Wrestle Kingdom 13: Premature Card Predictions
Wrestle Kingdom 12 is finally in the record books and what an event it was. I got six out of nine predictions correct which isn't so bad personally. Unfortunately, Tetsuya Naito was unable to capture the IWGP World Heavyweight championship. At least Naito got a sense of redemption, finally headlining at the Tokyo Dome after the opportunity was snatched away from him, four years ago.
On the other end, New Year Dash pretty much resets the year for NJPW, signalling towards the next set of storylines being built for the superstars. There are many hints towards the immediate future, as there are also signs of what might come to fruition for the whole year going forward.
From Kenny Omega being blasted by Jay 'Switchblade' White as a championship challenge, to the larger picture of dissension amongst the Bullet Club and Omega's protectiveness over former partner Kota Ibushi resulting in possible rivalries and reunions this year for the Bullet Club leader.
To Tetsuya Naito seeking validation and heavyweight gold until Chris Jericho's attack, signalling that the Ayatollah of Rock and Rolla isn't yet done with NJPW and will be coming after the Tranquilo superstar soon.
Whatever the case, everybody is chomping at the bit for the eventual build-up to next years Wrestle Kingdom. Me the most, as I've promised myself that I'm heading to Japan to see the show live.
Hopefully, then, my predicted card will be an epic reality.
(PS: I'm not going to predict the annual New Japan Rambo because it's too chaotic a match to do so and pointless, albeit fun)
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: Young Bucks (c) vs. Roppongi 3K
To be fair I'm not really up to date on the undercard scene of New Japan, hence I'm really unsure what teams if any deserve a shot at the Junior Tag Championships. As I see it, this division is pretty much shallow and beyond additions from Ring of Honor or the Young Lions; the Junior Tag Title contention is between these two teams.
So, in a rematch from this year's showdown, I expect Roppongi 3K to finally conquer the men that beat them for the titles at the Tokyo Dome event. Young Bucks will be reeling from the fallout with their Bullet Club friends, now running separately alongside Kenny Omega as the ELITE.
Roppongi 3K for a second year running will win the Super Juniors Tag Tournament to challenge the title holders, who they'll have been chasing for a year.
The matchup will energize the dome crowd before the big fights get going and finally end the Bucks reign at the top of the division.
What next for the Bucks? Well, they might move onto the heavyweight division or to a little brand called NXT!!!
Winner: Roppongi 3K