Wrestle Kingdom 13: Premature Card Predictions

NEVER Openweight Championship: Jay 'Switchblade' White (c) vs. Minoru Suzuki

Let the era of the Switchblade begin!

As much as his crazy violent style requires the kind of loyal back up he has, I predict Minoru Suzuki will have a very interesting 2018. He's currently set up to face Hiroshi Tanahashi in an intriguing contest for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship.

He will fail and with that slowly but surely Suzuki will find himself on the outs from the very faction he dominates. Suzuki Gun will lose faith in the old lion, pushing him to become one of the well respected New Japan dads.

The man to cause this tectonic shift?

None other than Jay 'Switchblade' White.

Ever since White returned to NJPW late last year from his American excursion, the gaijin star has been primed for a big spot among the Elite (pun intended), positioned as the next Kenny Omega. Though it seemed like he'd be joining Bullet Club, White jumped the gun and attacked Omega at New Years Dash. For now, his eyes are set on the IWGP US Heavyweight title, which he may or may not win but won't hold onto for a year.

Instead, the quick push to the top for Switchblade will get a gradual cool down, allowing him to develop under watchful eyes for a while. Enter Suzuki, taking White under his wing and providing him with the impetus to make a showing of himself at this years G1 Climax.

Eventually, Jay's relative success to Suzuki's failures will position him as a future leader of the rowdy faction. Finally, Jay White, the young lion will challenge the battle-worn old lion of the tribe and succeed with his newly won NEVER Openweight title intact.

Suzuki Gun will become Switchblade-Gun, in a fitting homage to Suzuki's own usurping of former leader Satoshi Kojima. Of course, Minoru is not one to give up easily and so a rematch shall be set for Wrestle Kingdom 13; finally allowing White to put down the old man.

Winner: Jay 'Switchblade' White