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NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku 2025: April 27th Live Online Preview – The Battles Before the Storm

*The Road to Wrestling Dontaku is heating up, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling is delivering another explosive night of action on April 27th, 2025! With just days left before the marquee event in Fukuoka, this show promises to set the stage for rivalries that will define the landscape of NJPW. From championship implications to personal grudges boiling over, this is must-see pro wrestling at its finest. Let’s break down the full card, analyze the key matchups, and predict what’s next on the Road to Dontaku!*

The Main Event: A Clash of Titans

Kazuchika Okada & Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tetsuya Naito & Shingo Takagi

The main event is a dream tag team encounter, pitting two of NJPW’s greatest rivals against each other in an explosive preview of what’s to come at Wrestling Dontaku.

• Okada & Tanahashi – The Rainmaker and the Ace have a storied history, both as opponents and allies. Their chemistry is unmatched, and their combined presence alone makes them a dominant force.
• Naito & Takagi – Los Ingobernables de Japon’s leader and the Dragon bring chaos and unpredictability. Naito’s mind games and Takagi’s brute strength make them a dangerous duo.

What’s at Stake?
This isn’t just a warm-up—it’s a statement. With Naito eyeing another shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship and Takagi lurking as a perpetual threat, a win here could position either man for a title opportunity. Meanwhile, Okada and Tanahashi are looking to prove that the old guard still reigns supreme.

Prediction: A hard-fought battle ending in LIJ shenanigans—Naito and Takagi steal the win after some underhanded tactics, setting up a future singles showdown.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Match

Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Desperado vs. Robbie Eagles vs. Francesco Akira

The junior heavyweight division is stacked, and this four-way elimination match will determine who challenges for the gold at Wrestling Dontaku.

• Hiromu Takahashi – The Ticking Time Bomb is always a threat, with his high-risk offense and unrelenting pace.
• El Desperado – A cunning veteran who can switch from brawling to technical mastery in an instant.
• Robbie Eagles – The Sniper of the Skies brings flawless technique and speed.
• Francesco Akira – The Italian star has been on a meteoric rise, proving himself as a future pillar of the division.

What’s at Stake?
The winner gets a shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, currently held by either (insert current champion). With all four men capable of stealing the show, this could be the match of the night.

Prediction: Hiromu Takahashi survives the chaos and secures his place as the next challenger, setting up a potential classic at Dontaku.

Never Openweight Championship Prelude

Jeff Cobb vs. Great-O-Khan

Two powerhouses collide in a match that could determine the next challenger for the Never Openweight Championship.

• Jeff Cobb – The Imperial Unit is a freak of nature, combining raw strength with surprising agility.
• Great-O-Khan – The Dominator brings a mix of martial arts and brute force, always looking to dismantle his opponents.

What’s at Stake?
The Never Openweight scene is about pure, unadulterated violence, and this match will be no different. A win here could position either man for a title shot against (current champion).

Prediction: Cobb hits the Tour of the Islands for the win, reaffirming his dominance in the division.

Tag Team Turmoil: A Glimpse at the Future

Bishamon (Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI) vs. TMDK (Shane Haste & Mikey Nicholls)

The reigning IWGP Tag Team Champions face a tough challenge in TMDK, who have been climbing the ranks in NJPW’s tag division.

• Bishamon – The veteran duo has found new life as a team, with Goto’s hard-hitting style and YOSHI-HASHI’s underrated resilience.
• TMDK – The Australian powerhouse team brings a no-nonsense approach, looking to smash their way to the top.

What’s at Stake?
While this isn’t a title match, a strong showing from TMDK could earn them a future shot. Meanwhile, Bishamon needs to stay sharp with teams like House of Torture and United Empire lurking.

Prediction: Bishamon retains momentum with a hard-fought win, but TMDK proves they’re not far from gold.

Young Lion Showcase: The Future is Now

Oleg Boltin vs. Yuto Nakashima

The Young Lions are the lifeblood of NJPW’s future, and this match will be a proving ground for two of the most promising prospects.

• Oleg Boltin – The towering Russian has been impressive with his raw power.
• Yuto Nakashima – A technical prodigy with a bright future ahead.

What’s at Stake?
While these matches are about development, a standout performance could fast-track either man to an excursion or a higher-profile feud.

Prediction: A competitive back-and-forth, with Boltin overpowering Nakashima for the win.

Final Thoughts: Why You Can’t Miss This Show

The Road to Wrestling Dontaku is all about momentum, and this April 27th event is packed with implications. From potential title challengers emerging to rivalries intensifying, every match matters.

• Will LIJ gain the upper hand heading into Dontaku?
• Who will rise as the next Junior Heavyweight contender?
• Which powerhouse will stake their claim to the Never Openweight Championship?

Tune in live to witness the battles that will shape NJPW’s future!

How to Watch NJPW Road to Wrestling Dontaku – April 27th, 2025

• Live on NJPW World – Streaming starts at [insert time] JST.
• English Commentary Available – Follow along with Kevin Kelly and Chris Charlton for expert analysis.

Don’t miss a second of the action—this is pro wrestling at its finest!

What are your predictions for the show? Let us know in the comments!