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At this weekend's NJPW: Sakura Genesis show, The United Empire will reveal their fourth member. Ahead of Will Ospreay's IWGP World Heavyweight Title match against Kota Ibushi, his faction will unveil a new member.
In the lead-up to Sakura Genesis 2021, United Empire members Great O-Khan and Jeff Cobb have teased the addition of a new member. Within a matter of days, NJPW confirmed that O-Khan and Cobb will be joined by a new stablemate in a six-man tag team match against Los Ingobernables de Japon this weekend.
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While there hasn't been any hint on NJPW's behalf, New Japan fans have theorized who could be revealed as the newest member.
Here are 5 Superstars who could potentially join The United Empire at Sakura Genesis.
#5. Yota Tsuji could join The United Empire to get some revenge against Tetsuya Naito
Still billed as a Young Lion, Yota Tsuji certainly fits the criteria and the storyline to join The United Empire. During The Great O-Khan's feud against reigning NEVER Openweight Champion, Hiroshi Tanahashi, the former tried to recruit Tsuji in his battle against 'The Ace'.
However, the Young Lion stayed loyal to Tanahashi and eventually helped him to retain the NEVER Title against O-Khan. Tsuji has also been campaigning for a match against Tetsuya Naito for weeks. It is unlikely that NJPW will grant him his wish of having a singles bout with the LIJ leader.
On the Road To Sakura Genesis shows, Naito has assaulted Tsuji during their encounters in tag team matches. The former IWGP Heavyweight Champion also submitted the Young Lion. This gives Tsuji the perfect reason to align with The United Empire and get back at Tetsuya Naito at Sakura Genesis.
The team of Naito, SANADA, and Shingo Takagi could be in for a major surprise at the Sakura Genesis show, especially if Yota Tsuji finally decides to square up to them.
#4. Karl Fredericks could be The United Empire's US addition
Karl Fredericks is another strong contender to join The United Empire. Currently competing for NJPW Strong in the USA, Fredericks has been promoted from the Young Lion spot and is doing quite well on his own.
That being said, Fredericks could also be in contention to finally return to Japan and align himself with The United Empire. Having changed his in-ring appearance, Fredericks has all the potential to fit right in with Will Ospreay and co.
Despite having claimed that he doesn't need any friends in NJPW, Fredericks joining The United Empire shouldn't surprise one. The first member Ospreay recruited in The United Empire was The Great O-Khan, who made his return from an excursion to the United Kingdom to join the faction.
With Fredericks not being a part of the New Japan Cup USA this year, there is a possibility for him to soon return to Japan.
Similarly, The Commonwealth Kingpin could follow the same trend and provide Karl Fredericks with a spot in The United Empire, and help him adjust on his return to Japan.
#3. Robbie Eagles could show his loyalty to Will Ospreay and join The United Empire
The United Empire is currently in need of a junior heavyweight star and Robbie Eagles could be the solution to that problem. Eagles was originally brought over to New Japan due to Will Ospreay inviting him after a match between the two in Australia.
When Robbie Eagles first started out in NJPW, The Sniper of the Skies was recruited by the Bullet Club. Eagles soon started teaming up with BC's other junior star, Taiji Ishimori.
However, the Bullet Club junior heavyweight scene was turned on its head when El Phantasmo was added to the group. With three exceptional junior heavyweights working under one faction, things were always likely to go south for the Bullet Club.
With the fallout between Robbie Eagles and El Phantasmo, the former went on to join Will Ospreay in CHAOS and form a tag team. With the RevPro British Heavyweight Champion now in need of a Jr. Heavyweight star, Robbie Eagles could return the favor to Will Ospreay and join The United Empire.
#2. Will Andrade swerve Los Ingobernables and join The United Empire instead?
Andrade is an original member of Los Ingobernables but come Sakura Genesis, could he swerve his former faction mates and join The United Empire?
Following his latest departure from WWE, Andrade has teased the possibility of working in several countries. Therefore, a return to New Japan Pro Wrestling shouldn't be ruled out for the former La Sombra.
At Sakura Genesis, The United Empire will reveal their newest member in a match against Los Ingbernables. The ultimate swerve would be to have El Idolo join Will Ospreay's faction in a match featuring Tetsuya Naito on the opposition side, the same man who was once guided by Andrade.
A former IWGP Intercontinental Champion, Andrade's addition to NJPW would be perfect for both parties. El Idolo is familiar with how things work in Japan and courtesy of New Japan's working relationship with CMLL, Andrade could also work for the Mexican promotion.
#1. Toa Henare seems the likeliest to join The United Empire
The Superstar with the best chance of joining The United Empire is Toa Henare.
As of late, Henare has been on a losing streak. To make things worse, The Kiwi Superstar has also been the one taking the pinfall in multi-man tag team matches.
Henare made his NJPW debut in 2016. Much like any other homegrown Superstar, he started out as a Young Lion. However, over the past few years, Henare has grown and undergone massive development inside the ring.
For his consistent performances, Henare also had the chance to team with Hiroshi Tanahashi in the World Tag League. Sadly, the duo ended up with only 3 wins and 12 losses.
Almost desperate for a win at this point, Henare joining The United Empire shouldn't surprise the fans. The Kiwi star would certainly be a strong asset to Will Ospreay's faction and on top of that, a heel turn would massively benefit Henare at this stage in his career.
