5 Best Wrestling Matches Of 2015

#1 Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kota Ibushi – Wrestle Kingdom 9

This match did something that few matches have ever accomplished: it transcended time, space and language barriers, becoming a legendary match that exposed NJPW to a new audience. When this match took place, we were only four days into the 2015 calendar year. Yet the best match of that same year was already decided once this match ended.

This was the best match of Ibushi’s career and it cemented Shinsuke Nakamura as a legend in puroresu. Everything in this match screamed ‘outstanding’: Nakamura’s superstar entrance, Ibushi’s amazing athleticism, Nakamura’s strikes, and the incredible back-and-forth action between these two wrestlers.

But most importantly, this match had an atmosphere of realism about it. Nothing came across as scripted or phony; Nakamura and Ibushi wrestled so well that you forgot you were watching a wrestling match. The wrestling was so crisp and well-executed they looked like they were genuinely fighting and were trying desperately to win.

This is a match that can be watched again, and again, and again. it has so many layers of enjoyable elements to it that each time you watch you’ll see something new to like. You can show this match to a non-wrestling fan and they’ll likely be as excited watching it as you will be.

Words do not do it justice; go watch this incredible rollercoaster of a match. It will take your breath away.