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. Here’s what to know about the upcoming GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship match between titleholder Daisuke Harada and challenger Tadasuke.
Pro Wrestling NOAH is set to start their first of three nights in Korakuen Hall on February 9, 2022. On that night, there will be a GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship match with Daisuke Harada defending against Tadasuke. These two have a storied history dating back to RATELS, and Tadasuke betraying Harada along with YO-HEY to join KONGO. They even had a singles match recently that saw Harada get the victory. However, their reason for meeting now is not because of any of that history.
明日はタイトルマッチ
ヘビー級に負けないジュニアを作り上げる為にもタダスケをドカーーーンと乗り越えていきます🌋
ジュニアの闘い、ノアの闘いを是非会場で!https://t.co/SptwSLX1wS#noah_ghc pic.twitter.com/fyIeXWADSC
— 原田大輔 DAISUKE HARADA (@noah_harada) February 8, 2022
Daisuke Harada vs. Tadasuke – What to Know
KONGO and the NOAH Juniors at War
Just a few weeks ago, much of the NOAH roster missed a stretch of shows due to positive COVID tests and close contact protocols. Tadasuke was one of them, so he wasn’t present at a series of events. During one event, Haoh developed friction with Nioh after a few miscommunications. These misfires were so bad that Haoh opted to leave KONGO and asked Daisuke Harada to allow him to fight as a NOAH junior.
Harada accepted this offer and Haoh left Kongo, which didn’t sit with the rest of the members well. Tadasuke eventually returned and laid Haoh out, calling him the weakest link. Harada was then attacked as he attempted to save Haoh. Tadasuke would then go on to make a challenge to the person he hates the most, Daisuke Harada, for the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship; Harada accepted.
Prediction
The head-to-head singles title meetings between the two do not bode well for Tadasuke. Harada has swept the head-to-head series between the two. Additionally, with this being Harada’s first defense, it’s to be expected this streak continues. One day, Tadasuke will have his moment, but not right now.
Stay tuned to the Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. You can watch Pro Wrestling NOAH as well as DDT, TJPW, and more on Wrestle Universe and ABEMA.