What do you think this new ERA of new Japan needs to make it standout?

The first two New Japan shows of 2026 were a success, and it really feels like there’s new life in the company right now. They’ve set themselves up well heading into New Beginning in Osaka.

But this year, they need to lock in 100%. No more excuses and no more waiting around. They lost a legend at Wrestle Kingdom 20, and they can’t rely on the former top stars of the past era anymore.

They have a ton of young talent, and this needs to be the year those wrestlers truly stand out and start rising to that previous standard. So what do they actually need to succeed?

My 5 picks:

1. Make titles matter: One of the biggest positives was the return of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Bringing it back matters not only historically, but visually for the identity of the company. This belt has already produced matches people will remember, and we’ve seen real wars fought over it. Time will tell how Tsuji i’s reign turns out, but the rest of the titles also need strong identity and meaning. Look at KOB’s reign—the tag titles haven’t felt this relevant since 2021.
2. Let feuds breathe: One of New Japan’s strengths has always been patience. They don’t immediately rush into rematches “just because.” In the previous era, they spaced out big matchups so that rematches actually felt special and came with new story layers. They should lean into that again.
3. Incorporate Juniors more: The junior division needs stronger representation and some fresh faces in the mix. Honestly, Hiromu and Desperado shouldn’t be near the junior title for at least a year. They should be working in the heavyweight or openweight scenes. There are plenty of other talented juniors and untold stories that deserve the spotlight.
4. Less Filler on Big Shows: If New Japan wants to truly stand out again, they need to cut down the filler on major shows. Events like Sakura Genesis, Dominion, and KOPW shouldn’t be packed with meaningless tag matches. Focus on the key programs and let the big matches feel big.
5. Commit to real star-making: If New Japan wants to truly move forward, they need to fully commit to creating new top stars—not just “pushing” talent for a few months and pulling back. There needs to be a clear long-term direction for the next generation, with consistent booking, signature wins, and meaningful character development.