Rainmaker: Kazuchika Okada becomes the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING
Wrestle Kingdom 17, held on January 4, 2023, at the Tokyo Dome , was a milestone event for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) . It drew an attendance of 26,085 and served as a tribute to NJPW founder Antonio Inoki, who passed away in late 2022. NJPW.Wrestle.Kingdom.17.In.Tokyo.Dome.2023.01.0...
The event featured high-stakes title changes and historic appearances: The event featured high-stakes title changes and historic
: Following the IWGP Women's Championship match (won by KAIRI ), former WWE star Mercedes Moné made a shocking debut to challenge the champion, marking a significant moment for NJPW’s women’s division. El Desperado vs
Taiji Ishimori (c) vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Desperado vs. Master Wato IWGP Tag Team Title FTR (c) vs. Bishamon (Goto & Yoshi-Hashi) Bishamon Historical Significance
: Kazuchika Okada defeated Jay White to reclaim the title, solidifying his position as the "Rainmaker" of the promotion.
: In a highly anticipated "Forbidden Door" style encounter, Kenny Omega returned to NJPW and defeated Will Ospreay in a match lasting over 34 minutes.