After New Japan Pro-Wrestling had to cancel its Wrestle Grand Slam shows, fans were relieved to see that the annual Dominion show would still happen. As one of the year’s biggest shows, many expect big matches and big storylines to happen, despite the current circumstances.
With a series of tag, special singles and title matches, here is a look at the matches you can expect from this year’s Dominion show.
CHAOS & Hontai v Bullet Club
Credit: NJPW1972
The 2021 Dominion show kicks off with a traditional 5 v 5 tag match between the Bullet Club members and the team of CHAOS and Hontai. The animosity between the teams is a tale as old as time, dating back as far as fans can remember. It will undoubtedly be a chaotic way to start the show but one to get the crowd excited.
Not only will there be the usual animosity between the teams, but with so much gold on the CHAOS side, Bullet Club will be out for revenge. Ishimori made it very clear that, with El Phantasmo back in New Japan, the duo can try and win back their IWGP Jr tag titles from Roppongi 3k. The other members will be after the NEVER 6-man tag champions to try and break their historic reign.
With a mixture of juniors and heavyweights, this match will have a mixture of all wrestling styles combined with the rule-breaking of Bullet Club. Despite opening the show, this match could have serious implications for the future.
Suzuki Gun v Los Ingobernables de Japon
Credit: NJPW1972
After beating G.O.D for the tag titles, Suzuki Gun’s TAICHI and Zack Sabre Jr will be out to continue their momentum. However, whenever there is gold available, the Los Ingobernables de Japon members will be out to take what they believe is theirs. In particular, after the trio of SANADA, Naito and BUSHI failed to win the NEVER titles, they will find any way to bring titles back to LIJ.
The men in this match are all completely different. There are the high-flying DOUKI and BUSHI, the submission prowess of ZSJ and SANADA, the strength of TAICHI and the unpredictability of Naito. When all of these styles and personalities get into one ring, they will always clash, especially when championship gold is within reach.
Although Naito and SANADA are not known for tagging together, the chemistry between LIJ makes them the perfect opponents for Dangerous Tekkers. Yet, by winning the belts and having the crowd’s support, it could be the missing piece for the Suzuki Gun duo to achieve their goal and save the company’s tag division.
El Desperado v YOH – IWGP Jr Heavyweight Championship
Credit: NJPW1972
After it was initially cancelled at Dontaku due to various circumstances, El Desperado and YOH will now meet for the Jr Heavyweight title match at Dominion. After allowing El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru a shot at the Jr titles, he had to hold up his side of the bargain by giving YOH a chance at the Jr title.
When it comes to their approach to wrestling, the two couldn’t be any more different. El Desperado has always stuck to the idea of getting the win as quickly as possible by any means possible. Whereas, until a few years ago, YOH was almost naïve in his more traditional approach to the industry he loves.
Despite having very different personalities, their wrestling styles have recently become more similar. YOH always favoured a more traditional Japanese offence but, after his recent injury, has taken to staying on the mat. El Desperado has always used his power and strength to ensure the match stays on the floor. It will be about who can gain the early advantage.
Although YOH seemed to have the advantage after their Jr tag title match, El Desperado won’t let this title slip through his fingers so easily. With a battle of personalities, it will be the first time the two have met in singles action and there is more than just pride at stake. It has the possibility to change the complexion of a division many think is suffering through the pandemic and Hiromu’s injury.
Jeff Cobb v Kota Ibushi – Special Singles Match
Credit: NJPW1972
After Kota Ibushi returned to New Japan, the first person who seemed to pick a fight with the Golden Star was Jeff Cobb. After losing the title to Ospreay in April, Cobb hit Ibushi with a Tour of the Islands and this seemed to start a rivalry between the two men who, last year, would’ve been teammates.
Despite losing the title, Ibushi still thinks that he is the ‘God’ of New Japan and wants to test his power against an Olympian. With his speed, athleticism and striking ability, the Golden Star is normally a tough opponent to beat. Yet, Cobb is a completely different creature. With size, strength, power and athleticism, there is nothing he cannot do. He will definitely have the advantage over Ibushi when it comes to many parts of his offence.
Although Cobb still has the same offence and wrestling style, joining The Empire brought a new and more brutal side to an already dangerous wrestler. However, fans have seen that Ibushi can also go to a darker place when he has to. If Ibushi can control his inner demon, that is the only way he can beat off the monster that is Jeff Cobb.
Although there are no real implications for either man, this match is a battle of pride. Cobb needs to show that his change in character was for the right reason. On the other hand. Ibushi needs to prove that he can still be at the top of New Japan despite losing the title he created quickly.
Kazuchika Okada v Shingo Takagi – IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
Credit: NJPW1972
After Will Ospreay had to relinquish his title due to injury, many tried to predict who would be the two men fighting to take his place. After it was announced that Kazuchika Okada and Shingo Takagi would battle for the title at Dominion, it was both unsurprising and exciting for fans. Going into the match, they seemed like the two most obvious choices.
After Ospreay challenged Okada with a match set for Wrestle Grand Slam, there was no way the Rainmaker was going to miss out on his title opportunity. Especially with his recent time off, Okada will be even more motivated than before. Similarly, with Tagaki, after narrowly missing out on beating Ospreay for the title, this will be a chance to finally reach the top of the company.
New Japan has put two of the best against each other when it comes to the match itself. With wrestling styles that blend strength, speed and athleticism, the Dragon and Rainmaker have more in common than differences. If you blink, you might miss something amazing. With such high stakes, there is no doubt that both men will come in at 110% putting their hearts, minds and bodies on the line.
Since Takagi moved to the heavyweight division, both men having one victory over their opponent during last year’s G1 and New Japan cup. This bout will be the rubber match but with even higher stakes than expected. No matter the outcome, there is no denying that the match will be an athletic masterpiece with both men deserving of the title.
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