NJPW Wrestling Dontaku Tour Matches Rated

2. Jay White v Hiroshi Tanahashi – NEVER Openweight Championship – 3/5/21

Even though Jay White was not present for most of the lead-up to his NEVER title match against champion Hiroshi Tanahashi, there was enough investment to get fans excited. Throughout their warm-up matches, the two men had fought over everything from their ideologies, looks and muscles.

Going into their match, all of that was on show. From the very beginning, it was not only an amazing wrestling match but was combined with amazing storytelling and ring psychology. Throughout, both men showcased their very diverse styles. Jay focused on a mat-based offence using his ring IQ, which is beyond his years, to lure Tanahashi. On the other hand, Tanahashi combined his Japanese strong style and flair with a high-risk offence.

For many, what was even better about the match was the lack of outside interference. Aside from one bit of distraction towards the end of the bout from Gedo, Jay White held his own throughout. He used his talent and brains to get the better of the veteran Tanahashi. Despite both men giving each other everything, they kept going. In the end, Jay White got the win earning his first NEVER title reign.

The careers of White and Tanahashi will forever be intertwined. This was another outstanding chapter to add to their story. With Jay White holding the title, it has raised the prestige even more. Hopefully, it will continue a new legacy that started with Shingo Takagi. It also won’t be the last time the two meet and they will continue to shine whenever they wrestle.

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1. Will Ospreay v Shingo Takagi – IWGP World Heavyweight Championship – 4/5/21

When Shingo Takagi first challenged Will Ospreay for his IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, fans were excited. Every time the two men got into the ring, they produced magic both as Jrs and Heavyweights. However, this bout stood out.

The pace of the match started much slower than many people expected. However, it seemed to be perfect considering the longevity of the match. It allowed both men to keep their energy up throughout. In the first part of the match, both men focused on showing off their strength and power. Ospreay managed to prove that he has some of the stiffest chops in New Japan. Shingo showed his endurance by taking all the damage and using it to his advantage.

Yet, as frustration from both men set in, the match increased in speed and danger. Fans got to witness a rare reverse-rana from Shingo and a very dangerous spot when Takagi hit a Made In Japan on Ospreay onto tables. Ospreay was just as wicked hitting his high-flying offence with extra venom.

In the end, despite his hardest efforts, Shingo couldn’t beat this new Will Ospreay. After two Hidden Blades finally helped Ospreay hit his Storm Breaker, the match came to an end at over 40-minutes. Even with the restrictions, you could feel the energy from the crowd.

There is a reason the match between the two became the first match of the year to gain six stars from Dave Meltzer. There is no denying that it was probably one of the best matches New Japan has seen for years.

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

• new japan pro wrestling
• Hiroshi Tanahashi
• Jay White
• Shingo Takagi
• NJPW
• Will Ospreay

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