10 Things WWE Can Learn From NJPW Dominion
3. Storytelling Begins And Ends In The Ring
So yes, fans have spent the past few days ranting and raving about an hour-long match that featured some incredible athleticism and action, but what that wasn't what really made the bout legendary. The reason it'll be remembered for so long is because of all the things already mentioned - how it was an epic struggle between two men looking to prove themselves, how only one could be the best in the world.
For that to work, the match can't be viewed in a vacuum. Instead, it has to be taken in context of everything that's gone on with these men in recent history. In 2016, Kazuchika Okada finally beat Hiroshi Tanahashi in the Tokyo Dome, becoming the new ace of New Japan. Meanwhile, Kenny Omega became the first foreigner to win the G1 Climax tournament. That set them on the path to their amazing Wrestle Kingdom contest.
At Dominion, they called back to everything they set up in their first match and earlier. Once again, a table was erected by the ring, and once again, Omega was sent through it in a brutal spot. Omega tried to hit the dragon superplex he used to shock fans at the Tokyo Dome, but Okada blocked it. And the grandest weapon in Omega's arsenal - the One-Winged Angel that he couldn't hit at Wrestle Kingdom - was finally unleashed, but he was too close to the ropes and Okada managed to get to safety.
The entire bout - and this entire feud - has been a feat of storytelling. And on that note...