10 Introductory Matches To The Unrivalled Art Of Japanese Wrestling
4. Hiroshi Tanahashi Vs. Kazuchika Okada - NJPW The New Beginning 2012
This match, thrilling though it is, is arguably the worst in their G.O.A.T series - but to fully appreciate the whole, you must start at the beginning.
Then midcarder Okada wastes no motion in his mission to establish himself as both a threat to Tanahashi's title and an ultra-violent bad-a** - not content with suffocating Tanahashi by jamming his head through the small gap in the guardrail, he carelessly dislodges it with a stiff kick.
His use of expressions and body language is also incredibly advanced; he heightens interest, even when applying rest holds, by plastering a sickly and smarmy grin over his face.
It is a pleasure to watch in the context of the wider series, knowing that the most thrilling sequences will later be recalled and manipulated in surprisingly awe-inspiring ways. Okada's use of a tombstone piledriver to the outside is excessive in itself, but Tanahashi tries desperately to avoid it in their sequels, illustrating that it wasn't utilised simply for a cheap pop.
Okada even goes as far as to disrespectfully plant his foot on his prone opponent following his shocking win. In the match, he had already established himself as an in-ring general. In the aftermath, he also cemented his brash young upstart, ultra-cocky heel character.
Cheap plug incoming: In the second issue of the acclaimed premium WhatCulture Wrestling bookazine, I tackle the seminal Okada Vs. Tanahashi series against the backdrop of the wider Puroresu landscape in more depth. It is available for pre-order now!