As per tradition for New Japan Pro Wrestling, the first major show after the New Japan Cup is Sakura Genesis. Due to various circumstances, this will be the first time the major show has run since 2018. Although the card is shorter, with fewer titles on the line, the stakes are just as high.
With a majority of multi-man matches, New Japan is building on storylines stemming from the New Japan Cup. On top of that, there is the big match crowning the first-ever IWGP World Heavyweight Champion in a match between Kota Ibushi and New Japan Cup winner Will Ospreay.
With so much going on, here is a look at the card for New Japan’s 2021 Sakura Genesis show.
Match One – Suzuki Gun v Bullet Club
Credit: NJPW1972
In the words of Beauty and the Beast, the rivalry between Suzuki Gun and Bullet Club can only be described as ‘a tale as old as time’. As the top two heel factions in the company, there always seems to be some animosity. Like always, there is something more to just faction animosity. This time, it is the IWGP Heavyweight tag titles.
After the Guerrillas of Destiny retained their tag titles against TAICHI and Zack Sabre Jr via disqualification, it seems as if the duo is not ready to let go of the titles. After an unsuccessful run in the New Japan Cup, their next target ‘saving’ the tag division. With such a diverse style between the four men, and their willingness to break the rules, anything is possible. If that was enough, fans will get to see the feud of the century in the form of DOUKI v Jado.
Whether the Guerrillas of Destiny will accept the offer for a rematch is one question. It seems as if the titles are once again being fought for by the same two teams. However, it will be interesting to see them wrestle again and whether it is enough to inspire other teams to have a shot.
Match Two – CHAOS v Bullet Club
Credit: NJPW1972
If Bullet Club has a long-standing feud with Suzuki Gun, their relationship with CHAOS is full of deep hatred. Within this match, there are countless rivalries between the various members. There is the battle for the NEVER 6-man titles, the King of Pro Wrestling trophy and YOSHI HASHI’s staff. With so many men in the ring, anything is possible.
From the outset, it is hard to deny that this match is full of talent. The five CHAOS members have so much experience and a range of wrestling styles from hard-hitting, athletic and full of heart. Even Bullet Club has the likes of KENTA and Ishimori, who can easily put on stand-out matches. It’s only the antics of the other members which overshadow the talent in the faction.
The match could go in many ways. Bullet Club could utilise their rule-breaking and find a way to beat the CHAOS team by any means. On the other hand, the CHAOS team could either fight through adversity to win clean or take inspiration from Yano to get the pin at any cost.
Match Three – Los Ingobernables de Japon v The Empire
Credit: NJPW1972
Although there has been no clear feud set between the members of LIJ and The Empire, this match could have huge implications for the future. Although all the men are extremely talented, that will not be the focus for the fans. The biggest thing in this match the prospect of finding out who the newest member of the Empire is.
Within the match, there are five men who all had very different experiences in the New Japan Cup. Naito broke brackets losing in the first round, Cobb and O-Khan fell in round two and SANADA just missed out on a place in the semi-finals. Only Shingo succeeded in the tournament, to an extent. Even he will feel annoyed at getting so close to winning but losing out at the last moment.
At the end of the day, all eyes will be on The Empire. After fans were shocked when Jeff Cobb showed his allegiance to the Empire, it proved that anyone could be a possible prospect for the rising faction. The identity of the new member could prove to be more important in the long run.
Match Four – Hontai v Bullet Club
Credit: NJPW1972
Even after Tanahashi refused Jay’s challenge for his NEVER Openweight title, their feud is far from over. The two have battled over the years and each time, they seem to bring something new to the table. It stems from a distinct difference in both ideologies and wrestling styles.
In this match, there are four very different athletes. There is the traditional Japanese style of Tanahashi and Kojima and the heel-esque style of Bullet Club. Although you may not see anything too flashy from Fale and Jay, the Hontai team will be out to make sure that the crowd will go home happy. However, Bullet Club will be out to ruin that in any way possible.
With such a combination of styles and personalities, anything is possible. If Bullet Club uses their sneaky tactics and Gedo on the outside, Tanahashi might have to accept Jay’s challenge and put his title on the line.
Match Five – El Desperado & Kanemaru v Roppongi 3K – IWGP Jr Heavyweight Tag Championship
Credit: NJPW1972
When Roppongi 3k’s YOH returned from injury at the New Japan Cup final and challenged Suzuki for the IWGP Jr tag titles, it felt like history was repeating itself. In the past, the two teams have constantly battled for the belts. For many, this match is just another piece of evidence that the Jr tag division is in dire need of more talent.
However, there is no denying that these two teams have the ability to put on amazing matches. Although there are only four wrestlers, they are all completely different from each other. YOH has a more traditional Japanese style, SHO and Desperado favour a more strength-based offence and Kanemaru combines all of the above with his submission skills.
It is not only the tag titles on the line. There are added stakes as the match involves current IWGP Jr Heavyweight Champion El Desperado. Roppongi 3k will not only be after the tag titles but a chance to pin Despy and earn themselves a shot at the singles title that has alluded them both. With all of this on the line, none of the men can afford to make any mistakes.
There have been continuous concerns for the IWGP Jr tag titles for some time, including the lack of consistency and absence of high-calibre teams. Hopefully, with another big team back in action, it might be the push the division needs. The booking of this match will be vital and whether Suzuki Gun retains or Roppongi 3k wins, they will be the team responsible for bringing eyes back onto the belts.
Match Six – Kota Ibushi v Will Ospreay – IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
Credit: NJPW1972
After a gruelling tournament, Will Ospreay cemented his opportunity to make history and be the first challenger for the new IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. However, current champion Kota Ibushi will be out to ensure that he can begin the new legacy he created.
The two men have met several times, whether during the G1 Climax or fighting for the NEVER Openweight belt. These matches have ranged from high-flying affairs to extremely brutal bouts. Both men have experienced success as both juniors and heavyweight, making them more similar than first expected.
As their history tells, the two men have very diverse and unique styles. With Ospreay recently adding weight and muscle, his wrestling offence now works in parallel with Ibushi. Both have been known to go high-risk from their experience as junior wrestlers. Yet, Ospreay now has a newfound mean streak and Ibushi can also be as unpredictable during his matches.
With the new title and a spot in New Japan history on the line, it will definitely be a match where anything could happen. Both Ibushi and Ospreay are phenomenal athletes, but fans might see different sides to both men with such high stakes. Whatever happens, this is going to be a match that changes the future of New Japan!
What are your thoughts on the above story? Let us know in the comments on Twitter or Facebook.
Comments.
Loading comments…