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Dave Meltzer Match Ratings Wrestle Dynasty 2025

By James Holder • Published 10th January 2025
Kenny Omega

Dave Meltzer has given his thoughts on Wrestle Dynasty and Kenny Omega’s return to action.

On January 5th, the first-ever Wrestle Dynasty event was held at the Tokyo Dome and featured talent from NJPW, AEW, ROH, CMLL, and Stardom.

Although not in the main event spot, the biggest match on the night saw Kenny Omega make a successful return to the ring with a win over Gabe Kidd. The match was Omega’s first in 13 months after being diagnosed with diverticulitis in December 2023. At the end of a bloody encounter, both men were helped backstage as NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi watched on in tears.

Elsewhere, Mercedes Mone became a triple Women’s Champion after beating Mina Shirakawa for the RevPro Undisputed British Women’s Championship. The Young Bucks also captured championship gold, claiming the vacant IWGP Tag Team Title.

In the main event, Zack Sabre Jr successfully defended the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship against Ricochet.

Dave Meltzer Ratings – Wrestle Dynasty

Writing in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer shared his thoughts on the action.

PRE-SHOW:

  • Momo Watanabe def Willow Nightingale, Persephone & Athena – International Women’s Cup **3/4
  • The Sons of Texas (c) def House of Torture – ROH World Tag Team Championship ***

MAIN CARD:

  • Taiji Ishimori def Hechicero, Kosei Fujita, Soberano Jr., Master Wato, Máscara Dorada, Titán & El Desperado – Lucha Gauntlet Match ****1/2
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Katsuyori Shibata – Exhibition Match ending in Time Limit Draw ***1/4
  • Mercedes Mone (c) def Mina Shirakawa (c) – Winner Take All, NJPW Strong Women’s Championship & Undisputed British Women’s Championship ***1/2
  • David Finlay def Brody King ****1/4
  • Shota Umino def Claudio Castagnoli ***1/2
  • Konosuke Takeshita (c) def Tomohiro Ishii – Winner Take All, NEVER Openweight Championship & AEW International Championship ****3/4
  • The Young Bucks def United Empire & Los Ingobernables de Japon – Vacant IWGP Tag Team Championship ****1/4
  • Yota Tsuji (c) def Jack Perry – IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship ***
  • Kenny Omega def Gabe Kidd *****1/4
  • Zack Sabre Jr. (c) def Ricochet – IWGP World Heavyweight Championship ****1/2