10 Amazing Wrestling Matches You’ve Never Seen

7. Gedo Vs. Finn Bálor

I asked Andy Murray, he also of this parish, if he had any last-minute suggestions for this list and he answered me thusly:

"You should include Finn Bálor vs Gedo because a) it's Finn Bálor, so familiarity, b) It's a classic of that era of New Japan that nobody talks about and c) it's a cool story of Okada saying "if you want a shot at my IWGP Heavyweight Title, defend your Junior belt against my manager". It f***ing bangs"

Quite why nobody talks about this is beyond me as it's got some of the greatest near-falls you've ever likely to see. I went in literally knowing the result and it got me twice on a false finish. It also includes a ripper post-match promo from Bálor where he opens with "Oi Oi Okada... I don't want this stupid f***ing trophy", and that's worth half an hour of your time alone.

It's a reminder - if you needed one - that prior to his 50/50 main roster shenanigans and that Moment of Bliss segment I'm still not over, Bálor felt like the most dangerous, imperative pro-wrestler on the planet at one point.

Seeing him earn his shot against a fresh-faced Okada is something everyone should be reminiscing about.