10 NJPW Matches We Most Want To See In 2018

1. Hiroshi Tanahashi Vs. Kenny Omega

Omega Tanahashi
NJPW World

The very promising first chapter of the programme, in 2016, heralded the ascension of Kenny Omega to the heavyweight ranks. An injury to Tanahashi deprived fans of a real conclusion to it; Michael Elgin deputised for Tanahashi in New Japan's first-ever Ladder Match which, while superb, lacked the significance of a native appearing in it. It felt less like a moment, more of a North American match parachuted into the East.

So much has changed, even in such a short space of time. Omega has rocketed to the pinnacle of modern wrestling - perhaps even entering the historical pantheon of all-time in-ring greats. Tanahashi, in parallel, is in a state of physical decline - but is so phenomenal as a storyteller that he acknowledged it in order to enhance the psychology of his 2017 performances. Perhaps Chris Jericho wasn't entirely fixed on the Cleaner, when he re-approached Apha Vs. Omega.

A meeting between two great wrestling minds, one is capable of and intent on doling out the most dangerous offence on the planet.

The other, meanwhile, extracts drama and pathos from taking and using the strategic skill to avoid it - thus promising a crossroad of near-unbearable ebb and flow.

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!