Overview:
In a star-studded follow-up to a stellar G1 Climax Tournament, Destruction in Kobe promises to deliver on storylines and title pictures that developed throughout the hottest tournament of the summer. Tune in on New Japan World on September 28th to catch New Japan Pro Wrestling’s (NJPW) next big show!
Six-Man Tag-Team Match
The opening match of Destruction in Kobe brings together several discordant storylines, all tied together by the ever-present force of House of Torture. YOSHI-HASHI, Yuya Uemura, and Shota Umino will face Dick Togo, SANADA, and EVIL.
The most compelling dynamic lies between Uemura and SANADA. Once mentor and protégé under the Just 5 Guys banner, SANADA’s betrayal fractured the bond and set the two on a collision course. His defection to Bullet Club War Dogs, followed by his jump to House of Torture, only added fuel to the fire. Meanwhile, YOSHI-HASHI has clashed with House of Torture countless times, and Umino’s lingering grudge against Ren Narita makes this six-man clash feel like just the beginning. Can House of Torture set the tone of dominance early in the night?
Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Final Road
The “Ace of the Universe,” Hiroshi Tanahashi, nears the twilight of his legendary career. Credited with revitalizing NJPW in times of struggle, Tanahashi now faces Great-O-Khan. Once the “Dominator,” O-Khan has struggled to find momentum in recent years, especially after Will Ospreay’s departure from United Empire. For O-Khan, defeating Tanahashi could be the reset his career desperately needs. For Tanahashi, it’s another step on the farewell tour of one of wrestling’s true icons.
NEVER Openweight Championship Match
Bolten Oleg defends his NEVER Openweight Championship against the towering Don Fale. The challenge was born out of G1 Playoff chaos, where Fale and Yujiro Takahashi brutalized Oleg before mocking a “pinfall.” The irony is thick—what was once a title designed to bridge weight classes now features two heavy hitters colliding for supremacy. Can Oleg overcome House of Torture’s intimidation and retain, or will Fale’s power be too much?
IWGP Tag-Team Championship Match
The returning young lions, Oskar Leube and Yuto Nakashima—now branded as OSKAR and Yuto-Ice—have set their sights on championship gold. After a dramatic reintroduction at the G1 Climax under Bullet Club War Dogs’ David Finlay, the duo immediately went after current champions Taichi and Tomohiro Ishii. This match is more than about belts; it’s about whether fresh blood can topple veteran strongholds.
Hiromu Takahashi vs. Taiji Ishimori
A rivalry renewed. Hiromu Takahashi, now holding the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship, has drawn the ire of Taiji Ishimori. Ishimori, who boasts the most successful defenses of that title in Pro Wrestling NOAH’s history, took offense to Hiromu’s reign and reignited their storied feud. Expect speed, danger, and high drama from two of NJPW’s best juniors.
Yota Tsuji vs. David Finlay
Both men crashed out of the G1 Climax playoffs in the opening round, and both need redemption. Yota Tsuji and David Finlay now meet in a clash to restore pride and re-establish themselves as championship contenders. For Tsuji, it’s about proving his place as a leader of the new generation. For Finlay, it’s about reasserting dominance as the leader of the Bullet Club War Dogs.
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship Match
Shingo Takagi challenges Gabe Kidd, whose G1 was cut short by a hyperextended knee. Kidd’s controversial return to action in America while sitting out the tournament drew Takagi’s fury, with the Rampage Dragon accusing him of cowardice. Now, Takagi has the chance to test Kidd’s toughness head-on. Will Kidd prove “War Ready,” or will Shingo expose him as unworthy of the strap?
IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Match
Tradition dictates that the G1 Climax winner earns a Wrestle Kingdom title shot, but in the modern NJPW landscape, that path isn’t always so straightforward. Current champion Zack Sabre Jr. knows this well, having cashed in early last year to claim the gold.
At Destruction in Kobe, ZSJ faces Ren Narita, the House of Torture star who stunned him on Night One of the G1. With House of Torture notorious for interfering en masse, Sabre faces not just Narita, but an entire army. Will the reigning champion overcome the chaos, or will Narita shock the wrestling world once again?
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