There was lots of big news and big happenings at NJPW Declaration of Power which paved the way for the future of NJPW.
Before the event started there is a tribute to Antonio Inoki. The locker room stood silently around the ring as a tribute video played. In it, Inoki is shown battling against Hulk Hogan, Big Van Vader, Ric Flair, etc. His is not only a storied career but a historic one. Inoki is described as the “Superstars of superstars of Japan’s Golden Age”. It is announced that Wrestle Kingdom will be a tribute to Inoki. You can watch the full ceremony below.
During the Los Ingobernables de Japon versus United Empire match a masked figure came out to assist Bushi as Francesco Akira tried to tear his mask off. The quick-moving man managed to take out all of the United Empire with super kicks. He dove through the ropes to take out TJP on the floor while Bushi pinned Akira with an MX. The stranger refused to take off his match at first as Ospreay shoved his title belt in Naito’s face. After asking for a microphone the stranger removes his mask to reveal himself to be Titan. On the microphone, Titan says he is looking for new opportunities and is joining Los Ingobernables de Japon. For their part, LiJ looks on in confusion at everything Titan is saying.
“Is this Titan going into business for himself and trying to become a member of LiJ?” asks Kevin Kelly.
LIJ stands in the middle of the ring talking things over and then they do their iconic salute with their fists raised one by one. They allow Titan to join in making him a new member. He is the first non-Japanese member of LIJ.
Titan is now LIJ. Courtesy: NJPW.
NJPW also introduced a new belt at Declaration of Power: The NJPW World Television Championship. The belt will represent NJPW’s 50 year business relationship with TV Asahi. Every match for the title will be allotted a 50 minute time limit and the championship will be focused on those talent that might not be in the bigger title picture. There will be a special tournament to crown the first champion.
In the main event, Jay White successfully defended his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Tama Tonga. White caught Tonga leaping off the second rope for a Gun Stun and pinned him with a Blade Runner.
Kazuchika Okada interrupted White’s celebration and challenged him to a IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match at Wrestle Kingdom. White accepted.
NJPW Declaration of Power Results
David Finlay, Robbie Eagles and Ren Narita vs. El Desperado, Yoshinobu Kanemaru and DOUKI
Narita pins Douki with a bridging suplex. It is Narita’s first match back from excursion. Wow. This speaks volumes about how much NJPW thinks of Narita.
Winners: David Finlay, Robbie Eagles and Ren Narita
Zack Sabre Jr. and Taichi vs. Shane Haste and Bad Dude Tito
Sabre pins Tito with a Euro Clutch and a bridge.
Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. and Taichi
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hikuleo and Ryusuke Taguchi vs. EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi and SHO
Sho hits Taguchi in the jaw with his wrench while Dick Togo distracts the official. Hikuleo stops Sho from executing the Direct Drive. He chokeslams Sho and rolls Taguchi on top of him for the pinfall.
Winners: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Hikuleo and Ryusuke Taguchi
Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI vs. The Great-O-Khan and Jeff Cobb
Cobb puts Hashi away with Tour of the Islands.
Winners: The Great-O-Khan and Jeff Cobb
Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, Hiromu Takahashi and BUSHI vs. Will Ospreay, Aaron Henare, TJP and Francesco Akira
Winners: Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, Hiromu Takahashi & BUSHI
Taiji Ishimori vs. Master Wato
Wato pins Ishimori with a half and half suplex to beat the NJPW Junior Heavyweight Champion. Wato parades around with the belt. Hiromu Takahashi and then Desperado interject themselves into the conversation. All four men begin arguing. Ishimori demands a four-way title match with the challengers.
Winner: Master Wato
Shingo Takagi vs. El Phantasmo – Provisional KOPW 2022 Who’s Your Daddy Match
Phantasmo fires back at Shingo. Courtesy: NJPW.
Takagi makes Phantasmo submit. Phantasmo has to say…”Shingo is my daddy!” over the house microphone. Shingo demands a family photo. Phantasmo puts a baby pacifier in his mouth and wants a hug from his “daddy”. Phantasmo punches Takagi in the “lower abdomen” instead. He then stomps on and breaks the KPOW trophy.
Winner: Shingo Takagi
Kazuchika Okada vs. JONAH
Okada stuns the crowd by giving Jonah a Landslide and a Rainmaker to pin him.
Winner: Kazuchika Okada
Jay White (c) vs. Tama Tonga – IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
Winner: …and still IWGP World Heavyweight Champion…Jay White.
