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NJPW Windy City Riot 2025 Live Preview: A Night of Chaos, Glory, and Unforgettable Action
April 11, 2025 – The stage is set, the tension is palpable, and the roar of the crowd is about to shake the very foundations of the Wintrust Arena in Chicago. New Japan Pro-Wrestling returns to the Windy City with NJPW Windy City Riot 2025, a spectacle that promises to deliver hard-hitting action, shocking twists, and the kind of drama that only NJPW can provide.
For fans of strong style, high-flying athleticism, and storytelling that grips you by the throat, this is the event you cannot afford to miss. From championship clashes to grudge matches that have been months in the making, Windy City Riot 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most explosive nights in NJPW’s storied history.
So, let’s dive deep into the card, analyze the rivalries, and predict what could go down when the brightest stars of NJPW collide under the bright lights of Chicago.
Main Event: IWGP World Heavyweight Championship – The King vs. The Challenger
Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Shota Umino
The Rainmaker. The Ace. The man who has defined an era of NJPW. Kazuchika Okada stands atop the mountain once again as the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, but his reign faces its most personal challenge yet in the form of Shota Umino.
Umino, the fiery young star molded by Jon Moxley and mentored by Hiroshi Tanahashi, has clawed his way to the top, proving himself as a future ace. But is he ready to dethrone the greatest champion of the modern era?
Okada has dismantled legends, but Umino’s relentless spirit and explosive offense make this a must-see encounter. Will the Rainmaker’s dominance continue, or will Chicago witness the coronation of a new king?
Prediction: Okada retains—but Umino pushes him to his absolute limit, signaling that his time is coming.
Grudge Match: The Battle of Betrayal
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Jay White
Two icons. One bitter history. Hiroshi Tanahashi and Jay White have been at each other’s throats for years, but their rivalry reaches a boiling point at Windy City Riot.
White, the manipulative Switchblade, has always gotten inside Tanahashi’s head, using mind games to dismantle the beloved Ace. But after a brutal attack that left Tanahashi sidelined, the legendary star is out for vengeance.
This isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about pride, legacy, and settling a score that’s been festering for far too long. Expect a war of attrition, with Tanahashi’s high-flying resilience clashing against White’s ruthless precision.
Prediction: Jay White steals a dirty win, further fueling the fire for a future rematch.
Special Singles Match: The Dream Collision
Will Ospreay vs. El Phantasmo
Two of the most electrifying high-flyers in the world. Will Ospreay, the aerial assassin, against El Phantasmo, the cocky, unpredictable daredevil.
This match has “show-stealer” written all over it. Ospreay’s blend of speed, power, and innovation is unmatched, but ELP’s unorthodox style and penchant for mind games could give him the edge.
Fans can expect dives, counters, and moments that defy physics—this is the kind of match that will leave the Chicago crowd breathless.
Prediction: Will Ospreay wins after a Stormbreaker from the heavens, but ELP earns his respect in defeat.
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship – Speed vs. Strength
Hiromu Takahashi (c) vs. Robbie Eagles
The Ticking Time Bomb defends his IJPW Junior Heavyweight Championship against one of the most technically gifted wrestlers in the world, Robbie Eagles.
Hiromu’s chaotic energy and death-defying style have made him a fan favorite, but Eagles’ surgical striking and submission mastery could spell disaster for the champion.
Will Hiromu’s explosive offense overwhelm Eagles, or will the Sniper of the Skies pick him apart limb by limb?
Prediction: Hiromu retains in a bonafide classic, but Eagles proves why he’s one of the best in the division.
Tag Team Warfare: Chaos vs. Bullet Club
Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI vs. KENTA & Taiji Ishimori
A battle of factions as CHAOS takes on the Bullet Club. Goto and YOSHI-HASHI bring hard-hitting teamwork, but KENTA and Ishimori are as vicious as they come.
This one will be brutal, with stiff strikes, underhanded tactics, and an intensity that only these four can deliver.
Prediction: Bullet Club cheats to win, because that’s what they do best.
Special Showcase: The Rising Star
Yota Tsuji vs. Great-O-Khan
The future of NJPW is here, and Yota Tsuji is ready to prove why he’s the next big thing. Standing in his way? The monstrous Great-O-Khan, a man who thrives on domination.
Tsuji’s power and agility make him a threat, but O-Khan’s unorthodox offense and sheer brutality could overwhelm him.
Prediction: Yota Tsuji scores a statement win, signaling his rise to the upper card.
Opening Match: High-Octane Kickoff
Master Wato vs. DOUKI
The show kicks off with a high-energy sprint between the blue-hearted warrior Master Wato and the unhinged brawler DOUKI.
Wato’s athleticism against DOUKI’s unpredictable style makes for a fun, fast-paced opener to get the crowd fired up.
Prediction: Master Wato picks up the win with a Tornado Bomb.
Final Thoughts: Why Windy City Riot 2025 Will Be Unmissable
NJPW’s return to Chicago is more than just another event—it’s a statement. With a card stacked from top to bottom, featuring dream matches, championship clashes, and personal vendettas, Windy City Riot 2025 is poised to be one of the most talked-about shows of the year.
- Will Okada continue his reign, or will Umino shock the world?
- Can Tanahashi finally get his revenge on Jay White?
- Will Ospreay vs. ELP steal the show?
- And just how many insane high spots will Hiromu and Eagles deliver?
One thing is certain: April 11th will be a night of chaos, glory, and unforgettable moments.
How to Watch NJPW Windy City Riot 2025
- Live on NJPW World (Streaming globally)
- PPV Options (Check local providers)
- Doors Open: 6:30 PM CT | Bell Time: 7:30 PM CT
Don’t miss out—tune in and witness history in the making!
What do you think will go down at Windy City Riot? Let us know in the comments!
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Very good show
I think his Ic run being so long hurt him as a credible world champion. It’s like he fought all the same guys and crushed them for a mid card belt now we are supposed to believe they are an actual challenge to him as a world champion? Lol when they took the intercontinental title off of him they should have moved him to SmackDown and put a new list of challengers in front of him. And moved Cody and the WWE championship to raw
Very good episode,
imagine being deluded enough to think a multi billion dollar company with guys who literally have wrestling in their blood hot shoted a heel turn storyline because they booked themselves into a corner. are you serious dude? that is the most ridiculous thing i have read in a minute lol. good luck bro.
Great episode.
Punk/Cody was there for the taking and Cena could’ve gone up against Gunther.
They knee jerked a heel turn because they booked themselves into a nepotism corner
Very good show
honestly don’t get the hate. like sure, there’s no major story here YET. But Punk/Rollins/Reigns has a lot of potential to be a high quality match. I’m legit looking forward to it and love that these three have wound up in a match together.
Great episode.
The triple threat match between them at Wrestlemania is gonna be awesome. Super stoked for this match
Great show
Let’s mention the women’s match in every live/hate challenge. Easiest task for this group of “journalists” ever. Each one of these love/hates are more embarrassing than the last. We get it, women’s wrestling is amazing and should main event every show and if a women’s match is bad it’s because where it is on the card or the booking it’s never the talent, all the women are top tier wrestlers.
Very good show
You wanna find out who the real simps and shills are? Mark down anybody who defends that main event match! Even the diehard AEW fans are crapping on that main event. It was terrible.
This Moxley stuff is stinking out the entire show and the dude seems to think he is Brock Lesnar.
The sad part is that this wasn’t a terrible show overall and with all things taken into an account. But at the end of the day, a bad ending can ruin a whole show for a lot of people. “Game of Thrones season 8” style.
Great show
So the crux of it all is that the PLE started strong…then ended with a sour belch.
The fans most remember how you left them and the fans are going to remember this show with a resounding “bleh”!
And any casual fan who watched with their buddies who are more diehard fans, may have left the viewing saying aloud, “That guy was pretty good. He should go to WWE”.
Great show.
I’ve said before but I think one of the issues here is that Tony is a massive fan of NJPW and often looks to emulate their PPV card structure. NJPW cards typically build to a climax with the big matches back to back and tend not to feature cool down matches or spots. Problem is western audiences haven’t been conditioned for that over the last 40 years, so often results in burnout. Personally I would have laid out the card like below giving breathing spaces, opening with the Steel Cage match and building to the Hollywood Ending as the main event.
Storm vs. May
Mox vs. Cope
Hangman vs. MJF
Hurt Syndicate vs. Outrunners
Takeshita vs. Omega
Swerve vs. Ricochet
Okada vs. King
Mone vs. Watanabe
Ospreay vs. Fletcher
Great episode.
Very good show, but the ending is what people remember. WWE ended Elimination Chamber with a huge heel turn. AEW ended Revolution with that abominable ending.
it doesn’t totally undo a great show, but it might have done more harm than good.
Very good show
I can already see Trips the mark statues, Trips the mark with a 20 minutes speech, the camera focusing onTrips the mark every 30 seconds when he is on the crowd.
Great show.
I’m glad they are bringing it back to a nice venue. The idea of hosting it immediately after Smackdown is insane. Why not put a highlight show or broadcast the Hall of Fame instead of airing Smackdown that week.
best of the best
Very good show tonight
clickbait
clickbait
It’s good
Yes
Loving it
Fantastic Article
Raw vs SD
The only switches from Raw vs SD were Breakker, and Jax?
Super excited about Kiana James to Raw.
Super excited about Kiana James to Raw. She’s been great on NXT so hopefully they don’t ruin her momentum.
I dunno what the Final
I dunno what the Final Testament want, but at this point I am afraid to ask.
Save yourself time and money a
Save yourself time and money and just say everyone on smackdown will stay on smackdown, everyone on raw will stay on raw. What clown wrote this episode?!
Willow should NOT lose
Willow should NOT lose to Moñe at Double or Nothing.
I love the work Mariah’s done with Toni,
I love the work Mariah’s done with Toni, but Ngl I would also love her just gal-palling around with Mina for a spell
I’m all in on joshi invasion of AEW.
I’m all in on joshi invasion of AEW. I’m kinda down for joshi invasion of all promotions honestly
Danielson is also a 21st century
That line makes me laugh like Danielson is also a 21st century wrestler
I’ve never heard of.
Uhg, some other random wrestler from a promotion I’ve never heard of.
This is going to be a squash match right?
Wait, Anna Jay isn’t in Dark Order?
not even the security guard
not even the security guard with the hogan beard is dragging me out of daily’s rn
Kurt V Bret V Perfect
Three other Ospreay dream matches
V Kurt V Bret V Perfect
I have never seen mina before.
I have never seen mina before…. But from the entrance alone i am a fan
I’ve ever seen. Good lord
Anna Jay one of the finest women I’ve ever seen. Good lord
May gets all the ladies.
May gets all the ladies.
Daily’s Place just feels right
Anna Jay match in Daily’s Place just feels right
Is Mina’s theme
Is Mina’s theme a rip of Danza Kaduro? 🕺🏻
I enjoy Fallon’s work in ring,
I enjoy Fallon’s work in ring, and her character work. I just wish she didn’t scream so much- every single move.
Was late tuning in tonight,
Was late tuning in tonight, went and watched the women’s title match, Tatum showed up and showed tf out. Sad she didn’t win but the sky’s the limit
Jensen getting back together
first step to Briggs and Jensen getting back together
I wonder if Fallon Henley gets called up,
I wonder if Fallon Henley gets called up, she’s not really in any important angles in NXT.
John Cena style
Jasmyn has that chiseled chin. John Cena style
“Thank you, Trish Jacey”
Jacey Jayne wants Thea to say “Thank you, Trish Jacey”
What a woman
Her weave fallen off and her not skipping a beat. What a woman. I’m all in on jaida parker
Jaida to get her feet
This OTM side quest was good for Jaida to get her feet wet but her ceiling is sooo much higher than Lucien, Bronco & SCRYPTS
Really don’t like that it’s the Women’s NXT North American Championship.
Really don’t like that it’s the Women’s NXT North American Championship. Besides being an awkward mouthful, it’s too derivative of Men’s midcard title.
Gratitude is not an option
“Gratitude is not an option but a debt that you will repay to me” lmao damn Jacy sounds so badass and ominous 😭
She’s got a really bright future.
Jaida’s only been doing this for a year and a half. She’s got a really bright future.
I love the implied narrative that
I love the implied narrative that it’s Nattie who is singlehandedly selling out a WWE tour of Europe
All these talks about call-ups,
All these talks about call-ups, I feel Jacy Jayne is more overdue than most. One of the best character workers around.