Top 10 Potential Wrestle Kingdom 15 Matches

6. Tetsuya Naito vs. SANADA – IWGP Intercontinental Championship

After beating Tetsuya Naito during G1 Climax, SANADA gets a shot at his titles. If Naito retains his titles against EVIL, then the Cold Skull is an obvious next opponent.

Where better than Wrestle Kingdom?

Many have doubted the Cold Skull’s ability to be at the top of New Japan. However, Naito has made it clear that he does not want to defend both titles every time. It might be the perfect chance for SANADA. Naito will defend the Heavyweight title on night one, SANADA could challenge for the Intercontinental title the next. It could the perfect stepping-stone to get the Cold Skull ready for an eventual Heavyweight reign.

Whatever the stakes may be, after their bout this year, there is no doubt that it is going to be a phenomenal match. Both men know each other so well. They also have a similar style which varies from high-speed and high-risk to a methodical and submission-based offence.

It is also a match that is going to divide fans because both Naito and SANADA are firm New Japan favourites. Whether the night ends in an LIJ roll call or the lights going off and being lit by phone torches, it would be a magical ending to the most important event on the New Japan calendar.

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5. Shingo Takagi vs. Tomohiro Ishii – NEVER Openweight Championship

The possibility of this match for the NEVER Openweight title depends on the outcome from Power Struggle. If Shingo Takagi manages to beat the Minoru Suzuki, a match against Tomohiro Ishii would be a dream.

We have seen them battle several times over the past year. They never cease to put on potential match of the year candidates. Ishii and Shingo managed to bring out the best in each other and put on an event that is a combination of wrestling and brawling. It is enough to keep fans at the edge of their seats.

For two wrestlers who are so big, Shingo and Ishii are athletic and quick keeping a pace similar to that of a Jr Heavyweight! It will be two men with so much to prove and a mentality that is perfect for the strength behind the NEVER division.

If this match does take place, no matter what place it is on the card, it will somehow manage to steal the show. It could be one of the best matches the NEVER singles title has seen.

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4. Jay White vs. EVIL – Special Singles Match

Throughout the G1, there has been an obvious tension between the Bullet Club leader Jay White and the newest recruit EVIL. Multiple people having big egos has never boded well for Bullet Club. There will come a time where things needed to be sorted in the ring and Wrestle Kingdom could be that time.

We could see a specials singles match between the two in a battle for not only pride but even the possibility of Bullet Club leadership. However, if Jay beats Ibushi at Power Struggle for the ‘Right to Challenge’ contract and EVIL defeats Naito, then it might be a fight for the titles.

If fans see a rare heel vs. heel inter-faction match at the Tokyo Dome, anything could happen. White and EVIL are very different wrestlers with one favouring his brains compared to the other’s brawn. However, with the presence of Gedo and Dick Togo, it could lead to a very chaotic match-up with chairs, low blows and whatever else the duo can get their hands on.

Whatever happens, this match will probably also be influenced heavily by the other faction members with loyalties tested at every corner. It might not be something fans want to see. Yet, it has the potential to be a stand-out match with long term implications.

• Tetsuya Naito
• new japan pro wrestling
• kota ibushi
• Wrestle Kingdom

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