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DID YOU ENJOY NJPW WINDY CITY RIOT ON APRIL 12TH 2024?
Windy City Witnesses a New Era: NJPW Windy City Riot 2024 Recap
The Windy City roared with the thunder of chops, the echoes of lariats, and the eruption of the crowd as New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Windy City Riot 2024 tore through Chicago on April 12th. This wasn’t just another show; it was a turning point, a night that rewrote the NJPW landscape. Let’s delve into the heart of this electrifying event and explore the stories etched into the squared circle.
New Champion Crowned: Jon Moxley Grabs the Brass Ring
The main event was a clash of titans. Tetsuya Naito, the charismatic Ingobernable de Japon leader, sought to reclaim the prestigious IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. Standing in his path was the “Death Rider” himself, Jon Moxley. This wasn’t just a championship match; it was a battle of philosophies. Naito, the cool and calculating leader, against Moxley, the unhinged yet passionate warrior.
The match was a tapestry of storytelling woven with brutal strikes and near-fall finishes. Naito unleashed his signature Destino variations, each one sending shivers down the audience’s spine. Moxley countered with relentless offense, his lariats echoing through the arena. As the action intensified, the champion’s resilience shone through. He kicked out of a punishing Destino, the crowd erupting in a frenzy. Finally, after a thunderous Paradigm Shift, Moxley pinned Naito, silencing the arena for a moment before exploding in a thunderous ovation.
Moxley’s victory wasn’t just a personal triumph; it marked a new era in NJPW. The hardcore icon, a symbol of American wrestling, now stood atop the Japanese promotion. His post-match promo solidified this. He called Chicago his home, his voice hoarse with emotion, and declared his reign just beginning. With a defiant glint in his eyes, he challenged the entire NJPW roster, specifically mentioning the rising star, Shota Umino. This reign promises to be a wild one, a collision of American brutality and the technical brilliance NJPW is known for.
Showcasing the Future: Umino’s Test and Perry’s Rebellion
Shota Umino, the Young Lion, had a pivotal night. He faced the brash Jack Perry in a match that transcended win or lose. Perry, sporting a jacket emblazoned with “Cry Me A River,” a clear reference to CM Punk, took numerous shots at the former WWE star throughout the match. He even attempted a GTS, adding another layer of intrigue to the ongoing wrestling world drama.
Despite the theatrics, the match was a display of athleticism and heart. Umino, with his signature dropkick and unwavering spirit, showcased his potential. Perry, fueled by his undeniable talent and rebellious spirit, matched him blow for blow. Ultimately, Umino emerged victorious, but the true story was the mutual respect earned. After the bell, Perry extended a handshake, a gesture Umino readily accepted. This moment symbolized the passing of the torch, a veteran acknowledging the talent of the next generation.
Title Changes and Tag Team Turmoil
The undercard was a whirlwind of action. Zack Sabre Jr., the “Technical Wizard,” submitted the fan-favorite Matt Riddle in a technical masterpiece. With this win, Sabre Jr. captured the vacant NJPW World Television Championship, solidifying his position as one of the best technical wrestlers in the world.
The NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Championship scene witnessed a shakeup. The dominant duo of TMDK capitalized on the chaos of a four-way match, dethroning the Guerrillas of Destiny (GOD). This victory marked a new chapter for the tag team division, with fresh challengers ready to stake their claim.
The NJPW STRONG Women’s Championship also saw a new champion crowned. Stephanie Vaquer dominated the high-flying AZM, retaining her title and establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with. However, the highlight of the women’s division came after the match. Vaquer, basking in her victory, received a challenge from Alex Windsor, another rising star. This potential future bout promises to be a showcase of athleticism and technical prowess.
Beyond the Ring: A Night of Surprises and Emotional Farewells
The Windy City Riot wasn’t just about in-ring action. The night saw the emotional farewell of the legendary referee Red Shoes Unno, who received a heartwarming tribute from the wrestlers and the crowd. It was a poignant reminder of the dedication and passion that goes beyond the squared circle.
There were also moments of intrigue. Following Tama Tonga’s shocking WWE debut earlier in the day, speculation ran wild. Could this be the beginning of a talent exchange program between NJPW and its American counterparts? Only time will tell, but the mere possibility adds another layer
Windy City Witnesses a New Era: NJPW Windy City Riot 2024 Recap (continued)
The Rebellion Continues: KENTA and the American Influence
One of the most talked-about aspects of the night was the participation of KENTA. The veteran strong-style wrestler teamed up with a surprising trio: Gabe Kidd, Clark Conners, and David Finlay. This makeshift group, dubbed “The Rebellion,” took on a team of established NJPW stars in a chaotic Riot Rules match. The bout was a brutal display of brawling, with KENTA leading the charge. His signature kicks and DDTs found their mark, leaving opponents reeling.
While the team ultimately emerged victorious, the bigger story was KENTA’s continued defiance. He seemed to relish the opportunity to disrupt the established NJPW order, aligning himself with younger American wrestlers. This raises several questions. Is KENTA forming a permanent faction? Will this “American influence” become a recurring theme in NJPW? Only KENTA himself knows the answers, but his actions have sent shockwaves through the promotion.
What Lies Ahead: An Era of Change
The Windy City Riot was more than just a pay-per-view; it was a turning point for NJPW. Jon Moxley’s reign as champion promises a new era, one that bridges the gap between American and Japanese wrestling styles. The rise of young stars like Shota Umino and the emergence of new champions like Stephanie Vaquer signal a changing of the guard. KENTA’s rebellion adds another layer of intrigue, potentially leading to exciting clashes and unpredictable alliances.
Here are some of the key questions NJPW needs to answer moving forward:
- How will Moxley defend the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship? Will he face established NJPW stars, or will there be a focus on inter-promotional clashes?
- Can Shota Umino live up to the expectations and become the next big NJPW star?
- Who will step up to challenge the newly crowned champions – Zack Sabre Jr., TMDK, and Stephanie Vaquer?
- Will KENTA’s rebellion grow, and how will it impact the NJPW landscape?
NJPW Windy City Riot 2024 left fans buzzing with excitement and anticipation. It was a night of change, a night of defiance, and a night that promises a captivating new chapter for the historic promotion. The future of NJPW is wide open, and with the talent on display in Chicago, one thing is certain: the journey ahead will be nothing short of electrifying.
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