The hallowed ground of the Tokyo Dome once again bore witness to history on January 4th, 2026, as New Japan Pro-Wrestling presented its annual grand spectacle, Wrestle Kingdom 20. More than just a collection of marquee matches, Wrestle Kingdom has long served as the crucible where legends are forged, where legacies are cemented, and where the very landscape of professional wrestling is irrevocably altered. Among the night’s many thrilling encounters, one contest in particular stood out for its profound implications for the rapidly evolving women’s divisions within NJPW and its global offshoot, NJPW Strong. In the second official bout of a card stacked with star power, fans were treated to a winner-takes-all clash that would ultimately see a new monarch crowned, unifying two prestigious championships under a single, formidable banner.
The atmosphere inside the Tokyo Dome was electric, a familiar hum of anticipation that accompanies the biggest wrestling event of the year. Every year, thousands converge upon this iconic venue, eager to witness the drama, the athleticism, and the raw emotion that only professional wrestling can deliver. Wrestle Kingdom 20 promised to be no different, with a lineup designed to captivate and thrill. But beyond the main events and the long-standing rivalries, the spotlight shone brightly on the women’s division, a testament to NJPW’s commitment to elevating its female athletes on a global stage. This commitment materialized in the form of a pivotal championship unification bout: the reigning IWGP Women’s Champion, Syuri, squaring off against the formidable NJPW Strong Women’s Champion, Saya Kamitani. The stakes were simple yet monumental: two titles, one victor, and an undisputed claim to supremacy.
Syuri, a veteran known for her striking prowess and her no-nonsense, legitimate fighting style honed in the world of mixed martial arts, entered the Tokyo Dome as the reigning IWGP Women’s Champion. Her reign with the coveted gold had commenced at NJPW King Of Pro-Wrestling 2025, a significant milestone that underscored her standing as a dominant force within the company’s women’s landscape. The IWGP Women’s Championship, established to provide a global platform for female talent, had quickly become a highly sought-after prize, representing the pinnacle of achievement in NJPW’s burgeoning women’s division. Syuri’s journey to this point had been marked by intense battles and a reputation for unyielding determination, making her a compelling figure to carry the flagship women’s title. Her presence exuded an aura of quiet confidence, a warrior ready for any challenge.
Across the ring stood Saya Kamitani, the NJPW Strong Women’s Champion, a competitor renowned for her incredible athleticism, aerial artistry, and an almost regal presence often earning her the moniker "The Golden Phoenix." Kamitani represented a different facet of modern wrestling, blending high-flying spectacle with a resilient spirit. Her championship, the NJPW Strong Women’s Title, held immense significance for the company’s international expansion efforts. The NJPW Strong brand, initially conceived as a platform for North American talent and a bridge to the global audience, had seen its women’s division flourish rapidly. The Strong Women’s Championship quickly became a symbol of this growth, a title that championed a diverse roster and a distinct, hard-hitting style of wrestling.
The lineage of the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship itself tells a story of rapid ascendance and fierce competition. Its inaugural champion, the globally recognized Mercedes Mone, immediately lent credibility and star power to the newly minted title. Her initial reign set a high bar, establishing the championship as one that demanded top-tier performances. Following Mone, the title briefly found its way around the waist of the dynamic high-speed specialist, AZM, earlier in 2025. AZM’s victory from Mercedes Mone was a significant moment, showcasing the depth of talent within the wider NJPW ecosystem and the willingness of the company to crown rising stars. However, AZM’s reign was relatively short-lived, as Saya Kamitani herself seized the championship from AZM on September 27th, 2025. Kamitani’s triumph over AZM marked the beginning of her impressive 99-day reign, during which she successfully defended the title against a myriad of challengers, solidifying her status as a fighting champion and a cornerstone of the NJPW Strong brand. This history underscored the championship’s prestige and the quality of its holders, setting the stage for Kamitani’s momentous encounter with Syuri.
The build-up to this winner-takes-all encounter was rife with anticipation. While not a traditional grudge match fueled by deeply personal animosity, the clash between Syuri and Kamitani was a meeting of champions, a battle for ultimate bragging rights and the undisputed position at the apex of NJPW’s women’s divisions. Fans speculated about the contrasting styles: Syuri’s brutal strikes and submission prowess against Kamitani’s breathtaking aerial maneuvers and agile offense. The narrative was clear: a powerhouse champion from the main NJPW roster against a dynamic champion representing the global NJPW Strong brand. It was a stylistic clash, a battle for supremacy, and a definitive statement about the direction of women’s wrestling within the promotion. The winner would not only unify the gold but would also carry the immense responsibility of representing both divisions, a truly daunting task.
As the bell rang, signaling the start of the official second match of Wrestle Kingdom 20, the Tokyo Dome erupted. Both competitors emerged with an undeniable focus, the weight of two championships heavy on their shoulders. The early moments of the match were a careful probing, each athlete attempting to gauge the other’s strengths and weaknesses. Syuri, true to form, looked to establish her striking game, unleashing a barrage of kicks and forearms designed to wear down her opponent. Her strikes resonated through the arena, a testament to their force. Kamitani, however, proved elusive, utilizing her agility to evade the worst of Syuri’s offense, responding with quick counters and bursts of speed.
The match quickly escalated into a high-octane affair, a compelling blend of power, technique, and aerial theatrics. Kamitani showcased her signature athleticism, taking to the air with daring leaps and swift maneuvers that kept Syuri on the defensive. She connected with a series of high-impact moves, attempting to ground the IWGP Women’s Champion and establish her own rhythm. The crowd gasped and cheered with every near fall, every close call, as the momentum swung back and forth like a pendulum. Syuri, meanwhile, absorbed the punishment, her stoic demeanor masking the internal struggle, but never faltering. She weathered Kamitani’s storm, patiently waiting for her openings, delivering brutal knee strikes and powerful lariats whenever the opportunity arose.
The contest was a masterclass in storytelling, each sequence building upon the last, escalating the drama. There were moments where it seemed Kamitani had the match in hand, her aerial assaults seemingly too much for Syuri to withstand. Conversely, Syuri unleashed flurries of strikes that left Kamitani reeling, showcasing her unparalleled legitimacy as a fighter. The physicality was palpable, reflecting the immense stakes involved. Both champions left everything they had in the ring, driven by the desire to emerge as the undisputed queen. The crowd, fully invested, hung on every move, their collective energy fueling the intensity of the battle.
As the match approached its climax, the fatigue began to show on both competitors, but their resolve remained unbroken. The exchanges became more desperate, the strikes more impactful, the attempts at pinfalls more urgent. It was clear that one decisive move would determine the outcome. In the closing moments, after a grueling exchange that saw both women push their limits, Syuri seized her opportunity. With a sudden burst of energy, she managed to create separation, catching Kamitani off guard. Capitalizing on the momentary disorientation, Syuri executed her devastating finishing maneuver, the Flaming Torrent. The impact was resounding, a powerful, perfectly delivered strike that left Kamitani incapacitated in the center of the ring. The referee wasted no time, dropping to count the fall. One… two… three!
The roar of the Tokyo Dome was deafening as the referee’s hand slapped the mat for the final time. Syuri had done it. She had defeated Saya Kamitani, capturing the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship and simultaneously retaining her IWGP Women’s Championship. The victory marked her inaugural reign as the NJPW Strong Women’s Champion, a historic moment that cemented her place in the annals of New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Her face, usually composed, betrayed a wave of emotion as she absorbed the magnitude of her achievement. Holding both titles aloft, a powerful symbol of her dominance, she gazed out at the adoring crowd, tears welling in her eyes. It was a moment of triumph, the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and an unyielding warrior spirit.
While Syuri basked in the glory of her monumental achievement, the scene across the ring offered a stark contrast. Saya Kamitani, her 99-day reign with the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship brought to an abrupt end, was visibly distraught. The disappointment was etched across her face, a mix of frustration and heartbreak. As Syuri celebrated, Kamitani could be seen reacting emotionally to the loss, a small outburst of frustration before she was joined by her team and made her way backstage. It was a raw, unvarnished display of a competitor who had given her all but ultimately fallen short, a moment that spoke volumes about her passion and competitive fire. Her reaction hinted at a potential crossroads for her character, perhaps setting the stage for a period of introspection or a renewed drive for redemption.
Syuri’s victory at Wrestle Kingdom 20 was more than just a title change; it was a profound statement about the direction of NJPW’s women’s divisions. By holding both the IWGP Women’s Championship and the NJPW Strong Women’s Championship, Syuri now stands as the undisputed empress, a figurehead for both the traditional Japanese wrestling audience and the burgeoning international fanbase. This unification signifies a strategic move by NJPW to streamline its women’s division, potentially setting up future defenses that could see Syuri traveling globally to defend her dual crowns. It elevates her status to an unprecedented level, placing her in a unique position to shape the future narrative of women’s wrestling within the company.
The implications for both championships are vast. Will the titles continue to be defended separately, or will a unified lineage be established? The answer will unfold in the coming months, but for now, Syuri stands alone at the summit. Her dual championship reign presents exciting possibilities for inter-promotional matches, global tours, and the continued elevation of women’s wrestling on the biggest stages. For Saya Kamitani, the loss, while devastating, could serve as a catalyst. Champions are often defined not just by their victories, but by how they rebound from defeat. Her visible disappointment might be the spark for a new chapter in her career, a journey of rebuilding and re-establishing her claim to greatness.
As the final cheers for Syuri echoed through the Tokyo Dome, one thing was clear: Wrestle Kingdom 20 had once again delivered an unforgettable chapter in wrestling history. Syuri’s historic double championship conquest marked a new era for women’s wrestling in New Japan, one defined by undisputed dominance and boundless potential. The professional wrestling world now watches with bated breath to see how this formidable dual champion will navigate her reign, and what challenges await her as she carries the weight and prestige of two of the most significant women’s titles in the sport. The stage is set, the champion is crowned, and the future promises to be as thrilling as the night itself.
