Nic Nemeth vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi official for NJPW Sakura Genesis

The first match for NJPW Sakura Genesis has been made. 

The new IWGP Global Champion Nic Nemeth will defend his title against company president Hiroshi Tanahashi on the show. 

Nemeth issued a challenge to Tanahashi after picking up a victory on Saturday at The New Beginning in Sapporo in a tag match. Tanahashi, who was seated at the commentary table, quickly accepted his challenge. 

NJPW revealed on Monday that the match will take place at Sakura Genesis on Saturday, April 6. The event will be held at the Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. The only other match announced for the show is Tetsuya Naito defending the IWGP World Championship against the winner of the 2024 New Japan Cup. 

Nemeth defeated David Finlay to win the Global Championship on Friday at night 1 of The New Beginning in Sapporo. On Saturday's TNA TV taping in Louisiana, Nemeth appeared via video and announced he will defend the belt on March 8 at TNA Sacrifice.