10 Booking Steps For Kenny Omega As IWGP Heavyweight Champion
4. Ace Crusher
Kenny Omega's first IWGP Heavyweight Title reign wasn't ever destined to be about competing with his predecessor - he'd done that just to win it in the first place. Kazuchika Okada established himself as the greatest holder of the illustrious strap with more than just a record-breaking string of wins.
The manner in which he put away each opponent was genuinely remarkable and a legitimate business boon for New Japan. Defeating him became the both the ultimate accolade and seemingly impossible dream of everybody that dared to compete, with Okada persistently finding the answer for every question asked of him by the litany of challengers.
He had long supplanted Hiroshi Tanahashi as 'The Ace' before he soundly defeated him at Wrestling Dontaku 2018, but a victory over the era-defining babyface was still vital in cementing his legacy - exactly as it will be for Omega.
With nods to the legendary series, Omega will yet again prove himself Okada's equal against Tana, toppling him with the dominance of Dontaku but the respect of a Young Lion. Babyface Kenny has the heart his 'Cleaner' persona didn't when they last faced off, and the victory will boost his confidence ahead of a resurgent New Japan Cup 2019 winner, delaying his shot but buoyed by Omega's caustic shots across the bow...