Wrestle Kingdom is a professional wrestling event produced annually by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), a Japan-based professional wrestling promotion.

Wrestle Kingdom
PromotionsNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
First eventWrestle Kingdom I

Since 1992, NJPW has held the January 4 Tokyo Dome Show. The January 4 Tokyo Dome Show became NJPW's premier annual event and the biggest event in Japanese wrestling, similar to what WrestleMania is for WWE and American professional wrestling. It has been described as "the largest professional wrestling show in the world outside of the United States" and the "Japanese equivalent to the Super Bowl".[1][2] From 1992 to 2006, the event was promoted under different names. In 2007, the event was rebranded as Wrestle Kingdom which has been the event name ever since.

From 2007 until 2019, Wrestle Kingdom was held on January 4 on Tokyo Dome, but the show expanded to two nights in 2020. Wrestle Kingdom 14 was the first one to include matches on January 5, and further expanded to include a third night (January 8) in 2022.

Wrestle Kingdom VI drew the highest single-day attendance since the annual event was branded as Wrestle Kingdom, at 43,000.[3] Counting events held over two nights, Wrestle Kingdom 14 had the highest overall attendance, with 40,008 announced for night one[4] and 30,063 for night two,[5] a total of 70,071 attendees.

The lowest attendance was for Wrestle Kingdom 15, held under attendance restrictions due to COVID-19; NJPW announced an attendance of 12,689 for the first night and 7,801 for the second.[6] Prior to COVID-19, the Wrestle Kingdom I and Wrestle Kingdom V events drew the lowest unofficial gates, with only 18,000 in attendance.[7]

Events

# Event Date City Venue Main Event Ref
1 Wrestle Kingdom I January 4, 2007 Tokyo, Japan Tokyo Dome Keiji Muto and Masahiro Chono vs. Tencozy (Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima) [8][9][10]
2 Wrestle Kingdom II January 4, 2008 Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship [11][12][13][14]
3 Wrestle Kingdom III January 4, 2009 Keiji Muto (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship [15][16][17][18][19]
4 Wrestle Kingdom IV January 4, 2010 Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Yoshihiro Takayama for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship [20][21][22][23]
5 Wrestle Kingdom V January 4, 2011 Satoshi Kojima (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship [24][25][26][27]
6 Wrestle Kingdom VI January 4, 2012 Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Minoru Suzuki for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship [28][29][30][31][32]
7 Wrestle Kingdom 7 January 4, 2013 Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship [33][34][26][35]
8 Wrestle Kingdom 8 January 4, 2014 Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship [36][37][38][26][39]
9 Wrestle Kingdom 9 January 4, 2015 Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship [40][41][42][43]
10 Wrestle Kingdom 10 January 4, 2016 Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship [44][45][46][47]
11 Wrestle Kingdom 11 January 4, 2017 Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Kenny Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship [48][49][50]
12 Wrestle Kingdom 12 January 4, 2018 Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship [51][52]
13 Wrestle Kingdom 13 January 4, 2019 Kenny Omega (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship [53]
14 Wrestle Kingdom 14 January 4, 2020 Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Kota Ibushi for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship [54]
January 5, 2020 Kazuchika Okada (Heavyweight) vs. Tetsuya Naito (Intercontinental) in a Double Gold Dash match for both the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and the IWGP Intercontinental Championship
15 Wrestle Kingdom 15 January 4, 2021 Tetsuya Naito (c) vs. Kota Ibushi for both the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and the IWGP Intercontinental Championship [55]
January 5, 2021 Kota Ibushi (c) vs. Jay White for both the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and the IWGP Intercontinental Championship
16 Wrestle Kingdom 16 January 4, 2022 Shingo Takagi (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship [56]
January 5, 2022 Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Will Ospreay for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
January 8, 2022 Yokohama, Japan Yokohama Arena Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Keiji Muto and Kaito Kiyomiya
17 Wrestle Kingdom 17 January 4, 2023 Tokyo, Japan Tokyo Dome Jay White (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship [57]
January 21, 2023 Yokohama, Japan Yokohama Arena Tetsuya Naito vs. Kenoh
18 Wrestle Kingdom 18 January 4, 2024 Tokyo, Japan Tokyo Dome Sanada (c) vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship [58][59]
(c) - refers to the champion(s) heading into the match

See also

References

  1. ↑ "GFW News: New Japan Pro Wrestling "Wrestle Kingdom 9" press conference details". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. December 23, 2014. Retrieved October 9, 2017.
  2. ↑ Keller, Wade (December 13, 2016). "New Japan's WrestleKingdom 11 to air on AXS TV starting Jan. 13 in four weekly special episodes with Ross & Barnett on commentary". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved October 9, 2017.
  3. ↑ NJPW 40th anniversary Tour. レッスルキングダムVI in 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  4. ↑ "2020.01.04 WRESTLE KINGDOM in TOKYO DOME night 1". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. January 4, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  5. ↑ "2020.01.05 WRESTLE KINGDOM in TOKYO DOME night 2". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. January 5, 2020. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  6. ↑ Rose, Bryan (2021-01-05). "NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 Notes; Jay White, SANADA, Stardom". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved 2021-01-05.
  7. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (January 16, 2012). "Jan 16 Observer Newsletter: Cyborg busted for steroids, all the details, Edge and Horsemen going into WWE Hall, New Japan Dome Show review, 30 year Muchnick retrospective, TNA and Strikeforce shows, more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California. pp. 14–16. ISSN 1083-9593.
  8. ↑ Alvarez, Bryan (January 8, 2007). "TNA, Tokyo Dome results, Sylvia's next battle, Death of WCW, Dark Angel, more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on January 8, 2007. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  9. ↑ 詳細速報 ＜新日本１・４東京ド＞. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). Archived from the original on July 8, 2007. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  10. ↑ 1月4日(木)東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 16, 2007. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  11. ↑ "New Japan Tokyo Dome results featuring TNA stars". Pro Wrestling Insider. January 4, 2008. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  12. ↑ Alvarez, Bryan (January 7, 2008). "NJ vs. TNA, Tank, Serra, Raw, TNA, more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on January 8, 2008. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  13. ↑ 詳細速報 ＜新日本１・４東京ドーム＞. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). Archived from the original on September 14, 2008. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  14. ↑ レッスルキングダムII in 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  15. ↑ Relph, Lee (January 4, 2009). "New Japan-TNA 1/4 Tokyo Dome results". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  16. ↑ "1-4 Tokyo Dome results, TNA teams captures titles". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. January 7, 2009. Archived from the original on January 7, 2009. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  17. ↑ Martin, Adam (January 4, 2009). "1/4 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom III Results: Tokyo, Japan". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  18. ↑ 詳細速報 ＜新日本1・４東京ドーム＞. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 10, 2011. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  19. ↑ フィールズPresents レッスルキングダムIII in 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  20. ↑ Johnson, Mike (January 4, 2010). "New Japan Wrestle Kingdom IV results from Tokyo Dome: Team 3D lose IWGP tag straps, Terry Funk returns to the ring in Japan and more". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  21. ↑ "January 4 New Japan Tokyo Dome report – legends, promotional wars". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. January 4, 2010. Archived from the original on May 3, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  22. ↑ 詳細速報 ＜新日本1・４東京ドーム＞. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). Archived from the original on February 12, 2010. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  23. ↑ ユークス Presents レッスルキングダムIV in 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  24. ↑ "1/4 NJPW results in Tokyo: Detailed report on TNA at Tokyo Dome Show – Jeff Hardy's performance, reactions to TNA wrestlers, Borash ring intros". Pro Wrestling Torch. January 4, 2011. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  25. ↑ Nemer, Paul (January 4, 2011). "1/4 TNA and NJPW Results: Tokyo, Japan". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  26. 1 2 3 Hoops, Brian (January 4, 2017). "Daily Pro Wrestling History (01/04): NJPW Tokyo Dome cards". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  27. ↑ レッスルキングダムV ｉｎ 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  28. ↑ Charlton, Chris (January 4, 2012). "1/4 NJPW Tokyo Dome results: MVP & Benjamin, Tanahashi remains IWGP Hvt. champion, Mutoh, NJPW vs. Noah matches". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  29. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (January 4, 2012). "New Japan Tokyo Dome results 1–4". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on January 8, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  30. ↑ Johnson, Mike (January 4, 2012). "New Japan Pro Wrestling Tokyo Dome results: ROH stars appear and more". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  31. ↑ Nemer, Paul (January 7, 2012). "Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  32. ↑ NJPW 40th anniversary Tour. レッスルキングダムVI in 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  33. ↑ Caldwell, James (January 4, 2013). "Show results - 1/4 New Japan Tokyo Dome Show: Former WWE stars in undercard matches, Tanahashi vs. Okada, did any titles change hands?". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  34. ↑ "New Japan Pro Wrestling Tokyo Dome report". Pro Wrestling Insider. January 4, 2013. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  35. ↑ Wrestle Kingdom 7 〜Evolution〜 in 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  36. ↑ Caldwell, James (January 4, 2014). "Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of New Japan's biggest show of the year - four title changes, former WWE/TNA stars featured, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  37. ↑ "New Japan Tokyo Dome show report". Pro Wrestling Insider. January 4, 2014. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  38. ↑ Namako, Jason (January 6, 2014). "1/4 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 8 Results: Tokyo, Japan". Wrestleview. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  39. ↑ バディファイトPresents Wrestle Kingdom 8 in 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  40. ↑ "Previewing this weekend's New Japan WrestleKingdom PPV". Pro Wrestling Insider. December 30, 2014. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
  41. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (January 3, 2015). "New Japan Wrestle Kingdom 9 live results and recap: Tanahashi vs. Okada, Ibushi vs. Nakamura plus 4 way juniors tag". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on July 27, 2015. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
  42. ↑ Caldwell, James (January 4, 2015). "Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome show results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Wrestle Kingdom PPV – Tanahashi vs. Okada, Bullet Club, Nakamura, Jim Ross, more". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
  43. ↑ Wrestle Kingdom 9 in 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 4, 2015. Retrieved May 9, 2015.
  44. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (January 3, 2016). "Wrestle Kingdom 10 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs Hiroshi Tanahashi". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  45. ↑ Johnson, Mike (January 4, 2016). "Okada vs. Tanahashi, Lethal vs. Elgin, Styles vs. Nakamura, title changes & more: complete New Japan WrestleKingdom 2016 coverage". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  46. ↑ Caldwell, James (January 4, 2016). "1/4 NJPW "Wrestle Kingdom" Tokyo Dome Show – Caldwell's Complete Live Report". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  47. ↑ Wrestle Kingdom 10 in 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 7, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  48. ↑ Johnson, Mike (January 4, 2017). "Omega vs. Okada classic, Tanahashi vs. Naito, lots of title changes & more: complete New Japan Wrestle Kingdom 11 coverage". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  49. ↑ Rose, Bryan; Currier, Joseph (January 3, 2017). "NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  50. ↑ 戦国炎舞 -Kizna- Presents Wrestle Kingdom 11 in 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved January 4, 2017.
  51. ↑ Renner, Ethan; Currier, Joseph (January 3, 2018). "NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 live results: Okada-Naito, Omega-Jericho". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  52. ↑ ブシモ 5th Anniversary Wrestle Kingdom 12 in 東京ドーム. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved January 4, 2018.
  53. ↑ "Fight Size Update: Wrestle Kingdom 13 Logo Revealed, New PROGRESS Tag Team Champions, Kairi Sane Responds To Cody's Comments, More - Fightful Wrestling". www.fightful.com. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
  54. ↑ "Big matches in 2019 are now announced!!". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. January 4, 2019. Retrieved January 8, 2017.
  55. ↑ "Three matches set for January 4 & 5 at Wrestle Kingdom". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. October 18, 2020. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  56. ↑ "Wrestle Kingdom 16 set to start 2022 in the Tokyo Dome and Yokohama Arena!". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. August 4, 2021. Retrieved August 4, 2021.
  57. ↑ "【緊急決定！】2023年1月4日（水）『WRESTLE KINGDOM 17』東京ドーム大会が開催！ 1月5日（木）は『NEW YEAR DASH!!』大田区総合体育館大会！". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. August 18, 2022. Retrieved August 18, 2022.
  58. ↑ @njpw1972 (July 5, 2023). "【特報！】2024年1月4日（木）東京ドーム『WRESTLE KINGDOM 18 in TOKYO DOME』の開催が決定！詳細は後日発表となります！#njwk18 #WRESTLEKINGDOM18" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  59. ↑ Carey, Ian (July 5, 2023). "NJPW officially announces Wrestle Kingdom 18, reveals logo". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.