Top 5 Matches To Watch At Wrestle Kingdom 15

2. Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay – Night 1

Whether you suspected it or not, there was no denying the surprise when Will Ospreay betrayed his CHAOS leader Kazuchika Okada during the G1. Not only where the duo faction members, but they were more like brothers with Okada being one of the reasons Ospreay made it to New Japan. However, if you look more closely, it may have seemed more natural than expected.

When Ospreay beat Okada and created the Empire, a match at Wrestle Kingdom 15 seemed inevitable. The two have unfinished business. It will be a battle to see who the best in New Japan is. After years of Okada’s dominance, Ospreay wants to take his throne.

There is no doubt that this match will be nothing short of phenomenal with two athletes as talented as Okada and Ospreay. Many have called Okada the best in the world for his style that combines speed, strength and power. As for Ospreay, he was considered one of the best juniors in the world. By adding mass and strength, has just become more dangerous. On top of all that talent is a lot of hurt and animosity. It is enough to bring out the best and worst in each other.

To many, it seems like an easy Okada win for a man who not only has Wrestling Kingdom experience but something to prove after being left out of the title picture. However, with Ospreay’s new style and presence of The Empire ringside, this might change. It may be enough to weaken the Rainmaker and cause an upset.

---

1. Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi – IWGP Intercontinental and Heavyweight Double Championship – Night 1

Over the years, Tetsuya Naito and Kota Ibushi have had some wars with each other. No matter where they wrestle, they create magic that blurs the lines between excitement and danger. It meant that even though Ibushi lost his right to challenge for the title, this new opportunity has made fans excited.

Despite their contrasting personalities, both men have very similar wrestling styles. With a hybrid offense mixing a junior and Heavyweight style, Naito and Ibushi can take it to the sky but keep it grounded on the mat. One more major similarity is their ability to feel no fear. We have seen it in the past. When it comes to the safety of themselves and their opponents, it is thrown out of the window. It is going to be a fast, dynamic, and dangerous match.

On top of that, there is just something between the two that lights up a wrestling ring. For newer fans, they may not remember that Ibushi and Naito used to be extremely close. This sudden change in relationship has made their matches even more exciting. Also, with the stakes as high as they are with the double titles on the line, neither man is going to take the other lightly. It is a battle between two of the best in New Japan.

Even though the outcome of this match is far from certain, one definite thing is that the crowd will be split. With both men being firm fan favourites, it will be difficult to pick out a firm favourite. Yet, it will be one that everyone will enjoy, even if some of it is spent hiding behind a cushion when things get daring.

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

• Tetsuya Naito
• wrestle kingdom 15
• new japan pro wrestling
• NJPW

Share this article with friends