New Japan Pro-Wrestling held a press conference on Tuesday to announce two huge matches for the first night of Wrestle Kingdom 14. In the main event, Kazuchika Okada will defend his IWGP Heavyweight Championship against G1 Climax 29 winner Kota Ibushi.
During the press conference, Ibushi restated that he’s intent on winning both the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and the IWGP Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship. He also said that Okada has held the belt for too long, leading to The Rainmaker to respond “sorry for being too good.” Their match is set for January 4th, 2020. With Ibushi looking to win both belts, Okada made it clear that, should he win, he’d be willing to defend the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on both the 4th and 5th of January.
Ibushi: You've had that (IWGP title) too long. I really think you are truly the best. But I want to show you that I can surpass even you. That I am the strongest there is.
Okada (in response): Sorry for being too good.#njpw #njwk14— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) October 15, 2019
Also set for January 4th will be the first of two retirement matches for the legendary character Jushin Thunder Liger. Liger will team with Japanese wrestling legends Tatsumi Fujinami, Great Sasuke, & Tiger Mask to take on Ryusuke Taguchi, Tatsuhito Takaiwa, Naoki Sano & Shinjiro Otani. Liger’s team will be seconded by El Samurai, while Kuniaki Kobayashi will second Taguchi’s team.
JYUSHIN THUNDER LIGER RETIREMENT MATCH I JANUARY 4
Liger, Tatsumi Fujinami, Great Sasuke, & Tiger Mask w/El Samurai vs Naoki Sano, Shinjiro Otani, Tatsuhito Takaiwa & Ryusuke Taguchi w/Kuniaki Kobayashi
Norio Honaga is special guest referee!https://t.co/0y1R7myr61#njwk14 pic.twitter.com/3zmoekVUnQ
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) October 15, 2019
Liger’s final opponent on January 5th has yet to be announced, but Liger said he has no requests, he only hopes it is someone that can bring out the type of match Liger has been providing for over 30 years. Liger also made it clear he’d like to wrestle someone he’s never wrestled before.
UPDATE: Liger’s first retirement match on January 4th will be officiated by Norio Honaga.
Wrestle Kingdom 14 will take place on January 4th & 5th, 2020.
