'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Despite distinctive divisions, the transition from Junior to Heavyweight in New Japan is a rite of passage. Very rarely if ever will a Junior choose to remain so his whole career, as the Heavyweights are the main event attraction of the company and industry.
In 2016 bereft of a faction leader, Bullet Club found a more than ready Kenny Omega transition to the heavyweights. Since then he's gone from the cleaner to the best bout machine. His best friends the Young Bucks seemed like they'd never get out of the Junior tag team rut until early this year, now they're the IWGP Tag Team heavyweight champions.
Follow Sportskeeda for the latest WWE news, rumors and all other wrestling news.
In between these two is Zack Sabre Jr., who went from being a finalist of the WWE Cruiserweight classic to a ruthless heavyweight that won the New Japan Cup. It's a chance to refresh and to reach new heights in an individuals career.
With the swelling heavyweight ranks, it might be hard to make an impact, but it is the right move regardless. Just as Trent Beretta. It's where the spotlight and bigger opportunities are and despite a depleting Junior's division, these three men (or 4 and 5) are ready to make that move within the next year.
#3. Sho/Yoh or KUSHIDA
Kushida might have to hold down the Juniors fort just a bit longer with the absence of Hiromu Takahashi. Instead, he's going to see these two men jump the gun, who could have carried the division for him in his absence.
It's either/or with these two sides depending on how New Japan wants to carry forward the CHAOS story. Sho and Yoh are at the center of an upheaval that could affect them the most. We could see the two turn to the dark side and join Jay White or turn on each other as battle lines get drawn.
If they do wish to elevate this story to the levels White had exclaimed they could, then they'd move to the heavyweights with him. If not, this rivalry could easily redefine Junior's division. That was allowing Kushida to make a smooth transition to heavyweight. As a team or as rivals; Sho and Yoh stick with one another no matter the division.
Hilariously that means a lot for an Ace looking in like Kushida has always done with the division.
#2. Marty Scurll
Documented perfectly amidst the Bullet Club civil war this past year, has been Young Bucks' transition into the heavyweights. It's placed a lot of pressure on Scurll, especially from the likes of Cody. Marty is just not good enough, is a running theme of Being the ELITE. He proved his mettle somewhat at ALL IN (despite a tense elongated outcome).
This will definitely need to play up in the coming months, for Scurll to take that final leap and join his boys in the ELITE club of heavyweights. This way wherever the sextet makes a transition to next, they'll be lapped up together rather than see poor Scurll go to 205 Live. It'll also vindicate Marty, allowing him even to fight for a rematch against Okada, who's had a vested interest in this angle.
Hopefully, the ELITE doesn't head to WWE, allowing Marty to hone his skills as part of the heavyweights of the Bullet Club. While it's doubtful he could make a huge impact in a packed roster, it could allow Marty the chance to become another and far more vital world traveled element of the Club. Maybe Marty gets to dominate as a British heavyweight champion of the ELITE.
#1 Will Ospreay
The reason this article exists in the first place. At last nights ROH Death before Dishonor event, Ospreay contested for the ROH World Championship in the main event. He lost in a valiant effort, that also saw fans proclaiming he has gained a bit of weight. This could be the first sign of Ospreay pushing to claim a spot in the heavyweight division of New Japan.
However bigger than that is the evidence of Ospreay's direction within the company. He has been in a number of tag team contests in the past few weeks, looking on at Kota Ibushi from the opposite end. Ospreay has been adamant about challenging the notorious freelancer to a match. The request from the other end seems non-committal, arrogantly dismissive even.
In fact, in a post-match interview, while Ibushi clearly shrugged of Ospreay's demands, Kenny Omega urged Will to keep trying because he just isn't ready for the Heavyweight level. It's a clear sign that the Brit is prime for a transition up the heavyweight division and his current involvement in crowning a new Junior Heavyweight champion, might just provide the final key to the puzzle.
If it does happen, it can hopefully be prolonged long enough for Ibushi and Ospreay to have a dream match encounter come to Wrestle Kingdom 13. That'll be an exhilarating experience live!
