The
New Japan Soul 2025 tour culminated in an electrifying pay-per-view event on July 6, 2025, at the iconic Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. It was streamed live on NJPW World. The event showcased high-stakes title matches and a critical G1 Climax 35 play-in gauntlet. It told moments that set the stage for future storylines and a special match commemorating Hiroshi Tanahashi’s “Final Road” and Tiger Mask’s 30th anniversary.
Match Card and Recap
Pre-Show Match: Tatsuya Matsumoto vs. Zane Jay (Draw 10:00)
This Young Lion debut match featured Tatsuya Matsumoto and Zane Jay, the latter making his Japanese debut after appearing on NJPW’s American division shows. The bout showcased fundamental grappling and resilience. It ended with Zane locking in a Boston Crab as time expired. A post-match staredown hinted at a budding rivalry. This was a standard Young Lion opener, designed to introduce new talent. The draw keeps both competitors credible.
Pre-Show Match: Katsuya Murashima and Daiki Nagai defeated Masatora Yasuda and Shoma Kato via Boston Crab (9:18)
Another Young Lion tag match, this bout saw Nagai secure his first notable victory by submitting Yasuda. The extra five-minute time limit (compared to the previous 10-minute draws) allowed for more action, though Nagai’s comical post-match collapse added levity. Nagai’s win elevates him slightly within the Young Lion hierarchy, potentially positioning him for a bigger role in future tours.
Ryusuke Taguchi, Tomoaki Honma, Boltin Oleg, Yuya Uemura, and Shota Umino defeated EVIL, Sanada, Ren Narita, Yujiro Takahashi, and Yoshinobu Kanemaru via pinfall
House of Torture’s signature chaotic tactics dominated. They used interference and roughhouse brawling to target Honma. EVIL secured the win with a controversial pin, likely involving an underhanded method. This multi-man match served to keep House of Torture’s heel momentum strong while giving the babyface team exposure. The loss for Honma’s squad reinforces House of Torture’s dominance, potentially setting up future singles or tag feuds, especially involving Umino or Uemura.
Hiromu Takahashi, Yota Tsuji, and Shingo Takagi defeated Zack Sabre Jr., Ryohei Oiwa, and Hartley Jackson via Pumping Bomber
A fast-paced six-man tag saw LIJ’s star power overwhelm TMDK. Post-match, Daiki Nagai (from the pre-show) was accepted into LIJ, marking a significant moment for the Young Lion’s career. The addition of Nagai to LIJ suggests a long-term investment in his development. This also strengthens LIJ’s roster, countering factions like TMDK and House of Torture. The match itself was a crowd-pleaser, with Takahashi and Tsuji’s charisma shining.
Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Tiger Mask (Hiroshi Tanahashi Final Road and Tiger Mask 30th Anniversary) via pinfall
This special singles match celebrated Tanahashi’s “Final Road” (hinting at his impending retirement) and Tiger Mask’s 30th anniversary. The bout was a respectful, technical showcase, with Tanahashi securing the win. Tanahashi’s victory adds to his legacy, but the “Final Road” branding suggests his in-ring career is winding down. Post-match, Tanahashi likely delivered an emotional promo thanking fans and Tiger Mask. This could lead to more commemorative matches or a retirement tour.
G1 Climax 35 Last Chance Play-In Gauntlet: Taichi defeated Chase Owens, Satoshi Kojima, and Tomohiro Ishii
This gauntlet match was booked to replace the injured Hirooki Goto, who suffered an elbow injury at Tanahashi Jam on June 29. The four competitors battled fiercely. The match culminated in a dramatic showdown between tag team partners Taichi and Ishii, with Taichi’s tenacity earning him the victory and a G1 spot. Taichi’s post-match promo likely emphasized his determination to make the most of this opportunity. It possibly hinted at tension with Ishii. This win elevates Taichi as a singles competitor. Goto’s injury opens the door for sympathy-driven storylines upon his return, while Owens’ loss further buries him within House of Torture’s hierarchy.
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (Semi-Final): SHO and DOUKI (C) defeated YOH and Master Wato
House of Torture’s interference-heavy tactics overwhelmed YOH and Wato. This was despite the challengers’ momentum from winning the NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Championships on July 4th. SHO and DOUKI’s underhanded methods secured the retention, with the match showcasing their ruthless teamwork. Post-match, SHO and DOUKI taunted the Korakuen New Japan crowd, reinforcing their heel personas. YOH and Wato’s loss could lead to a redemption arc, possibly targeting the titles again or focusing on their six-man belts. House of Torture’s dominance in the junior tag division suggests a need for new challengers, perhaps from LIJ or CHAOS.
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship: El Desperado (C) defeated Kosei Fujita
The main event pitted the veteran champion El Desperado against the young Best of the Super Juniors 32 winner, Kosei Fujita. Coming off a brutal death match against Jun Kasai, El Desperado faced a hungry Fujita. They previously went to a 23-minute classic in February. The match was a technical and emotional masterpiece, with Desperado retaining via his signature Pinche Loco. Desperado’s post-match promo praised Fujita’s potential while asserting his dominance as champion. Fujita’s performance, though a loss, cements him as a rising star, potentially earning another title shot down the line. Desperado’s sixth successful defense in his fifth reign strengthens his legacy.
New Japan Key Promos and Storyline Developments
Hirooki Goto’s Injury
NJPW announced Goto’s absence from G1 Climax 35 due to an elbow injury sustained against Zack Sabre Jr. on June 29th. This necessitated the gauntlet match and a shift in storylines, as Goto’s return could involve a revenge angle against ZSJ or a redemption run.
Daiki Nagai Joins LIJ
The Young Lion’s acceptance into Los Ingobernables de Japon is a major development, signaling NJPW’s high hopes for him. Expect Nagai to adopt LIJ’s rebellious persona, possibly transitioning to the junior heavyweight division.
Tanahashi’s Final Road
The “Final Road” branding for Tanahashi’s match suggests retirement is looming. His promos likely leaned into nostalgia, setting up a potential farewell tour or major matches at events like Wrestle Kingdom 20.
House of Torture’s Dominance
With wins in the opener and junior tag title match, House of Torture remains a polarizing force. Their heel tactics continue to draw heat, but the lack of clean losses may frustrate fans.
G1 Climax 35 Build
Taichi’s gauntlet win and the absence of Goto reshape the A-Block dynamics. Taichi’s promo likely positioned him as an underdog, while the gauntlet’s emotional partner vs. partner finish adds depth to his and Ishii’s relationship.
New Japan Broader Effects
Junior Heavyweight Division
El Desperado, SHO and DOUKI’s retentions solidify their reigns, but Fujita’s star-making performance and YOH and Wato’s momentum keep the division competitive. Expect new challengers to emerge, possibly from the Best of the Super Juniors fallout or international partnerships.
G1 Climax 35
Taichi’s inclusion adds intrigue to the A-Block, while Goto’s injury opens opportunities for others. The gauntlet’s high stakes underscored NJPW’s commitment to unpredictability in tournament qualification.
Young Lion Development
Matsumoto, Jay, and Nagai’s performances highlight NJPW’s focus on building its future. Nagai’s LIJ alignment is particularly significant, potentially fast-tracking his push.
Tanahashi’s Legacy
The “Final Road” narrative positions Tanahashi as a central figure in NJPW’s 2025 storytelling, likely culminating in a retirement match or series. His influence will shape younger stars like Umino and Tsuji.
Fan Engagement
Korakuen Hall’s passionate crowd amplified the event’s atmosphere. However, House of Torture’s repetitive tactics drew mixed reactions, suggesting NJPW must balance heel dominance with satisfying payoffs.
New Japan Soul Conclusion
The New Japan Soul 2025 PPV on July 6th delivered a compelling mix of title defenses, emotional storytelling, and roster development. El Desperado’s main event triumph, Taichi’s G1 qualification, and Daiki Nagai’s LIJ induction were standout moments. Tanahashi’s “Final Road” added poignancy. Despite House of Torture’s polarizing wins, the event set up intriguing storylines for G1 Climax 35 and beyond, reinforcing NJPW’s knack for blending tradition with forward momentum.
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