New Japan’s corporate offices hosted a major press conference today regarding the upcoming NJPW-Stardom crossover event in November and the new IWGP Women’s Championship. Attending were Bushiroad Corporation chairman Takaaki Kidani (Kitani), New Japan chairman Naoki Sugabayashi, Stardom creator/executive producer Rossy Ogawa, Hiroshi Tanahashi representing New Japan, and Mayu Iwatani representing Stardom.
Kitani began talking about this year marking the 15th anniversary of Bushiroad, the 50th anniversary of New Japan and the 10th anniversary of Stardom last year. Bushiroad owns both promotions. Kidani discussed the rumors and feedback since the IWGP Women’s Championship was announced as well as a recent issue of a Japanese sports magazine that featured both Kazuchika Okada on the cover and an interview with New Japan founder and wrestling Hall of Famer Antonio Inoki.
Chairman Sugabayashi then discussed the championship and plans for a tournament to crown the inaugural IWGP Women’s Champion…the tournament will begin on 10/2 during the second day of New Japan’s return to London, England, continue in Stardom on 10/22 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, then the Semifinals will be held in Stardom on 10/23 at Arena Tachikawa, with the Finals on 11/20 at the historic crossover event at Ariake Arena in Tokyo. Participants TBA. The inaugural champion will first defend the title at Tokyo Dome on 1/4/23.
Besides the tournament final, the first matches for 11/20 were announced, all are mixed tag/intergender matches:
Tom Lawlor & Syuri vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Guilia
Hiroshi Tanahashi & Utami Hayashishita vs. Hirooki Goto & Maika
Taichi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Natsupoi & Tam Nakano vs. DOUKI, El Desperado, Starlight Kid & Momo Watanabe
New Japan’s English website is suggesting the broadcast in the US will be in English and a PPV on New Japan World, which also means possibly on FITE as well. The event is scheduled for Sunday, November 20 at, taking the time change into consideration, midnight PT/3 AM ET. No word on if it will also be available on Stardom World, Stardom’s online streaming service.
More as it becomes available.
