NJPW Road to Destruction Tour: Preview & Schedule - A Look at the Path to Destruction
What is the Road to Destruction Tour and why should you care? This annual tour by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) is a crucial stepping stone towards the biggest event of the summer, the G1 Climax! It's a chance for wrestlers to fine-tune their strategies and build momentum before the epic tournament.
Editor Note: The Road to Destruction Tour is kicking off today, July 2nd, 2023. This tour is particularly exciting as it features the return of the legendary Hiroshi Tanahashi, promising a high-octane clash between generations. The tour also offers a glimpse into potential storylines and rivalries that will unfold during the G1 Climax.
Analysis: This guide will provide a detailed preview of the NJPW Road to Destruction Tour, including the schedule, key matches, and potential storylines. We've analyzed the current roster dynamics, recent events, and past performances to give you a comprehensive look at what to expect.
Tour Schedule & Key Matches:
The tour will span from July 2nd to July 16th, with key events taking place in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya. Here's a look at the highlights:
July 2nd: Korakuen Hall, Tokyo
- Main Event: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, & Tomohiro Ishii vs. EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi, & SHO. This match pits a legend (Tanahashi) against a rising star (Okada) and a veteran (Ishii) against a group of unpredictable heels.
- Other Notable Matches: The NEVER Openweight Championship match between the champion, Shingo Takagi, and his challenger, YOSHI-HASHI, could see the title change hands.
July 4th: Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium, Osaka
- Main Event: A tag team match featuring Jay White, Juice Robinson, & David Finlay vs. Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii, & Hiroshi Tanahashi. This clash of styles will showcase different wrestling philosophies and could set the stage for future rivalries.
- Other Notable Matches: The KOPW 2023 Championship Match will feature the reigning champion, Toru Yano, against a yet-to-be-determined challenger. Yano's comedic approach could lead to a surprising upset.
July 7th: Korakuen Hall, Tokyo
- Main Event: This event features a thrilling 6-man tag match with Will Ospreay, Aaron Henare, & Great-O-Khan vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, & Tomohiro Ishii. The potential for chaos and high-flying action is high in this match.
- Other Notable Matches: The Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship match will see the current champions, SHO & YOH, defend against the formidable team of El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru.
July 9th: Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, Nagoya
- Main Event: The tour culminates with a blockbuster match featuring the IWGP Heavyweight Championship match with the champion, SANADA, taking on the formidable challenge of Tetsuya Naito.
- Other Notable Matches: A tag team match featuring Hiroshi Tanahashi, Kazuchika Okada, & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Jay White, Juice Robinson, & David Finlay. This could be the final showdown between the two factions before the G1 Climax.
Potential Storylines & Rivalries:
- The Return of Hiroshi Tanahashi: The "Ace" is back and looking to prove he still has what it takes to compete with the younger generation. His performance on this tour could influence his potential G1 Climax seeding.
- The Rise of Kazuchika Okada: "Rainmaker" Okada has been on a tear recently, showcasing his championship-winning potential. The Road to Destruction Tour could solidify his position as a top contender for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
- The New Generation vs. The Veterans: This tour is likely to see a generational clash as the younger stars like Okada, Ospreay, and Henare look to solidify their position against veterans like Tanahashi and Ishii.
The Road to Destruction Tour is a crucial event for NJPW fans as it sets the stage for the G1 Climax. It's a chance to see your favorite wrestlers battle it out and witness the potential storylines that will unfold in the summer's biggest tournament.
