NJPW Dominion 2021 Matches: Ranked

3. Special Singles Match – Jeff Cobb v Kota Ibushi

Although there were no title implications going into the match, there was a matter of pride on the line with both men wanting to prove something. After uniting the two IWGP titles just to lose it on his first defence, many worried that Kota Ibushi had lost his way. With the absence of Ospreay, The Empire has also been struggling to gain momentum.

As expected from two men who are the epitome of a super-athlete, the match was full action from the second the bell rang. In the match, although it would look like a mismatch of styles on the surface, the two men are more similar than different. The combination of strength, speed and power from both men made a special singles match into something more.

Whereas Cobb seemed to utilise his size advantage throwing Ibushi around like a rag doll, he also proved that he has the athleticism of a Jr hitting moonsaults with ease. Similarly, with Ibushi, he raced around the ring and slowed the pace focusing on strikes and power-based offence.

Throughout the match, the two men pushed each other to their limit in a short time. Yet, in the end, Ibushi got the win with one final Kamigoye. Although this gives Ibushi momentum for his title match with Shingo, where does it leave Cobb? With one member down and the others not really doing anything on the upper card, it doesn’t showcase The Empire in the way they wanted.

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2. IWGP Jr Heavyweight Championship – El Desperado v YOH

After Hiromu was injured again earlier in the year, many worried about the state of the company’s small Jr division. Yet, when El Desperado was crowned as champion, fans saw it as a new chapter for the belt pushing underrated talent to the forefront. This was further confirmed when Roppongi 3k’s YOH became the latest challenger. Despite postponing the match due to COVID, fans were treated to a diverse wrestling match from the two.

For two Jr Heavyweights, the match started on the mat with both men feeling each other out. However, it quickly picked up speed and intensity. As expected, Desperado focused on damaging YOH’s already weakened knee, which has only just recovered from surgery. Unfortunately, it seemed as if every time YOH tried to regain some strength, Despy was stalking him like a hunter.

Of course, YOH used all his heart and passion to keep fighting, utilising his own diverse style combining high-flying and Japanese Strong Style. It was that diversity that was key in this match. Both men have very different styles and showcased them perfectly allowing their skills to shine. From Desperado’s strikes to YOH’s submission skills, the match was full of layers.

In the closing minute, the intensity heated up with a series of strikes and flash pins. Yet, Desperado had worn YOH down too much and hit a picture-perfect Pinche Loco for the win.It was definitely the right choice from New Japan. After waiting so long for a reign, it would have been disappointing for Despy to lose the title on his first defence. However, being so close to the title will also ignite a fire in YOH and lead to greater things in the future.

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1. IWGP World Heavyweight Championship – Kazuchika Okada v Shingo Takagi

Going into the show’s main event, it was more than just a rubber match between two of the best athletes in the world. With a chance to be the new IWGP World Heavyweight champion, there was pride and a spot in the belt’s new history on the line. Fans also had extremely high expectations.

For two men who are so athletic, the match started in quite a slow and methodical manner. Both Okada and Shingo stuck to the mat liken they were in the process of feeling each other out but it didn’t last long. Within no time at all, the speed increased and so did the danger. Throughout the match, Takagi made sure to exploit Okada’s back problems with some high-risk offence.

Yet, Okada found a way to take the match and ensure the pace suited him. Rather than focusing on a power game, where Shingo strives, he chose to increase the speed and unpredictability of the offence. The match was truly dynamic. There were moments outside the ring, executing a flurry of offence or just standing in the centre of the ring throwing forearms.

As the match continued, neither Okada nor Shingo seemed to have any plans of slowing down. On the contrary, it seemed like every time one of the men tried to attack, the other found some way to counter it or use the momentum in their favour.

In the end, after one Last of the Dragon, Shingo got the win and his first taste of IWGP Gold.  With his place at the top of New Japan cemented, will Takagi cope with the pressure of being the face of the company?

What are your thoughts on the above story? Let us know in the comments on Twitter or Facebook.

• dominion
• Kazuchika Okada
• Shingo Takagi
• NJPW

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