Since 1992, New Japan Pro Wrestling has made a tradition of producing an event from the historic Tokyo Dome on Jan. 4.
For the last 19 years, that event has been known as “Wrestle Kingdom,” the company’s most important show of the calendar year.
This year, NJPW hosted a show less than 24 hours after “Wrestle Kingdom 19,” in conjunction with AEW, Ring of Honor, Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), and World Wonder Ring Stardom.
Over 16,000 fans descended on the famed Tokyo Dome for “Wrestle Dynasty,” to see who emerged through the “forbidden door.”
This show was, essentially, NJPW’s answer to AEW’s annual “Forbidden Door” event. However, many NJPW’s stars featured on “Wrestle Dynasty” wrestled less than 24 hours earlier at “Wrestle Kingdom 19.”
Did this ambitious crossover event live up to the precedent set by “Forbidden Door?”
Momo Watanabe vs. Willow Nightingale vs. Persephone vs. Athena
This opening match was a four-way women’s match to decide the winner of the International Women’s Cup: a tournament that featured 28 different wrestlers from AEW, ROH, STARDOM, and CMLL.
Each company had one representative advance to the tournament’s finale. For STARDOM, it was Momo Watanabe. For AEW, it was Willow Nightingale.. For CMLL, it was the 23-year-old Mexican-American prodigy, Persephone. And, for ROH, it was the ROH Women’s Champion, Athena, who won a fatal four-way match to advance to the finale.
The winner of the International Women’s Cup also receives an opportunity to challenge one of the women’s champions from either of the five companies. It could be the AEW Women’s Championship, CMLL World Women’s Championship, IWGP Women’s Championship, ROH Women’s Championship, World of Stardom Championship, etc. The NJPW announce team even mentioned they could challenge for the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship or the TBS Women’s Championship.
Watanbe was accompanied by her fellow H.A.T.E. stablemate and tag team partner, Thekla, a high-profile gaijin in STARDOM.
In the end, Thekla distracted the referee, giving Watanabe an opportunity to strike Athena with her baseball bat for the three-count. This was the first time that Athena had been pinned since July 12, 2023.
This was a fantastic opening match and a great way to kick off the event. All of the companies were well represented and all of the women were able to showcase their respective strengths. Watanabe left “Wrestle Dynasty” with a guaranteed shot at multiple world championships. It also puts Thekla in Athena’s crosshairs, culminating in a match between both women for Athena’s world championship.
Rating: ***¾
The Sons of Texas [c] vs. House of Torture
This match was for The Sons of Texas’ ROH World Tag Team Championships. Dustin Rhodes and Sammy Guevara defended their titles against The House of Torture, an off-shoot of Bullet Club, composed of SHO and Yoshinobu Kanemaru. Both men are prolific Junior Heavyweight wrestlers and successful tag team wrestlers, but have never won championship gold together.
This was a fun match, but nothing to write home about. Dustin Rhodes actually competed in the inaugural Jan. 4 Tokyo Dome show in 1992, teaming alongside his father, Dusty Rhodes. So, it was very cool to see him return to the Tokyo Dome.
Beyond that novelty, this easily could have been omitted from the show. If Tony Khan wanted more ROH representation, I would have much rather seen Chris Jericho return to the Tokyo Dome, to defend his ROH World Championship.
Rating: **½
Lucha Libre Gauntlet Match
For AEW fans, this was essentially a Casino Gauntlet Match, featuring eight wrestlers from NJPW and CMLL. The participants were Hechicero, Kosei Fujita, Soberano Jr, Master Wato, Mascara Dorado, Taiji Ishimori, Titan, and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, El Desperado.
Most of these performers were either members of New Japan’s Junior Heavyweight division or high-flying luchadors. The only exception was Hechicero, a heavyweight from CMLL and brilliant mat technician.
This was a really fun match, especially if you’re a fan of NJPW or CMLL and familiar with these stars. Regardless, the action was frenetic and quite innovative. In the end, the “Bone Soldier,” Taiji Ishimori used the chaos to pin the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, El Desperado.
This was a very exciting contest to open the main-show, full of electrifying performers.
Rating: ***
Hiroshi Tanahashi and Katsuyori Shibata’s exhibition
Hiroshi Tanahashi is more than NJPW’s president. He is the “Ace of the Universe,” who saved NJPW from the brink of death in the late 2010s — one High, Fly, Flow at a time.
His opponent, Katsuyori Shibata, trained with Tanahashi in the NJPW Dojo — debuting together in 1999. Alongside WWE superstar Shinsuke Nakamura, the trio were dubbed the “New Three Musketeers,” mirroring their predecessors, Great Muta, Masahiro Chono, and Shinya Hashimoto.
Nakamura, Tanahashi, and Shibata were supposed to usher in a new era for NJPW. Instead, Shibata left NJPW in 2005, dissatisfied with the company’s direction and refusing to become a “salaryman wrestler.” While Tanahashi was pouring his blood, sweat, and tears into NJPW, Shibata was working as a freelance wrestler and pursued a career in mixed-martial arts. So, it’s no surprise these two have a love-hate relationship, defined by their mutual respect, admiration, and tumultuous history.
At “Wrestle Kingdom 19,” Tanahashi put his career on the line in a lumberjack match against EVIL. After the match, EVIL’s fellow “House of Torture” members tried to attack Tanahashi, but were intercepted by Shibata — marking his long-awaited return to NJPW. Shibata didn’t return to help Tanahashi though. He returned to challenge Tanahashi to an exhibition match.
Last year, Tanahashi announced that 2025 would be his last full year as a wrestler, culminating in his retirement at “Wrestle Kingdom 20” in 2026. So, this may have been Tanahashi and Shibata’s last meeting in the squared circle.
This exhibition had a five-minute time limit. Of course, Tanahashi represented NJPW, while Shibata represented AEW. For the most part, these two spent the duration of the exhibition trading chops to the chest. Normally, I dislike these sorts of exchanges, but there was something beautiful about this. As a fan of both Tanahashi and Shibata, this match resonated with me in a profound way. I loved everything about this.
Rating: N/A
Mercedes Moné [c] vs. Mina Shirakawa [c]
Both Mercedes Moné and Mina Shirakawa put their titles on the line in this match. For Moné, it was the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship. For Shirakawa, it was the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship.
Over the last two months, Moné has really hit her stride — delivering two remarkable matches with Kris Statlander and an instant classic against Hazuki.
I can safely say that Moné proved, yet again, that she is one of the best big match performers in all of women’s wrestling. However, Shirakawa’s contributions can’t go unnoticed. Both women shined under the bright lights of the Tokyo Dome. In the end, it was Moné who stood victorious, earning her third championship belt.
Now, the “CEO” is 16-0 since debuting in AEW and draped in championship gold. Moné’s “Belt Collector Era” has officially begun.
Rating: ****
Brody King vs. David Finlay
Brody King possesses all of the qualities that the greatest super-heavyweight gaijins in NJPW history have. He’s powerful, imposing, deceivingly quick, violent, and uncompromising.
His opponent, David Finlay, is the son of wrestling legend Fit Finlay. Dubbed the “Savage King,” Finlay is the leader of a subgroup of the Bullet Club called the “War Dogs.” At “Wrestle Kingdom 19,” Finlay lost his IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship to Yota Tsuji, ending his 245 day reign with the championship. So, Finlay was in desperate need of a win to make up for his loss.
This was a violent, smashmouth wrestling match. Not only is King a wrecking ball of a man, but Finlay’s modest frame belies his own power. In the end, Finlay hoisted King in the air — driving him down with a power bomb and pinning him shortly thereafter.
Not only was this a fun match, but it was rendered in stark contrast by the match that preceded it.
Rating: ***
Claudio Castagnoli vs. Shota Umino
Shota Umino is one of the brightest rising stars in NJPW, having just wrestled in the main event of “Wrestle Kingdom 19” against Zack Sabre Jr. for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Unfortunately, Umino failed to fulfill his destiny and dethrone the champion.
Umino wasn’t satisfied with challenging Zack Sabre Jr. though. As a protege of Jon Moxley and former member of the Blackpool Combat Club, the “Shooter” was ready to challenge Moxley for the AEW World Championship. Instead of accepting his challenge, Moxley sent one of his emissaries to answer Umino’s challenge. And, that agent of chaos was the “First General,” Claudio Castagnoli.
Castagnoli is no stranger to Umino. The two have wrestled side-by-side numerous times, representing the Blackpool Combat Club. So, my expectations for this match were high. Fortunately, both men delivered.
I can see why NJPW has positioned Shota Umino as their future ace. Not only is Umino in remarkable shape and gifted in the ring, but he’s such an emotive wrestler; able to display such a wide array of emotions.
This was an uphill battle for the “Shooter,” though. Not only is Castagnoli an imposing force in his own right, but Umino participated in a grueling 43-minute contest just one day prior to this match. That didn’t stop Umino from bringing the fight to the Death Riders emissary. In the end, Umino met Moxley’s challenge head on, stealing a victory from Castangoli.
This feud is far from over, though. Umino clearly has his sights set on his former mentor, Jon Moxley, and the AEW World Championship.
Rating: ***½
Konosuke Takeshita [c] vs. Tomohiro Ishii
Tomohiro Ishii is no stranger to AEW fans. The “Stone Pitbull” has frequently stepped through the “forbidden door” to grace AEW’s ring, even joining Orange Cassidy’s faction, the Conglomeration. At “Wrestle Dynasty,” Ishii faced the AEW International Champion, Konosuke Takeshita.
Likewise, Takeshita is no stranger to NJPW fans. The “Alpha” competed in last year’s G1 Climax Tournament, finishing second in Block B, before losing in the quarter-finals. During his sabbatical, Takeshita dubbed himself the “messiah of strong style.”
At “Wrestle Kingdom 19,” Takeshita defeated Shingo Takagi in a title vs. title match — putting his International Championship on the line against Takagi’s NEVER Openweight Championship. Takeshita defeated Takagi, making him a double-champion.
Both of Takeshita’ titles were on the line in this match, marking his sixth defense of the International Championship.
For those unfamiliar with NJPW’s “strong style,” this was a phenomenal demonstration of the spirit and style of NJPW. Takeshita and Ishii both threw caution to the wind, inflicting as much violence as they possibly could. Ultimately, this proved to be a war of attrition — an outcome that favored the champion. With youth on his side, Takeshita was simply able to outlast Ishii.
While I was a fan of Ishii’s work prior to his affiliation with AEW, I was never amazed by his work during his most recent excursion. This was breathtaking. Maybe that can be attributed to Takeshita, who was the perfect canvas for the “Stone Pitbull.”
Rating: ****
The Young Bucks vs. The Great O-Khan & Jeff Cobb vs. Testuya Naito and Hiromu Takahashi
This match was for the vacant IWGP World Tag Team Championship.
The former champions, The Great O-Khan and Henare, were forced to vacate the championship after Henare suffered a knee injury. The Great O’Khan was given an opportunity to recapture the titles, with an undisclosed partner, who proved to be his fellow United Empire stablemate, Jeff Cobb.
Their opponents were the winners of the 2024 NJPW World Tag League, Tetsuya Naito and Hiromu Takahashi, as well as The Young Bucks.
This was a terrific tag team match. O’Khan and Cobb’s sheer power accentuated the aerial artistry of The Young Bucks and Hiromu Takahashi.
In the end, The Young Bucks performed the TK Driver on Great O-Khan, pinning him and winning the vacant IWGP World Tag Team Championships. This marks the team’s second reign as IWGP World Tag Team Champions.
With Battle in the Valley only one week away in San Jose, I don’t think we’ll have to wait for long to see the Bucks defend their titles.
Rating: ***½
Jack Perry vs. Yota Tsuji [c]
At “Wrestle Kingdom 19,” Yota Tsuji defeated David Finlay for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, capturing his first singles title in NJPW.
His opponent, Jack Perry, is certainly no stranger to NJPW. In the aftermath of his confrontation with CM Punk at “All In (2023),” Perry was suspended by AEW. After his suspension was lifted, Perry was sent on an excursion to NJPW — where he developed his “Scapegoat” gimmick. Perry even aligned himself with the House of Torture, ingratiating himself in the fabric of NJPW.
This match was Tsuji’s newly acquired IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, giving Perry another opportunity to win singles gold.
In 2023, NJPW declared that Tsuji, Umino, and Ren Narita were officially the Reiwa Three Musketeers — mirroring the aforementioned trios of Muta, Chono, and Hashimoto or Tanahashi, Shibata, and Nakamura. The name “Reiwa” refers to the current era of the Japanese calendar, which began in 2019 when Emperor Naruhito ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne.
That means Tsuji is essentially a pillar of NJPW, who the company will continue to build around over the next decade. So, for Tsuji, defeating Perry and successfully defending his first singles championship was an important milestone.
This match was good, but certainly not great. While I commend Perry for adapting his style, I still don’t enjoy his heel-work. He’s not exactly the traditional “chicken-shit” heel, but he’s not powerful enough to make his offense seem effective. Especially against someone like Tsuji, who is an adept practitioner of NJPW’s “strong style.”
Rating: ***¼
Kenny Omega vs. Gabe Kidd
While this was billed as the co-main event, it was certainly the marquee attraction for AEW fans.
After 13 months, this marked the return of Kenny Omega to in-ring competition.
Omega’s opponent was Gabe Kidd, an English wrestler who was trained at NJPW’s LA Dojo by Katsuyori Shibata. Kidd is the current Strong Openweight Champion and a member of the War Dogs, Finlay’s off-shoot of the Bullet Club. In short, Kidd feels as though Omega betrayed NJPW when he left in 2019 to form AEW, so his decision to return at “Wrestle Dynasty” is an affront to the company.
Kidd was accompanied by his fellow War Dog members and LA Dojo graduates, Clark Connor and Drilla Moloney. Generally, Kidd wears solid black trunks, a staple for young lions. In this contest, his black trunks were adorned with the NJPW logo — a profound gesture that symbolized his intentions.
In the lead up to this co-main event, Omega and Kidd both reiterated that this wasn’t a “match,” but a “fight.” And, it was exactly that. Omega and Kidd went to war, largely forgoing the use of submissions or holds. Instead, they exchanged strikes, slams, and dives over the top rope to inflict as much damage as they possibly could.
In NJPW, tables and chairs are seldom seen. So, when both men did use them, their destructive force felt magnified.
Late in this match, Kidd tried to defeat Omega with the Inoki Special, a move passed down to him by Shibata, channeling the spirit of NJPW. Unfortunately, Omega was able to find the ropes, forcing Kidd to break his hold. The two began exchanging an array of forearms, lariats, running knees, pile drivers, and power bombs: until both men were at the brink.
While Kidd wrestled a perfect match, it wasn’t enough to slay the “God of Professional Wrestling.” After 31 minutes, Omega performed the One-Winged Angel and pinned Kidd.
Hiroshi Tanahashi was ringside for both co-main events, providing color commentary. After this match, the “Ace of the Universe” was visibly overcome with emotion — moved to tears by Kidd’s valiant effort.
This was an instant classic. More importantly, it was a star-making performance for Gabe Kidd, who will assuredly be NJPW’s top gaijin wrestler in the near-future.
Rating: ****½
Zack Sabre Jr. [c] vs. Ricochet
Finally, the main event. Zack Sabre Jr. defended his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Ricochet.
This was a true clash of styles, rendering both wrestlers in stark contrast. Ricochet is known for his aerial artistry, while Sabre Jr. is widely regarded as the king of technical wrestling. Still, both men excelled in this match. While Ricochet was often the aggressor, Sabre Jr. found ways to counter Ricochet’s explosive offense — stifling him with his unique ground game.
Sabre Jr.’s ability to fluidly exchange holds in rapid succession is otherworldly, allowing him to gradually chip away at Ricochet’s explosivity. After wearing Ricochet down, Sabre Jr. forced him to submit with a double arm-bar.
This was the champion’s fourth successful title defense, tying the record set by Sanada, Kazuchika Okada, and Jon Moxley for the current iteration of the championship.
After the match, Zack Sabre Jr. applauded NJPW’s young stars for their performances, proudly declaring that the future of NJPW is bright. That doesn’t change the fact that, for now, the future is orange.
Rating: ****½
Final Verdict
The wrestling world converged at the Tokyo Dome for “Wrestle Dynasty,” delivering a terrific pay-per-view that was well worth NJPW World’s $9.99 monthly subscription fee. Hopefully this becomes a yearly tradition, in the same vein as “Forbidden Door.”
Rating: ****
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