10 Things WWE Can Learn From NJPW Dominion
6. Secondary Titles Should Feel Almost As Important As World Titles
In New Japan Pro Wrestling, there's a "big four" in terms of both ability and importance, and while Kazuchika Okada and Kenny Omega were in the main event where they belonged, the other two members of the four were in action in the show's semifinal. That contest was also a Wrestle Kingdom rematch, and saw Tetsuya Naito defend the Intercontinental Championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi.
For those unfamiliar, Hiroshi Tanahashi is basically the John Cena of New Japan - a longtime main-event star who's broken records and is now settling into the "champion emeritus" role, but is still largely the mainstream face of the company. Naito, meanwhile, has become the most popular star among New Japan hardcores by turning his back on the fans and embracing an iconoclastic attitude.
Needless to say, having Tanahashi battle Naito for the Intercontinental Title makes the belt feel a whole lot more special than, say, involving a bear suit in the feud for it does. While The Miz has been a great Intercontinental Champion over the past year-plus, the title doesn't feel nearly as important as New Japan's version, which headlines important shows. Even when John Cena was U.S. Champion, WWE's secondary titles fell short of New Japan's.