PROMOTION: New Japan Pro-Wrestling DATE: 04.12.24 LOCATION: Chicago, Illinois
FROM THE FAMOUS WINTRUST Arena, New Japan made its anticipated return to the city of Chicago—a metro area it had run just three times previously. In front of a loud and proud crowd of wrestling fans, the NJPW Windy City Riot card featured 11 matches, including bouts resulting in three title changes, a wild melee, and the unmasking of a buff stuffed cat.
KICK-OFF
Before the paid broadcast, Windy City Riot began with a pre-show consisting of two matches. First, Matt Vandagriff and Zane Jay met in a STRONG Survivor match. Vandagriff boasts an impressive indies run, while “The Flip Artist” has really hit his stride as a student at the NJPW Academy. The way these two are presented suggests they’re both top-dog students. But Vandagriff continued his winning streak quickly, moving the show forward.
Alex Windsor & Trish Adora faced Mina Shirakawa &
