10 Best Wrestling Matches Of 2019

10. Kazuchika Okada Vs. SANADA - NJPW G1 Climax

Kazuchika Okada, in storyline and reality, is the most formidable presence in New Japan Pro Wrestling.

He is also a man without a legacy rival. He has since surpassed Hiroshi Tanahashi; their defining rivalry was at long last concluded at this year's G1 Climax opener when Okada defeated him in 22 minutes. Tanahashi could no longer take him to the limit. Kenny Omega left to form and star in All Elite Wrestling. Kota Ibushi is next in line to challenge Okada's dominance - and Tetsuya Naito has a prophesy of his own to fulfil - but somewhere, in an undefined space, lies SANADA.

SANADA is an expert counter technician - so much so that he can take Okada to his limit, but can never overcome - but there's a strange, blank quality to him. He cannot emote. In a spellbinding, beautifully worked match, Okada invoked that emotion from him. Nearing the dramatic crescendo, Okada, desperate for SANADA to challenge his dominance - what is a Champion without a worthy challenger? - roared in SANADA's face. This genius psychological touch incited SANADA's comeback and swept up the crowd in support of him, leading to an incendiary finishing sequence. With one display of body language, Okada conspired to enhance even his own, blistering trademark finish and his opponent alike. It ended at the absolute peak of the drama to the very millisecond of the time limit. That is impossibly difficult. That is how legendary Okada is at just 32.

In the "belts are props" era, this was the perfect World Champion performance.