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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.