Jushin Thunder Liger Defeats Janela in Comeback Match

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, marked a surprising return to professional wrestling on Saturday when Japanese legend Jushin Thunder Liger stepped back into the ring nearly five years after his retirement. The 61-year-old Hall of Famer defeated Joey Janela in a brief four-minute match at the WrestleCade event held at the Benton Convention Center.

Liger, whose real name is Keiichi Yamada, answered an open challenge issued by Janela during the annual supershow. The unannounced bout caught attendees off guard, with Liger securing the victory in quick fashion. It was his first competition since January 2020, when he teamed with Naoki Sano in a tag team match at New Japan Pro-Wrestling's Wrestle Kingdom 14. That event in Tokyo ended in defeat against Hiromu Takahashi and Dragon Lee, prompting Liger to hang up his boots after a storied career spanning decades.

A pioneer in junior heavyweight wrestling, Liger built a legacy across multiple promotions. He captured the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship 11 times and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship six times while with New Japan Pro-Wrestling. His international achievements include reigns as the WCW Light Heavyweight...