Wrestle Kingdom is often called the "". The 2023 edition was particularly significant as it was the first since the pandemic to allow cheering and vocal support from the fans. It also set the stage for a second night of competition on January 21 at Yokohama Arena, which focused on a cross-promotional rivalry between NJPW and Pro Wrestling NOAH. 2023.01.04 WRESTLE KINGDOM 17 in TOKYO DOME
Rainmaker: Kazuchika Okada becomes the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING
: The wrestling legend Keiji Muto (The Great Muta) competed in his last match for the promotion, teaming with Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shota Umino to defeat Los Ingobernables de Japón. NJPW.Wrestle.Kingdom.17.In.Tokyo.Dome.2023.01.0...
: Kazuchika Okada defeated Jay White to reclaim the title, solidifying his position as the "Rainmaker" of the promotion.
: Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Ren Narita to become the inaugural champion and later joined the TMDK stable. Full Match Card & Official Results Match Type Participants Main Event (IWGP World Title) Kazuchika Okada vs. Jay White (c) Kazuchika Okada Double Main Event (IWGP US Title) Will Ospreay (c) vs. Kenny Omega Kenny Omega 6-Man Tag (Muto Retirement) Keiji Muto , Tanahashi & Shota Umino vs. LIJ Muto, Tanahashi & Umino IWGP Women's Title KAIRI (c) vs. Tam Nakano KAIRI NJPW World TV Title Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ren Narita Zack Sabre Jr. IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Wrestle Kingdom is often called the ""
The event featured high-stakes title changes and historic appearances:
Wrestle Kingdom 17, held on January 4, 2023, at the Tokyo Dome , was a milestone event for New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) . It drew an attendance of 26,085 and served as a tribute to NJPW founder Antonio Inoki, who passed away in late 2022. : Zack Sabre Jr
: In a highly anticipated "Forbidden Door" style encounter, Kenny Omega returned to NJPW and defeated Will Ospreay in a match lasting over 34 minutes.