NJPW News: New IWGP Intercontinental Champion crowned at New Beginning in Sapporo
What’s the story?
During today’s NJPW: New Beginning in Sapporo event, Suzuki Gun leader Minoru Suzuki added another championship to his incredible list of achievements as he won the IWGP Intercontinental Championship for the very first time in his career.
In case you didn’t know…
Earlier this month, at NJPW’s New Year’s Dash show, Minoru Suzuki and his Suzuki Gun faction brutally assaulted ‘The Ace’ Hiroshi Tanahashi, and Suzuki challenged Tanahashi to an IWGP Intercontinental Championship match. Suzuki, who lost the Never Openweight Championship to Hirooki Goto at Wrestle Kingdom 12, previously never had the chance of holding the prestigious IWGP IC Title in the past.
The heart of the matter
Having already wrestled each other previously in 2012, Minoru Suzuki and Hiroshi Tanahashi earlier today squared off once again against each other at today’s NJPW: New Beginning show in Sapporo. Suzuki dominated Hiroshi Tanahashi from start to finish in their match, as the leader of the Suzuki Gun targeted Tanahashi’s injured right knee.
As the match progressed, Suzuki showed absolutely no mercy on The Ace, however, Tanahashi showed tremendous resilience and did not give up until the last minute of the match. Referee Red Shoes Uno decided to call for the bell and declared Minoru Suzuki as the winner of the contest and the new IWGP Intercontinental Champion.
Following the match, commentator and Tanahashi’s colleague, Togi Makabe, said that after taking such a brutal punishment, Tanahashi might not be able to walk again.
What’s next?
Minoru Suzuki has certainly put the entire NJPW roster on notice after such a masterful performance against Hiroshi Tanahashi. Suzuki will now look to focus on other competitors as he gets all set to defend his newly won Intercontinental Title.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, Hiroshi Tanahashi will certainly need some time off due to his knee problems. It seems like The Ace will get a rematch for the IC Title in the future and Tanahashi might also be back in time for this year’s Dominion pay-per-view.
Author’s Take
I think that Tanahashi’s knee injury caused NJPW's creative team to write him off television. Also, I’m excited to see Minoru Suzuki as the new IWGP Intercontinental Champion and let us just hope that we get to see him defend this title against the likes of Tomohiro Ishii, Kota Ibushi and maybe even Michael Elgin.