Browsing: NJPW Landscape

He is in the unique position of always being one win away from being considered the most dangerous challenger within NJPW.

Sanada’s best chance to elevate himself may be to challenge solely for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship as a way to avenge his recent New Japan Cup loss to Evil.

However, much like he showed during G1 Climax 28, Tanahashi is capable of going on a run and marching his way back to the top of the NJPW mountain.

Kenta did not join Bullet Club to operate in an honorable fashion and earn his path to the top, his actions during Wrestle Kingdom 14 Day 2 proved that to be the case.

The hand Jay White plays could have a domino effect regarding the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

Okada has often spoken about how he has no desire for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, but that could be his path back to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

An angle leading to a confrontation, or a G1 match between Ibushi and Jay White would make sense following their Wrestle Kingdom 14 Day 2 match saw Ibushi come up on the losing end.

During that period he would become the biggest merchandise hit in the company due to his mixture of charisma, unique personality, and consistent callbacks to his inability to find the ultimate success at the Tokyo Dome.

With Evil taking the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental ‘Double Championship’ from Naito, it puts NJPW in a unique position where their biggest marquee draws are now vying for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.