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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!
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.
I feel like Jaida has been winning every week
I feel like Jaida has been winning every week for a while now but it hasn’t really gotten her anywhere lol
Booker’s about to faint during
Booker’s about to faint during the sexiest contract signing of all time.
SOMEONE CLIP THAT LEXIS KING
SOMEONE CLIP THAT LEXIS KING PART IN THE NXT SHOP COMMERCIAL AND MAKE IT A MEME
So.. Natalya had a ton of work done
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
Any recognise the photographer
Any recognise the photographer in the Baron/Lexis segment?