10 HUGE NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12 Predictions You Need To Know
Six Star City.
The biggest event on the Japanese wrestling calendar takes place this Thursday, 4 January, and just like each of the past five years, it's shaping up to be a classic.
New Japan Pro Wrestling have stacked the deck with Wrestle Kingdom 12. The card ticks almost every box on any puroresu fan's wishlist, and while there are a handful of minor booking quibbles (a Tomohiro Ishii singles match would've been nice, for one), the lineup's variety means it's difficult to complain.
On the back of one of the most astounding individual years in the sport's history, Kazuchika Okada will defend his IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Tetsuya Naito, who might be the hottest wrestler on the planet at the moment. Below them is a genuine dream match in Kenny Omega vs. Chris Jericho, a star-making bout for young Jay White, who challenges the legendary Hiroshi Tanahashi, and a host of other mouth-watering clashes. Spot-fests? Psychological masterclasses? Hair vs. hair? Blood feuds? They're all present and correct.
All signs point towards another early 'Show Of The Year Contender' from the world's most exciting wrestling promotion, but how will it all go down? Let's have a look...
10. Not Your Father's Rumble
Though technically New Japan's answer to the Royal Rumble, the Rambo isn't given anywhere near the same prestige.
Taking place on the Wrestle Kingdom pre-show, it is, on every single level, a big bad banter match. Winning it doesn't guarantee a title shot, and the bout is only ever filled with a mix of full-time wrestlers who aren't booked elsewhere on the show, along with a handful of decrepit 50-65 year old veterans for nostalgia pops. It's a harmless bit of fun with no real bearing on the company as a whole, and only exists to provide light-hearted fun ahead of a heavy night of action.
Last year saw the Michael Elgin win as a sweetener for his lack of main card spot. Veterans Jado and Yuji Nagata won the previous two incarnations, and NJPW could feasibly go down this route again, with the likes of Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan both set to feature.
Giving the rub to a potential new star would be infinitely more exciting, though. Young Lion Cup winner Katsuya Kitamura could be a refreshing choice, but it makes more sense to go with the man best positioned to take Elgin's soon-to-expire roster spot...
Winner: Jeff Cobb