Wrestle Kingdom 14: Night 1 Predictions

From Texas, with Death

Mox returns to Japan

Texas Deathmatch for the IWGP United States Championship: Lance Archer (c) vs. Jon Moxley

This one's a tough nut to crack, particularly with the stipulation demanding that either man be knocked out for a ten count or submit to lose. While Jon Moxley never really lost the title, Lance Archer has been on a tear since the G1 Climax, and is deserving of a fruitful reign. The other wrinkle remains that Archer will have to play a big part in the future American expansion of New Japan, as well as a possible leaderless Suzuki Gun.

With a second match penciled in for night two against Juice Robinson, it seems a foregone conclusion to have Jon Moxley partake there as well. In a way New Japan can reset their US title scene, giving Juice the redemption his story built towards last year. Similarly, however, with Moxley not able to partake in US shows, this would mean having the title change multiple times.

It is time for the US Title to find a permanent and strong home, especially with the merger of New Japan's two big singles titles at Wrestle Kingdom 14. It's a huge gamble, yet strapping the rocket onto Lance Archer is the perfect step for this, despite his age. To save face, Suzuki-gun shenanigans can ruin Moxley's night at Tokyo Dome, but also leave the door open for a dream match on night two. Minoru Suzuki doesn't seem busy after all.

Result: With the help of Suzuki Gun, Lance Archer takes Jon Moxley down and wins to retain the IWGP United States Championship