NJPW The New Beginning in Sapporo Day 1 Preview
Credit: NJPW Twitter
CHAOS (Roppongi 3K & Jay White) w/ Rocky Romero vs. The Bullet Club (The Young Bucks & Kenny Omega)
After winning the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Championships for the seventh time, The Young Bucks are going to be looking to further establish their supremacy as the greatest junior tag team in New Japan history, while RPG3k will be looking to get back on track after their loss.
The feud between Kenny Omega and Jay White will continue here, as White made himself into one of New Japan’s more interesting characters when he declined an invitation to join The Bullet Club by hitting the Switchblade on Omega. A few days later in a press conference, White announced he was joining CHAOS (thus why he’s teaming with Sho & Yoh here). White also announced that he’s coming for Okada’s title, even though they are now stablemates, but first he needs to take out Kenny Omega.
The storyline implications in this one are huge, so keep a close eye on it.
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Minrou Suzuki – IWGP Intercontential Championship
The last time these two had a 1-on-1 match it was named the Match of the Year by the readers of the Wrestling Observer. Needless to say, expectations are high for this one. Tanahashi is dealing with two real major injuries, and is still managing to produce amazing matches. Suzuki will likely work over Tanahashi’s bicep and knee, targeting the injured limbs while attempting to keep Tanahashi grounded. Tanahashi is going to try and keep moving in order to stay away from the grasp of the experienced grappler. At 49 years old, Suzuki is still one of the best wrestlers in the world. At 40, Tanahashi is still easily the top five in the world today. This match will be a good one, and definitely the one that steals the show.
Next: Should Brock Lesnar Win at The Royal Rumble?
So that’s the whole card for NJPW The New Beginning in Sapporo Day 1! Which match are you looking forward to the most? What are your predictions for the show? Do you think NJPW is going to have a year like last year? Will you be checking out NJPW for the first time? Let me know in the comments or on Twitter!