Report: NJPW's 2022 Tokyo Dome Show Could Be Delayed

A New Japan Pro-Wrestling tradition could be put on hold next year.

NJPW has held an annual January 4 show at the Tokyo Dome since 1992, but the famous arena is set to undergo a renovation soon. Sources in Japan noted to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that renovation work could still be taking place on January 4, 2022, meaning New Japan may not be able to hold a show at the arena on the traditional date.

If the promotion would still go ahead with Wrestle Kingdom 16, just at a different venue, is currently unknown.

While NJPW have traditionally held at least one show at the Tokyo Dome every year, the company held their first non-January 4 event at the Dome since 2005 last week with Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome.

Only 6,500 fans could attend the show because of COVID-19 restrictions, but those in attendance witnessed matches like Robbie Eagles vs. El Desperado, Jeff Cobb vs. Kazuchika Okada and an IWGP World Heavyweight Title match between Shingo Takagi and Hiroshi Tanahashi as The Ace main evented the Tokyo Dome for the 11th time.