10 Best NJPW Matches Of The Year
2. Okada Vs. Tanahashi (Wrestle Kingdom 10)
Though not the true end to this epic rivalry, this main event at the Tokyo Dome was a symbolic end to a feud that has dominated the pinnacle of Japanese wrestling for years.
With the tables having been turned from Wrestle Kingdom 9, Okada was entering this year's event as champion, Tanahashi as the G1-winning challenger. Okada was also no longer seen as a smarmy heel, as the audience had begun to accept him as a true main-event calibre talent. The animosity going into this battle was palpable, with Tanahashi refusing to pass the torch to his younger rival, clinging onto his belief that he was the Ace. Okada on the other hand still wanted to erase the loss from the previous year that had reduced him to tears.
After over 35 minutes of back-and-forth, Okada refused to let go of Tanahashi's wrist, refusing to let this victory escape him. He hit three devastating Rainmakers to retain his championship and solidify his place as the New Ace of the company.