WWE Vs. NJPW: Head To Head

4. Music

Daniel Bryan Kazuchika Okada
WWE.com

A difficult criteria as closely matched as the most dramatic of New Japan main events.

Kota Ibushi’s ‘Golden Star’ is a soaring call-to-arms that feels as dangerous as his act. Tetsuya Naito’s theme is an accelerating electronic banger that reflects his lightning repertoire and exotic cool. Jon Moxley’s theme is as sleazy as f*ck—a lurching portent of doom perfectly suited to the glorious reinvention of his “sick guy” persona. Kazuchika Okada’s is as relentless as his ascent to the realm of legends. Minoru Suzuki’s ’Kaze Ni Nare’ also happens to be one of the greatest themes in all of history.

In WWE, the best themes are excellent in themselves, but boast also a killer crowd interaction element. Becky Lynch’s theme feels like a drunken, celebratory singalong designed to intoxicate the crowd on her badass act. AJ Styles’ theme captures the man brilliantly with its dangerous gospel. Its antithesis—Aleister Black’s banger—would pop a religious conservative.

The deflating image rights issue on New Japan shows hands the advantage to WWE because it betrays the premise of an entrance. The entrance is designed to grab the attention of the audience; in New Japan, it too often distracts the viewer at home.

Scorecard: WWE 1-6 NJPW

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!