Jay White

MISC., RING SIDE GEEKS

Wrestle Kingdom 12: New Japan Goes All In

In recent years, New Japan Pro Wrestling’s “Wrestle Kingdom” event has evolved into the premier showcase of professional wrestling from around the world. Held every year on January 4th in the Tokyo Dome, Wrestle Kingdom is New Japan’s biggest show of the year. Throughout these last few years, New Japan has also taken many steps forward in their global expansion with the advent of the New Japan World streaming service, a television deal with Mark Cuban’s AXS TV, and working relationships with various independent wrestling companies from around the world. This year’s Wrestle Kingdom event, however, feels different. Granted I’m a bit newer to puroresu, I think it’s safe to say that New Japan have taken an unexpected approach to Wrestle Kingdom 12. They are taking some big risks and going all in with their biggest show of the year.