New Japan Pro-Wrestling's annual highlight, Wrestle Dynasty, took place on January 5, 2025, at the iconic Tokyo Dome, captivating the attention of wrestling fans everywhere. With an impressive attendance of 16,300, the event showcased high stakes wrestling with thrilling encounters, culminating in historic moments for the promotion.
The main event featured the reigning IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr., who took on AEW star Ricochet. Sabre Jr. successfully defended his title, marking his fourth consecutive defense after defeating Shota Umino the previous day. This back-to-back title defense, seen as unprecedented, positioned Sabre Jr. among the greatest champions of all time. The match ended after 20 minutes and 57 seconds when Sabre Jr. executed his signature Claw Key Cat on Ricochet, securing the victory.
Prior to the match, tensions had been mounting ever since Ricochet made his intentions clear. Following Sabre Jr.'s second defense against Shingo Takagi at the Edion Arena last November, Ricochet appeared on the scene, challenging Sabre Jr. and pushing for this monumental showdown at the Tokyo Dome.
Initially announced as merely a special singles match, the stakes intensified on January 4 when Sabre Jr.’s victory against Umino confirmed his title would be on the line against Ricochet. This unique double-header compellingly showcased Sabre Jr.'s resilience and skill, as he completed back-to-back matches, something no champion had successfully done before.
Following the conclusion of the match, Sabre Jr. took to the microphone, addressing the audience with heartfelt words: "I love this country. The future of New Japan Pro-Wrestling is very bright." His comments were warmly received, with the crowd echoing their appreciation. He added, "Thank you all so much!" demonstrating not only his gratitude but also his commitment to leading New Japan forward.
The Wrestle Dynasty event was not just limited to the championship bouts. It included several significant matches attracting talent from across the wrestling spectrum. Kenny Omega faced Gabe Kidd in another high-stakes confrontation, with Omega claiming victory after 31 minutes and 55 seconds, showcasing his continued prowess.
The comprehensive line-up also highlighted the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship match with Yota Tsuji defending against Jack Perry, alongside three-way tag team action featuring teams led by Great-O-Khan and Jeff Cobb. Another title on the line was the NEVER Openweight championship, where Konosuke Takeshita squared off against Tomohiro Ishii, which was pivotal for both competitors.
This year marked another notable chapter for New Japan, as it continues to cultivate both domestic and international talents, particularly with the integration of stars from AEW and other promotions. The dual main events featured by Sabre Jr. and Ricochet not only attracted attention but set the stage for future cross-promotional matches and rivalries.
Historically, the Tokyo Dome has hosted incredible back-to-back main event matches. Notable examples include championship clashes featuring prior champions like Kazuchika Okada and Tetsuya Naito. This precedent establishes Sabre Jr.'s achievement as not just significant but revolutionary within the company and for its legacy.
Looking forward, the eyes of the wrestling world are on New Japan Pro-Wrestling and its next steps following this monumental event. With champions like Zack Sabre Jr. leading the charge, the narrative for 2025 is set to be filled with thrilling match-ups and unpredictability. Fans are eager to see how the storylines evolve as more international stars join the roster.
Just as Wrestle Dynasty showcased the height of professional wrestling entertainment, it also reminds us of the fervor and commitment wrestlers bring to the squared circle. With events like these, it is no wonder why New Japan Pro-Wrestling has captivated audiences both locally and globally.