Welcome to TJRWrestling’s preview for New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW)’s premier event, Wrestle Kingdom. This will be the 30
th annual NJPW January 4 Dome show, and the second event to take place over two nights. It’s the Japanese version of WrestleMania, so you know it’s going to be a high-standards show.
This year, however, things will be very different. The global coronavirus pandemic has Goldberged its way around the world, destroying one industry after another. And now Japan is in the midst of a potential second wave of infections, which puts major shows in jeopardy. There was a previous hope that NJPW could get around 15-20% capacity in the Tokyo Dome per night, which would translate into 15,000-20,000 people. Now, they’ll be lucky if they can even get 5,000 people into the venue. Then again, any company would love to have that many fans appearing live, especially in North America. And yet, I still think NJPW will make the best of things and will put on the best show they can.