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New Japan Pro Wrestling will present the 2016 Wrestling Dontaku event tomorrow. Here is our takes on what will go down:
IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Tetsuya Naito (c) vs. Tomohiro Ishii
Paul Crockett: Sales of Los Ingobernables merchandise has gone through the roof for New Japan. Naito's title win got a reaction bigger than a Ricky Morton comeback. There is no way Naito loses this title in his first defense. With that being said, this is Ishii's first IWGP Title match, and he is going to give it everything he has. Regardless of the fact that no one believes Ishii will win, these guys are so talented that they will MAKE everyone in that crowd believe. Expect Ishii to take a beating and sell like only he can and to give a superstar performance in defeat.
Mike Johnson: I am with Paul here. They have obviously hit upon something great with Naito and his new direction and the audience has completely fallen in love with it. New Japan isn't going to mess with the formula yet. That said, the match is going to be excellent and there are going to be at least 2-3 moments where they make you think Ishii is about to get the miracle win. Even with his loss, Ishii will take a step forward.
Matthew Macklin: What a main event this is going to be. This match has classic written all over it. When Naito took the title from Okada last month, Ishii was right in his face in one of the most hated face offs you'll ever see. Ishii is out for blood against the anti authority and disrespectful Naito. Ishii & Naito have had several amazing collisions in the past. Ishii won the NEVER title from Naito at The New Beginning in 2014 in an instant classic and a match that put Ishii on the map as one of the top performers in NJPW. This past March they had another incredible match in the New Japan Cup. It's safe to see they have plenty of in ring chemistry together, but never before has there been so much on the line. This is Ishii's first ever IWGP title shot. With Ishii being one of the most sympathetic and loved guys on the roster, you'd imagine the crowd would be full force behind him in a title match. However, with the reactions Naito has been getting lately, that might not be the case. I expect this to be an extremely heated championship match and something that further plants Naito as the top guy in NJPW.
Chris Boyce: This has the possibility of being a 10/10match. I think the result is rather obvious, but the actual in ring work will be top notch. Naito's arrogant, nonchalant style just matches up so well with the hard hitting, no nonsense, Ishii. I expect this to be mean, dirty, and maybe have some of Paul's favorite headbutts in it. Naito gets the win to solidify his stance as champion, but makes Ishii look like a million bucks in the process.
Kazuchika Okada vs. SANADA
Paul Crockett: SANADA debuted as the newest member of Los Ingobernables at Invasion Attack when he interfered and helped Tetsuya Naito win the IWGP Title. Now he debuts in the ring against The Rainmaker. I expect these two to get at least fifteen minutes with Okada scoring the win to remain a title contender. I do expect, however, Okada to make SANADA look like a monster in defeat.
Mike Johnson: There's no way SANADA is getting the win here. He helped cost Okada the title and has been laying him out. It's time for Okada to get some revenge to set the stage for him to chase Naito. This is going to be a big coming out party for SANADA and I suspect that much like Okada, people will be knocking TNA for how little they got out of him during his run there once they see what he does in New Japan. SANADA getting the win would propel him to the top but I don't see a loss here for Okada..
Matthew Macklin: This is a mouth watering match on paper. It's their first ever singles meeting and the singles NJPW debut of SANADA. SANADA played a part in Okada losing the title at Invasion Attack and since then SANADA has laid Okada out several times with the dragon sleeper. SANADA is an incredible talent and a guy that will likely be a major star for NJPW in the future. These guys compliment each other well and with a personal grudge between them, this could be something really special. It would take a lot of balls for NJPW to give SANADA the win, but if they did he'd be an instant made man. Okada will likely get his win back after dropping the title last month.
Chris Boyce: I felt like Sanada was one of the few bright spots in TNA in recent years, but I am unfamiliar with his work in Keiji Mutoh's promotion in Japan, so I'm not going to try and wax poetic about a guy I don't know much about. He looked absolutely yoked out of his bird at the last show though soooooo at least he's in good shape? We know what we're getting out of Okada, and I'm pumped to see him come out all fire after Sanada helped cost him the title. I think the Golden Boy gets the win here to keep him looking strong, but it'll be a hard fought match as you have to keep Sanada strong as well. Excited for this one.
Hirooki Goto vs. EVIL
Paul Crockett: After their wild pull-apart brawl at Invasion Attack, this went from a match I wouldn't mind seeing to my most anticipated match of the night, especially considering how high up on the card it is. EVIL and Ishii had an awesome, strong style match a couple of months ago, and Goto is an outstanding worker. Put the personal animosity together with them, and this could be an insane battle. I expect Goto to win, although EVIL could use the win more.
Mike: This is going to be a war. EVIL is just a beast and Goto just kicks the hell out of people. I really, really, really can't wait to see this. I think we'll see EVIL score the win here. Goto would lose nothing from EVIL getting the win here. I just figure it's going to be EVIL or SANADA going over and EVIL has been going through the paces here, so I see him getting the win.
Matthew Macklin: At Invasion Attack Goto & EVIL had to be pulled apart when a huge brawl broke out between them. This match should be one hell of a fight between two of the most physical guys on the NJPW roster. When EVIL returned to NJPW at King of Pro Wrestling, one of his first targets was Goto. They clashed in a singles match at Power Struggle, but EVIL has really found himself in NJPW since then and has had some break out performances against Ishii. Goto is the perfect guy for him to continue his momentum against. Goto himself has had new vigour since joining CHAOS, so this will be a really hard hitting strong style battle. A win here for EVIL would be huge and would be the biggest win of his career. With NJPW's willingness to get new guys over lately, it wouldn't be out of the question.
Chris Boyce: You want to see proper build up to a feud that doesn't need a title? These two have been beating the hell out of one another for the last 2 months in tag matches, EVIL helped his boss beat Goto's boss. They're big, they hit hard, and they don't like each other. WHAT MORE DO YOU NEED!? Another serious contender for match of the night. We're going to learn a lot about how creative feels about EVIL and the Ingobernables not named Naito on this show. I think yuh boy, THE BIG HOMIE, EVVVVVVILLLLL gets his first big win and furthers the L.I.J./CHAOS feud.
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship: KUSHIDA (c) vs. Jushin Thunder Liger
Paul Crockett: Jushin Liger is 51 years old and you would never be able to tell by how great he still looks in the ring. He recently announced he will not be wrestling within the next five years. With the Best of the Super Juniors coming up, Liger is the perfect opponent as he's not going to win, but he creates a great buzz in a title match. He also is in the position to pass the torch to KUSHIDA as the next Ace of the Junior division inside of the ring. When it comes to big matches, Liger ALWAYS brings his working shoes, and KUSHIDA has been one of the best in the world in the last six months. Expect greatness.
Mike: This is the biggest match Liger has had in years in Japan, where he usually plays the undercard living legend. I suspect we will get Liger's greatest hits and perhaps a few big moves that he usually doesn't pull out anymore, but in the end, KUSHIDA is the star here and should benefit from getting the win over Liger. This should be awesome as Liger really, really overachieves given his age in the ring.
Matthew Macklin: Much like the NEVER title match, this is something designed to be a passing of the torch so to speak. Liger has a chance to become Jr champion for the first time in 15 years, a title that he was synonymous with for the most of his career. Liger wants to prove that he is still as good as he ever was and reach the top of the mountain once again. This match will be the sleeper match of the show. KUSHIDA is easily the best junior heavyweight wrestler in the world and Liger is a guy that turns it on in big match situations. In tag matches, Liger and KUSHIDA have had some amazing exchanges. Liger even attacked the leg of KUSHIDA with a chair, which is completely uncharacteristic of him. KUSHIDA's dirty side has came out too when he had to be dragged off Liger in a post match assault of his arm.
Chris Boyce: Paul has actually sold me on this and I'm looking far more forward to it now than I was when it was first booked. KUSHIDA is the best junior on the planet right now. Bar none. His understanding of the business is a joy to watch and with Liger's Big Match Ability (I'm trademarking that) I have a feeling this could be done really well. I see another successful defense for the young champion over his idol in what will be a very good match if its given the proper time.
NEVER Openweight Championship: Katsuyori Shibata (c) vs. Yuji Nagata
Paul Crockett: Shibata has cleanly put two members of the Third Generation (or the old guard) away by defeating Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan within the last month. Now it's time for the final keeper of the gate: Yuji Nagata. One of two things will take place: Nagata will take the title in breathtaking fashion for a nostalgia run, or Shibata will put the 3rd Generation's dreams to rest. I expect Shibata to win with authority, gain the blessing of the elders, and make a run toward the IWGP Heavyweight Title. Since signing a full-time deal with NJPW at the beginning of the year, Shibata is poised to be in the main event picture sooner than later.
Matthew Macklin: This is the latest chapter in Shibata vs the 3rd generation. Shibata has defended to NEVER title against Satoshi Kojima & Hiroyoshi Tenzan. Now Nagata gets his shot in a match that NJPW have been teasing since the day after Wrestle Kingdom. These guys had a sensational match in the G1 a couple of years ago and their interactions in tag matches over the last few weeks have been war! These two will beat the absolute hell out of each other and could easily steal the show. Nagata will once again prove that he truly is Mr. Anti-aging and remind everyone how great he is. The end of this should see Nagata and even the rest of the 3rd generation put over Shibata and shake his hand in the ring.
Chris Boyce: Given proper time this has the potential to be the match of the night. Shibata is on another planet right now getting good matches out of everyone and this storyline of him against the 3rd generation has been fantastic. Nagata has shown that when given a stage he can still go with the best of them, as proven from his G1 a couple of years ago, and his IC title match with Shinsuke Nakamura. Gotta say I see this one going Shibata's way, though. "The Wrestler" is going to PK "Blue Justice" like Negan using Lucille. (Hooray, Walking Dead reference! There you go Mike!)
Mike: But, will he take it like a champ??? Ha! This is just going to be bat-sh** insane in terms of guys just taking it to each other. Nagata can still bring the stiff kicks and Shibata has been off the charts great over the last year. I think in the end, Shibata will score the win and continue to legitimize his run as champion.
IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: The Guerrillas of Destiny (c) (Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa) vs. Togi Makabe & Tomoaki Honma
Paul Crockett: Last month at Invasion Attack, the Tongas took the titles in a pretty good match. It may not have seemed like a great match, but it also was on one of the best cards New Japan has ever put on, so on any other show it would have gotten the credit it deserves. Hopefully, if there was any rust or nerves on their part, the Tongas have them out of the way and will get even better in this match. I expect them to win decisively and establish themselves as the Aces of the heavyweight tag team division moving forward.
Mike: With the Guerrillas achieving the gold at Invasion Attack, this is going to be about legitimizing them as champions. Honma and Makabe bringing the fight to them in a big physical way before the champions retain will go a long way towards doing that. In a lot of ways, this should have been where the title change happened, but instead, the purpose will be to make the Guerrillas stronger stars.
Matthew Macklin: The Guerrillas of Destiny took the tag titles from Honma & Makabe in their first shot at Invasion Attack. I think they got the titles too quickly. That being said, the match was great and a match that would have seemed much better on a show that wasn't as stacked. Loa & Tonga have been finding their rhythm as a team, so this match should be better than the last. I can't see Makabe & Honma winning this. Loa & Tonga will likely take the titles into the ROH/NJPW May tour that they will be appearing on. GOD vs The Briscoes could be a lot of fun.
Chris Boyce: I have a feeling this will be even better than the first match and the G.O.D. retaining. Hopefully the spots will be a little more clean this time, but anytime you have Honma and Makabe in the ring ready to dish out a beating you usually have a recipe for success. Hopefully this feud will spark a tag division that has been severely lacking since the departure of K.E.S.
NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship: Michael Elgin, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Yoshitatsu (c) vs. The Elite (Kenny Omega, Matt & Nick Jackson)
Paul Crockett: These titles stink. They change hands more ones at a Gentleman's Club and they've only been in play since January. The one upside is the quality of matches that come out of them, especially from The Elite. I'm not even going to hazard a guess at who will win because every time these titles are on the line it's 50/50. Expect a lot of chaos. I'm also hoping Yoshitatsu takes another step up since his return from a broken neck and doesn't look a step behind like he did at Invasion Attack.
Mike Johnson: The belts are what they are. The match itself should be a lot of insane spots and with the exception of Yoshitatsu, eveyone here has a rep for really bringing it in the ring. I wouldn't be shocked to see a title change here since Elite are certainly more marquee then Elgin and Tanahashi anchored with Tatsu.
Matthew Macklin: This match was made a title match after team Tanahashi successfully defended a few days ago. Just like the Jr tag belts, these could change hands at any time. You'd have to imagine they won't go back to Bullet Club. I don't think they should have lost them. A long Elite run with the titles would have gave them some meaning. This will be another really fun match. Tatsu has some work to do to get back on form. Thus far he has been a step behind everyone else.
Chris Boyce: This has potential to be great match, I thought the first one was fantastic, but these six man titles are awful. There is no psychology behind them, they don't book them well, and I feel like they're wasting guys like Elgin, Tanahashi, and Omega in a divison that genuinely no one cares about. Just get rid of them already, you don't need every match on the card to be a title match (as you can see a little later in the card).
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Roppingi Vice (c) (Rocky Romero & Beretta) vs. Ricochet & Matt Sydal
Paul Crockett: With RPG Vice winning these titles last month, logic dictates they will hold onto them for a little while. However, when it comes to the Junior Tag Titles, logic doesn't always apply. With that being said, I still expect Romero & Beretta to hang onto these titles after their standout match from Invasion Attack. Romero is the most underrated worker in the world, Beretta's selling is tremendous, and Ricochet & Sydal are magical high flyers. This should, given the same amount of time as last month, be worth the price of admission on its own.
Mike Johnson: No title change here. Although there is a ton of speculation about the long term future of Ricochet, I don't think the finish here will have any bearing on that. RPG Vice needed the win to build their credibility as champions. No way the titles change.
Matthew Macklin: RPG Vice won these titles from Sydal & Ricochet in an outstanding match. This will be just as good. Every time the junior tag titles are defended in a straight tag match it is something special. RPG Vice deserve a proper run with the titles, but it wouldn't be a shock to see Sydal & Ricochet take them back given how much these titles change hands. There were rumours that Ricochet would be finishing with NJPW, but he says he will be in the Best of the Super Juniors. His future in NJPW should lie as a singles star if he is staying around.
Chris Boyce: As discussed on the show this has me pumped because that's TWO one on one matches in a row for these belts, be still my beating heart. All four of these guys seem to have stepped their game up big time lately, and Trent Berreta's ability to sell and great ring psychology just continue to impress. I'm just hoping that RPG retain because this division is at it's best with a strong champion, even if it is only for a few months. ENOUGH FLIP FLOPPING THESE BELTS JADO!
Tiger Mask IV, Ryusuke Taguchi, Jay White & David Finlay vs. Kazushi Sakuraba, YOSHI-HASHI, Will Ospreay, Gedo
Paul Crockett: This match SHOULD be a showcase for Ospreay to allow him a chance to score a win and keep him as a big threat for the upcoming Best of the Super Juniors tournament. No other person in this match has anything to gain from winning the fall, including the Young Lions who would be breaking with tradition by beating anyone. Gedo is very smart and knows what he has with Ospreay, so I expect this to happen.
Mike Johnson: You know what this is going to be, a backdrop to introduce Ospreay before the biggest possible audience as they lead into the BOSJ tournament. That said, I wouldn't be shocked to see him drop the fall to give him a little sympathy as he heads into the tournament. White (who is being discussed for a run in ROH) and Finlay will be fun to see against Ospreay. Sakuraba vs. Tiger Mask? Sounds fun.
Matthew Macklin: What I'm looking forward to most here is the possible interactions between Jay White and Will Ospreay. Ospreay should be getting the pin in this one. No one else needs it, and in his second NJPW match Ospreay needs this win to establish himself going forward and heading into the Best of the Super Juniors. This should be a fun match, with Sakuraba being the odd man out mixed with the juniors.
Chris Boyce: Typical NJPW 8 man tag here, but I think if they let White and Ospreay face up against one another for a solid minute you could see some serious fireworks. Really looking forward to two of the biggest young stars in the company being in the ring together.
Captain New Japan & Juice Robinson vs. Bad Luck Fale & Yujiro Takahashi
Paul Crockett: Talk about a BARN BURNER of an opening match! After being unable to beat these two last month with Ryusuke Tagucho, Juice has gone to the bullpen to bring in the closer: Captain New Japan! This should last about 4 minutes with Fale crushing either guy.
Mike Johnson: This won't take long. See ya Cap!
Matthew Macklin: After Fale suffered a loss to Tanahashi a few days ago, I would expect Fale to easily win this one, much like he did at Invasion Attack
Chris Boyce: This is a thing that will take place. Yujiro will most likely walk out with a stripper, Juice will probably dance, and Fale will most certainly look like a monster and kill Captain New Japan. Next.
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