Taichi’s Emotional Homecoming: Just X Guys Closure at New Japan Road in Ishikari
October 19, 2025, marked a special day for Taichi as New Japan Pro-Wrestling returned to his hometown of Ishikari, Hokkaido, for a memorable New Japan Road event. The sold-out show was headlined by a highly anticipated six-man tag team match, bringing together former members of the Just ‘x’ Guys faction in a deeply personal and emotionally charged encounter. Taichi, alongside Yuya Uemura and TAKA Michinoku, faced off against the defected members who now align with HOUSE OF TORTURE: SANADA, DOUKI, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru.
Match Breakdown: A Battle for Redemption
The atmosphere in the Hanakawa Minami Junior High School Gymnasium was electric, with the hometown crowd passionately supporting Taichi. The match began with immediate aggression from HOUSE OF TORTURE, who isolated Taichi early on. However, a timely big boot brought Uemura and TAKA Michinoku into the fray, shifting the momentum. DOUKI, in particular, bore the brunt of their offense, trapped in the red corner as Kanemaru attempted to interfere from the outside, pulling at Taichi’s boot to give his team an advantage.
Taichi, demonstrating his resilience, managed to beat the referee’s count and return to the ring. Kanemaru quickly applied a Figure 4 leg lock, with DOUKI intensifying the pressure on Taichi’s knee. A crucial tag to Yuya Uemura brought a surge of energy, as Uemura unleashed a barrage of armdrags and takedowns, culminating in a bulldog on SANADA for a near fall. SANADA, resorting to his cunning, attempted a low blow, but it failed to deter Uemura, who quickly tagged in Michinoku after a flying forearm.
TAKA Michinoku took control, rocking DOUKI with a pair of knees and a distracting boot before locking in the Just Face Lock. Despite DOUKI’s attempts to counter, Michinoku landed a jumping high kick, allowing Taichi to re-enter the match. Kanemaru, Taichi’s former best friend and fellow Heel Master, targeted Taichi’s knee, but Taichi skillfully escaped the Deep Impact and delivered a powerful Gamengiri in the corner. As Taichi applied the Seitei Jujiro, the sudden appearance of EVIL and Dick Togo threatened to turn the tide, breaking up triple Hontai submissions and drawing loud boos from the Ishikari faithful.
Dramatic Conclusion and Future Hints
The interference escalated, with SANADA smashing a guitar over TAKA Michinoku’s head. Uemura’s valiant efforts against the six-on-one disadvantage seemed futile until the unexpected arrival of Hiroshi Tanahashi and El Desperado, who rushed to the ring to even the odds. Despite Kanemaru’s attempt to incapacitate Tanahashi with a whiskey mist, Taichi seized the moment, delivering a devastating Ax Bomber followed by the Tensho Jujiho and finally the Black Mephisto to secure the pinfall victory over DOUKI.
The arena erupted in cheers as Taichi invited the Hontai (main unit) members into the ring for a triumphant celebration. In a heartfelt address to his hometown crowd, Taichi hinted that a return to Ishikari next year for another celebration is
more than possible, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next visit.
“This victory, here in Ishikari, means everything to me. To stand here with my friends, and to finally put an end to this chapter with Just X Guys… it’s a feeling I can’t describe. I promise, Ishikari, we’ll be back!” – Taichi (post-match comment, paraphrased)
EVIL vs. Shun Skywalker: A Purge Night of Torture Showdown
Prepare for a night of unadulterated chaos as HOUSE OF TORTURE takes full control of Korakuen Hall on November 19 for the aptly named “Purge Night of Torture.” In a shocking announcement that sent ripples through the wrestling world, the self-proclaimed King of Darkness, EVIL, issued a challenge to Dragon Gate’s enigmatic Shun Skywalker, seeking to solidify HOUSE OF TORTURE’s dominance.
The Challenge Accepted: A Crossover Dream Match
EVIL, known for his morally ambiguous tactics and ruthless aggression, publicly declared his desire to face the strongest possible opponent to underscore his faction’s power. Shun Skywalker, a captivating and unpredictable force from Dragon Gate, wasted no time in accepting the challenge, promising to bring an unprecedented level of intensity and his unique, high-flying style to Korakuen Hall. This inter-promotional clash is a significant event, bridging two major Japanese promotions and offering fans a dream match that could have lasting implications for both.
The anticipation for this bout is immense, with fans speculating on the potential for outside interference from other members of HOUSE OF TORTURE. Given EVIL’s history, it’s almost a certainty that Dick Togo, Yujiro Takahashi, and other faction members will be lurking, ready to tip the scales in EVIL’s favor. Skywalker, however, is no stranger to adversity and is expected to bring his full arsenal of innovative offense and psychological warfare to combat the numbers game. This match is not just about victory; it’s about a clash of philosophies and a battle for supremacy.
“Shun Skywalker, you think you’re strong? You think you can stand against the King of Darkness? Korakuen Hall will be a playground for HOUSE OF TORTURE, and you, Skywalker, will be purged! Everything is EVIL!” – EVIL (social media message, paraphrased)
New Beginning in New Jersey: NJPW Kicks Off 2026 U.S. Tour
New Japan Pro-Wrestling is set to make a triumphant return to the East Coast of the United States with “The New Beginning in New Jersey,” scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey. This event marks NJPW’s first U.S. show of the new year and signals a continued commitment to expanding its presence in the North American market.
Anticipation Builds for a Star-Studded Event
While specific matches and participating stars are yet to be announced, fans can expect a stacked card featuring NJPW’s top talent. The “New Beginning” tour traditionally sets the tone for the year, often featuring title defenses, grudge matches, and the emergence of new contenders. The Cure Insurance Arena is expected to host a night of hard-hitting action, showcasing the unique blend of strong style wrestling and compelling storytelling that NJPW is globally renowned for.
Tickets for this highly anticipated event will go on presale on October 23, with general public sales commencing on October 24. Given NJPW’s dedicated fan base in the U.S., a quick sell-out is expected. This event is a must-attend for pro-wrestling enthusiasts, offering a prime opportunity to witness some of the world’s best wrestlers in action and experience the electric atmosphere of a live NJPW show.
Other Results from New Japan Road in Ishikari (October 19, 2025)
Here’s a quick rundown of the other exciting matches that took place at the New Japan Road event in Ishikari:
Match 1: Young Lion Showcase
In the opening contest, **Masatora Yasuda** defeated Jewel Bird via Boston Crab in 7 minutes and 25 seconds. Yasuda displayed impressive technical skills, dominating the match with powerful submissions and securing a decisive victory over his opponent.
Match 2: Veteran Guidance
The tag team of **Shoma Kato & Tiger Mask** emerged victorious over Katsuya Murashima & Tatsuya Matsumoto in 9 minutes and 12 seconds, with Kato securing the win via Tiger Suplex Hold on Matsumoto. The veteran presence of Tiger Mask was evident, guiding the young Shoma Kato to a well-earned victory against a spirited Murashima and Matsumoto.
Match 3: CHAOS vs. Strong Style
**Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano** defeated Ren Narita & Master Wato in 11 minutes and 5 seconds, with Ishii delivering a Vertical Drop Brainbuster to Wato for the win. This match was a brutal exchange of strikes and power moves. Ishii and Narita went toe-to-toe, while Yano’s characteristic antics added a unique flavor to the bout. Ultimately, Ishii’s raw power proved too much for Master Wato.
Match 4: Six-Man Tag Team Action
**Hiroshi Tanahashi, El Desperado & Ryusuke Taguchi** secured a victory over Minoru Suzuki, Lance Archer & TAKA Michinoku in 14 minutes and 30 seconds, with Tanahashi hitting the High Fly Flow on Michinoku. This match was a high-octane affair, with the Suzuki-gun’s aggressive style clashing with the technical brilliance and high-flying maneuvers of Tanahashi’s team. The crowd was on its feet as the action spilled in and out of the ring, culminating in a spectacular finish from the Ace.
Did You Know? Japanese Pro-Wrestling Culture Tidbits
- “Strong Style” Philosophy: New Japan Pro-Wrestling is famous for its “Strong Style,” a wrestling philosophy emphasizing realism, hard-hitting strikes, and submission holds, blurring the lines between sport and spectacle. It’s rooted in martial arts and has influenced wrestling globally.
- Korakuen Hall: The Sacred Ground: Korakuen Hall in Tokyo is often referred to as the “Mecca” or “sacred ground” of Japanese pro-wrestling. It’s a smaller, intimate venue known for its incredible atmosphere and passionate crowds, making it a dream venue for many wrestlers and fans alike.
- Young Lions System: NJPW has a renowned dojo system where young prospects, known as “Young Lions,” train rigorously. They live together, perform chores, and wrestle in plain black trunks, focusing on fundamentals. This system has produced many of NJPW’s biggest stars.
- Factions and Storytelling: Factions play a crucial role in NJPW’s storytelling. Groups like Chaos, Bullet Club, Los Ingobernables de Japon, and now HOUSE OF TORTURE, provide intricate narratives, alliances, and rivalries that drive long-term storylines and character development.
- Post-Match Comments: Backstage comments (often referred to as “promos”) are a significant part of NJPW’s post-match tradition. Wrestlers often deliver raw, unscripted thoughts, setting up future matches or continuing rivalries, providing deeper insight into their characters and motivations.
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