New Japan Pro Wrestling has just finished its annual Dontaku Tour. With changes in the global pandemic, the company has had to adapt to changes in the card, losing wrestlers and adapting to new health measures.
Yet, despite being plagued with the world’s circumstances, New Japan managed to produce a very good Dontaku tour with some amazing matches. From special singles to title matches, they continue to showcase their talent as well as possible.
Here is a look at all of the big matches from this year’s tour!
6. Tama Tonga v TAICHI – Special Ladders Match – 3/5/21
Credit: NJPW1972
Ladder matches are very rare in New Japan and the match between Tama Tonga and TAICHI was only the second in the company’s history. Going into the match, there was a solid storyline present with the battle for Iizuka’s iron fingers.
After the iron fingers were raised, you could see that both men were already uncomfortable with the concept. There was hesitation climbing the ladders and hitting some of the big spots that seem almost natural in other companies. Yet, it just served to show just how inexperienced the roster is with these matches in this environment.
However, the strength of this match was emphasizing the storyline that has been going on since Wrestle Kingdom. After Tanga Loa and ZSJ came out, it added more impact to the match, making an awkward match more watchable. In particular, there was a nasty spot where DOUKI was power bombed into a ladder that broke in half and that seemed to be the highlight for many fans.
In the end, TAICHI got the win, grabbing the iron fingers and bringing them back to Suzuki Gun. Despite the great psychology and storytelling within the match, it definitely was not the strongest match between the two men. Yet, there is no denying that both men put their hearts and bodies into the bout, and it showed fans that Suzuki Gun can be very good babyfaces. However, another ladder match might not be in the company’s immediate future for a while.
5. Tanga Loa v Zack Sabre Jr – Special Singles Match – 3/5/21
Credit: NJPW1972
Like the previous match, Tanga Loa and Zack Sabre Jr had a score to settle with their singles match. Tanga Loa made the challenge by saying, if ZSJ lost, he would never be able to challenge them for the IWGP Heavyweight tag titles. It was always going to be a battle of different ideologies, but it seemed to allow both men to shine.
When the match started, Tanga Loa quickly had the size and power advantage over the much smaller ZSJ. Yet, Zack proved why he is one of the best submission wrestlers in the business, finding a way to transition any of his moves into a submission or pin. He also quickly found the best way to equal the odds by targeting Tanga Loa’s arm, one of his main weapons.
While both men are fundamentally different, fans got to see new moves from each athlete. Zack showcased his beautiful tornado DDT and Tanga Loa had to slow down his offence to ensure Zack’s high ring IQ did not catch him out. In the end, as Tanga Loa set up for his finisher Apeshit, ZSJ managed to counter into a crucifix pin to get the win!
Even though ZSJ did not tap Tanga Loa out as he wanted, it was still a great match. Zack Sabre Jr proved that he can still safely beat men much larger and stronger despite his size and stature. For fans, it is also a match they would happily see again because the two styles blended much better than many expected.
4. CHAOS (Goto, Ishii & YOSHI-HASHI) v Bullet Club (KENTA, Yujiro & Ishimori) – NEVER 6-Man Championships – 19/4/21
Credit: NJPW1972
Going into this match, the main storyline was the rivalry between KENTA and YOSHI-HASHI with the battle for the Bo Staff. Yet, despite the trivial motives, the match proved to be surprisingly good, showcasing the talents of six very different athletes in New Japan.
The match started as expected, with Bullet Club playing mind games and trying to take the match outside where rules can be broken. There were referee bumps, the presence of the Bo Staff and many more cheating tactics trying to get the win. Yet, as expected, the CHAOS trio stuck to their guns, throwing all of their best offence to try and get back on an equal playing field.
With the nature of the NEVER division, the diversity of athletes shined throughout the match. Fans saw the strength and power of Goto and Ishii, the speed and athleticism of Ishimori, the mat-based game of KENTA and even the talents of YOSHI-HASHI and Yujiro which have been overlooked. In the end, after 20-minutes, Goto managed to hit the GTR on Ishimori for the pin.
As the CHAOS trio hitting the 200-day mark for the reign, it feels like the titles are slowly gaining more respect and prestige. It has also proved that, despite all the shenanigans, the Bullet Club is capable of putting on good matches.
3. Roppongi 3k v El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru – IWGP Jr Tag Championships – 28/4/21
Credit: NJPW1972
For many, the idea of seeing another match between Roppongi 3k and the Suzuki Gun duo of El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru wasn’t on the top of their lists. Yet, despite seeing it repeatedly, there is no denying that the four men produce perfect matches every time. This one was no exception.
The match was the perfect example of four very different styles blending together. From a more methodical beginning, the match started to pick up the pace. As expected, the Suzuki Gun duo continued to target YOH’s knee as they had done the entire tour. They also attempted to weaken SHO in any way possible. Even though they were at a strong disadvantage the entire match, it was their heart and soul that kept them fighting through the
Even with eyes firmly on YOH and El Desperado, all four men showcased just how talented they are. From Kanemaru’s Slicing Leg Drop, YOH’s Butterfly Suplex, SHO’s forearms and El Desperado’s Spine Buster, there was something for every fan. When the match hit the 25-minute mark, none of the men involved showed any signs of slowing down. Yet, SHO and YOH seemed to find a new surge of energy. One which allowed them to hit their new finisher Strong X to retain their titles.
This should have been the perfect lead-up to the Jr title match between YOH and El Desperado. It was a shame it couldn’t take place. However, there will be plenty more opportunities for all of the men to prove that they can carry the division and keep the momentum going.
2. Jay White v Hiroshi Tanahashi – NEVER Openweight Championship – 3/5/21
Credit: NJPW1972
Even though Jay White was not present for most of the lead-up to his NEVER title match against champion Hiroshi Tanahashi, there was enough investment to get fans excited. Throughout their warm-up matches, the two men had fought over everything from their ideologies, looks and muscles.
Going into their match, all of that was on show. From the very beginning, it was not only an amazing wrestling match but was combined with amazing storytelling and ring psychology. Throughout, both men showcased their very diverse styles. Jay focused on a mat-based offence using his ring IQ, which is beyond his years, to lure Tanahashi. On the other hand, Tanahashi combined his Japanese strong style and flair with a high-risk offence.
For many, what was even better about the match was the lack of outside interference. Aside from one bit of distraction towards the end of the bout from Gedo, Jay White held his own throughout. He used his talent and brains to get the better of the veteran Tanahashi. Despite both men giving each other everything, they kept going. In the end, Jay White got the win earning his first NEVER title reign.
The careers of White and Tanahashi will forever be intertwined. This was another outstanding chapter to add to their story. With Jay White holding the title, it has raised the prestige even more. Hopefully, it will continue a new legacy that started with Shingo Takagi. It also won’t be the last time the two meet and they will continue to shine whenever they wrestle.
1. Will Ospreay v Shingo Takagi – IWGP World Heavyweight Championship – 4/5/21
Credit: NJPW1972
When Shingo Takagi first challenged Will Ospreay for his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, fans were excited. Every time the two men got into the ring, they produced magic both as Jrs and Heavyweights. However, this bout stood out.
The pace of the match started much slower than many people expected. However, it seemed to be perfect considering the longevity of the match. It allowed both men to keep their energy up throughout. In the first part of the match, both men focused on showing off their strength and power. Ospreay managed to prove that he has some of the stiffest chops in New Japan. Shingo showed his endurance by taking all the damage and using it to his advantage.
Yet, as frustration from both men set in, the match increased in speed and danger. Fans got to witness a rare reverse-rana from Shingo and a very dangerous spot when Takagi hit a Made In Japan on Ospreay onto tables. Ospreay was just as wicked hitting his high-flying offence with extra venom.
In the end, despite his hardest efforts, Shingo couldn’t beat this new Will Ospreay. After two Hidden Blades finally helped Ospreay hit his Storm Breaker, the match came to an end at over 40-minutes. Even with the restrictions, you could feel the energy from the crowd.
There is a reason the match between the two became the first match of the year to gain six stars from Dave Meltzer. There is no denying that it was probably one of the best matches New Japan has seen for years.
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