New Japan Pro Wrestling has wrapped up one of their biggest annual event, NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 (#WK18) from the historic Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan.
The show featured a stacked card, including the long-awaited rematch between Kazuchika Okada and Bryan Danielson.
Here are the four takeaways and highlights from NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18.
Kazuchika Okada Avenged His Forbidden Door Loss To Bryan Danielson
Fans have been looking forward to Okada and Danielson’s rematch since their legendary first encounter at AEWxNJPW Forbidden Door on June 25, 2023. “The American Dragon” won a hard-fought contest against Okada by submission. Looking to avenge his loss, the NJPW superstar was motivated to get a big victory over Danielson at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18.
In the match, both talented wrestlers tried to outmaneuver the other in the co-main event. Danielson had control of the match early by working over Okada’s right arm. Although “The American Dragon” gave his opponent problems throughout the match, Okada was able to land the Rainmaker to avenge his loss.
After the match, both superstars respected each other by bowing their heads in the ring. The win for Okada may set up another match to end their rivalry once and for all.
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— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
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— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
David Finlay beat Moxley and Ospreay to become the first IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, then got into it with Dolph Ziggler
David Finlay defeated Will Ospreay and Jon Moxley in a tense three-way match to become the inaugural IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion. The matchup saw all three competitors were able to have their moments, but the Finlay did just enough to get the victory.
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— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
The action took both in the ring and the crowd, as each wrestler did whatever it took to win. Weapons also got involved in the hard-hitting title match, including steel chairs and a table. One notable highlight in the match was Jon Moxley spiking Finlay on his head on Ospreay’s chest with a Pile Driver.
The turning point in the match was when BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Alex Coughlin & Gabe Kidd) attacked Ospreay and Moxley to help Finlay. The two AEW superstars overcame the assault, which eventually led to Finlay winning. The BULLET CLUB leader landed a Suplex into a knee to the face of Ospreay to become the champion.
While celebrating his victory, Finlay got into an altercation with former WWE superstar Nic Nemeth at ringside. This was seemingly done to set up a match between the two for the title.
.@THEdavidfinlay × @HEELZiggler "Next Battle?"
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njwk18 #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/AO2znYwWxl
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
Tetsuya Naito defeated his former ally to become the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion
The NJPW legend has concluded his journey to become an IWGP World Heavyweight Champion in the main event. Tetsuya Naito earned his opportunity to challenge SANADA for the title by winning last year’s G1 Climax. In a match months in the making, Naito earned a tough win over his former Los Ingobernables de Japon ally.
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?G1 CLIMAX 33??? ????????#njpwworld ???????????https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njwk18 #NJPW pic.twitter.com/udVJUSbmlv
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
SANADA gave Naito everything he could handle as he tried to defend the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion for the fifth time successfully. However, Naito was able to end SANADA’s reign after landing Destino.
Before Naito could celebrate his win, he was attacked by EVIL and Dick Togo. SANADA would make the save and take out the “heels.” After taking out the House of Torture members, SANADA left the ring to give Naito his moment to celebrate with the NJPW fans.
.@seiyasanada "Inverted Frankensteiner ? Shining Wizard"
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njwk18 #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/UTivZh0v10
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
Guerrillas Of Destiny won both IWGP/ NJPW Strong Tag Team titles
The tag title match was set after Bishamon (Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI) won the 2023 World Tag League. In the finals, they defeated Guerrillas Of Destiny (El Phantasmo & Hikuleo). After the win, Goto and HASHI gave G.O.D. a rematch at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 in a winner-takes-all match for the IWGP & NJPW Strong Tag Team Championships.
.@510njpw & @YOSHIHASHICHAOS "??!!!"
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njwk18 #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/FLYwqR8bHx
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
This proved to be a mistake, as G.O.D. won both tag titles. Both teams went back and forth, as neither wanted to take the loss. Towards the end of the match, Phantasmo took out HASHI outside the ring with a Moonsault from the top rope. The match finished when Hikuleo landed Super Thunder Kiss 86 from the top rope on Goto for the pin.
After the match, both teams showed respect for each other, and G.O.D. celebrated with the crowd before returning backstage.
.@elpwrestling & @Hiku_Leo ""SUPER THUNDER KISS '86""
Sign up Now & Stay tuned to https://t.co/CeQLGjTmZ5#njwk18 #NJPW #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/gUONQJ2OHs
— NJPW WORLD (@njpwworld) January 4, 2024
Conclusion
NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 was a great card with plenty of incredible matches. Each match delivered exciting action and great moments, including seven title changes.
One of the matches that fans will discuss is the three-way match for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship. The match was fast-paced and delivered memorable moments, but it teased what could happen next with Nemeth.
The next notable event for the company will be the NJPW Battle In The Valley on January 13 at the San Jose Civic in San Jose, California. Currently, NJPW has announced who will compete on the card. Fans should expect match announcements to come soon.
