I’m excited for WK12. Okada vs. Naito is going to be insane, Jericho vs. Omega should be great while Jay White (who’s a superstar in the making) will shine against Tanahashi who hopefully doesn’t get banged up worse then he already is.
Parts of the undercard for WK 12 doesn’t feel too strong but it will probably be a strong show. Weakest match is likely to be Cody/Kota or KES/LIJ. I’ve just seen on Twitter that Cody is putting legit diamonds on his gear for this show as well, that guy is throwing money around!
In terms of what will be strong on the show. The Jr. heavyweight 4 way should be good, Omega/Jericho has the benefit of being no DQ now, Tanahashi will probably make Jay White a top guy and of course Okada/Naito will be outstanding.
Really really looking forward to Wrestle Kingdom, i love the presentation, and the way the card builds to the main event. Okada and Naito will set the tone for the year, while Jericho and Omega may well kill each other. I even get excited for the dopey Rumble as it’s always fun.
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I’m watching Thursday morning with friends. Not live! Did that once before. No thanks. Been watching WK shows since 2013. With the exception of 2014s show each one has been my show of the year.
This one is stacked!
Anyone in NYC doing a watch party?
To echo many, this as as deep as I’ve been into New Japan and can’t wait for Thursday. There is also so many ways I see the fall out going.
Bucks to Heavyweight?
Omega / Cody / Kota Ibushi triangle
Will Tanahashii ever drop the IC belt and take time off to heal his arm?
Naito as new champ or the Rainnakers reign continues forever and ever…
Will LIJ hold all the belts? (Jr Heavyweight, Tag, Heavyweight)
this has me more excited than the last few Manias. I’m ready to watch a Wrestling show!
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For Patrons, we’re accepting questions for our NJPW WK12 Preview/Primer in this thread (we will accept questions until Monday night):
https://forum.postwrestling.com/t/questions-njpw-wrestlekingdom-12-preview-primer/843?source_topic_id=810
I don’t know how I feel about the idea of the Bucks going to heavyweight; they look so small compared to everyone else - now, would I like New Japan to consolidate the tag divisions and just make it an openweight free-for-all? Yes! That way we get a much deeper and stronger tag division with a bunch of fresh match and team options and do away with the silly weight limits within a division that really doesn’t need them.
I’m ready for the Bullet Club split to happen too; Cody, GoD, Fale and the Tokyo Pimp on one side, Kenny and the Bucks on the other, with Marty in the middle, conflicted about which direction to go before eventually joining The Elite. I’d also advocate Kota joining The Elite eventually, given his history with Omega, but I think I’m probably alone on that. 
Jesus H Christ.
New Japan announces it’s first Australian tour - albeit with not much notice - an the line up of wrestlers is fucking incredible!
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Thats awesome for Australia. Notable in his absence is Omega. He would be on the poster if he was going. VISA issues? Its a bit puzzling to be sure. But honestly its just cool to see the australian scene taking off the way it has been.
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@Khellendross I’d assume Visa Issues for Omega…
A. He had problems in recent years trying to be cleared to work USA.
B. The Australian Government can be notoriously strict when it comes to some well know people being cleared for a VISA.
On the other-hand Tanahashi is coming out all banged up so perhaps surprise or time off for Omega & Naito?
Yea to be honest I was really really hoping Suzuki would put Tanahashi on the shelf for awhile (kayfabe wise) cause I worry for the man’s longevity. And its a different circumstance but I think when you look at the sad story of Misawa you see that this unwillingness to take time off and take care of yourself (or in Misawa’s case, RETIRE) can be disasterous. But if he’s at these Australia shows it seems he’s just gonna continue working through it.
You’re acting like Tana will be working top-tier singles matches on this tour. He’ll be hidden in multi-man tags and hit his key spots, he’ll be grand.
In fact, I’d wager they’ll run an injury angle on this Aussie tour and they’ll film it for NJ World.
@ShaneSilver you have a fair point, he’ll most likely be in 6/8-man tags, but still excited as hell.
Oh I have no doubt, but the thing with his injuries is he needs time away from the ring, not working tags. Its still new japan and the multi man tags though short time in ring, there is a fair bit of stiff work being done. I just worry about the guy.
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Well I think we all thought He’d be off after The New Beginning cards but hopefully after this tour, he can rest.
I’m not entirely sure it’ll be one of those “tour shows” or “road to…” shows with a bunch of multi-man matches, for a couple of reasons.
- I don’t expect these shows will be on njpw world, so they don’t have to use multi man matches to hold off on confrontations or to build feuds, and
- They haven’t announced enough talent. I’m sure they’ll use some local talent here and there - but in Australia they can’t get away with calling it “New Japan” then having 50% of the performers be local jabronis.
I imagine this will be a bit closer to a house show, where we might get “previews” of things like Okada v Sanada and Tana v Suzuki.
That’s what I’m hoping for anyway! I’m not expecting 4-5 star matches, but I’m hoping to not see 10 njpw guys jammed together in a 12 minute 5v5 match.
The Festival Hall prices have been announced, but Adelaide, Sydney, & Perth yet to be confirmed.
So anyone want to buy my kidney to help find my ticket it would be appreciated. 
- “One (1) Kidney, slightly used otherwise fine, AU$500.00 o.n.o.”
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After WK, I keep finding myself looking so much more forward to the New Beginning shows than any upcoming WWE event.
I actually went back and am watching WK9 to catch up on all the big events I’ve missed. I need my New Japan fix!
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New Bigginings & Rumble weekend will be a lot of fun as a viewer