10 Big Predictions For NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11
What can we expect from the Japanese WrestleMania?
The new year's first major wrestling event is almost upon us. New Japan Pro Wrestling's Wrestle Kingdom 11 comes live from the Tokyo Dome on January 4th, and the anticipation levels couldn't be higher. NJPW's answer to WrestleMania always ranks among the year's finest shows, and if this year's card is anything to go by, WK11 will continue this trend.
From Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega for the IWGP Championship to Kota Ibushi working as the masked Tiger Mask W in the opener, it's a stacked card from top to bottom. A number of these matches come with genuine five-star potential, and if you've been waiting for an opportunity to get into New Japan, now's your chance. Wrestle Kingdom is both the company's season finale, and a perfect introduction to the year ahead.
All of NJPW's biggest stars are in action, and each of the company's seven championships are on the line, but one of the most pleasing things about WK11 is its unpredictability. Fans will be on their toes throughout the night, and it's tough to pick a winner in the vast majority of these matches.
Will Omega cap his incredible ascension and become a wrestling megastar by taking the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, or will Okada, the company ace, retain? Can the iconic Hiroshi Tanahashi become a two-time Intercontinental Champion at the age of 40, or will the rebellious Tetusya Naito see him off?
Let's try to answer these questions, and more. Here are 10 big predictions for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11.
10. Tiger Mask W Defeats Tiger The Dark
Leave it to Japan to open one of the biggest wrestling shows of the year with a throwaway match based on an anime series. Aside from the pre-show NJPW Rumble, this is the last consequential match on Wrestle Kingdom 11’s card, and one of the most predictable. The outcome should have little bearing on anything that occurs in the aftermath, and the contest exists primarily to warm the crowd up.
The battle of the Tiger Masks won’t get a lot of time, but it should be a lot of fun. That Kota Ibushi is the man behind Tiger Mask W is the worst kept secret in Japanese wrestling, and if Dave Meltzer is to be believed, Tiger The Dark is to be played by US indie wunderkind ACH. If they’re allowed to go out and do their thing, this could be a thrilling clash between two of the world’s finest high-flyers, but that’s a big “if.”
This battle between the anime’s protagonist and main rival isn’t to be taken all that seriously, and Tiger Mask W should open Wrestle Kingdom 11 with a relatively straightforward victory. It sure would be nice to have ACH and Ibushi as part of the active roster without the anime shtick, however.