NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13 For Beginners: Part 2

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Kenny Omega vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi – IWGP Heavyweight Championship

Josiah: Hiroshi Tanahashi had a very rough few years. Since losing to Kazuchika Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 10 in 2016, he has largely been in a secondary position behind Okada. The Ace of NJPW was looking more like a second level player, with  Minoru Suzuki injuring Tanahashi early in the year, and then Tanahashi losing the New Japan Cup to Zack Sabre Jr. Tanahashi, however, was not ready to quit.

Hiroshi Tanahashi entered the G1 Climax with a point to prove. He wanted to show the world that he was still the Ace, and that he was nowhere near done. Tanahashi not only proved it by winning the G1 Climax, but he arguably had some of the best matches of his entire career.

But there was still one thing looming over Tanahashi’s head. He has not been able to defeat Kazuchika Okada since 2015. Tanahashi went to a draw with Okada twice since then, and had a match to defend his position in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom against Okada at Destruction in Kobe.

After a grueling match, Tanahashi finally managed to defeat Okada, and was on his way towards the Wrestle Kingdom main event. Jay White attacked both men after the match, but Tanahashi and Okada defended each other, to the surprise of all the fans. Tanahashi has ended 2018 looking stronger than he has in years, and looking like the Ace of old.

Meanwhile, Kenny Omega, despite being the IWGP Heavyweight Champion, feels like he’s been overlooked because of Tanahashi. Omega wants to show the world that he is the truly the best wrestler in the world, and that the age of Tanahashi is over. Omega finally defeated Kazuchika Okada in a best 2 out of 3 falls match that went for nearly 75 minutes, ending one of the greatest title reigns in modern history.

Omega’s year hasn’t been without turmoil though, as he had an internal feud with Cody Rhodes in the Bullet Club, and was eventually removed from the group by Tama Tonga. Omega is still the leader of the Elite, and has reformed his team, The Golden Lovers, with Kota Ibushi. 2018 was a year of ups and downs for Omega, he has reached a level of success that few have in the business. Omega finally wants to throw off the last thorn in his side, Hiroshi Tanahashi, at Wrestle Kingdom 13.

Josiah’s Prediction: Hiroshi Tanahashi

Laura’s Prediction: Long live the Ace. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Recommended Viewing:

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada (G1 Climax 2018 – August 10, 2018)

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi (G1 Climax 2018 – August 12, 2018)

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada (Destruction in Kobe – September 23, 2018)

Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada (Wrestle Kingdom 11 – January 4, 2017)

Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada (Dominion – June 11, 2017)

Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada (G1 Climax 2017 – August 12, 2017)

Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada (Dominion – June 9, 2018)