10 Wrestling Matches That Were Way Better Than Anyone Expected
4. Kazuchika Okada Vs. Tetsuya Naito - NJPW 40th Anniversary Show
Kazuchika Okada's upset of Hiroshi Tanahashi for the IWGP Heavyweight Title in 2012 was certainly shocking, but it didn't necessary change the overall perception of 'The Rainmaker'. The 24-year-old was still considered an amazing up-and-comer, but seeing as how his exciting win came over a miracle worker like 'The High-Flying Star', there was no guarantee that Okada was ready to truly carry the company by himself.
The real test for 'The Rainmaker' would come in his first title defense, when he put the belt on the line against Tetsuya Naito - who, at the time, was another exciting young star with limited experience in the main event. The match between the two was signed for New Japan Pro Wrestling's 40th Anniversary Show.
Those who doubted Okada were silenced by the match, which got unanimous praise and was considered by many analysts to be one of the top bouts of the year. Okada, who won with the Rainmaker in just under 29 minutes, showed great confidence as champion, proving that he was up to the task of supplanting Tanahashi as NJPW's ace. Five years later, it's little wonder 'The Rainmaker' is the best in the world.