A look back at the key matches, moments and players of the year

As 2024 looms closer, and along with it Wrestle Kingdom 18, it’s time to take a look back at some of the moments that shaped the year that has been 2023. March saw four become five in NJPW’s newest faction, while promotions came together in the US and Japan.

Watch all of NJPW’s 2023 on NJPW World!

Key cards

All Star Junior Festival (Korakuen Hall March 1, 1381 sellout attendance)

Junior heavyweights from across Japan unite for a one of a kind pay per view.

51st Anniversary (Ota-ku March 6, 2020)

David Finlay joins BULLET CLUB and puts away Tomohiro Ishii to advance in New Japan Cup, while Bishamon defend tag gold in a stunner against Okada and Tanahashi.

New Japan Cup Final (Ao-re Nagaoka March 21, 3384 no vacancy)

SANADA finally lifts the Cup in front of his home town crowd.

Benavidez vs Plant Fight Night

Multiverse United (Globe Theater LA March 31, 652 sellout)

NJPW and IMPACT unite for a memorable card, with Tanahashi defeating Mike Bailey in the main event.

Match of the Month

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Lio Rush vs Hiromu Takahashi (New Japan Cup final)

In the wake of YOH coming close, but just shy of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship the prior month in Sapporo, Lio Rush stepped up as Hiromu’s next challenge. Wearing the influence of his partner on his sleeve, Rush took the champion to the limit in an incredible bout. With no rest for the Time Bomb, he would be challenged immediately afterward by the newest member of TMDK- Robbie Eagles. 

Moment of the month

SANADA joins Just Five Guys (March 18, Korakuen)

SANADA had started the year in a desperate state, losing a match with former partner and NOAH representative Manabu Soya in Yokohama Arena and almost completely directionless. In his first round New Japan Cup match with Taichi, the Holy Emperor lit a fire within SANADA. Riding that momentum, SANADA would go on to face his LIJ pareja in Tetsuya Naito, defeating El Ingobernable in Korakuen Hall. Moments later, Cold Skull would declare he was leaving Los Ingobernables De Japon and joining what was now Just Five Guys. 

MVP of the Month

Hiromu Takahashi

Hiromu defended the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship in fine form at the New Japan Cup final in March, but his work in producing the first ever All Star Junior Festival, uniting figures from all across the junior heavyweight landscape is what made him the MVP for the month.