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
PromotionNew Japan Pro-Wrestling
DateApril 8, 2023
CityTokyo, Japan
VenueRyōgoku Kokugikan
Attendance6,510[1]
Event chronology
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Multiverse United
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Capital Collision
Sakura Genesis chronology
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2021
Next →
2024

The main event saw the 2023 New Japan Cup winner Sanada defeat Kazuchika Okada to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

Production

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Storylines

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Sakura 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

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No.Results[10]StipulationsTimes[1]
1Minoru Suzuki, Toru Yano and Great-O-Khan defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, El Desperado and Yoh by pinfallSix-man tag team match13:10
2United Empire (Jeff Cobb, Aaron Henare and Francesco Akira) defeated House of Torture (Evil, Yujiro Takahashi and Sho) by pinfallSix-man tag team match8:01
3Just 5 Guys (Taichi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Douki) (with Taka Michinoku) defeated Los Ingobernables de Japon (Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi and Bushi) by submissionSix-man tag team match9:20
4Bullet Club (David Finlay, El Phantasmo and Kenta) (with Gedo) defeated Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Hikuleo) and Master Wato by pinfallSix-man tag team match8:46
5Mercedes Moné (c) defeated AZM and Hazuki by pinfallThree-way match for the IWGP Women's Championship13:53
6Zack Sabre Jr. (c) (with Kosei Fujita) defeated Shota Umino by pinfallSingles match for the NJPW World Television Championship13:35
7Aussie Open (Mark Davis and Kyle Fletcher) defeated Bishamon (Hirooki Goto and Yoshi-Hashi) (c) by pinfallTag team match for the IWGP Tag Team Championship15:30
8Hiromu Takahashi (c) defeated Robbie Eagles (with Kosei Fujita) by pinfallSingles match for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship21:12
9Sanada (with Just 5 Guys (Taichi, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Taka Michinoku and Douki)) defeated Kazuchika Okada (c) by pinfallSingles match for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship26:58
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Kreikenbohm, Philip (April 8, 2023). "NJPW Sakura Genesis 2023". cagematch.net. Retrieved April 10, 2023.
  2. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (January 19, 2023). "NJPW Announces Sakura Genesis 2023, Fans Will Be Allowed To Cheer". Fightful. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  3. ^ "2023.04.08 SAKURA GENESIS 2023". NJPW. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  4. ^ Grabianowski, Ed (13 January 2006). "How Pro Wrestling Works". HowStuffWorks, Inc. Discovery Communications. Retrieved September 13, 2014.
  5. ^ Currey, Ian (January 8, 2023). "NJPW reveals 51st Anniversary show, New Japan Cup dates". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  6. ^ Renner, Ethan (February 13, 2023). "NJPW reveals New Japan Cup 2023 bracket". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  7. ^ Bryan, Rose (March 21, 2023). "NJPW crowns 2023 New Japan Cup winner". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  8. ^ Lambert, Jeremy (March 21, 2023). "Robbie Eagles Joins TMDK, Challenges Hiromu Takahashi For IWGP Junior Title". Fightful. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  9. ^ "Hiromu to face Eagles as TMDK gains sniper". NJPW. March 21, 2023. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
  10. ^ "2023.04.08 SAKURA GENESIS 2023". NJPW. Retrieved April 8, 2023.
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