NJPW (2018): Roar of the Lion

Rogue · December 14, 2018

Greatly inspired by joemurphy's phenomenal NJPW: The Global Expansion, I have decided to have a try at booking a modern day New Japan save. Not much of a backstory behind this one, I will just be picking up from Wrestle Kingdom 12 and booking straight from there. For those that remember my old NJPW 2005 dynasty, the writing style's going to differ in this one for the match recaps and such and be more streamlined as joemurphy's were and Body By THawk's are.

Roster (January 2018)

CHAOS

BULLET CLUB

Kenny Omega (IWGP United States Champion) | Cody | Marty Scurll (IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion) | Matt Jackson | Nick Jackson

LOS INGOBERNABLES DE JAPON

Tetsuya Naito | EVIL | SANADA | BUSHI | Hiromu Takahashi

SUZUKIGUN

Minoru Suzuki (NEVER Openweight Champion) | Zack Sabre Jr. | TAKA Michinoku | Davey Boy Smith Jr. (IWGP Tag Team Champion) | Lance Archer (IWGP Tag Team Champion)

Takashi Iizuka | Taichi | El Desperado | Yoshinobu Kanemaru

TAGUCHI JAPAN

Hiroshi Tanahashi (IWGP Intercontinental Champion) | Ryusuke Taguchi | KUSHIDA | Ricochet

Juice Robinson | David Finlay Jr. | Michael Elgin | Togi Makabe | Tomoaki Honma

UNAFFILIATED

</div>

Rogue · December 14, 2018

2018

January

<a href="http://greydogsoftware.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2322903&postcount=4" rel="external nofollow">Wrestle Kingdom 12</a>

</div>

Rogue · December 14, 2018

Wrestle Kingdom 12 Prediction Key

IWGP Heavyweight Championship - Kazuchika Okada © vs. Tetsuya Naito

IWGP United States Championship - Kenny Omega © vs. Chris Jericho

IWGP Intercontinental Championship - Hiroshi Tanahashi © vs. Jay White

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship - Marty Scurll © vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. KUSHIDA vs. Will Ospreay

NEVER Openweight Championship - Minoru Suzuki © vs. Hirooki Goto

IWGP Tag Team Championships - Killer Elite Squad © vs. EVIL and SANADA

Cody vs. Kota Ibushi

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships - Roppongi 3K © vs. The Young Bucks

New Japan Rumble - (Bad Luck Fale, Beretta, BUSHI, Chase Owens, David Finlay Jr., El Desperado, Gedo, Hangman Page, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Jado, Juice Robinson, Jushin Liger, Manabu Nakanishi, Michael Elgin, Ryusuke Taguchi, Satoshi Kojima, Taichi, TAKA Michinoku, Takashi Iizuka, Tama Tonga, Tanga Roa, Tiger Mask IV, Togi Makabe, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano, YOSHI-HASHI, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Yuji Nagata, Yujiro Takahashi and Zack Sabre Jr.)

TIEBREAKER: What will be the Match of the Night?

Rogue · December 15, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;">http://www.ringsidenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Wrestle-Kingdom-12-logo.jpg

Wrestle Kingdom 12

Tokyo Dome - Tokyo, Japan

Attendance: 38,114

Show Rating: 83</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">New Japan Rumble

(Bad Luck Fale, Beretta, BUSHI, Chase Owens, David Finlay Jr., El Desperado, Gedo, Hangman Page, Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Jado, Juice Robinson, Jushin Liger, Manabu Nakanishi, Michael Elgin, Ryusuke Taguchi, Satoshi Kojima, Taichi, TAKA Michinoku, Takashi Iizuka, Tama Tonga, Tanga Roa, Tiger Mask IV, Togi Makabe, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano, YOSHI-HASHI, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Yuji Nagata, Yujiro Takahashi and Zack Sabre Jr.)

<img alt="nZIBeJI.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/nZIBeJI.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="ldb6UCu.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ldb6UCu.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bZkAmha.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bZkAmha.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="fwbDgMw.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/fwbDgMw.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="qZjZL7D.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qZjZL7D.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="amG53Wa.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/amG53Wa.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="ncnXMkj.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/ncnXMkj.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bruKc6s.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bruKc6s.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="iYNZ3DO.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/iYNZ3DO.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="qvIX3wa.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qvIX3wa.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="7MzIQEz.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/7MzIQEz.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="5GWM4IF.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/5GWM4IF.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="0cTCiPU.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/0cTCiPU.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="9pMroeR.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9pMroeR.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="3l5jLsj.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3l5jLsj.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="mdZiADU.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mdZiADU.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="MNYcr85.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/MNYcr85.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="a9kbSJU.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/a9kbSJU.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="1loOOOB.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/1loOOOB.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="9mfi9YC.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/9mfi9YC.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="sEdLOJO.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sEdLOJO.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="uAAdA0E.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/uAAdA0E.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="X4EztxN.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/X4EztxN.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="Rjt1SSZ.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Rjt1SSZ.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="kBQdYNJ.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/kBQdYNJ.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="TeZSeLT.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/TeZSeLT.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="r2rsuEb.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/r2rsuEb.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gvOt6Rq.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gvOt6Rq.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="OWCYxPT.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/OWCYxPT.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="3OEZHlw.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/3OEZHlw.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

In a grueling bruiser of a battle royal, Michael Elgin won the New Japan Rumble in 22:54. Elgin and Bad Luck Fale established themselves as the two dominant wrestlers of the match by way of having the most eliminations with Fale just besting Elgin in total number of eliminations - six to five.

The final four comprised of Elgin, Fale, Zack Sabre Jr. and Tomohiro Ishii with Ishii quickly being eliminated by both Elgin and Fale. Sabre Jr. attempted to sneakily dump Elgin over the top rope with Fale down, but the size disadvantage instead allowed the Taguchi Japan member to toss the Suzukigun technician to the outside. Dropping Fale with several impressive slams, the Tongan was dazed enough to take a clothesline to the outside - handing Elgin the win.

RATING: 52

___

Post-Match

BUSHI required some assistance back to the locker room following his elimination. After being checked out by the backstage medical personnel, it has been established that the LIJ junior suffered a Sprained ACL during his elimination spot.</div>

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships'

Roppongi 3K © vs. The Young Bucks

<img alt="IgHpHph.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/IgHpHph.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="oLPbst3.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/oLPbst3.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="aq8ZBPO.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/aq8ZBPO.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg?2" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg?2" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="hrYu3KR.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/hrYu3KR.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="XuzB30Y.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/XuzB30Y.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

In a match that featured a quick pace to it, The Young Bucks defeated Roppongi 3K in 10:49 when Nick Jackson pinned YOH following a Meltzer Driver. The Young Bucks become the 55th IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, their seventh reign with the belts.

RATING: 51</div>

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">Cody vs. Kota Ibushi

<img alt="bteCsM4.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bteCsM4.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg?2" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg?2" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="odTk1o6.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/odTk1o6.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

In quite the athletic affair, Kota Ibushi defeated Cody in 20:16 after Ibushi pinned his opponent following a Golden Star Bomb.

Electing to represent himself in the match without his Bullet Club stablemates at ringside, Cody resorted to underhanded tactics throughout the match such as feigning injury at times and hitting Ibushi below the belt when Tiger Hattori wasn't looking. Ibushi managed to keep his composure well enough to ultimately put down the second-generation superstar.

RATING: 62

</div>

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Tag Team Championships'

Killer Elite Squad © vs. EVIL and SANADA

<img alt="xowheYt.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/xowheYt.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="mUWyciN.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/mUWyciN.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="BiJOTwv.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/BiJOTwv.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg?2" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg?2" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="u2JIkwy.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/u2JIkwy.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="qOMQyd1.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/qOMQyd1.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

In a rather poor match, EVIL and SANADA defeated Killer Elite Squad in 12:12 after SANADA submitted Lance Archer with Skull End. EVIL and SANADA become the 79th IWGP Tag Team Champions, their first reign with the belts.

RATING: 45</div>

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">'NEVER Openweight Championship'

Minoru Suzuki © vs. Hirooki Goto

<img alt="8wMb8lc.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/8wMb8lc.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="R20ztSh.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/R20ztSh.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg?2" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg?2" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="crW28wu.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/crW28wu.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

In a hard-hitting match that featured plenty of stiff striking, Hirooki Goto defeated Minoru Suzuki in 15:52 after a GTR. Goto becomes the 17th NEVER Openweight Champion, his second reign.

Suzuki, being the lovable sadistic bastard that he is, kept his mean streak up throughout the match by deliberately targeting Goto's knees by way of strikes and submissions - some dirty. Goto found ways to counter Suzuki's methods after the halfway point of the match and lit the Pancrase star up with his signature slams before putting him away with the GTR.

RATING: 56

____

Post-Match

With the stipulation entering the match making it a 'Hair vs. Hair' match, Goto sets up a folding chair in the middle of the ring and invites the now former NEVER Openweight Champion to have a seat in it. Suzuki stares down Goto, mouths some unheard words at the new champion, and kicked his chair out of the ring. Suzuki instead elected to retrieve his own chair from ringside and set it up himself in the center of the ring.

As Goto grabbed an electric razor to shear off Suzuki's hair, Suzuki shot up like a bolt of lightning and blasted the new champion over the head with the chair. Several further shots rained down on the downed champ as Suzuki then headed to the back, blasting any young lions that dared to stand in his way.</div>

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship'

Marty Scurll © vs. Hiromu Takahashi vs. KUSHIDA vs. Will Ospreay

<img alt="OlSLBHi.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/OlSLBHi.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="Yqj930s.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/Yqj930s.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg?2" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg?2" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="rXskroO.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/rXskroO.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg?2" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg?2" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="UASoHKL.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/UASoHKL.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg?2" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg?2" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="GTveLpY.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/GTveLpY.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

In a match that featured plenty of high-flying action, Marty Scurll defeated Hiromu Takahashi, KUSHIDA and Will Ospreay in 18:27 when Scurll defeated Ospreay with a Crossface Chickenwing. Scurll makes his first defense of the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.

Each man got in their own fair share of offense with Ospreay and KUSHIDA impressing most with their high-flying arsenal. Ospreay in particular got plenty of shine with an impressive dive on his three opponents from the top rope to the outside. Scurll lay in waiting throughout the entire match and mostly let his opponents tire each other out. Though he didn't stay on the sidelines completely, he was able to pounce at the right time to make Ospreay tap out.

RATING: 54</div>

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Intercontinental Championship'

Hiroshi Tanahashi © vs. Jay White

<img alt="psov4XD.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/psov4XD.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="JKbCONF.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/JKbCONF.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg?2" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg?2" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="bkFwRsn.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/bkFwRsn.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

In a decent match, Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Jay White in 14:15 after Tanahashi pinned White following a High Fly Flow. Tanahashi makes his fourth defense of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

White took Tanahashi by surprise early by proving to be a worthy foe at times for The Ace of the Universe. However, Tanahashi's experience would soon come into play as he began to outwrestle his younger adversary. White nearly caught Tanahashi by surprise at times with multiple Blade Runner attempts out of nowhere, keeping Tana on his toes at all times.

RATING: 60</div>

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP United States Championship'

Kenny Omega © vs. Chris Jericho

<img alt="sPNfyl9.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/sPNfyl9.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="OOpV5xU.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/OOpV5xU.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg?2" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg?2" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="4ggq0XB.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/4ggq0XB.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Where we're going, we don't need any rules... In a complete brawl of a match, Kenny Omega defeated Chris Jericho in 25:17 after Omega pinned Jericho after a One-Winged Angel onto a chair. Omega makes his fourth defense of the IWGP United States Championship.

Jericho held nothing back against the leader of Bullet Club, taking the fight to the outside from the get go and using the ringside railing, the ringposts, and the ringside announce tables as weapons. At times, it almost appeared as if Jericho was more interested in brutalizing Omega rather than trying to win the match. If anything, Jericho used this match as a statement that he was truly best in the world.

Omega had trouble getting going as he was thrown from the top turnbuckle through Kevin Kelly and Don Callis's announce table. Once he was able to get his second wind, he was able to fight his way back into the match and inflicted his own weapon-assisted punishment of his own on Jericho.

RATING: 72

____

Post-Match

After collecting his IWGP United States Championship belt, Omega stands in the center of the ring as Jericho slowly gets to his feet. Omega says something to the vanquished Jericho that the cameras were unable to pick up as he then offers a hand to the veteran. Jericho hesitates for a few moments and appears ready to accept Omega's offer, but he instead backs off, rolls out of the ring and proceeds to return to the locker room.</div>

</div>

<div style="text-align:center;">'IWGP Heavyweight Championship'

Kazuchika Okada © vs. Tetsuya Naito

<img alt="6AxhB4B.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/6AxhB4B.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

<img alt="jxvy8dQ.jpg?2" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/jxvy8dQ.jpg?2" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="gygY5sz.jpg?2" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/gygY5sz.jpg?2" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><img alt="D4GmiOA.jpg?1" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/D4GmiOA.jpg?1" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

In an exceptional match with quality wrestling and great heat, Tetsuya Naito defeated Kazuchika Okada in 28:29 after planting Okada with two Destinos in a row. Naito becomes the 66th IWGP Heavyweight Champion, his second reign.

Both men threw absolutely everything at each other in this greatly physical encounter. Naito nearly lost his head a couple times as he just was able to duck out of the way of each of Okada's Rainmaker attempts. Okada, on the other hand, wasn't as lucky when it came to staying out of the way of Naito's Destinos as he was the recipient of one at the 20-minute mark, but just managed to get his shoulder up.

Seeing Okada kick out of his finisher nearly sent Naito into a frenzy, but the championship challenger was able to calm himself and stay Tranquilo as he was soon able to put down Okada and end his IWGP Heavyweight Championship reign at just short of 18 full months.

RATING: 85

____

Post-Match

Gedo collects Okada and walks with to the back as gold confetti begins to fall throughout the Tokyo Dome. Naito grabs a microphone as Hiromu Takahashi, EVIL, SANADA and BUSHI (on crutches) make their way to the ring and celebrate with their Los Ingobernables de Japon leader.

Naito says that New Japan Pro Wrestling is entering the age of LIJ and that this time around, he's going to be sure to hang on to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for longer than two months this time around. Naito lists off the names of his stablemates again and leads the 30,000+ strong in attendance in chanting his group's name before another big shot of confetti sends the show home.</div>

</div>

Rogue · December 15, 2018

<div style="text-align:center;"><img alt="PYBJ8vI.jpg" data-src="https://i.imgur.com/PYBJ8vI.jpg" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

Wrestle Kingdom 12 Post-Match Press Conference Highlights

</div>

- Michael Elgin is introduced as the 2018 New Japan Rumble winner and is asked what he plans to do with the momentum generated from his win in the night's opener. Elgin says that it doesn't matter if either Kenny Omega or Chris Jericho were to win in the contest for the IWGP United States Championship, he wants the next shot for the belt. While Elgin's been busting his ass wrestling in New Japan for the last two-and-a-half years, Omega and Jericho have been busy trying to make themselves celebrities on the internet. Enough with the clown show, Elgin says.

- New Japan's medical team has announced that BUSHI indeed suffered a Sprained ACL during the New Japan Rumble and he will unfortunately be out for a full month. He should make his return in time for The New Beginning in Osaka.

- Minoru Suzuki takes a question as to why he didn't allow Hirooki Goto to shave his head. Suzuki nearly throws a chair at the offending reporter for his insolence. Suzuki says there was no chance in hell he'd let that rat Goto shave his head, he'll do it on his own time ahead of New Year's Dash. As for what's next for Minoru Suzuki? He says his sights are set on bigger gold.

- Hiroshi Tanahashi says that his match was certainly no cakewalk against the former young lion Jay White. The Ace says that White definitely learned much on his excursion as he kept him on the ropes through their match. Suzuki's comments from earlier were brought up to Tanahashi, to which Tana stated that if a challenge for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship is what's next for Suzuki, then he welcomes him to step right up.

- Chris Jericho sat down, received one question, refused to answer and flipped the table before storming out of the press conference room.

- Kazuchika Okada says that he can be proud of what he accomplished during his 17-month reign atop the world. Now it's time to put in the work to reclaim his throne. CHAOS's time is not over despite the stable only winning one of its five matches of the night. CHAOS will be back, Okada will be back - Wrestle Kingdom 12 was just a small speed bump in the greater story of the stable.

</div>

New Year's Dash Prediction Key

(1) Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, SANADA and Hiromu Takahashi vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, David Finlay Jr. and KUSHIDA

(2) Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano and YOSHI-HASHI vs. Kenny Omega, Cody and The Young Bucks

(3) Hirooki Goto, Rocky Romero and Roppongi 3K vs. Minoru Suzuki, Zack Sabre Jr., El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru

(4) Kota Ibushi and TenKoji vs. Jay White, Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata

(5) NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Titles - Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga and Tanga Roa © vs. TAKA Michinoku, Takashi Iizuka and Taichi

(6) Killer Elite Squad vs. Michael Elgin and Togi Makabe

(7) Jushin Liger and Tiger Mask IV vs. Hirai Kawato and Teruaki Kanemitsu

Rogue · December 17, 2018

New Year's Dash!!

Korakuen Hall - Tokyo, Japan

Attendance: 2,005

Show Rating: 66

Jushin Liger and Tiger Mask IV vs. Hirai Kawato and Teruaki Kanemitsu

In a terrible match, Liger & Tiger defeated Hirai Kawato and Teruaki Kanemitsu in 6:54 when Tiger Mask IV defeated Hirai Kawato by pinfall with a Diving Headbutt.

RATING: 35

</div>

Killer Elite Squad vs. Michael Elgin and Togi Makabe

In a bout that had decent wrestling but didn't have much heat, Michael Elgin and Togi Makabe defeated Killer Elite Squad in 9:52 when Michael Elgin defeated Davey Boy Smith Jr by pinfall with an Elgin Bomb.

Elgin, the New Japan Rumble winner, looked to be in top form as he was able to successfully fend off the attacks of his Suzukigun-affiliated adversaries. Archer fell by the wayside halfway through the match, collapsing to the outside in pain while clutching his knee.

RATING: 50

____

Post-Match

After being evaluated by the physicians backstage, Archer was diagnosed with having completely torn his MCL. He is expected to miss a considerable amount of time with his injury.

</div>

'NEVER Openweight Six-Man Tag Team Titles'

In a relatively poor match, Bad Luck Fale, Tama Tonga and Tanga Roa defeated Taka Michinoku, Takashi Iizuka and Taichi in 11:14 when Bad Luck Fale defeated Takashi Iizuka by pinfall with a Grenade. Bad Luck Fale and Guerrillas of Destiny make defense number 1 of their NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team titles.

RATING: 48

</div>

Kota Ibushi and TenKoji vs. Jay White, Manabu Nakanishi and Yuji Nagata

In a decent match, Kota Ibushi and TenKoji defeated Jay White and Nakanishi & Nagata in 11:49 when Kota Ibushi defeated Jay White by pinfall with a Phoenix-Plex.

White looked competitive throughout the match and insisted to Nakanishi and Nagata that he take the lead. Ultimately, the Switchblade's naiveté opened him up to a Phoenix-Plex from Ibushi that put him down for the three-count.

RATING: 54

____

Post-Match

Nakanishi and Nagata briefly check on White to make sure he's alright as they then head to the back. White lingers behind for a little bit until a masked figure stands up in the crowd and hops the railing. The figure ends up in the ring as he then proceeds to take their mask off...

It's... Chris Jericho!? What is he doing here in Korakuen!? Jericho stares down White for a bit before offering his hand to the former Young Lion. White hesitates for a bit until he accepts Jericho's offer. Jericho helps him to his feet... and then plants him with a Codebreaker!! What does Jericho want!?

</div>

Hirooki Goto, Rocky Romero and Roppongi 3K vs. Minoru Suzuki, Zack Sabre Jr., El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru

In a decent match, (a now bald) Minoru Suzuki, Zack Sabre Jr, El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Hirooki Goto, Rocky Romero, SHO and YOH in 11:36 when Zack Sabre Jr defeated Rocky Romero by submission with an Ode to Breaks.

____

Post-Match

ZSJ grabs the NEVER Openweight Championship belt from ringside and poses with it in the ring. Goto gets to his feet on the outside and, with no hesitation, slides into the ring to retrieve his title. Sabre Jr. makes it clear that he wants to be first in line for a shot at Goto's championship. Goto gives the Brit a slight nod and takes back his belt before heading to the back.

</div>

Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano and YOSHI-HASHI vs. Kenny Omega, Cody and The Young Bucks

In a match with good wrestling and decent heat, Kenny Omega, Cody, Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson defeated Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, Toru Yano and YOSHI-HASHI in 14:34 when Kenny Omega defeated YOSHI-HASHI by pinfall with a One-Winged Angel.

Omega was able to get YOSHI-HASHI onto his shoulders for a finish after a brief miscommunication with Kazuchika Okada and YOSHI-HASHI led to Okada accidentally delivering a dropkick to his CHAOS stablemate. With Okada being cleared from the ring by The Young Bucks, YOSHI-HASHI was left open for Omega's finisher.

RATING: 66

____

Post-Match

CHAOS collects themselves in the center of the ring with YOSHI-HASHI coming to after taking a One-Winged Angel. There doesn't seem to be too much tension amongst the four members, however, Ishii's having a stern discussion with Okada following the accidental dropkick to YOSHI-HASHI. The four members seem to reach a mutual understanding with each other and then begin their retreat to the locker room.

</div>

Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, SANADA and Hiromu Takahashi vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, David Finlay Jr. and KUSHIDA

In a match with quality wrestling and decent heat, Tetsuya Naito, EVIL, SANADA and Hiromu Takahashi defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, David Finlay Jr and KUSHIDA in 14:10 when SANADA defeated David Finlay Jr by submission with a Skull End.

RATING: 71

____

Post-Match

Naito re-iterates his promo from Wrestle Kingdom 12 during his post-match address and says that New Japan Pro Wrestling has now entered the time of Los Ingobernables de Japon. With the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Tag Team Titles already within their stable's hands, it's only a matter of time until the group gains the rest of the company's championships as well.

</div>

Rogue · December 20, 2018

Following all of the festivities out of Tokyo, a press briefing was held in the week following Wrestle Kingdom 12 giving a sneak preview of several matches scheduled to be held towards the end of the month at The New Beginning in Sapporo...

Confirmed title matches for the first night of New Japan's Sapporo visit are EVIL and SANADA © vs. Guerrillas of Destiny for the IWGP Tag Team Championships and Hirooki Goto © vs. Zack Sabre Jr. for the NEVER Openweight Championship.

Scheduled to take place on the closing night in Sapporo will be Kenny Omega © vs. Michael Elgin for the IWGP United States Championship and Hiroshi Tanahashi © vs. Minoru Suzuki for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship. Also scheduled to be in action will be The Young Bucks, who will defend their IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships against the winner of Roppongi 3K vs. El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru at Fantastica Mania.

(1) Dragon Lee © vs. Jushin Liger - CMLL World Lightweight Title
(2) Tetsuya Naito and Hiromu Takahashi vs. Gran Guerrero and Ultimo Guerrero
(3) Kota Ibushi vs. Mistico
(4) Will Ospreay vs. Rush
(5) Marty Scurll, Chase Owens and Hangman Page vs. KUSHIDA, Ricochet and Ryusuke Taguchi
(6) Roppongi 3K vs. El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru
(7) Gedo and Jado vs. Hirai Kawato and Shota Umino

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NJPW (2018): Roar of the Lion

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