NJPW Castle Attack Championship Match Previews

El Desperado v BUSHI v El Phantasmo – IWGP Jr Heavyweight Championship – February 28

During a Road To Show, Hiromi Takahashi vacated his IWGP Jr Heavyweight Championship due to a pectoral injury which will keep him out of action for six months! He then requested that BUSHI take his place against El Phantamso on Sunday for the vacated championship. El Desperado then came out declaring that, with a win over El Phantasmo and Taiji Ishimori during their IWGP tag title match, he deserved to have a shot!

The first thing that is going to make the match interesting is the willingness of all three men to break the rules! El Desperado and El Phantasmo are firm heels and make no secret of doing anything to get the win. However, BUSHI is also known for breaking the rules as part of Los Ingobernables de Japon’s “rudo” style. With history between El Desperado and BUSHI and the addition of ELP, anything is possible!

Although triple threat matches are rare in New Japan, non-single bouts are not as uncommon for the Jr division. This will be a new fresh up between three men who could easily become the face of the Jr division. Also, with three very different athletes, anyone could go out with the win depending on who gets the advantage!

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Kota Ibushi vs Tetsuya Naito – IWGP Intercontinental Championship – February 28

Since the unification of the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles at Wrestle Kingdom 14, there have been discussions over the state of the belts. Kota Ibushi stated his desire for the two belts to be unified. Others believe they should remain as independent championships. One of those men is Tetsuya Naito.

Naito came out at the end of the New Beginning to make a challenge. However, after losing to Ibushi at Wrestle Kingdom, he claimed that he only deserved to challenge for one title. Despite his rocky history with the title, he picked the Intercontinental belt. The same belt which has been attracted to the Ungovernable One since its conception.

His relationship with Ibushi is similar and is one of the most well-known and dangerous feuds in New Japan. The duo is drawn together in some way. They have this unrivalled chemistry from best friends to enemies and now two men with mutual respect. Over the years, they have had some outstanding bouts across the world that borderlines insanity as they throw themselves across the ring in reckless abandonment.

Due to their similar personalities and in-ring ethos, fans hold their breath as caution is thrown to the wind, and safety is ignored in their matches. However, their in-ring chemistry is undeniable. This match will be no exception. It may also be the solution to the issues of the double titles that have been present since Wrestle Kingdom 14.

What are your thoughts on the above story? Let us know in the comments on Twitter or Facebook.

• Tetsuya Naito
• kota ibushi
• Castle Attack
• NJPW

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