After being postponed due to COVID-19, New Japan Pro Wrestling are back with their Wrestle Grand Slam show at the Tokyo Dome. After a successful Kizuna Road tour, the company is currently in the midst of its Summer Struggle shows. With new storylines introduced during the past few weeks, there are some huge rivalries and title matches on the card.
With a range of special singles and title matches throughout the show, here is a look at the matches fans can expect during NJPW’s Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome.
Undercard: King of Pro Wrestling Opening Rambo Match
Credit: NJPW1972
Since the King of Pro Wrestling trophy was created, it has become the go-to way to kick off any major event. Wrestle Grand Slam is no different and, after a poll, Toru Yano will be defending his trophy in a handcuff match. Like any Rambo, entrants will join the match randomly. Elimination can happen by pinfall, submission, disqualification, or by being thrown over the top rope. Yet, a wrestler can also be eliminated by being handcuffed to the ropes or ringside area.
Although nobody knows the participants for sure, there will be names who have missed out on a spot on the card. From Jrs to Heavyweights, anything is possible and it will be the epitome of chaos. This is the perfect way for this title to be defended. Yet, Yano will use every tactic in the book to make sure he keeps his pride and joy.
It may not be the wrestling masterpiece fans will see throughout the card, but it will be a light-hearted way to start the show. Many will hope that Yano continues his reign as champion, bringing some fun to the company. However, with so many possible entrants, anything is possible and who knows, the trophy could have a new owner who changes the complexion of the division.
Match One – El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori (c) v Rocky Romero & Ryusuke Taguchi – IWGP Jr Heavyweight Tag Team Championships
Credit: NJPW1972
After winning the titles at Kizuna Road, there didn’t seem to be any teams willing to challenge El Phantasmo and Taiji Ishimori for the belts. However, Rocky Romero beat ELP during their return on the Summer Struggle tour. With this win, the Mega Coaches (Romero and Ryusuke Taguchi) earnt themselves a title shot.
Between Rocky and Taguchi, they have 14 tag team championship reigns and have shown that they can work together amazingly. The Bullet Club duo have shown their tag team chemistry, although their past reigns have not been as successful as they would probably have liked. It is a battle between the past and the present.
This match really showcases everything the Jr division has to offer. There is the athleticism of El Phantasmo, the diversity of Ishimori, the sneaky style of Romero and The Funky Weapon with Taguchi. With years of experience between them, it will undoubtedly be a mixture of amazing wrestling and personality.
Although many might see the outcome of this match inevitable, the Mega Coaches should not be underestimated. Taguchi has played spoiler on several occasions, and Rocky isn’t a veteran for no reason. If the Bullet Club duo takes this team too lightly, they might find themselves walking out of the Tokyo Dome without their titles.
Match Two – El Desperado (c) v Robbie Eagles – IWGP Jr Heavyweight Championship Match
Credit: NJPW1972
After beating YOH and Taiji Ishimori, fans wondered who the next person would be to challenge IWGP Jr Heavyweight Champion El Desperado. After beating the Bone Soldier, a mysterious VT came on the screen, and CHAOS’s Robbie Eagles announced that.
The two have only met on a handful of occasions and only once in a singles match during the 2020 Best of Super Jr tournament. On the surface, these two wrestlers couldn’t be any more different. Despite starting in Bullet Club, Eagles made a home in CHAOS. He has showcased his heart and passion for the sport he’s considered a veteran. On the other hand, Despy is Suzuki Gun and is willing to use any tactics to win.
Yet, despite their contrasts in personality, their styles aren’t as different as many expect. Although Robbie is known to fly, the core of his offence is submission-based. Similarly, with El Desperado, he is more ground-based than what many fans expect from Jr Heavyweights. With this in mind, fans will probably see a match combining all aspects of wrestling and showcasing the division’s diversity.
With only one singles match back in December 2020, it will be interesting to see the chemistry between these two athletes. Unlike last time, the stakes are much higher and the stage is much grander. Both wrestlers will want to put on a strong performance. Although Robbie is going in fresher, Despy has proved his worth during this reign and won’t want it to end this quickly. They will both have to adapt to each other’s differences, but it could create something beautiful.
Match Three – Kazuchika Okada v Jeff Cobb – Special Singles Match
Credit: NJPW1972
Despite his losses, Jeff Cobb seems to have a motivation to challenge some of the best in New Japan. After beating his fellow Empire member Great O-Khan, Jeff wants to put himself against former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada. Yet, with both men suffering losses at Dominion, each man has a lot to lose.
The two have not met since the G1 where Okada got the win, and that was under completely different circumstances. Since their last meeting, Cobb has undergone an extreme personality change and become even more dangerous than before. Yet, as his career is at plateauing, fans have seen a more determined side to the Rainmaker as well.
Yet, personalities aside, fans will definitely expect a traditional wrestling match between two extremely diverse and talented wrestlers. Despite his size, Jeff Cobb has shown that he can utilise his power and showcase moves seen in the Jr Heavyweight division. Okada is also extremely diverse and is seen as one of the best in the world. With his speed, strength and agility, he is the perfect athlete.
Although there is no title on the line, the winner of this match will definitely have his eye on the main event. Both men are in need of some serious momentum, and this match is going to be vital! With two athletes as talented as Cobb and Okada, fans hope for a clean match with some excellent wrestling.
Match Four- Tetsuya Naito & SANADA (c) v Dangerous Tekkers – IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
Credit: NJPW1972
After losing the IWGP Heavyweight tag titles to Tetsuya Naito and SANADA, it doesn’t seem as if Dangerous Tekkers’ dream to save the tag division has gone away. After their amazing match at Summer Struggle, Zack Sabre Jr and TAICHI issued their re-match.
Throughout the last few shows, the two teams have been battling both in the ring and through their promos. With such different personalities, it seems that Dangerous Tekkers’ respect for SANADA is outweighed by their hatred for Naito. These reasons have added a new dimension to their rivalry, moving it away from the basic formula seen between Dangerous Tekkers and G.O.D.
Yet, personal rivalries aside, all four wrestlers in this match are extremely talented. SANADA and ZSJ thrive in submission wrestling, executing moves both effortlessly and with style. TAICHI utilises his size and strength to power over his opponents and Naito’s unpredictable style combines speed, athleticism and danger. When all of these styles get into one ring, it showcases the diversity New Japan offers.
In the past, the tag division has been criticised for being stale and boring. This feud has added some life to the titles by combining amazing wrestling, unique personalities and humour. No matter who walks win, the tag division will be elevated to heights that have not been seen in a long time.
Match Five – Shingo Takagi (c) v Kota Ibushi – IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Match
Credit: NJPW1972
It will be the first title defence for champion Shingo Takagi after beating Kazuchika Okada for the vacant IWGP World Heavyweight title at Dominion. By choosing Kota Ibushi as his next challenger, this match has two wrestlers at very different positions in the company. Shingo achieved his dream of becoming the top champion, but Ibushi lost the title he created on his first defence.
For many fans, Shingo and Ibushi are two of the best wrestlers in the world. Both men started in the company as Jr Heavyweights and have a hybrid style unlike any other. Shingo is known for his strength and power but has this unrivalled speed that he uses to his advantage. Kota Ibushi can kick and strike but jumps over the rope as if he’s flying. If fans blink, they might miss something.
The two have only met once in a singles match once before, and that was during last year’s G1 Climax tournament. Shingo came out victorious during the last bout but still missed out on a place in the final. This time, the stakes are much higher. Yet, with both men priding themselves on fighting spirit, it will be a possible match of the year candidate.
Shingo is at an advantage both with the win against Ibushi from last year and going in as champion. Fans can expect a wrestling masterclass between two wrestlers who a passion and love for the business. The deciding factor will be who is willing to fight more to cement their legacy in New Japan.
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