Match Point: HAYATA vs. Tadasuke, NOAH THE WARROAD 2021 in NAGOYA (12/5/21)

Match Point is an ongoing series at Last Word on Pro Wrestling, where we look at intriguing matchups in indie wrestling and beyond. They may be dream matches, first-time matchups, or hotly anticipated rematches. This edition looks at the upcoming GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship match between champion HAYATA and challenger Tadasuke.

When it comes to some of the defining stories of Pro Wrestling NOAH’s past two years, one that stands out in the junior division is the dissolution of the RATELS stable. RATELS used to be a top faction within NOAH, run by Daisuke Harada, and had three other members with YO-HEY, HAYATA, and Tadasuke. In this match point, we provide a preview of the upcoming GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship match between two of the previous members, with HAYATA defending against Tadasuke, at NOAH THE WARROAD 2021 in NAGOYA.

＼明日‼‼／
「THE WARROAD 2021 in NAGOYA」
📅12月5日(日) 15:00開始
🏢名古屋国際会議場 イベントホール

👑GHCジュニアヘビー級選手権
HAYATA（第46代王者）
vs
タダスケ（挑戦者）

※王者の7度目の防衛戦となります#noah_ghc #GOtoBUDOKAN pic.twitter.com/gLDF3G0zJK

— プロレスリング・ノア ｜PROWRESTLING NOAH (@noah_ghc) December 4, 2021

HAYATA Defends Against Tadasuke

In The Beginning

RATELS was a stable in Pro Wrestling NOAH in the late 2010s, mostly dominating the junior division of the company. Every member would be successful in winning championship gold. Daisuke Harada was often very successful in the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship scene while the other members were successful in the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship picture; the latter was especially true for YO-HEY and HAYATA.

As years went by, every member saw success in some way. Tadasuke often teamed with Harada, while HAYATA worked alongside YO-HEY. However, a theme began to develop with Tadasuke. Tadasuke was often cast to the sidelines in favor of the other members of RATELS. He was often forgotten about as his partners saw success. In 2019, HAYATA’s push would start; it was time to learn which member of this faction could be a breakout star in the next two years.

HAYATA’s major push started in late 2019 with the Global Junior League. In the finals of this tournament, HAYATA and Tadasuke would face off for the first time. HAYATA won the match, the tournament, and eventually, the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship by defeating Minoru Tanaka.

After having a successful run as GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship, HAYATA would lose it to Yoshinari Ogawa. This sparked the downfall and eventual dissolution of RATELS. In May of 2021, HAYATA betrayed the faction and joined STINGER. HAYATA became very successful in the junior tag team scene. Meanwhile, Tadasuke became lost in the shuffle, often teaming with the remnants of the faction. Tadasuke teamed with YO-HEY and Daisuke Harada. However, in October, Tadasuke turned on his former friend, YO-HEY, and join the faction. destroying RATELS as a whole.

KONGO vs. STINGER

In KONGO, Tadasuke would see a revived ambition, often teaming with the junior members of the faction. He even challenged for the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship once, while HAYATA was about to hit a peak. After losing his GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship, by June, HAYATA became the GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion. HAYATA successfully defended this title for almost six months with over 6 title defenses, his match against Tadasuke marking his 7th title defense. However, HAYATA also has another focus going into this upcoming title match.

At NOAH The BEST 2021, HAYATA and Yoshinari Ogawa captured the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship. The potential of HAYATA possibly defending two titles in the upcoming Nippon Budokan show seems stressful for the defending champion. However, it’s a major opportunity for Tadasuke to take out a distracted HAYATA. When it comes to the story of HAYATA, it was always about the feud with YO-HEY.

This could also be the best time for Tadasuke, considering how everyone is going after HAYATA right now, whether it’s this match or his tag team bout at Nippon Budokan. This stress is major for a double champion and it could break him in this upcoming GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship match.

HAYATA vs. Tadasuke – In Closing

Tadasuke is tired of being forgotten about. He wants to defeat someone who not only betrayed him but finally get something that he has worked hard for: the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship. A win would see Tadasuke holding the title for the first time. It would also be massive for the KONGO stable; currently, two of the top champions of Pro Wrestling NOAH (Katsuhiko Nakajima & Kenou) represent the faction. A third name could be added to the conversation if Tadasuke captures the top prize of the junior division.

However, doubting HAYATA has had a theme throughout his entire run of dominance as champion. This championship run seemed to mark a changing face of NOAH’s junior division. Will HAYATA’s reign end at NOAH’s THE WARROAD 2021 in NAGOYA, or will HAYATA go into Nippon Budokan a double champion? We will find out this answer at THE WARROAD 2021 in NAGOYA.