Konosuke Takeshita’s NJPW plans are now clear following his headline match at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in Tokyo, as NJPW announced further in-ring action for Takeshita, keeping him in the spotlight after his anticipated title defense. The update confirms that in addition to his Winner Takes All match against Yota Tsuji, Takeshita will compete again for NJPW on the night after Wrestle Kingdom, making the Konosuke Takeshita NJPW plans a central focus for fans.
Main Event Spotlight at Wrestle Kingdom 20
Konosuke Takeshita, the current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, is set to put his title on the line in a high-stakes contest against IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji at the Tokyo Dome on January 4. The Winner Takes All match adds extra significance, as both championship belts will be decided in a single contest. The event has captured attention across the wrestling world, with Takeshita’s performance under scrutiny due to his championship reign and his appearances with NJPW.
NJPW Confirms Next Steps for Takeshita After the Title Match
No matter the result of his showdown with Yota Tsuji, NJPW has committed to featuring Konosuke Takeshita the next night at New Year Dash, traditionally held January 5. The full card for New Year Dash is kept secret until the day of the event, which adds an element of surprise to Takeshita’s involvement. The official NJPW announcement described the setup, signaling intent to spotlight top talent in the aftermath of Wrestle Kingdom, and emphasized the dynamism of the card based on event outcomes.
“Confirmed to be in action however will be Konosuke Takeshita and Yota Tsuji after their double title match on January 4, Aaron Wolf after his pro-wrestling debut in the Tokyo Dome, and Andrade El Idolo, who joins United Empire at Wrestle Kingdom.” – NJPW Official Statement
Confirmed Talent Set for New Year Dash
The New Year Dash event is building anticipation by announcing a long list of confirmed wrestlers alongside Konosuke Takeshita. Competitors announced include Aaron Wolf, making headlines for his debut at the Tokyo Dome, and Yota Tsuji, as well as Andrade El Idolo, now aligned with United Empire. Other notable names joining the card are Boltin Oleg, Shota Umino, Yuya Uemura, Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, Toru Yano, Tomohiro Ishii, Taichi, Satoshi Kojima, El Desperado, YOH, Master Wato, Zack Sabre Jr, Ryohei Oiwa, Kosei Fujita, David Finlay, Gabe Kidd, Drilla Moloney, OSKAR, Yuto-Ice, Clark Connors, Taiji Ishimori, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi, Callum Newman, Great-O-Khan, HENARE, EVIL, Ren Narita, SANADA, Yujiro Takahashi, DOUKI, SHO, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru. Each participant is expected to play a significant part in the unfolding storylines following Wrestle Kingdom.
Significance for NJPW and the Road Ahead
Konosuke Takeshita’s back-to-back appearances signal NJPW’s commitment to using its top champions in high-profile settings, addressing fan discussions about the visibility of the IWGP World Heavyweight titleholder. The rapid announcement of his participation ensures that storylines involving Takeshita, Yota Tsuji, and the wider roster remain at the forefront heading into the new year. With events like Wrestle Kingdom and New Year Dash, NJPW continues to adapt its cards to maintain excitement and unpredictability for international and Japanese wrestling audiences alike.
