Kenny Omega went from an Indy darling to true main event star all around the world due to them. The series was capstone of Okada's record breaking IWGP title run. New Japan created a real buzz in the US the company had never seen before off the backs of these matches. And well they were one of many things leading to what would become AEW. Now its a while since the final match in the series. And I really think a matches true legacy is how well it holds up to viewing as it ages. For example I can watch Savage vs. Steamboat and still enjoy it I can't stand to watch Hogan vs. Rock. Now upon first watching these matches years ago I enjoyed them but I didn't think they were so great they were worth breaking the five star scale (although that is a whole other debate) with the fourth and final match being my favorite of the four. So lets take a look at Okada vs. Omega.
General background- Okay most people already know this stuff however there is also a good chance fans don't watch NJPW or are just finding out who Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada are. Plus I do feel there some added context I want to keep in mind while reviewing these matches. What I would say each match has a question hanging over it. Okada was first trained by The Ultimo Dragon in his Toryumon school as a teenager. By 2007 he had been accepted to the New Japan Dojo. By 2010 he was sent to America to work for TNA. At Wrestle Kingdom VI on January 4th 2012 Okada returned to New Japan defeating YOSHI-HASHI and by the end of the night it became just how much faith booker Gedo had in the young man. Okada walked to the ring and challenged for Hiroshi Tanahashi for an IWGP title match. On February 12th Okada stunned the world by winning the title.
What followed was a four year with many many matches feud between the Ace and the Rainmaker for control of New Japan. Finally in 2016 at Wrestle Kingdom 10 Okada once again defeated Tanahashi to win the title. While he had beat Tanahashi many times this was him beating him in the companie's biggest show and based on booking after it the torch had really been passed. In June of that same year at Dominion Okada won his fourth IWGP title beating Tetsuya Naito. Coming into the first match Okada had only made one title defense against Pro Wrestling NOAH's Naomichi Marufji.
Kenny Omega made his debut in his native Canada in 2001. In 2005 he signed to a WWE developmental deal but asked to be released in 2006. He gained buzz working for various companies such as ROH, PWG, and most importantly DDT. In DDT he had wrestled and teamed with Kota Ibushi. In 2010 he debuted for New Japan. Together he and Ibushi as the Golden Lovers even held the IWGP Junior Tag Titles that same year. However it wasn't until 2014 he signed a full time New Japan contract. On November 8th he was reveled to be the newest member of the Bullet Club. Omega actually wasn't happy with this as he felt foreign guy joins Bullet Club was overdone he also struggled with the early mob influenced Cleaner character.
Yet by adding more comedy to his matches along with strong matches with people like Kushida and Taguchi he found his feet. 2016 would see Omega get his big break with several people including AJ Styles leaving New Japan Omega was promoted to the heavyweight division. At New Year's Dash Omega pinned Shinsuke Nakamura in a tag match and than kicked AJ Styles out of both Bullet Club and New Japan. While also forming a Bullet Club sub group called The Elite with The Young Bucks. He followed that up winning the IWGP Intercontinental Championship beating Tanahashi. And in the summer he made history becoming the first Gaijin to win the G1 Climax beating form G1 champion Hiroki Goto. After he defended the briefcase during the fall stage was set.
Match One Wrestle Kingdom 11 January 4th 2017 Tokyo Dome- Now earlier I said there was a question over each match? For the first one the question is Kenny Omega IWGP worthy? Which fits both in the ring and backstage. In kayfabe Omega had won numerous championships and the G1 but still its a big ask to beat Okada kind of like how a MMA fighter's reputation is in doubt until the fight in the UFC. Omega himself admitted had AJ, The Good Brothers, and Nakaumra not left for WWE he would have just been booked as a Junior still. And remember Wrestle Kingdom is New Japan's biggest show thus Gedo must of had faith in Kenny to put him in the main event when you look at other members of the roster who could have won the G1 instead. Now on the pre match VTR along with comments made by both men were brought up leading New Japan world wide. By this time New Japan World was a thing the AXS TV show was also happening. But I kind of feel those are the same thing. By this time Okada had firmly cemented himself as NJPW's top guy while Omega needed to beat him to have any claim of leadership.
Since this is in the Tokyo Dome we do get some added stuff for the intros. Kenny's video and walk out gear are inspired by The Terminator which became a logo for him along with use of the rise position before his big flip dive. The Young Bucks are with Omega as his seconds for the match. I do admit I love Kenny's pre match look the jacket the gun even the half mask. Okada's pre tron video shows planets and star, than moving into a shot of earth and finally the dome before finally showing the Dome itself I think its invoke the idea of Okada as this almost god like figure. Not a god lin the christian sense but more in the way the term is used in Japan. Okada didn't create the world but he's one of the most powerful beings on it. We also get our Okada dollars raining down. Gedo is in the corner of Okada as his long time manager. There is a really nice shot before match. Okada stands on the ropes doing his intro hearing his public cheer for him he than turns with a stern look to Omega only for the cameras to show Omega has turned away almost as if he's doing all he can to block out the power of Okada in the moment.
Finally Red Shoes calls for the bell and the two men stare each other down not moving finally circle and tease a lock up only to break away. One more second later they finally lock up. Omega with the early advantage twisting on Okada arm which makes sense as he's what is Okada's big move? The Rain Maker so taking out the arm would take that away. Okada takes control with a headlock for a second only for Omega to go to the eyes for a break. Omega manages to drag Okada to the mat with headlock even when Okada hits a back drop suplex he won't break it. I like that its a good early spot to show how determined Omega is he doesn't no sell the pain of the move but instead shows he's willing to take some pain to do his damage. When Okada dries the move again Omega changes course flipping over Okada to land on his feet. We do get a minor issue early as during a jackknife pin it looks like Okada wasn't sure if Kenny was ready so he just stops himself and stares for a second. Okada gets control finally using arm drags into an arm bar. Okada does his tease a chop only to break free spot.
The pace starts to pick up after a boot Kenny sees a chance for the one winged angel but Okada escapes and looks for the rain maker only for Omega to avoid it and spit in Okada's face. Okada chase Omega to the floor with Omega trying to get the edge back into the ring but Okada lands a big boot than his one foot drop kick. So far I like pacing we got our early feeling out process which makes sense given its the two men's first singles match. Plus the match before this that night had seen Tanahashi win the IC title from Naito so the crowd needed a breather or you risk wearing them out to early. But now we are seeing the pace quicken the bigger shots are coming out. Omega rolls to the floo but Oakad follows him out and whips him into the guard rail hard. Omega tries for a suplex on the floor but Okada winds up turning into an elevated DDT on the floor. Okada than gets a table from under the ring. Kevin Kelly on commentary reminds up Omega has put Okada through a table during the lead up to Dome. This moment backfires on the champion though as Omega recovers enough to land a forearm. Omega tries toss Okada over the guard rail but Okada stops himself and sends Kenny over instead.
Running crossbody diving over the guardrail by Okada. Its an amazing sight as Okada gets so much height on the dive. Finally Red Shoes starts the count and Okada returns the match to the ring. Slam by Okada than a sling shot senton. So one thing I notice is Omega with the spit and other stuff like going to the eyes and pulling the hair was trying to get Okada mad enough to make a mistake because he was so angry. But Okada is instead able to channel any rage into added fury with his attack but he's not blindly punching hunting a knockout. Pin by Okada gets on as Omega yells now. Chin lock by Okada when Omega tries to get free Okada with a neck breaker for a two count. Omega with forearm Okada goes for an Irish whip. Duck under by Omega he coms back around and dropkicks Okada in the knee. Kotaro Krusher by Omega for one.
Big knife edge chop by Omega and Okada grabs his chest. Forearm by the back by Omega and Okada drops only for Omega to splash onto his back. Body slam and Omega goes for an elbow it misses. Okada goes for a senton but it misses. Forearm again to the back by Omega he covers for two. Omega looks for again, Okada starts to fight back only to take knee to the gut. Snap rana by Omega and Okada rolls to the floor. Rise of the Terminator Dive by Omega and it's picture perfect as he's fully extended and well clear of the the ropes. Omega slams Okada back first onto the apron and Okada yells in agony. Back to the ring missal dropkick to the back of the head. Omega covers and Okada has to reach out with his hand to the ropes to break the pin. Really smart moment there. During Omega's take over Okada still showed fire but that shows just how quick the figth has been drained out of the IWGP champion. Reverse chin lock by Omega.
Omega looks for either a power bomb or a piledriver but Okada bases out Omega with the Muay Thai clinch but Okada catches a knee and hits a fire men's carry slam. Both men are down Okada up and starts to hits forearms and than a running back elbow. Running back elbow in the corner by Okada than a DDT and a running uppercuts for two by Okada. Red Ink by Okada which was his submission finisher pre money clip. Omega to the ropes. Okada to the top but Omega is back up. Okada lands on his feet. Omega charges Okada gest him up and hits the reverse neck breaker. Okada back to the top rope goes for the elbow but Omega gets his legs up. Back breaker by Omega Oakda to the floor. Vicious looking baseball slide by Omega and Okada is sent over the guard rail. Springboard moonsault by Omega again amazing height this time by Omega.
Okada lays motionless on the floor. Kenny fights and gets back into the ring as Red Shoes stars the count. Okada stumbles to his feet. Kenny cuts Okada off he places the table from earlier on top of the Rain Maker and hits a double stomp. Omega gets his second wind and brings Okada back to the ring for a folding power bomb for two. Dead lift Dr. Wiley bomb by Omega for two. On the floor the Young Bucks set up the table. Omega moves to the apron. Red Shoes hooks Kenny's arm and won't let him do what ever he's got planned. Kenny gives up that apron and starts to drive knees to Okada in the ring. Okada appears to be out on his feet he is whipped hard into the corner and than just collapes. Omega starts to keep sloppy and charges into a boot but Okada can't keep control. You can't escape finaly roll and moonsault by Omega for two. We get a shot of a nasty gash on Okada's back.
We get another excellent shot Omega has this sick joyful smile on his face as he sets up for a snap dragon. Meanwhile is in pain his eyes shut. Okada fights free and is able to eventually get his mounted drop kick sending Omega to floor. Okada pulls Omega to the apron They tease a table spot. Omega teases the one winged angel but Okada slips off back into the ring. Stiff sounding chops by Omega he charges but Okada back drops him. Omega goes flying over the top rope and into the table on the floor destroying it. Both men are down. Omega from the table and Okada from the accumulation of damage. Okada finally gets out and and tosses Kenny back in. Okada top missile drop kick to the seated Omega. Cover by Okada but Omega kicks out at two. Elbow drop from the top by Okada. Now Okada is into this second wind and does his rain maker pose trying to get that extra surge from the fans.
Rain maker attempt but Okada gets the ropes. No clean break this time Okada hits Kenny in the back. Kenny drives Okada into the corner back first on another rain maker attempt. Omega tries to pick Okada up but his back his shot and he can't. Finally Omega sits Okada on the top rope. Okada knocks im off but Omega goes to the back again. Both men stand on the top rope. Avalanche Dragon suplex Okada lands on his head. Omega has to crawl for the pin which lets Okada kick at two. Aoi Shoudou by Omega. V trigger misses. High angle German Okada he holds on and goes for the rain maker. Omega avoids it and hits the V trigger. Omega goes for it again but Okada hit the drop kick. Rain maker attempt this time Omega kicks the arm. V trigger is blocked once but a second gets it. Reverse rana by Omega. Okada tries to get but up but collapses back down. To me that is a more effective sell than just staying down. It sends the message the mind might be on but the body can't respond.
V Trigger connects again. Kenny sets for the one winged angel. Okada lands on his feet. Omega goes for a cutter but Okada catches him and hits the tombstone. Rain Maker finally. The crowd counts 1 and 2 only for Omega to kick at two. We get one more excellent shot as Okada sits in shock. At this moment Okada has gotten the answer to the question. Kenny Omega is IWGP worthy because in punishing grueling match Kenny Omega took Okada's best shot and kicked out. Omega is trying to stand but he's so hurt. Okada gets up and acts confused he's exhausted and now he's not sure if The Rain Maker is enough. Omega from his knees punches but Okada no sells it. Omega gets diryt again and goes for the eyes. Okada makes him pay with a shotgun dropkick. Okada pulls a limp Omega up looking for the tombstone but Omega reveres it. Bastard Driver by Omega for only two. Both men on there knees exchange elbows. The fight to there feet and Omega lands a punch but Okada shakes it off. Raid fire exchanges of strikes But Omega goes under the legs. Snap dragon V trigger only two. V Trigger to the back of the head and once again Omega looks for the one winged Angles. Okada gets the wrist lands on his feet Rain Maker. Both men are down but Okada sticks his fist up in the air because in his other hand is Omega's wrist. Its a call back to last year's main event at the Dome. Omega with with desperate strikes an knees but Okada won't leg go clothesline by Okada. Main makers misses more fighting for position and Omega with dropkick.
Omega with the rain maker pose Rain Trigger by Omega and once again to the one winged Angle but Okada escapes again. Jumping tombstone and Rain Maker. The crowd counts 1 2 3. "GOT HIM!" Kevin Kelly yells. Post match we see shots of people crying after the match out of joy. Gedo and the Bucks check on there men as Corino puts over the match. Omega falls to the floor just as Okada is presented with his IWGP title. Post match Gedo puts over Omega but goes into his usual on another level speech for Okada. Okada stands clearly spent and exhausted but knowing once more he's' shown he's the best. Finally Okada can speak he declares himself the 1 guy in New Japan and declarers he will make New Japan big all around the globe.
Conclusion- I actually think I like this match the more it ages and the more times I watch it. So many things about this match just hold up and like a lot of good forms of entertainment you notice things the more you watch it. Also there are just so many little things that just work for example later in the match Omega trying to pick up Okada up but having to put him down because the back is hurt. Also both guys were really on here. Okada's always had a great dropkick but his ones on this night looked better than usual. Another key was the risks both men took such as the spring board moonsault by Omega or Okada landing on his head from the top rope Dragon Suplex. And I do think there were other factors that helped this match. like being in the dome on January 4th. And the New Japan camera crew was really on catching some great shots. Finally the selling is outstanding. People have this bad habit of thinking New Japan matches are a lot of no selling that gets called "Fighting Spit."
But that isn't really what happens. When done well fighting spirt is about over coming the damage you have taken or blocking out the pain. Omega and Okada never no sell fully. Its more a case of they know that body part is hurt but have to hurt it more to do damage and win the match. There are some really good reversals and changes of momentum. You get a lot of when Kenny is taking over Okada fights back a bit trying to stop it or vice versa when Okada is taking over. Now there are some issues. Late in the match both men spam moves Okada the rain maker and Omega the V trigger. I do kind of see what they were doing it was late in the match both men are spent so they are going for that big shot they can do in there sleep instead of some combination they don't often do. You could also make the point the match is a bit to long which might also explain the spamming. But overall this is strong match. I can buy saying it's not the greatest match ever but I think anyone saying it's bad is either a WWE fan that can't accept the best aren't working for Vince or Cornette fans that have an ax to grind because Omega did comedy at one point.
Between the Matches- Now a misconception lost to history at times is the post match reaction. Some now think Dave Meltzer and only Dave went nuts for it and than everyone on the internet just went with Dave's review. But even before Dave gave match one six stars there was a strong buzz about the match. I do think the news of a scale breaking added to it. But I also think the buzz was helped that this was a match from New Japan fans could get pretty easily. No tape trading no having to find it onlie and how you are downloading the actual full match.
As for Omega he actually disappeared from New Japan after the match. His contract was up and WWE did in fact approach him. While Omega did openly admit he wanted a match with AJ Styles on a big stage (A match with AJ back in mid 2000's inspired him to keep wrestling when he was thinking about retiring) he resigned with New Japan. Returning in February for Honor Rising. Around this tension began to build with newest Bullet Club member Cody. Omega also got upst in the first round of the New Japan cup by Tomihiro Ishii staring a feud that would play out into the summer.
At New Year's Dash Okada and the rest of CHAOS were attacked by the returning Suzuki Gun leading to a title defense against Minoru Suzuki at New Beginnings. At Sakura Genesis it was NJ Cup champion Katsuyori Shibata in a match that sadly ended Shibata's career and later on Okada would admit in a documentary about his career this match badly shanked his confidence. Finally at Wrestling Dontaku Okada beat old rival Bad Luck Fale. Post match Okada issued a challenge to Omega for a rematch.
Match Two Dominion 6.11 June 11th 2017 Osaka-jo Hall- Kenny Omega wasn't happy with the rematch being so soon after the first one. Which I can understand given the attention the first match got the pressure would on when the rematch happened. With the January 4th match still so fresh in people's mind there were risks of simply not being able to top or approach the first match. I also bet Omega wanted a longer build given he has made it clear he wants longer stories in wrestling. But Gedo booked the rematch for Dominion likely due to New Japan wanted to make Dominion the second biggest show of the year. And what better way to do that than give the rematch to the match everyone had been talking about for six months. The question over this match is Can Omega finally Hit the One Winged Angel? Back in the Tokyo Dome Okada had been able to escape the hold every time Omega went for it. Yet it had also been shown it took more than one Rain Maker put down. Basically Okada needed his best weapon twice while Omega still had a bullet in the chamber.
Same seconds as last time out Okada with Gedo and The Bucks are with Omega. The opening pre match video highlights Okada's title defenses since The Dome match and his challenge to Kenny. We get clips of the first match in it as well. I don't speak Japanese so I don't know what Okada was saying but Omega bragged that Okada needed him to have his greatest match. And Kenny saying the belt is the thing on his plate. Worth nothing Don Callis has replaced Steve Corino on the English team. Nothing special is done for Omega's entrance. I would say Omega looks more confident. I think an idea he was trying to get across was the idea he now knew what it took it beat Okada. For the Rain Maker's entrance there is traditional Japanese music that plays and he comes out with an extra robe. I would also say this time Okada seems more nervous almost like the moment is getting to him a bit. Omega looks bigger for this match as Callis mentions he's added 15lbs of muscle.
The bell rings and just like the dome each man is slow to even come out of the corner. Finally the lock up and again Kenny targets teh arm early. Okada looks for a leg hold but Kenny kicks him off. Omega with an early head lock and drops Okada with a shoulder tackle. Kenny with trash talk but Okada ties him forces him into the corner and does a clean breaker. Shoulder block and Okada knocks Kenny down. Even exchanges with man able to land something but not a major move during all this. Okada gets Kenny down and goes for the sling shot senton but Kenny gets the legs up. Early one winged angel and rain maker teases. Okada with a neck breaker and only gets one. Okada appears to tweak his knee at one point when he stops to check it Kenny with a snap rana. Okada to the floor Omega starts to do rise of the Terminator but Okada is back in and hits a bit boot. Omega to the floor and Okada with a tope but he comes down grabbing his leg. Okada tosses Kenny back in but needs a second due to his knee. Kenny sees his chance drop kick to the knee when Okada climbs back in.
Shin breaker and a springboard dropkick to the knee. Figure Four by Omega. So match one Kenny really targeted Okada's back this match so far its the knee. I also like how they set it up. Its not so much Kenny is giving up on the game plan that he had success with in the Dome its more he seems a chance given to him by fate. Okada rolls over to reverse the pressure but Omega rolls through to keep control. Than in a small but really nice moment as Okada goes for the ropes Kenny grabs a hold of him. Finally Okada is able to get the ropes. Kenny drags Okada to the floor and slams his knee on the apron than onto the ringside Doctor's table. Kenny and the Bucks celebrate while Okada is down. The referee starts the count. Okada hops his way back to the ring. Omega hangs Okada's knee and stomps it. Kenny kicks at the leg and the face but Okada is getting ticked off and he fires back.
Amazing exchange of the direction by Kenny. Than we get another really good spot. Omega will often slide to his knees when doing a duck under. When Okada misses a clothesline comes right back with a basement dropkick catching Omega right in the face. Yet Okada is slow to follow up with the knee being hurt. Flapjack by Okada. Both men are up and Okada with a running back elbow the the corner back elbow Victory roll by Okada into red ink. Omega gets free by getting the ropes. Out to the floor and Omega blocks a whip into the guardrail. He springs up but Okada shoves him off. Okada with the diving cross body over the guard rail. Back to the ring and Okada to the top. Omega moves and Okada jumps over him. Okada with a chance at the tombstone but Omega reveres position but than Okada. Omega into a roll up. Reverse neck breaker by Okada. The IWGP champ goes to the top for the elbow but he misses as Omega rolls away. Pump handle back breaker by Omega. Okada to the floor only to eat baseball slide. Top rope by Osi Moonsault by Omega. Even more amazing he nearly slipped but caught himself and still hit the move.
Back to the ring Omega with the dropkick to the back of the head. Okada sells it like he's been shot. Cover by Omega for two. Dr. Wiley bomb and another two count for the challenger. Snap dragon is block. Omega with a hard forearm to the back and he looks for the one winged angel Okada punches free and lands a stiff forearm. You can't escape by Omega but Okada gets the legs up on the moonsault. Exchange of Forearms. Omega slaps but Okada with one of his own rocks Omega. Big chop by Omega and Okada collapses. Omega winds up on the apron but he climbs the ropes. Okada goes up with him. Omega teases a super bomb but Okada blocks. Okada teases a neck breaker but Omega blocks. Kenny back into the ring and nails Okada. Omega wants the top rope dragon but Okada knocks him away. Okada powers free of a second attempt. We hit the 25 minute mark. Both out to the apron. Death Valley Driver by Okada and Omega hits hard.
Omega tries to climb back in but Okada pulls back down to the floor. Shotgun dropkick by Okada and Omega sent hard into the guardrail. Okada gets a table out from under the ring and sets it up. Omega has gotten into the ring but is still down on his back. Okada back in and hits an uppercut. Okada whips Omega in and teases he will again back body drop Kenny over the top through the table. But this time Omega is able to land a kick to stop it. Omega goes for a power bomb but Okada nearly slips free Omega pulls him back up. Awesome bomb attempt but Okada gets free. Omega charges Okada with a back body drop last second Kenny lands on the apron. Omega with a springboard but Okada with the dropkick. This time the top rope elbow hits and we get the rain maker pose.
Okada wants the rain maker but Kenny blocks it at 30 mintues. Omega sits Okada on the top rope. Okada with a stiff shot but Omega presses on and hammers Okada. Top rope superplex cover by Omega for two. Aoi Shoudou by Omega. V triggers misses, Okada with a German but Kenny lands on his feet and now hits the V trigger. One winged angel attempt but Okada escapes, Kenny counters the rain maker into the backslide to set up for another V Trigger. Okada catches the knee. Dead lift German by Okada he rolls through for a second. Rain maker by Okada 1 2 and no. The crowd goes crazy as again Omega kicks out of the rain maker in a IWGP title match. Okada goes for a drop kick but Omega catches him and hits a sit out power bomb. Both men are out on there feet but Omega with the big chop. Kenny ducks a rain maker attempt to hit snap dragon. Elevated dropkick by Okada and Omega is sent to the floor. Okada places Omega on the table. Okada to the top. Elbow drop connects. That is the second time in this match Okada has done a flying move to the floor form the ring. Unusual for him but a great way to sell he has to go further to beat Omega. He can't just count on the same old moves.
Both are down finally Red Shoes starts the count. Finally Okada rolls Omega back in. Okada back to the top missile dropkick gets two. Basement dropkick and a second one by Okada than a third. Okada covers but Omega's arm is under the ropes. We see the ringside doctor checking on Omega. Omega weakly fires shots at Okada and geos for the eyes but Okada just shakes it off. Short armed rain maker by Okada but he holds on. Omega grabs the ropes but is pulled away. Rain Maker again knocks him back down. You hear Gedo screaming "Finish Him!" The referee wants to check on Omega. The rest of Bullet Club comes to ringside. Cody has a towel and the Young Bucks have to restrain him to stop him from throwing it in. This is part of the Kenny and Cody story. Cody on the surface is acting like Kenny's friend the good teammate but in reality he sees his chance to make Kenny 0-2 vs. the champ and thus being able to say "Gee guys maybe Kenny doesn't have it in him to beak Okada."
But than Kenny sees what Cody is doing and he's able to hit a v trigger and spike Okada with a reverse rana. The rest of Bullet Club surround the ring and slap the mat. I think the idea is supposed to be Cody worked on GOD', Fale, Yujiro, and Hangman for a while and swayed them to his side but than they see Kenny rally back and all of a sudden they are behind there leader and his chance to bring the title back to the club. Kenny grabs the towel and whips himself with it. V triggers attempt but Okada with a dropkick. Rain maker misses Kenny with Rain trigger. V Trigger to the head. One Winged Angel Oakda to his feet. Jumping V Trigger. One Winged Angel set up Okada can't get free it hits. Cover 1 and 2 and Okada's foot is in the ropes. Okay at this stage the crowd is on fire it really seems to be they have sided with Kenny and are thinking it's a new champion's moment. Kenny finally hits his big move and all that saves Okada is bad ring posting and his own long leg falling just right.
The replay shows just how close Red Shoes was to three and a great look by Kenny when he sees how Okada survived. Kenny pulls Okada to the center he does the bang pose but Okada gets up and hits a clothesline. They call it rain maker but really its a clothesline. Both men are back down. Red Shoes starts to count them out. Both men stand for a second only to fall back down to stop the count. Finally back up. Exchange of forearms. Kenny Omega drops Okada and than hits the snap dragon. Okada recovers and Kenny runs into the dropkick. Elbows by Okada as we hit 50 minutes. Kenny lands one but Okada with a series. Knee by Omega and again. Okada drops Kenny falls into the pin but only get a two count. Okada isn the corner. V Trigger to the back of the head. Omega gets Okada up but Okada slips out the back and hits the tombstone both men are back down. Primal scream by Okada as he pulls Kenny back up the rain maker.
Than we get a brilliant bit of story telling. Kenny simply collapses all the damage he's taken has been to much but Okada has swung wild and falls himself. Kenny by sure luck gets a chance to recover as Okada uses all he had left to go for that missed chance. Okada can't get Kenny up for another tombstone. Omega with a flurry but he falls into the ropes. V Trigger to the face and Okada is glassy eyed at 55 mins. Another knee to the face. Omega with the jump knee. He wants the one winged angle but Okada out the back with a dropkick sends Kenny face first into the ropes. Less than 4 mins now. Jumping tombstone by Okada. German with a bridge by Okada and he only gets two. Small package by Omega for two. Dropick by Okada knocks Kenny down again as are at the 2 minute warning. Okada has to crawl to Omega and he screams trying to fire himself up as he tries to block the pain and exhaustion. Omega holds onto the ropes to block the rain maker with a minute left. Snap dragon by Omega by Okada is back up for the drop kick. Rain maker but Okada loses the wrist he falls across the ring at 30 seconds left. Okada can barley move and he crawls to try and pin Omega but the time limit is up. Post match like everybody at ringside piles into check on both men. Don says the might have just topped the Tokyo Dome.
Even after the match Kenny is trying to reach out tryng to fight on. Finally the Young Bucks rolsl there friend to the floor. We get a great shot as Omega regains his sense looks into the ring and it dawns on him the title has once again elude him. Kenny than collapses to the floor. The Bullet Club surround him. What ever issues might be on with the group for now they are behind Omega as there leader. The fans cheer for Kenny as Kevin Kelly and Don Callis put over what a warrior Omega is. Back in the ring Okada has laid still for several minutes. Finally he is presented his belt. This time though the relief he felt post match on January 4th isn't there. Okada can't even stay standing. When Gedo starts his post match speech Okada sits in the corner. Its clear what his thoughts are. "I maybe champion but I didn't win and for me that is a loss." Okada puts over Omega post match and thanks the fans. Finally Okada is able to stand but even than on unsteady feet. He finishes his speech but even than falls to his knees in order to do his pose for the fans. In kayfab it's clear Okada was hoping to put Omega behind him once and for all. If anything though Omega has now pulled nearly even with Okada in standing in the New Japan pecking order.
Conclusion- In general I feel the sixty minute draw has been overly romanticized in pro wrestling. Back in the day it was a easy way to protect a local draw who wasn't going to beat the traveling world champion. Often a match that goes sixty ha a lot of filler in it. A lot of stuff done to stretch out the run time and gives the talent a chance to there breath. But that doesn't mean you can never do a 60 minute draw its just has to be the right time. Now I'm blessed with knowing how the feud will go. So now knowing what happens a year later I see why they went with this draw. In Okada's record setting title reign his match is the *. The match he couldn't win. But does this match hold up on its own?
I would say yes for the most part. The match does some great call backs to the Dome with out being a lazy redo of it. And I can't stress hot crowd was espically when it looked like Omega had the title won. The two are able to keep a strong pace even as the match goes on. Again some of the moves look brutal. The biggest issue is Okada totally no selling his bad leg after a while. Made even worse but just how many dropkicks he landed. I really wonder he ever sold the knee at all if he was going to make a move that requires strong legs his biggest offensive move most of the match. I do really like we see a sense of desperation from Okada at times. Him doing big risky moves trying to put Omega away. Or how wild he gets with the Rain Maker trying to land it with the most force. But like a boxer hunting a knockout he's putting himself in danger.
Some might find the stuff with Cody to be a negative I am fine with it. I think it helps that seems to be the point where Kenny is the closet to winning the match. See Cody and his clear efforts to take over fires Omega up even more. Is this better than the Dome match? I think it might depend on the day you watch it. Sometimes I enjoy this match more other times I would pick the dome match. The critics seemed to favor this match. Mainly Dave who give is a .25 star more.
Thank you for reading. Next time we will look at The G1 match as well the final encounter between The Rain Maker and The Cleaner. And I will give my overall thoughts on the whole series the feud and it did for both men and wrestling a whole.
