ROH / NJPW Global Wars Preview: NJPW Dominating, Title Matches, Tanahashi, Okada, Jay Lethal, Naito
Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling have been blurring the lines during their working relationship, which has really blossomed this year. By the end of the 2016, New Japan will be on about half of the ROH televised shows this year.
The relationship continues tomorrow night at ROH/NJPW Global Wars, as New Japan Pro Wrestling sends some of their biggest talents over to America. Thus far the matches have been pretty one-sided, with New Japan dominating ROH's stars. In some occasions ROH talents are protected, but usually that's in the case of a Matt Sydal, who holds the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Title.
Tomohiro Ishii was a beneficiary from that, as the Japanese star shockingly won the ROH World TV title months ago. He'll defend the championship against Bobby Fish, who relentlessly stalked and trolled the former champion in Roderick Strong. In most scenarios, Fish wouldn't seem like he has a chance against the well-protected Ishii, but considering the NJPW talents may not be back until the summer, Fish could walk away with the title.
The world title is also on the line, as champion Jay Lethal will defend against Chicago's hometown hero in Colt Cabana. Cabana recently had a stipulation that he couldn't get another title shot in Chicago, but ROH told the story that he demanded it in a new contract.
NJPW mega stars Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi will be in action against each other in a tag bout. Okada will team with Moose, who recently said Okada is his favorite wrestler. Tanahashi has taken a liking to former ROH Champion Michael Elgin, who has a new lease on life since entering the G1 Climax tournament last year.
One of the marquee matches on the show is IWGP Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito facing Kyle O'Reilly. Naito's popularity has exploded since his heel turn, but as mentioned on this week's Wrestling Inc. Mid-Week Podcast, he's perceived as a heavyweight wrestler in Japan, while O'Reilly is looked at as a junior heavyweight.
Other attractions on the show include War Machine vs. The Briscoes for the ROH World Tag Team Championships, The Bullet Club in action against Alex Shelley, Chris Sabin, Kushida and Matt Sydal. Addiction will take on Jushin Thunder Liger and Cheeseburger, and a number one TV Title contender four corner survival rounds out the show.
Join us tomorrow night for our live coverage of ROH/NJPW Global Wars, and check out our Wrestling Inc. Podcast preview of the event above.