We’re quickly closing in on Wrestle Kingdom 17 in New Japan Pro Wrestling, which is already set to perhaps be the best professional wrestling show of 2023. Huge matches like Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay vs. Kenny Omega are all but ensuring the Tokyo Dome will be packed on January 4th. However – that won’t be all that Wrestle Kingdom 17 has to offer, as they’re now promoting a second night later in January.
Wrestle Kingdom 17 In Yokohama Arena Is Coming
Taking the title “Wrestle Kingdom 17 In Yokohama Arena”, this show follows up the NJPW vs. Pro Wrestling NOAH show from earlier this year which sold the arena out on January 8th, 2022. This is leading many to believe we’re getting another cross-promotion show on January 17th. Right now, NJPW has built a list of healthy working relationships with the likes of All Elite Wrestling, Impact Wrestling, WWE, Pro Wrestling NOAH, GLEAT, and CMLL.
CMLL will likely not be involved with this show, as the Fantasticamania tour which sees NJPW & CMLL unite is set for late February in 2022. It’s likely there will be NOAH & AEW stars however. January 4th falling on a Wednesday meant many AEW stars were unable to make the Tokyo Dome, and while January 17th being on a Tuesday doesn’t make things easier – it gives some time for travel to happen for the truly dedicated names, namely Bryan Danielson.
The Final NJPW Match Of Keiji Mutoh Deserves A Huge Crowd
The most likely scenario is that this is built around the final NJPW match of the legendary Keiji Mutoh. We saw him wrestle his final NJPW match under the Great Muta persona, but considering that was a success – there’s room for him to wrestle a final match as himself in the promotion where he got his start. Pro Wrestling NOAH has booked a show in Yokohama Arena on January 22nd, with that set to be final match of Great Muta, which will involve AEW stars Darby Allin & Sting.
Mutoh was offered a spot on the January 4th show, but was worried about not being able to work two matches in the same week – as he’s already facing WWE star Shinsuke Nakamura on January 1st for Pro Wrestling NOAH. This allows him a chance to recover, and wrestle one final huge match for NJPW.
What do you expect to see announced for January 17th? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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