10 Biggest Stories From New Japan’s Dominion And What They Mean Going Forward

8. Juice Robinson To Pursue US Heavyweight Title?

Dominion 6.9 Okada Omega
www.njpw1972.com

Current and second-ever New Japan US Champion, Jay White teamed with his CHAOS cohort YOSHI-HASHI to take on the duo of second-generation wrestler David Finlay and former NXT star Juice Robinson. The match was added to the night’s card following the Wrestling Dontaku event. Jay White made it a point to call out Robinson for his inability to get it done when the pressure is on -- citing his failures to topple Hirooki Goto, Tetsuya Naito and Kenny Omega.

At Dominion, Juice Robinson seemed determined as ever. Despite his shortcomings over the past year, his heart has never been under scrutiny. Still, White and his partner YOSHI-HASHI were out to make an example of Juice and Finlay. Unfortunately for the reigning champ he found himself on the wrong end of Robinson’s “Pulp Friction” finisher — a modified underhook facebuster — and ate the pinfall for the contest.

Following the win, Juice grabbed hold of White’s US title and slung it over his shoulder -- much to the displeasure of the belt’s owner. Robinson will likely continue to pursue White and his US title in the coming months; interestingly, Juice had his first singles match in the promotion against a pre-“Switchblade” and fellow Young Lion Jay White some years ago. Perhaps these two are destined to be at each other’s throats for a long time.

Contributor

Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.