Browsing: Japan

Oct 22, 2025, 08:56 PM ET

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball is having its most-viewed postseason in the U.S. since 2017 through the League Championship Series.

Viewership is averaging 4.48 million according to MLB and Nielsen, a 13% increase over last year.

Most of the gains are due to the first two rounds. The AL Championship Series on Fox, Fox Sports 1, Fox Deportes and streaming averaged 4.99 million viewers across the seven games.

That is even with last year’s ALCS on TNT Sports, where the New York Yankees beat the Cleveland Guardians in five games.

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Fox and TNT Sports alternate leagues each season.

TNT Sports was hurt by the Los Angeles Dodgers posting a four-game sweep over the Milwaukee Brewers, and Shohei Ohtani’s epic three-homer game and 10-strikeout performance in Game 4 taking place on a Friday night and averaging 3.51 million.

The series averaged 4.7 million, a 17% decline from last year’s six-game series between the New York Mets and Dodgers on Fox.

The Toronto Blue Jays’ 4-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners in Game 7 averaged 9.03 million, making it the most-watched ALCS game in eight years. The audience peaked at 12.35 million for the ninth inning.

MLB has also seen substantial growth in Canada and Japan.

Toronto’s victory putting it in the World Series for the first time since 1993 averaged 6 million in Canada and was the most-watched Blue Jays game on Sportsnet in Canada.

Ohtani’s outstanding performance in Game 4 averaged 10.26 million viewers in Japan, the second-most watched LCS game in the country’s history. The 16-hour time difference between Tokyo and Los Angeles meant the game was taking place on Saturday morning in Japan.

The NLCS averaged an LCS record 7.34 million in Japan, a 26% increase over last year as fans continue to follow Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Roki Sasaki in record numbers.

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SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)…

SHOW SUMMARY:In our latest episode of Alan4L’s ProWres Paradise, PWTorch columnist Alan4L compares and contrasts the recent big shows in Sumo Hall presented by New Japan and Pro Wrestling Noah featuring a few excellent matches, title changes, interesting (questionable) booking, and some rising stars amidst the usual frustrations that both companies offer. The shows provided a great opportunity to see where the two promotions stand against each other, and we took advantage of it – including an impromptu wrestler draft! From there, Alan gives his analysis on AEW’s tremendous WrestleDream event and how that has formed his initial FSM 50 thoughts. Who are the front runners for the wrestler of the year? Listen and find out! Plus, we go back to April 27, 1987 and what might well be the greatest day in wrestling history as fans in Memphis, Tokyo, and Osaka were treated to some incredible scenes from the likes of Inoki, Lawler, Nagayo, Dump, and more.

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Kairi Sane will return to her native Japan with gold around her waist, according to the ‘Pirate Princess’ herself. On Instagram, Sane shared some photos of WWE’s recent tour in Japan. In the caption, Sane shared what the experience meant to her.

“Thank you very very much for all who came. Recently, I’ve had a tough schedule and matches going on and my whole body has been covered in bruises, but anyway, I wanted to deliver the best performance to everyone who came to watch, and I gave it 1000% of my energy.”

Sane wasn’t just grateful for what had come, but is looking ahead to the future. While WWE has yet to confirm the next time the promotion will head to Japan, Sane is determined to return to her home as a champion.

“I’ll train harder and get stronger so I can make a triumphant return with the championship belt in my hand!”

Sane is already a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, both reigns coming alongside Asuka. In 2017, Sane won the Mae Young Classic and is a former WWE NXT Women’s Champion. Despite these accolades, Sane is yet to hold singles gold on WWE’s main roster, a fact she plans on changing soon.

With WWE introducing women’s mid-card titles over the past 12 months, Sane has a greater chance than ever to achieve her goal. It remains to be seen if Kairi returns to Japan as a champion, but those currently holding gold should beware the Pirate Princess.

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By Ella Jay

Oct. 19, 2025 11:33 am EST

John Nacion/Getty Images

Rhea Ripley is taking an unpleasant outcome in stride.

Following a successful takeover of Australia, WWE headed to Japan for a pair of live events in Tokyo. At the second one on October 18, Ripley collided with IYO SKY, Raquel Rodriguez, and Stephanie Vaquer for the latter’s WWE Women’s World Championship. Vaquer retained her title by pinning Rodriguez. Meanwhile, Ripley headed to the back with a bloody and busted nose, with SKY and a member of WWE’s medical team by her side.

Ripley showed off the damage on X, writing, “Thank you Japan [laughing emoji] I still love you!” alongside a video of her nose swollen and stuffed with gauze. Despite that, “Mami” appears to be in good spirits as she still gave a thumbs up to the camera. Ripley later joked about the injury by comparing her busted nose to that of her bull terrier named Barry.

“Twins,” she captioned the side-by-side images of herself and her dog.

Twins ðŸ˜ðŸ˜… pic.twitter.com/51IFqSmNpf

— RheaRipley_WWE (@RheaRipley_WWE) October 18, 2025

Per fan footage, Ripley seems to have hurt her nose toward the end of the fatal-four-way title match, specifically when Rodriguez launched SKY into her, causing the two to fall to the floor. While Ripley and SKY remained on the outside of the ring, Vaquer finished off Rodrguez with a dragon screw leg whip and a Spiral Tap for the victory.

As of now, there is no word on if Ripley’s busted nose will keep her out of action. The “WWE Raw” brand returns to the United States tomorrow for a live broadcast in Sacramento, California. At WWE Crown Jewel in Perth, Ripley and SKY defeated the Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane).

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Rhea Ripley took to social media to share a gnarly injury that she suffered while performing at a WWE Japan Supershow.

In a recent post on X, Ripley showed off a video of her and the broken nose she suffered. As one would assume, the video is gnarly, as Ripleyâ€s nose is completely swollen, and stuffed with gauze. The WWE star seems to be a good sport about it, though, as she jokingly says “yeah†while showing off the injury before giving the camera the thumbs up.

As for what happened, fans in attendance at the Japan Supershow were available to provide context. According to fans online, Ripley was hurt in a match while partnering with IYO SKY. Facing Stephanie Vaquer and Raquel Rodriguez, SKY was thrown out of the ring and onto Ripley. The collision knocked Ripley down, and in the process broke her nose.

Despite the injury, Rhea Ripley seems to be fine making jokes about it. In a separate post on social media, she shared a photo of her dog Barry, a bull terrier, known for their big noses. In a side-by-side, she also shared a photo of her bruised and swollen nose, jokingly comparing the two.

As of now, itâ€s unclear how long, if at all, the injury will keep Rhea out of action.

READ MORE: WWE SmackDown Results: Review, Grades, Card For Oct 17

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CM Punk brought serious heart to Tokyo this weekend—and he wasnâ€t alone.

During WWEâ€s second Supershow at Sumo Hall in Tokyo, Japan on Saturday morning, Punk joined forces with Shinsuke Nakamura for a rare tag team main event. The match saw them defeat Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, reuniting former members of The Vision for one last Tokyo clash.

But what happened after the bell rang may have meant even more to fans in the building. Once the action ended, CM Punk grabbed a mic and took a moment to speak directly to the Japanese crowd, expressing deep respect for the country, its wrestling culture, and its legends.

“I wish I could speak fluent Japanese,†Punk began, before connecting with the crowd in English. “But I think a lot of you understand English.â€

He didnâ€t stop there. Punk praised the Tokyo audience as one of the best heâ€s ever performed in front of, revealing just how long heâ€d dreamed of this moment.

“It is a privilege for me to be able to wrestle in front of what I feel is the greatest wrestling audience in the world … the Japanese wrestling fans,†Punk said. “Itâ€s a little ironic. When I was a little boy and I fell in love with pro wrestling. All I ever wanted to do was go to Japan.â€

Punk also shared his love for the late WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk, drawing a powerful connection between Funkâ€s cowboy image and the influence it had on generations of Japanese wrestlers.

“I think a lot of the Japanese wrestlers, they wanted to be American cowboys,†Punk told the crowd. “They wanted to be Terry Funk. So to me, itâ€s very beautiful that I get to come to Tokyo and I get to share a ring with a legend like Shinsuke Nakamura.â€

Nakamura then translated Punkâ€s heartfelt speech to the fans in their native language, which was followed by AJ Styles making his way out for an emotional farewell of his own—bringing things full circle for a night filled with respect, memories, and legacy.

Do you think CM Punk teaming with Nakamura in Japan should become more than just a one-time moment? Would you like to see them together again—or maybe even face off? Drop your thoughts below and share your favorite moment from the Japan Supershow.

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AJ Styles just wrestled in Japan for the final time—and WWE made sure the moment hit hard.

During the WWE Super Show in Tokyo, the Phenomenal One got a send-off that had the entire arena on their feet, with fellow stars paying tribute to his legendary career. At the end of the show, Styles stepped into the spotlight and addressed the crowd one last time. Shinsuke Nakamura joined him in the ring to translate his message for the Japanese audience, making sure they felt every word of his farewell.

The arena erupted when “Thank You†appeared on the screen. CM Punk and Ivar lifted AJ onto their shoulders as fans erupted with applause. More WWE Superstars joined them on to celebrate, creating a lasting visual that perfectly captured Styles†final match in Japan as an active competitor.

This wasnâ€t an isolated moment either. Styles had already said goodbye to fans in Melbourne, Australia, earlier in the week—solidifying his decision to retire in 2026. WWE is planning a full-on retirement tour for the Phenomenal One next year, and if this Japan farewell was any indication, theyâ€re pulling out all the stops.

Styles has wrestled all over the world and built a reputation as one of the most respected performers in the industry. His final matches will no doubt be emotional for fans and peers alike, and WWE seems determined to send him off in style.

Are you ready to see AJ Styles hang up the boots in 2026, or do you think heâ€s got one more run left in him? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.

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Rhea Ripley isnâ€t afraid to get physical in the ring, but this time the punishment left her battered and bloodied during WWEâ€s SuperShow in Tokyo, Japan.

The former Womenâ€s World Champion was part of a title defense at Ryogoku Sumo Hall, taking on IYO SKY, Stephanie Vaquer, and Raquel Rodriguez. During the action, things took a sudden turn when Raquel launched IYO SKY directly into Ripley — causing a violent mid-air collision that busted Ripleyâ€s nose.

The aftermath was brutal. Ripley was clearly dazed as WWE medical staff rushed to her aid, escorting her to the back for immediate treatment. Her nose appeared visibly swollen and bloodied — but in true Ripley fashion, she didnâ€t let it kill her vibe.

Shortly after the event, Ripley shared a video to Twitter, showing the damage and flashing a smile to fans in Japan, writing, “Thank you Japan 😂 I still love you!â€

Despite the obvious pain, Ripley appeared to be in good spirits WWE has yet to confirm whether Ripley will miss any in-ring time, and with Saturday Nightâ€s Main Event just around the corner, her availability is now in question.

Ripleyâ€s toughness has never been in doubt, but even the most resilient wrestlers need time to heal. This accident is a reminder of just how real the risk is — even during live events.

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Bron Breakker decided to take a quick nap while Jey Uso was yeeting with the fans at a live event.

The WWE Superstars are currently in Japan for a couple of SuperShow events. The first show took place earlier today at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo arena, and the next one will take place tomorrow at the same venue.

The card for todayâ€s show featured eight matches, including a tag team contest that saw Jey Uso and Shinsuke Nakamura take on Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. The babyfaces received a great response from the crowd as they made their way to the ring, and Jey Uso was yeeting with the fans as usual.

However, a clip shared by a fan on X/Twitter showed Bron Breakker hilariously mocking Jey Uso by taking a nap in the ring while the latter was engaging with the crowd.

Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed Turned On Seth Rollins On WWE Raw

Bron Breakker shocked the world on the latest episode of WWE Raw when he turned on Seth Rollins and persuaded Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman to do the same.

Breakker joined forces with Seth Rollins and Paul Heyman on Raw after WrestleMania 41. Bronson Reed also joined their ranks in May 2025, and the group came to be known as The Vision.

While the faction was on a dominant run on Raw with Seth Rollins as the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, things took an unexpected turn when Bron Breakker speared Rollins on the October 13, 2025, episode of Raw, and got Bronson Reed and Paul Heyman to side with him, exiling The Visionary from The Vision.

While a betrayal angle was inevitable, fans were surprised that WWE pulled the trigger on it very soon. However, recent reports of Seth Rollins suffering a legitimate injury during his match against Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel: Perth could be the reason WWE decided to pull this off.

Read More: New WWE Contracts Add Lengthy Non-Compete If Talent Is Fired With Cause — Report

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Naomi Osaka has pulled out of the Japan Open before Friday’s quarter-final because of a leg injury sustained in the second round.

The former world number one held back tears and needed painkillers to come through a three-set last-16 win over defending champion Suzan Lamens on Wednesday.

Top seed Osaka, who completed the match with strapping on her left thigh, was due to face Jaqueline Cristian in the last eight but the Romanian will instead progress to the semi-finals.

The Japan Open made the announcement on X, saying: “We regret to announce that Naomi Osaka has not recovered from a left leg injury sustained during the second round of this tournament and has withdrawn from the quarter-finals scheduled for today.”

It is not yet known whether Osaka will play in the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo later this month.

The four-time Grand Slam champion is the latest high-profile player to suffer late-season injury issues.

In September, Iga Swiatek complained the season is “too long and too intense” following a string of injuries among players at the China Open.

British number one Emma Raducanu called time on her season on Thursday after retiring from her two previous matches with illness.

Australia’s Daria Kasatkina, Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina and Spain’s Paula Badosa also ended their seasons early in recent weeks.

Across two tournaments in China last week, five players retired injured.

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