10 NJPW Matches We Most Want To See In 2018
3. Kenny Omega Vs. Cody
More than boilerplate intra-faction squabbling, the tension between Kenny Omega and Cody possesses immense meta-textual intrigue.
Kenny Omega is either 1 or A of the elite wrestling echelon. Cody, in comparison, is the best worker, in the traditional sense, in how he has managed to manoeuvre himself at the forefront of the Bullet Club in storylines and reality. The transition from only-good WWE midcard hand to rapidly-improving internet darling is almost complete; a match opposite deposed leader Kenny Omega represents the endpoint of an unlikely but expertly-mapped transformation.
In the ring, this should deliver; Omega elevated Beretta in a stupendous introduction to the New Japan Heavyweight ranks in late 2017, and, in a binding babyface exhibition stuffed with serious bumps, he shaved years from Chris Jericho at Wrestle Kingdom 12. Cody meanwhile is vastly underrated as a psychologist and storyteller, and seems to organically live up to his manufactured reputation each time he steps foot in a New Japan ring. You could argue that his opponent helps - but who better an opponent than the Cleaner?
Bolstered by the sort of wider storytelling those unfamiliar with New Japan believe beyond the league, this also brings into focus the awesome arcs at which Gedo excels, perhaps bringing yet more eyes to the product in a year of continued expansion.