After two incredible weeks of pro wrestling in the books already in this year’s Fighting Spirit Unleashed, NJoA have saved the best for last in this week’s edition of NJPW STRONG preview for 10/2/21. This Saturday’s show features the much anticipated STRONG Openweight Championship match between the champion “Filthy” Tom Lawlor and his challenger Lio Rush. We’ll also get to see Chris Dickinson take on Royce Isaacs, as well as Fred Yehi clashing with JR Kratos.
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The crowd at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, CA have been electric thus far, and this Saturday is sure to be no different. NJoA have hit their stride as of late. In addition to that, the return of fans has only added to the excitement. Will Tom Lawlor defend his spot at the top of the NJPW STRONG mountain? Or will the “Man of the Hour” and former WWE superstar Lio Rush take the coveted title?
Fred Yehi vs. JR Kratos
On the night that the leader of Team Filthy is defending his title, stablemate JR Kratos has his work cut out for him as well. The “Most Feared” athlete in STRONG will be taking on the ever-impressive Fred Yehi. Kratos picked up the win against Yehi back in August, and as a result, Yehi will be eager to rectify his loss. Kratos will look to impose his will on his opponent by using his size and strength advantage.
On the flip side, Yehi will try to utilize his technical prowess and speed advantage to mitigate Kratos dangerous offense. Still looking for his first big win on STRONG, Yehi will do everything in his power to come out victorious.
Chris Dickinson vs. Royce Isaacs
In the second match of the evening, Royce Isaacs will be looking to get revenge for his recent defeat in the Tag Team Turbulence tournament. Although neither man’s team won the tourney, it was Dickinson along with Brody King who eliminated Isaacs and his partner, Jorel Nelson. This intriguing match-up is sure to be an old-fashioned hoss fight. As these are two of the most powerful competitors on STRONG, this one is sure to be hard hitting, intense, and full of offense. However, with the sheer explosive power involved, this one may come down to who lands a haymaker first. Whichever way it goes, the fans will surely be the winners in this one.
NJPW STRONG Preview for 10/2/21
Main Event:
STRONG Openweight Championship Match –
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor (c) vs. Lio Rush
In one of the most anticipated matches in NJPW STRONG’s short history, Tom Lawlor will defend his title against Lio Rush. After suffering multiple injuries and setbacks, Lio Rush is looking for a storybook ending this Saturday. And what an ending it would be! Dethroning the former UFC fighter and the hottest wrestler on STRONG and gaining the most coveted prize on the show would be quite the moment for the “Man of the Hour.” That being said, Lawlor is the champion for a reason.
There hasn’t been a hotter wrestler on the show since it’s inception. On top of that, add in his stablemates in Team Filthy. The stable’s members have shown that they have qualms in inserted themselves in each other’s affairs. Above all though, it is Lawlor’s ferocity and submission that Rush will have to deal with. That being said, there is hardly a more sudden and dangerous wrestler than Lio Rush. His innovative high-flying offense is a nightmare to deal with, even for someone the caliber of Lawlor.
With another exceptional week of pro wrestling on the horizon, which matches are you most excited for? Who would you like to see be the next contender for the STRONG Openweight Championship? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments! Be sure to follow Pro Wrestling Post on all social media for the most eclectic professional wrestling coverage on the internet! Until next week!
You can catch NJPW Strong every Saturday at 10 pm EST on NJPW World for ¥999 (about $9.99 USD) a month.
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