Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi’s first ever singles match headlined January 4, 2005, at Wrestling World. This match was a significant moment in the careers of both wrestlers and marked the beginning of a decade-long rivalry between the two.
Tanahashi, a product of the NJPW Dojo, had always been committed to his promotion and had never gone on an international excursion. He steadily worked his way up the card, determined to bring mainstream glory to New Japan. Nakamura, on the other hand, was dubbed the ‘Supernova’ when he started in the ring. At just 23 years old, he became the youngest IWGP Heavyweight Champion in history. However, his 2004 was a challenging year as he relinquished the title due to injury and struggled to regain it.
Despite their different paths, Tanahashi and Nakamura formed a successful tag team and even went on an excursion together to Mexico in 2004. The fans recognized their potential for superstardom and eagerly awaited their singles match to determine the next true ace of NJPW.
The match took place at the Tokyo Dome and had the IWGP U-30 Openweight Championship on the line. This title symbolized the new youthful direction for NJPW and showcased the importance of these two men in leading the next generation of wrestlers. The match between Tanahashi and Nakamura was a hard-fought battle, with both men giving it their all.
While the IWGP Heavyweight Championship was not defended at Wrestling World, there was a three-way generational clash known as the ‘Fighting Spirit Cup.’ Hiroyoshi Tenzan, the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, would face AJPW Triple Crown Champion Satoshi Kojima in a future title match. The match between Tenzan, Riki Choshu, and Masahiro Chono played out over playoff matches with 15-minute time limits. The winner would be the first to win two straight falls.
Choshu and Chono clashed before the Tokyo Dome event, and despite a random drawing that would have seen Chono start with Tenzan, Choshu ignored it. Choshu took control early in the match with a lariat and Scorpion Deathlock on Tenzan, securing the victory and advancing in the tournament.
Kojima, representing All Japan, faced Osamu Nishimura, a frequent partner and opponent of Kojima’s. Nishimura aimed to defend New Japan’s honor against Kojima, who proudly embraced his outsider status. Although Nishimura put up a valiant fight, Kojima’s powerful arm proved too much, and he emerged victorious.
In addition to these matches, Wrestling World 2005 featured the first and only ‘Ultimate Royal’ match. This unique bout brought together eight participants, including UFC and Pancrase alum Ron Waterman, Masayuki Naruse, Manabu Nakanishi, Toru Yano, sumo star Dolgorsuren Sumiyabazar, Blue Wolf, and Yuji Nagata. Each bout took place simultaneously, creating an exciting and chaotic atmosphere.
Overall, Wrestling World 2005 was a memorable event that showcased the talent and potential of Shinsuke Nakamura and Hiroshi Tanahashi. It marked the beginning of their long-standing rivalry and solidified their positions as two of NJPW’s top stars.
For more information and to watch Wrestling World 2005, visit https://watch.njpwworld.com/details/37213.
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