NJPW DESTRUCTION 2018 Predictions: A Win For Hiroshi Tanahashi?

from njpw1972.com

DESTRUCTION in Kobe (September 23rd)

IWGP Jr Heavyweight Championship Tournament match: KUSHIDA vs BUSHI

NJPW really can’t go wrong with any of the four guys involved in the tournament, but BUSHI is absolutely the best option. KUSHIDA, Ospreay, and Scurll have all been champ in the last year, and each did a fantastic job. However, it would feel a bit bland and predictable to put the belt right back on one of them. After something as heartbreaking as Hiromu’s injury, the division needs a shakeup; a positive, unexpected burst of new life.

Being one of the most underrated wrestlers in New Japan, Bushi is fully deserving of a substantial run with the title. He’s only held the belt once, and that was for less than a month, so it would feel extremely fresh to have him pick up two big upset victories and win the Championship in honor of his fallen stablemate.

Prediction: Bushi

from: njpw1972.com

Tokyo Dome IWGP Heavyweight Championship Challenge Rights Certificate match: Hiroshi Tanahashi(c) vs Kazuchika Okada

Since it’s inception, the Tokyo Dome main event contract has never changed hands between the G1 and Wrestle Kingdom. So Tanahashi’s a shoe-in right? WRONG. The thing is, the Rainmaker has never challenged for the contract. Why? Cause he’s been either IWGP Heavyweight Champion or G1 Champion every single year since his return from excursion. If he doesn’t win here, Wrestle Kingdom 13’s Heavyweight Championship match will be the first without Okada in seven years.

No matter what, a trend will have been broken after DESTRUCTION Tour’s main event. I’m leaning a bit towards The Ace, because I don’t see NJPW going back to Okada/Omega already, but it really could go either way.

Prediction: Tanahashi