Best NJPW Matches of 2025

Includes match date, location, Wrestling Observer Newsletter star rating from Dave Meltzer, and Cagematch.net score.

Keep in mind that Cagematch scores can change over time; these scores are accurate as of the date of publication.
#1 Gabe Kidd vs. Kenny Omega
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Date: January 5, 2025
NJPW Wrestle Dynasty
WON: ★★★★★¼ • Cagematch: 9.59

A violent, high‑octane battle where Kidd’s raw aggression collides with Omega’s elite precision.

#2 El Desperado vs. Jun Kasai
(Fluorescent Lighttubes Glass Board Barbed Wire Death match)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Date: June 24, 2025
NJPW Death Pain Invitational
WON: ★★★★¾ • Cagematch: 9.44

A brutal, emotional deathmatch blending Desperado’s heart with Kasai’s legendary ultraviolence.

#3 Hirooki Goto vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Location: Osaka, Japan
Date: February 11, 2025
NJPW New Beginning in Osaka
WON: ★★★★¾ • Cagematch: 9.39

A gripping struggle of power versus technique, with Goto’s grit clashing against ZSJ’s mastery.

#4 Konosuke Takeshita vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Date: October 13, 2025
NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling
WON: ★★★★★½ • Cagematch: 9.29

A breathtaking technical war where Takeshita’s explosive offense meets ZSJ’s surgical precision.

#5 Hirooki Goto vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Location: Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
Date: June 29, 2025
NJPW Tanahashi Jam
WON: ★★★★¾ • Cagematch: 9.07

Another intense chapter in their rivalry, balancing punishing strikes with technical finesse.

#6 Konosuke Takeshita vs. Shingo Takagi
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Date: July 26, 2025
NJPW G1 Climax
WON: ★★★★¾ • Cagematch: 9.00

A heavyweight sprint filled with blistering pace, raw power, and dramatic momentum shifts.

#7 Gabe Kidd vs. Yota Tsuji
Location: Osaka, Japan
Date: February 11, 2025
NJPW New Beginning in Osaka
WON: ★★★★★ • Cagematch: 9.00

A fiery, violent battle between two rising forces of the Reiwa Three Musketeers generation.

#8 Kosei Fujita vs. YOH
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Date: June 1, 2025
NJPW Best of the Super Juniors
WON: ★★★★★¼ • Cagematch: 8.89

A breakout junior heavyweight showcase where Fujita’s fire meets YOH’s veteran poise.

#9 Konosuke Takeshita vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Date: August 16, 2025
NJPW G1 Climax
WON: ★★★★½ • Cagematch: 8.80

A tense, technical duel where both men adapt and counter at a blistering pace.

#10 Hirooki Goto vs. Konosuke Takeshita
Location: Gifu, Japan
Date: November 2, 2025
NJPW Tanahashi ~ Final Homecoming
WON: ★★★★½ • Cagematch: 8.70

A rugged, hard‑fought encounter where Goto’s toughness meets Takeshita’s relentless drive.