Ultimate Crush was a major professional wrestling and mixed martial arts event promoted by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).

The show also featured participation from Pro Wrestling Noah, as Kenta Kobashi defended the GHC Heavyweight Championship against Masahiro Chono.

The only other title match on the show featured Jushin Thunder Liger and Koji Kanemoto defending the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship against Heat and Tiger Mask IV.

In the same year, Antonio Inoki declared the NWF Heavyweight Championship would return, and a tournament was set up throughout later part of 2002 and early 2003.

In early 2003, Kazunari Murakami and the Makai Club began a feud with Michiyoshi Ohara's Crazy Dog's stable, with the two exchanging wins throughout the start of the year.

Ultimate Crush featured professional wrestling matches that involved different wrestlers from pre-existing scripted feuds and storylines.