10 Awesome Wrestling Matches You May Have Missed In 2018

9. Tomohiro Ishii Vs. Toa Henare (NJPW Road To Wrestling Dontaku - 24 April)

Buddy Murphy Mustafa Ali
NJPW

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)

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.