AJ Styles: The Phenomenal One’s 10 Best Matches Prior to Joining WWE

4. Vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi – G1 Climax 2015

Much like Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi is one of NJPW’s current legends and one of the top stars on their roster. A 7-time IWGP Heayweight Champion as well a 2-time IWGP Intercontinental Champion and a two-time winner of the G1 Climax, the “Ace of the Universe” has done just about everything there is to do within the company. So it was no surprise to see Tanahashi throw his name in the hat as one of Styles challengers shortly after he arrived.

Three months into Styles run in Japan, the pairing linked up at the 2014 G1 Climax with Tanahashi getting the win and by pinning the current champ, entitled him to a title match with AJ just two months later at King of Pro Wrestling 2014.  There, Tanahashi again was victorious and captured his seventh world title. Styles would then gain a massive measure of revenge when, in February of 2015, took the championship back in Osaka.

However, their final encounter at the 2015 G1 Climax was their masterpiece. Based around an amazing psychological magic, Styles and Tanahashi tore into each other like two guys who knew it was going to be their last hurrah. The action was hard-hitting, graceful, and dramatic with both players embracing their roles as heel and baby face. The crowd was hot for Tanahashi and he seemed to play off it as he attacked his opponents legs trying to render the high-flyer useless. And of course, trading and kicking out of each others finishers is always good entertainment.

Tanahashi took the win on this night and used the strength of it to carry him all the win his second G1 and add another accomplishment to his already glamorous record. Styles used the performance to garner another title shot at Okada, although it was unsuccessful. Tremendous story, amazing pacing, and two world-class professionals. That’s all you need for a classic.