10 Awesome Wrestling Matches You May Have Missed In 2018
9. Tomohiro Ishii Vs. Toa Henare (NJPW Road To Wrestling Dontaku - 24 April)
2018 was the year Toa Henare quietly emerged as one of NJPW's brightest prospects.
Having graduated Young Lion status, the New Zealander was handed a textbook 'Islander' gimmick and look, and pushed to a level beyond his Dojo-bound former classmates. His elevation will take time. NJPW don't hotshot such things, and at just 26 years old, there's no need for the promotion to rush a developing performer who could be on their books for decades.
Performances like this one highlight Henare's promise. He and Tomohiro Ishii (the hardest bastard in Japan) showed great chemistry when facing off in tags throughout the first quarter, prompting NJPW to book a Korakuen Hall one-on-one. The entree was as delicious as the appetisers. Both come from the 'hit each other really hard until one of us falls down' school of wrestling, so if you like your work stiff, fiery, and laced with fighting spirit, this hidden gem is a must-watch.
Henare will have countless bouts like this as his career progresses. One day, he may even inherit Ishii's throne as NJPW's warrior spirit, so let's hope this isn't the last time they go mano-a-mano.
Watch: NJPW World (paywall)