The main events have been set for the biggest even of the year, Wrestle Kingdom 11, live from the Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2017. Along with the previously announced IWGP Heavyweight Championship match between defending champion Kazuchika Okada and G1 Climax winner Kenny Omega, we now know the future of three more championship bouts for what will undoubtedly be an historic event.
After a successful defense against Ring of Honor star Jay Lethal at Power Struggle, the leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon and one of the most controversial names in pro wrestling, Tetsuya Naito, will defend the IWGP Intercontinental Championship against the aging ace of New Japan, Hiroshi Tanahashi. After defeated rising star and fellow LIJ member Sanada in an excellent bout, Tanahashi set his eyes on his old rival Naito, admitting that the tables have turned for them in 2016. The seven-time heavyweight champion sees this as his last chance to prove to the world that he still has what it takes to headline the Tokyo Dome, and Naito may be his final opportunity back to the top.
After months of speculation, the anticipated “Time Bomb” exploded at Power Struggle, and it wasn’t who anyone expected. Minutes after defeating Bushi to recapture the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight title, Kushida was interrupted by a familiar face – the returning Kamaitachi. After leaving New Japan three years ago as a Young Lion, Kamaitachi traveled the world on an expedition to hone his craft, hoping one day to be able to return as a star. After making a name in Mexico, as well as Ring of Honor, he has returned under his own name, Hiromu Takahashi, sporting a new look and a new attitude. At the Tokyo Dome it will be two of the best juniors stars in the world going one-on-one for a title that now appears newly resurrected in its spirit.
Finally, the Young Bucks have also found their challengers for the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Championships, in 2016 Super Jr. Tag Team Tournament winners Roppongi Vice. There will be no chaotic 4-way tag match this year at Wrestle Kingdom, as the two old rivals collide in traditional tag team action for the titles.
Power Struggle also gave us a new NEVER Openweight Champion, as Los Ingobernables’ EVIL defeated Katsuyori Shibata to win his first title in New Japan. It is unclear who he will face at this time, but if former Intercontinental champion Michael Elgin is healthy, he seems a likely candidate. Shibata will also likely step back into the ring against a member of the NOAH family, with which he has been at war since the conclusion of this year’s G1 tournament. Tama Tonga and Tanga Roa also retained their tag team titles over Ishii and Yoshihashi at Power Struggle in an incredible match, leaving them open for a challenge as well; they’ll likely take on whoever wins the upcoming World Tag League throughout November and December.
Here’s the updated match card…
NJPW Presents: Wrestle Kingdom 11
Tokyo Dome
January 4, 2017
IWGP Heavyweight Championship
Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Kenny Omega
IWGP Intercontinental Championship
Tetsuya Naito (c) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship
Kushida (c) vs. Hiromu Takahashi
IWGP Jr. Tag Team Championship
The Young Bucks (c) vs. Roppongi Vice
