#3.) Retaining against Tetsuya Naito in the Tokyo Dome
In 2014, Naito faced Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight title at Wrestle Kingdom. However, due to a lack of reaction from fans, NJPW let fans decide which match they wanted to see main event the Tokyo Dome that year – Okada vs Naito for the Heavyweight title or Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Shinsuke Nakamura for the Intercontinental title. Fans chose the latter, and this was a turning point for Naito.
After winning the G1 Climax in 2017, there was no denying him the main event, as he was a different superstar altogether. In an incredible main event, many believed that Okada’s reign was finally coming to an end. However, that wasn’t the case as the Ace once again defeated his rival to retain the title at the Tokyo Dome.
Interestingly enough, one day before the match, he surpassed Tanahashi and earned the longest combined reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
Next Page: 5 defining moments of Kazuchika Okada’s record IWGP Heavyweight Championship reign
