The opening night of the New Japan Cup 2025 on March 8th set the tone for what promises to be an explosive tournament. However, the event had a rough start before it even began.
Originally scheduled for March 7th, the first night was postponed due to a ring malfunction at Korakuen Hall. The Great O-Khan revealed the issue on Twitter, showcasing the deteriorating ring post that led to the delay. In a classy move, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) refunded ticket holders and put on a free entertainment show for fans in attendance.
Night 1 Results & Key Moments
Yuya Uemura def. SANADA
A major upset, as Uemura secured the victory in a technical showcase. SANADA, part of Bullet Club War Dogs, struggled (somewhat) against Uemura’s precision and fire.
EVIL def. Yota Tsuji
House of Torture’s leader, EVIL, dominated LIJ’s Yota Tsuji in a match filled with outside interference and heel tactics. Despite Tsuji’s immense crowd support, EVIL’s underhanded tricks secured the win.
Ryohei Oiwa def. Chase Owens
Oiwa, a standout from TMDK, picked up an impressive victory over Bullet Club’s Chase Owens.
Gabe Kidd def. Ren Narita (Main Event)
A brutal, hard-hitting bout with House of Torture interfering once again. Despite the chaos, Kidd triumphed in a bloody war, continuing his dominant run in Bullet Club War Dogs.
Bullet Club Civil War Brewing?
A major storyline unfolding in the tournament is the Bullet Club War Dogs vs. House of Torture feud. EVIL’s faction has operated separately for years, but tensions are escalating, potentially leading to a full-blown split. The seeds were planted on Night 1, with EVIL’s win and the chaotic main event between Kidd and Narita.
What’s Next?
With Night 1 in the books, the tournament will continue with more high-stakes matches, leading to potential shake-ups within NJPW’s faction landscape. As we head toward Night 2, all eyes will be on how Bullet Club and House of Torture’s conflict escalates.
Stay tuned for more analysis as the New Japan Cup 2025 progresses.
Thoughts? Leave a comment!
Where We Stand for Night 1
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