New Japan announced their big August event during Sengoku Lord earlier today (July 25). And in the age of COVID, they’re going to head outside and hold Summer Struggle in the Meiji Jingu Stadium. It’s only the second time NJPW has run Tokyo’s famous baseball field, home of the Yakult Swallows, and one of the only existing stadiums where Babe Ruth played.
21年ぶり‼️
— njpwworld (@njpwworld) July 25, 2020
8月29日(土) #新日本プロレス が
明治神宮野球場 で大会を開催
詳細▶︎https://t.co/r9L3LxTf16
For the first time in 21 years, open air action in the legendary Jingu Stadium!
Summer Struggle in Jingu comes to you August 29!https://t.co/7ji6WWDj2D#njsengoku #njpw pic.twitter.com/dqeadvmrkk
As the announcement video indicates, Summer Struggle joins 1999’s Battle of Last Summer among shows the company’s put on at Jingu. 21 years ago, it The Great Muta vs. Atsushi Onita as “The Great Nita.” In 2019, it looks like the event will be headlined by Tetsuya Naito attempting to regain the IWGP Heavyweight and/or Intercontinental title from EVIL.
Jingu Stadium seats up to 38000, but significantly less will be in attendance on Aug. 29 due to social distancing. Public health officials also believe the coronavirus transmission is less likely outdoors, which was likely a factor in New Japan’s decision to book Summer Struggle for an open-air venue.
We’ll have a better idea of the card next week. Check out the results from Sengoku Lord here and make your own predictions.