Predicting The Most Exciting Showdowns In The WWE–NJPW Event

The potential working relationship between WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) has created immense excitement among wrestling fans worldwide. The alliance would pave the way for some of the most exciting matches in recent memory, as the best of the best from each promotion would face off against one another. Following are some of the most eagerly awaited confrontations that would come to fruition from such an alliance as we explore the dream matches fans have been yearning to witness.

Historical Context: WWE and NJPW Collaborations

Before diving into the potential matchups, it’s essential to understand the history of collaboration between NJPW and WWE. Some of the most notable occurrences were the Wrestling Summit in 1990, when WWE collaborated with NJPW and All-Japan Pro Wrestling (AJPW) to promote a supercard in the Tokyo Dome. The card featured the likes of Hulk Hogan, Andre The Giant, and Randy Savage taking on NJPW and AJPW talent.

Apart from that, NJPW and WWE also shared a talent exchange from 1978 to 1986 that included wrestlers like Antonio Inoki taking on WWE champions and WWE wrestlers competing in Japan. With such a precedent in the past, the stage is set for a modern collaboration that can surpass the earlier events in excitement and talent.

Dream Matches: WWE vs. NJPW

1. Roman Reigns vs. Kazuchika Okada

This is consistently mentioned as one of the most widely anticipated dream matches for WWE vs. NJPW. Roman Reigns, WWE’s top face, would face off against Kazuchika Okada, a five-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and one of the biggest names in NJPW. The contrast of Reigns’ physicality vs. Okada’s technicality would offer a compelling narrative, with Reigns handling promo work and Okada dictating the in-ring pace.23.

2. John Cena vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

John Cena, a 16-time world champion, against Hiroshi Tanahashi, an eight-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, would be a clash of titans. Both men are the face of their promotions, and their careers have tracked each other in terms of accomplishment and popularity among fans. The match would be a war of wits, with both men employing storytelling and in-ring technique to get the crowd on their side2.

3. Seth Rollins vs. Will Ospreay

Seth Rollins, a versatile and high-flying wrestler, would take on Will Ospreay, a high-flyer and one of NJPW’s most exciting performers. Their Twitter banter in the past has generated hype for this contest, which would be a mix of mat-based grappling and aerial attacks. Both competitors have developed a lot since they first started going back and forth, so this bout would be even more interesting.23.

4. Finn Balor vs. Jay White

Finn Balor, the first Bullet Club founder, vs. Jay White, the present faction leader, would be a compelling match. Balor’s experience in WWE and NJPW, as well as White’s ruthless persona, would create a solid teacher vs. student dynamic. The bout would be a story of betrayal and respect, which would also complicate the in-ring action.

5. Sheamus vs. Minoru Suzuki

Hard-hitting Sheamus would be an ideal opponent for Minoru Suzuki, a legendary NJPW wrestler renowned for his sadistic and brutal style. The two men would have a battle of styles as they exchanged stiff shots and tried to wear each other down. The fact that Sheamus has a WWE and Suzuki has an NJPW background would make for an interesting clash.

6. Cesaro vs. Shingo Takagi

Cesaro, with his power and technical proficiency, would face off with Shingo Takagi, an NJPW newcomer with a growing reputation for hard-hitting bouts. Both individuals carry a chip on their shoulders, having scrapped their way through the ranks. The bout would display their power and versatility in a series of eye-opening exchanges.

7. WALTER vs. Tomohiro Ishii

WALTER, the current juggernaut of NXT UK, against Tomohiro Ishii, one of NJPW’s most consistent wrestlers, would be a brutal and eye-opening match. Both competitors have reputations for withstanding punishment, so this match would be a battle of endurance and technical skill.

8. Ricochet vs. Will Ospreay

Although Ricochet and Will Ospreay have clashed before, their aerial styles and past, when combined, make a rematch more than welcome. The bout would be an aerial assault, featuring some of the most exciting moves in pro wrestling.

Potential Storylines and Feuds

In addition to the one-off bouts, a WWE–NJPW event could also explore longer-term storylines and feuds:

The Bullet Club Connection: With Finn Balor’s history in NJPW and Jay White’s current position as Bullet Club leader, a loyalty and betrayal storyline can be spun. This can involve other members of the Bullet Club, such as Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa, facing off against WWE talent.

Championship Unification Matches: A potential angle would be the unification of titles from both promotions, creating a storyline around wrestlers from each side competing for a unified title. It would add another level of stakes to the matches.

Rival Promotions: The event could also take advantage of the longtime rivalry of NJPW and AJPW, with WWE potentially aligning itself with one or the other. This could lead to a series of matches founded upon the complex alliances and feuds of Japanese professional wrestling.

Conclusion 

A WWE–NJPW collaboration would be a historic event, offering fans a chance to see years-in-the-making dream matches. The storytelling potential, both in and out of the ring, is limitless, with legacy, current rivalries, and future alliances all entering the equation. From the stylistic clash of Roman Reigns and Kazuchika Okada to the aerial antics of Ricochet and Will Ospreay, each match would have something unique and exciting to deliver.

As negotiations between WWE and NJPW continue, anticipation builds. Wrestling fans have forever hoped for these dream matches to be a reality, and now the potential for a new era of professional wrestling collaboration is just around the corner. Should this partnership foster a singular supercard or more of an ongoing working relationship, its impact on the wrestling world will undoubtedly be remarkable.

Finally, the excitement of a WWE–NJPW event isn’t even so much about the matches themselves, but about what they would represent. It’s a chance for fans to watch history happen as two of the largest wrestling promotions on the planet come together to do something amazing.