Wrestle Kingdom 18 Takeaways

Everything you need to know about New Japan Pro Wrestling’s biggest show of the year

If you’ve followed New Japan Pro-Wrestling in its modern era, there is one nearly steadfast rule: when it comes to the Tokyo Dome show on January 4, either Kazuchika Okada or Hiroshi Tanahashi will win their match.

In a world full of constant changes, it is nice to have this certainty in our lives. This year, at Wrestle Kingdom 18, both Okada and Tanahashi were victorious.

Okada defeated Bryan Danielson in the co-main event, an outstanding match that sets up the possibility of a trilogy bout now that each man has defeated the other. Tanahashi, who is the new NJPW President, defeated Zack Sabre Jr., adding to his vast collection of gold by capturing the Television title.

Courtesy NJPW

Wrestle Kingdom 18 took place in Tokyo while the majority of North America slept, but that does not undermine its importance. It is a show that shapes the next six months for New Japan, and this year was no different.

Tetsuya Naito finally earned his moment, celebrating a main-event IWGP world heavyweight title victory against SANADA. Dolph Ziggler made his NJPW debut, a very exciting proposition, and David Finlay took another step toward becoming world champion by winning the inaugural IWGP global heavyweight championship.

Here are my takeaways from NJPW’s signature show:

1.) Bryan Danielson and Kazuchika Okada are perfect for one another

Bryan Danielson and Kazuchika Okada wrestled each other in a singles bout for the first time since Forbidden Door in June, and this match was even more gripping than the last. The Forbidden Door match was dealt a blow when Danielson was legitimately hurt, so the rematch had an advantage, but it was also an extraordinary display of pro wrestling–and passion.

If anything, the ending felt too sudden. But it is smart to leave the audience wanting more when a winner-take-all third bout is in the future for Danielson and Okada, perhaps even in AEW, where Okada is likely to sign as a free agent.

Okada hit his Rainmaker for the win, which was the perfect ending to a phenomenal bout.

2.) Dolph Ziggler adds new excitement to New Japan

Welcome to New Japan, Nic Nemeth.

The artist formerly known as Dolph Ziggler started a new chapter in his career, and it is one with endless possibilities. If Nemeth can work his way into the world title picture in New Japan, he will carve out an entirely new legacy after a brilliant career in WWE.

Courtesy NJPW

Nemeth’s first feud is with David Finlay, who overcame Will Ospreay and Jon Moxley to become the first-ever IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion. That is the second-most prestigious title in the company (effectively becoming the new Intercontinental title), and there are high hopes for Finlay. Working a program with Nemeth is an outstanding way to shine a spotlight on Finlay and NJPW as a whole.

For Nemeth, there is no ceiling to what he can accomplish in Japan.

3.) David Finlay is the new IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion

David Finlay took another step toward becoming the face of the promotion by winning the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship.

Finlay was victorious in a triple threat against longtime foe Will Ospreay and Jon Moxley. Pinning Ospreay was extremely significant, as that he represented an opponent who was constantly one-upping Finlay throughout the past half-decade.

There was outside interference in the match, but as leader of Bullet Club, that fit Finlay’s ethos. He now has a high-profile feud with the newly arrived Dolph Ziggler, another chance for a bright spotlight on his work.

4.) Hiroshi Tanahashi is champion – again

Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Zack Sabre Jr. to win the Television title. The match was fairly quick, clocking in under nine minutes, but the victory was significant.

Tanahashi is the new president for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and he can bring his belt with him as he attracts new sponsors to the brand. And as NJPW tours outside of Tokyo, looking to strengthen its base, he is an instant attraction on any card whenever he defends the title.

It just feels right when Tanahashi has his hand raised at the Tokyo Dome.

5.) Tetsuya Naito takes his place as IWGP world heavyweight champion

Tetsuya Naito deserved this moment. More than that, he earned it.

Naito defeated SANADA in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 18, defeating his friend-turned-foe for the IWGP world heavyweight title. There were designs for Naito to be the face of the company as far back as 15 years ago, but his push was rushed and failed to connect. Over time, however, Naito has repeatedly proven he is one of the very best in the world.

Moving forward, it appears there will be more of a friendship between Naito and SANADA as they battle the House of Torture. Hopefully that means there will also be a rematch, as that is the premier bout for NJPW in the world title picture.