10 LIVE Observations From NJPW's G1 Special In USA
6. The Better Man Won
The main event of G1 Special in USA's first day saw Kazuchika Okada defend the IWGP Heavyweight Title against Cody, and it was one of the most heated matches in recent memory - though perhaps for the wrong reason. Rather than fans avidly supporting their favorite star, the majority of spectators at the Long Beach Convention Center were terrified by the prospect of Cody unseating Okada.
At the very least, it made the match more exciting - not that it really needed it. Cody delivered what was likely his best showing ever, while Okada is still very much the greatest wrestler in the world. The result was a superb match that, while nowhere in the ballpark of the Okada-Omega matches, was still a worthy addition to "The Rainmaker's" incredible catalog of title defenses.
There was no shortage of drama, with Kenny Omega coming down to ringside and trying to convince Brandi Rhodes to throw in the towel for her husband - a nod to Cody doing the same thing at Dominion. That, in turn, led to hostility between Cody and Omega, planting the seeds for a future program.
Ultimately, though, it didn't play into the finish, which saw Okada flatten Cody with the Rainmaker and pin him for a successful seventh title defense. A lot of pulses raced every time Cody attempted to hit the CrossRhodes, but legions of frightened fans were calmed when Okada claimed victory.
Ironically, performances likes this should hush the boo boys in future.