13 Ups & 4 Downs From NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13

1. The Ace Is Back

Hiroshi Tanahashi, the man who saved New Japan Pro Wrestling from the failings of Inokiisim, captured his eighth IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 13, felling western favourite Kenny Omega in the process.

It was the right decision.

This story demanded a Tanahashi victory. His apparent fall from Ace status after Wrestle Kingdom 10 help craft the perfect late-career comeback story, though it didn't truly take flight until he had felled Kota Ibushi in this year's G1 Climax final. A beautiful, cathartic triumph, it would've meant little had Tanahashi embarked upon this years-long journey only to lose to 'The Best Bout Machine' at the critical moment, and while those who flocked to New Japan to watch Omega in the first place might feel gypped, it's hard not to feel good for 'The High-Flying Star.'

A stirring post-match promo, translated by the wonderful Chris Charlton on commentary, saw Tanahashi bear his soul to the world once more, collapsed into a sweaty, tearful pool of gratitude as he thanked those who'd carried him to this point, and pledged his undying dedication to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

The Ace is back, long live the Ace.

Who knows what this means for Kenny Omega's future. For now, though, New Japan have gone back to the man most responsible for getting them this far in the first place. That's exactly the kind of payoff you want for your biggest show of the year.