While the Japanese promotions were the main focus in the last week, this week we’ve got a nice mix of everything in pro wrestling to look forward to!
Recommendation of the Week: Mercedes Moné vs KAIRI
After the surreal debut from Mercedes Moné at Wrestle Kingdom, KAIRI now defends her newly won IWGP Women’s Championship against Mercedes. The two women were already part of the same roster during their time in the WWE and have met there before. But this match feels much more monumental than their bouts in America. Since New Japan most likely wants to expand its presence in America, it’s fairly obvious that Moné will take the title from KAIRI. However, it will still be awesome to see Mercedes back in a ring again.
WWE
No, Sami won’t win. Nevertheless, I have no doubt in my mind that the enthusiastic creative genius Sami Zayn can come up with a satisfying waypoint in this story at the Elimination Chamber. The first chamber match is for the United States Title and is contested between Austin Theory, Seth Rollins, Johnny Gargano, Bronson Reed, Damien Priest, and Montez Ford. I can very much imagine Austin retaining his title in the match. The second chamber match is for the Number One contender spot for the Raw Women’s Championship. The participants are Natalya, Asuka, Nikki Cross, Carmella, Liv Morgan, and Raquel Rodriguez. The most exciting prospect to face Bianca Belair at Wrestlemania for me is definitely Asuka. However, there is a fear prevalent that they will decide to go with Raquel instead.
NJPW
The Battle in the Valley card has got some other bangers on it too. First and foremost, Eddie Kingston battles the now from japan banished Jay White. It will be interesting to see how Jay White will act. Kazuchika Okada defends his IWGP World Championship against Hiroshi Tanahashi. It will be interesting to see, whether any references to Kaito Kiyomiya will be dropped at the event. Zack Sabre Jr. defends his NJPW World Title against LA Dojo’s Clark Connors. Homicide and Tom Lawlor are going to kill each other in a No Rope, No DQ Match and KENTA makes an appearance as well against Fred Rosser.
AEW
To continue the outsiders storyline in the women’s division, Ruby Soho will be torn between the outsider Toni Storm and the AEW original Britt Baker. Mark Briscoe will be in action again against Josh Woods. The match with the most potential on the card is Brian Cage vs Jungle Boy. Cage really managed to shine recently versus Willie Mack, Bryan Danielson, and others. Let’s hope that trend can continue.
AJPW
After once again defending his World Title, Kento Miyahara takes on a legend in Yuji Nagata. This latest run from Kento has been wonderful to witness and I urge everyone to see his last defense against Yuma Aoyagi. Minoru Suzuki makes another appearance for AJPW teaming with Hokuto Omori to take on Yuma Aoyagi and Naoya Nomura. And finally, the DDT Universal Champion Naruki Doi takes on Atsuki Aoyagi for the World Junior Heavyweight Title.
STARDOM
There are still plenty of trios that have an opportunity to clinch victory in the Triangle Derby. The Artist of Stardom Champions Prominence takes on the DDM Trio of Giulia, Thekla, and Mai Sakurai. This is one to watch out for! Another cool thing is that Iwatani’s and Yukihi’s respective teams take on each other. The final of the tournament will be on March 4!
1PW
1PW hold its second event since its comeback in October of last year and they’ve certainly stepped their game up for this one. NJPW’s Will Ospreay takes on Revpro’s Robbie X. Davey Richards makes a visit to the UK to face the lovable Cara Noir. John Morrison and Ruby Soho will also appear on the show.
GCW
GCW actually has quite a good show lined up for once. Nick Gage defends his World Title against Mike Bailey. If Mike Bailey wins this, it could start the change in the way GCW is perceived for better or worse. In a clash of styles, Matt Cardona takes on 17-year-old Nick Wayne. The possible show stealer of the night is Lio Rush vs Komander. If you are not familiar with Komander, look out for this match! Additionally, Willie Mack takes on Blake Christian.
Overview
So, as you can see, we’ve got quite a mix of everything next week in pro wrestling. I’m personally most excited to see Mercedes in a ring again. What are you most excited about? What did I miss? Send me feedback to @UpcomingWrestl1 on Twitter.
Enjoy the next week in pro wrestling!
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