10 Times A Wrestler Went On An Insane Streak Of Matches

6. Kenta Kobashi Rules The World

Cody Eddie Kingston
Pro Wrestling NOAH

Before there was Kazuchika Okada's fourth IWGP Heavyweight Title reign, there was Kenta Kobashi's first with the GHC.

This two-year epic set the standard for how to get a title over and an Ace over; Kobashi's run was such critically revered box office that Pro Wrestling NOAH drew bigger gates with him on top than any of the pillars managed at the peak of All Japan. It was a spectacular run that began with an incredible war with Mitsuharu Misawa enriched by the history it rearranged so magnificently.

From there, Kobashi took on and defeated a phenomenal range of opponents. He revisited Akira Taue in a glorious King's Road throwback. He defeated fifth pillar Jun Akiyama in a borderline perfect match in which, applying the lessons of those who put him through hell to reach this indomitable Ace status, he played a master role. He worked a super-heated inter-promotional spectacle with Masahiro Chono that wore its age - and its radiant charisma - very well. But he also, in several great defences, attempted to elevate the next generation, combusting in awe-inspiring fury when he couldn't put them away.

Sadly, it didn't work that way for Pro Wrestling NOAH; the reign was so tremendous that the public wanted to see more of it, not the man, Takeshi Rikio, who ended it.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!