#2.) The passing of the torch at WK 10
Kazuchika Okada faced defeat at the hands of Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 9, sending him away dejected and in tears. He then faced a downward slope, losing match after match. After this, he finally got back to winning ways, which eventually led him to a match against AJ Styles, who had already dethroned Tanahashi at this point. He defeated Styles to become champion, and with Tanahashi winning the G1 Climax, a huge rematch was set up for the Tokyo Dome.
In one of the greatest instances of pro wrestling storytelling, Okada fought tooth and nail and held on, literally, to get his redemption against the ace. The final moment where he gripped on to Tanahashi’s wrists, showing how badly he wanted to win, was storytelling magic. Okada finally managed to beat Tanahashi, get his redemption and retain the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, effectively cementing himself as the new ace of NJPW.
Next Page: Kazuchika Okada’s 5 Greatest Moments
