NJPW G1 Special IWGP US Championship Tournament: Preview and predictions

Quarterfinal 3: Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tetsuya Naito

These guys are absolutely going to beat the hell out of one another. There’s no simpler or better way to put it. Tomohiro Ishii is one of the heaviest and toughest hitters in the promotion. Meanwhile, Tetsuya Naito is arguably the best heel on the roster (and in the world for many). As the leader of the Los Ingobernable de Japon faction, he’s so damn good with his heel antics that he’s actually somehow beloved by the Japanese fanbase, not to mention worldwide as well.

Where both of these two guys shine, however, is in their brutality. Obviously Ishii does so as a display of his brute physical force. Naito, on the other hand, takes a more devious and vicious approach when it comes to inflicting violence on his opponents. He’s methodical while seeming apathetic, and deadly when he gets his offense working. Thus, don’t expect either guy to walk out of the ring in Los Angeles on Saturday night without some lumps.

As for who wins, this is another one that simply comes down to star power. For as great as Ishii is, he doesn’t hold the same clout internationally that Naito does. Naito is on the verge of becoming a worldwide star on a level few in the promotion are at this point. With the venture to the United States, New Japan would be remiss if they didn’t somewhat try and capitalize on that.

Predicted Winner: Tetsuya Naito