NJPW Nixed Madison Square Garden Plans

Kazuchika Okada is hailed as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, and there is a very good reason for that. The multi-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion has taken part in some of the best matches in recent memory, especially against the likes of Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay and more.

NJPW might be based in Japan, but they have been doing shows abroad since the early 90s. NJPW’s most recent visit to MSG took place on April 6th, 2019, as part of a G1 Supercard show alongside Ring of Honor.

Six titles changed hands that night, with Kazuchika Okada defeating Jay White in the main match to become the new IGWP Heavyweight Champion. While speaking with Sports Illustrated, Okada confirmed NJPW running MSG was affected by COVID-19.

“Wrestling in MSG is one of my greatest memories. I don’t think I’ll ever forget looking out into that crowd as I made my entrance. We had plans to return in 2020 that had to be canceled because of the pandemic, but I would absolutely love to be back in MSG someday.”

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The Rainmaker is set to challenge Jay White for the IGWP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 17 next year. We’ll have to see if he will be able to beat Okada or not.

Do you want to see NJPW in MSG again? Let us know in the comments!