8 Ups & 2 Downs From NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 12

1. Stifling A Rising Star

Jay White Hiroshi Tanahashi
NJPW World

New Japan pinned a great expectations on Jay White’s shoulders at Wrestle Kingdom.

Like every other trainee, the New Zealander was nought but a preliminary wrestler before departing for his American excursion. He was, and still is, a world-class prospect, but he was literally the lowest-ranked wrestler in NJPW the last time we saw him, yet the company thrust him straight into an IWGP Intercontinental Title match with an all-time great in Hiroshi Tanahashi.

So much could’ve gone wrong, and unfortunately, plenty did. Tanahashi was masterful, and sold like a pro throughout, but Jay’s control sections couldn’t hold the crowd’s attention. The required viciousness just wasn’t there. He targeted Tana’s injured knee, but did so without any of the malevolence that makes guys like Minoru Suzuki so compelling in such positions, and his planned ascension fell flat.

The bout wasn’t bad, but it was disappointing. If the goal was to make Jay a star, then this was a failure, as the Kiwi showed little fire in this heatless defeat. A real shame, a huge missed opportunity, and comfortably Wrestle Kingdom’s biggest flop.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.