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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!