10 ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE Moments From NJPW Dominion 6.9
2. Rise Before (And After) A Fall
Kenny Omega's magnificent ascension to the hallowed summit of New Japan Pro Wrestling has not been without paradigm-shifting tumult. His own personal trajectory over the past four years has been one of learning and growing, but few climbs have been managed without heartbreaking falls along the way.
Fitting then, that his final one was perhaps the most shattering.
Kazuchika Okada claiming a pinfall on Omega just shy of the 29-minute mark was a soul-destroying blow for the 'Best Bout Machine'. The braggadocios Bullet Club 'Cleaner' had left behind the arrogance and obnoxiousness of his youth to overhaul 'The Rainmaker', and had yet left his guard and his shoulders down just enough to give away the first fall.
The second went better for him, but not before the panic of potential 2-0 defeat set in. Having already unleashed his fury on the Champion, he instead had to resort to a desperate departure from his strategy. An enormously evocative Kota Ibushi-inspired Phoenix Splash was missed, but his One Winged Angel was again successful in keeping down Okada - twice - to ultimately guide him towards his destiny.