A thrilling night of professional wrestling unfolded as New Japan Pro-Wrestling hosted the second show of The New Beginning in Sapporo series at Hokkai Kitael in Hokkaido, Japan, on February 24, 2024. The evening was capped by a highly anticipated IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match between titleholder Tetsuya Naito and challenger SANADA.
The complete event results, provided by Fightful, are listed below:
- Opening Tag Team Match: The duo of Toru Yano & Tomoya emerged victorious over Tomoaki Honma & Katsuya Murashima.
- A ten-man tag team match saw Boltin Oleg, YOH, El Desperado, Shota Umino & Togi Makabe defeat the HOUSE OF TORTURE contingent of Ren Narita, Dick Togo, EVIL, SHO & Yujiro Takahashi, with YOH making a bold move by stealing the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title.
- A surprising video package featured Jack Perry targeting Shota Umino with a confrontational message named “Scapegoat”.
- The powerhouse team of Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI & Toru Yano triumphed over Francesco Akira, Callum Newman, Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb & Matt Riddle. Post-match, Okada took a moment to express his gratitude to the fans and promised a return.
- An emotional moment in the tag division as Guerrillas of Destiny (Hikuleo & El Phantasmo) defeated Guerrillas of Destiny (Tanga Loa & Tama Tonga) in what was billed as Tama Tonga’s farewell match.
- Nic Nemeth & Ryusuke Taguchi scored a win over Gedo & David Finlay, after which Nemeth laid out a challenge to Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, which Tanahashi accepted.
- Singles competition heated up as BUSHI overcame TAKA Michinoku, and DOUKI claimed a victory over Hiromu Takahashi.
- Taichi emerged victorious in his bout against Shingo Takagi, and in a personal rivalry with high stakes, Yota Tsuji won a Hair vs. Hair match against Yuya Uemura, who then had to face the consequences of defeat by having his head shaved.
- The prestigious IWGP World Heavyweight Championship bout concluded with the reigning champion Tetsuya Naito successfully defending his title against SANADA. Naito finished the event in the ring alongside Kazuchika Okada.
Fans can look forward to NJPW’s next major milestone, the 52nd Anniversary event, scheduled for March 6. WrestleZone will provide detailed coverage of the proceedings once they take place.
FAQ Section
What was the main event of New Beginning in Sapporo on February 24, 2024?
The main event featured Tetsuya Naito defending the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against SANADA.
Did any titles change hands at NJPW’s New Beginning in Sapporo event?
No titles changed hands during the event. However, YOH did steal the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title, setting up future conflict.
Was there a special farewell at the event?
Yes, Tama Tonga had his farewell match during the event, teaming with Tanga Loa as the Guerrillas of Destiny against Hikuleo & El Phantasmo.
What is the next big event for NJPW after New Beginning in Sapporo?
The next notable event is NJPW’s 52nd Anniversary event scheduled to be held on March 6, 2024.
Conclusion
The New Beginning in Sapporo event brought intriguing contests, championship defenses, and memorable moments to professional wrestling enthusiasts. With each match, from the heartfelt farewell of Tama Tonga to the championship call-outs and the heart-pounding main event, NJPW continues to uphold its reputation for delivering top-tier wrestling action. As fans and wrestlers alike look forward to the 52nd Anniversary event, NJPW’s saga of athletic drama continues to unfold with much anticipation around the globe.