New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), Japan's leading professional wrestling promotion founded in 1972,[1][2] will hold its The New Beginning event on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey. The show marks NJPW's return to the United States mainland following its last event there in July 2025.[3][4]

The card features several high-profile matches, including David Finlay versus Fred Rosser in singles competition; Ricochet defending the AEW National Championship against Taiji Ishimori; NJPW World Television Champion El Phantasmo defending against Konosuke Takeshita; IWGP Women's Champion Syuri facing Ring of Honor Women's World Champion Athena; and AEW's Andrade El Idolo challenging IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji.[3][4]

Rocky Romero, a New Japan veteran who also competes for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), described the Trenton's central location between New York City and Philadelphia as ideal for drawing fans from both markets. "We found a spot right in the middle in Trenton, New Jersey," Romero told Fox News Digital.[3]

NJPW has held events across the U.S. since 2017, aiming to expand its global reach beyond its position as Japan's top promotion. The company streams events worldwide via NJPW World, launched in 2014 for a monthly fee of around $9.99.[1][2][5]

Romero highlighted partnerships with AEW and Mexico's CMLL as key to cross-promotional storylines and talent exchanges. He has teamed with Trent Beretta in AEW as part of the Don Callis Family.[3][5]

The wrestler recalled his NJPW debut in the Tokyo Dome before 50,000 fans, transitioning from smaller venues in promotions like CMLL and Ring of Honor. Romero joined NJPW full-time around 2010 after earlier appearances.[3][2]

CURE Insurance Arena, with a capacity of approximately 8,500 for wrestling events, previously hosted events under names like Sun National Bank Center.[1][6]

Sources

1. New Japan Pro-Wrestling
   The New Beginning in USA - Official Event Page
   Accessed February 2026
   https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/218879
2. Wikipedia
   New Japan Pro-Wrestling
   Accessed February 2026
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Japan_Pro-Wrestling
3. Fox News Digital
   Rocky Romero talks to Fox News Digital about New Japan Pro-Wrestling's upcoming show in Trenton
   February 2026
   https://www.foxnews.com/sports/rocky-romero-new-japan-pro-wrestling-trenton-new-jersey
4. NJPW Official Match Center
   The New Beginning USA 2026 Card Announcement
   February 2026
   https://matchcenter.njpw1972.com/?id=218879
5. All Elite Wrestling
   AEW & NJPW Partnership Updates
   Accessed February 2026
   https://www.allelitewrestling.com/aew-njpw-forbidden-door
6. CURE Insurance Arena
   Venue Information
   Accessed February 2026
   https://www.cureinsurancearena.com/venue-info