12 Biggest Stories From New Japan's Power Struggle And What They Mean Going Forward
4. Tetsuya Naito Defeats Zack Sabre Jr. For First Time This Year
Two competitors of contrasting styles, but oddly similar attitudes squared off at Power Struggle as Tetsuya Naito and Zack Sabre Jr. squared off for the third time this year. Surprisingly, the Los Ingobernables de Japon leader has been unable to defeat ZSJ in either of their previous encounters - losing to him during the G1 Climax and in the New Japan Cup finals.
The two jockeyed early during Saturday's bout but by mid-match, Zack’s neck was ailing him - weakening his right arm and grip strength. Naito attempted a top rope hurricanrana, but ZSJ rolled through and transitioned into a modified STF. After countering a Zack Driver, Naito dropped Sabre on his aching neck with a driver of his own before following up with a Destino. With ZSJ in dire straits, Naito hit one final Destino to capture the win and redeem his previous losses.
It's unclear where Zack Sabre Jr. is headed from here, though Saturday's loss should not negate his breakout success in 2018. Meanwhile, Naito revealed later in the evening that he's moving on from the UK star and has an entirely different opponent in mind for January's Wrestle Kingdom.