Kazuchika Okada’s IWGP Title Reign - Every Match Ranked from Worst To Best
6. Vs. Katsuyori Shibata (Sakura Genesis 2017)
It speaks to the cruelty of fate that a show labelled 'Genesis' would mark the end of of a glorious career, but Katsuyori Shibata at very least went out at the peak of his powers following a dramatic defeat by a rattled 'Rainmaker'.
Masking insecurities as the 'Ace' in the shadow of his unexpectedly tough Tokyo Dome clash with Kenny Omega, Okada's arrogance was quickly betrayed by New Japan Cup winner Shibata's incredible resilience. A mid-match slap-fight contextualised the clash perfectly - Okada's flagging self-belief had literally dragged him down to the canvas. Shibata, acutely aware he was on the Champion's level, met his eye to rob him of rest.
An iconic cross-legged slapfest ensued, sure to be the memorable visual had it not been replaced by the sight of a bleeding Shibata selling the very real pain of a head injury that would ultimately end his career. Famed for using his head to strategically unpick his opponents, Okada employed it more literally in an act of pure desperation that proved decisive. A trio of Rainmakers sealed victory on the challenger - a noble pursuit ended with a heartbreaking slice of reality.
The view towards its violent end skews opinion on the match as a whole, but even in discounting its uneasy conclusion, the physical drama is virtually without compare.