NJPW Sakura Genesis 2021 Preview

Match Four – Hontai v Bullet Club

Even after Tanahashi refused Jay’s challenge for his NEVER Openweight title, their feud is far from over. The two have battled over the years and each time, they seem to bring something new to the table. It stems from a distinct difference in both ideologies and wrestling styles.

In this match, there are four very different athletes. There is the traditional Japanese style of Tanahashi and Kojima and the heel-esque style of Bullet Club. Although you may not see anything too flashy from Fale and Jay, the Hontai team will be out to make sure that the crowd will go home happy. However, Bullet Club will be out to ruin that in any way possible.

With such a combination of styles and personalities, anything is possible. If Bullet Club uses their sneaky tactics and Gedo on the outside, Tanahashi might have to accept Jay’s challenge and put his title on the line.

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Match Five – El Desperado & Kanemaru v Roppongi 3K – IWGP Jr Heavyweight Tag Championship

When Roppongi 3k’s YOH returned from injury at the New Japan Cup final and challenged Suzuki for the IWGP Jr tag titles, it felt like history was repeating itself. In the past, the two teams have constantly battled for the belts. For many, this match is just another piece of evidence that the Jr tag division is in dire need of more talent.

However, there is no denying that these two teams have the ability to put on amazing matches. Although there are only four wrestlers, they are all completely different from each other. YOH has a more traditional Japanese style, SHO and Desperado favour a more strength-based offence and Kanemaru combines all of the above with his submission skills.

It is not only the tag titles on the line. There are added stakes as the match involves current IWGP Jr Heavyweight Champion El Desperado. Roppongi 3k will not only be after the tag titles but a chance to pin Despy and earn themselves a shot at the singles title that has alluded them both. With all of this on the line, none of the men can afford to make any mistakes.

There have been continuous concerns for the IWGP Jr tag titles for some time, including the lack of consistency and absence of high-calibre teams. Hopefully, with another big team back in action, it might be the push the division needs. The booking of this match will be vital and whether Suzuki Gun retains or Roppongi 3k wins, they will be the team responsible for bringing eyes back onto the belts.

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Match Six – Kota Ibushi v Will Ospreay – IWGP World Heavyweight Championship

After a gruelling tournament, Will Ospreay cemented his opportunity to make history and be the first challenger for the new IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. However, current champion Kota Ibushi will be out to ensure that he can begin the new legacy he created.

The two men have met several times, whether during the G1 Climax or fighting for the NEVER Openweight belt. These matches have ranged from high-flying affairs to extremely brutal bouts. Both men have experienced success as both juniors and heavyweight, making them more similar than first expected.

As their history tells, the two men have very diverse and unique styles. With Ospreay recently adding weight and muscle, his wrestling offence now works in parallel with Ibushi. Both have been known to go high-risk from their experience as junior wrestlers. Yet, Ospreay now has a newfound mean streak and Ibushi can also be as unpredictable during his matches.

With the new title and a spot in New Japan history on the line, it will definitely be a match where anything could happen. Both Ibushi and Ospreay are phenomenal athletes, but fans might see different sides to both men with such high stakes. Whatever happens, this is going to be a match that changes the future of New Japan!

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

• sakura genesis
• kota ibushi
• NJPW
• Will Ospreay

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