each wrestler will face …
The tragedy that is 2020 has a few redeeming qualities. In the world of New Japan Pro Wrestling, the roster has been limited and it has afforded El Desperado much needed time in the spotlight, time to remind us that he is a top tier contender in the junior heavyweight division. It’s something we’ve always known but merely forgotten, …
The road to Wrestle Kingdom 15 is about to kick into the next gear, and the drivers sat in pole position could find their favourable fortune falling. Power Struggle might result in the entire complexion of Wrestle Kingdom being turned upside down. A rivalry that has been the hallmark of New Japan this year will have its newest instalment, …
Welcome to the October edition of Most Joyful Players (MJP)! Every month, a selection of WrestleJoy’s writers will bring you their individual picks for the past month’s MJP. In September, writer Molly Belle highlighted John Silver as her MJP, and since then WrestleJoy have joined The Dark Order! Maybe I should pick Chris Jericho, and hopefully he’ll invite me …
Kenny Omega’s five year journey with NJPW started with his grand reveal as the newest Bullet Club member on November 8th 2014 at Power Struggle. Immediately, he stated his intentions to win the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, declaring “I’m here to clean up the junior division.” Omega spent barely a full-time year in the junior heavyweight division, but in …
Eighteen shows, 90 block matches and one month later, G1 Climax 30 is complete and we have a new God to worship! I think we already worshipped him, but nevertheless, all hail Kota Ibushi! Having watched so much wrestling over the past month I’m hearing screams of “Larrriiaaatttooo!!” as I try to sleep, and keep wishing I had Jyushin …
In the beginning God created the G1 Climax, but Jay White aptly christened it the Jay1 Climax. The most triumphant of returns for King Switch was the story unfolding match by match throughout the tournament. For seven long months White had been unable to compete in Japan, and the G1 Climax 30 was his homecoming. Having won his block …
Who would have thought that NXT’s eco-warrior, sign-wielding hippie, CJ Parker would find his home in New Japan Pro Wrestling and become a stalwart as one of their very best? Juice Robinson is the complete package – the quintessential good guy, he wears his emotions on his sleeve, and is universally adored. An entirely rounded performer, his innate …
