| Sakura Genesis | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Promotional poster of the event | |||
| Promotion | New Japan Pro-Wrestling | ||
| Date | April 8, 2023 | ||
| City | Tokyo,Japan | ||
| Venue | Ryōgoku Kokugikan | ||
| Attendance | 6,510[1] | ||
| Event chronology | |||
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| Sakura Genesis chronology | |||
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Sakura Genesis was aprofessional wrestling event promoted byNew Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). The event took on April 8, 2023, inTokyo atRyōgoku Kokugikan.[2][3] Previously held under the Invasion Attack name, this was the fourth event to be held under theSakura Genesis name.
The main event saw the2023 New Japan Cup winnerSanada defeatKazuchika Okada to win theIWGP World Heavyweight Championship.
Sakura Genesis featuredprofessional wrestling matches that involve different wrestlers from pre-existing scripted feuds andstorylines. Wrestlers portrayvillains,heroes, orless distinguishable characters in the scripted events that build tension and culminate in a wrestling match or series of matches.[4]
On January 8, 2023, NJPW announced theNew Japan Cup dates with the participants being announced on February 13.[5][6]Sanada won the tournament by defeatingDavid Finlay in the finals, receiving anIWGP World Heavyweight Championship match at Sakura Genesis.[7]
At the New Japan Cup finals,Hiromu Takahashi successfully defended theIWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship againstLio Rush.[8] After the match,Zack Sabre Jr. came out to ringside and introduced the newest member ofTMDK who was revealed to beRobbie Eagles, Eagles issued a title challenge for Sakura Genesis which Takahashi accepted.[9]