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. Take a deep dive into this upcoming GHC National Championship bout, as Masakatsu Funaki defends the title for the first time against Masaaki Mochizuki.
Pro Wrestling NOAH is back with their second straight night at Korakuen Hall. Once again, they have a big marquee title match of epic proportions lined up. Masakatsu Funaki looks to make his first defense of the GHC National Championship against former fellow M’s Alliance member, Masaaki Mochizuki, who is aiming for a double recapture going into this match.
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📣2.10後楽園【GHCナショナル選手権】開催🔥🔥
＼「STEP FORWARD 2022」
📅2月10日(木) 18:30開始/17:30開場
🏢後楽園ホール👑メインイベント・GHCナショナル選手権試合
船木誠勝（第8代王者）
vs
望月成晃（挑戦者）※第8代王者の初防衛戦#noah_ghc #wrestleUNIVERSE pic.twitter.com/qhEhJOviYt
— プロレスリング・ノア ｜PROWRESTLING NOAH (@noah_ghc) February 9, 2022
Masakatsu Funaki vs Masaaki Mochizuki – What to Know
Masakatsu Funaki Joins KONGO
Masakatsu Funaki was a member of the M’s Alliance alongside Masaaki Mochizuki, Masato Tanaka, Jurina Matsui, Yuko Miyamoto, Naomichi Marufuji, and Keiji Muto. They were supporting him heavily ahead of his challenge for the GHC National Championship. Funaki made his second attempt at Kenoh, and the red belt, and did not disappoint. Funaki defeated Kenoh in a matter of three minutes to become the GHC National Champion. This wasn’t a shock, as Funaki is no stranger to winning belts in quick fashion; he gets one opening and he strikes immediately.
The shocking portion of this came after the belt was wrapped around Funaki’s waist by his teammates. The new champion grabbed the microphone and expressed his desires to exit the M’s Alliance and enter KONGO. He wished to team up with Kenoh, to which Masato Tanaka and Naomichi Marufuji approved. Thus, Funaki was able to start a new chapter in his career.
Masaaki Mochizuki Strikes Back Against Funaki
In Masakatsu Funaki’s first outing in KONGO, Masaaki Mochizuki spoiled the occasion. The Ironman of Dragon Gate pinned Funaki before expressing his desires to take the GHC National Championship back and return it to the M’s Alliance. In a later interview, Mochizuki expressed that he wanted Masakatsu Funaki to also return to the M’s Alliance should he be victorious.
Prediction
While the story of Mochizuki vanquishing Funaki and bringing him and the National Championship back to the M’s Alliance would be good, we think it’s too soon. Funaki will not only retain the belt but this will lead to something greater regarding challenges from other M’s Alliance members. Yet, the GHC National Championship is still searching for an identity. Another title change here wouldn’t be off-brand for the belt.
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.
