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

At a previous day’s press event, Will Ospreay laid all his feelings on the line in an emotionally-charged speech. He promised that his Junior Heavyweight Championship match would steal the show, despite most of the hype focusing on the main events. With Hiromu recently being crowned Best of the Super Juniors and Will leading the division, the juniors would do all they could to not be out shined.

The match began hot with Ospreay launching off the entrance ramp at Takahashi. The reigning champion continued his breakneck onslaught at a frantic pace and with reckless abandon -- a sticking point of many critics which Ospreay addressed in his pre-fight comments. Unfortunately for Will and his big talk, he was unable to hold onto his coveted title by the end of the match. Takahashi launched an offensive flurry in the closing moments as he powerbombed Ospreay onto the exposed concrete floor. Back inside the ring he nailed Will with an underhook piledriver and the Time Bomb finisher to capture his second Junior Heavyweight Championship.

Will Ospreay’s 155-day reign may have ended, but during that time he proved his place as an innovator and leader for junior heavyweights worldwide. Still, Takahashi has seized much of 2018. He conquered New Japan’s annual Super Juniors tournament and now has the Junior Heavyweight title around his waist. Look for Hiromu to dig his claws into his newly-won belt as he attempts to hold it throughout the rest of the year.