The first headline match of the Power Struggle feature event at Edion Arena Osaka #1 saw Bullet Club member Kenta defend his right to make the V3 challenge of the second reign of IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley against former eight-time IWGP Heavyweight two-time IWGP Intercontinental, and Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro) Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi.
The match came about after Tanahashi defeated Kenta during G1 Climax 30. Since that victory, Kenta has used the briefcase that holds the challenge contract against Tanahashi multiple times. He would also do so during the match when it looked as if Tanahashi was turning the momentum to what was a ground-based affair.
Tanahashi was motivated by the likelihood that he could wrestle in another championship match at Tokyo Dome and was solid with his Freestyle Wrestling techniques throughout the contest.
However, Kenta was able to wrestle hold for hold with the prolific champion on the mat, not getting outclassed like he was several weeks ago during G1 Climax. A unique exchange saw Kenta put together a fluid linking chain combination of holds which allowed him to hook Tanahashi in the Game Over.
Kenta would gain the fall by submission at the 19 minutes and 57 seconds mark with his Game Over hook to keep his IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship challenge opportunity. It’s likely David Finlay will be the next to challenge Kenta for the right to challenge, as the two have exchanged words on NJPW Strong during recent episodes, and Kenta defeated Finlay in the finals of New Japan Cup 2020 for the right to make the challenge.
What Tanahashi’s role will be during Wrestle Kingdom 15 is up in the air now that he is outside of singles championship contention. With Ibushi likely receiving a title opportunity at Wrestle Kingdom, his key may be finding a World Tag League partner in attempts to compete for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship inside the Tokyo Dome.
The first headline match of the Power Struggle feature event at Edion Arena Osaka #1 saw Bullet Club member Kenta defend his right to make the V3 challenge of the second reign of IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley against former eight-time IWGP Heavyweight two-time IWGP Intercontinental, and Revolution Pro Wrestling (RevPro) Undisputed British Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi.
The match came about after Tanahashi defeated Kenta during G1 Climax 30. Since that victory, Kenta has used the briefcase that holds the challenge contract against Tanahashi multiple times. He would also do so during the match when it looked as if Tanahashi was turning the momentum to what was a ground-based affair.
Tanahashi was motivated by the likelihood that he could wrestle in another championship match at Tokyo Dome and was solid with his Freestyle Wrestling techniques throughout the contest.
However, Kenta was able to wrestle hold for hold with the prolific champion on the mat, not getting outclassed like he was several weeks ago during G1 Climax. A unique exchange saw Kenta put together a fluid linking chain combination of holds which allowed him to hook Tanahashi in the Game Over.
Kenta would gain the fall by submission at the 19 minutes and 57 seconds mark with his Game Over hook to keep his IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship challenge opportunity. It’s likely David Finlay will be the next to challenge Kenta for the right to challenge, as the two have exchanged words on NJPW Strong during recent episodes, and Kenta defeated Finlay in the finals of New Japan Cup 2020 for the right to make the challenge.
What Tanahashi’s role will be during Wrestle Kingdom 15 is up in the air now that he is outside of singles championship contention. With Ibushi likely receiving a title opportunity at Wrestle Kingdom, his key may be finding a World Tag League partner in attempts to compete for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship inside the Tokyo Dome.
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