12 Biggest Stories From New Japan's Power Struggle And What They Mean Going Forward

10. New Japan’s Mega Powers Officially Join Forces

Chris Jericho EVIL Power Struggle
NJPW World

With Jay White and the Bullet Club OGs constantly hounding Kazuchika Okada, the Rainmaker suffered yet another beatdown during Road to Power Struggle's eighth night. Thankfully, however, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion received help in fending off the dastardly stable in the form of Hiroshi Tanahashi.

With Jay White and the BC OGs run off, the two men who have feuded with utter contempt for eight years stood together in the ring. Tanahashi offered his hand to Okada and the two shook as the Korakuen Hall crown erupted. The Ace and the Rainmaker finally came together and presumably will compete as a team in the upcoming World Tag League tournament. There, they are likely to come across multiple Bullet Club tandems in their quest for vengeance.

Furthermore, if Tanahashi beats Kenny Omega in the Tokyo Dome, Okada could be next in line for a shot - it would be the first time Tanahashi would walk in the defending champion against Okada since Wrestle Kingdom 9. However, the potential future bout would likely have a different feel to their previous encounters, as the two have now transitioned from heated rivals to respectful partners.

Contributor

Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.