NJPW Power Struggle (5/11/17) results: Chris Jericho vs. Kenny Omega match confirmed, reason behind match, and more

#8 IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship: Kenny Omega [c] vs. Beretta

The post-match shock will take all of the headlines here, but lost in the Jericho news was one of the best performances of Trent Beretta's career. The former junior took it to Omega here, coming within an inch of winning the title on a number of occasions.

Beretta took every risk in the book throughout, and seemed to be on the cusp of winning the championship after hitting a piledriver on the outside. The former IWGP Junior Tag champion went for one risk too many however, missing a tope to the outside that saw him smash a table as opposed to Omega.

The Cleaner was able to take advantage, hitting Beretta with the One Winged Angel for the win.

Result: Kenny Omega [c] def. Beretta

Kenny Omega dared someone to challenge him after the match, and was all ready to leave when nobody obliged. The lights went out in the arena, and the fans in attendance lost their minds when Chris Jericho appeared on the big screen.

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— ?????????????? (@njpw1972) November 5, 2017

Y2J challenged Omega to a match at Wrestle Kingdom 12, and The Cleaner duly accepted. Jericho vs. Omega is on for the Tokyo Dome.

The reason why WWE has no control over the match is that of Y2J's reported short-term contracts. Jericho simply signs a new deal whenever he returns, giving him the freedom to do music and possibly work for other promotions.

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#9 IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi [c] vs. Kota Ibushi

It was going to take a lot to top that announcement, but Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kota Ibushi are two of the best professional wrestlers on the planet and they somehow managed to do so. Ibushi defeated Tanahashi during the G1 Climax, which led to Tana issuing the challenge afterwards.

The story here was that Ibushi was up against a man that he deems to be his idol, a true once in a century talent. Kota was unable to string together his usual incredible offence, seemingly overawed by the circumstance and situation in front of him.

The Golden Star eventually got it together and came within a whisker of winning the title, but Tanahashi managed to survive. A succession of High Fly Flows ended things, and Tanahashi's Intercontinental Championship reign continues.

Result: Hiroshi Tanahashi [c] def. Kota Ibushi

Tanahashi celebrated in the ring after the match, playing the air guitar to the delight of those in attendance in Osaka. When the celebration was over Tanahashi motioned to leave, only for the lights to go out once again. The mysterious 'Switchblade' vignette aired on the screen, with the character revealed as the returning Jay White.

The Kiwi then made his way out to the ring to confront Tanahashi, challenging the former Ace to a match at Wrestle Kingdom. White laid Tanahashi out with his version of Bray Wyatt's Sister Abigail, before laying his pendant on the fallen Tanahashi's chest.

Wrestle Kingdom 12 is beginning to take shape, and what a show it is shaping up to be. Okada vs. Naito, Omega vs. Jericho and Tanahashi vs. White are three huge matches, with a stacked undercard sure to delight the growing New Japan audience. There is simply no stopping the King of Sports.