NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12: Predictions For Each Match

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Cody vs. Kota Ibushi

Both men enter Wrestle Kingdom 12 coming off devastating losses. This is made most apparent by the fact that this was originally announced as a Ring of Honor World Championship match. Cody fell to Dalton Castle at Final Battle, while Ibushi came up short in his quest to enter the Tokyo Dome as IWGP Intercontinental Champion.

Both men have plenty to do in 2018, but there’s no guarantee that both (or either) of them will be around much. Cody will likely look to regain his footing in Ring of Honor, while Kota is, as we know, a big fan of obscure indie work.

However, both have unfinished business with Kenny Omega, and we could see developments in that area as early as New Year’s Dash. The story of this match then becomes: who will start 2018 in a worse place? In hopes of significant Bullet Club developments, I expect Cody to lose and go full tilt into the new year. Then we may see him finally lead a mutiny against his faction leader.

Winner: Kota Ibushi

IWGP Tag Team Championship: Killer Elite Squad (c) vs. EVIL and SANADA

New Japan made the wise, if also obvious, move to formally make LIJ’s EVIL and SANADA a heavyweight tag team. Their World Tag League victory was a welcome sight for those who were growing tired of the War Machine, G.O.D, K.E.S domination of the division.

Both EVIL and SANADA are big-time prospects in the singles division also, with EVIL getting a Heavyweight Championship opportunity earlier this year. However, they could use a little more time to grow under Naito’s leadership, and doing so as IWGP Tag Team Champions seems like a snug fit.

K.E.S are consistently underrated, but they will provide a strong resistance to their opponents. Before they lose that is.

Winners: EVIL and SANADA