13 Ups & 1 Down From NJPW's 47th Anniversary Show

Downs...

1. No Sign Of Hiromu Takahashi

Hiromu Takahashi
NJPW

Swathes of New Japan fans had been conditioned into thinking Hiromu Takahashi would make his long-awaited return from injury at the 47th Anniversary Show. These hopes were spiked following a new report earlier in the week stating the Junior Heavyweight ace was ready to go, and would soon grace NJPW screens to announce his in-ring comeback. Sadly, despite a card that presented several opportunities to pull the trigger, it didn't happen.

Maybe this isn't fair. Maybe Takahashi isn't as ready as the reports suggest, and that he still has work to do before returning to the ring. Regardless, when you're conditioned to expect something, it always feels like a letdown when it doesn't happen, particularly as Hiromu's appearance would've given the 47th Anniversary another much-needed talking point.

Takahashi shouldn't be rushed back after breaking his neck last summer, but he is much missed. NJPW needs him and his charisma, even if he isn't the same wrestler as before, so let's hope he makes it back soon.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.