10 Live Observations From NJPW’s FIRST EVER UK Tour
4. RAINMAKER
The nickname of New Japan Pro Wrestling's definitive 'Ace' and the moniker of the finishing move that has come to define the current prestige of the IWGP Heavyweight Title belt (regardless of the holder), 'Rainmaker' is to contemporary pro wrestling the ultimate stamp of quality.
Like the wrist control he maintains as he sets up a victim for a decisive and devastating loss to the manoeuvre, Kazuchika Okada's hold over audience attention and affection is fiercely tight. Gedo's top dog became the purest babyface version of himself by virtue of the Dominion loss to Omega - Okada was rendered human via defeat in an other-worldly exchange - but he was a superstar on another planet for those fortunate enough to bask in his golden glow.
Despite Okada's incredible presence - one that dwarfed Altrincham's Ice Dome - he was unable to get by a tough and technically tenacious Zack Sabre Jr. The luxurious left-winger built on the strategy he set out to stick to during their phenomenal Sakura Genesis battle earlier this year, resolutely refusing to release Okada from hold after enchanting hold. His counters and cross-locks held the audience and 'Ace' alike at his mercy, with a an armbar capture from Okada's flying elbow a particularly potent BoyPopper in a bout full of them.
Absorbing only one Rainmaker clothesline before countering Kazuchika's last gasp grasp at the 19 minute mark, ZSJ levelled their personal series and levelled up huge ahead of a vital G1 Climax for both great men.