Hiromu Takaghashi defeats El Phantasmo in spectacular opener to move onto challenge the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion 

Wrestle Kingdom action kicked off on January 4 with a bout to determine the number one contender to Taiji Ishimori’s IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship on January 5, with El Phantasmo ansd Hiromu Takahashi kicking off the evening in spectacular fashion. 

After some early theatrics from ELP Hiromu Takahashi throw the first big bomb of the night with a massive senton from the top corner down to the floor below, Phantasmo matched big offense with big ffense on the big stage, looking to polish Hiromu off early with a huge quebrada to the floor. Inside though, Phantasmo found a weakness in Takahashi’s hand, and targeted the extremity with vicious precision, making movement hard for the Best of the Super Jr. winner. 

Matching unbelievable athleticism with unconscionable behaviour, Phantasmo was a spectacle when taking to the air against Hiromu, and a scoundrel when pushing the referee aside to hit his opponent low. Harking back to BULLET CLUB leaders past, the Styles Clash couldn’t get it done for Phantasmo, and neither could attempts at the One Winged Angel. Yet Hiromu had trouble scoring his own offense without the requisite strength in his hand. Eventually resourcefulness won out, as a hurricanrana saw a quick pinfall for Takahashi. 

Hiromu now faces Taiji Ishimori in the immense semi final spot on January 5- but if anyone will exploit any weakness in Takahashi, it’s the champion Ishimori. What will happen on night two of Wrestle Kingdom?