With World Tag League & Super Junior Tag League having reached their conclusions, it’s time to see the full card for Wrestle Kingdom 17. Earlier today, New Japan Pro Wrestling would run a press conference – filling out the final few spots on the card for January 4th. In addition to this, they would make a major announcement on the status of cheering on the show.
New Cheering Rules To Be Implemented For Wrestle Kingdom 17, Judgement To Be Made On Future NJPW Shows
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been common to see shows in NJPW feature crowds that are only able to clap. However, this can lead to a lack of atmosphere for shows the size of Wrestle Kingdom, as shown by the last two Wrestle Kingdom events being lacking. We don’t need to worry about the NJPW return of Kenny Omega being met with simple clapping however, as they have confirmed fans will be allowed to cheer during this event.
There will be limits set for how long fans can cheer for continuously, with cheering and singing for an entire entrance being discouraged, but we can expect a loud arena on January 4th. Future NJPW events will be judged on a case by case basis in these regards, with judgement from municipalities and venues crucial in the choice.
Full Card Revealed
The full card for Wrestle Kingdom 17 will be as follows.
- Main Event: Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada for IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
- Will Ospreay vs. Kenny Omega for IWGP United States Championship
- Taiji Ishimori vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Desperado vs. Master Wato for IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
- Keiji Mutoh’s Final NJPW Match: Keiji Mutoh, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Shota Umino vs. Tetsuya Naito, SANADA & BUSHI
- Karl Anderson vs. Tama Tonga for NEVER Openweight Championship
- Ren Narita vs. Zack Sabre Jr. for NJPW World TV Championship
- FTR vs. Bishamon for IWGP Tag Team Championships
- Kairi vs. Tam Nakano for IWGP Women’s Championship
- Catch 2/2 vs. Lio Rush & YOH for IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships
- Antonio Inoki Memorial Match: Yuji Nagata, Satoshi Kojima & Togi Makabe vs. Tatsumi Fujinami, Tiger Mask & Minoru Suzuki
- KOPW 2023 Qualifier New Japan Ranbo
- Ryohei Oiwa vs. Boltin Oleg in Oleg’s debut match
This is a massive card, and could well end up being the best show of 2023. What matches are you most looking forward too? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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