10 Major Predictions For NJPW Dominion 2018

1. Kazuchika Okada Vs. Kenny Omega - IWGP Heavyweight Title Match, 2 Out Of 3 Falls, No Time Limit

Tetsuya Naito Chris Jericho
NJPW1972.com

We're in for a long night. We're in for a long, glorious night.

Since the two men last met, in last year's masterpiece of a G1 Climax Block B final, both men have taken divergent paths. Okada, as aforementioned, has ascended to the realm of the Gods. In beautiful contrast, the 2018 version of Kenny Omega is more human. Having reconciled with Golden Lover Kota Ibushi and dispensed with the macho posturing associated with his heel Cleaner persona, Omega enters Dominion a more humble performer - a performer the underdog-favouring New Japan faithful will throw their support behind in full, screaming voice. Not that the Osaka natives require any further persuasion to anticipate a fourth meeting; it follows wrestling's greatest-ever trilogy. Omega is some worker, having tapped into this sentiment by recently proclaiming Okada as the superior wrestler. Omega has promised to work harder, to train harder, to do the impossible.

This new dynamic promises something even greater. The famous Osaka heat is greater than even the thunderous Ryōgoku Sumo Hall. The length of the war, the second battle of which went the full hour, is greater. The stakes are greater; Omega is not challenging a Champion, but an entity even greater than Ace.

This is going to be greater than great. There is a considerable chance that wrestling's greatest ever match is mere days away.

Prediction: Okada wins after an epic war spanning, at a minimum, 70 minutes in length. Let any concerns that whomever follows Okada will translate with all the dramatic heft of Takeshi Rikio follow later. Luxuriate in the greatness; don't fret in anxiety.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!