Kazuchika Okada’s IWGP Title Reign - Every Match Ranked from Worst To Best
3. Vs. Zack Sabre Jnr (Sakura Genesis 2018)
A beautiful celebration of the intricate and intense submission holds exhibited by Zack Sabre Jr during his charge to glory in the New Japan Cup weeks earlier, Kazuchika Okada's history-making stint as IWGP Champion wasn't destined to end at ZSJ's clasped hands but the eternal struggle against his challenger's unique assaults made for yet another gripping NJPW pay-per-view climax.
It's pacing was unlike any ordinary (or, extraordinary) Okada clash. Sabre's success with submissions built within him a confidence to go right for the throat...and then the arms, and legs, and back and neck. Early whispers of dread were transformed into literal wails of panic as the Champion yet again masterfully extracted doubt from another foregone conclusion.
Sabre had tapped out legendary Okada rivals Tetsuya Naito, SANADA and Hiroshi Tanahashi en route to earning an unlikely shot, effectively rendering his opponent's arrogance moot. Ultimately 'The Rainmaker' was - like any champion should be - bigger, stronger and better than his able foe. But both men left the battle taller in more ways, and not just because ZSJ's obtuse holds had added few inches alongside painfully popped ligaments.