World Tag League winners Bishamon will face Guerrillas of Destiny in a double title match at Wrestle Kingdom 18, according to the official announcement made during the World Tag League press conference on December 11. The match will see both the IWGP and NJPW STRONG tag Championships on the line, making it a highly anticipated showdown.
Bishamon, who have made history by winning the World Tag League for the third consecutive time, expressed their gratitude for the support they have received. YOSHI-HASHI, one-half of the team, stated, “Thank you for your support. Since waking up today, I’ve really felt the physical effects of the last tour. But at the same time, it’s been a lot of happiness and a real sense of accomplishment.”
His partner, Goto, added, “Bishamon have made history, and I’m happy to be in the record books. I didn’t sleep much last night, but when I went out for a walk this morning I was stopped by some elementary school kids wanting an autograph, and I think that underscored the importance of what we do.”
When asked about their upcoming match against Hikuleo and El Phantasmo, YOSHI-HASHI acknowledged the size and power of Hikuleo, stating, “The power he has is unreal, and he still has a lot of pace. Phantasmo has what Hikuleo doesn’t and vice versa. They haven’t tagged much up to now, but I think they’ll become an incredible team the more they wrestle.”
Goto reflected on their previous encounters with Hikuleo and El Phantasmo, saying, “We lost in the first league match and we beat them in the final. We’re even at 1-1, they’re the STRONG Champions and we’re the IWGP Tag Champions. So at that even standpoint, I think we’re only going to have bigger matches from here.”
Regarding the double championship situation, YOSHI-HASHI expressed his excitement about having two sets of titles, stating, “Having both titles will definitely be a powerful tool to be recognized on the world stage as well. I really want for us to be going out to wrestle the world’s best teams, and having two sets of titles, as well as having won three World Tag Leagues in a row is going to be key to doing that.”
Goto, on the other hand, emphasized that there can only be one team that calls themselves the best, saying, “Overseas, if they need to have that STRONG designation, well it is what it is. I always feel that we’re ready to go out and fight anywhere and anyone in the world, and if that’s the case then we only need one set of titles. The point is that the best team has the title.”
When asked about their plan if they win on January 4, YOSHI-HASHI stated, “We have held and defended both titles separately in the past. I’m fine with having STRONG be STRONG, IWGP as IWGP, or defending both together. I’d be fine with either way.” Goto, however, expressed his preference for defending both titles together.
The match between Hirooki Goto and YOSHI-HASHI and El Phantasmo and Hikuleo for the IWGP and NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag team Championships will take place on January 4 at Wrestle Kingdom 18.
For more information, visit the official NJPW website.