12 Early Predictions For Wrestle Kingdom 12

Okada vs. Tanahashi has taken the wrestling world on a roller-coaster ride, telling the simple but powerful story of a young up-and-comer striving to supplant his superior who has held down the top spot for years. At any one time you felt the pain and anguish of a disparaged youngster who failed to conquer the veteran, or the grit and determination of the old guard refusing to let anyone think his age has caught up with him. There have been so many peaks and valleys that it's almost like there are no more stories to tell. But perhaps there is one more.

Tanahashi is 40 years old. He is too old to hold down the top spot in New Japan but too young to occupy the smaller role played by the likes of Tenzan and Nagata. Therefore he could use Wrestle Kingdom 12 as a last stand of sorts: One more main event against his old rival. If he wins he proves that he still belongs at the top of the card, but if he loses he steps away from New Japan. Perhaps he helps to rebuild NOAH or takes a shot at the WWE, or maybe he just takes a year or two out. It would allow us to see if Okada can truly replace The Ace.