NJPW The New Beginning in Sapporo Day 2 Preview

Kenny Omega vs. Jay White – IWGP US Heavyweight Championship

This match is going to be a major test for Jay White. If Jay White can hang with Omega in this match, he is going to do just fine in the upper card of NJPW. Omega will likely do everything he can to make this match memorable, because he always gives his all in singles matches. When he does that, we can always expect an exciting bout. Omega is one of the best wrestlers in the world today, and he will give a world class performance.

Knowing that, I fully expect Omega to give White a killer match. Omega has a way of making stars, and if his matches with Trent Beretta and Juice Robinson are any indication, this should fantastic. White has proven to be a good wrestler and working with the likes of Omega will only further establish him. The question for us is simple: Will White defeat Omega, making an early mark on NJPW? Or will Omega retain his title and head into Long Beach as US Champion?

There’s an argument to be made for both, and either scenario will prove interesting. However, I think it is more likely that Omega wins here, unless they pull the trigger on having Cody turn on Omega, costing him the match. That is quite unlikely here, as NJPW tend not to have interference in main events. I can see Cody turning after the match though, and challenging Kenny for the US title at Long Beach. Maybe Rhodes will be the man to beat him at Long Beach.

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Regardless, Kenny Omega is key to the advancement that NJPW is looking to make into North America, and having him as US Champion is a key part of that. This is why I think NJPW is planning on keeping the title on Omega at least until the Long Beach show in March.