NJPW Wrestle Grand Slam Preview

After being postponed due to COVID-19, New Japan Pro Wrestling are back with their Wrestle Grand Slam show at the Tokyo Dome. After a successful Kizuna Road tour, the company is currently in the midst of its Summer Struggle shows. With new storylines introduced during the past few weeks, there are some huge rivalries and title matches on the card.

With a range of special singles and title matches throughout the show, here is a look at the matches fans can expect during NJPW’s Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome.

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Undercard: King of Pro Wrestling Opening Rambo Match

Since the King of Pro Wrestling trophy was created, it has become the go-to way to kick off any major event. Wrestle Grand Slam is no different and, after a poll, Toru Yano will be defending his trophy in a handcuff match. Like any Rambo, entrants will join the match randomly. Elimination can happen by pinfall, submission, disqualification, or by being thrown over the top rope. Yet, a wrestler can also be eliminated by being handcuffed to the ropes or ringside area.

Although nobody knows the participants for sure, there will be names who have missed out on a spot on the card. From Jrs to Heavyweights, anything is possible and it will be the epitome of chaos. This is the perfect way for this title to be defended. Yet, Yano will use every tactic in the book to make sure he keeps his pride and joy.

It may not be the wrestling masterpiece fans will see throughout the card, but it will be a light-hearted way to start the show. Many will hope that Yano continues his reign as champion, bringing some fun to the company. However, with so many possible entrants, anything is possible and who knows, the trophy could have a new owner who changes the complexion of the division.

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Match One – El Phantasmo & Taiji Ishimori (c) v Rocky Romero & Ryusuke Taguchi – IWGP Jr Heavyweight Tag Team Championships

After winning the titles at Kizuna Road, there didn’t seem to be any teams willing to challenge El Phantasmo and Taiji Ishimori for the belts. However, Rocky Romero beat ELP during their return on the Summer Struggle tour. With this win, the Mega Coaches (Romero and Ryusuke Taguchi) earnt themselves a title shot.

Between Rocky and Taguchi, they have 14 tag team championship reigns and have shown that they can work together amazingly. The Bullet Club duo have shown their tag team chemistry, although their past reigns have not been as successful as they would probably have liked. It is a battle between the past and the present.

This match really showcases everything the Jr division has to offer. There is the athleticism of El Phantasmo, the diversity of Ishimori, the sneaky style of Romero and The Funky Weapon with Taguchi. With years of experience between them, it will undoubtedly be a mixture of amazing wrestling and personality.

Although many might see the outcome of this match inevitable, the Mega Coaches should not be underestimated. Taguchi has played spoiler on several occasions, and Rocky isn’t a veteran for no reason. If the Bullet Club duo takes this team too lightly, they might find themselves walking out of the Tokyo Dome without their titles.

• Tetsuya Naito
• tokyo dome
• kota ibushi
• Kazuchika Okada
• Shingo Takagi
• NJPW

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