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NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2025 Night 1 Preview: A Night of Chaos, Redemption, and Championship Glory
By [Watch Wrestling], NJPW Insider & Master of Wrestling Storytelling
The air in Fukuoka is electric. The echoes of past battles still linger in the halls of the PayPay Dome as New Japan Pro-Wrestling prepares to unleash Wrestling Dontaku 2025 – Night 1 upon the world. This is not just another event—this is a collision of destiny, a night where legacies will be forged, rivalries will reach their boiling point, and championships will hang in the balance.
For the uninitiated, Wrestling Dontaku is one of NJPW’s most storied annual events, a two-night spectacle where the hard-hitting, high-flying, and psychologically brutal world of puroresu takes center stage. And this year? The stakes have never been higher.
From explosive title defenses to blood-feud grudge matches, Night 1 promises to deliver the kind of drama that only NJPW can provide. So, let’s break it down—match by match, moment by moment—and preview what could be one of the most unforgettable nights in wrestling this year.
Main Event: IWGP World Heavyweight Championship – The Ultimate Test of Will
Tetsuya Naito (c) vs. Shota Umino
The main event of Night 1 is a generational clash that has the entire wrestling world talking. Tetsuya Naito, the unshakable leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon, stands atop the mountain as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. His reign has been defined by resilience, mind games, and that signature “Tranquilo” arrogance. But standing across from him is a man who represents the fiery future of NJPW—Shota Umino.
Umino, once the young boy who soaked in the teachings of Jon Moxley, has evolved into “The Shooter,” a relentless force with a killer instinct. His recent victories have been nothing short of spectacular, and now, he gets his first-ever shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
Why This Matters:
- Naito’s Legacy vs. Umino’s Destiny – Naito has spent years crafting his legend, but Umino is hungry to carve his own path.
- Will Naito’s Experience Prevail? – The champion is a master of big-match psychology, but Umino’s explosive offense could be the wild card.
- Potential LIJ Interference? – Will BUSHI, Hiromu, or SANADA play a role in tipping the scales?
Prediction: Naito retains—but not without Umino proving he belongs in the main event scene.
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship – Speed vs. Ruthlessness
El Desperado (c) vs. SHO (w/ House of Torture)
If you love hard-hitting, no-nonsense junior heavyweight action, this is your match. El Desperado, the grizzled veteran with a sadistic streak, defends his title against SHO, a man who has fully embraced the dark side as part of the House of Torture.
This isn’t just a wrestling match—it’s a fight. Desperado’s technical mastery and brutal submissions will clash with SHO’s underhanded tactics and raw power. And with the rest of HOT lurking at ringside, the champion will have to fight not just SHO, but the entire faction.
Why This Matters:
- Will Desperado Survive the Chaos? – HOT is notorious for cheating—will the ref even have control?
- A Potential Turning Point for SHO – If he wins, does this solidify him as the top heel in the division?
- High-Stakes Drama – Expect chairs, interference, and possibly blood.
Prediction: SHO steals the win via HOT shenanigans, setting up a rematch down the line.
Never Openweight Championship – The King of Darkness Rises
EVIL (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
The Never Openweight Championship has always been the battleground for NJPW’s toughest warriors, and this match is no exception. EVIL, the sadistic leader of House of Torture, defends against none other than Hiroshi Tanahashi, the “Ace” of New Japan.
Tanahashi, despite his age, remains one of the most beloved figures in wrestling. But EVIL? He’s the embodiment of brutality and deception. With Dick Togo and the rest of HOT surely getting involved, Tanahashi will have to dig deep into his legendary resilience to stand a chance.
Why This Matters:
- The Ace’s Last Stand? – At 48, Tanahashi’s time at the top is limited—can he pull off one more miracle?
- EVIL’s Dominance – If he beats Tanahashi clean, it cements him as an unstoppable force.
- Will There Be a Shocking Betrayal? – Could someone turn on Tanahashi mid-match?
Prediction: EVIL retains after a brutal, interference-filled war, leaving Tanahashi lying.
Special Singles Match – The Battle of the Aces
Kazuchika Okada vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Two of the best technical wrestlers in the world collide in what could be a Match of the Year contender. Kazuchika Okada, the Rainmaker, faces Zack Sabre Jr., the British submission master who has made a career out of bending opponents into knots.
This is a chess match with strikes and submissions, a battle of Okada’s explosive offense vs. ZSJ’s methodical dismantling. There’s no title on the line—just pride, legacy, and the sheer desire to prove who is the better man.
Why This Matters:
- Okada’s Redemption – After losing the IWGP title, does he still have what it takes to hang with the best?
- ZSJ’s Relentlessness – He’s beaten Okada before—can he do it again?
- A Potential G1 Climax Preview – This could set the tone for their future encounters.
Prediction: Okada wins with the Rainmaker, but ZSJ pushes him to his absolute limit.
Tag Team Turmoil – Chaos vs. United Empire
Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI vs. Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan
The strong-style warriors of CHAOS take on the dominant force of United Empire in a tag team showdown that promises hard-hitting action. Goto’s never-say-die attitude and YOSHI-HASHI’s underrated resilience will be tested against Cobb’s raw power and O-Khan’s unorthodox offense.
Why This Matters:
- Tag Team Title Implications – The winners could be next in line for Bishamon’s belts.
- CHAOS’s Resurgence – Can Goto & YOSHI-HASHI prove they’re still a top team?
- UE’s Dominance – Cobb & O-Khan are a nightmare matchup for anyone.
Prediction: United Empire wins after Cobb Tours the World on YOSHI-HASHI.
Opening Match – Young Lion Fire
Yuya Uemura vs. Oleg Boltin
The night kicks off with two of NJPW’s brightest Young Lions going head-to-head. Uemura, fresh off excursion, is looking to make an impact, while Boltin’s sheer power makes him a terrifying prospect.
Why This Matters:
- The Future is Now – These are the stars of tomorrow, proving themselves today.
- Pure Wrestling – No gimmicks, just fundamentals and heart.
Prediction: Uemura wins with a Boston Crab, but both men shine.
Final Thoughts: Why You CANNOT Miss Night 1
Wrestling Dontaku 2025 – Night 1 is stacked from top to bottom. Whether it’s the emotional main event, the chaotic junior heavyweight clash, or the technical masterpiece between Okada and ZSJ, this is a show that delivers on all fronts.
Will Naito prove why he’s still the man?
Can Umino shock the world?
Will EVIL drag Tanahashi into the darkness?
There’s only one way to find out—tune in LIVE and witness history.
How to Watch NJPW Wrestling Dontaku 2025 – Night 1
📅 Date: May 3, 2025
⏰ Time: [Local start time]
📍 Location: PayPay Dome, Fukuoka
🌍 Streaming: NJPW World (Live & VOD)
Don’t miss a second of the action. The road to Dominion starts HERE.
What do YOU think will happen? Drop your predictions in the comments, and let’s get ready for an unforgettable night of strong-style warfare!
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?