Nagata vs. Benoit in New Japan?; Angle vs. Lesnar in Inoki's IGF?

[Hunter's Torn Quad 0]

Tokyo Sports reports that New Japan dojo graduate, Chris Benoit, may make a special appearance soon, possibly challenging Nagata for the IWGP Heavyweight Title. The WWE superstar has made it clear that he would like to return to his "second home" for one of the 35th anniversary shows, and Johnny Ace is apparently positive towards letting it happen. This news comes at the same time as Antonio Inoki's IGF hinting that it will run Brock Lesnar vs. Kurt Angle on its debut show for Lesnar's "IWGP Heavyweight Title". The New Japan side is refusing to be drawn into a war of words with IGF at this point, though.

 

Credit - SSS

 

Nagata versus Benoit could be all kinds of awesome and at least is a chance of happening. Angle vs. Lesnar is almost certainly more of the usual hyperbole from Inoki.

[Corkscrew_Senton 0]

I take anything Inoki says with a grain of salt.

[Hawk 34 0]

That's nice and all but let's get moving on getting Benoit/Danielson before it's too late.

[mysterious_w 0]

How would Benoit/Danielson happen apart from Danielson signing with WWE? The only way I could see it happening is at some big memorial show which WWE gives clearance for.

[Hawk 34 0]

The same reasoning as Benoit's working Nagata. A special request granted by WWE. Nagata doesn't work for WWE either. The ball is in Danielson's court to sign with WWE anyways.

[Corkscrew_Senton 0]

Bryan Danielson in WWE...there's a horrifying thought. Not for him for financial reasons, obviously, but as a fan.

[Hawk 34 0]

I think Danielson really only has a couple more strong years in ROH/NOAH at his pace and once that time goes, he really should be in WWE. He's too good for TNA. With the popularity he holds with key players in WWE, he'd be in good shape.

 

People once thought Punk would be horribly used in WWE and that hasn't been the case. Danielson would fit in quite well with Smackdown's crowd and HHH loves Danielson's style. A younger version of Benoit would do wonders for him and the company.

[Corkscrew_Senton 0]

I think Danielson really only has a couple more strong years in ROH/NOAH at his pace and once that time goes, he really should be in WWE. He's too good for TNA. With the popularity he holds with key players in WWE, he'd be in good shape.

 

People once thought Punk would be horribly used in WWE and that hasn't been the case. Danielson would fit in quite well with Smackdown's crowd and HHH loves Danielson's style. A younger version of Benoit would do wonders for him and the company.

 

I see what you're saying, but in the case of Benoit he's totally jacked and Punk has a unique look with the tats and piercings. Danielson's uniqueness is how...normal he is. Those two other guys also have a good 20-35 pounds on Danielson. I worry that he'd be booked more like Paul London than CM Punk for those reasons.

[Hawk 34 0]

It wouldn't be easy, but as we've seen players like Benoit and Finlay despite not having great looks or high flash personality, they got over on skills alone. Danielson has shown more personality then Benoit ever has. Being close with Regal and Benoit can't hurt and being a huge favorite of Jim Ross is a feather in Danielson's cap. I want to see him run a couple more years at his current pace but once he turns 30, he shouldn't be around ROH. He has expressed interest in retiring young and leaving the business for good but I'd hate to see him leave without giving WWE a chance.