10 Biggest Stories From New Japan’s Dominion And What They Mean Going Forward
2. Kenny Omega Finally Dethrones Kazuchika Okada
In what is already being hailed an earth-shattering in-ring contest — and potentially their greatest encounter yet — Kenny Omega finally defeated Okada , ending his historic 719-day reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Omega has spent over a year plus pursuing Okada’s title to no avail, coming heartbreakingly close in two previous attempts and even defeating the champ in a non-title match. The rivalry that kicked off at 2017’s Wrestle Kingdom 11 culminated at last night’s Dominion in a final two-out-of-three falls contest with no time limit.
The champion and challenger’s familiarity played a part in the match from the onset, as both men attempted their finishers and were promptly countered. Despite taking an early pounding from Omega, Okada was able to capture the first fall over his frequent challenger. Omega was able to rally back and score two straight decisions. The final minutes of the hour-plus long match saw Kenny deliver a rapid-fire V Trigger and One-Winged Angel to secure his place in New Japan’s history books.
With his Golden Lovers partner by his side, Kenny Omega captured his first-ever IWGP Heavyweight Championship -- a title he’s pursued since his move to New Japan’s heavyweight division in 2016. Now that Kenny has achieved his long-chased dream, it’s not entirely certain what this international sensation has in store next. Still, Omega and some of his friends gave an indication of what the New Japan landscape may look like with its Canadian-born world champion at the helm.