10 NJPW Matches We Most Want To See In 2018

2. Will Ospreay Vs. Hiromu Takahashi

Omega Tanahashi
NJPW1972.com

Another dream match set to become a glorious reality, this is arguably the only fresh match capable of reaching the literal heights of the 2017 Junior Heavyweight scene. Ricochet's absence will be deeply felt - unless Neville is moved from his state of purgatory.

The dynamics of each star promise something beyond even the very best Junior matches of last year, in which, for better or worse, the division's best talents matched the nasty in-ring standard of their Heavyweight counterparts. Driven by the innovative Hiromu Takahashi's escalation of pure, lunatic danger, the choice matches felt more like simulations of proper fights than they had in years. Takahashi possesses an arsenal that is as frightening as it is breathtaking; the supernaturally nimble Will Ospreay, who somehow hasn't yet slowed down, is slowly perfecting the art of selling, too, creating scope for a clash both spectacular and genuinely immersive - a potent fusion. There is scope for comedic hijinks in this pairing, too, given that the match was teased last year on Twitter with Takahashi's insistence that Ospreay is, in fact, a cat.

Full of character, p*ss, vinegar and stunning aerials, Ospreay Vs. Takahashi possesses legitimate Match Of The Year credentials.

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!