October 2025 has been a whirlwind month for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, delivering a potent mix of emotional homecomings, shocking challenges, and exciting announcements that promise to shape the landscape of professional wrestling well into the new year. From Taichi’s triumphant return to Ishikari to EVIL’s audacious challenge against Dragon Gate’s Shun Skywalker, and the reveal of a major New Beginning event in New Jersey, NJPW continues to prove why it stands as a global powerhouse in the wrestling world. Let’s dive deep into the thrilling developments that have captivated the NJPW faithful worldwide.
Taichi’s Emotional Homecoming and the Closure of Just X Guys
The month kicked off with a deeply personal and emotionally charged event in Taichi’s hometown of Ishikari, Hokkaido, as part of a special New Japan Road show on October 19. The main event was a six-man tag team match that brought together remnants of the beloved yet fractured Just ‘x’ Guys faction. Taichi, alongside TAKA Michinoku and Yuya Uemura, faced off against former allies who had controversially defected to the nefarious HOUSE OF TORTURE: SANADA, DOUKI, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru [1]. This match wasn’t just about wins and losses; it was about legacy, betrayal, and the enduring spirit of a hometown hero.
Match Breakdown: A Battle of Former Brothers
The atmosphere in Ishikari was electric, charged with anticipation and a palpable sense of history. The crowd, fiercely loyal to their local son Taichi, created an incredible backdrop for what was to unfold. The match began with immediate animosity. Prior to the bell, DOUKI, ever the provocateur, read an insulting letter purportedly from SHO, instantly igniting the ire of the crowd and his opponents. HOUSE OF TORTURE wasted no time, launching a brutal assault that quickly isolated Taichi. The crowd roared in frustration and encouragement as Taichi endured a relentless barrage, highlighting the deep emotional investment of the fans.
A timely big boot from Taichi finally brought Uemura and TAKA into the fray, shifting the momentum. Three powerful boots echoed through the arena as DOUKI found himself trapped in the red corner. However, the cunning Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Taichi’s former best friend and now bitter rival, intervened from the outside, tugging at Taichi’s boot and allowing HOUSE OF TORTURE to regain control. This outside interference, a hallmark of the faction, drew a chorus of boos from the disgusted Ishikari faithful.
Taichi, showing incredible resilience, managed to beat the referee’s count and re-enter the ring. But Kanemaru immediately targeted Taichi’s knee, applying a painful Figure Four Leglock. DOUKI continued to add pressure, seemingly reveling in the torment of his former mentor. The crowd’s concern was evident, but their cheers intensified, willing Taichi to fight through the pain. A much-needed tag to Yuya Uemura brought a surge of energy, as the young lion unleashed a flurry of armdrags and takedowns, culminating in a bulldog on SANADA for a near fall. SANADA, momentarily flustered, resorted to a low blow on Uemura, a move that further fueled the crowd’s disdain for HOUSE OF TORTURE. Despite the cheap shot, Uemura’s momentum was not entirely halted, as a flying forearm soon brought Michinoku back into the match.
TAKA Michinoku, a veteran with a wealth of experience, immediately went to work on DOUKI, landing a pair of knees and a well-placed distraction boot. He then locked in the signature Just Face Lock, a submission hold that has won him countless matches. Despite DOUKI’s desperate counters, TAKA persisted, eventually hitting a jumping high kick that allowed him to tag Taichi back in. The crowd erupted as their hero re-entered the fray, ready to settle scores with his former stablemates. Kanemaru, now tagged in, focused his attack on Taichi’s knee, attempting to wear down the hometown hero. However, Taichi, known for his resilience and surprising agility, managed to escape Kanemaru’s Deep Impact and deliver a powerful Gamengiri in the corner, sending Kanemaru reeling.
As Taichi locked in his devastating Seitei Jujiro submission, the match reached a fever pitch. The arena was filled with a mix of cheers and boos as EVIL and Dick Togo suddenly appeared, breaking up the triple Hontai submissions that had trapped the HOUSE OF TORTURE members. This blatant interference drew an immediate and thunderous chorus of boos from the Ishikari crowd, who were clearly invested in seeing Taichi and his allies gain a clean victory. SANADA, seizing the opportunity presented by the chaos, tuned up and brutally smashed a guitar over the head of Michinoku, a shocking act that further solidified HOUSE OF TORTURE’s villainous reputation. Yuya Uemura’s valiant attempts to fight back against the overwhelming odds of six against one were ultimately futile.
Just when all hope seemed lost for the Hontai team, the legendary Hiroshi Tanahashi and the enigmatic El Desperado rushed to the ring, evening the odds and sending the crowd into a frenzy. Kanemaru attempted to halt Tanahashi’s momentum with a whiskey mist, but it was too little, too late. Taichi, fueled by the support of his hometown and the arrival of his allies, delivered a devastating Ax Bomber, followed by the Tensho Jujiho and finally the Black Mephisto, securing the pinfall victory. The arena erupted in a joyous celebration as Taichi, Tanahashi, and Desperado invited the rest of the Hontai members into the ring for a final, triumphant moment. Taichi, holding court in his hometown, hinted at a possible return next year, leaving the fans with a promise of more to come.
“It feels incredible to come back home and get a victory like this. The support from Ishikari was unbelievable. This isn’t the end, I promise you that. We might just have to do this again next year!” – Taichi (Post-match comments, paraphrased from live reports)
EVIL to Face Shun Skywalker at Purge Night!
In a shocking development that has sent ripples across the Japanese wrestling landscape, “King of Darkness” EVIL has issued a direct challenge to Dragon Gate’s top star, Shun Skywalker, for a first-time-ever singles bout at the “Purge Night of Torture” event on November 19 [2]. This highly anticipated match will take place at Korakuen Hall, under the complete control of the morally dubious HOUSE OF TORTURE faction. The announcement came via a chilling social media message from EVIL himself, promising a night of chaos and a brutal education for his opponent.
The Challenge: A Clash of Dark Personalities
EVIL, known for his sneering demeanor and willingness to bend (or break) the rules, has been a constant thorn in the side of NJPW’s top stars. His recent appearances have seen him target various opponents, but singling out Shun Skywalker, a prominent figure from a rival promotion, adds an entirely new layer of intrigue. EVIL’s message was clear: he promised “a purge, no an education. Or to be more accurate, some discipline.” This statement alone sets the tone for what promises to be a vicious encounter, far beyond a typical wrestling match.
Adding insult to injury, EVIL mockingly stated that while he would be bringing a lot of friends to Korakuen, Skywalker “didn’t have a single friend to bring.” This taunt not only highlights HOUSE OF TORTURE’s numerical advantage but also plays into Skywalker’s often lone wolf persona within Dragon Gate. The fact that this is a first-time-ever singles bout between these two highly distinct personalities makes it a must-see event. Fans are already speculating about the potential for outside interference, given HOUSE OF TORTURE’s modus operandi, and what other surprises EVIL might have in store for his own produced event.
Shun Skywalker, a former Open the Dream Gate Champion in Dragon Gate, is renowned for his innovative high-flying offense and his often unstable, unpredictable personality. His dark, almost nihilistic character aligns in some ways with EVIL’s own persona, setting the stage for a psychological as well as physical battle. This cross-promotional clash is a rare treat for fans and could have significant implications for both NJPW and Dragon Gate, potentially opening doors for future interactions or escalating rivalries.
“Shun Skywalker thinks he’s special? He thinks he’s untouchable? At Purge Night, I’m going to show him what true darkness is. This isn’t just a match; it’s a lesson. And HOUSE OF TORTURE will be there to ensure he learns it.” – EVIL (Social media message, October 18, 2025)
New Beginning in New Jersey: NJPW Strong Expands its Reach
New Japan Pro-Wrestling continues its global expansion with the announcement of “New Beginning in New Jersey” on February 27, 2026 [3]. This event marks NJPW of America’s first US show of the year and will take place at the Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey. The “New Beginning” tour is historically one of NJPW’s most significant annual events, often featuring major title matches and pivotal storyline developments. Bringing this concept to the US signifies NJPW’s continued commitment to its international audience and the growth of the NJPW Strong brand.
Strategic Expansion and What to Expect
The choice of New Jersey for this event is strategic, tapping into the passionate East Coast wrestling fanbase. NJPW Strong has steadily built a dedicated following in the United States, showcasing a blend of NJPW’s traditional strong style with American independent talent. Events like “New Beginning in New Jersey” provide a crucial platform for NJPW to feature its top Japanese stars alongside its burgeoning American roster, offering fresh matchups and compelling narratives.
While no matches have been announced yet, the “New Beginning” moniker suggests that this event will be more than just a regular show. It’s an opportunity for new champions to be crowned, new rivalries to ignite, and the foundation for major storylines leading into events like the New Japan Cup and Dominion to be laid. Fans can expect a card filled with high-stakes matches, potentially featuring IWGP World Heavyweight Championship contenders, and a strong presence from NJPW’s junior heavyweight division. The event will also likely feature talent from NJPW Strong’s growing roster, giving them a chance to shine on a bigger stage.
The presale for tickets began on October 23, with general sale opening on October 24, indicating strong demand and anticipation for NJPW’s return to the East Coast. This event is a clear signal that NJPW is not slowing down its efforts to become a truly global wrestling promotion, bringing its unique brand of sports entertainment to fans around the world. The success of “New Beginning in New Jersey” will be a key indicator of NJPW’s continued growth in the competitive US market and what impact his debut will have on the Wrestle Kingdom landscape.
Did You Know? Japanese Pro-Wrestling Culture Trivia
- “Strong Style”: New Japan Pro-Wrestling is famous for its “Strong Style” of wrestling, which emphasizes martial arts influences, realistic striking, and submission holds, creating a more intense and athletic presentation compared to other wrestling styles.
- Korakuen Hall’s Significance: Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall is often called the “Mecca of Pro-Wrestling” in Japan. It’s a legendary venue with a unique atmosphere, known for its passionate and vocal crowds, and has hosted countless iconic matches throughout history.
- “Young Lions” System: NJPW has a rigorous dojo system where aspiring wrestlers, known as “Young Lions,” train extensively in fundamentals, conditioning, and traditional Japanese wrestling etiquette. They often wear plain black trunks and boots and gain experience by wrestling opening matches before graduating to more prominent roles.
- Gaijins (Foreigners) in NJPW: Foreign wrestlers, or “Gaijins,” have played a crucial role in NJPW’s history, often becoming some of the company’s biggest stars (e.g., Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, Jay White). Their integration adds an international flavor and diverse wrestling styles to the product.
- Championship Prestige: NJPW places immense value on its championships, particularly the IWGP (International Wrestling Grand Prix) titles. Title reigns are often long, and defenses are hard-fought, making each championship victory feel incredibly significant and earned.
Comments