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NJPW TAKATAICHI MANIA IV (2025) – THE ULTIMATE PREVIEW

May 7th, 2025 – The Biggest Night in Pro Wrestling is Here!

By [Watch Wrestling]

The air is electric. The stakes are monumental. The stage is set for NJPW TAKATAICHI MANIA IV, the most explosive pay-per-view event of the year, streaming live on May 7th, 2025. This is not just another wrestling show—this is a spectacle, a warzone, a night where legends will be made and rivalries will reach their boiling point.

For fans of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, TAKATAICHI MANIA has become the crown jewel of hard-hitting, high-flying, no-holds-barred action. This year’s edition promises to be the most intense yet, with championship clashes, grudge matches, and potential show-stealing performances that will leave the wrestling world buzzing for months.

In this exclusive, in-depth preview, we break down every confirmed match, analyze the rivalries, and predict the outcomes of what could be the most unforgettable night in NJPW history.


THE CARD: MATCH-BY-MATCH BREAKDOWN

1. IWGP World Heavyweight Championship – “The King of Darkness” EVIL (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

The Ace’s Last Stand?

The IWGP World Heavyweight Championship is on the line as EVIL, the sadistic leader of House of Torture, defends against the legendary Hiroshi Tanahashi. EVIL has dominated NJPW with an iron fist, using every underhanded tactic imaginable to retain his title. But Tanahashi, the “Ace of the Universe,” is determined to prove that heart and resilience can overcome brute force.

  • Key Storyline: Tanahashi, now in the twilight of his career, is chasing one last reign as champion. EVIL, however, has made it clear he wants to end Tanahashi’s legacy for good.
  • Prediction: EVIL retains—but not without Tanahashi pushing him to his absolute limit. Expect interference from House of Torture, but also a heroic near-fall that will have fans on their feet.

2. IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship – Hiromu Takahashi (c) vs. El Desperado

The Battle of the Unhinged

Two of the most unpredictable, high-risk warriors in NJPW collide as Hiromu Takahashi defends his title against El Desperado. Both men are known for their brutal, no-fear style, and this match could steal the show.

  • Key Storyline: Desperado has been on a warpath, claiming that Hiromu’s “Time Bomb” persona is nothing compared to his own brand of chaos.
  • Prediction: Hiromu retains in a match filled with insane spots, ladder bumps, and possibly even a table explosion.

3. NEVER Openweight Championship – Shingo Takagi (c) vs. Jeff Cobb

Power vs. Power

This is a hoss fight for the ages. Shingo Takagi, the “Dragon,” defends against Jeff Cobb, the Olympian powerhouse. Both men are known for their devastating strikes and suplexes that shake the ring.

  • Key Storyline: Cobb has been on a mission to prove he’s the strongest in NJPW, while Shingo refuses to let anyone take his title without a war.
  • Prediction: Shingo barely survives Cobb’s onslaught, retaining after a Last of the Dragon finisher.

4. IWGP Tag Team Championships – Bishamon (Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI) (c) vs. TMDK (Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls)

Can the Underdogs Dethrone the Kings?

Bishamon has been the most dominant tag team in NJPW, but TMDK is hungry for gold. This match will be a hard-hitting battle of teamwork and resilience.

  • Key Storyline: TMDK has been on a roll, but Bishamon’s chemistry is unmatched.
  • Prediction: Bishamon retains, but TMDK proves they belong in the title picture.

5. Special Singles Match – Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay

Dream Match Revisited

Two of the greatest in-ring performers of all time clash once again. Okada, the “Rainmaker,” faces Will Ospreay, now a global megastar returning to NJPW for a marquee showdown.

  • Key Storyline: Ospreay wants to prove he’s surpassed Okada, while the Rainmaker aims to remind the world why he’s the standard-bearer.
  • Prediction: Okada wins with the Rainmaker, but Ospreay delivers a performance that cements his legacy.

6. KOPW 2025 Trophy Match – Taichi (c) vs. Great-O-Khan

The Holy Emperor vs. The Dominator

Taichi’s reign as KOPW Champion has been filled with theatrics and brutality. Now, Great-O-Khan looks to reclaim the trophy in a no-disqualification brawl.

  • Key Storyline: O-Khan wants to restore “order” to NJPW, while Taichi thrives in chaos.
  • Prediction: Taichi retains in a wild, weapon-filled war.

7. Special Six-Man Tag – Los Ingobernables de Japon (Naito, SANADA, BUSHI) vs. United Empire (Henare, Callum Newman, Gideon Grey)

Faction Warfare

A high-energy six-man tag that will showcase NJPW’s future stars. LIJ’s chemistry vs. United Empire’s raw power.

  • Prediction: LIJ wins, setting up future singles rivalries.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WHY YOU CAN’T MISS TAKATAICHI MANIA IV

This year’s TAKATAICHI MANIA is stacked from top to bottom. With championship clashes, dream matches, and potential show-stealers, May 7th will be a night that reshapes NJPW’s landscape.

  • Will EVIL solidify his reign of terror?
  • Can Tanahashi defy the odds one more time?
  • Will Ospreay vs. Okada deliver another instant classic?

There’s only one way to find out. Tune in LIVE on May 7th, 2025, and witness history in the making.

Very good show

March 11, 2025

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

Ezra

Very good episode,

March 11, 2025

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.

Rowan

Great episode.

March 11, 2025

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

Hudson

Very good show

March 11, 2025

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.

Willie

Great episode.

March 11, 2025

The triple threat match between them at Wrestlemania is gonna be awesome. Super stoked for this match

Gary

Great show

March 10, 2025

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.

Gerald

Very good show

March 10, 2025

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.

Frank

Great show

March 10, 2025

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”.

Evelyn

Great show.

March 10, 2025

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

Willie

Great episode.

March 10, 2025

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.

Christian

Very good show

March 10, 2025

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.

Oliver

Great show.

March 10, 2025

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.

Noah

best of the best

January 24, 2025

Very good show tonight

Oliver

clickbait

January 19, 2025

clickbait

fahq

It’s good

June 13, 2024

Yes

Donny

Loving it

April 28, 2024

Fantastic Article

Emily

Raw vs SD

April 27, 2024

The only switches from Raw vs SD were Breakker, and Jax?

Richard

Super excited about Kiana James to Raw.

April 27, 2024

Super excited about Kiana James to Raw. She’s been great on NXT so hopefully they don’t ruin her momentum.

Barbara

I dunno what the Final

April 27, 2024

I dunno what the Final Testament want, but at this point I am afraid to ask.

Elizabeth

Save yourself time and money a

April 27, 2024

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?!

Waylon

Willow should NOT lose

April 25, 2024

Willow should NOT lose to Moñe at Double or Nothing.

Elijah

I love the work Mariah’s done with Toni,

April 25, 2024

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

Jackson

I’m all in on joshi invasion of AEW.

April 25, 2024

I’m all in on joshi invasion of AEW. I’m kinda down for joshi invasion of all promotions honestly

James

Danielson is also a 21st century

April 25, 2024

That line makes me laugh like Danielson is also a 21st century wrestler

Aiden

I’ve never heard of.

April 25, 2024

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?

Joshua

not even the security guard

April 25, 2024

not even the security guard with the hogan beard is dragging me out of daily’s rn

Mason

Kurt V Bret V Perfect

April 25, 2024

Three other Ospreay dream matches

V Kurt V Bret V Perfect

Ryan

I have never seen mina before.

April 25, 2024

I have never seen mina before…. But from the entrance alone i am a fan

Jack

I’ve ever seen. Good lord

April 25, 2024

Anna Jay one of the finest women I’ve ever seen. Good lord

Matthew

May gets all the ladies.

April 25, 2024

May gets all the ladies.

Michael

Daily’s Place just feels right

April 25, 2024

Anna Jay match in Daily’s Place just feels right

Logan

Is Mina’s theme

April 25, 2024

Is Mina’s theme a rip of Danza Kaduro? 🕺🏻

Liam

I enjoy Fallon’s work in ring,

April 24, 2024

I enjoy Fallon’s work in ring, and her character work. I just wish she didn’t scream so much- every single move.

Nicholas

Was late tuning in tonight,

April 24, 2024

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

Nathan

Jensen getting back together

April 24, 2024

first step to Briggs and Jensen getting back together

William

I wonder if Fallon Henley gets called up,

April 24, 2024

I wonder if Fallon Henley gets called up, she’s not really in any important angles in NXT.

Dylan

John Cena style

April 24, 2024

Jasmyn has that chiseled chin. John Cena style

Daniel

“Thank you, Trish Jacey”

April 24, 2024

Jacey Jayne wants Thea to say “Thank you, Trish Jacey”

Benjamin

What a woman

April 24, 2024

Her weave fallen off and her not skipping a beat. What a woman. I’m all in on jaida parker

Lucas

Jaida to get her feet

April 24, 2024

This OTM side quest was good for Jaida to get her feet wet but her ceiling is sooo much higher than Lucien, Bronco & SCRYPTS

Alexander

Really don’t like that it’s the Women’s NXT North American Championship.

April 24, 2024

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.

Andrew

Gratitude is not an option

April 24, 2024

“Gratitude is not an option but a debt that you will repay to me” lmao damn Jacy sounds so badass and ominous 😭

Tyler

She’s got a really bright future.

April 24, 2024

Jaida’s only been doing this for a year and a half. She’s got a really bright future.

Elijah

I love the implied narrative that

April 24, 2024

I love the implied narrative that it’s Nattie who is singlehandedly selling out a WWE tour of Europe

Jackson

All these talks about call-ups,

April 24, 2024

All these talks about call-ups, I feel Jacy Jayne is more overdue than most. One of the best character workers around.

James

I feel like Jaida has been winning every week

April 24, 2024

I feel like Jaida has been winning every week for a while now but it hasn’t really gotten her anywhere lol

Aiden

Booker’s about to faint during

April 24, 2024

Booker’s about to faint during the sexiest contract signing of all time.

Joshua

SOMEONE CLIP THAT LEXIS KING

April 24, 2024

SOMEONE CLIP THAT LEXIS KING PART IN THE NXT SHOP COMMERCIAL AND MAKE IT A MEME

Mason

So.. Natalya had a ton of work done

April 24, 2024

So.. Natalya had a ton of work done on her face right? She had some weird angles to it when the camera followed her walking

yan

Any recognise the photographer

April 24, 2024

Any recognise the photographer in the Baron/Lexis segment?

Jack