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NJPW: KENTA gets new opponent at Wrestle Kingdom 15

By Raphael Garcia

TOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 06: Kenta reacts during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling 'New Year Dash' at the Oita City General Gymnasium on January 06, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
TOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 06: Kenta reacts during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling 'New Year Dash' at the Oita City General Gymnasium on January 06, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Etsuo Hara/Getty Images) /
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KENTA is set to face Satoshi Kojima at Wrestle Kingdom 15 for the rights to the IWGP United States title shot briefcase.

There are several stories to pay close attention to heading into Wrestle Kingdom 15. One such storyline to watch was around KENTA and the briefcase guaranteeing a title shot at the IWGP United States title. KENTA’s briefcase guarantees him a shot at Jon Moxley, but thanks to COVID-19 there is no telling when that title defense will come. That has not stopped KENTA from defending his briefcase and his match at the upcoming PPV to do so has changed.

KENTA was originally scheduled to face former champion, Juice Robinson. However, at NJPW “Road to the Tokyo Dome,” it was revealed that Robinson will not take part in that match. A broken orbital bone is a reason given for the change. KENTA is not off the hook though, as another former champion is stepping in to take Robinson’s place. That man is Satoshi Kojima.

Does this match come off as predictable? Yes, it does, but that does not mean that it will be any less interesting to see these two individuals compete. Even at 50-years of age Kojima can still deliver a solid match and he is just as active as any other individual on the roster.

KENTA is the best option to keep the briefcase. As All Elite Wrestling continues to expand their practices of inter-promotional booking, many expect NJPW to be added to that list in the future. Moxley is coming off a great run as AEW champion and is still one of the biggest names in the promotion. He has not been able to defend the IWGP US title due to the global pandemic, causing that title to become an afterthought for many. KENTA’s presence can help change things. Since winning the briefcase KENTA has made it a point to call out Moxley whenever he has the opportunity. The impact of that translating to the basis of a partnership between the two organizations would be massive.

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Do not forget, KENTA is also a resident of Orlando, Florida which would help him be able to find his way to that location if AEW and NJPW wanted to put something on air for an upcoming show. Booking opportunities such as this makes wrestling interesting for everyone involved. KENTA walking out of Wrestle Kingdom with the briefcase is the right call. Especially if it leads to something larger for two of the biggest promotions in the professional wrestling industry.

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