NJPW: What’s Next For The Golden Elite?
Lovers vs Bucks II
This is probably significantly less likely than the first two, but it would certainly be interesting. Who wouldn’t want to see a Wrestle Kingdom rematch of that amazing Strong Style Evolved match? Answer: No one.
The main drawback of this scenario is that it would probably require some dissension within The Golden Elite. Not that I don’t enjoy some good ol’ fashioned faction drama, I just would like to see the quartet show some strength and unity for a good while before anything comes between them. Still, if NJPW’s creative team decided to go with this, I would be down to ride.
So what about the IWGP Heavyweight Championship?
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Unless Kenny pulled double duty at Wrestle Kingdom (which he won’t), he would need to lose his belt beforehand to free him up to be involved in the IWGP Tag Team Championship match. So who beats him for the belt? Easy. It’s gotta be Naito.
I think it would be great if Naito were to defeat Omega in the G1, go on to take the belt off of him at King of Pro Wrestling, then successfully defend against Okada in the Tokyo Dome. It’s the perfect way for the leader of LIJ to finally get his big Wrestle Kingdom moment, completely bypassing the system that is meant to set up such moments. This would befit Naito’s anti-establishment character perfectly. Also, it would be giving Kenny’s Title Reign to the only guy who’s worthy of ending it any sooner than WK.
Trouble in Paradise
For the sake of this scenario, let’s say The Golden Elite really is too good to be true. Honestly, do we expect Nick and Matt to not get jealous of Kenny’s relationship with Ibushi? Of course they’re going to get jealous! And of course they’re going to turn on The Golden Lovers! Those filthy gaijins!
Imagine it- Omega vs Naito at KOPW. Kenny’s on his way to victory with Ibushi cheering him on from ringside when, all of a sudden, The Bucks come out of nowhere and superkick Kota. This completely shocks and distracts Omega, allowing Naito to hit Destino for the win. It would be absolutely tragic. Just think of the heat The Bucks would get. It would be absolutely nuclear!
The story would tell itself from there. Omega and Ibushi — the lovable babyface duo with a bond stronger than any adversity. Nick and Matt Jackson — the evil exes, hellbent on ruining Kenny’s life and relationship. The match could co-main event Wrestle Kingdom, with the potential to go down as the greatest tag team match in the history of Professional Wrestling.