11 HUGE NJPW/ROH G1 Supercard Predictions You Need To Know
3. Tetsuya Naito (c) Vs. Kota Ibushi (IWGP Intercontinental Title)
Tetsuya Naito and Kota Ibushi made early New Japan Cup headlines not only for the quality of their bout, but its nature.
It was one of the most dangerous matches NJPW has presented in some time. Both men wrestled like they were trying to break each other's necks, pulling off multiple head-drops in a brutal, hard-hitting encounter that was as dramatic as it was ghoulish. Subjectively, it was one of the best matches of the year so far; objectively, it was a grisly spectacle that likely shortened both wrestlers' careers.
Such is the dilemma of the modern New Japan fan. Reconciling ghoulishness with bell-to-bell quality isn't easy.
The duo will rematch for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, and it'll likely follow a similar pattern. Naito's ongoing IC storyline should play into the outcome. After flagrantly disrespecting the belt during his previous runs, this reign has been all about learning to love New Japan's secondary championship. It isn't even close to its natural conclusion yet. Ibushi was considered a potential MSG headliner before the NJ Cup, but he'll probably need to wait longer to grab the white and gold belt.
Winner: Tetsuya Naito.