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NJPW Wrestling Red Zone in Hiroshima 2025: A Night of Explosive Action – Live Preview
April 26, 2025 – New Japan Pro-Wrestling returns to Hiroshima with a vengeance as the Wrestling Red Zone tour storms into the historic city, promising an unforgettable night of hard-hitting action, shocking twists, and championship drama. With a stacked card featuring some of the biggest names in professional wrestling, this event is set to deliver the kind of intensity only NJPW can provide.
From grudge matches to potential title showdowns, the Hiroshima Red Zone stop is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal events of the spring. Will new challengers emerge? Will rivalries reach their boiling point? And who will leave Hiroshima with gold around their waist?
Let’s break down the full card, analyze the key matchups, and predict what could go down in what promises to be a must-see night of NJPW action.
Main Event: IWGP World Heavyweight Championship – Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Shota Umino
The Rainmaker is back on top, and the weight of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship rests once again on his shoulders. But standing in his way is the fiery Shota Umino, who has clawed his way to this title opportunity with a series of brutal victories.
Umino, once the young lion under Jon Moxley’s wing, has evolved into a legitimate main-event threat. His hard-hitting, no-nonsense style has won over fans, and his recent wins over top contenders have solidified his spot as Okada’s next challenger.
But Okada is a different beast. The Ace of New Japan has dismantled legends, outlasted wars, and proven time and again why he is the standard-bearer of this company. His fluid, dominant offense is nearly impossible to counter, and his ability to adapt mid-match makes him one of the most dangerous champions in wrestling history.
Prediction: This will be a 30+ minute classic, with Umino pushing Okada to his absolute limit. Expect near-falls that will have the Hiroshima crowd on their feet. In the end, Okada’s experience and championship instincts will prevail—but Umino’s star-making performance will leave no doubt that he is the future of NJPW.
Special Singles Match: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Two of the most technically gifted wrestlers in the world collide in what promises to be a masterclass in grappling and storytelling. Hiroshi Tanahashi, the Ace Emeritus, may not be in the world title picture right now, but his presence alone elevates any match.
Meanwhile, Zack Sabre Jr. remains one of the most dangerous submission specialists in wrestling. His cold, calculated style has dismantled countless opponents, and his recent victories have him eyeing another run at the top.
This is a battle of artistry vs. brutality. Tanahashi’s high-flying, resilient style against ZSJ’s relentless joint manipulation and suffocating holds.
Prediction: Sabre’s technical dominance will be on full display, but Tanahashi’s fighting spirit will keep him alive. In the end, ZSJ will trap Tanahashi in a vicious submission, forcing the referee to stop the match—a rare and shocking outcome for the beloved Ace.
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship – Hiromu Takahashi (c) vs. El Desperado
The junior heavyweight division is always a highlight of any NJPW show, and this one is no exception. Hiromu Takahashi, the Ticking Time Bomb, defends his title against the grim reaper of the juniors, El Desperado.
These two have a storied history—brutal matches, betrayals, and a mutual respect that only fuels their violence. Desperado has been on a warpath, dismantling opponents with his hard-hitting, brawler-style, while Hiromu’s unpredictable offense makes him one of the most exciting champions in NJPW.
Prediction: This will be chaos. Chairs, tables, and maybe even a ladder could come into play. Hiromu’s high-risk moves will dazzle, but Desperado’s resilience will keep him in the fight. In the end, Hiromu will retain—but not without both men leaving broken and battered.
NEVER Openweight Championship – Shingo Takagi (c) vs. Jeff Cobb
Power. Speed. Violence. That’s what you get when Shingo Takagi and Jeff Cobb step into the ring. The NEVER Openweight Championship is built on strong style warfare, and these two are the perfect warriors to carry that legacy.
Shingo’s brutal strikes and dragon suplexes against Cobb’s freakish strength and Olympic-level throws—this is a match that will shake the foundation of Hiroshima.
Prediction: A 15-minute war that will leave both men barely standing. Cobb’s Tour of the Islands is one of the most devastating finishers in wrestling, but Shingo’s ability to absorb punishment and fire back will be the difference. Takagi retains, but Cobb proves once again why he’s one of the most dangerous men in NJPW.
Tag Team Showdown: Bishamon (Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI) vs. TMDK (Mikey Nicholls & Shane Haste)
The tag team division in NJPW is heating up, and this match could determine the next challengers for the IWGP Tag Team Championships.
Bishamon, the former champs, are looking to regain their dominance, but TMDK has been on a roll, proving themselves as one of the most underrated teams in the world.
Prediction: A hard-hitting, fast-paced tag match with near-falls that will have the crowd roaring. TMDK’s teamwork will be the difference, securing the win and positioning themselves for a future title shot.
Other Key Matches:
- Bullet Club (KENTA & Taiji Ishimori) vs. CHAOS (YOH & Tomohiro Ishii) – A classic Bullet Club vs. CHAOS brawl with Ishii bringing his trademark stiffness.
- Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI) vs. United Empire (Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman) – Naito’s mind games vs. O-Khan’s dominance.
- Young Lion Showcase: Oleg Boltin vs. Yuto Nakashima – The future of NJPW on display.
Final Thoughts: Why You Can’t Miss NJPW Red Zone in Hiroshima
April 26th in Hiroshima is more than just another NJPW event—it’s a statement. With a world title match that could redefine the main event scene, a technical masterpiece between Tanahashi and ZSJ, and a NEVER title fight that will leave fans breathless, this is must-watch wrestling.
Will Okada continue his reign? Will Umino shock the world? And what surprises await in the undercard?
One thing is certain: NJPW Red Zone in Hiroshima will deliver.
Are you ready for the chaos? Tune in live and witness history unfold.