NJPW King Of Pro Wrestling 2017 Preview

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Hiroshi Tanahashi and Togi Makabe vs. Juice Robinson and Kota Ibushi

Hype-meter: 3/10

As with Kenny Omega’s IWGP United States Title, I respect the decision to hold off on the Tanahashi/Ibushi Intercontinental Championship match. King of Pro-Wrestling is stacked enough, and either of those two titles on the line would be overkill. That said, a humble tag featuring Makabe and Juice is a run-of-the-mill tide-over match. Tana and Ibushi are big enough stars that their one-on-one will be hugely anticipated, meaning tags like these don’t serve much of a purpose. Still, it’s good to see Ibushi committing to NJPW dates even when there’s not a lot for him to do.

IWGP Heavyweight Championship Tokyo Dome Briefcase: Tetsuya Naito vs. Tomohiro Ishii

Hype-meter: 8/10

Tetsuya Naito vs Tomohiro Ishii has quietly been one of the greatest pairings in recent NJPW history. This is the third entry in their trilogy, with Ishii dropping Naito at both the G1 Specials, and later in the G1 itself. That fact alone is the only real detriment to this match-up, as with Naito winning the tournament, it’s hugely unlikely he will fall a third time to ‘The Stone Pitbull.’ After all, Ishii is the gatekeeper to Okada and his IWGP Heavyweight Championship. The theme of ‘faction leader vs rival lieutenant’ runs through both of the final two matches, and has a sole purpose: setting up the Wrestle Kingdom 12 main event. Predictability won’t stop Ishii and Naito from going in on each other, so expect a slobberknocker.

IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs EVIL

Hype-meter: 9/10

Like I said with the penultimate match, this is not WCW in the late 90s trying to outmaneuver their extinction. NJPW do not need to pull a swerve of this magnitude when they have a ready-made main-event feud to capitalise on. EVIL will not be walking out of King of Pro-Wrestling as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, but you can be sure there will be moments where you think that will happen.

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So is the masterful level of storytelling that Kazuchika Okada has reached. He is the greatest Champion in the world today, and any chance he gets to prove that, he takes. Fans will be on the edge of their seats, despite knowing deep down the inevitability of the conclusion. Don’t let that stop you from getting engrossed in Okada’s work.