Hiroshi Tanahashi Vs. Kenny Omega: The Essential Battle For NJPW

by Michael Sidgwick
Hiroshi Tanahashi Kenny Omega
NJPW1972.com

As did Omega. His new philosophy is a brutal subversion of Tanahashi’s finishing sequence; where Tanahashi did everything possible to avoid the rain, Omega unleashes a spectacular but treacherous cloudburst of big, big moves.

Fascinatingly, Tanahashi and Omega meet in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 13. The programme has taken on a meta layer of intrigue. To Tanahashi, and there’s demonstrable truth in this, Omega transgresses upon the pure art of wrestling storytelling. To Omega, and he’s only working, Tana is a boring old man wrestling an antiquated style.

At Wrestle Kingdom 13, more is at stake than the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

It’s perhaps no overwrought exaggeration to state that a generation depends on the outcome. Omega possesses the potential to genuinely star in WWE, and acclimatise to its safer ring style, leaving only a grim precedent behind. The generation in thrall to him may not. Tanahashi, meanwhile, is in the twilight of his career. Nobody can follow his genius, that much is certain; the way he hobbles to the ropes, feigning knee pain, is so heart-wrenching and authentic that he could sell Vince Russo to Jim Cornette. Tanahashi has endured a great deal of punishment throughout his career, but will surely close the door on it in a reasonable state of health.

Many have predicted one last big euphoric Dome win for the Ace.

It would represent, in more ways than one, the ultimate babyface victory.

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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 surefire Undisputed WWE Universal 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!