NJPW & ROH G1 Supercard: Preview and Predictions

IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match: Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada

Kazuchika Okada is seeking to end his redemption tour with another IWGP Heavyweight Title run in the cards. Okada dropped the belt last Summer to Kenny Omega at ‘Dominion’ in what was billed by some as the ‘greatest match in professional wrestling history.’ When Okada dropped the title, he adopted long pants and a new hairstyle. With it came a losing streak. Losing to Hiroshi Tanahashi and Jay White in the G1 Climax tournament had many people wondering if ‘The Rainmaker’ was indeed washed up?

Jay White has had a marvelous run since his debut at Wrestle Kingdom 12. Even though he lost to Hiroshi Tanahashi, he immediately gained the respect of fans in Japan. He would upset Kenny Omega at the end of the month to win the IWGP United States Championship. There was tension in the CHAOS faction as Jay White from the very beginning had stated he was in it for championships and at the end of the day, he was all about himself.

At the end of the G1 Climax, White would turn on CHAOS. He attacked the leader of the faction, Kazuchika Okada at the end of his match with Tanahashi. In the process, he beat up Tanahashi and in turn, took Okada’s long time manager Gedo with him. White proceeded to join forces with the new ‘Bullet Club’ and became the group’s de facto leader. White has become the most feared heel in Japan and took aim at New Japan’s top prize.

White would defeat Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 13 in spite of Okada’s return as ‘The Rainmaker’ with his classic trunks. The opportunity arose for Jay White to become the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion at ‘The New Beginning’ in February. He was successful in his first attempt, defeating Tanahashi to win the IWGP title for the 1st time in his young career. White has stepped up and wants to be the leader of the new era going forward in New Japan.

Kazuchika Okada had to earn this title shot the hard way. He outlasted 31 other men in the New Japan Cup to earn this opportunity at G1 Supercard. He defeated Michael Elgin, Mikey Nicholls, Will Ospreay, Tomohiro Ishii, and Sanada to win one of the biggest tournaments in New Japan. After his thrilling win in the finals of the Cup over Sanada, he declared he would return with the IWGP Championship and grant Sanada an opportunity at the title.

Jay White came to the ring and refuted Okada’s claim. Claiming that his title reign was a reality, White promised to retain his title at Madison Square Garden in the man event of the G1 Supercard. White is burgeoning superstar whose light is shining brightest at the moment. With still over a decade left of his career left, Jay White can establish dominance in New Japan over the next few years with continued successful title defenses.

Okada is looking for retribution. If he can dethrone his former CHAOS stablemate, he will re-stake claim as the best wrestler in New Japan and take the title in the process. To do this, he will have to defeat Jay White. Something he has not done in their only 2 singles matches. Can Okada reign supreme once again?

If New Japan is looking to send the American fans home happy, Okada will win on the most famous stage in the World. The company however has hitched it’s wagon to this former Young Lion who has run roughshod over New Japan since his debut just over a year ago. Who will New Japan look towards to carry the baton as it’s flag bearer? Well, you can make an argument for White to establish himself as the next big star in the Orient. You can also make a case that Okada is still in his prime and in big match moments, he rises to the occasion. I’m going with the experience and sending the fans home satisfied.

Winner: Kazuchika Okada