11 Dream Matches For Katsuyori Shibata

6. Tomohiro Ishii

Tomohiro Ishii is perhaps Shibata’s most prolific rival. The two had insane chemistry together and wrestled on the biggest stage possible.

Why is it a dream match then? Well, because I want to see it again, obviously.

That being said, Shibata would almost certainly have to adjust his wrestling style going forward. The days of Shibata and Ishii hitting clunking ram headbutts need to be behind us.

It was such a move that appeared to end Shibata’s career in 2017 after all.

These two are extremely versatile wrestlers and would have no trouble adjusting which is good because these two are the kind of “destined to do this forever” rivals that shouldn’t be held apart.

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5. Zack Sabre Jr.

Zack Sabre Jr. and Katsuyori Shibata have a storied history that continues to evolve to this day.

Sabre made his New Japan Pro Wrestling debut against Shibata, wrestling for the British Heavyweight title in 2017.

They also worked matches in the UK before Shibata was forced to leave the ring. Now, Sabre worked as Shibata’s first opponent in over four years, wrestling to a draw in their exhibition match at the 2021 G1 Final.

Sabre’s technical wrestling ability is unmatched in 2021 and he remains a perfect opponent for Shibata.

It may not be a brand new match, but after seeing them wrestle for five minutes, sign me up for a full 30.

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4. Kenny Omega

What can be said about Kenny Omega that hasn’t been said before? The man has evolved into one of the most elite wrestlers in the world and most dream matches seem to involve him these days.

Omega is the top dog of AEW now but during his rise to the top of New Japan Pro Wrestling, he only wrestled Katsuyori Shibata in one singles match.

The two battled in the 2016 G1 Climax but Omega has grown immensely during the five years since that match.

Omega and Kazuchika Okada had just had their first legendary match when Shibata suffered his injury. Had Shibata remained healthy, there is no doubt he and Omega would have had a legendary clash of their own.

It couldn’t happen then, so why not now? You know what they say, better late than never.

• kenta
• KATSUYORI SHIBATA
• Zack Sabre Jr
• NJPW

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