Wrestle Kingdom: The REAL Winners & Losers
FOR THE SECOND straight year, New Japan Pro-Wrestling presented a two-night iteration of its annual Tokyo Dome event, which has been known for the last 15 years as Wrestle Kingdom. Though the COVID-19 pandemic meant some noticeable differences from last year—a limited audience, mandatory facemasks, and the banning of cheers and boos, all meant to prevent the spread of the virus—the event delivered plenty of memorable matches and moments for viewers around the globe.
Wrestle Kingdom featured a total of 13 televised bouts, plus two bonus dark matches from World Wonder Ring Stardom, which were only seen by fans in attendance. Three major titles changed hands, rivalries exploded, and wrestling fans the world over were abuzz about every minute of it.
Coming out of Wrestle Kingdom, Pro Wrestling Illustrated is proud to present our own unique analysis of this pro wrestling institution. In the following six pages, we’ll go beneath the surface to reveal the real winners and losers of all 13 televised matches.
NJPW RANBO (KOPW Qualifier)
The stakes were high in this opening battle royal, with the final four competitors earning a shot at becoming 2021’s King of Pro Wrestling on night two. Betrayal reigned as Tomoaki Honma turned on partner Togi Makabe to align with Hiroyoshi Tenzan. Bad Luck Fale dominated with eight eliminations. With Bullet
