Opinion

Val: Kota Ibushi is Not leaving Wrestle Kingdom a Champion

With Kota Ibushi receiving a pity shot at the championships, Val discusses his chances of leaving victorious!

Published

5 years ago

December 21, 2020

Wrestle Kingdom season is upon us, ladies and gentlemen ! The biggest show in all of Japanese wrestling is coming up soon, and once again, one of the questions surrounding this year’s two nights event regards New Japan’s Golden Star.

Will January 2021 be the time for Kota Ibushi to become the top champion, or as he says it, God ?

For the second year in a row, Kota Ibushi has won the G1 Climax and earned the right to take part in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom. However, following a loss to Jay White during the tournament, the latter earned himself a shot a getting the briefcase, and the contract to claim the spot Ibushi had won. History making moments and decisions are what followed. First, Switchblade defeated Ibushi, not without cheating, to take the Golden Stars’s chance at redemption away from him, leading to Jay getting an IWGP double titles match on January 5th.

However, double IWGP champion Tetsuya Naito offered Ibushi another chance at the double gold. Therefore, Naito and Ibushi, two men with their own wish to beat the hell out of Jay White, will face off for Naito’s titles on January 4th. The winner gets to face the Bullet Club leader the next night.

With all of that said : Here is why Kota Ibushi is NOT concluding his own “redemption arc”, if we can call it that, next January.

The very first thing I would like to point out is Ibushi’s record at Wrestle Kingdom, more specifically in championship matches. Ibushi competed in seven of them, and only managed to win once so far. His only championship win (or successful defence) in the Tokyo Dome was against Prince Devitt for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight championship, which he finally managed to capture (and hold it for the longest amount of time of all his three reigns) after his third try on New Japan’s biggest stage. Keep that in mind, we might get to use that information later.

Then, let’s look at the current situation we are facing. As said prior, the set-up is now clear. Ibushi is fighting a former friend now turned foe in Tetsuya Naito, for New Japan’s two top titles, and the winner of that match then has to go against Jay White. The story is rather simple : Naito last year managed to make his wish come to fruition, and hit a complete homerun by claiming all the gold, leaving his future opponent empty handed after his first G1 Climax win. That makes, sort of, one score to settle with Naito, but of course, Ibushi also has a score to settle with White. One could easily be tricked into thinking that, finally, Ibushi will get the long-awaited title win he should get. However, things are more complicated than that. The current story we are witnessing, at this point, does not quite yet feature Ibushi as its protagonist. Let’s say we are transitioning into that Ibushi being featured in that spot, and it will all start at Wrestle Kingdom : Just not how you might think it will.

Leading into Wrestle Kingdom 15, Tetsuya Naito’s arc as IWGP double, but most importantly Heavyweight champion, the top champion in New Japan, is not finished. In what is now his third IWGP Heavyweight championship reign, Naito still has yet to make more than one successful defence. He couldn’t do it in 2016, losing the belt back to Okada in Osaka at Dominion. He couldn’t this year either, again at Dominion, when a the newest Bullet Club member EVIL of all people defeated him. Keep the Osaka-Jo Hall show factor in mind, as well. Needless to say, that after YEARS of not pulling the trigger on the actual championship win, taking Naito three tries to finally win the gold in the Tokyo Dome, we are now reaching hist third try to make it past this second defence, where he always lost previously.

In this current arc where Naito gets over all of his past hurdles, the other consistent bit of story to be told has been the feud with Bullet Club, and most importantly Jay White, starting after last year’s G1. In what has almost been a year and a half where not only Jay, but the likes of KENTA and EVIL as well, have been a constant pain in the bottom for Naito, is there any other conclusion than a Naito vs White match for the double gold ? These two opened the double gold dash last January, remember. Wouldn’t it be logical to have them move on to be the main act in this year’s run at the IWGP titles ?

Where does this leave Ibushi then, you might ask ?

We are reaching the interesting part of this piece, where I tell you what may be next for Ibushi following yet another crushing loss in the Dome.

As said prior, this loss to Naito would only be the beginning for Ibushi. As showed earlier, a common trope of New Japan’s booking for its top stars relies on the saying known as “third time is the charm”. It took Okada three tries to defeat Tanahashi in the Tokyo Dome. It took Naito three tries to win the Heavyweight title in the same venue, and as mentioned above, he is on his way to try to make it past one successful defence next January for the third time. Even Ibushi already went through that process during his Junior Heavyweight days. His match with Naito, which he shouldn’t even have gotten if you think about it using a straight line of thinking; will be his second try to win the Heavyweight, without forgetting the Intercontinental title on the biggest stage.

My take on the matter is that there will be a third time where Ibushi gets a chance to win a Heavyweight championship match at Wrestle Kingdom, but as opposed to Naito who always had to enter as the challenger until now, Ibushi might as well enter that third try as champion. Yes, you read this right. I believe Kota Ibushi has strong chances of entering Wrestle Kingdom 16 as IWGP Heavyweight champion. I can even tell you he would most likely face G1 Climax 31 winner Jay White in such a scenario.

Lastly, I now want you, who is reading this piece, to remember the last time Naito and Ibushi wrestled one on one. Dominion in Osaka-Jo Hall, for the Intercontinental championship. Naito reclaimed the title he had lost in Madison Square Garden to Ibushi. Even though Naito managed to have the Osaka fans cheer for him again, the venue remains cursed for him regarding the Heavyweight title, as said prior. Seeing Wrestle Kingdom rematches at Dominion is far from uncommon at this point, after all, and wouldn’t that make the perfect conclusion in that regard ?

Ibushi winning the title in such a set-up would even somewhat echo Kenny Omega’s title win against Kazuchika Okada, as both would have happened in the same venue. That one is for you, Golden Lovers fans.

On that note, this is where this article reaches its end ! Now, tell me, what are your thoughts on Kota Ibushi’s odds of leaving the Tokyo Dome with all the gold ? Did this piece convince you ?

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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

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SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1