Wrestle Kingdom Preview

Hi guys,

If you haven't heard or if you've not seen me mention it (because you've been living under a rock), New Japan's biggest show of the year is happening in only a few weeks: WRESTLE KINGDOM and I couldn't be more excited.

After World Tag league almost two weeks ago, a press conference was held and the entire card for both nights of Wrestle Kingdom 14 were announced. The best thing about two nights is that there are even more matches and I get to geek out doing my previews even more. 

So, welcome to my full preview of both nights of Wrestle Kingdom 14 at the Tokyo Dome!

Saturday 4th January

Opening Match start time: 4:00 pm (Japan), 11:00 pm (PT), 2:00 am (ET), 7:00 am (GMT)
Main Show: 5:00 pm (Japan), 12:00 am (PT), 3:00 am (ET), 8:00 am (GMT)

Pre-Show

Match One: Special 8-man tag match
Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Yota Tsuji and Yuya Uemura v Toa Henare, Karl Fredericks, Clark Connors, Alex Couglin
It's always nice when the young talent of New Japan gets their chance to sign on a big stage, and nothing gets bigger than Wrestle Kingdom. Here, we're combining all the upcoming stars in the company from both Japan and America. On one side, we have the veterans Makabe and Honma teaming up with the Noge Dojo boys Tsuji and Uemura which means we've got strength, speed and a kokeshi. What's nice is Honma and Makabe are probably heavily involved in the boys training and it's going to benefit them so much to have this platform to learn and shine. On the other side, we've got Toa Henare, who is ready to burst out and show that he's not a Young Boy anymore, leading the team of LA Dojo Young Lions. Like the former team, together these guys combine all the skills to make a very good team. However, will the eagerness of the Young Lions and Toa Henare be of detriment to the team and give the Noge team an advantage? Whatever happens, you'll see a lot of perfect drop kicks, picture perfect Boston Crabs and even a Haka or two.
Winners: Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma, Yota Tsuji and Yuya Uemura

Match Two: Special tag match
Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima v Yuji Nagata, Manabu Nakanishi
From the new to the old... or should I say experienced. As nice as it is to see the new boys have the opportunity, it's always nice to see the veterans having the chance to shine and show that they still have it. This is exactly what we are going to see out of the 4 members of the Third Generation Club. Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima are one of the most decorated tag teams in the entire country and, even with a performance in the tag league that they'd probably want to forget, they showed they still had it with their passion and talent. On the other side, Nagata and Nakanishi had an even worse tag league and will be out to prove even more than they still belong in the company and on the card for Wrestle Kingdom. I can assume that both teams are annoyed they haven't made it onto the main show, so are going in with a chip on their shoulder. Nagata and Nakanishi have the advantage over TenCozy after beating them on the last show of World Tag League. However, for me, TenCozy work better together and still have that something about them that I think means they've got a better chance of winning. This will be an amazing match to watch and great to see the past and present all getting a chance to shine.
Winners: Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima (TenCozy)

Main Show

Match 1: Jyushin Thunder Liger Retirement Match

Tiger Mask, The Great Sasuke, Tatsumi Fujinami and Jyushin Thunder Liger v Ryusuke Tagichi. Tatsuhito Takauwa, Shinjiro Ootani and Naoki Sano
It makes me sad to write about this match, because it really means that the Legend Jyushin Thunder Liger is retiring. However, what a way to kick of his final few days as an active NJ competitor: fighting against people of his past. The men in this match are all legends and wrestlers who have either impacted or been impacted by Liger in some way. It's bringing together wrestlers like Great Sasuke, Fujinami and Sano who we never thought we'd see in the same ring together in 2019. On top of that, you've got Liger and some more familiar faces to newer fans like the Funky Weapon Taguchi and Tiger Mask. It really doesn't matter who wins in this match because it's a once in a lifetime opportunity to see so many Japanese legends in one ring.
Winner: Tiger Mask, The Great Sasuke, Tatsumi Fujinami and Jyushin Thunder Liger

Match 2: Special 8-man tag match

Bushi, Takagi, Evil and Sanada v El Desperado, Taichi, Suzuki and ZSJ
I know a lot of people are complaining about members of these two factions not getting spotlight matches. However, that's the problem with having so many amazing wrestlers and limited time. At least they're getting a chance to shine in something that isn't a battle royal. Suzuki Gun and Los Ingobernables de Japon has a long rivalry and, in the lead up to ZSJ v Sanada on the second night, this is a great way to let out frustrations for not getting the big match. There are si many combinations in this match that I love from Tagaki and Suzuki, El Desperado and Bushi or even Taichi and Evil. They all just work together so well and it's just going to be a great way to get people excited for night 1!
Winner: El Desperado, Taichi, Suzuki and ZSJ

Match 3: Special 8-man tag match

Yoshi Hashi, Yano, Ishii and Goto v Chase Owens, Yujiro, Fale and Kenta
The second 8 man tag of the night and it's as exciting as the one before. We've got the pure Chaos faction against the Bullet Club in the lead up to the NEVER title match between Kenta and Goto. This match has even more animosity than the Suzuki Gun v LIJ all stemming from Jay White's betrayal of Chaos last October. Both teams have some amazing talents from the Stone Pitbull Ishii, Yano's sneaky tactics, Goto's handsomeness and then Yoshi Hashi. With Bullet Club, you've got the huge and powerful Fale, the tag team specialist Yujiro, the wrestling technician Owens and of course Kenta. There are some great combos that we can see in this match and might set up some nice feuds for the new year.
Winners: Yoshi Hashi, Yano, Ishii and Goto

Match 4: IWGP Heavyweight Tag Championship 

Guerillas of Destiny (c) v David Finlay and Juice Robinson
When David Finlay and Juice Robinson won World Tag League, it was a really nice surprise and gives us a change from the usual G.o.D v Evil/ Sanada v The Young Bucks. We obviously have Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa who might just be the best tag team in the entire world. They're brothers which means that they are so in sync and have amazing chemistry, but what's great is also how different their styles are with Loa being the strength and Tama being the speed. However, the closest thing you can get to brothers without being them is best friends; that's exactly what FinJuice is. From training in the dojo at the same time, going out together and teaming god knows how many times, Finlay and Juice are as good as you get together. Like G.o.D, their styles contrast but compliment each other perfectly. Even though they're two singles stars, the work amazingly together. I was stuck trying to pick a winner here, because both teams are so amazing. However, after everything FinJuice has been through, I think they'll find the advantage, get rid of Jado and eventually win the titles!
Winners: David Finlay and Juice Robinson

Match 5: IWGP US Championship (Texas Death Match)

Lance Archer (c) v Jon Moxley

Normally I'm not a fan of death matches, I can deal with no DQ but this isn't what I love. But, I can't lie and say that this match doesn't intrigue me, especially after the fallout of World Tag League. Both men are extremely talented with very different styles. Moxley is very unhinged and unpredictable with both a sound technical basis but also this fearlessness that is unlike anyone else. Archer is then a perfect combo of size, strength, speed and an agility and balance that rivals the jrs in this company. We haven't seen these two in the ring together so that's really exciting and means nobody really knows what to expect. All we know is that it'll be dangerous, chaotic and sometimes 'hide behind your pillow' worthy. So many people will have Moxley to win this because death matches are his thing. But I don't see it. I see the company giving Lance the Wrestle Kingdom moment he deserves and, in the long term plans over the weekend, it makes more sense - also I love Lance Archer so it's a bit of bias.

Winner: Lance Archer

Match 6: Jr Heavyweight Championship

Will Ospreay (c) v Hiromu Takahashi

A lot of people, me included, are gutted that this match isn't either higher on this card or one of the top matches on the second night of WK. After the very dramatic Hiromu-esque return from the Ticking Time Bomb, this match was inevitable and I am really excited for it. Out of all the wrestlers in New Japan, I think that Will Ospreay and Hiromu have the best chemistry with each other. They're not enemies, they're friends with a mutual respect and love for each other: which just makes their matches even better. This combined with both their very dangerous, dynamic and unbelievable styles: it's a recipe for yet another top quality match. Unlike the other matches, both men have changed immensely over the last year a half since Hiromu's injury. Ospreay has become a more diverse talent gaining more muscle and experience with heavyweights to broaden his style from Aerial Assassin to just Assassin. We don't know if Hiromu's injury has changed his style, but it will either mean he is more crazy and fearless or he's toned it down... I hope the former is true. With all the hype and support behind this match, there's only one person I see that will have that crowd support to help them win.

Winner: Hiromu Takahashi

Match 7: IWGP Intercontinental Championship

Jay White (c) v Tetsuya Naito

If anyone knows me at all, you will know how conflicting this match is for me but also how exciting. After their first two encounters during the G1 and then the Destruction tour, there is no doubt that these two very different athletes have amazing chemistry when they are in the ring together. It's also a very different dynamic from a lot of matches in the sense that there is no clear babyface v heel dynamic. More heel v Naito because we all know Naito will break the rules as quickly and as easily as Jay will. Both vying to be the first ever double champ, this is going to be as brutal and exciting as any match on the card. Going into the match, the momentum seems to be solidly on the Switchblade's not only being the IC champ but with Gedo at his side. However, Naito is never one to back down from a fight and has always managed to overcome the biggest obstacles and being double champion is a goal. Who wins? Well it depends how you think the next match and the second night match is going to go. There are so many possibilities. However, for me, I have to stay loyal and I am thinking a bit more long term.

Winner: Jay White

Match 8: IWGP Heavyweight Championship

Kazuchika Okada (c) v Kota Ibushi
After winning the G1, Kota Ibushi's journey to the double title contention started, much to the dismay of Okada. For the Rainmaker, the Heavyweight title is all that matters and he doesn't understand this need to hold two belts. This just makes this match up even bigger and with more at stake, especially seeing the last few matches in WTL and tensions rising. Both guys are getting in each others heads and really riling them up whether it's Kota Ibushi losing it and hitting Okada with the briefcase or Okada drop kicking Ibushi out of the ring. What's exciting is how well their styles mix. Okada and Ibushi are both crazily athletic being able to strike as well as go high risk. It just makes the possibility of this match even better, especially after their amazing bout during the G1. Ibushi has the advantage going in having already beat Okada during the G1, but Okada isn't one of the best in the world for no reason. For me, this match can go either way and will depend on not only who wins the Intercontinental title but who's set to win the double on the Sunday.
Winner: Kota Ibushi

Sunday 5th January

Opening Match start time: 2:00 pm (Japan), 9:00 pm (PT), 12:00 am (ET), 5:00 am (GMT)
Main Show: 3:00 pm (Japan) 10:00 pm (PT), 1:00 am (ET), 6:00 am (GMT)

Pre-Show

NEVER Openweight 6-man tag title gauntlet match - Taguchi, Makabe and Yano (c)
It isn't Wrestle Kingdom without a gauntlet for the NEVER 6-man titles and this year is no exception. With champions Taguchi, Makabe and Yano coming up to beating the titles longest reign record, their are four teams with their eyes on the belts. The gauntlet works where two teams start in the ring and each time one is pinned/submitted etc, another team takes their place - until there's one team left at the end and they win the titles. The four teams fighting for these titles are a great mix between all the factions. We have Chaos's Robbie Eagles, Yoshi Hashi and Ishii which combines speed, strength, agility and whatever YH can bring - it will be interesting if they have to go against the champs which includes fellow Chaos member Yano. There's then the LIJ duo of Bushi, Takagi and EVIL who might be the favourites to win, not only because they are the current record holders, but also any combination of the faction work amazingly together. What's a gauntlet without a Suzuki Gun group and this year see's the Holy Emperor Taichi, the Heel Master Kanemaru and Desperado. All three guys have great chemistry withe ach other and are not afraid to do anything to win, whether it's Kanemaru's whiskey or Taichi's microphone stand. On the note of sneaky style, we then have the Bullet Club trio of Chase Owens, Yujiro Takahashi9 and Bad Luck Fale. Out of the entire faction, these three work the best together with a mix of strength, technical skills and style. Like Suzuki Gun, they will break the rules to win. In reality, all the teams do in some way. However, it's impossible to forget about the champions - they've not held those titles for this long without being a force to reckon with. Taguchi has the high flying style, Makabe is the strong style and Yano brings the sneaky style - it's going to be a match of smarts, technique and luck - May the best team win!
Winners: Taguchi, Makabe and Yano

Main Show

Match 1: Jyushin Thunder Liger Retirement Match II

Naoki Sano and Jyushin Thunder Liger v Ryu Lee and Hiromu Takahashi
When this match was first teased on the last night of World Tag League, the entire fandom was excited. Having Ryu Lee (formerly Dragon Lee) want to challenge Liger on his final match and then Liger claiming he wanted to wrestle Hiromu (and vice versa) set this tag match up nicely. When it was announced that Naoki Sano would be Liger's partner, it was a really great set up. It's the first legends of the Jr Heavyweight generation fighting against the new generation of Jrs - what a way to end Liger's career. We also all know the amazing chemistry between Lee and Takahashi when they wrestle each other, so it will amazing to see them team because both guys are as crazy and fearless and talented as each other. Hopefully, if my predictions are right, Hiromu will be Jr champ after beating Ospreay, everyone will be in high spirits. Even though it would be nice for Liger to win his last match, I don't think it will happen but we can all dream!
Winners: Ryu Lee and Hiromu Takahashi

Match 2: IWGP Jr Heavyweight Tag Championship

El Phantasmo and Taiji Ishimori (c) v Roppongi 3k (Sho and Yoh)
After winning the Jr tag league for the third year in a row, Roppongi 3k are out to win the title for the fourth time, and hopefully keep it longer than in the past. However, it won't be easy with the Bullet Club's ELP and Ishimori currently holding the title because they won't let it go without a fight. Crowds are going to see a fight because this is a lot more than just the titles. ELP and Ishimori beat RPG 3k for the titles back in May and then, after Sho and Yoh won the Jr tag league, the BC duo stole the trophies. It's personal. The one advantage that Bullet Club will always have is their willingness to break the rules and sometimes that's a dealbreaker. Hopefully with Rocky's help, Sho and Yoh can embrace the Sneaky Style and put up a good fight and use their tag team expertise. But, I don't see ELP and Ishimori losing that title no matter how much I love Sho and Yoh. They know how to turn a match in their advantage and are both crazy talented individually and are building up their teamwork.
Winners: Taiji Ishimori and ELP

Match 3: Rev Pro British Heavyweight Championship

Zack Sabre Jr (c) v Sanada
Since Sanada beat Zack Sabre Jr in the G1 this year, I have been waiting for this match - thats almost 5 months. Since then, Sanada has beat ZSJ another 3 times in tag matches - but always by roll up and never submission which makes this match even better. Even though both guys have completely different styles with ZSJ being the submission master and Sanada known for his athleticism, both men create magic in the ring - similarly to when ZSJ and Tanahashi wrestle. What's really funny is how frustrated Zack is with Sanada and he's made this public. To Zack, Sanada wastes his potential in the ring and shouldn't get this shot for simply being able to roll the Submission master up - remember, Sanada has never submitted Zack either in tag or singles competition. This might just be the match I'm looking forward to the most on the Sunday, mainly because we've been waiting so long for it. Even though I love having the future PM of the UK as my British champ, I would love to see Sanada hold the title and hopefully hold it for a long time. A long time reign for Sanada means the UK gets to see a lot more of the Cold Skull and who doesn't want that?
Winner: Sanada

Match 4: IWGP US Championship

TBD (c) v Juice Robinson
Whoever wins the US title match on the Saturday is in for a very busy weekend by having to defend their title on night two after a hardcore fight the night before. As much as people like death matches and no DQ, I'm going to be happy to have a traditional match for this title that's very close to my heart. So, who better to defend the title against then the man who's held the title for the longest combined days in Juice Robinson. Luckily for the US champ, Juice will also probably be really tired after his tag title match the night before where he'll hopefully win the title. As much as I love Lance Archer and want him to win, it would be nice to see Juice v Moxley because I think Moxley could really take him to his limit and win the title that I now associate with Juice (even more than Jay). Because I don't know the full details of the match, I can't say who will win but I hope Juice gets another run as the US champ!
Winner: Juice Robinson

Match 5: NEVER Openweight Championship

Kenta (c) v Hirooki Goto
After a crazy World Tag League where Goto beat Kenta to earn this shot, this is going to be an amazing match. Unlike a lot of other NEVER Openweight matches, this one has been built really well from the attacks during the WTL matches to Kenta's post match comments throughout December. Looking at the two athletes, they're both very similar in so many ways - not just because of their history with Shibata. Kenta and Goto both have very sharp and spine tingling kicks and strikes as well as this warrior mentality. However, the big difference that will make or break this match is their approach to wrestling. Goto prides himself on being a warrior and doing everything by the books to make sure he's a role model to people. On the other hand, Kenta doesn't care and will do anything or everything to get the win. That could easily give Kenta the upper hand, however the NEVER title is Goto's baby. He is one of the men that's held the belt the most and I can't see him losing another opportunity to get it back from the man who turned on Shibata and himself to go to the dark side.
Winner: Hirooki Goto

Match 6: Special single match (consolation match)

TBD v TBD
Obviously I can't say much about this match, mainly because we don't know who's actually going to be in it. However, as it'll have both losers from the previous night, it's a match where both guys will have a massive chip on their shoulder and some anger to let out. It's basically a losers match, but with a fancy title - it will most likely set up the next challengers for whoever wins the double title. Here are the options I think are most likely to happen: - Kota Ibushi v Jay White OR - Tetsuya Naito v Kazuchika Okada. This is just because I don't see that Ibushi will win the heavyweight title and then lose it the next night to Naito, and I don't think Okada will win and fight Jay White again. They will want to make the crowd happy and the only way to do that is by having either Ibushi or Naito as double champ, but not at the expense of the other, if that makes sense!
Winner: Tetsuya Naito (If I'm write about the combo for this match)

Match 7: Special Singles Match

Hiroshi Tanahashi v Chris Jericho

Honestly, when I saw this match and the promo for it, I wasn't excited and I'm probably one of the only people who isn't. Chris Jericho is a legend in wrestling and has always been one of my favourites, even in AEW he is just something else. But, he doesn't seem to have the same impact on me in New Japan, especially after the pretty poor match he had with Okada at Dominion. Maybe putting him with the Ace of the Universe is what Jericho needs to put on that amazing match we know he is capable of. On paper, this should be an amazing match. You've got two amazingly experienced athletes who have always had this high risk and stylish way of wrestling that they've had to adapt as they've got older. Both are crazy charismatic and are pioneers in the business. However, depending on the state both wrestlers are in, will probably impact how good this match is. We see Tanahashi improve and age like fine wine, but is that the same for Jericho? For me, this will be the match that makes me decide whether Jericho is whats best for New Japan and vice versa. Hopefully, it will be the dream match we've all wanted and I am voting for the Ace the whole way because nobody can drive him out of the company he's built.

Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi

Match 8: IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Double Championship

TBD v TBD
This is the match that people have been looking forward to most and is one damn huge main event. Like the consolation match, it's almost impossible to predict who's going to be in this match. But, if I'm right about the first nights predictions, this match should be Jay White v Kota Ibushi for both the Intercontinental and Heavyweight title. Mainly because I really see Ibushi winning the title, but I can't see New Japan giving us Ibushi v Naito so soon, especially if one of them has to lose their title after one day. It means a rematch of the G1 final and I couldn't be more excited because it was such a good match. Both guys have such different styles and approaches to wrestling that they just seem to blend together. However, will the previous nights matches affect them both going into the biggest match of their career. I really think that they'll have Ibushi win the double title and, after Naito wins the consolation match, he will challenge Ibushi. Or I could have got it completely wrong and the final match is Naito v Okada with Naito going home achieving his double title dream. Either way, I'd be happy but it's just so damn hard to predict what New Japan is going to do because they book for a lot longer time frame than other companies, so anything could happen!
Winner: Kota Ibushi

I mean what else can I say about these two days of amazing wrestling except for wow... there is literally something for everyone and it's a crazy range of wrestling with all your favourite wrestlers in the company. I can't see how anyone wouldn't want to wake up at the crazy times to watch it, because I definitely am!

So, I hope you enjoyed my Wrestle Kingdom 14 preview. If you need any more help getting to grip with anything NJPW in the lead up, here's my guide to the company: https://wrestling-chatter.blogspot.com/2019/12/introduction-to-njpw.html

If yiy have any more questions or anything to say about the card, talk to me on my social media: 

(@Wrestling_Chat on Twitter and Wrestling Chatter on FB and WrestlingChatter96 on IG)! I

Also, keep an eye out for my fortnightly podcast where I talk a lot about New Japan and all the latest news: https://www.mixcloud.com/WrestlingChatter/! 

Until next time,

Bye