10 Best Wrestling Matches Involving WWE's Cruiserweight Classic Participants
1. Kota Ibushi Vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 9 (4th Jan, 2015)
Simply put, Kota Ibushi is one of the best wrestlers on the planet. Supplementing elite-level speed and agility with surprisingly impressive strength and a varied striking repertoire, he’s as close to a “complete” wrestler as it gets, and will likely find a lucrative WWE contract waiting for him at the tournament’s conclusion.
Even on Ibushi’s incredible resumé, this five-star Tokyo Dome showdown with “The King of Strong Style” stands-out. Following-on from (and somehow improving on) their August 2013 clash in New Japan’s G1 Climax tournament, this is the type of match that’ll leave you salivating.
From the ring entrances to the final bell, the atmosphere was incredible throughout. Both men took the blueprint they’d set-out in the G1 and applied greater psychology to produce what was probably the best match of 2015. Ibushi was going all-out to prove his worth to the veteran Nakamura here, indulging in stiff strikes and incredible displays of strength and athleticism throughout, even exhibiting an uncharacteristic nasty streak at some points.
This one just has to be seen to be believed. It’s an instant classic, a star-making performance from Ibushi, and the crowning glory of his career thus far.