1. Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi - The Final Chapter?
Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi have been wrestling each other in main events now for several years. This will be the third time that they have headlined Wrestle Kingdom in a bout for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, the other two times were at Wrestle Kingdom 7 in 2013 and Wrestle Kingdom 9 just last year. Many expect that this is the year where Tanahashi finally officially passes the torch to Okada. While Okada has defeated Tanahashi before, he never has done so at the biggest show of the year, Wrestle Kingdom. Tanahashi walked into Wrestle Kingdom 7 and 9 as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, and he retained both times. This year, Okada is the one who walks in as champion, and it's time that he gets a clean victory over NJPW's biggest star on it's biggest stage. Tanahashi is essentially the John Cena of New Japan. He's been the face of the company now for several years, and he's an excellent worker. In the same way that there are some things about Cena that drive hardcore fans mad, Tanahashi has the same thing going for him: it's called the most ridiculous air guitar playing you've ever seen. However, even with his strange imaginary guitar playing and ridiculous hair, you can't overlook his work in the ring. Tanahashi's signature move, the High Fly Flow (frog splash), is executed to perfection every single time. And the Japanese fans can't get enough of him. With this main event at Wrestle Kingdom, Tanahashi will set the all-time record for most main events at the Tokyo Dome. No other wrestler or combat sport fighter has ever headlined 10 shows at the venue. Okada is the young star who has been chopping at the bit to be the face of NJPW. He's held the World Championship since July, and a win over Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom is just what he needs to solidy him as the new top star of the company. And his ring work? If Nakamura is the best worker in New Japan, Okada is right there with him as 1b. He throws the best drop kick in wrestling today, possibly ever.
