NJPW G1 Special IWGP US Championship Tournament: Preview and predictions

Semifinal 2: Jay Lethal vs. Kenny Omega

Another potentially phenomenal match is in our midst as Lethal and Omega should be able to come out and just tear it up. Much like with Robinson and Naito, these are two athletes that can work virtually any type of match together because each competitor is so versatile. With that being said, it’d be wise to expect a few more high spots here as these two have a bit more spring in their athletic ability than the two from the other semifinal.

For this match, there’s also a Face vs. Heel dynamic, but NJPW and Gedo are smart enough to not book it the same. With Lethal’s notoriety in the United States, this has the feeling of a match that will be much more back-and-forth than the other semifinal contest. Omega will get his licks in, but they’ll be returned by Lethal. That will build and build throughout the match to bigger spots until the crowd reaches a fever pitch.

When we get to the finish, however, I actually have a specific vision for how this one will end. In true back and forth action, Lethal will get Omega down and look for his Lethal Injection finisher. However, his opponent will come to and hit the V-Trigger to the back of his head in the process. That’ll then set up the One-Winged Angel for the win for Omega, moving him on to the final — much to the delight of American fans in attendance.

Predicted Winner: Kenny Omega