People have thrown Zack, Shingo, and Hiromu out there as guys who should replace the main event void Okada and Ospreay have left, but even though he’s getting up there in age, I’d love Ishii to be slotted in there as well. He’d be perfect to put one of the younger rising stars over (maybe after Shingo or Hiromu face Naito and he drops the belt to one of them or Tsuji), maybe Narita (when he’s ready for the main event). Ishii is still a super consistent worker, too.
Honestly, I wish Suzuki had a short world title reign, too (despite his age; I thought him beating a young guy with some sort of “flash knockout” finish would be really unique and a way to build up a cocky heel into a more solidified main-eventer), but I couldn’t say when there would’ve been a good time for him. Same thing with Shibata, but that’s never happening.
I also wouldn’t mind Tanahashi returning to the main event scene for a bit to put over a young guy as well, but I’d want him to recover from all his injuries before doing so. I think Goto’s time has unfortunately passed, and I don’t buy anyone else at this very moment. I still want Naito to have a long title reign (until Dominion, at least), but the next few years of New Japan could be rough if the main event isn’t solidified with rising and established stars.
by WatchfulButterfly
