NJC Delusional Dialogue: 'The Only Way Hiromu Takahashi Can Beat Tomohiro Ishii'

Y: To begin with, can he even win? Ishii is a classic match-making machine who challenges everyone head-on. While he hasn't held major titles like the IWGP, G1, or NJC, he has worn the NEVER belt multiple times and has a track record of defeating Okada, Tanahashi, Naito, and Kenny in singles matches.

O: But in this case, the company will be in trouble if Hiromu doesn't win. The NJC semi-final on July 3rd is a free broadcast, right? We need to clearly show who will carry the present and the next era of New Japan. It's also about attracting new viewers and giving hope to wrestling fans while this uncertain situation continues.

Y: Hiromu, a junior, is challenging Ishii, a heavyweight powerhouse, to fulfill his dream of fighting his mentor, Tetsuya Naito, in the main event on a big stage. This situation is certainly packed with expectations for new hope. Conversely, if he can't even make it to the final four here, does that mean the company's current evaluation of Hiromu is just that? That he's nothing more than a lightweight trickster?

O: At the same time, Ishii shouldn't let Hiromu win easily. For example, even if he gets hit with a sudden roll-up move, he has to kick out of everything. It sounds like a Zen riddle, but Hiromu absolutely must win, and Ishii must not let Hiromu win. Otherwise, it would make heavyweight strength look like nothing more than just being big, no different from the juniors. Even if a junior is strong, they can beat a heavyweight. But a top heavyweight wrestler is still on a different level than a junior. Through this match, we need to make the viewers understand those two facts.

Y: That's a difficult situation. Roll-ups are a no-go? I thought the 'new move for heavyweights' that Hiromu mentioned in his video was a roll-up move.

O: Actually, I think so too. He used a quick move (a roll-up) called 'Catch the Dream' back in his Young Lion days, right? I believe he used it to get a win over TAKA Michinoku when he first appeared in the Super Junior tournament. When I heard about a new move for heavyweights, my first delusion was, 'Is it an improved version of that?' In this case, I imagined he might reverse Ishii's finisher, the vertical drop brainbuster, for a big comeback three-count. But that won't do. It's not that it's bad, but it's too early to use that trick.

Y: Huh, what do you mean?

O: If Hiromu were to win with a roll-up, it would be in the semi-final against Okada. Okada is now the top of the top in the industry, right? He has held the IWGP Heavyweight title multiple times and rewritten the defense records. He has also won the G1 and NJC multiple times. If the current Hiromu can beat such a big name, it would have to be with a split-second quick move. There is no other way to advance Hiromu to the final without lowering Okada's market value.

Y: So, you are fantasizing that Hiromu will beat Okada and advance to the final.

O: That's right. Everyone is trying their best to live through these extraordinary times. Wearing masks even in the sweltering heat. If these extraordinary circumstances are going to continue anyway, I think it wouldn't be bad to have a miracle like that happen.

Y: That makes me feel a bit sentimental. So, what is the only way for Hiromu to beat Ishii?

O: He probably can't win with the Time Bomb. Even if he lands it once, it will likely be kicked out of. It would be great if he could land it twice like in his match with Ryu Lee, but Ishii isn't that soft. He also has the 'D' submission move, but a finish by submission or passing out leaves a stronger impression of defeat on the fans than a three-count, so that would be a bit harsh on Ishii. Therefore, there is only one answer.

Y: Is it that one?

O: Yes, the Time Bomb 2 he used on Ospreay at this year's Dome. Time Bomb 2 is it. Heavyweights aren't soft enough for him to win while holding back here. I want Hiromu Takahashi to wear the IWGP Heavyweight title no matter what. That's why I want him to dare to challenge the high and thick wall that is Ishii head-on, and, as someone once said, break through the front 'no matter what.' After that, in the next match against Okada, I want him to use his new quick move for heavyweights to somehow grab the win.

Y: In that case, there is only one person left who could be Hiromu's opponent in the final.

O: Let's talk about that delusion another time. When the time is right. Anyway, for now, I'm just looking forward to the heated match between Hiromu Takahashi and Tomohiro Ishii.

Y: A faint glimmer of bright hope has started to appear!!!!