By: Sonal Lad
Along with New Japan Pro Wrestling’s Super Jr Tag League, ten of the top heavyweight tag teams will be taking part in World Tag League. The teams will all be battling for a chance to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Championships at Wrestle Kingdom. With tag team champions FTR not participating, winning the tournament is even more important to get a shot at the titles and a match at Wrestle Kingdom.
Here is a look at the teams participating in World Tag League 2022.
Hirooki Goto and YOSHI HASHI were once at the top of the tag division, dominating the title picture alongside the NEVER division. After losing the titles, they were overshadowed by other wrestlers, even with their excellent in-ring chemistry. Goto and YOSHI HASHI have been together for years, and their styles complement each other perfectly. World Tag League is the perfect chance for the CHAOS duo to get back into the tag title picture. Yet, they might have to show some more attitude and be willing to break some rules to get to the top.
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Out of all the teams competing, the House of Torture’s EVIL and Yujiro won’t be one of the favorites to win. Even with their years of experience, their past matches have been riddled with cheating and not much proper wrestling. With Dick Togo taking part in Super Jr Tag League, it will be interesting to see whether he gets involved or EVIL and Yujiro take the cheating upon themselves. Despite their shenanigans, both wrestlers have had success in tag teams and could do well if they actually try to wrestle.
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It seems like any combination of Los Ingobernables de Japon members can be a strong team for any tournament. Tetsuya Naito and SANADA are no different, with fast, athletic, and dynamic styles that can adapt to any opponent they are wrestling. Although they aren’t an experienced team, their chemistry inside the ring is unbeatable. Both Naito and SANADA are no strangers to tag team competition, with numerous title and league wins between them. With neither man surprisingly having a place at Wrestle Kingdom, this is their last chance to cement a place in a big title match.
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It was thought that Great-O-Khan would be teaming with Jeff Cobb for this year’s tournament. Yet, personal circumstances have meant that Aaron Henare is taking over. Henare is no stranger to the tournament and has had mixed results in the past. With a new, meaner side to him, the combination of strength and power from Henare and O-Khan could be ones to watch. Although Henare and O-Khan haven’t teamed often, The Empire has proved that any combination is strong. It could be the breakout moment for two wrestlers who are the future of New Japan.
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Despite being one of the oddest combinations, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Toru Yano have always been a firm fan favorite since joining forces. Between them, they have six tag team title reigns and decades of New Japan experience. Yet, it’s their styles that will be dangerous. Tanahashi’s hybrid style has always been praised but added with Yano’s unpredictability means that nobody will know what to expect. With amazing wrestling, there could also be tape, scissors, and who knows what else.
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One of the favorites for this year has to be Aussie Open. Since making their New Japan debut as part of The Empire, they have been praised for their tag team offense, yet, they have been conquering the British scene for years. With Mark Davis’s size and strength, with Kyle Fletcher’s speed and agility, they are a force to be reckoned with. Aussie Open has dominated the tag scene worldwide, and, despite a loss at Royal Quest, they are definitely ready to make a mark in Japan. Yet, by holding the STRONG titles, they also have a huge target on their backs.
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Back in 2011, Lance Archer and Minoru Suzuki won the then G1 Tag League and, since then, have put fear in their opponents. Despite Archer being in AEW, the Suzuki Gun bond has never left the long-time partners and friends. On the surface, Archer and Suzuki might be the most dangerous team. With Suzuki’s veteran status and submission skills and Archer’s size, strength, and agility, they are truly the perfect team. Whether they win or not, the reunited and sole Suzuki Gun team will be out to cause some chaos and damage, especially to Young Lions in their way.
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The iconic faction The Mighty Don’t Kneel has already made a huge statement in New Japan, especially after Jonah’s matches with Kazuchika Okada. For World Tag League, one of the most iconic teams is reuniting as Shane Haste and Mikey Nicholls return to New Japan together as TMDK. Both wrestlers have experience in the company, with Nicholls being a member of CHAOS and Haste’s appearance in the G1. With years of tag team experience and a diverse style, they are truly a team to watch, especially as former NOAH GHC tag champions.
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Bad Luck Fale and Chase Owens have been teaming together for years. Despite no solid evidence of success in terms of titles, they have constantly made a huge impact in tag matches and tournaments. Like the rest of the faction, neither will be afraid to break the rules for the win. With Fale’s size and Chase’s instinct, they have the possibility to cause major spoilers in the tournament. It will also be interesting to see how their match against fellow Bullet Club members Yujiro and EVIL goes.
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After some time off, graduated Young Lions Gabriel Kidd and Alex Coughlin returned to action. Making their return to Japan as a team in World Tag League is the best way to make a statement. Both men, particularly Kidd, have a lot of experience to show and have grown since entering the LA dojo. As two of the youngest teams, Kidd and Coughlin won’t be expected to win. They will undoubtedly put up a huge fight, showcase their passion, and gain a lot of vital experience wrestling against some of the best teams in New Japan.
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Date:
November 14, 2022
Category:
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