The Road to the Carnival

All Japan Pro Wrestling released the full schedule for the 2026 Champion Carnival this week. The tournament kicks off on April 12 and concludes on May 4. You can check the full tournament breakdown here.

Hardcore followers are buzzing about the inclusion of several freelancers in the blocks. Seeing outside talent mix with the AJPW roster usually leads to stiffer strikes and more creative finishing sequences.

The Booking Frustrations

Not everyone is sold on the current direction of the tournament. Several vocal fans on social media have pointed out that the lack of fresh main event challengers makes the winner feel predictable.

Critics specifically noted that the reliance on veterans to carry the tournament blocks prevents younger talent from getting their breakout moments. If a mid-carder doesn't pick up at least 3 wins against established names, the booking feels stale.

What to Watch

The pacing of the schedule is a major point of contention. Cramming so many tournament matches into a 3-week window puts a massive strain on the performers' bodies.

Some fans argue this leads to shorter, less engaging matches as wrestlers protect themselves for the final rounds. We will see if the booking team prioritizes work rate or tournament longevity when the opening bell rings in mid-April.