NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13 Preview and Predictions

from njpw1972.com

IWGP Heavyweight Championship: Kenny Omega(c) vs Hiroshi Tanahashi

Maybe not the Wrestle Kingdom main event many were expecting, but certainly the main event we need right now. The story that’s been built around this match perfectly summarizes the current state of the company as the expansion to a more global audience continues.

The Best Bout Machine vs The Ace. Progression vs Tradition. Spectacle vs Story. The New vs the Old. This battle of philosophies has added a dimension to this championship match that feels much bigger than either of the two guys involved, and the outcome will be a huge statement for the creative direction of New Japan Pro Wrestling moving forward.

With that being said, this struggle between ideologies isn’t painted in black and white at all. As much as Omega believes in pushing the envelope, he’s also shown how much he values eastern tradition many times throughout his career, and although Tanahashi unashamedly represents the old guard, he’s proven his willingness to change and adapt his style in order to remain at the top of NJPW for so many years.

As much as Kenny relies on over the top moves and high speed spectacle to set his matches apart, he’s still one of the finest storytellers in wrestling. And Tanahashi doesn’t just tell tired, outdated stories in the ring, he tells spectacular stories that bring emotion out of an audience like nothing else can. Suffice to say, there’s a little bit of Tanahashi in Omega and a little bit of the Best Bout Machine in the Ace.

Whichever way this goes (and it could easily go either way) one thing is for sure- these are two of the most talented performers to ever step inside the squared circle, and they’re going to put it all on the line to leave us in awe of a modern classic on January 4th.

Prediction: Hiroshi Tanahashi