10 HUGE NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13 Predictions You Need To Know
4. KUSHIDA Vs. Taiji Ishimori
A very very good KUSHIDA/Taiji Ishimori match can be found on NJPW World if one goes hunting for the 2016 Super-J Cup opening round contest between the pair, but much was left behind from the two on that night, and even more has changed since.
Eventual tournament winner KUSHIDA was on a march to glory and suspected superstardom at the time, whilst the future 'Bone Soldier' wasn't yet the complete Junior Heavyweight he is today, nor did he have the emotional support of his Bullet Club brethren. Now amongst the elite, both are exceptional athletes during a time where simply anything less won't do.
Last year's Junior Heavyweight Championship four-way was for many Wrestle Kingdom's match of the night, but one of the biggest reasons for that will be in the opener trying to steal the show for the second year in a row with a man who's outstanding at doing the same. More than their own ability, this expectation will be what weighs heavily on this particular contest, but in considering the future of the title, it's hard to look past Ishimori taking his place at the top of the card.
It was Will Ospreay Ishimori turned on when he unmasked as the BC OG's new Bone Soldier at May's Dontaku. Then, it was with the intent of taking his title. At Wrestle Kingdom, he can attempt to take back his spot, too.
Winner - Taiji Ishimori