New Japan Pro Wrestling’s year-end showcase, the World Tag League, concluded with TMDK’s Zack Sabre Jr. and Ryohei Oiwa triumphing after an intense final match against Gabe Kidd and Yota Tsuji on December 14, 2025. This victory not only secures them a spot in the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship but also solidifies Sabre Jr.’s place among New Japan legends, as he becomes the first foreign wrestler to win all three prestigious heavyweight tournaments in NJPW history. Unlike the usual tradition of defending their title at Wrestle Kingdom, Sabre Jr. and Oiwa will challenge the reigning Knockout Brothers for the championship on the night following Wrestle Kingdom, aiming to headline New Year Dash!!!. This shift is influenced by the current NJPW president’s retirement match plans at Wrestle Kingdom 20, marking a historic moment in a post-Hiroshi Tanahashi era.
Fan Take: This milestone by Zack Sabre Jr. and Ryohei Oiwa is significant for AEW fans as it highlights talent that might cross over or influence the global wrestling scene, raising the bar for tag team competition worldwide. It also signals NJPW’s evolving storytelling strategies, which could inspire fresh matchups and narratives that benefit both promotions and the wrestling community overall.
