Get ready, Japan, because The Young Bucks are returning to NJPW for the first time since 2019, and they’ve got one thing on their minds: gold. AEW’s EVP duo, Matthew and Nicholas Jackson, have declared their intention to reclaim the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship at Wrestle Dynasty in the iconic Tokyo Dome on January 5.
The Bucks made their announcement in a video message dripping with their signature mix of confidence and absurdity. “There’s one thing Matthew and Nicholas need to accomplish before we retire, and that’s get the IWGP Heavyweight Titles back around our waists one more time,” said Nick. Matt chimed in, reminding everyone why they’re everyone’s favorite rich uncles: “Tokyo, your rich god-fearing uncles are coming back. See you soon.”
But there’s a catch—the Bucks won’t even know who their opponents will be until January 4, the day before the event. Current champs, HENARE and Great-O-Khan, are in NJPW’s World Tag League, where they must either win the tournament or fend off the victors at Wrestle Kingdom 19 to hold onto their belts.
The Bucks are no strangers to IWGP gold, having held the titles once before in 2018. That win made them only the second team ever to claim both the Heavyweight and Junior Heavyweight Tag Titles. They’re now looking to add a Tokyo Dome moment to their illustrious career—and let’s face it, they’ll probably do it while wearing $800 sneakers.
The Wrestle Dynasty card is already stacked, featuring Kenny Omega vs. Gabe Kidd, Shota Umino vs. Claudio Castagnoli, and Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Ricochet, among other must-see matches. But with The Young Bucks eyeing tag gold, expect the Tokyo Dome to reach new levels of superkick-induced insanity.