NJPW The Fresh Beginning USA 2026: Full Card and Preview

New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is set to hold its first US card of 2026, “The New Beginning USA,” at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey, on February 27, 2026. The event will feature eight matches, including six championship bouts, with one AEW title defense taking center stage.

Championship Showdowns

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Yota Tsuji (c) vs. Andrade El Idolo

In the main event, Yota Tsuji will defend the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship against Andrade El Idolo. El Idolo earned this title shot after defeating Gabe Kidd at The New Beginning in Osaka on February 11, 2026. This will be Tsuji’s third defense of the championship since winning it.

IWGP Women’s Championship: Syuri (c) vs. Athena

Ring of Honor World Champion Athena will challenge IWGP Women’s Champion Syuri. Athena will attempt to become a double champion, though her ROH title will not be at stake. Syuri will be making her second defense of the IWGP Women’s Championship, having previously defeated Sareee and Saya Kamitani.

AEW National Championship: Ricochet (c) vs. Taiji Ishimori

AEW National Champion Ricochet will defend his title against Taiji Ishimori of the Unbound Co. Faction.

NJPW World TV Championship: El Phantasmo (c) vs. Konosuke Takeshita

Konosuke Takeshita will challenge El Phantasmo for the NJPW World TV Championship.

NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship: Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs. Oleg Boltin

Tomohiro Ishii will defend the NJPW STRONG Openweight Championship against Oleg Boltin.

IWGP Tag Team Championships: Knockout Brothers (OSKAR & Yuto-Ice) (c) vs. Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona)

The IWGP Tag Team Champions, The Knockout Brothers (OSKAR and Yuto-Ice), will defend their titles against Gates of Agony (Bishop Kaun and Toa Liona).

Singles Matches

David Finlay vs. Fred Rosser

David Finlay will compete in his final NJPW match, facing Fred Rosser.

El Desperado & KUSHIDA vs. Alec Price & Jordan Oliver

El Desperado and KUSHIDA will team up to grab on Alec Price and Jordan Oliver in a tag team match.

Event Details

“The New Beginning USA” will stream live on NJPW World, beginning on the night of February 27th to February 28th at 2 a.m. (French time). Tickets are available for purchase at CURE Insurance Arena’s website.