NJPW Sakura Genesis 2024

Ryogoku Ruckus: NJPW's Latest Spectacle Unfolds

Tokyo, Japan - In the heart of the Japanese capital, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) brought its A-game to the historic Ryogoku Kokugikan, captivating an electric crowd of 6,632. The sold-out spectacle, broadcast live on April 5th, was a true test of strength, strategy, and sheer willpower.

Pre-Show Flair

The evening's festivities kicked off with a six-man tag team match featuring CHAOS and Oleg Boltin taking on Ayato Yoshida, Chicharito Shoki, and Takuro Niki. The undercard bout showcased the versatility of the competitors involved, as they traded holds and high-flying moves to an enthusiastic audience. In the end, it was CHAOS and Oleg Boltin who emerged victorious, their unity proving too much for their opponents (08:33).

Tag Team Tussles

The main card commenced with a pair of tag team matches that would set the tone for the evening's action. First up were TMDK's Kosei Fujita and Zack Sabre Jr., who clashed with El Desperado and Ryusuke Taguchi in a thrilling encounter. Despite the high-flying antics from both teams, it was TMDK who managed to outmaneuver their foes, securing a hard-fought win (09:32).

Next, Los Ingobernables de Japon's BUSHI and Hiromu Takahashi took on BULLET CLUB War Dogs' David Finlay and Gedo in another high-stakes showdown. The Japanese duo's synergy proved too much for their opponents, as they quickly dispatched the War Dogs (05:39).

Six-Man Mayhem

The evening's third match featured Just 5 Guys (DOUKI, SANADA, and Yuya Uemura) facing off against United Empire (Callum Newman, Great-O-Khan, and Jeff Cobb) in a chaotic six-man tag team encounter. As expected, the mayhem that ensued was nothing short of spectacular, with all eight competitors leaving it all on the mat. In the end, Just 5 Guys managed to outlast their opponents, claiming victory (08:54).

Title Tilts

The main event was preceded by a trio of championship showdowns. First up were BULLET CLUB War Dogs' Clark Connors and Drilla Moloney, who challenged Catch 22's Francesco Akira and TJP, as well as Intergalactic Jet Setters' Kevin Knight and KUSHIDA for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles. The ensuing match was a wild ride, with each team trading moves and near-falls. In the end, it was Clark Connors and Drilla Moloney who emerged victorious, retaining their titles (17:29).

Next, Bishamon's Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI put their IWGP Tag Team Titles on the line against BULLET CLUB in a hard-hitting affair that saw both teams give it their all. Despite a valiant effort from BULLET CLUB, Bishamon managed to retain their titles.

Finally, SHO challenged YOH for the vacant IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. The match was a technical masterclass, with both competitors exchanging holds and counters. In the end, it was SHO who emerged victorious, claiming the title in just 1:36.

Main Event Mayhem

The evening's main event saw Jon Moxley team up with Shota Umino to take on House Of Torture's Jack Perry and Ren Narita in a tag team match. The ensuing battle was a war of attrition, with both teams trading moves and wearing each other down. In the end, it was Moxley and Umino who emerged victorious (14:32).

The main event itself featured EVIL challenging Shingo Takagi for the NEVER Openweight Title. The two heavy-hitters clashed in a brutal encounter that saw them trade suplexes and near-falls. In the end, it was Takagi who managed to retain his title.

Finally, Tetsuya Naito put his IWGP World Heavyweight Title on the line against Yota Tsuji in the evening's grand finale. The match was an instant classic, with both competitors giving it their all. In the end, it was Naito who emerged victorious, retaining his title after a grueling 34:26 battle.

Post-Match Reflection

As the dust settled on this unforgettable night of professional wrestling, one thing is clear: NJPW has once again cemented its reputation as a premier global promotion. The performances on display were nothing short of spectacular, and it's no surprise that the crowd was left in awe. For fans of the sport, there's simply no better place to be than the Ryogoku Kokugikan on a night like this.

Rating: 4.5/5

Recommendation: If you're looking for a taste of the best professional wrestling has to offer, look no further than NJPW's latest offering. With its blend of technical grappling and high-flying action, there's something for everyone in this star-studded card. Don't miss it!

Card Details

Date: 05 Apr 2024
Promotion: New Japan Pro Wrestling
Arena: Ryogoku Kokugikan
Attendance: 6632
Type: TV-Show
Broadcast Type: Live
Broadcast Date: 05 Apr 2024

Matches

CHAOS and Oleg Boltin defeat Ayato Yoshida, Chicharito Shoki and Takuro Niki in a Pre-Show Frontier Zone Six Man Tag Team Match
Match Time: 08:33
TMDK (Kosei Fujita and Zack Sabre Jr.) defeat El Desperado and Ryusuke Taguchi in a Tag Team Match
Match Time: 09:32
Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI and Hiromu Takahashi) defeat BULLET CLUB War Dogs (David Finlay and Gedo) in a Tag Team Match
Match Time: 05:39
Just 5 Guys (DOUKI, SANADA and Yuya Uemura) defeat United Empire (Callum Newman, Great-O-Khan and Jeff Cobb) in a Six Man Tag Team Match
Match Time: 08:54
BULLET CLUB War Dogs (Clark Connors and Drilla Moloney)(C) defeat Catch 22 (Francesco Akira and TJP) and Intergalactic Jet Setters (Kevin Knight and KUSHIDA) in a IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match
Match Time: 17:29
Bishamon (Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI)(C) defeat BULLET CLUB in a IWGP Tag Team Title Match
SHO(C) defeat YOH in a IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Match
Match Time: 01:36
Jon Moxley and Shota Umino defeat House Of Torture (Jack Perry and Ren Narita) in a Tag Team Match
Match Time: 14:32
Shingo Takagi(C) defeat EVIL in a NEVER Openweight Title Match
Tetsuya Naito(C) defeat Yota Tsuji in a IWGP World Heavyweight Title Match
Match Time: 34:26