13 Ups & 1 Down From NJPW's 47th Anniversary Show

3. The Assassin

Will Ospreay is currently in the midst of one of New Japan's most exciting character arcs, and it continued in today's match with IWGP Heavyweight Champion Jay White.

Abandoning most of his high-flying roots, 'The (Aerial) Assassin' is evolving far beyond the lighter weight class' limitations, becoming a more vicious competitor in the process. Early in the bout, colour commentator Don Callis spoke about him dialling back on spectacular moves. He claimed he wanted to see Ospreay "go back to the things that made him special." Soon, though, the things that make Will special won't be flips and dives, but strikes, head-drops, and other forms of stiffness.

The new Will Ospreay came out as he locked White in a Tree of Woe and slapped his face off. He was hitting just as hard as he did against Kota Ibushi inside the Tokyo Dome, and though he dived a couple of times, that side of his game has been toned down. Later in the bout, he damn near knocked White's head off with the Hidden Blade that was sold as the strike that concussed Ibushi. He didn't win, but he did leave a mark on the IWGP Champion.

This will continue throughout the year, and should peak in the G1 Climax, during which the NEVER Openweight Champion is well-positioned to steal the tournament with elite bouts against NJPW's biggest and best. Bring it on.