Showdown kicks off this week on STRONG
NJPW STRONG this week sees the beginning of the Showdown series, as Hiroshi Tanahashi faces Gabriel Kidd one on one in the first main event from Hollywood.
Watch NJPW STRONG Saturdays at 8/7c on NJPW World!
Main event: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Gabriel Kidd
The main event this week on STRONG will see Gabriel Kidd face Hiroshi Tanahashi in both men’s return to STRONG. Royal Quest II saw Kidd’s return to NJPW action for the first time since the spring, and instantly saw him leave an impression in the ring in London. Not looking to wait for his spot, Kidd has instantly targeted his Japanese mentor in Tanahashi; can he get the biggest win of his young career in this hugely significant comeback match?
2nd Match: Rocky Romero vs Christopher Daniels
Singles record: 2-0 Daniels
Two weeks ago on NJPW STRONG, Christopher Daniels tasted defeat at the hands of Yuya Uemura, and despite being bested by his former partner and protege, was hardly going to take his loss honorably. Dropping the young prospect with Angels Wings onto a steel chair, the sour Daniels ensured he had the last and most bitter laugh, Uuemura being forced out of STRONG in the process, at least for the time being. Rocky Romero now steps up to Daniels to defend LA Dojo honour, and seeks his first singles win over the Fallen Angel. In this first singles match between the two in 14 years, who emerges with the upper hand?
1st Match: STRONG Openweight Tag Team Number One Contenders Match: Stray Dog Army (Misterioso & Barrett Brown) vs TMDK (Shane Haste & Bad Dude Tito) vs LA Dojo (Kevin Knight & The DKC) vs West Coast Wrecking Crew (Jorel Nelson & Royce Isaacs)
In a shock result at Rumble on 44th Street, Motor City machineguns won out in a three way match against Aussie Open and the LA Dojo to emerge as the second STRONG Openweight tag Team Champions. While Mark Davis and Kyle Fletcher will be able to argue that they were not directly beaten in the three way match, their focus now turns to Japanese competition, making for a gap in the tag title space. Four teams will collide this week on STRONG to name new top contenders; who will that turn out to be?
