By: Sonal Lad
On the Road to Wrestle Kingdom, Super Jr. Tag League is back with ten junior heavyweight tag teams wrestling in a single block tournament for a shot at the Jr tag titles. With wrestlers from different countries, promotions, and factions, it’s one of the most diverse line-ups in a long time.
Here is a look at all the teams participating in New Japan’s Super Jr Tag League 2022.
IWGP Jr Tag Champions Francesco Akira and TJP are going into the tournament with momentum after two successful defenses. Despite their inexperience as a team, they’ve constantly impressed fans with their offense. By having veteran TJP teaming with a young Akira, the duo has influenced each other’s styles. With TJP’s more mat-based style and Akira’s more unpredictable Jr offense, they are a force to be reckoned with.
Yet, by holding the titles, The Empire duo has a huge target on their back. It puts more pressure on the team, but with their diverse styles and personalities, they can definitely make history by winning the league as champions.
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After years of teaming with Roppongi 3k, YOH has been out of tag team action since SHO betrayed him. It was surprising to hear after one of the US shows that YOH was going to be teaming with Leo Rush for Super Jr. Tag League. Neither man has teamed up or faced the other, so it will be interesting to see how they work together. YOH has always had success with tag team wrestling as part of Roppongi 3k. With a new partner, it will be interesting to see the dynamic, especially with someone as different as Rush.
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Los Ingobernables de Japon teams have normally done well in tag leagues. This year sees the new combination of BUSHI and Titan making their debut. With their dynamic Lucha Libre style, they will be tough opponents. The LIJ duo will be going into the tournament disheartened from their loss against the champions, but it might just be the motivation they need. The team of BUSHI and Titan is still one of the firm favorites and will only continue to grow as a team.
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With Taiji Ishimori as Jr champion and House of Torture represented, it isn’t surprising that two members predominantly based in America are representing Bullet Club. Although Ace Austin made his Japanese debut during the Best of Super Jr, it will be very different experience as part of Bullet Club. Similarly, Chris Bey is making his Japanese debut and it will be interesting to see how they adapt to the company and the fans’ reactions.
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When it comes to two of the most experienced wrestlers, Robbie Eagles and Tiger Mask are two of the best. Their styles feature high-flying, classic Japanese Strong Style, and submission skills. Robbie has always shined in New Japan, showcasing his diverse style and charming personality. Although many might see Tiger Mask as a liability, when the veteran wrestler gets salty, he can surprise fans with how good he is. Between the two wrestlers, they have decades of experience and could cause some upsets. With more experience as a team, they will want more success than last year.
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At first, the team of SHO and Dick Togo seems far from ideal. As a former Super Jr Tag League Winner and champion, many feel like SHO will be dragged down by Dick Togo. Yet, many also forget that Dick Togo is also a former IWGP tag champion after winning the title with TAKA Michinoku. While many won’t expect the team to get far, with Dick Togo expected to take pins, their cheating might just help achieve some unexpected results.
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One of the legendary Jr Heavyweight wrestlers has to be Ryusuke Taguchi who has seen success as both a singles and tag team wrestler. After a lot of success, Taguchi is returning to Super Jr Tag League with yet another partner in the form of former Young Lion Clark Connors. From speed, strength, and a very funky weapon, the team has it all. Although the two are very different, their passion and unique wrestling offense make them unpredictable and dangerous.
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With El Desperado focused on the IWGP Jr title, veteran wrestler Yoshinobu Kanemaru has chosen to team with fellow Suzuki Gun member DOUKI. All combinations of Suzuki Gun wrestlers are strong as teams, and this will be no exception. With contrasting styles, the two wrestlers have all offences covered. Kanemaru is one of the most successful Jr tag champions NJPW has seen and, with DOUKI continuing to improve and pick up more wins, it could be a special year for Suzuki Gun. Could Wrestle Kingdom be the time for the Suzuki Gun to take over again?
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After having time off due to illness, KUSHIDA’s participation in the tournament will officially mark his return to the company. As a former tag champion, he has experience in the tournament, and it makes him the perfect person to partner with Young Lion Kevin Knight. With KUSHIDA’s style and presence in the ring, it’s the perfect example for Knight. Although the team won’t be front runners, it’s KUSHIDA’s return to New Japan tournaments and the experience Kevin Knight will get is unbeatable.
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Out of all of the teams in the tournament, El Lindaman and Alex Zayne might be the most surprising. Yet, it is a duo that might just be the hidden ace in the tournament. The duo has teamed together several times, both in NJPW and OWE, where Zayne made his Japanese debut. Between Lindaman and Zayne, the two have a very varied style. El Lindaman is the unpredictability and speed, while Zayne has insane agility but also a size and strength advantage.
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Date:
November 14, 2022
Category:
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