With the road to New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Wrestle Kingdom 15 well and truly underway, there is still a lot that can happen in the next two months. With the G1 Climax at an end, there is still World Tag League and Best of Super Jr tournament to come. That is not even taking into consideration what else could happen from now until January 4th.
However, with two days set for the Tokyo Dome, there is no question that New Japan will put on some stand out matches from all of our favourite wrestlers.
Here is a list of 10 potential matches we could see at the Tokyo Dome for Wrestle Kingdom 15.
10. YOSHI-HASHI, Hirooki Goto & Tomohiro Ishii Gauntlet Match – NEVER Openweight 6-Man Championship
Is it ever a Wrestle Kingdom without a gauntlet match for the NEVER 6-man championships? It takes wrestlers from every faction and pitting them against each other. The last team standing becomes the NEVER 6-man title holders.
This match is always a great way to start the show because it is light-hearted and is a combination of quick and dynamic matches. It is also a way for more New Japan wrestlers to be showcased on a card which is extremely difficult to get on.
There is an endless number of possible teams we could see from the factions with both Jr’s and Heavyweights. Some of these include the Hontai/CHAOS team of Ryusuke Taguchi, Togi Makabe and Toru Yano. There is also the LIJ team of Shingo Takagi, BUSHI and SANADA and Bullet Club’s Yujiro Takahashi, Chase Owens and Bad Luck Fale.
With the CHAOS champions YOSHI-HASHI, Hirooki Goto and Tomohiro Ishii on a roll, they are strong contenders to retain the titles. The trio has been fighting champions and won’t lose those belts without a fight.
9. El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Rocky Romero & Robbie Eagles – IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship
Many fans have seen the Jr tag division as one of the weakest in New Japan. In terms of talent, it is as good as any other. Yet, there is a lack of quantity in teams at the moment. However, throughout it all, Suzuki Gun’s Yoshinobu Kanemaru and El Desperado have stayed stable.
As a duo with one of the longest single reigns in the title history, they deserve a strong set of opponents for Wrestle Kingdom. If they get passed Hiromu Takahashi and BUSHI at Road to Power Struggle, it will be time for some fresh opponents.
CHAOS has always been known for strong Jr tag teams with Roppongi 3K, Roppongi Vice and Birds of Prey. However, with Beretta gone, YOH injured and Ospreay now part of the Empire, we seem to be lacking a tag team from the faction. However, it might be for a new team and who better than wrestling veterans Rocky Romero and Robbie Eagles? We know that Romero is a Jr tag legend with more reigns with the title than any wrestler. Also, Robbie dominating the wrestling scene in Australia and beyond.
This duo could cause problems for the experienced team of Kanemaru and Despy with a sense of the unknown from two skilled and diverse wrestlers. It would also be great to see both Rocky and Robbie on a big stage competing for a title because we have not seen that from both men in a long time.
8. Dangerous Tekkers vs. Guerillas of Destiny – IWGP Tag Team Championship
Since winning the IWGP Heavyweight tag titles, Dangerous Tekkers have been out to raise the standard of the tag division. As a team, Zack Sabre Jr and TAICHI work effortlessly together and have some of the best tag team chemistry in the company, despite being a team for just under a year. They claim that nobody is worthy of their titles.
However, it seems like forever since we have last seen Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa as IWGP champions. They seem like the perfect opponents. With World Tag League on the horizon, it seems fitting that the Guerillas of Destiny make their return and win a spot at the Tokyo Dome. The duo has not had the best run at Wrestle Kingdom failing to successfully defend the titles they have won six times.
Although this match seems like the perfect example of your standard heel vs. heel match, all four men are extremely diverse athletes. There is the strength and power from Tanga Loa and TAICHI, the athleticism of Tama Tonga and submission prowess of ZSJ.
Fans could be treated to some fantastic wrestling combined with some sneaky style on the side.
7. Taiji Ishimori vs. SHO – IWGP Jr Heavyweight Championship
With the Best of Super Jr announced for next month, who is going to challenge Taiji Ishimori for the IWGP Jr Heavyweight title? After their spectacular match at Jingu and the 2018 BoSJ final, many expect it to be Hiromu. However, there may be one other person that is vying for the title: Roppongi 3K’s SHO.
After having to relinquish the Jr tag titles, now seems like the perfect time for SHO to make his mark as a singles competitor. What better way than by defeating Taiji Ishimori.
Ishimori and SHO are the perfect examples of the new generation of Jr Heavyweights who have attributes of a Heavyweight. Both are extremely fast, agile and are not scared to go high-risk. They are also both well built and can use their strength to dominate their opponent regardless of weight class.
The two men have also had a history Japan whether in the Best of Super Jr or fighting over the Jr tag titles. Looking at the record, Ishimori is more successful in singles. But SHO had the advantage in the tag division. This match could be a stand-out match between two hybrid Jr Heavyweights.
6. Tetsuya Naito vs. SANADA – IWGP Intercontinental Championship
After beating Tetsuya Naito during G1 Climax, SANADA gets a shot at his titles. If Naito retains his titles against EVIL, then the Cold Skull is an obvious next opponent.
Where better than Wrestle Kingdom?
Many have doubted the Cold Skull’s ability to be at the top of New Japan. However, Naito has made it clear that he does not want to defend both titles every time. It might be the perfect chance for SANADA. Naito will defend the Heavyweight title on night one, SANADA could challenge for the Intercontinental title the next. It could the perfect stepping-stone to get the Cold Skull ready for an eventual Heavyweight reign.
Whatever the stakes may be, after their bout this year, there is no doubt that it is going to be a phenomenal match. Both men know each other so well. They also have a similar style which varies from high-speed and high-risk to a methodical and submission-based offence.
It is also a match that is going to divide fans because both Naito and SANADA are firm New Japan favourites. Whether the night ends in an LIJ roll call or the lights going off and being lit by phone torches, it would be a magical ending to the most important event on the New Japan calendar.
5. Shingo Takagi vs. Tomohiro Ishii – NEVER Openweight Championship
The possibility of this match for the NEVER Openweight title depends on the outcome from Power Struggle. If Shingo Takagi manages to beat the Minoru Suzuki, a match against Tomohiro Ishii would be a dream.
We have seen them battle several times over the past year. They never cease to put on potential match of the year candidates. Ishii and Shingo managed to bring out the best in each other and put on an event that is a combination of wrestling and brawling. It is enough to keep fans at the edge of their seats.
For two wrestlers who are so big, Shingo and Ishii are athletic and quick keeping a pace similar to that of a Jr Heavyweight! It will be two men with so much to prove and a mentality that is perfect for the strength behind the NEVER division.
If this match does take place, no matter what place it is on the card, it will somehow manage to steal the show. It could be one of the best matches the NEVER singles title has seen.
4. Jay White vs. EVIL – Special Singles Match
Throughout the G1, there has been an obvious tension between the Bullet Club leader Jay White and the newest recruit EVIL. Multiple people having big egos has never boded well for Bullet Club. There will come a time where things needed to be sorted in the ring and Wrestle Kingdom could be that time.
We could see a specials singles match between the two in a battle for not only pride but even the possibility of Bullet Club leadership. However, if Jay beats Ibushi at Power Struggle for the ‘Right to Challenge’ contract and EVIL defeats Naito, then it might be a fight for the titles.
If fans see a rare heel vs. heel inter-faction match at the Tokyo Dome, anything could happen. White and EVIL are very different wrestlers with one favouring his brains compared to the other’s brawn. However, with the presence of Gedo and Dick Togo, it could lead to a very chaotic match-up with chairs, low blows and whatever else the duo can get their hands on.
Whatever happens, this match will probably also be influenced heavily by the other faction members with loyalties tested at every corner. It might not be something fans want to see. Yet, it has the potential to be a stand-out match with long term implications.
3. Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay – Special Singles Match
Fans were shocked when Will Ospreay turned on Kazuchika Okada during the final part of the G1. The duo has been firm fan favourites with a relationship resembling that of brothers, especially with Okada playing a part in Ospreay coming to New Japan.
In reality, this turn seemed inevitable. Ospreay has always loved the limelight. Okada is one of those obstacles stopping him from being at the top of the company. With Okada failing to get much momentum after Wrestle Kingdom 14, it seemed like the perfect time to stab his former leader in the back.
With Okada set to battle Ospreay’s second-hand man Great O-Khan at Power Struggle, there will come a time where the Rainmaker wants retribution. What better place is there than Wrestle Kingdom, a stage that both men know so well.
Fans are going to be treated to a wrestling masterpiece which has the potential to be a show-stealer. Both men are athletic and execute moves with pinpoint accuracy. They are also extremely diverse and can change pace to a much slower and power-based offence. With the history between the two, they are going to give 110% no matter what.
2. Jon Moxley vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi – IWGP US Championship
Hiroshi Tanahashi is set to challenge Kenta for the contract entitling the holder to a future IWGP US Championship match. If this happens, then it is more than likely we will see Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Jon Moxley at Wrestle Kingdom.
Not only would it be a first-time match between the two, but it is a dream bout for many, including Tanahashi himself.
What could be extremely exciting about this match are the differences between the two wrestlers. Tanahashi was moulded by the strictness of the New Japan dojo. Whereas, Moxley was raised on the independent scene in a more chaotic and unpredictable setting. The Ace’s style is a mixture of traditional Japanese style and a modern high-flying offence. Moxley is grittier and brutal using the surroundings to his advantage.
Tanahashi and Moxley have the ability to bring both the best and worst out of each other. We could see a more unpredictable side to The Ace with a traditional and clean match from Moxley. Anything could happen. However, it is sure to deliver with two of the most diverse and loved wrestlers.
1. Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi – IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championship
The main event of Wrestle Kingdom is set to be Kota Ibushi facing Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental title.
Fans have seen time after time how spectacular the matches between these two have been over the years. Whenever Naito and Ibushi set foot in the ring, their matches are magnificent and terrifying.
With their styles, you never know what to expect from two very similar athletes. Naito and Ibushi are known for throwing caution to the wind. They do not care about their health or that of their opponent’s. We know that they are going to throw everything and the kitchen sink into this match.
In particular, Ibushi will be out to finally achieve his goal. He wants to win winning his first IWGP Heavyweight title. Naito will be out to ruin that dream and keep New Japan ‘Tranquilo’.
With such high stakes, the idea of this match is the best outcome for many New Japan fans. It is also one that might leave people hiding behind their pillows for most of it. No matter what happens, it is going to keep people talking and could be a potential MOTY candidate.
What match do you want to see at Wrestle Kingdom 15? Let us know on Twitter!
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