NJPW & NOAH: Wrestle Kingdom 16 - Night 3

Wrestle Kingdom 16 was a historic three-night event in January 2022, culminating in a special interpromotional show featuring New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and Pro-Wrestling NOAH. Night 3 saw a landmark main event where NJPW's IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada faced off against NOAH's GHC Heavyweight Champion Keiji Mutoh in a non-title bout. The event also featured other NJPW stars clashing with NOAH talent, showcasing the best of both promotions.

Wrestle Kingdom 16 as a whole was met with significant buzz for its ambitious three-night format and the historic crossover with NOAH. Night 3, in particular, was lauded for the main event between Okada and Mutoh, a dream match for many fans. The interpromotional aspect was seen as a positive step for Japanese wrestling, though some opinions varied on the specific match outcomes and booking.

• The main event between Kazuchika Okada and Keiji Mutoh was a highly anticipated dream match that delivered on spectacle.

• The interpromotional matches between NJPW and NOAH talent were a significant draw and a positive development for the wrestling landscape.

• While the event was a success, opinions varied on the overall booking and presentation across the three nights.

Google audience: Audience reception for Wrestle Kingdom 16, especially Night 3, was generally positive, with fans excited about the NJPW and NOAH collaboration and the marquee main event. Discussions often revolved around the historical significance of the interpromotional matches and the performances of top stars from both companies.

The main event of Night 3, Kazuchika Okada vs. Keiji Mutoh, marked the first time in over 20 years that a reigning IWGP World Heavyweight Champion faced a reigning GHC Heavyweight Champion in a singles match.