NJPW New Japan Soul 2025 Day 1 6/18/25 – June 18 2025

NJPW New Japan Soul 2025 Day 1 June 18 2025

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NJPW New Japan Soul 2025 – Night 1
Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM JST
Venue: Korakuen Hall, Tokyo, Japan

Full Match Card & Results:

• 1. Shota Umino & Yuto Nakashima vs. House of Torture (EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi)
  Winners: Shota Umino & Yuto Nakashima
  The night opened with Shota Umino and Yuto Nakashima battling the dirty tactics of EVIL and Yujiro. Despite constant interference, Umino stayed focused and delivered a decisive Death Rider to seal the win. Nakashima held his ground well, showing notable growth in his in-ring awareness and physicality.
• 2. Master Wato vs. Francesco Akira
  Winner: Master Wato
  This junior heavyweight match was a high-speed, technical bout that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. After a series of reversals and close calls, Wato managed to land Recientemente II, earning a well-fought victory and solidifying his momentum in the junior division.
• 3. Hiroshi Tanahashi & El Desperado vs. Ren Narita & SHO
  Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi & El Desperado
  In a unique team-up, Tanahashi and Desperado brought energy and unpredictability to the match. Narita and SHO struggled with communication, giving their opponents an edge. Tanahashi secured the pin with a High Fly Flow, and the post-match reactions hinted at potential future feuds.
• 4. Just 5 Guys (DOUKI & Taichi) vs. Catch 2/2 (TJP & Akira)
  Winners: Just 5 Guys
  A compelling tag team showdown saw DOUKI and Taichi push the IWGP Jr. Tag champs to their limit. Taichi’s raw strength and DOUKI’s resilience wore down TJP and Akira. The match ended with Taichi delivering a devastating Black Mephisto to TJP, securing a big win and teasing a future title challenge.
• 5. Bullet Club War Dogs (Clark Connors & Drilla Moloney) vs. YOH & Ryusuke Taguchi
  Winners: Bullet Club War Dogs
  Clark Connors and Drilla Moloney showed no mercy, using their brutal style to dismantle YOH and Taguchi quickly. Their dominant showing reaffirmed their position as one of the most dangerous teams in the division, likely setting them up for a renewed title hunt.
• 6. Main Event – SANADA vs. Gabe Kidd
  Winner: SANADA
  In a tense and violent main event, SANADA endured Gabe Kidd’s relentless aggression and mind games. Kidd controlled much of the match with his brutal offense, but SANADA’s composure proved decisive. He countered Kidd’s chaos with precision, hitting Deadfall for the win to close the show strong.

Event Recap and Analysis:

Night 1 of New Japan Soul 2025 started with high intensity and delivered on every level. Tag team storytelling was a focal point, with shifting alliances and rivalries emerging throughout the evening.

Shota Umino’s poise in the opener confirmed his readiness for the spotlight. Master Wato continues his impressive rise, showcasing technical prowess and agility. Tanahashi and Desperado’s chemistry was a surprise highlight and could signal a deeper partnership. The win for Just 5 Guys over the Jr. Tag champs may lead to a future championship opportunity. Bullet Club War Dogs made a clear statement with their dominant performance. SANADA’s main event victory reestablished him as a top player capable of withstanding violent opposition.

Final Thoughts:

The opening night of the tour brought drama, momentum shifts, and hints of future rivalries. Korakuen Hall witnessed a blend of rising stars and seasoned veterans delivering a compelling card. As the New Japan Soul tour continues, expect storylines to intensify and title pictures to take shape.