January 14, 2008 Observer Newsletter: NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 2, TNA Final Resolution recaps
New Japan’s 17-year-old tradition of opening the year with the 1/4 Tokyo Dome remains hovering on extinction.
But this past week’s installment based on most reports was a good show, highlighted by New Japan wrestlers battling outsiders from TNA, All Japan, Zero-One Max and the new Dradition (formerly Muga) promotion.
Shinsuke Nakamura captured the “real” IWGP heavyweight title in the main event for the second time in his career, beating natural rival Hiroshi Tanahashi in the main event. The other main event saw Kurt Angle retain the IGF version of the same title, beating Yuji Nagata in what was said to be the best match on the show. This was designed to set up a title unification match on 2/17 at Tokyo Sumo Hall. This was set up with Angle and Jeff Jarrett coming to the ring to set up a confrontation after Nakamura was awarded the belt. We don’t know if there is anything to this, because it’s Antonio Inoki, but Inoki claimed Angle vs. Naoya Ogawa would headline his 2/16 show at the Ariake Coliseum.
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Dave Meltzer is the founder and lead writer on the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the weekly constant when it comes to news and reviews in pro wrestling and mixed martial arts for more than 40 years. Dave also co-hosts Wrestling Observer Radio with Bryan Alvarez and had had bylines for The National, Yahoo Sports, MMA Fighting and others.