10 Reasons Why New Japan Pro Wrestling Had A Great 2016
8. The Mid-Card Could Be The Main Event
Classically, the main event of any show should be for the Heavyweight Championship. However, with the rigorous scheduling of New Japan’s tours, as well as the way they build their stories, it would not be possible for Okada to be the main event every night. Not only that, but the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, the NEVER Openweight Championship, and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship were always being defended on major cards such as Dominion and King of Pro Wrestling.
These matches tended to steal the show from the other matches and continuously were the ones that kept the fans on their toes. Shibata and Ishii for the NEVER Openweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 10 was incredible, while Omega and Tanahashi were able to main event The New Beginning in Niigata for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. For years, Shinsuke Nakamura as the Intercontinental Champion was looked at as the main event no matter where he was on the card. The idea of that championship being incredibly important has not died off with Naito, Omega, and Elgin.
As for the Junior Heavyweight Championship and the Tag Team Championship, New Japan has allowed for them to have tours based around each division. The Best of Super Juniors had its champion, Kushida, in the tournament competing with the others. While on the losing end, he put together some fantastic matches that would stand up to any other main events throughout the year. The World Tag League has not started yet, but this year’s tournament will feature the IWGP Intercontinental Champion, the IWGP Tag Team Champions, and the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Having these tournaments annually showcases how important the mid-card titles are in NJPW and continues to show off their collection of talent.