New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) has announced a highly awaited fight card for its upcoming event at Ryogoku Kokugikan on April 5, 2025. This announcement, made on March 21, 2025, showcases six major title matches, setting the stage for a thrilling evening centered around top wrestling talents.
The main event will feature IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Hirotoshi Gotoke defending his title against David Finlay, fresh off his victory in the NEW JAPAN CUP 2025. This match marks Gotoke’s third title defense and anticipates the tension and excitement that surrounds championship bouts in NJPW. Finlay has been making waves in the promotion, which adds to the stakes as he seeks to capture the prestigious title.
In a highly anticipated semi-final match, EVIL, known as the “King of Darkness,” will challenge IWGP GLOBAL Champion Shota Umino for the heavyweight title. With EVIL’s cunning tendencies and Umino’s recent rise, this titanic clash promises to be a highlight of the night.
The card also features five other title matches, each bringing its own dynamic to the event. In a special singles match lasting 30 minutes, Yuya Uemura will take on the formidable SANADA. Their encounter is expected to be an exciting opener, showcasing fast-paced technical wrestling.
El Fantasma will put his NJPW WORLD TV title on the line against Great-O-Khan in a 15-minute title match, offering fans a thrilling contest between two powerful competitors. This match is especially intriguing considering both wrestlers' contrasting styles, which could lead to an unexpected outcome.
The event will also include a six-man tag team title match featuring Hiromu Takahashi and Tetsuya Naito teaming up against Taichi Ishimori and Yoshinobu Kanemaru. This match pits speed and agility against raw power and tactical prowess, creating a mixed bag of wrestling styles that fans clamor to see.
Additionally, Kingo Takeda will face Ryohei Oiwa for the NEREUS Openweight title over a 60-minute match, a bout that could go down in history as one of NJPW's toughest encounters. The champion, Takeda, will need to leverage his experience against the rising challenge posed by Oiwa.
Moreover, IWGP Tag Team Champions Hiromu Takahashi and Togi Makabe will defend their titles against Callum Newman and Jeff Cobb. The champions have been on a remarkable run, but with challengers like Newman and Cobb, notable for their teamwork and brute strength, this title match is poised for fireworks.
As the excitement builds for the April 5 event, fans eagerly anticipate how these matches will unfold. With high stakes on the line in each fight, the atmosphere at Ryogoku Kokugikan is set to crackle with energy. Not only does this event promise high-octane action and dramatic storytelling, but it also represents a critical moment in the careers of many participating wrestlers.
NJPW continues to deliver world-class wrestling with depth in its storytelling and the athletic prowess of its roster. As we approach April 5, fans are gearing up for a landmark night that could reshape the landscape of professional wrestling in Japan and beyond.
