Each year, New Japan Pro Wrestling puts on some of the best shows of the year with some of the best storylines. Even during a time where the world seemed to be falling apart, the company found a way to entertain fans safely.
New Japan has had ups and downs this year. Yet, there is no denying that there have been some standout moments in the past 12 months.
Here is a look at the top ten memorable moments in New Japan during 2020.
10. YOSHI-HASHI’s Fairy Tale Ending
One member of the New Japan roster who has always been in the background is YOSHI-HASHI. To many, the CHAOS member has been seen as average in every sense. Also, despite being in the company for over ten years, YOSHI-HASHI had never won a title.
However, an opportunity for gold came in the form of the NEVER Openweight 6-man titles. With Hirooki Goto and Tomohiro, the trio not only managed to make it to the final but beat their faction teammates (Okada, SHO and Yano) for the belts.
As YOSHI-HASHI took the microphone and started pouring his heart out, you could not help but feel some happiness. YOSHI-HASHI may not be the most talented, but he has heart and like normal people, has been knocked down many times. He is proof that, if you work hard enough, good things come to those who wait.
9. Hiromu Takahashi defeats Tomohiro Ishii
In New Japan, the two different divisions have always been set in stone. If you have a match between a heavyweight and a junior, it was more than certain that the bigger man would win. However, this has changed recently. The bout between Hiromu and Ishii during this year’s New Japan Cup was proof of that.
In a match just under 20-minutes, it had everything in it. They had to adapt their styles to their opponent that meant that it was a mix of strikes, strength and athleticism. Hiromu and Ishii are two men who could not be more different. However, in the ring, they had this undeniable chemistry. What was even more shocking was that Hiromu got the win with Time Bomb II.
It was a massive moment for Hiromu to beat someone as large, strong and talented as the workhorse of the company, Ishii. However, more importantly, it was a possible MOTY contender where both men brought out the best in each other.
8. NJPW’s return to the ring
During the pandemic, like many wrestling companies, New Japan had to halt their shows for the safety of their fans and wrestlers. It meant the postponement of tournaments such as the Best of the Super Juniors and shows like Dominion.
On the 15th of June, the company came back with their Together Project Special. Despite having no crowds, for many, it was just great to watch live wrestling from the safety of their homes. On the surface, it just felt like a normal New Japan show.
This show marked a small return to normality. It also showcased how well New Japan handled the pandemic not only for fans but the wrestlers themselves. From this point, things seemed to start rolling again with the New Japan Cup and a series of continuous and safe shows which eventually welcomed back fans.
7. Jushin Thunder Liger’s Retirement
With a career spanning over 30 years, Jushin Thunder Liger has become a staple of professional wrestling. He has raised the prestige of being a Jr Heavyweight and shined a spotlight on this style of wrestling. Even with his long career, the hearts of fans broke when he announced his retirement in March 2019.
However, despite the sadness, New Japan bid farewell to Liger in a fitting fashion. It started with two special matches at Wrestle Kingdom with the past of Jr. Heavyweight wrestling meeting the present and future. He then had his retirement ceremony at New Year’s Dash surrounded by the fans and his fellow wrestlers.
It was the perfect way to finish the career of a wrestler who has not only changed New Japan but changed the entire wrestling industry. It was a bittersweet moment and one of the most memorable events of this year.
6. Jay White beating Ibushi for the G1 Climax Contract
When New Japan’s Golden Star Kota Ibushi won his second G1 tournament, fans were ecstatic. After missing out at Wrestle Kingdom, it seemed like the chance for a fairy tale ending. Yet, Jay White was there to ruin that dream. After beating Ibushi during the tournament, he challenged Ibushi at Power Struggle.
In the history of the G1 contract, it has never changed hands in these sort of matches. However, when it comes to Jay White, it is never wise to assume. With the help from Gedo and the ropes, White managed to pin Ibushi and win the contract with the right to main event Wrestle Kingdom.
Although Ibushi still gained the main event Wrestle Kingdom match on night one, it does not change the fact that he was the first man to lose the contract. Whether this is a bad omen for the Tokyo Dome, it is still debatable. However, it just confirms the bumpy rollercoaster that has defined Ibushi’s career in New Japan.
5. El Desperado is Unmasked
There is no denying that the final Best of the Super Juniors match between Hiromu and El Desperado was a possible Match of the Year candidate. However, apart from the sublime in-ring action, there was one moment which will be remembered by New Japan fan: El Desperado being unmasked.
Traditionally, for a wrestler who wears a mask, it is his identity. It comes with pride and honour. Two years ago, during the same tournament, we saw Hiromu take of El Desperado’s mask. It did not seem to faze him and, after hitting some offence, and proceeded to put it back on.
However, this time was different because he wrestled the rest of this match without the mask on. We got to see the real Desperado. It left fans shaking with excitement. What is also surprising is that it did not damage the mystique behind his character, but made fans appreciate him more.
4. Will Ospreay betraying Kazuchika Okada
One thing that is inevitable in professional wrestling is betrayal. It is something that has been at the core of the industry from the very beginning. However, Will Ospreay’s betrayal of Kazuchika Okada during this year’s G1 was surprising because their relationship has always resembled brothers.
It was very shocking when his girlfriend and fellow wrestler Bea Priestley along with former Young Lion Great O-Khan came out to help Ospreay beat Okada in the G1. We later found out it had been his plan all along as he no longer wanted to be in the shadow of the best in the world.
With that relationship broke, Ospreay then went on to announce his new faction called The Empire. Although it seemed surprising, was it inevitable? Ospreay has always had an ego which made it odd to see him able to share or give all that attention to Okada. However, it was a move that fans could not believe and have huge implications in the upcoming months.
3. Kota Ibushi wins the G1
After winning the G1 last year, Ibushi seemed to be on a roll. Despite not winning the title at Wrestle Kingdom, he still had a great 2020 with some amazing matches and a tag title reign with Tanahashi. Yet, as the tournament came again this year, nobody expected Ibushi to make it to the end again.
However, fans quickly realised that it is never wise to count the Golden Star out. Ibushi had a stand-out tournament with some spectacular matches against the likes of TAICHI, Tomohiro Ishii and Minoru Suzuki. He ended with 14 points, which was the most out of any of the other participants. It led him to his second consecutive final to wrestle SANADA.
As Ibushi pinned the Cold Skull and raised the G1 trophy again, fans could not help but be so excited for him. He joined the exclusive list of Masahiro Chono and Hiroyoshi Tenzan who won the tournament twice consecutively. It was a well-earnt achievement.
2. EVIL joins the Bullet Club
Whether you liked it or not, there is no denying that EVIL becoming the newest Bullet Club member was one of the most memorable events in New Japan this year. Even though EVIL and Dick Togo’s antics may be getting boring, it changed the complexion of the company. Nobody expected it which made it so impactful.
With so few members, Los Ingobernables de Japon had always been the tightest faction. There is this unspoken connection between all the members that makes them formidable opponents in any combination. It made EVIL’s betrayal before their match at Dominion even more surprising.
Despite the storyline losing momentum towards the end of the year, it was still a huge part of the New Japan calendar. It is also something that will be remembered by New Japan fans for a long time, whether in a positive or negative light.
1. Tetsuya Naito wins Double Gold at Wrestle Kingdom 14
For the whole of 2019, the buzz in New Japan was about the dash for Double Gold at Wrestle Kingdom. The Tokyo Dome became the endpoint for that goal. Night one, Naito beat White to win back his Intercontinental title. In the main event, Okada defeated G1 winner Ibushi to retain his Heavyweight title.
The match itself was phenomenal, but fans expected nothing less. Okada and Naito brought different sides to their offence and put their heart and souls into the match, without any regard for their health. It went over 35-minutes and showcased the best and worst out of each man.
In the end, New Japan fans got their fairy tale ending. Tetsuya Naito pinned Kazuchika Okada and became the first-ever IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion. It had been a long journey for the Ungovernable One to reach the top of the company.
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