At this time of the year, New Japan Pro Wrestling would be in the midst of their New Beginning Tour ahead of the New Japan Cup and Anniversary Show. In 2022, they changed it to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary with the Golden Series tour. During the past month, fans have been treated to huge shows and even bigger title matches.
Here is a look at all the title matches from the tour ranked from the worst to best.
8. CHAOS v Bullet Club – NEVER 6-Man Championships
Credit: NJPW1972
For years, the NEVER 6-Man titles had been overlooked and treated like a hot potato. Yet, when CHAOS’s Ishii, Goto, and YOSHI HASHI won it, a new life was breathed into the belts. Of course, that vanished when Bullet Club’s EVIL, SHO and Dick Togo captured it earlier in the year.
Although nobody had high hopes for this title match, it seemed more underwhelming than expected. Once again, the House of Torture resorted to every trick in the book to win. It looks as if their matches have more cheating than actual wrestling, which is a shame because, between the feud between SHO and YOH and CHAOS’s hatred of EVIL, there was the opportunity for some fantastic wrestling and storytelling.
After a lot of cheating and shenanigans, Bullet Club retained the titles. CHAOS’s offence raised the standard of the match. However, it was sad to see two wrestlers like SHO and EVIL, who used to be so loved, forget about their wrestling talent for the sake of being heels. Until HoT changes their offence or lose the belts, the NEVER division will return to its darkest days.
7. EVIL v Tomohiro Ishii – NEVER Openweight Championship
Credit: NJPW1972
Since moving to Bullet Club, EVIL has managed to make enemies of New Japan fans with his change in style. Even Ishii hasn’t managed to allow him to have a good match in the past. Although this was miles better than their previous matches, it again showcased why fans are tired of EVIL and House of Torture matches. In particular, the lumberjack stipulation made it even more chaotic.
The lumberjacks were equal parts CHAOS, equal parts House of Torture. As expected, EVIL tried to avoid any contact with Ishii, but CHAOS worked to get him back in the ring. With the presence of the lumberjacks, it was tough to know where to look as both EVIL and Ishii alternated in gaining the upper hand.
Unsurprisingly, rather than just moving Ishii back into the ring, the House of Torture got involved, with Yujiro power bombing Ishii from the top rope before a Magic Killer. In the end, both men showcased offence, but as Ishii looked for a finish, EVIL reversed his brainbuster attempt and transitioned into “Everything is evil” for the win. Even though it is one of EVIL’s better matches in recent months, it is still worlds away from the King of Darkness.
6. Minoru Suzuki v Toru Yano – KOPW Title
Credit: NJPW1972
Going into the match, Minoru Suzuki v Toru Yano was more than just for the title; it was for pride. Over the years, Yano has cost Suzuki so much, and it was his turn to cause pain. Going into the match, the stipulations of handcuffs and a dog cage was the most bizarre. Yet, it worked perfectly, and the match was the perfect combination of danger and weirdness.
As soon as the bell rang, Suzuki turned sadistic, finding any way to cause Yano pain, including handcuffing him and strangling him with a dog collar. For most of the match, Suzuki was at an advantage, even putting a handcuffed Yano into the cage.
In the end, it was the help of a young lion that got Yano the win. After using his smarts, he managed to take his handcuffs and dog collar to trap Suzuki. Throwing a Young Lion into Suzuki gave Yano enough time to lock the cage and win the match. After a fantastic feud, it showcases the versatility of the title and Yano finally has his baby left.
5. Flying Tigers v El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru v Six or Nine v Taiji Ishimori & El Phantasmo – IWGP Jr Heavyweight Tag Titles
Credit: NJPW1972
In New Japan, four way matches are not common but they seem perfect for the Jr tag division. For once, the company wanted to utilise all its talent by showcasing all their junior heavyweights. Although it wasn’t a long match, it was the perfect combination of storytelling and action.
As expected, it was a very quick affair more chaotic rules with no official tags needing to be made. Although it could’ve become chaotic, it actually allowed all the wrestlers to shine. Suzuki Gun stuck to their mat game while the others used their versatile offence. One moment that stood out was when Robbie Eagles hit a beautiful Frankensteiner on ELP off the top rope.
In the end, when it seemed like Desperado and Kanemaru had the champion’s number, Master Wato came to change the match’s pace. With his newfound confidence, he managed to clear the ring and with the veteran Taguchi, they hit their newest finisher to get the win. Wato earned his first New Japan title, but Taguchi achieved his goal to be both the 69th IWGP Jr Heavyweight and tag Champion.
4. Bishamon (YOSHI HASHI & Hirooki Goto) v EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi
Credit: NJPW1972
Although fans are definitely tired of watching the House of Torture in matches, this bout was saved by the talents of YOSHI HASHI and Hirooki Goto. Since becoming a team, the CHAOS duo has earned the love and respect of the crowds. Their title defence against EVIL and Yujiro Takahashi proved just how good they are.
Throughout the match, there was a lot of cheating and interference from the Bullet Club side. Whether it was weapons or the presence of SHO and Dick Togo. Surprisingly, CHAOS proved that they wouldn’t be played again as Goto even brought out his own weapon to get even. One of the best things about the CHAOS team is their tag team offence. It was this that elevated a match that could’ve been a disaster.
Luckily, despite everything, the CHAOS duo managed to get the win and cement their newfound success. On the surface, it definitely wasn’t one of YOSHI HASHI and Goto’s best matches. Yet, considering their opponents were from the House of Torture, they made the best out of a bad situation and ensured the titles stayed where they belonged.
3. El Desperado v Master Wato – IWGP Jr Heavyweight Championship
Credit: NJPW1972
When Master Wato pinned El Desperado on the second night of Wrestle Kingdom, fans had mixed feelings about the young wrestler having his first title match. Since returning from excursion, many had criticized Wato for his inconsistent style. It didn’t seem to make sense for him to challenge El Desperado, who has cemented his status at the top of the division. Yet, fans were shocked.
It was a clash of styles from the very beginning of the match. El Desperado is known for his mat-based offence, while Wato’s time in Mexico has turned him into a true high-flier. El Desperado focused on targeting Wato’s leg, forcing his opponent to pull out dangerous moves to retaliate. The young wrestler has been criticized for his lack of control in the past. This match showcased how much he’s improved.
It wasn’t surprising that El Desperado got the win as he showcases why he is one of the best wrestlers in New Japan. Yet, Wato also changed many minds by showing how much he’s grown the past year and turning into a proper wrestler. It shows that the future of the company’s Jr division is in good hands.
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi v SANADA – IWGP United States Championship
Credit: NJPW1972
When it was announced that SANADA was challenging Hiroshi Tanahashi for the US title, it was not only a battle of handsome men but a pure wrestling match. Going into the match, fans didn’t know which SANADA to expect. It seemed like Tanahashi was going to retain due to his momentum. Yet, it couldn’t have been further from the truth.
Surprisingly, the match started at a much slower pace with more traditional wrestling SANADA is known for. Tanahashi also managed to match this. He even teased SANADA by transitioning and locking the Cold Skull in his patented Paradise Lock. It seemed as if both men had a plan with Tanahashi targeting SANADA’s knee while the Ace was worn down with a series of offence.
Despite the more traditional route of the match, there were moments of danger. Tanahashi would not let the crowd go without a prominent spot as he flew off the top ring into SANADA. Nobody could deny the beauty of SANADA’s moonsaults even if he didn’t hit them. The crowd was supporting a match between two of the most popular New Japan wrestlers.
SANADA surprised fans before the 30-minute mark as he trapped Tanahashi in a Japanese Leg Roll Clutch for the win. SANADA continues to show fans new things each time. Tanahashi has proven he can still go at the top level. Compared to the fast and dynamic affair fans expected, it was a beautiful mix of danger and submissions, showcasing the diversity of both men.
1. Kazuchika Okada v Tetsuya Naito – IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
Credit: NJPW1972
There is something about a match between Kazuchika Okada and Tetsuya Naito that has fans excited, and this match was another reason why. Over the years, the two have grown. Their matches have showcased this, but it hasn’t made their rivalry any less intense. Going into the match, Naito had been at an advantage during the warm-up shows. This was a completely different ball game.
Carrying on from the previous matches, Naito knew that his main targets on Okada were his neck and legs. The pace was a much slower pace, with both men scared to make a mistake. Yet, once Okada hit his patented dropkick, it was time for the Rainmaker to showcase why he is the champion.
As the match continued, the speed of the match picked up. Fans were amazed to see the variety of offence between the two. In particular, Okada and Naito threw out offence that hasn’t been seen in a while. Naito executed beautiful Stardust Press and Corriendo Destino. Okada also showed off some old tricks. It was a bout with a good amount of light and shade, and it had fans on the edge of their seats.
In the end, Okada finally managed to hit the Rainmaker to win and cement his title reign. Yet, once again, Naito and Okada produced a picture-perfect match. There seemed to be an added determination from both men leading them to bring out offence not seen in a long time. It is another chapter to their feud, which doesn’t look like it will end any time soon.
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