10 Most Shocking NJPW Upsets
8. Shinsuke Nakamura Vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan - Battle Final 2003 Day 12
In Shinsuke Nakamura, Antonio Inoki knew that he had found the man with the talent, aura and marketability to reverse his company's dwindling fortunes.
Prescient, but impetuous: Nakamura hadn't yet tapped into his alien brand of mega-charisma, and while fans had gravitated towards his unmistakeable raw talent, the multi-disciplinary prodigy, in 2003, was some distance removed from the complete package he would become.
In 2003, Inoki nonetheless awarded the 'Super Rookie' with the distinction of becoming the youngest-ever IWGP Heavyweight Champion. But, unlike the shocks that would come to instantly alter the complexion of the New Japan main event, Nakamura was not yet on the cusp of true greatness, and his rapid ascent, at the expense of the established, trusted Hiroyoshi Tenzan, was cut short by injury before it could stigmatise him. Foreshadowing the near-demise of the company, Inoki was somewhat myopic in his self-indulgent focus.
With a reasoned motive, in this case.
Nakamura embodied the core principles of New Japan. He was a preternaturally gifted shooter with a killer aura and an understated showmanship. But he required an excursion to find his true self - as something beyond a mere Inoki disciple.
This was a lesson Gedo learned, and applied impeccably.