Main Event Spotlight: EVIL vs. Shun Skywalker at Purge Night!
Date: October 18, 2025 (Announcement Date)
Event: Purge Night (November 19, Korakuen Hall)
Get ready for a clash of dark forces as New Japan Pro-Wrestling announces a monumental first-time-ever singles bout! On October 18, 2025, it was confirmed that the King of Darkness, EVIL, will go head-to-head with Dragon Gate’s enigmatic Shun Skywalker at the highly anticipated Purge Night event on November 19 at Korakuen Hall. This event, under the full control of the notorious HOUSE OF TORTURE, promises to be a night unlike any other, filled with their signature brand of chaos and controversy.
EVIL, never one to shy away from mind games, took to social media to announce the match, delivering a chilling message to his opponent. He sneered at Skywalker’s recent appearances on New Japan cards, promising not just a purge, but “an education. Or to be more accurate, some discipline.” He further mocked Skywalker, laughing that while he would be bringing a lot of friends to Korakuen, Skywalker didn’t have a single friend to bring. This highly personal challenge sets the stage for a brutal encounter that could have long-lasting implications for both competitors.
“A purge, no an education. Or to be more accurate, some discipline.” – EVIL regarding Shun Skywalker.
EVIL’s comments highlight the intense personal stakes of this match. The leader of HOUSE OF TORTURE is known for his ruthless tactics and his ability to dismantle opponents both physically and mentally. Skywalker, a formidable competitor in his own right, will need to be at his absolute best to counter EVIL’s dark machinations and the inevitable interference from his stablemates.
Other Key Announcements: New Japan Road in Ishikari (October 19) Preview
Before the Purge Night, New Japan Pro-Wrestling is set to deliver a heartfelt homecoming event with “New Japan Road in Ishikari” on October 19. This sold-out show marks a special occasion for local hero Taichi, who will be wrestling in his hometown of Ishikari, Hokkaido, at his former junior high school – a first in NJPW history! The unique self-produced card has drawn immense attention from the local community and beyond, promising an unforgettable night of action.
Main Event: Taichi, Yuya Uemura & TAKA Michinoku vs. HOUSE OF TORTURE (SANADA, DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru)
The main event features a deeply personal six-man tag team match. Taichi, Yuya Uemura, and TAKA Michinoku will face off against former stablemates SANADA, DOUKI, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru, who all defected from the original ‘Just Four Guys’ to join the nefarious HOUSE OF TORTURE. This match is more than just a contest; it’s a quest for justice and closure for the remaining members of the now-dissolved faction. Will Taichi, TAKA, and Uemura be able to overcome the numbers game and the underhanded tactics of H.O.T in Taichi’s emotional homecoming?
5th Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi & El Desperado vs. HOUSE OF TORTURE (EVIL & Dick Togo)
The Ace, Hiroshi Tanahashi, teams up with the fiery El Desperado to take on EVIL and Dick Togo of HOUSE OF TORTURE. This marks Tanahashi’s second and final appearance in Ishikari, adding an extra layer of significance to the bout. El Desperado, still seething from losing the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, will be looking for retribution. Both men will be determined to prevent the darkness of H.O.T from overshadowing this special event.
4th Match: Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi & Daiki Nagai vs. Ryoma Tsukamoto, Bomber Tatsuya & Thunder Masami
This match showcases a blend of established NJPW talent and rising stars from Just Tap Out. Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi, and Daiki Nagai face a trio of NJPW debutants: Ryoma Tsukamoto, Bomber Tatsuya, and King of JTO Champion Thunder Masami. This is a significant opportunity for the JTO contingent to make their mark against top-flight NJPW competitors, especially the young 20-year-old Masami leading the charge.
3rd Match: JTO Girls Tag Team Championships – rhythm & Tomoka Inaba vs. Aoi & Azusa Inaba
A unique family affair sees JTO Girls Tag Champions rhythm and Tomoka Inaba defend their titles against sisters Aoi and Azusa Inaba. Aoi and Azusa are former champions themselves, with Azusa having a dominant run as a triple champion in JTO and making waves in STARDOM’s H.A.T.E. This sister vs. sister clash promises high stakes and intense competition for the tag team gold.
2nd Match: Shoma Kato & Yuji Nagata vs. Satoshi Kojima & Katsuya Murashima
The newest generation of Young Lions combines with the Third Generation of veterans in the second match of the night. Shoma Kato joins with Yuji Nagata to face his rival Katsuya Murashima, who has the similarly powerful Satoshi Kojima at his side for this tag team contest.
1st Match: Masatora Yasuda vs. Jewel Bird
The night kicks off with singles action as Hokkaido native Masatora Yasuda takes on Just Tap Out’s young prospect, Jewel Bird. Yasuda will aim to test the 18-year-old Akita native in what promises to be an energetic opening bout.
Upcoming Event: New Beginning in New Jersey February 27! 【NJoA】
New Japan Pro-Wrestling is set to return to the United States on February 27, 2026, for “The New Beginning” event at the Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey. This marks NJPW USA’s first trip to the US since the Resurgence event in Toyota Arena. Fans can expect a history of star-studded shows with plenty of high drama and stunning twists. Presale tickets begin on October 23, with general sale starting on October 24.
Did You Know? Understanding Japanese Pro-Wrestling Culture
Japanese professional wrestling, or Puroresu, has a rich and distinct culture that sets it apart from its Western counterparts. Here are a few fascinating facts that every overseas fan should know:
- Respect is Paramount: In NJPW, respect for opponents, referees, and the audience is deeply ingrained. Bowing before and after matches, and showing deference to veterans, are common sights. This emphasis on honor adds a unique layer to the storytelling.
- Strong Style: NJPW is famous for its “Strong Style,” which emphasizes realistic, hard-hitting strikes, submissions, and athletic maneuvers. This style creates a sense of genuine competition and intensity, often blurring the lines between sport and entertainment.
- Korakuen Hall: A Sacred Venue: Korakuen Hall, mentioned in the EVIL vs. Shun Skywalker announcement, is considered a sacred ground for Japanese wrestling. It’s a smaller, intimate venue where the crowd’s reactions are palpable, and many legendary matches have taken place. Experiencing a show there is a pilgrimage for many fans.
- Young Lions: The Future of NJPW: NJPW’s dojo system produces “Young Lions” – young, aspiring wrestlers who undergo rigorous training. They typically wear plain black trunks and boots, focus on fundamental wrestling, and gain experience in opening matches. Their journey from Young Lion to main event star is a celebrated aspect of NJPW storytelling.
- Factions Dominate: Unlike Western wrestling where individual rivalries often take center stage, NJPW heavily features factions (stables). Groups like Bullet Club, Los Ingobernables de Japon, Chaos, and HOUSE OF TORTURE drive many storylines, creating complex alliances and betrayals that captivating fans.
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