NJPW G1 Climax 2018: 10 Things You NEED To Know
1. God Is In Hell
More than a mere fashion choice, Kazuchika Okada's gold-trousered look signified his dominance over the wrestling world. 'Godpants' was an indomitable deity on a plane above everyone else. Deep into the greatest IWGP Heavyweight Title reign of all time, this was his strongest version, and it was all on merit, with his continued box office success and unparalleled star rating accumulation ability making 'The Rainmaker' a business and creative smash.
But it couldn't last forever, and now, God has fallen. Kenny Omega has his title. Now, he walks out from the back clad in black and red - the colours of hell - visibly unsure of himself in his new role as an awkward man of the people. That aloof glare is still there, but not half as penetrating as what it was a few months ago, and parallel with this, Okada's in-ring fortunes are dwindling.
Felled by Omega in a bout immediately dubbed one of the greatest of all time, 'The Rainmaker' followed it with a loss to Zack Sabre Jr. in the UK. In San Francisco, it was his partner and protege, Will Ospreay, who won their tag match, not the CHAOS kingpin.
Okada was IWGP Champion for so long that this mini-skid almost feels alien. He's a G1 favourite, but could well finish with a sub-.500 record, furthering his slide from immortality. His arc will be absolutely fascinating either way.