10 Hiroshi Tanahashi Matches You Have To Watch

3. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada – Wrestling Dontaku 2018

While their rivalry effectively concluded in January 2016, Okada and Tanahashi always have a way of coming back to each other. In May 2018, Okada was set to break Tanahashi’s record of most IWGP Heavyweight title defenses in a single reign. The last person in his way was Tanahashi himself. At Wrestling Dontaku, the two had their best match together.

After two years apart, the chemistry was still there. There were callbacks to their previous matches, including the wrist-control spot from Wrestle Kindom 10. This was like two battered cowboys strolling back into town for one final showdown. They were weathered and tired but they still brought out the best in one another.

Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada still have occasional matches but they have yet to top this masterpiece.

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2. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kenny Omega – Wrestle Kingdom 13

In the first entry on this list discussed how Hiroshi Tanahashi and Katsuyori Shibata butted heads over their philosophies in wrestling. While Shibata was a Strong Style oriented wrestler, Tanahashi was more interested in telling stories. Now, Tanahashi was the older generation holding strong against Kenny Omega’s new wave.

Tanahashi thought Omega was all flash and no substance and their differences made for a thrilling story at Wrestle Kingdom 13. In a vacuum, this is a story of Tanahashi having to stoop to Omega’s level, in his mind, to finish the job. Tanahashi would start by wrestling the match at his pace before being forced to do dives through tables to get the win.

If you know more, this match becomes very sad to watch. This was Omega’s final appearance with the company prior to the launch of AEW. He has talked about feeling betrayed by New Japan and knowing that it is hard not to see the pain in Omega’s eyes during his entrance and the match.

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1. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi – G1 Climax 28 Final

In perhaps the greatest G1 Climax Final in history, Hiroshi Tanahashi showed he still had gas in the tank. The story heading into this match was Tanahashi proving he could still go despite his age and his injuries. What resulted was maybe the best match of his career with Kota Ibushi.

The 2018 G1 Climax was incredible and they saved the best match for last. Ibushi was finally able to make it to the tournament final after years of trying but this was Tanahashi’s night. They battled mercilessly for 35 minutes with Tanahashi proving he could not only hang with one of the best in the world, but he was still one of the best in the world.

Tanahashi was able to capture his third G1 Climax in his more inspiring performance to date.

What is your favourite Hiroshi Tanahashi match? Let us know on Twitter!

• new japan pro wrestling
• Hiroshi Tanahashi
• Kazuchika Okada
• NJPW

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