Shinsuke Nakamura faced off against Yoshihiro Takayama in a monumental match in 2004, with both the IWGP and NWF belts on the line. This clash between two top-tier wrestlers showcased the fusion of pro wrestling and MMA elements in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) at the time.
Nakamura, who was handpicked by the legendary Antonio Inoki as a cross-sport prospect, trained in the original LA Dojo and competed in Ultimate Crush matches in Japan. These matches combined MMA rules with traditional pro wrestling bouts, and Nakamura excelled in both disciplines. He represented the Inoki-ist ideal, challenging the traditions and style that had defined NJPW in the past.
In October 2003, Nakamura teamed up with Takayama, Bob Sapp, Kazuyuki Fujita, and Minoru Suzuki as part of Team Inoki in a ten-man elimination match against top NJPW stars. This victory earned Nakamura a title shot, leading to his eventual success in unifying the IWGP championship and the NWF belt held by Takayama.
While injuries forced Nakamura to vacate the IWGP title shortly after, his accomplishment brought solidarity to NJPW and the pro wrestling world. It was a significant moment that showcased the power and impact of pro wrestling.
Another notable match at the event featured Keiji Muto and Bob Sapp taking on Masahiro Chono and Hiroyoshi Tenzan. Chono and Tenzan had recently lost the IWGP Tag Team Championships and were reforming their partnership. They faced representatives from the upstart Wrestle-1 organization, with Bob Sapp, a mega celebrity in Japan, making his NJPW debut in the Tokyo Dome.
Muto and Sapp emerged victorious after delivering a devastating Beast Bomb on Tenzan, and Sapp would go on to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. This match highlighted the clash between NJPW and outside invaders, showcasing the resilience and determination of the NJPW roster.
Yuji Nagata also fought with immense pride on behalf of NJPW when he faced Kensuke Sasaki. Sasaki had left NJPW in 2002 to form World Japan with his mentor Riki Choshu. Wrestling as a freelance prospect, Sasaki returned to NJPW to face Nagata, who had become known as Mr. IWGP.
The match between Nagata and Sasaki was a brutal and bloody affair, with both competitors refusing to back down. Eventually, Nagata stretched Sasaki, causing him to pass out and leading to the referee stopping the match. This intense battle showcased the unwavering pride and determination of the wrestlers in the Tokyo Dome.
Genichiro Tenryu, a founding member of W-Japan, split his time between New Japan and All Japan in 2004. His return to NJPW on January 4th saw him face Nakanishi, a longtime friend and partner of Nagata. Nakanishi fought with pride on behalf of his home promotion against the returning Tenryu.
The match between Nakanishi and Tenryu was a hard-hitting affair, featuring a barrage of knife-edge chops and a powerful Fisherman’s suplex that secured Nakanishi the victory. It was a display of the physicality and intensity that NJPW is known for.
The events of this card showcased the unique blend of pro wrestling and MMA elements in NJPW during this era. It was a time of innovation and change, as the promotion embraced a new generation of dual-sport athletes like Nakamura and faced off against invading outsiders like Sapp. These matches exemplified the heart, passion, and dedication of the wrestlers as they fought for pride and glory in the Tokyo Dome.
Watch Wrestling World 2004 <a