Exclusive Photo & Text by Tokio Tsukada
Many readers may remember the Super Event between Great Muta and WWE superstar Shinsuke Nakamura, held in Tokyo on New Year’s Day, 2023, previously featured in this column. Nearly two years have passed since then. Keiji Muto, also known as Great Muta, retired in February 2023 at the Tokyo Dome and is now serving as an ambassador for Pro Wrestling NOAH.
On October 14th, Keiji Muto stepped into the ring at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall and made a surprise announcement about a major event scheduled for New Year’s Day, January 1, 2025. Muto shouted, “Here it is,” while pointing at the screen in the arena. The screen then showed the face of a WWE superstar who hadn’t appeared in a Japanese ring for a long time, shocking the audience.
Shinsuke Nakamura appeared on the screen, shouting, “Yeao!” He continued, “It’s been a long time. Which one of you is standing in front of me in NOAH’s ring?”
It is highly unusual for a top-tier WWE superstar, who hasn’t been seen in Japan for some time, to participate in another promotion. This dream match has created global buzz and anticipation. NOAH’s “THE NEW YEAR 2025” event, set for January 1, will be the company’s first New Year’s Day event at the Budokan in two years. In 2023, we witnessed the miraculous match between The Great Muta and Shinsuke Nakamura, which drew significant attention due to the two men’s passion for professional wrestling.
Ulka Sasaki, announced as Nakamura’s opponent, is a former UFC fighter and mixed martial artist who has competed in RIZIN and other events in Japan. After watching the Nakamura vs. Muta match, Sasaki was so inspired that he decided to transition to professional wrestling. He debuted against Takashi Sugiura at “ABEMA presents NOAH ‘THE NEW YEAR’ 2024” at Ariake Arena in January, gaining valuable experience, which led to his selection for this match.
The venue for the match is the historic Nihon Budokan, a legendary site that has hosted many significant events, from the 1964 Tokyo Olympics to The Beatles’ 1966 Japan tour. It is also a revered location for martial arts and pro wrestling. This iconic venue is perfectly suited for the Super Event on New Year’s Day, which will be broadcast live on “ABEMA PPV” and streamed internationally.
On the same day, Ulka Sasaki teamed up with legend Josh Barnett to face Masakatsu Funaki and Kazuyuki Fujita. Their teamwork was impressive, with their signature sleeper holds, but in the end, Funaki defeated Josh with a heel hold in a very close contest.
The main event featured Kaito Kiyomiya defending his GHC Heavyweight title for the fifth time against Masa Kitamiya, a wrestler reminiscent of the nationally renowned Masa Saito. Kitamiya dominated early on with his raw power, pushing Kiyomiya to his limits. After struggling against Kitamiya’s offense, Kiyomiya eventually mounted a comeback, utilizing the Shining Wizard, a move passed down from Keiji Muto. Kiyomiya ultimately secured victory with a figure-four leg lock, winning the intense battle after 22 minutes and 33 seconds.
NOAH’s New Year’s Day event promises to be another landmark in the promotion’s history. With Shinsuke Nakamura returning to Japan and facing off against rising star Ulka Sasaki, fans are eager to see if this dream match will live up to the legacy of past encounters. Add in the storied venue of the Budokan, and 2025 is shaping up to start with a bang for NOAH and its loyal fanbase.
Also Read: Shinsuke Nakamura Set For Pro Wrestling NOAH Return, NJPW Announces Battle In The Valley
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