New Japan Pro-Wrestling is back on AXS TV, and now the network has revealed the classic content that fans can see ahead of the premiere of the company’s new original series.
On Wednesday, AXS revealed the schedule for the “classic” New Japan Pro-Wrestling content that serve as a prelude to the promotion’s new original series that will debut on March 3. Starting on January 20, AXS will air six weeks of classic NJPW content featuring some of the biggest matches in the company’s history. The first episode will feature Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega’s epic encounter at WrestleKingdom 12.
From AXS:
LOS ANGELES (January 19, 2022) – AXS TV, a subsidiary of Anthem Sports & Entertainment, Inc., gets viewers ready for the return of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) to the Network’s lineup with a special selection of six classic episodes, highlighting some of the promotion’s most unforgettable matches from its initial AXS TV run—kicking off on Thursday, January 20 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. The event leads up to the premiere of all-new exclusive NJPW episodes on AXS TV, beginning Thursday, March 3 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
The commemorative block begins with a pair of iconic co-main event matchups from 2018’s iconic Wrestle Kingdom 12—NJPW’s premier annual program—opening on January 20 with a dream bout pitting pro wrestling legend Chris Jericho against international fan-favorite Kenny Omega in a no disqualification duel for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship; followed by Kazuchika Okada defending his IWGP Heavyweight Championship during his history-making fourth reign, against challenger Tetsuya Naito on January 27.
Other highlights include the culmination of NJPW’s biggest tournament of the year, as franchise mainstays Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kota Ibushi go toe-to-toe in the G1 CLIMAX 28 Final on February 3. On February 10, relive Hiroshi Tanahashi defending his IWGP Heavyweight title against Jay White from New Beginning in Osaka. Then, tune in for the incredible clash from the final day of the Best Of The Super Juniors 26 tour on February 17, as Juice Robinson puts his IWGP United States Championship on the line against longtime rival Jon Moxley in his NJPW debut. The classic block concludes on February 24, with a landmark evening that finds Kota Ibushi taking on Bullet Club brawler Jay White in the G1 Climax 29 Final.
“This is an unprecedented selection showcasing the best competitors of the modern era, from established icons such as Jericho, Omega, Okada, and Naito, to the stunning evolution of top stars such as Jay White and Shingo Takagi,” said Scott D’Amore, EVP of Content Creation for Anthem’s Sports Group. “Many of these featured bouts helped set the table for current storylines that our viewers will see play out in the weeks ahead, making this classic lineup the perfect lead-in to our fresh crop of upcoming episodes. True wrestling enthusiasts won’t want to miss a second of this incredible collection, giving fans both old and new a chance to relive some of the most epic matches, brutal feuds, and unforgettable title fights from NJPW’s original AXS TV run.”
AXS TV’s complete New Japan Pro-Wrestling Classic Lineup is as follows (all times Eastern):
Thursday, January 20
10pE – Wrestle Kingdom 12, Kenny Omega vs. Chris Jericho
Thursday, January 27
10pE – Wrestle Kingdom 12, Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito
Thursday, February 3
10pE – G1 CLIMAX 28 Final, Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi
Thursday, February 10
10pE – New Beginning in Osaka: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Jay White
Thursday, February 17
10pE – Best Of The Super Juniors 26: Juice Robinson vs. Jon Moxley
Thursday, February 24
10pE – G1 CLIMAX 29 Final, Kota Ibushi vs. Jay White