10 Important NJPW Booking Steps Following Dominion

Most people were shocked when Naito failed to win the title at Wrestle Kingdom 12, but with the benefit of hindsight, it was the right call. For one thing, it allowed Okada to make his title reign legendary with record-setting defenses and MOTY contenders, and it gave way to the ultimate climax at Dominion, with Kenny finally winning the belt.

Plus, from a story standpoint, it was clear Naito was set to fail. He got to the main event of Wrestle Kingdom by abandoning his crowd-pleasing "Stardust Genius" ways, but once there, he got so soaked-up in the adulation of the crowd, he forgot how to win, allowing Okada to exploit this and walk away still the champ.

However, it's clear that was only act II of the story. Just as it took Okada three tries to finally defeat Hiroshi Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom, so too should it take Naito. If they do this right, they can tell a comeback story for the ages as Naito learns from his mistakes and finally becomes the tranquilo champion he was meant to be.

Of course, whatever path New Japan goes down with Okada, Omega, Naito, and Ibushi, we'll be watching eagerly.