New Japan Pro-Wrestling hosted its most anticipated event of the year on January 4, 2025, as Wrestle Kingdom 19 electrified fans at the iconic Tokyo Dome. This year, the lineup was impressive, showcasing high-stakes matches, including Zack Sabre Jr. defending his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Shota Umino, and Konosuke Takeshita challenging Shingo Takagi for both the NEVER Openweight and AEW International Championships.
The event kicked off with the New Japan Ranbo—a multi-competitor match to determine the #1 contender for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Hirooki Goto stood victorious after eliminating Great O'Khan, setting the stage for future title shots.
Next was the chaotic Four-Way Tokyo Terror Ladder Match for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, where Ichiban Sweet Boys, consisting of Robbie Eagles and Kosei Fujita, triumphed over previous champions Intergalactic Jet Setters (Kevin Knight and Kushida), Catch 2/2 (TJP and Francesco Akira), and Bullet Club War Dogs (Clark Connors and Drilla Moloney). The match featured numerous high spots and dramatic moments, finally concluding when Fujita caught the belts suspended high above the ring.
Following this, Mayu Iwatani defended her IWGP Women's Championship against AZM. Both competitors showcased their agility and technical prowess, with Iwatani retaining her title after delivering her signature Bridging Dragon Suplex. This match received rave reviews, particularly for its fast pace and hard-hitting action.
Ren Narita defended the NJPW TV Title against Jeff Cobb, Ryohei Oiwa, and El Phantasmo. This fast-paced four-way match effectively highlighted each wrestler's strengths. El Phantasmo emerged victorious, capturing the championship with his finishing move, Thunder Kiss 86, showcasing his resilience and skill.
An intense Lumberjack Match followed, pitting Hiroshi Tanahashi against EVIL. The stakes were high as Tanahashi's career hung by a thread; he would have been forced to retire if defeated. The match saw chaotic interference from both wrestlers' supporting crews, resulting in Tanahashi securing the victory through resourcefulness, completing a roll-up pin and extending his career.
Match of the night was likely the Winner Takes All clash between Konosuke Takeshita and Shingo Takagi. Their battle for both the NEVER Openweight and AEW International championship culminated with Takeshita showcasing incredible athleticism, culminating in his victory with the Raging Fire Driver. This match received praise for its intensity and storytelling, as both wrestlers pushed themselves to the limit.
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship encounter saw Douki face El Desperado. Unfortunately, the match ended abruptly due to Douki sustaining an arm injury. Referee stoppage led to Desperado being declared the new champion. Despite the unfortunate conclusion, both performers demonstrated great effort before the match's conclusion.
The final match before the conclusion of the night featured the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship where David Finlay faced Yota Tsuji. Tsuji pulled off the upset by defeating the champion, heralding the start of his reign.
Wrestle Kingdom 19 not only brought thrilling matches with high stakes but also set the tone for future NJPW events. The surprise appearance of Katsuyori Shibata, who challenged Tanahashi to a match immediately following the EVIL match's bout, generated buzz for the upcoming Wrestle Dynasty event.
With dramatic matches, unexpected surprises, and nail-biting conclusions, Wrestle Kingdom 19 continued to solidify NJPW's stature as one of the world's premier wrestling promotions. The event left fans eagerly anticipating what lies next for their favorite wrestlers as the storylines progress.