10 Biggest Stories From NJPW's Destruction Events (And What They Mean Going Forward)

8. Legendary Veterans Challenge For Tag Team Gold

On the final night of Destruction, Jushin “Thunder” Liger and Tiger Mask IV overcame the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag champions in a non-title match. It wasn’t an easy victory by any means, however, as El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemura jumped the loved veterans before the match even began. Still, Liger and Tiger Mask fought back and were able to overcome the dastardly champs thanks to their experienced teamwork and multiple counters. Tiger Mask scored the eventual pinfall after countering Kanemura’s top rope DDT with a hard dropkick and then a roll-up.

After the match, with much support from the fans in Kobe, Liger took to the mic to challenge for the IWGP straps. While the legendary juniors threatened to take the gold, during a post-match interview, the Suzuki-gun duo threatened to rip off their masks. A date has yet to be announced, but the match will surely take place as El Desperado and Kanemura all but stated outright their acceptance of the challenge. Perhaps the teams will meet as soon as King of Pro-Wrestling or during the series of World Tag League at the end of the year.

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.