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#2 Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay (NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 Day 1)
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Kazuchika Okada found himself in unfamiliar territory at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15. Not competing for the IWGP Heavyweight Champions and outside the main event, Okada looked to add to his stellar Tokyo Dome legacy in the semi-main event of Day 1 against his former CHAOS stablemate, Will Ospreay.
Ospreay was also looking to prove himself in this NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 contest. This time last year, the Aerial Assassin was the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. With his transition to the heavyweight division, his desire to be a top guy in the promotion led to his betrayal of Okada in the G1 Climax 30. The leader of The Empire wanted to beat his former friend on the biggest stage possible.
This was a simply amazing match that was based in marvelous storytelling and unbelievable in-ring work. The two men have undeniable chemistry that created awe-inspiring sequences and compelling action for over 35 minutes. The Tokyo Dome crowd reacted loudly with claps and stomps to this contest, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
With extraordinary matches in the past against Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kenny Omega on the Tokyo Dome stage, Kazuchika Okada added another astonishing performance at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15. Will Ospreay showed that he could not only be a top heavyweight in the promotion, but also a captivating heel who could work a different style.
This was a bout that will be remembered for years to come. Okada pulling out The Rainmaker to win for the first time in a year was a memorable moment that will live on in NJPW Wrestle Kingdom lore. Okada and Ospreay somehow put on one of the greatest Tokyo Dome matches, yet still left enough in the tank to go back to this match for years to come.
Star Rating: *****
