Night one of New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) Showdown follows the Road to Showdown that set the stage for the two-night tour finale for the New Japan of America (NJoA) branch. The marquee match sees Bullet Club member Tama Tonga face the controversial PJ Black, who is signed to Ring of Honor (ROH).
Despite not being known as a singles competitor, Tonga is the favorite going into the match as Black has struggled to stay on form during his New Japan Strong appearances.
The headline match sees former IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion “The Flamboyant” Juice Robinson make his NJPW Strong debut as he teams with first-generation second-tier NJPW Los Angeles (LA) Dojo graduate “Alpha Wolf” Karl Fredericks, and ROH roster member Brody King against the Bullet Club trio of “Switchblade” Jay White, former six-time IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion and three-time NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champion Tanga Loa, and “Crown Jewel” Chase Owens.
Bullet Club has been on a roll within NJoA, and they will likely continue their quality form on NJPW Strong.
“Mr. No Days Off” Fred Rosser takes on “Filthy” Tom Lawlor in the second match of the event. Despite not being in the marquee, the meeting is the most intriguing match on the card.
Both come into the contest undefeated in singles action within NJPW. Rosser has seen more action as of late, and will likely be the favorite against Lawlor, who will be running into a competitor who is on incredible form.
The opening match finds “All Heart” Blake Christian and ACH teaming up against Alex Zayne and Adrian Quest. Christian is a young rising star within NJoA and could find himself touring with the main branch next year.
ACH has become a regular with NJoA since returning to the company and will look to get back on form against the athletic duo of Alex Zayne and Adrian Quest.
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