5 Highlights From NJPW's Best Of The Super Juniors XXIII

5. KUSHIDA Vs. Kyle O’Reilly (Night One - 21st May)

Surprise, surprise: O’Reilly and the reigning IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion put on another Match of the Year candidate.

These two absolutely tore the house down in last year’s tournament final: a match that not only put O’Reilly on the map in NJPW, but elevated KUSHIDA as a true top tier star. This year’s clash was just as magnificent, and saw the tournament off to a great start on its opening night.

KUSHIDA and KOR have the type of chemistry that inspires “fight forever” chants, and leaves you salivating at the prospect of a potential rematch. Their technique, fire, and fighting spirit are simply unmatched in the JHW division. Starting with a slow, methodical pace, they worked through an extended series of grappling exchanges, slowly ramping-up the intensity with each hold, gradually working towards a thrilling conclusion.

O’Reilly, of course, brought some of his trademark stiff strikes to the table, while KUSHIDA’s spectacular armbar counter spot has to be seen to be believed. Both wrestlers worked their backsides off to close-out one of the most enjoyable shows of 2016 thus far, with KUSHIDA eventually tapping to a KOR armbar. Another must-see match between two absolute masters of their craft.