New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) is doing their best to shrug off a series of unfortunate events. Their major tour of Wrestle Grand Slam was shut down due to a major COVID-19 outbreak in their locker room, and then the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship was left vacant after champion Will Ospreay was too injured to make any more defenses. They’ve managed to get back on the road, and have announced three major matches for their annual June event, Dominion.
Kota Ibushi Takes On Jeff Cobb, YOH Gets His Chance To Win Singles Gold
First up are the two more obvious matches on the card. Jeff Cobb & Kota Ibushi have been feuding since Ibushi lost the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship to Will Ospreay. Cobb has even gone as far as to steal the Kamigoye finisher of Ibushi, and turn it on Ibushi to devastating effect. They will get a chance to settle their differences in a one on one grudge match at Dominion.
Next up is the defense of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship that we didn’t get at Wrestling Dontaku. El Desperado was set to defend the belt against YOH of Roponngi 3K, but the match was canceled after someone in the match didn’t pass COVID-19 screening. Desperado later revealed a positive case, but was not stripped of his title for missing a scheduled defense. Instead, it was pushed back until Dominion. Desperado has yet to really prove himself as champion, but this match gives him the spotlight he deserves.
Kazuchika Okada Faces Shingo Takagi To Determine New IWGP World Heavyweight Champion
Finally, we have the main event of Dominion. The IWGP World Heavyweight Championship can’t remain vacant, and they needed two top contenders to challenge for the belt. Okada was already next in line for a title shot, and after making his comeback after being positive for COVID-19, he is ready to claim the top prize off NJPW once again. It will be the 8th time Okada main events a Dominion card, most in company history.
He will face Shingo Takagi for the belt, with Shingo technically being the reason the belt is vacant. Ospreay was forced to vacate due to injuries suffered in his defense against Shingo. Shingo also has a win over Okada this year in singles action, having taken The Rainmaker out in the first round of the New Japan Cup.
Who do you hope to see as the next IWGP World Heavyweight Champion? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
Remember to stay up to date with the latest news on TheOvertimer. Don’t forget to visit Gamestingr for great videos, news, and gameplay!
