Top 10 Memorable NJPW 2020 Moments

7. Jushin Thunder Liger’s Retirement

With a career spanning over 30 years, Jushin Thunder Liger has become a staple of professional wrestling. He has raised the prestige of being a Jr Heavyweight and shined a spotlight on this style of wrestling. Even with his long career, the hearts of fans broke when he announced his retirement in March 2019.

However, despite the sadness, New Japan bid farewell to Liger in a fitting fashion. It started with two special matches at Wrestle Kingdom with the past of Jr. Heavyweight wrestling meeting the present and future. He then had his retirement ceremony at New Year’s Dash surrounded by the fans and his fellow wrestlers.

It was the perfect way to finish the career of a wrestler who has not only changed New Japan but changed the entire wrestling industry. It was a bittersweet moment and one of the most memorable events of this year.

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6. Jay White beating Ibushi for the G1 Climax Contract

When New Japan’s Golden Star Kota Ibushi won his second G1 tournament, fans were ecstatic. After missing out at Wrestle Kingdom, it seemed like the chance for a fairy tale ending. Yet, Jay White was there to ruin that dream. After beating Ibushi during the tournament, he challenged Ibushi at Power Struggle.

In the history of the G1 contract, it has never changed hands in these sort of matches. However, when it comes to Jay White, it is never wise to assume. With the help from Gedo and the ropes, White managed to pin Ibushi and win the contract with the right to main event Wrestle Kingdom.

Although Ibushi still gained the main event Wrestle Kingdom match on night one, it does not change the fact that he was the first man to lose the contract. Whether this is a bad omen for the Tokyo Dome, it is still debatable. However, it just confirms the bumpy rollercoaster that has defined Ibushi’s career in New Japan.

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5. El Desperado is Unmasked 

There is no denying that the final Best of the Super Juniors match between Hiromu and El Desperado was a possible Match of the Year candidate. However, apart from the sublime in-ring action, there was one moment which will be remembered by New Japan fan: El Desperado being unmasked.

Traditionally, for a wrestler who wears a mask, it is his identity. It comes with pride and honour. Two years ago, during the same tournament, we saw Hiromu take of El Desperado’s mask. It did not seem to faze him and, after hitting some offence, and proceeded to put it back on.

However, this time was different because he wrestled the rest of this match without the mask on. We got to see the real Desperado. It left fans shaking with excitement. What is also surprising is that it did not damage the mystique behind his character, but made fans appreciate him more.

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4. Will Ospreay betraying Kazuchika Okada

One thing that is inevitable in professional wrestling is betrayal. It is something that has been at the core of the industry from the very beginning. However, Will Ospreay’s betrayal of Kazuchika Okada during this year’s G1 was surprising because their relationship has always resembled brothers.

It was very shocking when his girlfriend and fellow wrestler Bea Priestley along with former Young Lion Great O-Khan came out to help Ospreay beat Okada in the G1. We later found out it had been his plan all along as he no longer wanted to be in the shadow of the best in the world.

With that relationship broke, Ospreay then went on to announce his new faction called The Empire. Although it seemed surprising, was it inevitable? Ospreay has always had an ego which made it odd to see him able to share or give all that attention to Okada. However, it was a move that fans could not believe and have huge implications in the upcoming months.

• Tetsuya Naito
• new japan pro wrestling
• EVIL
• NJPW

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