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. November saw a memorable Power Struggle, and a fresh World Tag League.
Watch all of NJPW’s 2023 on NJPW World!
Key cards
Power Struggle (November 4, EDION Osaka 4046 no vacancy attendance)
A massive challenge issued to Okada, a wild falls count anywhere fight and more on a top to bottom thrilling Osaka card.
Lonestar Shootout (November 10 Curtis Culwell Texas 1027)
Last NJPW USA event of 2023 sees Shingo Takagi retain NEVER gold and Zack Sabre Jr. and Mike Bailey in a nail biter for TV gold.
Anjo Rainy Days (November 11 Tosho Arena Anjo 2247 sellout)
Okada brings the rain and a sold out house to his hometown. A secret card for the fans in attendance only sees the NEVER 6 Man titles on the line against Just Five Guys.
New Japan Road (November 17 Big Wing Yamagata 784)
Another gripping NEVER defence, and Taichi gets a measure of revenge against SHO and Yoshinobu Kanemaru.
World Tag League (November 20 Korakuen 1133)
World Tag League kicks off, marked by a wild brawl between Gabe Kidd and Kaito Kiyomiya.
Match of the month
IWGP US (UK) Championship Shota Umino vs Will Ospreay (Power Struggle)
Will Ospreay demanded the very best out of Shota Umino, and with the added motivation of Jon Moxley at ringside, got it in the longest and hardest title defence of a demanding 2023. Even in defeat, Umino was established as a top star, while Ospreay’s position as the best in the world looked to be under imminent threat.
Moment of the month
Out with the old, in with the Rebel (Power Struggle)
After Will Ospreay fought valiantly to retain the IWGP US and UK Championships, he would go nose to nose with Jon Moxley, with plenty of unfinished business stemming from Chicago a year and a half prior. All of a sudden though, David Finlay interjected himself, and destroyed both championship belts, setting up January 4’s Global title three way.
MVP of the month
Kazuchika Okada
The challenge from Bryan Danielson for a Forbidden Door rematch at the Tokyo Dome, a trio of electric NEVER Openweight 6 Man defences, and a sold out house for his homecoming to Anjo makes the Rainmaker an easy choice for MVP in November.
