In a special press conference held shortly before December 18’s Road to Tokyo Dome show in Korakuen, New Japan Pro Wrestling Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi made some important announcements of changes to the Wrestle Kingdom 12 card. 

Firstly, on the request of both competitors involved, the US Heavyweight Championship match between Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega will be held with no disqualifications and no countouts. 

On December 11, Chris Jericho made a shocking appearance in Fukuoka and brutally assaulted Omega with the US title belt. A bloody Omega would seek revenge, leading to a huge brawl at the next day’s Wrestle Kingdom 12 press conference. Both men would be insistent that Alpha versus Omega be a fight with all semblance of sportsmanship and mutual respect out the window. Now the rules reflect that, and the first of two main events January 4 just got even hotter. 

The other change announced was to the confrontation between Cody and Kota Ibushi. Originally planned for the ROH World Championship, Cody lost a title defence to Dalton Castle at an ROH event December 15. As a result, this will now be a non title singles match. Additionally, Cody’s manager Brandi Rhodes will be on hand at ringside. 

WRESTLE KINGDOM 12 : Full card & Tickets sales info▶︎ http://www.njpw1972.com/wk12/