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'{{Infobox Wrestling event |name=Wrestle Kingdom 12 |image=Wrestle Kingdom 12.jpg |caption=Promotional poster for the event, featuring various [[List of New Japan Pro-Wrestling personnel|NJPW wrestlers]] |tagline={{nihongo|"Pro Wrestling Together! 1.4!!"|みんなでプロレス! イッテンヨン!!|Minnade Puroresu! Ittenyon!!|lead=yes}}<ref name=Matsui/> |theme= |promotion=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] |sponsor=[[Bushiroad]]<ref name=TicketsNovember/> |date={{dts|2018|01|04}} |venue=[[Tokyo Dome]] |city=[[Tokyo]], [[Japan]] |attendance=43,000 (total)<ref>https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-12-draws-34995-paid-tokyo-dome-249246</ref><br>34,995 (paid)<ref name=WrestleKingdom12/> |liveevent=y |lastevent=Dai Puroresu Matsuri 2018 |nextevent=New Year Dash!! |event=[[Wrestle Kingdom]] |lastevent2=[[Wrestle Kingdom 11]] |nextevent2= }} '''Wrestle Kingdom 12 in Tokyo Dome''' was a [[professional wrestling]] event promoted by [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] (NJPW). The event took place on January 4, 2018, at the [[Tokyo Dome]] in [[Tokyo]], Japan. It was the 27th [[January 4 Tokyo Dome Show]], which is NJPW's biggest annual event and has been called "the largest wrestling show in the world outside of the United States" and the "Japanese equivalent to the [[Super Bowl]]".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?40241 | title = GFW News: New Japan Pro Wrestling "Wrestle Kingdom 9" press conference details | date=December 23, 2014 | accessdate=October 9, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref name=WK11AXSPWT>{{cite web | url = http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/12/13/new-japans-wrestlekingdom-11-air-axs-tv-starting-jan-13-four-weekly-special-episodes-ross-barnett-commentary/ | title = New Japan's WrestleKingdom 11 to air on AXS TV starting Jan. 13 in four weekly special episodes with Ross & Barnett on commentary | last=Keller | first=Wade | authorlink=Wade Keller | date=December 13, 2016 | accessdate=October 9, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The show was headlined by [[Kazuchika Okada]] defending the [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] against the winner of the [[2017 G1 Climax]], [[Tetsuya Naito]], in a rematch from [[Wrestle Kingdom 8]] in 2014. The second match of the show's "double main event" saw [[Kenny Omega]] defend the [[IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship]] against [[Chris Jericho]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#No disqualification match|no disqualification match]], the latter of whom returned to the NJPW ring after nearly 20 years away from the promotion. Six other title matches also took place on the show with [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] defending the [[IWGP Intercontinental Championship]] against [[Jay White (wrestler)|Jay White]], [[Marty Scurll]] defending the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] in a four-way match against [[Hiromu Takahashi]], [[Yujiro Kushida|Kushida]] and [[Will Ospreay]], [[Minoru Suzuki]] defending the [[NEVER Openweight Championship]] against [[Hirooki Goto]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Luchas de Apuestas|hair vs. hair match]], [[Killer Elite Squad]] ([[Davey Boy Smith Jr.]] and [[Lance Archer]]) defending the [[IWGP Tag Team Championship]] against the [[2017 World Tag League]] winners ''[[Los Ingobernables de Japon]]'' ([[Evil (wrestler)|Evil]] and [[Seiya Sanada|Sanada]]), [[Bullet Club]] ([[Bad Luck Fale]], [[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]]) defending the [[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] in a five-team [[Professional wrestling match types#Gauntlet match|gauntlet match]] and [[Roppongi 3K]] ([[Sho Tanaka|Sho]] and [[Yohei Komatsu|Yoh]]) defending the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] against [[The Young Bucks]] (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson). All in all, the event featured ten matches (including one on the pre-show). ==Production== ===Background=== Wrestle Kingdom 12 was officially announced on August 13, 2017, during the finals of the [[2017 G1 Climax]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-g1-climax-27-finals-live-results-tetsuya-naito-vs-kenny-omega-240871 | title = NJPW G1 Climax 27 finals live results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Kenny Omega | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=August 12, 2017 | accessdate=October 9, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> [[Jurina Matsui]] of [[SKE48]] was appointed the special ambassador of the event.<ref name=Matsui>{{cite web | url = http://www.hmv.co.jp/newsdetail/article/1710131021/ | script-title=ja:SKE48松井珠理奈がアンバサダーに 新日本プロレス「Wrestle Kingdom 12 in 東京ドーム」来春開催 | date=October 13, 2017 | accessdate=October 25, 2017 | work=HMV | language=Japanese}}</ref> The event will air live through NJPW's internet streaming site, [[NJPW World]], with English commentary provided by [[Kevin Kelly (announcer)|Kevin Kelly]] and [[Don Callis]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wrestleview.com/japan-news/new-japan/93028-matches-set-for-njpw-wrestlekingdom-12-on-january-4-in-tokyo-dome/ | title = Matches set for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 on January 4 | last=Namako | first=Jason | date=November 6, 2017 | accessdate=November 6, 2017 | work=Wrestleview}}</ref> [[File:Chris Jericho in April 2016.jpg|thumb|upright|left|[[Chris Jericho]] wrestled his first NJPW match in nearly two decades at the event]] [[Takaaki Kidani]] announced that NJPW looked to get 30,000 fans in attendance for the show.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-chris-jericho-wrestle-kingdom-card-ufc-217-245726 | title = Daily Update: Chris Jericho, Wrestle Kingdom card, UFC 217 | last=Currier | first=Joseph | date=November 5, 2017 | accessdate=November 6, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Tickets for the event went on sale on October 25, 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-wrestle-kingdom-tickets-neville-jeff-jarrett-245101 | title = Daily Update: Wrestle Kingdom tickets, Neville, Jeff Jarrett | last=Currier | first=Joseph | date=October 25, 2017 | accessdate=November 6, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> NJPW was said to have been shocked at the large number of tickets sold outside of Japan with the situation being described as "like nothing before for any Japanese pro wrestling show in history".<ref>{{cite magazine | last = Meltzer | first = Dave | authorlink = Dave Meltzer | date = October 30, 2017 | title = October 30, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE TLC reviewed, Survivor Series lineup, plus tons of news | magazine = [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | location = [[Campbell, California]] | issn = 1083-9593 | page=54}}</ref> On November 27, NJPW announced that ticket sales were up 80% from the previous year with 20,000 tickets having already been sold.<ref name=TicketsNovember>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/124269 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20171127110444/http://www.njpw.co.jp/124269 | script-title=ja:【お知らせ】『Wrestle Kingdom 12 in 東京ドーム』の前売り券販売が“20,000枚”を突破!!【WK12】 | archivedate=November 27, 2017 | date=November 27, 2017 | accessdate=November 27, 2017 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On December 25, the promotion announced that 30,000 tickets had been sold.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/128572 | script-title=ja:【お知らせ】来年1月4日（木）東京ドーム大会の前売り券販売が“30,000枚”を突破！ 良い席はお早めに!!【WK12】 | date=December 25, 2017 | accessdate=December 25, 2017 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2017/12/25/0010847701.shtml | script-title=ja:新日本１・４東京ドーム大会の前売りが３万枚突破 | date=December 25, 2017 | accessdate=December 25, 2017 | work=Daily Sports Online | publisher=[[Kobe Shimbun]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Three days later, NJPW announced it would be making more seats available on the day on the show.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/128795 | script-title=ja:【ローソン、ぴあ、イープラスは1月2日（火）で販売終了！】1月4日（木）『Wrestle Kingdom 12 in 東京ドーム』各プレイガイド前売券情報!!【WK12】 | date=December 28, 2017 | accessdate=December 28, 2017 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> The event would feature a special appearance by [[Chris Jericho]], wrestling his first NJPW match in nearly two decades against [[Kenny Omega]]. Billed as "Alpha vs. Omega", the match marked Jericho's first match outside of [[WWE]] since 1999. Jericho previously worked for NJPW in 1997, originally as the masked Super Liger, before returning to the Chris Jericho name.<ref name=OmegaJerichoPWI>{{cite web | url = https://www.pwinsider.com/article/113357/chris-jericho-vs-kenny-omega-set-for-new-japan-tokyo-dome.html?p=1 | title = Chris Jericho vs. Kenny Omega set for New Japan Tokyo Dome | last1=Johnson | first1=Mike | last2=Crockett | first2=Paul | date=November 5, 2017 | accessdate=November 5, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> Jericho's last NJPW match before Wrestle Kingdom 12 took place on September 23, 1998.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=1-21300231 | archiveurl = https://archive.is/20171105224849/http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=1-21300231 | title = Chris Jericho's Wrestle Kingdom 12 match against Kenny Omega on Jan. 4, 2018 will be Jericho's first for New Japan Pro Wrestling in almost two decades | last=Fiorvanti | first=Tim | archivedate=November 5, 2017 | date=November 5, 2017 | accessdate=November 5, 2017 | work=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> He most recently worked for WWE in July 2017,<ref name=OmegaJerichoWON/> but was now a [[free agent]].<ref name=SecondCard/> NJPW color commentaror [[Don Callis]], a mutual friend of Jericho and Omega, came up with the idea for the match between his fellow Winnipeggers. He pitched the idea to Jericho, expecting him to laugh it off, but Jericho instead was interested in the match,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2017/12/20/22769978.html | title = Jericho talks Alpha Vs Omega, Bullet Club....and Kevin Owens? | last=Powell | first=John | date=December 20, 2017 | accessdate=December 23, 2017 | work=Slam! Sports | publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> seeing parallels between it and the [[Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Conor McGregor|August 2017 fight between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather Jr.]]<ref name=SL>{{cite web | url = https://superluchas.com/quien-fue-la-idea-la-lucha-jericho-vs-omega/ | title = ¿De quién fue la idea de hacer la lucha Jericho vs. Omega? | last=Acosta | first=Carlos | date=November 9, 2017 | accessdate=November 11, 2017 | work=Superluchas | language=Spanish}}</ref> Jericho finally realized that NJPW was serious about putting the match together, when four of the promotion's officials, including [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Booker|booker]] [[Gedo (wrestler)|Gedo]], flew to [[New York City]] for the first meeting between the two parties. After several weeks of negotiating, a deal for the match was reached, at which point Jericho, despite not being under a WWE contract, talked to the company's chairman [[Vince McMahon]], who was said to have been "fine" with the idea of Jericho working a NJPW event.<ref>{{cite magazine | last = Meltzer | first = Dave | authorlink = Dave Meltzer | date = December 11, 2017 | title = December 11, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: UFC 218 review, Impact management changes, more | magazine = [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | location = [[Campbell, California]] | issn = 1083-9593 | page=37}}</ref> At that time, Jericho's appearance at Wrestle Kingdom 12 was scheduled to be a one-time deal.<ref name=SL/> Jericho called the match a throwback to the 1980s, where wrestlers would travel overseas for matches and stated that the match would push promotions to think more and be more creative.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/11/10/news-items-jericho-comments-omega-announcement-impact-viewership-first-tv-show-ottawa-new-japan-tv-deal-india/ | title = News items: Jericho comments on Omega announcement, Impact viewership for first TV show in Ottawa, New Japan TV deal in India | last=Keller | first=Wade | authorlink=Wade Keller | date=November 10, 2017 | accessdate=November 11, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Behind the scenes, Jericho became part of a group of people that started pushing for the show to air on American [[pay-per-view]] (PPV) for the first time since [[Wrestle Kingdom 9]] in 2015. Some in NJPW felt that airing the show through NJPW World would be enough, hoping that the Jericho signing would increase subscriber numbers. While NJPW was now considered more popular than in 2015, when Wrestle Kingdom 9 did 14,000 buys on American PPV, it was noted that the 2018 show would take place early Thursday morning in the United States as opposed to a weekend like it did in 2015, which was seen as a major negative in terms of getting buys from the country.<ref>{{cite magazine | last = Meltzer | first = Dave | authorlink = Dave Meltzer | date = November 20, 2017 | title = November 20, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Survivor Series card changes, McGregor incident, more | magazine = [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | location = [[Campbell, California]] | issn = 1083-9593}}</ref> In late November, it was reported that NJPW had turned down Fite TV's offer for PPV rights outside of Japan and would not be allowing the event to air on American PPV, wanting their streaming service to be the only way to see the event live.<ref>{{cite magazine | last = Meltzer | first = Dave | authorlink = Dave Meltzer | date = November 27, 2017 | title = November 27, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: WWE/UFC TV contract negotiations, Survivor Series review, more | magazine = [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | location = [[Campbell, California]] | issn = 1083-9593}}</ref> On December 3, it was announced that the top matches from the show would air on [[AXS TV]] on January 6, 2018, as part of an 11-hour block of NJPW programming with additional matches airing between January 12 and February 9.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/axs-air-three-hour-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-12-special-january-6-247311 | title = AXS to air three-hour NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 special on January 6 | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | authorlink=Dave Meltzer | date=December 3, 2017 | accessdate=December 3, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pwinsider.com/article/113960/axs-tv-to-broadcast-new-japan-tokyo-dome-show-including-jericho-vs-omega-on-january-6th.html?p=1 | title = AXS TV to broadcast New Japan Tokyo Dome show including Jericho vs. Omega on January 6th | last=Johnson | first=Mike | date=December 3, 2017 | accessdate=December 3, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> Five matches, including the top three matches, will air on [[TV Asahi]] as part of a special episode of ''World Pro Wrestling'' on the night of January 4.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/129145 | script-title=ja:【1月4日(木)深夜1:10～!!】『ワールドプロレスリング』特番で、1.4東京ドーム決戦を即日オンエア!!【WK12】 | date=December 28, 2017 | accessdate=December 28, 2017 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> ===Storylines=== Wrestle Kingdom 12 featured ten [[Professional wrestling match types|professional wrestling matches]] that involved different wrestlers from pre-existing scripted feuds and [[Narrative thread|storylines]]. Wrestlers portrayed [[Heel (professional wrestling)|villains]], [[Face (professional wrestling)|heroes]], or [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#tweener|less distinguishable characters]] in the scripted events that built tension and culminated in a wrestling match or series of matches.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/pro-wrestling.htm | title = How Pro Wrestling Works | last=Grabianowski | first=Ed | accessdate=October 9, 2017 | work=HowStuffWorks, Inc. | publisher=[[Discovery Communications]]}}</ref> [[File:Tetsuya Naitō 2016.JPG|thumb|left|upright|[[Tetsuya Naito]], the winner of the [[2017 G1 Climax]] and the number one contender to the [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]]]] Wrestle Kingdom 12 was main evented by [[Kazuchika Okada]] defending the [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] against [[Tetsuya Naito]]. The storyline behind the match dates back to 2013, when Naito won the [[G1 Climax#2013|G1 Climax]] tournament to earn a shot at Okada and the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at [[Wrestle Kingdom 8]] on January 4, 2014. However, at that time, Naito, despite being a clean cut [[Face (professional wrestling)|babyface]], was disliked by NJPW fans, which led to the company changing their course of action, announcing a fan vote to determine whether the match between Okada and Naito or an [[IWGP Intercontinental Championship]] match between [[Shinsuke Nakamura]] and [[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] would main event Wrestle Kingdom 8. Nakamura and Tanahashi won the vote, resulting in Okada and Naito losing their main event spot. Okada went on to defeat Naito in the match to retain the title.<ref name=IngobernableRise>{{cite web | url = http://pwinsider.com/article/101347/ingobernable-tetsuya-naitos-rise-to-the-top-of-new-japan.html?p=1 | title = Ingobernable: Tetsuya Naito's rise to the top of New Japan | last=Macklin | first=Matthew | date=April 15, 2016 | accessdate=October 9, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/710281/ | script-title=ja:【新日Ｇ１】内藤　黒歴史を塗り替え光りの王者へ | date=July 19, 2017 | accessdate=October 9, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> In the summer of 2015, Naito traveled to Mexico to work for the [[Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre]] (CMLL) promotion, where he joined the villainous ''[[Los Ingobernables]]'' [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#stable|stable]].<ref name=IngobernableRise/> Upon his return to NJPW, Naito, using the NJPW fans' rejection of him as a catalyst, completely reinvented his character, eventually leading to him forming the ''[[Los Ingobernables de Japon]]'' stable.<ref name=IngobernableRise/> Despite now being a villain, fans eventually started getting behind Naito with ''Los Ingobernables de Japon'' merchandise becoming NJPW's top seller.<ref name=IngobernableRise/> When Naito defeated Okada at [[Invasion Attack 2016]] on April 10 to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the first time, he had the crowd solidly behind him.<ref name=IngobernableRise/> Naito eventually went on to lose the title back to Okada on June 19, 2016, at [[Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-dominion-live-results-tetsuya-naito-vs-kazuchika-okada-iwgp-hw-championship-214876 | title = NJPW Dominion live results: Tetsuya Naito vs Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP HW Championship | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | authorlink=Dave Meltzer | date=June 18, 2016 | accessdate=October 9, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> [[File:Kazuchika Okada 2016.JPG|thumb|upright|[[Kazuchika Okada]], the defending and longest-reigning [[IWGP Heavyweight Champion]]]] On August 13, 2017, Naito defeated Kenny Omega in the finals to win the 2017 G1 Climax. With Naito now being fully embraced by NJPW fans, this was seen as the conclusion of a four-year arc that started at the 2013 G1 Climax, where he was rejected by the same fans.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/731859/ | script-title=ja:【新日Ｇ１】内藤が３４分３５秒大激闘の末にケニー撃破　４年ぶり２度目Ｖ | date=August 14, 2017 | accessdate=October 9, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/1871871.html | script-title=ja:内藤Ｇ１史上最長制覇、死闘34分35秒の「運命」 | date=August 14, 2017 | accessdate=October 9, 2017 | work=[[Nikkan Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2017/08/14/0010460678.shtml | script-title=ja:内藤Ｖ「主役はオレ」　Ｇ１史上最長試合でオメガ粉砕…４年前の“リベンジ” | date=August 14, 2017 | accessdate=October 9, 2017 | work=Daily Sports Online | publisher=[[Kobe Shimbun]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Following the win, Naito gained possession of the [[Tokyo Dome IWGP Heavyweight Championship challenge rights certificate]], which granted him a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 12.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/732540/ | script-title=ja:【新日】Ｇ１覇者・内藤が「ＩＷＧＰ挑戦権利証」獲得　防衛戦に石井を指名 | date=August 14, 2017 | accessdate=October 9, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On October 9 at [[King of Pro-Wrestling (2017)|King of Pro-Wrestling]], Naito successfully defended the certificate against [[Tomohiro Ishii]], while Kazuchika Okada successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against [[Evil (wrestler)|Evil]], setting up the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 12 between champion Okada and challenger Naito.<ref name=KOPW2017WON>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-king-pro-wrestling-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-evil-244191 | title = NJPW King of Pro Wrestling live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Evil | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=October 8, 2017 | accessdate=October 9, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pwinsider.com/article/112802/the-official-main-event-for-njpw-wrestlekingdom-is.html?p=1 | title = The official main event for NJPW WrestleKingdom is.... | last=Johnson | first=Mike | date=October 9, 2017 | accessdate=October 9, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> The match was officially announced in a press conference the following day.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/791776/ | script-title=ja:【新日】内藤哲也　１・４東京ドームのオカダ戦正式決定「まさにデスティーノ」 | date=October 10, 2017 | accessdate=October 10, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref name=PCDS>{{cite web | url = https://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2017/10/10/0010630135.shtml | script-title=ja:新日本１・４ＩＷＧＰ戦決定　オカダ「世界を考えたら内藤さんは物足りない」 | date=October 10, 2017 | accessdate=October 10, 2017 | work=Daily Sports Online | publisher=[[Kobe Shimbun]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> As part of the build-up to the title match, Okada introduced a new submission hold, a [[Professional wrestling holds#Cobra clutch|cobra clutch]], as a counter to Naito's finishing maneuver, ''[[DDT (professional wrestling)#Standing shiranui|Destino]]''.<ref name=WON121817/> However, on December 18, in their final confrontation before Wrestle Kingdom 12, Naito managed to counter himself out of the hold and hit Okada with the ''Destino'', leaving him laid out.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2017/12/18/22769879.html | title = Angles advance, Naito outsmarts Okada at Road to Tokyo Dome Night 2 | last=Powell | first=John | date=December 18, 2017 | accessdate=December 19, 2017 | work=Slam! Sports | publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/201712180000689.html | script-title=ja:内藤哲也「雪」降らせ勝利　オカダの横で余裕の笑み | date=December 19, 2017 | accessdate=December 19, 2017 | work=[[Nikkan Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Okada has held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship ever since defeating Naito at Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall, having successfully defended the title eight times, and enters the match as the longest-reigning champion in the title's history.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/870968/ | script-title=ja:【新日本】１・４東京ドームＩＷＧＰ決戦 実績のオカダか勢いの内藤か | date=December 27, 2017 | accessdate=December 27, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> This match would mark Okada's fourth consecutive and overall fifth Wrestle Kingdom main event, while Naito had never main evented the show before.<ref name=PCDS/><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/791104/ | script-title=ja:【新日】オカダがＩＷＧＰ王座Ｖ８　１・４東京ドームで内藤と激突へ | date=October 10, 2017 | accessdate=October 10, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> [[File:Kenny Omega IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Kenny Omega]], who defended the [[IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship]] as part of the show's double main event]] On November 5, 2017, at [[Power Struggle (2017)|Power Struggle]], Chris Jericho made a surprise return to NJPW, appearing in a video, where he challenged Kenny Omega to a match at Wrestle Kingdom 12 in Tokyo Dome. The challenge was quickly accepted by Omega, who had been engaged in a "[[Twitter]] feud" with his fellow Winnipegger over the past weeks.<ref name=OmegaJerichoWON>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/chris-jericho-face-kenny-omega-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-12-245751 | title = Chris Jericho to face Kenny Omega at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 | last=Currier | first=Joseph | date=November 5, 2017 | accessdate=November 5, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2017/11/05/22763019.html | title = NJPW drops Jericho vs Omega bombshell | last=Powell | first=John | date=November 5, 2017 | accessdate=November 5, 2017 | work=Slam! Sports | publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The match, contested for Omega's [[IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship]], was officially announced the following day.<ref name=SecondCard>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/121351 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20171106073622/http://www.njpw.co.jp/121351 | script-title=ja:【1.4東京ドーム第2弾カード！】ケニーvsジェリコが正式決定！ 棚橋vsジェイ！ ジュニア4Way戦！ RPG 3Kvsヤングバックス！ Cody vs飯伏も電撃決定！ | archivedate=November 6, 2017 | date=November 6, 2017 | accessdate=November 6, 2017 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Due to the high-profile status of the match, Omega began petitioning for Wrestle Kingdom 12 to have a "double main event" much like the Wrestle Kingdom shows had had in [[Wrestle Kingdom 7|2013]], [[Wrestle Kingdom 8|2014]] and [[Wrestle Kingdom 9|2015]]. Omega stated that he agreed that Okada and Naito should have the final match of the show, but felt that he and Jericho should have the second to last match, claiming that just four months after the creation of the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship, he had already made it the number two title in NJPW over the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/825325/ | script-title=ja:【新日本】ケニーが主張 １・４東京ドームのＵＳ王座戦をＷメーンに！ | date=November 11, 2017 | accessdate=November 11, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Jericho made his in person return at the December 11 show, attacking and bloodying Omega following his match, while also laying out a referee, a [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#Young lion|young lion]] and Don Callis.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pwinsider.com/article/114116/jericho-attacks-omega-at-new-japan-world-tag-league-finale.html?p=1 | title = Jericho attacks Omega at New Japan World Tag League finale | last=Johnson | first=Mike | date=December 11, 2017 | accessdate=December 11, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/chris-jericho-makes-surprise-appearance-njpw-tag-league-finals-247766 | title = Chris Jericho makes surprise appearance at NJPW Tag League finals | last=Currier | first=Joseph | date=December 11, 2017 | accessdate=December 11, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> At a press conference the following day, Omega stated that with the attack Jericho had turned their upcoming "gentleman's contest" into a fight, before attacking his Wrestle Kingdom 12 opponent.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/12/12/chris-jericho-kenny-omega-press-conference-detailed-transcript-hype-wrestle-kingdom-12-dream-match/ | title = Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega Press Conference: Detailed transcript of hype for Wrestle Kingdom 12 dream match | last=Keller | first=Wade | authorlink=Wade Keller | date=December 12, 2017 | accessdate=December 12, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> During the same conference, NJPW officially announced that Wrestle Kingdom 12 would feature a double main event with the IWGP Heavyweight and United States Heavyweight Championship matches.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/video-omega-attacks-jericho-angle-njpw-press-conference-247826 | title = Video: Omega attacks Jericho in angle at NJPW press conference | last=Currier | first=Joseph | date=December 12, 2017 | accessdate=December 12, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Naito stated that he was disappointed with the decision, adding that NJPW would never become the number one promotion in the world as long as they were humoring WWE.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/127058 | script-title=ja:【史上5人目の快挙！】内藤哲也が2年連続の『プロレス大賞』“MVP”を受賞！ベストバウトはオカダvsケニー！柴田が敢闘賞を獲得!! | date=December 14, 2017 | accessdate=December 15, 2017 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On December 18, NJPW announced that, as a result of both Omega and Jericho demanding it, the match had been turned into a [[Professional wrestling match types#No disqualification match|no disqualification match]].<ref name=NoDQ>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/862474/ | script-title=ja:【新日】１・４ケニーｖｓジェリコは反則裁定なし完全決着戦に | date=December 18, 2017 | accessdate=December 18, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-adds-no-dq-stipulation-kenny-omega-vs-chris-jericho-248166 | title = NJPW adds no DQ stipulation to Kenny Omega vs. Chris Jericho | last=Currier | first=Joseph | date=December 18, 2017 | accessdate=December 18, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> In the IWGP Intercontinental Championship match, Hiroshi Tanahashi defended the title against [[Jay White (wrestler)|Jay White]].<ref name=SecondCard/> White joined NJPW in January 2015 and worked for the promotion as a young lion until June 2016, when he left for an indefinite learning excursion to the United States, where he worked for [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH).<ref name=SecondCard/> During the 2017 G1 Climax, NJPW started airing vignettes for an individual dubbed "Switchblade", who was announced as making his debut on November 5 at Power Struggle.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.wrestleview.com/japan-news/new-japan/91869-109-njpw-king-of-pro-wrestling-results-tokyo-japan-okada-vs-evil/ | title = 10/9 NJPW King of Pro Wrestling Results: Tokyo (Okada vs. Evil) | last=Namako | first=Jason | date=October 9, 2017 | accessdate=November 6, 2017 | work=Wrestleview}}</ref> Following the main event of the show, where Tanahashi successfully defended the IWGP Intercontinental Championship against [[Kota Ibushi]], Switchblade was revealed as the returning Jay White, who confronted Tanahashi and challenged him to a title match at Wrestle Kingdom 12, before laying him out with the ''[[Facebuster#Swinging reverse STO|Shellshock]]''.<ref name=PowerStruggle2017PWT>{{cite web | url = https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/11/05/njpw-115-power-struggle-results-chris-jericho-announced-wrestle-kingdom-switchblade-revealed-omega-trent-tanahashi-ibushi-wradicans-analysis/ | title = NJPW 11/5 Power Struggle Results – Chris Jericho announced for Wrestle Kingdom, Switchblade revealed, Omega-Trent, Tanahashi-Ibushi (w/Radican’s Analysis) | last=Radican | first=Sean | date=November 5, 2017 | accessdate=November 6, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following day, NJPW officially announced the match between Tanahashi and White for Wrestle Kingdom 12.<ref name=SecondCardWON>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/five-more-title-matches-confirmed-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-12-245811 | title = Five more title matches confirmed for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 | last=Currier | first=Joseph | date=November 6, 2017 | accessdate=November 6, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> In December, Tanahashi was sidelined with a knee injury when an [[MRI]] discovered [[arthritis]] and water in his knee. However, as he had a long history of working hurt and not missing major shows, it was noted that the injury would have to be "unbearably bad" for him to miss Wrestle Kingdom 12.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/hiroshi-tanahashi-miss-rest-njpw-tag-league-tour-due-injury-247636 | title = Hiroshi Tanahashi to miss rest of NJPW Tag League tour due to injury | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | authorlink=Dave Meltzer | date=December 8, 2017 | accessdate=December 9, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Tanahashi appeared at NJPW's December 18 show, assuring that he would be defending his title at Wrestle Kingdom 12, before being attacked by White, who targeted his injured knee.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/suzuki-vs-goto-hair-match-set-tanahashi-returns-ahead-wk-12-248171 | title = Suzuki vs. Goto hair match set up, Tanahashi returns ahead of WK 12 | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | authorlink=Dave Meltzer | date=December 18, 2017 | accessdate=December 18, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> [[File:Marty Scurll IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.jpg|thumb|upright|left|[[Marty Scurll]], who defended the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] in the first four-way match in the title's history]] Wrestle Kingdom 12 also featured the first-ever four-way match for the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]], where [[Marty Scurll]] defended the title against [[Hiromu Takahashi]], [[Yujiro Kushida|Kushida]] and [[Will Ospreay]].<ref name=SecondCard/> The match was set up through a series of title challenges in the second half of 2017. After Kushida had successfully defended the title against [[Kyosuke Mikami|El Desperado]] on September 16 at [[Destruction in Hiroshima (2017)|Destruction in Hiroshima]], he was confronted by Takahashi, who was ready to challenge him to a title match. However, before Takahashi could complete his challenge, he was knocked out by Ospreay,<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-destruction-hiroshima-results-tanahashi-vs-zack-sabre-jr-242931 | title = NJPW Destruction in Hiroshima results: Tanahashi vs. Zack Sabre Jr. | last=Rose | first=Bryan | date=September 16, 2017 | accessdate=November 7, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> who took the title match for himself and went on to defeat Kushida to become the new champion on October 9 at King of Pro-Wrestling. Following the match, Takahashi again came out to issue a title challenge, but was again interrupted, this time by Scurll, who snapped his fingers and made his own challenge to Ospreay.<ref name=KOPW2017WON/> This led to a match on November 5 at Power Struggle, where Scurll defeated Ospreay to become the new champion. Following the match, Scurll and Ospreay continued arguing, while Kushida came out to challenge Scurll to a title match at Wrestle Kingdom 12. Finally, Takahashi also came out, this time wearing a helmet and gloves to prevent the other challengers from knocking him out or breaking his fingers, and made his own title challenge. Scurll then declared that he would take on all three challengers.<ref name=PowerStruggle2017PWT2>{{cite web | url = https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/11/05/115-new-japan-osaka-power-struggle-omega-vs-barreta-tanahashi-vs-ibushi/ | title = Fann's NJPW Power Struggle report 11/5: Omega vs. Barreta, Tanahashi vs. Ibushi, plus Jericho announcement | last=Fann | first=Rich | date=November 5, 2017 | accessdate=November 7, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship has previously been defended in a three-way match, with [[Prince Devitt]] defending the title against Kota Ibushi and [[Low Ki]] at [[Wrestle Kingdom 7 in Tokyo Dome]], but this marked the first four-way for the title.<ref name=SecondCard/> [[File:Roppongi 3K Super Junior Tag Tournament Winners.jpg|thumb|[[Roppongi 3K]] after winning both the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] and the [[2017 Super Jr. Tag Tournament]] en route to Wrestle Kingdom 12]] On October 9 at King of Pro-Wrestling, [[Sho Tanaka]] and [[Yohei Komatsu]] made their return to NJPW from their overseas learning excursion, when they were revealed as [[Rocky Romero]]'s new mystery team [[Roppongi 3K]]. Working under the names "Sho" and "Yoh", the two defeated [[Ricochet (wrestler)|Ricochet]] and [[Ryusuke Taguchi]] to become the new [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions]] in their first match back.<ref name=KOPW2017WON/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/104149?showResult=1 | title = King of Pro-Wrestling | accessdate=November 7, 2017 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> The following month at Power Struggle, Roppongi 3K also won the [[2017 Super Jr. Tag Tournament]] by defeating Taguchi and [[ACH (wrestler)|ACH]] in the finals, becoming the first team to win the annual tournament as the reigning champions.<ref name=PowerStruggle2017PWT2/> Following the win, the two were challenged by The Young Bucks, which was accepted by Romero,<ref name=PowerStruggle2017PWT/> who had significant history with the two involving the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship and his previous team [[Roppongi Vice]].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/121459 | script-title=ja:【WK12】“4Way”で激突！ ヒロムがジュニア選手権に「小さなお願い」!? 「1.4は3Kパーティーにする！」Shoがヤングバックスを挑発！【東京ドーム第2弾会見】 | date=November 6, 2017 | accessdate=November 7, 2017 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Ever since their NJPW debut in October 2013, The Young Bucks had become synonymous with the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship with would mark the first match between the teams since Sho and Yoh's "rebirth" as Roppongi 3K.<ref name=SecondCard/> Also at Power Struggle, [[Cody Rhodes|Cody]] confronted Kota Ibushi after he had been defeated by Tanahashi in the main event, offering to defend the [[ROH World Championship]] against him at Wrestle Kingdom 12. Initially announced the following day as a potential title match, the match instead became a non-title "special singles match", when Cody lost the ROH World Championship to [[Dalton Castle (wrestler)|Dalton Castle]] at ROH's [[Final Battle (2017)|Final Battle]] on December 15.<ref name=NoDQ/><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/roh-results/roh-final-battle-2017-live-results-cody-vs-dalton-castle-248016 | title = ROH Final Battle 2017 live results: Cody vs. Dalton Castle | last1=Meltzer | first1=Dave | authorlink1=Dave Meltzer | last2=Currier | first2=Joseph | date=December 15, 2017 | accessdate=December 15, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Prior to the Chris Jericho announcement, Ibushi had been seen as a possible opponent for Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 12,<ref name=SecondCardWON/> with the two former tag team partners having teased a match against each other since Ibushi's June 2017 return to NJPW.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/699742/ | script-title=ja:【新日本】Ｇ１参戦の飯伏が胸中明かす | date=June 21, 2017 | accessdate=December 11, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/735678/ | script-title=ja:【新日本】ケニーが明かす「これが俺の再起道」 | date=August 17, 2017 | accessdate=December 11, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/818284/ | script-title=ja:【新日】飯伏「ＩＣ奪取」後の野望明かす　ケニー＆中邑と夢対決実現へ | date=November 4, 2017 | accessdate=December 11, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> In the build-up to the match, Cody, Omega's [[Bullet Club]] stablemate, compared Ibushi to [[Brutus Beefcake]] and Omega to [[Hulk Hogan]], claiming that Ibushi was nothing more than a sidekick in their team.<ref name=WON121817>{{cite magazine | last = Meltzer | first = Dave | authorlink = Dave Meltzer | date = December 18, 2017 | title = December 18, 2017 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: The metamorphosis of Chris Jericho, GSP vacates title, more | magazine = [[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]] | location = [[Campbell, California]] | issn = 1083-9593 | page=14}}</ref> [[File:SANADA, EVIL and BUSHI NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions.jpg|thumb|[[Seiya Sanada|Sanada]] (left) and [[Evil (wrestler)|Evil]] (right) (pictured with [[Tetsuya Bushi|Bushi]]), the winners of the [[2017 World Tag League]]]] On December 11, ''Los Ingobernables de Japon'' members Evil and [[Seiya Sanada|Sanada]] defeated [[Guerrillas of Destiny]] ([[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]]) to win the [[2017 World Tag League]]. Traditionally, the winners of the tournament have earned a shot at the [[IWGP Tag Team Championship]] at the January 4 Tokyo Dome Show and following the win, Evil and Sanada called out reigning champions, [[Killer Elite Squad]] ([[Davey Boy Smith Jr.]] and [[Lance Archer]]), and challenged them to a title match, which they accepted.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-crowns-world-tag-league-2017-winners-247771 | title = NJPW crowns World Tag League 2017 winners | last=Currier | first=Joseph | date=December 11, 2017 | accessdate=December 11, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> The match was officially announced the following day.<ref name=NEVERRoad>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/six-man-tag-title-match-set-njpw-road-tokyo-dome-show-247831 | title = Six-man tag title match set for NJPW Road to Tokyo Dome show | last=Currier | first=Joseph | date=December 12, 2017 | accessdate=December 12, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Evil and Sanada entered the World Tag League as two thirds of the reigning [[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions]] with stablemate [[Tetsuya Bushi|Bushi]], but decided to put that title on hold in order to challenge for the tag team title at the biggest event of the year. The three were looking to defend the title the day after Wrestle Kingdom 12,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/848800/ | script-title=ja:【新日本】ＬＩＪが内藤抜きでファミレス緊急会議 | date=December 5, 2017 | accessdate=December 11, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> but NJPW instead announced that they would defend it against the Guerrillas of Destiny and [[Bad Luck Fale]] on December 17. Bushi insinuated that NJPW wanted to have a six-man tag team title match in the Tokyo Dome and were looking to get the title off him, Evil and Sanada.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/860419/ | script-title=ja:【新日本】NEVER無差別級6人タッグ王者のBushiが王座戦スケジュールに不満爆発 | date=December 16, 2017 | accessdate=December 16, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On December 17, Guerrillas of Destiny and Fale defeated the ''Los Ingobernables de Japon'' trio to become the new NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/861451/ | script-title=ja:【新日本】ＮＥＶＥＲ６人タッグ王座戦はファレ組が新王者に | date=December 18, 2017 | accessdate=December 18, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> Two days later, it was announced that the new champions would defend the title in a five-team [[Professional wrestling match types#Gauntlet match|gauntlet match]] at Wrestle Kingdom 12.<ref name=FinalCard>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/127787 | archiveurl = https://www.webcitation.org/6vosCTnj4?url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/127787 | script-title=ja:【1.4東京ドーム大会・全カード決定！】NEVER王座戦・鈴木vs後藤は“敗者髪切り&ノーセコンド・デスマッチ”に！NEVER6人タッグ戦は5チーム参戦のガントレットマッチ！【WK12】 | archivedate=December 19, 2017 | date=December 19, 2017 | accessdate=December 19, 2017 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> At Power Struggle, after [[Minoru Suzuki]] had defeated [[Toru Yano]] to retain the [[NEVER Openweight Championship]], he was challenged by [[Hirooki Goto]]. Suzuki, however, turned down the challenge, stating that he was done with Goto, having first defeated him to win the title in April and again to retain the title in June.<ref name=GotoSuzukiWTL>{{cite web | url = https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/832336/ | script-title=ja:【新日】荒武者・後藤　ＷＴＬ初戦でみのるから３カウント | date=November 19, 2017 | accessdate=December 11, 2017 | work=[[Tokyo Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On November 18, Goto pinned Suzuki in their opening match in the 2017 World Tag League and afterwards made another challenge for the NEVER Openweight Championship.<ref name=GotoSuzukiWTL/> On December 11, when Suzuki again turned down Goto's challenge, stating he had nothing to offer in return for another title match, Goto offered to put his hair on the line in the match.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2017/12/12/0010810437.shtml | script-title=ja:後藤、髪切りマッチでＮＥＶＥＲ挑戦猛アピール | date=December 12, 2017 | accessdate=December 11, 2017 | work=Daily Sports Online | publisher=[[Kobe Shimbun]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> On December 17, Suzuki tried to cut Goto's hair with clippers, but was thwarted, which led to him shaving young lion Tetsuhiro Yagi instead.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/201712180000279.html | script-title=ja:鈴木みのるがバリカン手に大暴れ　八木哲大無惨… | date=December 18, 2017 | accessdate=December 18, 2017 | work=[[Nikkan Sports]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> After being pinned by Goto again the following day, Suzuki accepted his challenge for a title match, stating that the match would be one-on-one with no [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#second|seconds]] with the loser getting his head shaved.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.daily.co.jp/ring/2017/12/19/0010830026.shtml | script-title=ja:新日本・みのる、後藤との“敗者髪切り”ＮＥＶＥＲ王座戦を受諾 | date=December 19, 2017 | accessdate=December 19, 2017 | work=Daily Sports Online | publisher=[[Kobe Shimbun]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> The match was officially announced the following day.<ref name=FinalCardWON>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-reveals-finalized-card-wrestle-kingdom-12-248251 | title = NJPW reveals finalized card for Wrestle Kingdom 12 | last=Currier | first=Joseph | date=December 19, 2017 | accessdate=December 19, 2017 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pwinsider.com/article/114287/finalized-new-japan-wrestle-kingdom-12-lineup-set.html?p=1 | title = Finalized New Japan Wrestle Kingdom 12 lineup set | last=Johnson | first=Mike | date=December 19, 2017 | accessdate=December 19, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}}</ref> ==Results== {{Pro Wrestling results table |results=<ref name=WrestleKingdom12WON>{{cite web | url = https://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-12-live-results-okada-naito-omega-jericho-249171 | title = NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 live results: Okada-Naito, Omega-Jericho | last1=Renner | first1=Ethan | last2=Currier | first2=Joseph | date=January 3, 2018 | accessdate=January 4, 2018 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> |times=<ref name=WrestleKingdom12>{{cite web | url = http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/113188?showResult=1 | script-title=ja:ブシモ 5th Anniversary Wrestle Kingdom 12 in 東京ドーム | accessdate=January 4, 2018 | work=[[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] | language=Japanese}}</ref> |match1=[[Masahito Kakihara]] defeated [[Tetsuya Bushi|Bushi]], [[Chase Owens]], [[Cheeseburger (wrestler)|Cheeseburger]], David Finlay, [[Delirious (wrestler)|Delirious]], [[Kyosuke Mikami|El Desperado]], Gino Gambino, [[Hiroyoshi Tenzan]], [[Jyushin Thunder Liger]], [[Katsuya Kitamura]], [[Leo Tonga]], [[Manabu Nakanishi]], [[Satoshi Kojima]], [[Taka Michinoku]], [[Tiger Mask IV|Tiger Mask]], [[Toa Henare]], [[Yoshi-Hashi]], [[Yoshinobu Kanemaru]], [[Yuji Nagata]] and [[Yujiro Takahashi]] (with Pieter) |stip1=[[New Japan Rumble]] |time1=31:06 |pre1=yes |match2=[[The Young Bucks]] (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson) defeated [[Roppongi 3K]] ([[Sho Tanaka|Sho]] and [[Yohei Komatsu|Yoh]]) (c) (with [[Rocky Romero]]) by submission |stip2=[[Tag team match]] for the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] |time2=18:49 |match3=[[Chaos (professional wrestling)|Chaos]] ([[Trent Barreta|Beretta]], [[Tomohiro Ishii]] and [[Toru Yano]]) defeated [[Bullet Club]] ([[Bad Luck Fale]], [[Tama Tonga]] and [[Tanga Loa]]) (c), [[Michael Elgin]] and [[War Machine (professional wrestling)|War Machine]] ([[Hanson (wrestler)|Hanson]] and [[Raymond Rowe]]), [[Suzuki-gun]] ([[Taichi Ishikari|Taichi]], [[Takashi Iizuka]] and [[Zack Sabre Jr.]]) (with El Desperado, Taka Michinoku and Yoshinobu Kanemaru) and [[Taguchi Japan]] ([[Juice Robinson]], [[Ryusuke Taguchi]] and [[Togi Makabe]]) |stip3=[[Gauntlet match]] for the [[NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Championship]] |time3=17:03 |match4=[[Kota Ibushi]] defeated [[Cody Rhodes|Cody]] (with [[Brandi Rhodes]]) |stip4=[[Singles match]] |time4=15:08 |match5=''[[Los Ingobernables de Japon]]'' ([[Evil (wrestler)|Evil]] and [[Seiya Sanada|Sanada]]) defeated [[Killer Elite Squad]] ([[Davey Boy Smith Jr.]] and [[Lance Archer]]) (c) |stip5=Tag team match for the [[IWGP Tag Team Championship]] |time5=14:14 |match6=[[Hirooki Goto]] defeated [[Minoru Suzuki]] (c) |stip6=[[Professional wrestling match types#Luchas de Apuestas|Hair vs. hair and no seconds deathmatch]] for the [[NEVER Openweight Championship]] |time6=18:04 |match7=[[Will Ospreay]] defeated [[Marty Scurll]] (c), [[Hiromu Takahashi]] and [[Yujiro Kushida|Kushida]] |stip7=[[Four-way match]] for the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship]] |time7=21:18 |match8=[[Hiroshi Tanahashi]] (c) defeated [[Jay White (wrestler)|Jay White]] |stip8=Singles match for the [[IWGP Intercontinental Championship]] |time8=19:56 |match9=[[Kenny Omega]] (c) defeated [[Chris Jericho]] |stip9=[[Professional wrestling match types#No Holds Barred match|No Disqualification match]] for the [[IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship]] |time9=34:36 |match10=[[Kazuchika Okada]] (c) (with [[Gedo (wrestler)|Gedo]]) defeated [[Tetsuya Naito]] |stip10=Singles match for the [[IWGP Heavyweight Championship]] |time10=36:30 }} ===Gauntlet match=== {| class="wikitable" border="1" |- !Elimination !Wrestler !Team !Eliminated by !Elimination move !Time !Ref. |- |1 |[[Raymond Rowe]] |[[Michael Elgin]] and [[War Machine (professional wrestling)|War Machine]] |[[Zack Sabre Jr.]] |Referee stoppage |06:05 |<ref name=WrestleKingdom12/> |- |2 |[[Taichi Ishikari|Taichi]] |[[Suzuki-gun]] |[[Toru Yano]] |Pinned with a [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Roll-up|roll-up]] |06:46 |<ref name=WrestleKingdom12/> |- |3 |[[Ryusuke Taguchi]] |[[Taguchi Japan]] |[[Toru Yano]] |Pinned with a [[Pin (professional wrestling)#Roll-up|roll-up]] |10:15 |<ref name=WrestleKingdom12/> |- |4 |[[Tama Tonga]] |[[Bullet Club]] |[[Trent Barreta|Beretta]] |Pinned after a ''[[Trent Barreta#In wrestling|Dudebuster]]'' |17:03 |<ref name=WrestleKingdom12/> |- !Winners: |colspan="6" bgcolor="#f2f2f2"|[[Chaos (professional wrestling)|Chaos]] ([[Trent Barreta|Beretta]], [[Tomohiro Ishii]] and [[Toru Yano]]) |} {{Portal|Professional wrestling}} ==References== {{reflist|30em}} ==External links== *[http://www.wrestlekingdom.jp/ The official Wrestle Kingdom 12 website] {{New Japan Pro Wrestling events|January 4 Tokyo Dome Show}} [[Category:2018 in professional wrestling]] [[Category:January 4 Tokyo Dome Show]] [[Category:January 2018 events in Asia|Wrestle Kingdom 12]] [[Category:2018 in Japan]]'