NJPW G1 Climax 2018, Week 2: Every Match Ranked From Worst To Best
8. Togi Makabe Vs. Kazuchika Okada (22 July)
Rating: ****
A spellbinding performance from broken man Kazuchika Okada, his main event with Togi Makabe wasn't overtly rich from an in-ring perspective but was perhaps the most layered yet in the 'Rainmaker's chequered road to recovery.
Bouyant after his much-needed maiden win days earlier, Okada over-reached. His hair was a shock of red in place of the half-baked dye jobs he'd previously boasted, his slow start was instead replaced by a furious assault that left Makabe face down flat for what could have been a 40-count had Red Shoes elected to administer one.
Instead, Okada blew himself up in kayfabe, almost failing to win by virtue of his desperation to look again like a winner. The new roaring forearm Rainmaker set-up is an exquisite character choice. He's lost as much control of his persona as he has the wrist he once held tightly.