7 Best Moments From NJPW New Beginning 2021

4. Jay White Returns (February 1)

New Japan always works on tours. For many of them, each has a set of Road to Shows culminating in the larger events. Many fans see the repetitive nature of the cards as an excuse not to watch the shows. However, this tour has proved that you should not miss any show because you could easily miss something.

After losing his main event match against Kota Ibushi on night one of Wrestle Kingdom, Jay White proclaimed that he didn’t want to do this anymore. It led to many speculations that White was either going to leave New Japan or quit wrestling for good. Fans believed that White would head stateside and wrestle for another promotion.

However, on the February 1 show, these rumours were put to rest. After a multi-man match between CHAOS and Bullet Club, White came out and attacked Ishii from behind with the proclamation that this was still his era. He then went backstage and cut another promo stating how wrong he was to doubt his ability and his desire to quit lasted 10-minutes.

Although short, it was unexpected and caught fans by surprise.  After losing the first title match back, it will be up to Jay to show why he is still one of the best in the world at what he does.

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3. SANADA v Kota Ibushi – IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championship (February 11)

After narrowly losing to Kota Ibushi during the G1 final, SANADA made a challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental at Wrestle Kingdom. Going into this match, they had a lot to prove. Many fans called their previous meeting in the G1 final a disappointment which many put down to the fatigue after a long tournament.

With both men as fresh as can be for their match, they managed to show why they are two of the best in the company. The match itself started on the mat with both men displaying their fundamental wrestling skills and submission game. Ibushi and SANADA emphasised their diversity as wrestlers.

Yet, this did not last long. Before fans knew it, both men were showcasing their speed and agility using all of their surroundings. There was a nasty looking TKO off the ring, a series of spine-tingling kicks and a series of innovative roll-up attempts. In just over 25-minutes, they managed to balance psychology and athleticism in a dynamic and gripping match.

However, in the end, it took two Kamigoye’s for Ibushi to pin SANADA. Although it was another failed title attempt, it is far from over for the Cold Skull and the IWGP picture. With the possibility of the titles being split, there will be more opportunities. Kota Ibushi will continue his quest to be God and remain the face of New Japan Pro Wrestling.

• NEW BEGINNING
• Hiromu Takahashi
• Sho
• NJPW

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