October 13, 2025, will forever be etched in the annals of New Japan Pro-Wrestling history as the night the “Alpha” Konosuke Takeshita completed his meteoric rise, defeating Zack Sabre Jr. to capture the prestigious IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. The King of Pro-Wrestling 2025 event, held at the legendary Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, was a night of seismic shifts, featuring four major title changes, a brutal conclusion to a year-long rivalry, and the emotional setting of the stage for Wrestle Kingdom 20. This is the definitive, passionate, and in-depth breakdown of a show that has fundamentally altered the landscape of professional wrestling.
The Main Event: Takeshita vs. ZSJ – The Alpha’s Coronation
The final bout of the evening saw the G1 Climax 35 winner, Konosuke Takeshita, challenge the reigning champion, Zack Sabre Jr., for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. This match was a clash of philosophies: ZSJ’s technical mastery and submission expertise against Takeshita’s explosive power, speed, and relentless “Alpha” aggression. The atmosphere in the Kokugikan was electric, charged with a palpable tension that only a main event of this magnitude can generate. The Japanese audience, known for its discerning appreciation, was ready to witness history, even if it meant a controversial figure taking the top prize.
The 31-minute, 16-second war was a masterpiece of storytelling. Sabre, true to form, immediately targeted Takeshita’s right arm, the source of his devastating forearm strikes. The champion’s strategy was clear: neutralize the power game of his challenger. Takeshita, showing incredible resilience, fought through the pain, embodying the “fighting spirit” that NJPW holds so dear. The match was so physically intense that Takeshita reportedly lost a tooth early on, a testament to the brutal nature of the contest.
The closing moments were a flurry of high-impact maneuvers and desperate counters. Takeshita managed to escape the clutches of the Zack Driver and, in a breathtaking sequence, unleashed a ferocious combination of strikes before connecting with the decisive **Wagamama Knee**. The crowd erupted as the referee’s hand hit the mat for the third time, signaling a new era. At just 30 years old, Konosuke Takeshita, the triple-contracted star from AEW, DDT, and now NJPW, stood tall as the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, completing one of the most remarkable ascensions in modern wrestling.
Post-Match Confrontation and Takeshita’s Challenge
The controversy surrounding Takeshita’s victory was immediately amplified by his post-match comments. Accompanied by his manager Rocky Romero, Takeshita addressed the mixed reactions he has received from the NJPW faithful, many of whom view him as an outsider.
“I know a lot of people are upset that I am the new champion. I know you don’t like me. I know you think I’m an outsider. But I am the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. And I challenge anyone in that NJPW locker room to step up and try to take this from me. Where are the young talents? Where is the fighting spirit?”
This bold statement was immediately answered by the returning **Hirooki Goto**. The former champion, who had been sidelined since June with an injury, marched to the ring, signaling his intent to be the first challenger. Takeshita, eager to prove his worth before the biggest show of the year, accepted the challenge, setting the stage for a high-stakes title defense before Wrestle Kingdom 20. The narrative is set: the polarizing new champion against a beloved, returning veteran who represents the heart of NJPW. The crowd’s reaction to Goto’s return was a wave of genuine, pent-up excitement, a clear sign of who the Ryogoku faithful will be backing.
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: The End of a War
In the semi-main event, the year-long, deeply personal rivalry between **Gabe Kidd** and **Yota Tsuji** reached its climax with the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship on the line. This match was a brutal, hard-hitting affair that perfectly encapsulated the “strong style” NJPW is famous for, blended with the raw aggression of the Bullet Club War Dogs and the unique offense of the “Gene Blast.”
The match was a 24-minute, 13-second war of attrition. Kidd, the champion, used his brawling style and sheer toughness to dominate the early going, punishing Tsuji on the outside. Tsuji, however, showcased his evolution, blending his lucha-inspired high spots (like a picture-perfect Tope Suicida) with bursts of power. The match featured a fascinating exchange of the **Boston Crab**, a move deeply symbolic in NJPW (see the “Did You Know?” section below). Kidd used the move, paying tribute to his Young Lion roots, but it was Tsuji who ultimately secured the victory by locking in the submission after a final, devastating Gene Blaster spear. With nowhere to go, Kidd was forced to tap out, handing the title back to Tsuji and ending the rivalry with a 2-1 advantage for the new champion.
A Show of Respect and a New Challenge
The most compelling moment came after the final bell. After their brutal encounter, Tsuji and Kidd shared a handshake, a rare and powerful show of respect that transcended their factional warfare. This moment was quickly followed by the other members of the Bullet Club War Dogs and Tsuji’s Unaffiliated faction entering the ring, not to brawl, but to exchange handshakes and bows. This tentative truce between two of NJPW’s most dominant factions suggests a massive shift in the political landscape of the company heading into the new year.
Tsuji’s night wasn’t over. As he headed backstage, he sought out the legendary **Hiroshi Tanahashi**, who was on commentary. In a move that thrilled the fans, Tsuji offered the “Ace” a challenge for his newly won title. For Tanahashi, who recently announced his retirement match for Wrestle Kingdom 20, this is a monumental opportunity—perhaps his last chance to enter the Tokyo Dome as a champion. The match has been confirmed for the upcoming “Hiroshi Tanahashi Final Homecoming” event, making it a must-see contest.
Other Major Results and Title Changes
IWGP Women’s Championship: Syuri Reclaims the Gold
The show kicked off with a hard-hitting women’s match for the IWGP Women’s Championship, featuring the third chapter in the captivating rivalry between **Sareee** and **Syuri**. In a match that was a showcase of pure, unadulterated strong style, Syuri defeated Sareee in 14 minutes and 56 seconds to become the first-ever two-time IWGP Women’s Champion. The crowd was vocal throughout, appreciating the stiff strikes and intense exchanges from two of the best female wrestlers in the world. The post-match embrace between the two competitors was a genuine moment of mutual respect, further cementing the significance of their trilogy.
Syuri, in her backstage comments, made her ambition clear: “I want to wrestle in the Tokyo Dome on January 4th as IWGP Women’s Champion. This title deserves that stage.”
NEVER Openweight Championship: EVIL Returns to the Throne
The NEVER Openweight Championship changed hands as **EVIL** of the House of Torture defeated the young champion **Oleg Boltin**. As is customary with any House of Torture match, the victory came with the help of his stablemates, with Dick Togo and the rest of the faction interfering to ensure EVIL’s fourth reign with the title. The match was a frustrating display of heel tactics, but it served its purpose by setting up a major angle for Wrestle Kingdom 20. Post-match, Olympic gold medalist judoka **Aaron Wolf** rushed the ring to make the save for Boltin, challenging EVIL to a match at the Tokyo Dome. This high-profile debut for Wolf, a Young Lion trainee, against the NEVER Champion is one of the most anticipated matches for the January 4th show.
IWGP Tag Team Championship: Knockout Brothers Retain
The Knockout Brothers, **OSKAR** and **Yuto-Ice**, successfully defended their IWGP Tag Team Championships against the Hontai team of **Shota Umino** and **Yuya Uemura** in a fast-paced, competitive match. The champions showcased their cohesion and power, becoming the first team in over a year to successfully defend the titles. The match was a testament to the depth of the NJPW tag team division, and the crowd’s appreciation for the hard-hitting action was evident.
NJPW WORLD TV Championship: A Time-Limit Thriller
The NJPW WORLD TV Championship match between the champion **El Phantasmo** and the legendary **Hiroshi Tanahashi** ended in a 15-minute time-limit draw. This result keeps the title on Phantasmo but further fuels the rivalry. The match was a classic showcase of Tanahashi’s ability to engage the crowd, who were fully behind the Ace. The draw sets up an intriguing next chapter, especially with Phantasmo and Tanahashi agreeing backstage to team up for the upcoming World Tag League tournament.
Full Results Summary
The following table summarizes all the results from the NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling 2025 event:
| Match | Winner | Stipulation | Time | Title Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IWGP World Heavyweight Championship | Konosuke Takeshita | Singles Match | 31:16 | YES |
| IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship | Yota Tsuji | Singles Match | 24:13 | YES |
| NEVER Openweight Championship | EVIL | Singles Match | 11:40 | YES |
| IWGP Women’s Championship | Syuri | Singles Match | 14:56 | YES |
| IWGP Tag Team Championship | Knockout Brothers (c) | Tag Team Match | 14:40 | NO |
| NJPW WORLD TV Championship | Draw (El Phantasmo retains) | Singles Match | 15:00 | NO |
| Riot In Ryogoku No DQ No Count Out | Drilla Moloney | Singles Match | 13:37 | N/A |
| Six Man Tag Team Match | Bullet Club War Dogs | Six Man Tag Team Match | 7:58 | N/A |
| Six Man Tag Team Match | Bishamon & YOH | Six Man Tag Team Match | 7:55 | N/A |
Did You Know? The Significance of the Boston Crab in NJPW Culture
The finish of the Yota Tsuji vs. Gabe Kidd match, which saw Tsuji win with the **Boston Crab** (known in Japan as the Kanibasami or Crab Hold), holds a deep cultural significance for NJPW fans. In New Japan, the Boston Crab is not merely a submission move; it is a symbol of the **Young Lion System** and the very foundation of NJPW’s “strong style.”
The Young Lions, the trainees in the rigorous NJPW Dojo, are restricted to a very limited moveset—primarily basic strikes, body slams, and the Boston Crab. This restriction forces them to focus on the fundamentals, selling, and, most importantly, the **Fighting Spirit** (Tōkon). When a Young Lion uses the Boston Crab, it is a testament to their technical base and their journey through the dojo. When a former Young Lion like Tsuji uses it to win a major championship, it is a powerful statement. It signifies that the wrestler has not forgotten their roots and is paying homage to the tradition and discipline that forged them. For Tsuji to defeat his rival with this foundational move, after a year of brutal, high-spot-filled matches, was the ultimate sign of a humbled warrior returning to his core strength, adding an emotional layer that Western fans might miss without this context.
Furthermore, the audience’s reaction, or lack thereof, is also a cultural note. Japanese wrestling crowds are famous for their **”Clapping Culture.”** Unlike Western audiences who are often vocal throughout a match, Japanese fans often remain relatively quiet, showing appreciation through rhythmic clapping (Kashiwa-de) until a truly impactful moment. The silence during a submission hold like the Boston Crab is not disinterest; it is a sign of intense focus, amplifying the tension and drama until the moment of the tap-out or the rope break. This focused, respectful atmosphere is a core part of the NJPW experience.
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