May the 3rd – NJPW is coming to Fukuoka for Wrestling Dontaku 2017! Let’s take a closer look at two main events of the show.

First of all – sorry guys. I’ve been out of NJPW since January and came back shortly after NJ Cup, didn’t have time to publish anything.

But now I’m back and I have to admit – a lot happened. After Shibata’s victory at NJ Cup, he got his chance to take away IWGP Hvw. Championship from Okada. He failed and got injured pretty badly (get well soon Shibata!). Now it’s the time of NJ Cup runner-up – Bad Luck Fale is coming for the Ace!

Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kenny Omega

What a match it was in the first round of NJ Cup! I loved it from the first to the very last minute. When you’re putting two great performers together the only result that you can get is an awesome match. I have to admit that I was pretty sad when I saw a NJ Cup ladder for the first time – I knew that one of them will be knocked-out after just one match.

But I wasn’t upset after the final bell – Ishii’s counter was simply devastating. Omega in post-match interview yelling that “Okada told you about my weaknesses” was a signal for us that this story isn’t over. Now we’re about to witness a rematch between these two guys and I’m sure that once again they will live up to the expectations.

Someone would say – hey, this story doesn’t have any kind of base – why would Omega take on Ishii once again? Let’s not forget that in the end of 2016 Kenny was booked like a God. He beat YOSHI-HASHI and Goto in his G1 shot defenses, put Okada through a table at the house show before WK11. You could literally smell self-confidence that Omega had before Tokyo Dome. But, after failure, he decided to step away for a while – returned at the end of February and announced participation in NJ Cup. Getting knocked-away in the first round had to be an absolute disaster for Omega. He needs a victory so badly, he will do everything for it. Plus – once again, he’s fighting with CHAOS.

In my opinion Ishii is Omega’s last rival before his next IWGP Hvw. title shot for two reasons. First – Okada needs another contender. With Shibata’s injury, Naito’s getting around with IC title and Tahanashi in Taguchi Japan NJPW doesn’t really have anyone to threat him at the moment. Second – G1 Special in USA is coming. Putting the belt on Omega or just having a title match in California would be great for western expansion.

My prediction: Kenny Omega

IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match: Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Bad Luck Fale

NJ Cup’s runner-up is having his chance for the gold after the man who beat him in the final – Shibata – got injured at Sakura Genesis. Does he have any chance with the Ace?

I gotta say, I was pretty surprised that The Underboss made it to the final. He knocked-out Elgin, Nagata and EVIL on his way to Nagaoka clash with Shibata, who was definitely one of the favorites of the tournament. I’m happy with push for Fale, because, let’s be honest, Bullet Club was lately all about The Elite. Giving an opportunity for achieving the top gold is very important for BC.

No words are needed to introduce Okada. After a phenomenal match with Omega on WK11, Okada defended his title against Suzuki, Tiger Mask and Shibata. He doesn’t really have anyone to face right now, especially after Shibata being out of NJPW for some time. Fale was the only reasonable option, plus – it could be an introduction to the Okada/Omega pt. 2.

As I said in the preview of Ishii/Omega, personally I have no doubts that Kenny and Kazuchika will take on each other very, very soon. Two final matches of Dontaku will be another CHAOS/Bullet Club clashes. CHAOS is free from LIJ and almost free from Suzuki Gun (only tag matches at the moment). This is going to be a hot summer.

That’s why I think that the obvious winner for this one is Okada. As much as I like The Underboss, I just can’t see any reason why he should beat current champion. It’s very cool to see that there’s someone in BC besides Kenny, who can fight for the top prize – always good for the stable, good for Fale too, because finally he’s out of those tag-team openers. At Wrestling Dontaku there can be only one winner for this.

My prediction: Kazuchika Okada

Poll

We’re moving to another poll guys! Is Kenny Omega going to be IWGP Heavyweight Champion before G1 Climax in August? Vote!

If you want to stay tuned and follow my blog, you can do this on Facebook:

http://facebook.com/korakuenwrestling

Wish me luck guys, I’m taking my final exams in two weeks! The next article will probably be published after the exam!