NJPW's Dominion: 14 Biggest Stories Ahead Of The G1 Climax And More

6. KENTA Debuts Ahead Of G1 Climax "Takeover"

Dominion KENTA Katsuyori Shibata
NJPW

While the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title match was scheduled to happen next, it was delayed due to a surprise appearance. Familiar music played from the Osaka-jō speakers as Katsuyori Shibata walked onto the stage. However, the retired fan-favorite didn’t come alone, pointing to the entranceway to usher in the arrival of KENTA. The former Pro Wrestling NOAH champion and recently departed WWE star strode onto the Dominion stage adorned in a t-shirt that read “TakeOver”.

The Osaka crowd applauded the surprise debut of former multiple-time singles and tag GHC Champion in both the junior and heavyweight-classes. KENTA stated simply that he wants to show the NJPW fans his style of "professional wrestling and will do it in the G1 Climax.”

The former Hideo Itami declared himself a part of the upcoming G1 tournament in what will be his first-ever bouts for New Japan before sitting stoically in the ring with Shibata behind him. While a shocking debut and announcement, there would be even more declarations for the G1 by the night’s end.

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.