NJPW Dominion 2021 Preview

Jeff Cobb v Kota Ibushi – Special Singles Match

Credit: NJPW1972

After Kota Ibushi returned to New Japan, the first person who seemed to pick a fight with the Golden Star was Jeff Cobb. After losing the title to Ospreay in April, Cobb hit Ibushi with a Tour of the Islands and this seemed to start a rivalry between the two men who, last year, would’ve been teammates.

Despite losing the title, Ibushi still thinks that he is the ‘God’ of New Japan and wants to test his power against an Olympian. With his speed, athleticism and striking ability, the Golden Star is normally a tough opponent to beat. Yet, Cobb is a completely different creature. With size, strength, power and athleticism, there is nothing he cannot do. He will definitely have the advantage over Ibushi when it comes to many parts of his offence.

Although Cobb still has the same offence and wrestling style, joining The Empire brought a new and more brutal side to an already dangerous wrestler. However, fans have seen that Ibushi can also go to a darker place when he has to. If Ibushi can control his inner demon, that is the only way he can beat off the monster that is Jeff Cobb.

Although there are no real implications for either man, this match is a battle of pride. Cobb needs to show that his change in character was for the right reason. On the other hand. Ibushi needs to prove that he can still be at the top of New Japan despite losing the title he created quickly.


Kazuchika Okada v Shingo Takagi – IWGP World Heavyweight Championship

Credit: NJPW1972

After Will Ospreay had to relinquish his title due to injury, many tried to predict who would be the two men fighting to take his place. After it was announced that Kazuchika Okada and Shingo Takagi would battle for the title at Dominion, it was both unsurprising and exciting for fans. Going into the match, they seemed like the two most obvious choices.

After Ospreay challenged Okada with a match set for Wrestle Grand Slam, there was no way the Rainmaker was going to miss out on his title opportunity. Especially with his recent time off, Okada will be even more motivated than before. Similarly, with Tagaki, after narrowly missing out on beating Ospreay for the title, this will be a chance to finally reach the top of the company.

New Japan has put two of the best against each other when it comes to the match itself. With wrestling styles that blend strength, speed and athleticism, the Dragon and Rainmaker have more in common than differences. If you blink, you might miss something amazing. With such high stakes, there is no doubt that both men will come in at 110% putting their hearts, minds and bodies on the line.

Since Takagi moved to the heavyweight division, both men having one victory over their opponent during last year’s G1 and New Japan cup. This bout will be the rubber match but with even higher stakes than expected. No matter the outcome, there is no denying that the match will be an athletic masterpiece with both men deserving of the title.

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

3 years ago by Sonal Lad

@Wrestling_Chat

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