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NJPW: 6 possible new challengers for Jon Moxley’s IWGP United States Championship

By Tom Colohue

TOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 04: Jon Moxley of United States enters the ring prior to the IWGP US Championship bout during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling 'Wrestle Kingdom 14' at the Tokyo Dome on January 04, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
TOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 04: Jon Moxley of United States enters the ring prior to the IWGP US Championship bout during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling 'Wrestle Kingdom 14' at the Tokyo Dome on January 04, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images) /
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NJPW Kota Ibushi
TOKYO, JAPAN – OCTOBER 08: Kota Ibushi gestures prior to the 3 Way match between Kenny Omega, Cody and Kota Ibushi during the King of Pro-Wresting at Ryogoku Kokugikan on October 8, 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images) /

2. Kota Ibushi

At its core, Kota Ibushi’s career can be broken down into one simple question. “Please sir, can you break my neck?” Jon Moxley might finally be the one to oblige him.

One half of the Golden Lovers has started something of a transformation at Wrestle Kingdom, despite losing both of his matches and being the one man to leave at 0-2. The strong, confident and unfeeling Kota we saw tiny pieces of in his matches with Okada and White is something we’re sure to see in the future and it fits perfectly with Moxley.

Ibushi needs to recover some steam. He could also be looking for some revenge on Moxley on behalf of what we’ll call a close personal friend of Kenny Omega. (They’re lovers. Golden Lovers, in fact. I know what you’re thinking, and no, I don’t know whether that’s where they got the golden part from).

That said, let’s do what Kota himself always likes to do and let’s focus on his neck. Moxley likes hurting people. You know who likes being hurt? Kota Ibushi. That’s probably the most beautiful thing about this character change Ibushi is undertaking. He just takes punishment.

That’s the whole thing. He stands there, let’s you hit him and then lashes out. He’s basically Ken Shamrock. A Japanese Ken Shamrock. A very attractive Ken Shamrock whose abs get a big pop from the crowd.

Does Finn Balor get an ab pop? No. Well, only when I’m in the building.

AEW Fyter Fest
TOKYO,JAPAN – JANUARY 4: Kenny Omega looks on during the Wrestle Kingdom 13 at Tokyo Dome on January 04, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Masashi Hara/Getty Images) /

1. Kenny Omega

The first United States champion and somebody with a strong existing feud with Jon Moxley. Could we see Omega back in Japan? I’m not sure.

While Omega professes a strong love of Japan – cities, culture and all – Kenny seems to have no problem staying in America for the All Elite tour. Should he return to Japan however, things change dramatically.

Omega is one of the biggest draws in New Japan history and, despite a poor record in AEW so far, he is extremely popular and extremely well thought of in Japan. His feud with Kazuchika Okada is legendary and his partnership with Kota Ibushi might be just as recognizable. For the longest time, Omega was the man in New Japan.

Put simply, Moxley beating New Japan Kenny Omega would mean a lot more than Moxley beating All Elite Wrestling Kenny Omega.

dark. Next. Report: Will Ospreay injured at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14

Who would you like to see taking on Jon Moxley now that he’s at the top of the United States mountain? Let me know in the comments below.

Do it fast though. Suzuki’s coming.

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