Yesterday was a fantastic event from New Japan Pro Wrestling, with Dominion 6.4 being a smash success. 7,040 fans were packed into the iconic Osaka-Jo Hall, with a star studded card delivering in each match.
One match that went above and beyond in the eyes of many fans, was the match for the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships. Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishi defended against Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli & Shota Umino – which marked the debut for Castagnoli in a NJPW ring.
Claudio Castagnoli Reflects On NJPW Debut – Claims It’s An Unforgettable Moment
Speaking with Sports Illustrated after this monumental match, Castagnoli would have the following to say.
“I was very focused, and because of that, I was very much in the moment. I always want to be in the moment from the second I step out into the arena in order to be the best I can be. Standing in the ring with Tanahashi to start my first match in NJPW is definitely a moment to remember for me. Swinging Okada, somebody I’ve known for a long time, in Japan, in my first match in NJPW, that is definitely a top swing. Mox said it yesterday—we have our visas and we’ll be back.”
It was not the first match for Castagnoli in Japan, having a past in Pro Wrestling NOAH alongside Chris Hero as The Kings Of Wrestling from 2008 to 2011. He would also wrestle in Japan for WWE during their tours in the company, last wrestling there in 2019.
Given the reaction that fans had to Castagnoli during his match at Dominion, there is no doubt that he will be back. Blackpool Combat Club member Bryan Danielson appeared via video after the match, and challenged Kazuchika Okada for Forbidden Door II – keeping a feud between the BCC & Okada intact.
What matches would you want to see from Castagnoli in NJPW? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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