KING OF PRO-WRESTLING 2025: A Night of Shocks and New Champions!

Main Event: Konosuke Takeshita Dethrones Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship

The main event of KING OF PRO-WRESTLING 2025 saw a seismic shift in the landscape of New Japan Pro-Wrestling as Konosuke Takeshita challenged and ultimately defeated Zack Sabre Jr. for the coveted IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. This highly anticipated clash pitted ZSJ’s technical wizardry against Takeshita’s explosive power and relentless aggression. The match was a masterclass in contrasting styles, with both competitors pushing each other to their absolute limits. Sabre Jr. meticulously worked over Takeshita’s limbs, attempting to tie him into knots with his intricate submission holds, showcasing why he is considered one of the best technical wrestlers in the world. However, Takeshita, known for his resilience and uncanny ability to absorb punishment, consistently found ways to escape the clutches of the champion.

The momentum swung back and forth, with near falls that had the Ryogoku crowd on the edge of their seats. Takeshita’s powerful strikes, including his signature knee strikes and lariats, began to wear down the champion. In a stunning turn of events, Takeshita connected with a devastating Power Drive knee, securing the pinfall victory at 31 minutes and 16 seconds. The arena erupted as a new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion was crowned. This victory marks a significant moment in Takeshita’s career and sends shockwaves through the wrestling world, especially given his upcoming AEW Tag Team Championship match. The question now looms: how will Takeshita balance his commitments, and what does this mean for the future of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship?

“Another result that will bring about a flood of questions, especially since Takeshita has an AEW Tag Team Championship match this coming weekend.” [2]

The crowd’s reaction was mixed, with some fans expressing surprise and even concern over Takeshita’s victory, particularly given his association with AEW. However, the sheer impact of the moment was undeniable, and the respect between the two competitors was palpable. Post-match, Hirooki Goto, fresh off his return from injury, immediately stepped up to challenge the new champion, setting the stage for Takeshita’s first title defense and a potentially explosive encounter.

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji Submits Gabe Kidd

In another highly anticipated championship bout, Yota Tsuji faced Gabe Kidd for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship. This match was a brutal affair, reflecting the intense rivalry between these two formidable competitors. Kidd, known for his aggressive and often rule-bending style, brought the fight to Tsuji from the outset. However, Tsuji, showcasing his incredible strength and evolving technical prowess, managed to weather the storm. The match was a grueling back-and-forth contest, with both men exchanging heavy blows and showcasing their resilience.

The turning point came when Tsuji managed to lock in a Boston Crab, a move that proved too much for Kidd. After 24 minutes and 19 seconds of intense action, Gabe Kidd was forced to submit, making Yota Tsuji the new IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion. This victory is a monumental achievement for Tsuji and further solidifies his position as a rising star in NJPW. The manner of Kidd’s loss, however, has sparked considerable debate among fans and pundits alike, raising questions about his future trajectory within the company.

“The manner of this win will raise questions about Gabe Kidd’s future in the company.” [2]

Following the match, the Bullet Club War Dogs, Kidd’s stablemates, made their way to the ring, seemingly to confront Tsuji. However, they were quickly met by the rest of The Unaffiliated, who came to Tsuji’s aid. In a surprising display, both factions shook hands, leaving commentators and fans alike wondering about the implications of this unexpected show of unity. This moment added another layer of intrigue to an already captivating night, hinting at potential new alliances or rivalries on the horizon.

IWGP Women’s World Championship: Syuri Dethrones Sareee

The opening match of the night set a high bar, as Syuri challenged Sareee for the IWGP Women’s World Championship. This was a hard-hitting contest between two of the most respected female wrestlers in Japan. Sareee, known for her powerful strikes and aggressive style, defended her title with ferocity. Syuri, a master of mixed martial arts-inspired offense, met Sareee’s intensity with her own calculated precision.

The match was a brutal exchange of strikes, suplexes, and submission attempts. Both women showcased incredible athleticism and determination, earning the respect of the audience. After 14 minutes and 56 seconds, Syuri delivered her devastating Syu-sekai, securing the pinfall and becoming the new IWGP Women’s World Champion. This victory marks a significant achievement for Syuri and promises an exciting new era for the IWGP Women’s division.

NEVER Openweight Championship: EVIL Reclaims Gold from Boltin Oleg

In a match that was marred by controversy, EVIL faced Boltin Oleg for the NEVER Openweight Championship. As is often the case with matches involving EVIL and the House of Torture, external interference played a significant role. Oleg, a powerful and promising young talent, fought valiantly against the tactics of EVIL and his stablemates. However, the numbers game ultimately proved too much to overcome.

EVIL secured the pinfall victory at 11 minutes and 40 seconds, reclaiming the NEVER Openweight Championship. The match, while showcasing Oleg’s potential, was overshadowed by the typical House of Torture shenanigans, leaving many fans frustrated but unsurprised. This result further solidifies House of Torture’s dominance in NJPW and ensures that chaos will continue to reign in the NEVER Openweight division.

IWGP Tag Team Championships: The Knockout Brothers Retain

The IWGP Tag Team Championships were on the line as The Knockout Brothers (Yuto-Ice and Oskar) defended their titles against the formidable team of Yuya Uemura and Shota Umino. This match was a high-octane tag team contest, with all four men showcasing their athleticism and teamwork. The challengers pushed the champions to their limits, with several close calls that had the audience on the edge of their seats.

However, The Knockout Brothers proved why they are the champions, ultimately securing the pinfall victory at 14 minutes and 40 seconds with their devastating KOB Driver. This marks their first successful defense of the titles, a significant milestone for the duo, and a testament to their growing chemistry as a team. The tag team division in NJPW continues to be a hotbed of exciting action.

NJPW World TV Championship/ELP 20th Anniversary/Hiroshi Tanahashi Final Road ~Connection~: El Phantasmo vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi Ends in a Draw

A unique and highly emotional match saw El Phantasmo (ELP) celebrate his 20th Anniversary in wrestling while also marking a special moment on Hiroshi Tanahashi’s ‘Final Road ~Connection~’ tour. This fifteen-minute time-limit match for the NJPW World TV Championship was a blend of high-flying action and classic wrestling storytelling. Both ELP and Tanahashi showcased their incredible skills and showmanship, delighting the crowd with their exchanges.

Despite their best efforts, neither man could secure a decisive victory within the allotted time, and the match ended in a time-limit draw. While a draw can sometimes be anticlimactic, in this context, it served as a fitting tribute to both competitors, highlighting their resilience and mutual respect. The NJPW World TV Championship remains with ELP, but the journey of Tanahashi’s ‘Final Road’ continues to captivate fans.

Other Notable Matches:

• Drilla Moloney vs. SANADA (No-DQ “Riot in Ryogoku” Match): Drilla Moloney defeated SANADA by pinfall at 13:37 with the Drilla Killa. This brutal no-disqualification match saw both competitors bleeding, with Moloney using a fork and getting revenge for a previous guitar shot from SANADA. It was a chaotic and intense brawl that left a lasting impression.
• Hirooki Goto & Yoshi-Hashi & Yoh vs. Hartley Jackson & Ryohei Oiwa & Kosei Fujita: Hirooki Goto, making his return from injury, pinned Hartley Jackson after a GTR at 7:55. Goto’s return was met with a warm reception, and his performance suggested he hasn’t lost a step.
• David Finlay & Clark Connors & Taiji Ishimori vs. Shingo Takagi & Titan & Hiromu Takahashi: David Finlay pinned Titan following an Overkill at 7:58. This fast-paced six-man tag match showcased the high-energy style of all participants, with the Bullet Club War Dogs securing a decisive victory.

Audience Reaction and Backstage Buzz

The Ryogoku Sumo Hall was alive with energy throughout the event. The 5,372 attendees created a vibrant atmosphere, with cheers and gasps echoing through the arena. The main event, in particular, elicited a strong reaction, with the crowd’s surprise at Takeshita’s victory being a major talking point. While some fans were undoubtedly excited by the new champion, others expressed a sense of apprehension regarding his dual commitments and what it might mean for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

“TAKESHITA did end up getting over with the crowd, though it seemed like maybe they weren’t completely on board with the possibility of him…” [1]

“Take’s gonna have one hell of an uphill battle in trying to get the NJPW crowds on his side, especially with Goto being his first challenger.” [5]

The post-match confrontation between Yota Tsuji and the Bullet Club War Dogs, followed by the unexpected handshake with The Unaffiliated, left the audience in a state of excited confusion, speculating about potential shifts in faction dynamics. The no-disqualification match between Moloney and SANADA also drew a visceral reaction, with fans appreciating the brutal intensity. Overall, the event was a rollercoaster of emotions, demonstrating the deep connection between NJPW and its dedicated fanbase.

Did You Know?

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:

• Strong Style: NJPW is famous for its ‘Strong Style,’ which emphasizes realistic, hard-hitting strikes, submissions, and a focus on athletic competition. This style is deeply rooted in martial arts and gives matches a more intense, competitive feel.
• Young Lions: NJPW has a rigorous dojo system where aspiring wrestlers, known as ‘Young Lions,’ train extensively in fundamental wrestling, conditioning, and martial arts. They live in the dojo, perform chores, and often wear simple black trunks and boots, emphasizing their developmental status. Graduating from the Young Lion system is a badge of honor.
• Gaijin: This term refers to foreign wrestlers who compete in Japan. Many legendary Western wrestlers have made their names in NJPW, embracing the Strong Style and contributing significantly to the company’s international appeal.
• Titles and Lineage: NJPW’s championships, especially the IWGP (International Wrestling Grand Prix) titles, are highly revered. The lineage and history of each title are deeply respected, and winning one is considered a major accomplishment.
• Audience Etiquette: Unlike some Western wrestling shows, Japanese audiences are often more reserved during the initial phases of a match, showing respect for the technical exchanges. However, as the intensity builds, they become incredibly vocal, expressing their excitement through thunderous claps, chants, and cheers, especially during near falls and finishers.