Sakura Genesis was a professional wrestling event promoted by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). The event took on April 8, 2023, in Tokyo at Ryōgoku Kokugikan.[2][3] Previously held under the Invasion Attack name, this was the fourth event to be held under the Sakura Genesis name.
| Sakura Genesis | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Promotional poster of the event | |||
| Promotion | New Japan Pro-Wrestling | ||
| Date | April 8, 2023 | ||
| City | Tokyo, Japan | ||
| Venue | Ryōgoku Kokugikan | ||
| Attendance | 6,510[1] | ||
| Event chronology | |||
| |||
| Sakura Genesis chronology | |||
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The main event saw the 2023 New Japan Cup winner Sanada defeat Kazuchika Okada to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
Production
editStorylines
editSakura Genesis featured professional wrestling matches that involve different wrestlers from pre-existing scripted feuds and storylines. Wrestlers portray villains, heroes, or less distinguishable characters in the scripted events that build tension and culminate in a wrestling match or series of matches.[4]
On January 8, 2023, NJPW announced the New Japan Cup dates with the participants being announced on February 13.[5][6] Sanada won the tournament by defeating David Finlay in the finals, receiving an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match at Sakura Genesis.[7]
At the New Japan Cup finals, Hiromu Takahashi successfully defended the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against Lio Rush.[8] After the match, Zack Sabre Jr. came out to ringside and introduced the newest member of TMDK who was revealed to be Robbie Eagles, Eagles issued a title challenge for Sakura Genesis which Takahashi accepted.[9]
Results
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Kreikenbohm, Philip (April 8, 2023). "NJPW Sakura Genesis 2023". cagematch.net. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
- ^ Lambert, Jeremy (January 19, 2023). "NJPW Announces Sakura Genesis 2023, Fans Will Be Allowed To Cheer". Fightful. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
- ^ "2023.04.08 SAKURA GENESIS 2023". NJPW. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
- ^ Grabianowski, Ed (13 January 2006). "How Pro Wrestling Works". HowStuffWorks, Inc. Discovery Communications. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
- ^ Currey, Ian (January 8, 2023). "NJPW reveals 51st Anniversary show, New Japan Cup dates". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
- ^ Renner, Ethan (February 13, 2023). "NJPW reveals New Japan Cup 2023 bracket". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
- ^ Bryan, Rose (March 21, 2023). "NJPW crowns 2023 New Japan Cup winner". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
- ^ Lambert, Jeremy (March 21, 2023). "Robbie Eagles Joins TMDK, Challenges Hiromu Takahashi For IWGP Junior Title". Fightful. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
- ^ "Hiromu to face Eagles as TMDK gains sniper". NJPW. March 21, 2023. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
- ^ "2023.04.08 SAKURA GENESIS 2023". NJPW. Retrieved April 8, 2023.