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The Fallout From Wrestle Kingdom 19 & Wrestle Dynasty

After taking down David Finlay and fending off Jack Perry, Yota Tsuji solidified his claim over the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, becoming the first of his generation to secure a heavyweight IWGP title. Establishing himself at the forefront of this new generation, the pressure was all on him to prove that he’s no fluke, and that their turn to take the spotlight has come.

The New Beginning in Osaka

In order to do so, however, he would need to establish this title reign as a significant one and rack up some big defenses. His first opportunity to do so would come from a familiar face: Gabe Kidd. The two had had several matches as young lions, but after graduating from the dojo, the two of them have gone on to really prove themselves in the company. Kidd has captured some gold himself, being the NJPW Strong Openweight champion, and while he’s had several impressive performances, most recently with Kenny Omega at Wrestle Dynasty, he’s yet to really find that breakthrough win on the Japan side of things. This would be his chance to do that, as this was his first ever challenge for IWGP gold.

It was an instant classic. The two heavy-hitters traded blow after blow, move after move, fighting tooth and nail to see who was the better man. It was a question however, that would not see a decisive answer, as the match would go on to end in a double KO. Neither man could put the other one down, and although no one won, it did result in a second successful defense for Tsuji.

New Japan Cup & Sakura Genesis

However, there was no rest for either man, because a new player made themselves known. After the match, House of Torture decided to make a move, attacking both Tsuji and Kidd. Attacking Tsuji was their way of announcing EVIL’s intentions for the Global title, and attacking Kidd was their way to announce their separation from the War Dogs and the rest of Bullet Club. The latter would be settled elsewhere, but for now, let’s focus on EVIL and his hunt for the Global title. EVIL was able to double down on this claim, being able to eliminate Tsuji from the New Japan Cup in the second round, solidifying his stake for the title. This all culminated at Sakura Genesis, where, despite the best efforts of House of Torture, EVIL was unable to beat Tsuji, giving Tsuji his first win as champion.

Wrestling Dontaku

It would not take long for the next challenger to appear. After beating EVIL, before Tsuji could even finish calling out a challenger, Yuya Uemura came down to challenge his long-time rival to a Global title match. Uemura himself had just beaten SANADA, another member of House of Torture, so he was probably riding high on the momentum on top of his eagerness to best his dojo-mate. With a history like theirs, and a build-up that framed Uemura as the sun and Tsuji as the moon, it promised to be a barn-burner at Wrestling Dontaku. It was a fierce match, but alas, the moon eclipsed the sun, and it notched another successful defense for Tsuji.

Dominion 6.15

This brings us to our final defense of the season, and boy is it looking to be a big one. With Uemura beaten, Tsuji opened the door to a challenger at Dominion, and the person that answered the call was none other than Gabe Kidd. Their previous match ended without a definitive winner, so there was still a score to settle, but the issues between the War Dogs and House of Torture had forced Kidd’s attentions elsewhere. With the War Dogs’ victory over House of Torture the night before ejecting the latter from Bullet Club, Kidd was free to return to his unfinished business. The two heavy-hitters will have the chance to finally see who’s the better wrestler, who has the most fighting spirit, and who is worthy of holding the Global title. Will Tsuji be able to extend his title reign, or will Kidd bring gold back to the War Dogs? We’ll find out at Dominion.

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