The KOPW title that NJPW introduced not long ago has certainly been a polarizing decision with its unique set of rules.
The title, which is not an actual championship, will see wrestlers introduce stipulations only for fans to vote on them. A number of wrestlers, from SANADA to Sho and even Kazuchika Okada, have already signed up to compete to be the first KOPW title. NJPW star Rocky Romero recently sat down with me and we discussed the KOPW title and how he believes it is the right time to introduce it.
With the current pandemic limiting the current NJPW roster and the world going through an uncertain time, Romero thinks it's great to have something out of the ordinary be introduced to New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Romero says it's also good in the sense that it doesn't completely disrupt what NJPW is traditionally known for and it's something that can even level the playing field when it comes to the different roster and weight classes in NJPW.
"I think if it's ever going to happen, now would be the time. Having a limited roster is a good time to introduce something that is super crazy on paper, but we really won't know until we see it. The thing about it is, in the end, New Japan will be the traditional New Japan. It's not going to change and even having one element to break up just how traditional it is, it could work, maybe it won't work and it will go away, but I think it's an interesting and good time to go and try things like this. You may not get the opportunity like this to try different things. I think it's cool, interesting. It's one way that kind of evens the playing field between juniors and heavys. I mean, having a stipulation could be a benefit. Like, if I'm wrestling Okada, maybe I can come up with a stipulation in my favor that maybe levels the playing field. I wouldn't be able to beat Okada in a regular 1 vs. 1 match, but maybe if I introduce something that is different and unique, that puts me in favor. It could make things interesting. Maybe let's check it out and see how it unfolds and see the conclusions. Hey, it could work out, it could completely flop, but I think it's worth the try and swinging the bat," Romero said.
Although it will be quite some time before Romero can go back to Japan and wrestle there, he does have an idea of what he would propose for a KOPW match stipulation. Instead of a cage match, a weapons match or a submissions match, Romero wants barbed wires and explosions in his match and he would love to have it with current IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Jon Moxley.
"It definitely wouldn't be Boneryard Match (laughs). I want to do some exploding barbed wire matches, just something that's totally not me. If I'm going to do something, it's going to be something super out there, like you wouldn't expect me to. I think something like that would be crazy, once-in-a-lifetime kind of thing. Give me Moxley in an exploding barbed wire match," Romero said.
You can check out the full interview in the video at the top of the page and you can subscribe to my YouTube channel at this link. Romero also recently spoke on the new NJPW Strong show and you can check out his comments on it at this link.
