NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12: Match Card Predictions After G1 Climax
By Tim Sherry
IWGP Intercontinental Title: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs Tomohiro Ishii
This potential match is legitimately a die-hard NJPW fans dream. Tanahashi, the promotions most decorated performer who has gotten the equivalent of the John Cena treatment for the past decade, against one of the blue collar type guys that have risen to legend status in half that time, could produce one of the most raucous crowd reactions in the event’s history. Add the drama of the Intercontinental belt, a title Ishii has never attained and that Tanahashi has twice, and the stakes become even higher.
So yes, there are some issues with this pairing. For one, they’ve already clashed on a major show once, Power Struggle 2013. Also, the career feud has been very one-sided with Tanahashi being victorious in 7 out of their 8 singles bouts, including the last 4 in a row. His most recent victory came at the G1 that saw the “Ace of the Universe” narrowly escape Ishii after a bruising 24 minutes.
But one thing about their matches that makes the idea of this duo squaring off again mouth-watering is the fact that their past 4 matches, Power Struggle and at 3 of the last 4 G1’s, is that each of their battles seem to get better. And on the biggest stage of the year and with plenty of time to work, these two could very easily put on the best of their rivalry. Add in the stipulation that due to the fact that Ishii has been unsuccessful against Tanahashi for so long, this will be his one and only chance, and the drama will be perfect for such a big fight. Book it. It’s a winner.