They Wrestled at MSG, Wembley, Tokyo Dome, & Arena Mexico 2026 Update

I was recently asked to update my post about wrestlers that have wrestled at Madison Square Garden, Wembley Arena, the Tokyo Dome, and Arena Mexico.  I intended to post this after the most recent AEW & CMLL Grand Slam event at Mexico City, and prior to All In but life got in the way of doing so.

 

I've been asked why these 4 venues are "so important".  For me it's because Wembley Stadium has only held 3 wrestling events with the 4th later this month, while what makes the other 3 unique is the monopoly promotions have on the other venues.  Except for 1 show in 2019 with NJPW & ROH, only WWE has held shows at Madison Square Garden, CMLL owns Arena Mexico, and NJPW is really the only company that has run at the Tokyo Dome outside of a couple shows by NOAH in the last 20 years.  So if you haven't worked for these companies then you haven't wrestling in those venues.

Back in 2023 after the first AEW All In at Wembley it was a very short list, on 3 wrestlers.  I blogged about it here: The Only 3 Wrestlers....

In 2024 after AEW All In at Wembley that list grew to 10 wrestlers!  You can read that blog here: There are now Many Wrestlers....

This year I decided to make a spreadsheet to help keep track going forward.  The easiest way to do this was to start with Wembley Arena, as there have only been 4 events to date at the stadium.  I noticed that the 3 previous events and the All In 2026 all take place in a 6 day stretch of August.

Summer Slam 1992 August 29th

All In 2023 August 27th

All In 2024 August 25th

All In 2026 August 30th

After completing the spreadsheet there are 120 different wrestlers that have wrestled in Wembley Arena and another 20 that appeared in a manager or valet role.  I would like to note that I use Cagematch for this research and while I know it is not 100% accurate, it's an excellent resource.  During this research I discovered a new way to search their records making this research easier, and I discovered a couple omissions in previous posts. 

My previous posts list 10 names, we are adding two names that I previously overlooked, and 

Let's get to it!

I made a mistake in my original 2023 post as I excluded Road Warrior Animal who had accomplished this feet in 2008.  What's rather embarrassing about this he only wrestled two more matches in his career after this match in Arena Mexico.  In my 2024 update I omitted Mark Briscoe who completed the superfecta with his match at All In 2024.

You can go back to my 2023 post to read about the matches of: Chris Jericho, Juice Robinson, and John Tenta.

You can go back to my 2024 post to read about the matches of  Bryan Danielson, Zack Sabre Jr., Jon Moxley, Jay Lethal, Rocky Romero, Tomohiro Ishii, and Kazuchika Okada.

Road Warrior Animal

One Half of one of the greatest tag teams of all time, Road Warrior Animal was the second person to wrestle at all of these venues after John Tenta, completing the superfecta in 2008.

Wembley Arena

August 29, 1992 WWF SummerSlam

The Legion of Doom: Hawk & Animal with Paul Ellering defeated Money Inc: Ted DiBiase & Irwin R. Schyster

Madison Square Garden

March 21, 1990 WWF House Show

The Legion of Doom: Hawk & Animal with Paul Ellering and The Ultimate Warrior defeated Demolition: Ax, Smash, & Crush

Tokyo Dome

March 30, 1991 WWF & SWS Wrestlefest

Road Warriors: Hawk & Animal defeated Genichiro Tenryu & Hulk Hogan by count-out

Arena Mexico

May 11, 2008 Toryumon Mexico DragonMania III

Hell Warriors: Animal Warrior & Power Warrior defeated Los Perros del Mal: Damian 666 & Damian El Terrible to win the vacant UWA World Tag Team Championships.  Power Warrior is Kensuke Sasaki

Dax Harwood

FTR should be the first tag team to compete at all venues, however, Cash was not able to appear at the Arena Mexico event in June 2025.  He was held up due to travel documentation and Volador Jr. replaced him in the tag team match.

Wembley Stadium

August 27, 2023 AEW All In London 2023

AEW World Tag Team Champions: FTR: Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler defeated The Young Bucks: Nick & Matt Jackson 

Madison Square Garden

December 26, 2017 WWE Live Holiday Tour

10 Man Tag: Goldust, Heath Slater, Rhyno & Titus Worldwide: Apollo Crews & Titus O'Neil defeat Curt Hawkins, The Miztourage: Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel & The Revival: Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson

Tokyo Dome

January 4, 2023 NJPW WrestleKingdom 17

Bishamon: Hirooki Goto & YOSHI-HASHI defeated IWGP World Heavyweight Tag Team Champions: FTR: Cash Wheeler & Dax Harwood to win the titles  

Arena Mexico

June 18, 2025 AEW Grand Slam Mexico

14 Man Tag Team Match: Adam Cole, Atlantis, Atlantis Jr., Bandido, Brody King, Daniel Garcia and Templario defeated Dax Harwood, Don Callis Family: Hechicero, Josh Alexander, Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher & Lance Archer and Volador Jr.

Adam Cole

Cole only competed at each venue on one show, two matches at Wembley teaming with and wrestling against MJF.  Kyle O'Reilly was also involved in his matches at MSG & the Tokyo Dome

Wembley Stadium

August 27, 2023 AEW All In London 2023

Better Than You Bay Bay: AEW World Heavyweight Champion: MJF & Adam Cole defeated ROH World Tag Team Champions: Aussie Open: Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis to win the titles

AEW World Heavyweight Champion: MJF defeated Adam Cole

Madison Square Garden

December 26, 2018 WWE House Show

Aleister Black, Matt Riddle, Pete Dunne, Ricochet & Velveteen Dream defeated Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, and The Undisputed Era: Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, & Roderick Strong

Tokyo Dome

January 4, 2017 NJPW WrestleKingdom 11

Adam Cole pinned Ring of Honor World Champion: Kyle O'Reilly to win the title

Arena Mexico

June 18, 2025 AEW Grand Slam Mexico

14 Man Tag Team Match: Adam Cole, Atlantis, Atlantis Jr., Bandido, Brody King, Daniel Garcia and Templario defeated Dax Harwood, Don Callis Family: Hechicero, Josh Alexander, Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher & Lance Archer and Volador Jr.

Brody King

Facts about King's appearances, he lost 3 of the 4 matches, only 1 was a singles match the rest multi-man matches, and he competed in 2 of the 4 matches in 2025.

Wembley Stadium

August 27, 2023 AEW All In London 2023

The Acclaimed: Max Caster & Anthony Bowens and Billy Gunn defeated AEW World Trios Champions: House of Black: Malakai Black, Buddy Matthews, & Brody King to win the titles

Madison Square Garden

April 6, 2019 NJPW/ROH G1 Supercard

IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions: Guerillas of Destiny: Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa defeated Ring of Honor World Tag Team Champions: PCO & Brody King and Los Ingobernables de Japon: Evil & SANADA and The Briscoe Brothers: Mark & Jay Briscoe to win the ROH World Tag Team Championships

Tokyo Dome

January 5, 2025 Wrestle Dynasty - NJPW, CMLL,AEW

David Finlay pinned Brody King

Arena Mexico

June 18, 2025 AEW Grand Slam Mexico

14 Man Tag Team Match: Adam Cole, Atlantis, Atlantis Jr., Bandido, Brody King, Daniel Garcia and Templario defeated Dax Harwood, Don Callis Family: Hechicero, Josh Alexander, Konosuke Takeshita, Kyle Fletcher & Lance Archer and Volador Jr.

Will Ospreay

What's interesting to me is that when Ospreay first competed at Wembley for AEW he was not signed to the company and had only had 8 matches in the promotion previously.   It was pretty nice of AEW to give him that coveted spot on the card.  

Wembley Stadium

August 27, 2023 AEW All In London 2023

Will Ospreay pinned Chris Jericho 

Madison Square Garden

April 6, 2019 NJPW/ROH G1 Supercard

Ring of Honor World Television Champion: Jeff Cobb pinned NEVER Openweight Champion: Will Ospreay to win the championship

Tokyo Dome

January 4, 2017 NJPW WrestleKingdom 11

Gauntlet Match: Los Ingobernables de Japon: Bushi, Evil, & SANADA defeated NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Champions: David Finlay, Ricochet, & Satoshi Kojima, and CHAOS: Jado, YOSHI-HASHI, & Will Ospreay and Bullet Club: Bad Luck Fale, Adam Page, and Yujiro Takahashi to win the championships

Bullet Club defeated CHOAS

LIJ defeated Bullet Club

LIJ defeated Finlay, Kojima, & Ricochet

Arena Mexico

June 18, 2025 AEW Grand Slam Mexico

10 Man Tag: Death Riders: Jon Moxley & Wheeler Yuta, The Beast Mortos and The Young Bucks: Nick & Matt Jackson defeated The Opps: Samoa Joe, Powerhouse Hobbs, & Katsuyori Shibata, Swerve Strickland, and Will Ospreay

Mark Briscoe

Briscoe competed in all multi-man matches at each show, which is no surprise considering he's known for his tag team wrestling.  Brother Jay was in all but the Wembley Stadium match. 

Wembley Stadium

August 25, 2024 AEW All In London

Casino Gauntlet Match: Christian Cage defeated Adam Page, Jeff Jarrett, Kazuchika Okada, Kyle O'Reilly, Luchasaurus, Mark Briscoe, Nigel McGuinness, Orange Cassidy, Ricochet, Roderick Strong, and Zack Sabre Jr to become the #1 Contender to the AEW World Championship

Madison Square Garden

April 6, 2019 NJPW/ROH G1 Supercard

IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions: Guerillas of Destiny: Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa defeated Ring of Honor World Tag Team Champions: PCO & Brody King and Los Ingobernables de Japon: Evil & SANADA and The Briscoe Brothers: Mark & Jay Briscoe to win the ROH World Tag Team Championships

Tokyo Dome

January 4, 2016 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 10

The Briscoe Brothers: Mark & Jay Briscoe and Toru Yano defeated Bullet Club: Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga, & Yujiro Takahashi to win the vacant NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championships

Arena Mexico

August 3, 2018 CMLL Nego Casas 40th Aniversario

Best 2 out of 3 Falls: Lucha Brothers: Rey Fenix & Penta defeated The Briscoe Brothers: Mark & Jay Briscoe 2 falls to 1

Ricochet

Completed the 4 stadiums in a nine year span, competed in all multi-man matches and lost each one. 

Wembley Stadium

August 25, 2024 AEW All In London

Casino Gauntlet Match: Christian Cage defeated Adam Page, Jeff Jarrett, Kazuchika Okada, Kyle O'Reilly, Luchasaurus, Mark Briscoe, Nigel McGuinness, Orange Cassidy, Ricochet, Roderick Strong, and Zack Sabre Jr to become the #1 Contender to the AEW World Championship

Madison Square Garden

December 26, 2018 WWE House Show

Aleister Black, Matt Riddle, Pete Dunne, Ricochet & Velveteen Dream defeated Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, and The Undisputed Era: Adam Cole, Kyle O'Reilly, & Roderick Strong

Tokyo Dome

January 4, 2016 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 10

Fatal Four Way: The Young Bucks: Nick & Matt Jackson defeated IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions: Redragon: Bobby Fish & Kyle O'Reilly and Roppongi Vice: Rocky Romero & Trent Beretta and Matt Sydal & Richochet to win the titles

Arena Mexico

June 18, 2025 AEW Grand Slam

Four Million Pesos Fatal Four Way: Hologram defeated Lio Rush, Mascara Dorada, and Ricochet

Mercedes Mone

The first woman wrestler to compete at all 4 venues, the first in 202=14 and the final three in a 10 month period from August 2024 to June 2025.  She defended or won championships in three of the matches.

Wembley Stadium

August 25, 2024 AEW All In London 2024

AEW TBS Champion: Mercedes Mone defeated Dr. Britt Baker DMD

Madison Square Garden

July 12, 2014 WWE House Show

Natalya & Brie Bella defeated Charlotte Flair & Sasha Banks

Tokyo Dome

January 5, 2025 Wrestle Dynasty - NJPW, CMLL, & AEW

New Japan Strong Women's Champion: Mercedes Mone defeated RevPro Undisputed British Women's Champion: Mina Shirakawa to win the RevPro Championship

Arena Mexico

June 18, 2025 AEW Grand Slam 2025

Mercedes Mone defeated CMLL World Women's Champion: Zeuxis to win the championship

Claudio Castagnoli

Wrestled at MSG in 2012 and then the other three venues in the last 3 years.  Came out on the losing end at all but MSG.  

Wembley Stadium

August 27, 2023 AEW All In London 2023

Stadium Stampede: Best Friends: Chuck Taylor & Trent Beretta, Eddie Kingston, Orange Cassidy, and Penta defeated Blackpool Combat Club: Claudio Castagnoli, Jon Moxley, & Wheeler Yuta and Mike Santana & Ortiz

Madison Square Garden

December 27, 2012 WWE Raw House Show

WWE United States Champion: Antonio Cesaro defeated Zack Ryder

Tokyo Dome

January 5, 2025 Wrestle Dynasty - NJPW, CMLL, & AEW

Shota Umino pinned Claudio Castagnoli

Arena Mexico

March 29, 2024 CMLL Homenaje A Dos Leyendas 2024

Blue Panther, Mistico, Ultimo Guerrero & Volador Jr. defeated Blackpool Combat Club: Claudio Castagnoli, Jon Moxley, & Bryan Danielson and Matt Sydal

Christian Cage

It took Christian over 27 years from February 1999 to July 2026  to finish off the superfecta.  He competed in all tag team matches, two of them with Adam Copeland which was the 1st and last venue on the list.  

Wembley Stadium

August 27, 2023 AEW All In London 2023

Coffin Match: Darby Allin & Sting defeated Christian Cage & Sweve Strickland

Madison Square Garden

February 7, 1999 WWF House Show

The Brood: Edge & Christian defeated The JOB Squad: Bob Holly & The Blue Meanie

Tokyo Dome

January 4, 2008 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom II

Christian Cage, AJ Styles, & Petey Williams defeated RISE: Milano Collection AT, Minoru Tanaka, & Prince Devitt

Arena Mexico

August 8, 2026 AEW Grand Slam Mexico 2026

Death Riders: Daniel Garcia, Jon Moxley, PAC, & Wheeler Yuta defeated AEW World Tag Team Champions: Cope & Cage: Adam Copeland & Christian Cage and The Young Bucks: Nick & Matt Jackson

Jeff Jarrett

Double J complete the superfecta in 32 years between 1994 & 2026.  Jarrett had competed in Mexico for over 20 years, however it was always with Lucha Libre AAA so he never wrestled at Arena Mexico until 2026.  

Wembley Stadium

August 25, 2024 AEW All In London

Casino Gauntlet Match: Christian Cage defeated Adam Page, Jeff Jarrett, Kazuchika Okada, Kyle O'Reilly, Luchasaurus, Mark Briscoe, Nigel McGuinness, Orange Cassidy, Ricochet, Roderick Strong, and Zack Sabre Jr to become the #1 Contender to the AEW World Championship

Madison Square Garden

January 17, 1994 WWF House Show

WWF Intercontinental Champion: Razor Ramon defeated Jeff Jarrett

Royal Rumble Match: Owen Hart defeated Adam Bomb, Bam Bam Bigelow, Bart Gunn, Bastion Booger, Bob Backlund, Bret Hart, Bushwacker Butch, Crush, Diesel, Doink the Clown, Headshrinker Fatu, Iron Mike Sharpe, Irwin R. Schyster, Jeff Jarrett, Jim Powers, Johnny Polo, Bushwacker Luke, Mabel, Marty Jannetty, Mo, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Rick Martel, Headshrinker Samu, Scott Putski, Scott Steiner, Sgt. Slaughter, Shawn Michaels, The 1-2-3 Kid, and Virgil in 70:06

Tokyo Dome

January 4, 2015 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 9

TenKoji: Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima and Tomoaki Honma defeated Bullet Club: Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi and Jeff Jarrett 

Arena Mexico

August 5, 2026 AEW Grand Slam Mexico 2026

Dark Match: Jeff Jarrett, Brillante Jr., Mascara Dorada, Orange Cassidy and Roderick Strong defeated Nick Wayne, The Dogs: Clark Connors & David Finlay and The Swirl: Blake Christian & Lee Johnson

Andrade El Idolo

Andrade has competed in over 500 matches at Arena Mexico. His debut at Arena Mexico he wrestled under the name Brillante and at the Tokyo Dome under the name La Sombra. 

Wembley Stadium

August 30, 2026 AEW ALL In London 2026

AEW World Championship #1 Contender Casino Gauntlet: Andrade El Idolo defeated Daniel Garcia, Jack Perry, Jericho, Komander, Mark Davis, Mike Bailey, Mistico, MJF, Nick Wayne, & Tommaso Ciampa pinning Nick Wayne

Madison Square Garden

September 10, 2019 WWE Smackdown TV

The Miz pinned Andrade

Tokyo Dome

January 4, 2011 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom VI

La Sombra & Mascara Dorada defeated Hector Garza & Jushin Thunder Liger

Arena Mexico

April 27, 2007 CMLL Super Viernes

Best 2 out of 3 Falls: Brillante (Andrade), Stuka Jr., & Valiente defeated Los Hombres del Camoflaje: Artillero & Super Comando and Polvora

Shelton Benjamin

It took 24 years for Benjamin to complete the superfecta, MSG was a singles match and all others were multi-person matches.  

Wembley Stadium

August 30, 2026 AEW ALL In London 2026

The Hurt Syndicate: Bobby Lashley & Shelton Benjamin and Boom & Doom: QT Marshall & Big Boom AJ with Big Justice defeated Shane Taylor Promotions: Shane Taylor, Carlie Bravo, Shawn Dean, & Ring of Honor Pure Champion: Lee Moriarty with Trish Adora & Christyan XO 

Madison Square Garden

August 26, 2002 WWE Sunday Night Heat

Dark Match: Shelton Benjamin pinned Shawn Stasiak

Tokyo Dome

January 4, 2012 Wrestle Kingdom VI NJPW 40th Anniversary Show

MVP & Shelton Benjamin defeated Masato Tanaka & Yujiro Takahashi

Arena Mexico

June 28, 2015 LLE All Elite

Best 2 out of 3 Falls: Big Ryck & Volador Jr. defeated RUSH & Shelton Benjamin by DQ

Mistico

Competed as Astro Boy at Arena Mexico and Sin Cara at Madison Square Garden, took 23 years to complete the superfecta all matches were multi-person matches. 

Wembley Stadium

August 30, 2026 AEW ALL In London 2026

AEW World Championship #1 Contender Casino Gauntlet: Andrade El Idolo defeated Daniel Garcia, Jack Perry, Jericho, Komander, Mark Davis, Mike Bailey, Mistico, MJF, Nick Wayne, & Tommaso Ciampa pinning Nick Wayne

Madison Square Garden

November 20, 2011 WWE Survivor Series

Team Barrett: Cody Rhodes, Dolph Ziggler, Hunico, Jack Swagger & Wade Barrett defeated Team Orton: Kofi Kingston, Mason Ryan, Randy Orton, Sheamus, & Sin Cara in a traditional Survivor Series.

Tokyo Dome

January 4, 2009 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom III

Mistico, Prince Devitt, & Ryusuke Taguchi defeated Averno and Great Bash Heel: Gedo & Jado

Arena Mexico

November 21, 2003 CMLL Super Viernes

Best 2 out of 3 Falls: Astro Boy & Sombra de Plata defeated El Koreano & Super Comando

What's fun for me is many of these wrestler's debuts at Madison Square Garden was the the NJPW & ROH G1 Supercard, and I was in attendance for that show!

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment, check out my other posts, and if you want like my blogs Facebook page.  You can also head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of my book the 2024 Limitless Wrestling Almanac, or any of my other books.

Until next time! 

Hiroshi Tanahashi Live!

January 4, 2026 marked the end to the career of one of the greatest Japanese professional wrestlers, Hiroshi Tanahashi.  He debuted in October 1999 along with fellow young boys Katsuyori Shibata and Shinsuke Nakamura, dubbed the "New Three Musketeers" by the Japanese wrestling media.  Named after the original Three Musketeers consisting of Keiji Muto, Masahiro Chono, and Shinya Hashimoto.

It's hard to believe Tanahashi was the first of the 3 the retire, Nakamura is in the WWE and Shibata, after a 4 year hiatus to recover from injury, is active in AEW.  He has a fantastic career capturing numerous championships including becoming an 8 time IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

I was lucky enough to see Tanahashi wrestle live 3 time, ironically all in 2019.  The first two times were during WrestleMania weekend in New York City.  The first at the RevPro show pro held at the WrestleCon convention, before the show they did a meet and greet with several New Japan Pro Wrestlers, I met Tanahashi, Shibata, and Ishii.  It was only $30 for a Combo and I got my card signed.

April 5, 2019

Revolution Pro Wrestling Hilton Grand Ballroom Manhattan, NY

British Tag Team Champions: Suzuki-Gun: Minoru Suzuki & British Heavyweight Champion:

Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi & Will Ospreay when Sabre pinned Ospreay

Jay, Mikey, and I had front row for the show, and during Tanahashi's entrance he stopped right in front of us and we all played air guitar together, it was a bad ass moment. I have the video clip somewhere and when I find it I will upload it here.

Talk about and all star tag team match!

April 6, 2019

New Japan Pro Wrestling / ROH Madison Square Garden Manhattan, NY

G1 Supercard

British Heavyweight Champion: Zack Sabre Jr with Taka Michinoku defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi by submission

The three of us attended the first non WWF/WWE promoted wrestling event at Madison Square Garden in 60 years.  We had front row balcony and pictures did come out great.  This is one of the most historic wrestling events I have ever been to.

September 27, 2019

NJPW: New Japan Pro Wrestling Memorial Auditorium Lowell, MA

Fighting Spirit Unleashed

IWGP Heavyweight Champion: Kazuchiki Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, & Kota Ibushi defeated Los Ingobernables de Japon: Tetsuya Naito, Evil & Sanada when Tanahashi pinned Naito with cobra twist

Mikey, Jay, and I also attended this event together. This tour of shows was the first time that New Japan ran shows in the US that were not co-promoted with Ring of Honor.  Okada was the IWGP Heavyweight champion, but it was Tanahashi who stayed in the ring after the main event to thank the audience and play his air guitar for us. 

I feel very fortunate to have seen Tanahashi wrestle live these three times and to have had the opportunity to meet him in person.  It's important to take advantage of the opportunities when you can. 

Incidentally, his last match was on January 4th against Okada, checking cagematch they have faced each other 249 times in singles and tag team matches. 

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment, check out my other posts, and if you want like my blogs Facebook page.  You can also head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of my book the 2024 Limitless Wrestling Almanac, or any of my other books.

Until next time!

Zack Sabre Jr's 1st IWGP Championship Reign

Zack Sabre Jr. is one of my favorite active wrestlers to watch today.  I have been a fan of his for many years and have written about him more than a few times in the past on this blog.  I've had the pleasure of seeing him wrestling live on a few occasions from the American Legion post in Orono, Maine to the world famous Madison Square Garden.  Every interaction I have had with him has been a genuine pleasure.

ZSJ started his 2024 losing the NJPW World Television Championship to Hiroshi Tanahashi at WrestleKingdom 18 at the Tokyo Dome.  At New Beginning in Osaka 2024 on February 11, 2024 he avenged his loss the Bryan Danielson pinning him in 33 minutes.  He regained the NJPW World Television Championship defeating champion Matt Riddle on April 12th in Chicago at Windy City Riot, then lost it to Jeff Cobb on May 3rd in Fukuoka, Japan.  One June 30th he defeated Orange Cassidy at Forbidden Door on Long Island, New York.

In the 2024 G1 Climax he finished the A block with 14 points, the most points achieved by any competitor in the tournament, going on the win the tournament submitting Yota Tsuji in the finals.  He is the first gaijin to win the tournament since Kenny Omega in 2016.  

Typically the winner of the tournament earns the right to face the IWGP World Champion at the Tokyo Dome, however Zack cashed in his opportunity on October 14 at King of Pro Wrestling 2024 at Ryogoku in Tokyo to win the championship.

Sadly, on February 11, 2025 at New Beginning in Osaka 2025 he lost the title to Hirooki Goto ending his run at just 120 day. 

During his all too short 120 days as Champion he successfully defended it four times including retaining it in two back to back Main Event matches at the Tokyo Dome.  

October 20, 2024 

NJPW Royal Quest IV London, England

IWGP World Heavyweight Champion: Zack Sabre Jr. defeated SANADA

November 4, 2024

NJPW Power Struggle Osaka, Japan

IWGP World Heavyweight Champion: Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Shingo Takagi

January 4, 2025

NJPW WrestleKingdom 19 Tokyo Dome, Japan

IWGP World Heavyweight Champion: Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Shota Umino

January 5, 2025

Wrestle Dynasty, Tokyo Dome, Japan

IWGP World Heavyweight Champion: Zack Sabre Jr. submitted Ricochet

After winning the title I don't feel NJPW promoted Zack as champion very well.  He was placed in the World Tag League with partner Ryohei Oiwa finishing in a five way tie for 4th place with only 6 points.  After the World Tag League he competed in multi-man matches with his TMDK stable mates with the only other singles match, besides those listed above, was a non-title victory over Hechicero at Battle in the Valley 2025 in San Jose, California.

I'm very thankful that I got to see him wrestle live as the title holder, granted it was in a tag team match and his team lost.  I was really hoping for a singles match that night in Lowell.

I don't think this is the only World Title reign for ZSJ, I am confident that he will be a World Champion again in the future and the greatest technical wrestler in the world will get the title reign that he deserves.  

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment, check out my other posts, and if you want like my blogs Facebook page.  You can also head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of my book the 2024 Limitless Wrestling Almanac, or any of my other books.

Until next time!  

Raw the Netflix Era thoughts

 I've been a fan of wrestling and the WWF / WWE my entire life.  I don't have a memory of the first time I watched wrestling, my Dad was a fan and so I have always watched.  My first live wrestling show was June 4, 1989 at the then Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine.  In the main event "Macho Man" Randy Savage with Sensational Sherri defeated WWF World Champion Hulk Hogan by count-out.

Unlike many my of my friends growing up I never waivered in my fandom of Professional Wrestling.  I've always had collection of wrestling memorabilia, t-shirts, and once I got my license going to live shows, even traveling out of State to attend them.  I've been to the big 4 WWE PPV's, WCW shows, TNA, Ring of Honor, AEW, New Japan Pro Wrestling and numerous Indies.

From the 1980's to today I've watched all the wrestling on TV that I could find, traded tapes back in the day to get wrestling from Japan and Mexico, and at technology has progress streamed my wrestling.  Today we have the capability to watch more wrestling live from around the world than ever before.

Through all of this I have been a fan of the WWF/WWE, was a day 1 subscriber of the WWE Network and subscribe to Peacock now.  While WWE has not always been my favorite flavor of wrestling to watch, I still watched.  

However these last few years their weekly television show have become unwatchable to me.  Smackdown would have moments of greatness but Raw, each time I try I'm disappointed. Their format of their show has become to cater to the casual fan, I don't care about 20 minute promos, and long talking segments, I just want to watching wrestling matches.  The bell to bell in the ring action is what I care about.

I was hyped for the Netflix launch of Raw on January 6, 2025, advertised a WrestleMania caliber show, and for me it was not.  There were 4 matches on the show that ran just over 3 hours and total in ring time was 62 minutes and 28 seconds.  That leaves two hours of commercials, showing celebrities in the crowd and talking segments.  From the end of the women's title match it was 25 minutes before the Drew McIntyre vs. Jey Uso match started, and after 2 minutes they went to a commercial break. 

What's so frustrating and discouraging to me is the promotion I have loved my whole life I can't stomach watching any longer.  I have friends that LOVE the product and think every show is amazing, and I guess good for them, but I can't see how they like it so much.

I will continue to follow what is happening on Raw & Smackdown, watch clips and select matches that I'm interested, and I will watch the "Premium Live Events" because that is where the best matches usually take place even those tend to frustrate me with their long segments between matches.

I'm just not the WWE's primary demographic any longer.  Thankfully for me my choices for alternative wrestling is practically endless.  Not to mention, I can always go back and watch the extensive history of wrestling and classic matches I have access to.  

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment, check out my other posts, and if you want like my blogs Facebook page.  You can also head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of my book the 2024 Limitless Wrestling Almanac, or any of my other books.

Until next time!

2024 My Year in Wrestling!

In my 2023 year in review I stated I was not going to to try to top the 27 events I went to that year this year, but I did as I made it to 34 wrestling related events between shows and wrestling related experiences.  This is also the most events I have ever gone to in one year.  I have no expectations that in 2025 I will go to more, and I'm not going to try.

2024 by the Numbers

34 wrestling events

18 different promotions, 9 first time attending

2 different countries, 4 States, 1 new Province

US: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, & Pennsylvania

Canada: Quebec City, Quebec

I went to shows in Maine, Mass, & PA last year, however this was the first time I've been to wrestling in New Hampshire since July 19, 2008 when I attended Front Row Wrestling in Rochester, NH.

356 Lifetime events

As I have stated in the past, it might be a bit controversial but when I'm counting my wrestling related events that I attended, I count everything that I went to because of wrestling.  For instance this year I went the Nemeth Brother's comedy show Hunkamania in Philadelphia and I count that as a wrestling related event.

January started out with two shows, the 12th with ¡Let’s Wrestle! debuting at the Fairfield Community Center.  The main event was the first ever Steel Cage match in ¡Let’s Wrestle! as Champion BRG successfully turned back the challenge of Eric Johnson.

On the 20th at Limitless Wrestling in Yarmouth the main event saw an unsanctioned match and the end of MSP as Aiden Aggro pinned The Dangerkid in 49 minutes marking the final match of The DangerKid.  

February featured two events, February 4th was the return of Mariner's Hockey with a wrestling show this time being promoted by the EWA: Eastern Wrestling Alliance.  This was first official EWA event that I have attended since their relaunch.  A stacked card with Dango, Scotty 2 Hotty, Tommy Dreamer, Colt Cabana, Shannon Moore, Heath Miller, Brian Myers and more.  

February 24th I attended Limitless Wrestling in Yarmouth with Ace vs. Sami Callihan in a street fight, and Alec Price vs. Lio Rush in a fantastic match.

March featured 1 event on the 22nd, the NAWA: North Atlantic Wrestling Association benefit show at Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham that had "Mr. USA" Tony Atlas in the main event tag teaming with Cousin Larry.

April featured  14 events two in Maine and the rest in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for IndieMania weekend!  You can read all about our Mania adventures in these 5 blog posts...

More Than Mania Philadelphia Adventure

More Than Mania: Wrestling Results

More Than Mania: Signed Cards

More Than Mania: Rasslin Photos

More Than Mania: Me with Friends and Wrestlers

Back home in Maine, April 12th I attended NAWA at the Fairfield Community Center, that was a benefit show for the local baseball team and had a 16 person royal rumble style match.  On April 13th Limitless Wrestling in Yarmouth that had a TREMENDOUS match between Gabby Forza and Megan Bayne.  These two are must watch whenever they wrestle each other.

May had one event, back at the Fairfield Community Center on the 4th for ¡Let’s Wrestle! where BRG retained his ¡Let’s Wrestle! Championship in the Main Event against Jason Maverick.

June had one event with Limitless Wrestling on the 23rd, this time in Herman at the Morgan Hill Event Center.  AEW's Bulk Bronson teamed with Gabby Forza to defeat The Cosmic Cuties: Ava & LSG and Channing retained the Limitless Championship against Danhausen in the Maine event.  

July, also one event on the 20th with Limitless Wrestling back in Yarmouth.  The final show before the Vacationland Cup finalized the 4 competitors in the tournament and also saw Limitless Champion Channing Thomas defeat ¡Let’s Wrestle! Champion: BRG to become a double champion.

August 17th Limitless Wrestling presented The 2024 Vacationland Cup at the Colisee in Lewiston featuring their largest crowd to date of over 1,200 fans in attendance. Dezmond Cole, Gabby Forza, Alec Price, and Aaron Rourke all advanced to the finals where Cole emerged as the 2024 Vacationland Cup winner.

  

September featured two events on back to back nights.  The 20th in Worcester, Massachusetts for Big Time Wrestling featuring Sting and the 21st back in Yarmouth for Limitless Wrestling.  Big Time Wrestling was held at Polar Park and it was a pleasant evening outside.  Tommy Dreamer got the win over Channing Thomas, and Teddy Goodz pinned Danny Miles to win the BTW Championship.  Goodz would final wrestling match was that weekend.

Limitless saw their World Championship change hands as Dezmond Cole pinned Channing Thomas in the main event.  Also on the card IWTV Tag Team Champions: Fresh Air defeated fellow Canadians Le Tabernak du Team and Dijak defeated Jake Something in an awesome match.

October 4th I traveled to Palmyra for RINGWARS for their debut shows that featured matches from competing Maine Indie Companies.  On the 26th Limitless Wrestling was in Yarmouth with Fresh Blood that featured Japan based Kyushu Pro wrestlers Jet Wei and Kodai Nozaki as well as the debut of Zilla Fatu.  However the biggest betrayal saw Delmi Exo turn on her Sea Stars partner, and sister Ashley Vox to side with Paris Van Dale.

November I went to 3 events, the first on the 6th in Manchester, New Hampshire for AEW Dynamite at the SNHU Arena.  I wasn't expecting to go to an AEW show this year, they seem to keep happening in New England when I have conflicting plans.  This was their New Hampshire debut, we got a couple dark matches, a Ring of Honor match with Shibata!!  I've always wanted to see him wrestle live and I'm glad I finally was able too.  The live Dynamite was decent with Adam Cole vs. Malachi Black and The Learning Tree vs. The Conglomeration.  

Two days later on the 8th in Lowell, Mass at the Memorial Auditorium for New Japan Pro Wrestling's Fighting Spirit Unleashed.  This was the first wrestling show at the venue since NJPW in September 2019.  This was a FANTASTIC show with great matches, including a title change as the Grizzled Young Vets captured the NJPW Strong Tag Team titles.  I also met Zack Sabre Jr. before the show.

November 29th, Black Friday, I was back at the Fairfield Community Center for my 4th show of the year, and 65th overall at the venue for NAWA.

December finished the year with 4 wrestling related events.  First on the 7th in Quebec City, Quebec at the Museum of Civilization for Lutte: Quebec in the Ring exhibit.  I will be putting together a complete blog on that wonderful exhibit.  That night, also in Quebec City, we attended NSPW: North Shore Pro Wrestling: Final Chapter 2024.  

The show featured Trevor Lee, Stu Grayson  and a whole host of Canadian wrestlers.  You can read about this show in more detail at this blog post: Quebec Wrestling Adventure

December 14th was the final Limitless Wrestling event of the year in Yarmouth featuring the Limitless Rumble!  I love a good Royal Rumble match and this was the first one in Limitless Wrestling, it featured 30 competitors and was won by Channing Thomas.  Also on the show B3CCA made her return filling in for an injured Maggie Lee taking on Kylie Rae and Dezmond Cole defended the Limitless Championship against Calvin Tankman in a tremendous match. 

On the 17th I was back at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium for a double NXT taping.  I was shocked that this show as announced, but very excited to go back to Lowell and my first NXT show.  We sat in the same exact seats that we did for NJPW in November.  They opened with that evenings live show and then after taped next weeks Christmas Eve show.

Before the show we saw the D'Angelo Family across the street at Rizzo's Restaurant doing a pre-tape, we got our pictures taken with them.  On the first episode we got a fantastic Tag Team Title match and a NXT Championship match.  On the second taping I got to see Stephanie Vaquer and Charlie Dempsey wrestle two of my favorites in NXT.  This was a great show to end the year on!

I'm excited for next year and have a couple shows on deck already, 

January 12th: Limitless Wrestling in Herman

January 18th: Limitless Wrestling in Yarmouth

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment, check out my other posts, and if you want like my blogs Facebook page.  You can also head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of my book the 2024 Limitless Wrestling Almanac, or any of my other books.

Until next time!

My Rasslin Results: November 6 - December 17, 2024

Here are the results to my last shows of the year:

November 6, 2024

AEW: All Elite Wrestling                        SNHU Arena Manchester, NH

Dark Match: Satnam Singh with Jay Lethal pinned Colt Cabana

Dark Match: Nyla Rose pinned Liviyah

Ring of Honor - aired November 7, 2024

Katsuyori Shibata pinned The Butcher

Dynamite - Live on TBS

Darby Allin & Orange Cassidy fought Death Riders: Claudio Castagnoli & PAC with Wheeler Yutah to a no contest

Fight Without Honor: The Conglomerations: Tomohiro Ishii, Mark Briscoe, & Kyle O’Reilly defeated  Ring of Honor World Champion: Chris Jericho, Big Bill & Bryan Keith when Ishii pinned Jericho

Adam Cole pinned Malakai Black

Jamie Hayter pinned Penelope Ford

Ricochet & Powerhouse Hobbs defeated The Don Callis Family: AEW International Champion: Konosuke Takeshita & Kyle Fletcher when Ricochet pinned Takeshita

Rampage - aired November 8, 2024

Hikaru Shida pinned Vivian Van

The Undisputed Era: Matt Taven & Mike Bennett defeated The Dark Order: Alex Reynolds & John Silver and The Infantry: Charlie Bravo & Shawn Dean with Trish Adora, Lee Moriarty, & Shane Taylor

Top Flight: Dante & Darius Martin with Action Andretti & Leila Gray defeated JD Drake & BEEF

Lio Rush pinned Komander with Alex Abrahantes

November 8, 2024

NJPW: New Japan Pro Wrestling     Memorial Auditorium Lowell, MA

Fighting Spirit Unleashed

IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion: David Finlay pinned Kevin Knight

Grizzled Young Vets: James Drake & Zack Gibson defeated New Japan Strong Tag Team Champions: TMDK: Mikey Nicholls & Shane Haste to win the championships

Lio Rush pinned Mustafa Ali

Best 2 out of 3 Falls: The West Coast Wrecking Crew: Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs defeated Dirty Work: Fred Rosser & Tom Lawlor 2 falls to 1

1st Fall: Tables Match: Lawlor put Nelson through a table

2nd Fall: Submission Match: Isaacs submitted Rosser

3rd Fall: Last Man Standing Strap Match: Lawlor was eliminated then Rosser

New Japan Strong Women’s #1 Contender Match: Hazuki defeated Anna Jay, Koguma, and Trish Adora pinning Adora

Los Ingobernables de Japon: Openweight Champion: Shingo Tagaki & Yota Tsuji defeated The Undisputed Kingdom: Matt Taven & Mike Bennett

Ryohei Oiwa pinned KENTA

Shota Umino & Tomohiro Ishii defeated TMDK: Bad Dude Tito & IWGP World Heavyweight Champion: Zack Sabre Jr when Unimo pinned Tito

AEW International Champion: Konosuke Takeshita pinned TJP

NJPW Strong Champion: Gabe Kidd pinned Kosei Fujita

November 29, 2024

North Atlantic Wrestling Assoc. (NAWA) The Community Center     Fairfield, ME

10 Bell Salute to Tommy Savoldi

Dunky Boy Bandit pinned Dave Dyer

Alex English with Coach pinned Teddy Jaxx

Tony Atlas & Cousin Larry defeated The Holy Roller & NBK with Robert Benson the 3rd when Larry pinned NBK

JP O’Reilly pinned Samiel Matthews with Coach

Malos with Mr. Nobody pinned Stormy Savage

NAWA Champion: Hazard pinned Mark Moment with Santone

December 7, 2024

Lutte NSPW: North Shore Pro Wrestling Centre Horizon     Quebec City, QC

Red Kingdom: Azaelle & Damian Wild defeated La Sainte Trinite: Leo Harvey & PL

Triple Threat: Shawn Martel defeated Hayden Bright & Golden Greg

Dylan Donovan pinned Pee Wee with Golden Greg

Interviewer Audrey Moreau forced to the ring by Matt Falco & Claude Maloon, and attacked by Falco 

Fatal 4 Way: Matt Falco with Claude Maloon defeated Mitch Thompson, Yann Pike & Leon Saver pinning Pike 

Marko Estrada & Mike Marston defeated Diamond Dynasty: Zak Patterson & Michael Styles when Marko pinned Style

Junior Heavyweight Champion: Kristara pinned Loue O’Farrell with Vlada

South Shore Wrecking Crew: Tag Team Champions: Jack Saunders & Tom LeBlond and Giovanni defeated Michel Plante, Dani Leo & Alex Silva when Saunders pinned Plante

Matt Angel pinned Trevor Lee

NSPW Champion: Travis Toxic pinned Stu Grayson

December 14, 2024

Limitless Wrestling             AmVets Hall     Yarmouth, ME

Limitless Rumble

Four Way Scramble: Conan Lycan defeats Aiden Aggro with J-Heru and Anthony Greene and Zak Patterson when Lycan pinned Patterson

Ashley Vox & Gabby Forza defeated Delmi Exo & Paris Van Dale when Gabby pinned Van Dale

B3CCA pinned Kylie Rae

Limitless World Champion: Dezmond Cole pinned Calvin Tankman 

Limitless Rumble: Channing Thomas defeated Ace Romero, Aiden Aggro, Alexander Lee, Armani Kayos, Ashley Vox, B3CCA, Brett Ryan Gosselin, Brian Black, Bulk Bronson, Conan Lycan, Covey Christ, Dean Furnacola, Delmi Exo, Diego Alvarez, Gabby Forza, J-Heru, Jada Stone, Jariel Rivera, Love Doug, Milo Mirra, Rip Byson, Rudy Lockheart, Santa Claus, Seabass Finn, Sidney Bakabella, Tony Atlas, Troy Nelson, Tyree Taylor, Zak Patterson last eliminating Rip Byson

December 17, 2024

NXT                                                             Memorial Auditorium     Lowell, MA

Live Show

Oba Femi pinned NXT Tag Team Champion: Axiom with Nathan Frazer

Meta-Four: Jakara Jackson & Lash Legend defeated Sol Ruca & Zaria when Legend pinned Ruca

Jaida Parker with Bronco Nima & Lucien Price pinned Wren Sinclair with Myles Borne & Tavion Heights

NXT Tag Team Champions: Axiom & Nathan Frazer defeated Gallus: Mark Coffey & Wolfgang with Joe Coffey when Frazier pinned Wolfgang

Promo Segment with Ethan Page who attacked Je’Von Evans with a chair

NXT Champion: Trick Williams wrestled Eddy Thorpe to draw after a  Double Pin 

Aired December 24, 2024

Stephanie Vaquer pinned Cora Jade

Lexis King with William Regal defeated NXT Heritage Cup Champion: Charlie Dempsey with Wren Sinclair by disqualification to win the championship

The Unholy Union: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn defeated Fatal Influence: Jacy Jayne & Jazmyn Nyx

Ashante Adonis with Nikita Lyons pinned Dion Lennox

Promo Segment with NXT Champion: Trick Williams,  Eddy Thorpe, & Oba Femi setting up a triple threat match for the title at New Years Evil 

NXT Tag Team Championship #1 Contendership Christmas Chaos Fatal Four Way: Out The Mud: Bronco Nima & Lucien Price defeated Hank And Tank: Hank Walker & Tank Ledger and No Quarter Catch Crew: Myles Borne & Tavion Heights and The D'Angelo Family: Channing Lorenzo & Luca Crusifino with NXT North American Champion: Tony D’Angelo and Andrianna Rizzo

Going to my first every NXT event and having it be a double episode taping was even better!

I have two shows lined up in January 2025 both Limitless Wrestling

12th in Herman

18th in Yarmouth

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment, check out my other posts, and if you want like my blogs Facebook page.  You can also head over to Amazon and pick up a copy of my book the 2024 Limitless Wrestling Almanac, or any of my other books.

Until next time!