NJPW G1 Special IWGP US Championship Tournament: Preview and predictions

Quarterfinal 4: Michael Elgin vs. Kenny Omega

Yes, please.

In a battle of Canadian-born talents, Michael Elgin vs. Kenny Omega is going to be a showstopper. With all due respect to Okada and Cody fighting in the main event, they’re going to have a tough act to follow once these two get done in the ring. Both have enormous worldwide followings and both are quite simply experts at their craft.

What’s beautiful about this matchup is that it seems like a battle of contrasting strengths, but it may not wholly be. Elgin clearly has the size and power advantage over Omega, while the leader of Bullet Club has far more high-flying capabilities than the bigger Elgin. With that being said, Elgin has recently showcased more agility than we’re accustomed to seeing in his matches. In a similar light, Omega’s strength has always been underrated as a part of his in-ring work as he can match his athleticism with power at any moment.

Again, count on this match being a classic and the talking point coming out of Day 1 of the G1 Special. With that being said, I don’t particularly feel that the outcome of it is in question. With how infrequently Omega wrestles in the United States these days, American fans would frankly be livid if they didn’t get two nights of him in a tournament match — or a bout with he and Naito on Day 2.

Predicted Winner: Kenny Omega