5 Best NJPW New Beginning Moments Of All Time

2. The Switchblade Shock – 2019

When Hiroshi Tanahashi beat Kenny Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight title at Wrestle Kingdom 13, it was a fairy tale ending for many fans. However, there is always a villain there to ruin that dream. This came in the form of Switchblade Jay White. At New Year’s Dash, White defeated Tanahashi in a 6-man tag match. He then issued a challenge for the title at the New Beginning in Osaka.

Going into the match, many compared this scenario to what happened almost seven years previously with Okada and Tanahashi. However, many did not believe that the Ace could be dethroned. Unfortunately, Jay White thrives on proving people wrong. This match was no different.

From the very beginning, White knew how he wanted the pace of this match to go However, as always, Tanahashi showed heart. He fought with his soul and showcasing his diverse and dynamic wrestling style. Jay also showed his versatility including his submission skills. His TTO that significantly damaged Tanahashi’s leg and may have been the difference-maker. The audience realised that their beloved Tanahashi may not leave with the title.

After a gruelling 30-minute match, which could have gone either way, White hit a picture-perfect suplex before transitioning into a Bladerunner for the win. With this, Jay cemented his dominance in New Japan. It also reiterated his mantra that, whatever he says, comes true.

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1. The Rainmaker Shock – 2012

When New Japan fans think of the New Beginning Tour, one match that stands out the most is Kazuchika Okada beating Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight title in 2012.

Okada returned from excursion with a new attitude and manager in the form of Gedo. After Tanahashi retained his title against Minoru Suzuki at Wrestle Kingdom, Okada came out to challenge the Ace. To many, this had to be a joke. How could someone who had just returned from a failed excursion challenge the Ace of New Japan?

However, the company set the match for the main event of the 2012 New Beginning show in Osaka. Unsurprisingly, Tanahashi came out confident in the fact that this match was going to be an easy win as did many of the fans. However, Okada came out with a purpose showcasing that, despite his arrogance, he was a force to be reckoned with. Throughout the match, it became increasingly clear that the bout would not be as straightforward as many believed.

As the clock passed the twenty-minute mark, many fans were surprised at how well Okada was doing and that he was holding his own against Tanahashi. However, that did not even touch the surprise when Okada finally hit his new finisher the Rainmaker and pinned Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the Heavyweight title.

With a single move, Okada changed the complexion of New Japan in the dubbed ‘Rainmaker Shock’. Not only did it set the path for Okada’s success in the company but was also the start of one of the most memorable rivalries in New Japan’s history.

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• NEW BEGINNING
• Jay White
• Kazuchika Okada
• NJPW

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