LIVE 1 LIVE 2
NJPW Road to Sakura Genesis 2025: A Thrilling Prelude to Spring’s Biggest Showdown
April 2, 2025 – The road to Sakura Genesis 2025 is heating up, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling delivered another explosive chapter in the build toward one of the most anticipated events of the spring season. The Road to Sakura Genesis tour has been nothing short of spectacular, with rivalries intensifying, championships being defended, and young lions proving their mettle against hardened veterans.
Last night’s event was a masterclass in storytelling, in-ring action, and dramatic twists—setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable Sakura Genesis on April 6. From shocking returns to brutal faction warfare, let’s break down everything that went down on April 2nd’s Road to Sakura Genesis and what it means for the future of NJPW.
Main Event: Chaos vs. Bullet Club – The War Escalates
The main event saw Kazuchika Okada leading his CHAOS brethren (Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii, & YOSHI-HASHI) against the villainous Bullet Club unit (Jay White, KENTA, Taiji Ishimori, & Gedo) in an eight-man tag team war.
This was more than just a preview—it was a statement. With Okada set to challenge Jay White for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Sakura Genesis, tensions were at an all-time high. The match was a brutal, fast-paced encounter, with both factions pulling out all the stops.
- KENTA and Ishii reignited their rivalry with stiff strikes and brutal forearm exchanges.
- Goto and Ishimori showcased their contrasting styles, with Goto’s power overwhelming Ishimori’s speed—until the Bone Soldier used his agility to counter.
- Jay White and Okada had a tense staredown mid-match, teasing their impending showdown.
In the end, CHAOS picked up the victory after Okada nailed White with a devastating Rainmaker, sending a clear message before their title clash. Post-match, White smirked and whispered something to Okada, hinting at mind games ahead of Sakura Genesis.
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Roadblock
The semi-main event featured a high-stakes IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Match, as Hiromu Takahashi took on El Desperado in a rematch of their legendary 2022 feud.
This was an absolute barnburner—Takahashi’s reckless abandon clashed with Desperado’s calculated brutality. The crowd was electric as both men traded near-falls, with Hiromu hitting a Time Bomb II only for Desperado to kick out at the last second.
In a shocking twist, SHO (of House of Torture) interfered, attacking both men and causing a no-contest. The faction’s leader, EVIL, then appeared on the screen, laughing maniacally before declaring:
“The House always wins. At Sakura Genesis… destruction comes.”
With current champion Robbie Eagles watching from commentary, it’s clear that the Junior Heavyweight division is in chaos—and a three-way title match may be imminent.
Strong Style Clash: Shingo Takagi vs. Great-O-Khan
In a hard-hitting Strong Style Openweight showdown, Shingo Takagi and Great-O-Khan tore into each other with unrelenting force.
- O-Khan’s Mongolian Chops left deep red welts on Takagi’s chest.
- Takagi fired back with blistering lariats, nearly decapitating O-Khan at one point.
- The finish came when Takagi spiked O-Khan with the Last of the Dragon, securing a decisive win.
Post-match, Takagi grabbed a mic and called out Tetsuya Naito, demanding a match at Sakura Genesis.
“Naito… you’ve been avoiding me. But at Sakura Genesis, we settle this. No more games.”
Could we see Takagi vs. Naito in a battle of two of NJPW’s most charismatic stars?
Young Lions Step Up: Tsuji & Uemura Shine
The future of NJPW was on full display as Yota Tsuji and Yuya Uemura faced off against TMDK’s Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls in a thrilling tag bout.
- Tsuji’s raw power was a sight to behold, as he lifted Haste for a brutal Death Valley Driver.
- Uemura’s technical prowess shined as he locked Nicholls in a deep Boston Crab, nearly forcing a submission.
Though the veterans ultimately won, Tsuji and Uemura proved they belong in the upper mid-card. Rumors swirl that Tsuji may challenge for the NEVER Openweight Championship soon—could Sakura Genesis be his breakout moment?
Tag Team Turmoil: Dangerous Tekkers Reunite?
In a six-man tag match, Zack Sabre Jr. teamed with TMDK (Bad Dude Tito & Kosei Fujita) to take on Togi Makabe, Tiger Mask, & Ryusuke Taguchi.
While this was mostly a showcase for Sabre’s technical wizardry, the real story came after the match. Taichi’s music hit, and the Holy Emperor appeared on the ramp, staring down ZSJ.
The two former Dangerous Tekkers partners had a tense standoff before Taichi simply said:
“Sakura Genesis… it’s time.”
Are we finally getting the long-awaited Sabre vs. Taichi singles match? Or could the Tekkers be reforming to challenge for the tag titles?
Final Thoughts: Sakura Genesis 2025 is Stacked
With just four days left until Sakura Genesis, the card is shaping up to be one of the strongest in recent memory. Here’s what we can expect:
Confirmed Matches:
- Jay White (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada – IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
- Robbie Eagles (c) vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Desperado – IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship (likely)
- Shingo Takagi vs. Tetsuya Naito (if confirmed)
- Potential Dangerous Tekkers Reunion or ZSJ vs. Taichi
Rumored Additions:
- Yota Tsuji challenging for the NEVER Openweight Title
- House of Torture shenanigans in the Junior Division
- A major surprise return or faction shake-up
Final Verdict: Don’t Miss Sakura Genesis 2025
If last night’s Road to Sakura Genesis event was any indication, April 6th is going to be an absolute spectacle. From championship clashes to faction warfare and the potential rebirth of legendary teams, NJPW is firing on all cylinders.
Will Okada reclaim his throne? Can Hiromu overcome House of Torture’s interference? And what will Taichi and ZSJ’s confrontation lead to?
One thing is certain: Sakura Genesis 2025 cannot be missed.
Stay tuned for more updates, and make sure to follow us for live coverage of NJPW’s biggest spring event!
What did you think of last night’s Road to Sakura Genesis? Who are your picks to win at the big event? Sound off in the comments below!