10 Kazuchika Okada Matches You MUST Watch

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

One month prior to the legendary Dominion match, Okada took on his old rival Hiroshi Tanahashi. The two had not wrestled in two years but the kind of chemistry and history they have never goes away. This was Okada’s record-breaking title defence and it was only appropriate that it be against Tanahashi.

Tanahashi was fighting to keep his record from being broken and together they had an incredible match, which called back to famous moments from their legendary rivalry. The most identified is the “wrist-control” moment from Wrestle Kingdom 10. This may have been their best match together and a reminder that Okada was not the Ace of New Japan Pro Wrestling.

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2. Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega – Wrestle Kingdom 11

People didn’t quite know what to expect from the first Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega match. Omega was relatively unproven as a heavyweight despite winning the G1 Climax and so fans went into this match with an open mind. This was the match that changed everything.

Omega and Okada battled for over 40 minutes and they put on the greatest match in Tokyo Dome history. This match caused the explosion of popularity for New Japan and Okada was the man who came out on top. This was one of the biggest and most important wins of Okada’s career and one of the most important matches for the growth of the promotion.

If you want to see the genesis of the increased popularity in New Japan Pro Wrestling, this is where to start.

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1. Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi – Wrestle Kingdom 10

While Kenny Omega has given Okada his best matches, Hiroshi Tanahashi remains his greatest rival. Their rivalry over the top spot in New Japan spanned four years and culminated in this match at Wrestle Kingdom 10.

Okada had proven that he was the superior wrestler at Invasion Attack in 2013. Since then, Tanahashi struggled to regain his spot at the top of the promotion. The only place he was able to come out on top was the Tokyo Dome at Wrestle Kingdom 9. While Okada had surpassed Tanahashi in skill, he had yet to prove that he could best Tanahashi on New Japan’s biggest stage. Wrestle Kingdom 10 was his third and possibly last chance.

This was the climax of their rivalry and it couldn’t have ended in a better match. There was no feeling-out process, there was no need. These two knew each other and they had the best match of their rivalry at the perfect moment. This was Okada’s coronation as New Japan’s top star and the biggest win of his career. Needless to say, he has done a fine job since.

What is your favourite Kazuchika Okada match? Let us know on Twitter!

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• Hiroshi Tanahashi
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