New Japan Pro-Wrestling is gearing up for its biggest event of the year, Wrestle Kingdom 19, set to take place on January 4, 2025, at the iconic Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan. This annual event is often referred to as the "Japanese equivalent to the Super Bowl" and is considered one of the largest professional wrestling shows in the world outside of the United States.
The main event for Wrestle Kingdom 19 will feature Zack Sabre Jr. defending his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Shota Umino. This match was set up at the recent NJPW Power Struggle event, where Umino confronted Sabre Jr. and challenged him for the title.
Other major title matches include:
David Finlay defending the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship against Yota Tsuji.
DOUKI defending the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against El Desperado.
Ren Narita defending the NJPW World Television Championship in a three-way match against Jeff Cobb and Ryohei Oiwa.
KUSHIDA and Kevin Knight defending the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship in a four-way match against Robbie Eagles and Kosei Fujita, Clark Connors and Drilla Moloney, and TJP and Francesco Akira.
One of the most anticipated matches of the night is Hiroshi Tanahashi taking on EVIL. Tanahashi, who announced his retirement match for Wrestle Kingdom 20 in 2026, will be stepping into the ring for what could be one of his final matches.
The event will also feature a four-way tag team match for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, with Intergalactic Jet Setters (Kevin Knight and KUSHIDA) defending against TMDK (Robbie Eagles and Kosei Fujita), Catch 2/2 (TJP and Francesco Akira), and Bullet Club War Dogs (Clark Connors and Drilla Moloney).
Following Wrestle Kingdom 19, NJPW will host Wrestle Dynasty on January 5, 2025, also at the Tokyo Dome. This event will feature additional matches and storylines, including Zack Sabre Jr. defending his title against Ricochet.
Wrestle Kingdom 19 promises to be an unforgettable night of professional wrestling, with a stacked card featuring some of the best talent in NJPW and beyond. Fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the event, and it's sure to be a night full of thrilling matches and memorable moments.
Are you excited for Wrestle Kingdom 19? Who are you most looking forward to seeing in action?
