G1 Climax 32 - Night One

Kazuchika Okada vs. Kota Ibushi

With the return of the G1 Climax in the Summer, there isn't a better way to kick us off, than the thrilling rematch from the 29th edition, in the form of The Rainmaker going one-on-one with The Golden Star. As expected, once the opening bell sounded, both of these competitors would use their high-octane offense, alongside their diverse arsenal to attempt to gain an upperhand in this one, but it simply seemed as they both knew eachother too well already. Each competitor had a counter for the other, which admittedly made any continuous momentum difficult to maintain, and furthermore, left this contest's conclusion unfounded for quite a bit. That eventually changed though, as when Ibushi attempted for a GOLDEN STAR POWERBOMB...HIS ARM SUDDENLY GAVE OUT! As he began to scream out in agony, he quickly went to his elbow, which is what costed him in last year's G1 Climax Finals, and it seems to still be bothering him to this day. Wasting no time at all though, Okada seemingly returned to the attack, and attempted to put away his opposition, and before we knew it, IBUSHI WAS TAKEN OUT WITH A THUNDEROUS RAINMAKER! `1....2...3...! OKADA CAPTURES TWO POINTS!

Kazuchika Okada (2) def. Kota Ibushi (0) via Pinfall (26:56)

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G1 Climax 32 - Night Three

Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

While Okada may have captured his first two points, he won't be given any rest at all, as he walks into night three against none other than, The Ace! Similar to their previous outings, this turns out to be quite the back-and-forth encounter, with this being either individual's one for the taking. Okada turned out to be much more physical in this encounter, even using his vintage combination OF ELBOW SMASHES TO TANAHASHI'S JAW! However, the latter wasn't shy in retaliating, as he unsurprisingly began to use his ungodly speed, TAKING DOWN THE CHAMPION WITH A SLINGBLADE! Still though, this simply wasn't enough to put away The Rainmaker, and with Tanahashi being quite familiar with the stubbornness of his opposition, he proceeded to scale up to the top rope, WHERE HE THEN ATTEMPTED FOR A HIGH FLY FLOW...BUT OKADA GETS HIS KNEES UP! With the ability to breath taken away from Tanahashi for a few moments, Okada almost immediately takes advantage of this, as HE DROPS HIM DIRECTLY ON HIS HEAD, AND THEN CONNECTS WITH A RAINMAKER! 1...2...3...! OKADA GAINS YET ANOTHER TWO POINTS, AND WALKS INTO NIGHT FIVE WITH FOUR OVERALL!

Kazuchika Okada (4) def. Hiroshi Tanahashi (2) via Pinfall (23:22)

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G1 Climax 32 - Night Five

Kazuchika Okada vs. Hirooki Goto

For the past two nights, Okada has been tested by wo of his fiercest rivals, but now a stablemate waits in the wind, both CHAOS members, in the form of, Kazuchika Okada and Hirooki Goto will go one-on-one on Night Five! Coming into this contest, both competitors knew eachother's arsenals quite well, which inevitably made for quite the back-and-forth endeavor between these two competitors. Goto ended up using his versatile arsenal, especially the strength factor that he possesses. Which was ultimately represented as he CONNECTED WITH A USHIGOROSHI! This still wasn't enough to put away the champion though, as the resilience seemed to be difficult to put a stop to, which is what led Goto to attempting to find the conclusion of this contest. After an intense back-and-forth encounter, between both of these stablemates, Okada seemed to be a little bit more aggressive by each passing contest, and this one was the most powerful example thus far. As he would target Goto's neck in the later parts of this matchup, which inevitably set up for the MONEY CLIMB ATTEMPT...WHICH EVENTUALLY PUT AWAY GOTO, AS HE LOST CONCIOUSNESS AFTER A FEW SECONDS!

Kazuchika Okada (6) def. Hirooki Goto (2) via Pinfall (21:22)

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G1 Climax - Night Seven

Kazuchika Okada vs. SANADA

With the first three nights officially behind us, The Rainmaker still remains undefeated in this year's tournament, but that could all come to an abrupt conclusion this evening. When these two competitors met inside of the squared circle in last year's annual tournament, Okada ended up prevailing with only five minutes to spare, which SANADA will look to rectify as we close out the seventh night in just a matter of moments. Unsurprisingly, this contest turned out to be quite the back-and-forth endeavor, which admittedly could've seen either one of them walk out on top. Okada's aggressiveness would be showcased once again tonight, while SANADA attempted to counter this diverse offense with his undeniable speed. However, as we made it further into this match, a couple of minor errors from The Cold Skull turned out to be a catastrophic for him, as Okada didn't take these mistakes for granted, and instead used them for his own personal gain, simply breaking down SANADA's body, part-by-part. With that said, after all of the damage caused, Okada was able to put away his opposition, after a SPINNING TOMBSTONE PILDEDRIVER, AND A RAINMAKER COMBO! 1...2...3...! Still undefeated after the fourth night, he now sits at eight points, with no sign of stopping.

Kazuchika Okada (8) def. SANADA (6) via Pinfall (25:00)

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G1 Climax - Night Nine

Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito

Coming into the ninth night of this annual tournament, we are able to witness yet another rematch, but this time from only a couple of months prior. In that very title contest, The Rainmaker was able to overcome El Ingobernable, but with a chance to give Okada his first loss in this tournament, the latter will do whatever it takes to gain yet another two points, since it could be crucial. For the first portion of this matchup, Naito seems to be on his game this evening, everything that The Rainmaker threw at him, the LIJ Leader simply had the ability to counter him. This remained true until we got deeper into this match, where a sense of frustration began to be showcased by Naito. Okada almost immediately took advantage of this, and began to wear him down, until a sense of exhaustion began to fully hit, and all that was left, was Okada securing a victory. This ended up occurring, when Naito missed AN ATTEMPTED DESTINO, AND OKADA PROCEEDED TO DROP HIM RIGHT DIRECTLY ONTO HIS HEAD! AND THEN FOLLOWED UP WITH A DEVASTATING RAINMAKER! 1...2...3...! OKADA MAKES IT TO DOUBLE DIGITS, AND HE STILL HAS YET TO BE DEFEATED IN THE PAST FIVE NIGHTS!

Kazuchika Okada (10) def. Tetsuya Naito (8)

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G1 Climax - Night Eleven

Kazuchika Okada vs. Shingo Takagi

In a rematch from this year's WrestleKingdom, both Kazuchika Okada and Shingo Takagi once again go toe-to-toe, with the latter hoping to have a measure of revenge for his Tokyo Dome loss. This turned out to be quite the physical altercation between the two, with both individuals putting eachother through absolute hell, in order to earn themselves yet another two points in this annual tournament. Through it all, Shingo seemed to be always one step ahead, which may be seen as a surprise compared to their last battle back at the start of the year. However, after 20 minutes of intense warfare between the two, Okada looked to conclude this matchup WITH A TOP ROPE ELBOW DROP, BUT SHINGO WAS ABLE TO GET HIS KNEES UP IN THE NICK OF TIME! Taking advantage of this, Takagi proceeded to lift up Okada, AND ATTEMPTED TO SEND HIM RIGHT BACK DOWN TO THE CANVAS WITH A MADE IN JAPAN! However, OKADA WAS ABLE TO REVERSE IT AND CONNECTED WITH A RAINMAKER! 1...2...3...! SHINGO IS ABLE TO CONQUER HIS TOKYO DOME LOSS!

Kazuchika Okada (12) def. Shingo Takagi (10) via Pinfall (24:22)

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G1 Climax - Night Thirteen

Kazuchika Okada vs. Jeff Cobb

In a rematch from last year's G1 Climax Finals, both Okada and Cobb came into this one with one thing on each of their minds - victory. The former seemingly began to use what led him to a victory last year, as he attempted to slow down The United Empire member, and overcome him in that sense. However, just like he did for the entirety of G1 Climax 31, Cobb would proceed to use his power to assert dominance, and for the majority of this contest, was somehow able to maintain his dominance upon The Rainmaker. But as we got to the closing moments of this matchup, Cobb attempted for the conclusion of this one, as he proceeded to irish-whip the champion into the nearest set of ropes, and once he rebounded off of them, COBB WOULD ATTEMPT FOR A TOUR OF THE ISLANDS, WHICH OKADA REVERSED INTO A SHORT-ARM LARIAT! From there, it was all about the matter of time it took, as he hoisted up Cobb from his arm, BUT COBB REVERSED THIS TIME AROUND AND LANDED A TOUR OF THE ISLANDS! 1...2...3...! COBB IS ABLE TO GIVE OKADA HIS FIRST LOSS THIS TOURNAMENT!

Jeff Cobb (12) def. Kazuchika Okada (12)

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G1 Climax - Night Fifteen

Kazuchika Okada vs. Katsuyori Shibata

For the first time in over five years, these two men will enter battle, with only one simple goal - to overcome the other. At Dominion 6.11 back in 2017, Katsuyori Shibata's career was cut short at the hands of the champion, and ever since then, he's been biding his time for the perfect moment to attempt to finally conquer The Rainmaker. Out from behind the curtain first, is none other than Shibata, who's greeted by the New Japan faithful with a roar of cheers, but unsurprisingly, he's only focused on the squared circle. Continuing his descent down the entrance ramp, his focus never leaves the ring, and upon eventually entering it, he proceeds to motion for the champion to enter it alongside him. Right on cue, Okada's theme begins to play over the PA System, which somehow garners a mixed reaction from the fans in attendance, as some aren't a huge fan of his attitude as of recent times. However, this doesn't bother The Rainmaker, but instead only helps him.

Simply realizing the magnitude of this contest, he continues his journey towards his opposition, refusing to keep his eyes off of him, not even when he joined him inside of the ring. Upon doing so though, he proceeded to hand off New Japan's top belt over to the official in charge, who then prompted both competitors involved in this contest, to head over to their respective corners. As this action had concluded, the opening bell would officially sound, prompting both individuals to meet eachother in the center of the ring. One might expect them to engage in a lock-up, but not this evening, not after all of the history that had been shared between them on that sorrowful night. As the match began now, Shibata would strike first, LANDING A VICIOUS FOREARM TO OKADA'S CHEEKBONE, and knowing The Rainmaker quite well, he wasn't going to back down, AS HE LANDED ONE OF HIS OWN AS A FORM OF RETALIATION! Neither of them dropped a knee after this though, but instead seemed to grow even stronger, which led to engaging in a back-and-forth war!

Landing numerous forearms, both of these competitors seemed to have nothing to lose, which Shibata knew quite well, and inevitably helped him in the long run, AS HE LANDED A HUGE SLAP ACROSS THE FACE OF OKADA...WHICH ENDED UP MAKING HIM FALL TO A KNEE! Almost immediately noticing this, a smirk comes across Shibata's face, who then proceeds to lift him back up, AND LOOKS TO BRING HIM BACK DOWN WITH A GERMAN SUPLEX, but Okada seemingly is able to fight out of it, as he LANDS SEVERAL CONSECUTIVE BACK ELBOWS TO SHIBATA'S SKULL! The gameplan is quite obvious here this evening, Okada is going to target the former injury of Shibata's, which must make the latter quite careful, if he's going to walk out of this contest on his own two feet. The champion is able to get in a comfortable position upon his feet, before he grabs ahold of Shibata's head, and ATTEMPTS FOR A DDT...BUT IT'S REVERSED BY HIS OPPOSITION, WHO THEN CONNECTS WITH A MUSHA GAESHI!

Shibata simply doesn't have the slightest bit of hesitation, as he crawls to the cover, and attempts to finally overcome the champion after half a decade. 1...2...KICKOUT! NOPE, OKADA IS ABLE TO KICKOUT JUST IN TIME! Shibata isn't new to this game, he knew quite well that this wouldn't put away The Rainmaker, and that it clearly wouldn't be a simple task. Which prompted Shibata to hoist up the champion, and attempt to cause even more damage, AS HE LOOKED FOR YET ANOTHER SLAP ACROSS THE FACE, BUT OKADA CAUGHT HIS HAND, AND COUNTERED WITH A SHORT-ARM LARIAT! Obviously not a full Rainmaker, but that was simply to be expected, which is exactly why he lifted his challenger back up to his feet, and ATTEMPTED FOR JUST THAT, BUT SHIBATA WOULD DUCK UNDER AND CONNECT WITH A FIERCE HEADBUTT DIRECTLY PLANTED UPON OKADA'S SKULL! Almost immediately after the execution was placed, the crowd began to gasp, knowing fully well what occurred the last time Shibata dared to attempt this maneuver, but he seemed to be alright this time around.

As you might have expected, Okada falls right down to his knees, with his ability to breathe dwindling down by each passing moment. Sensing this immediately, Shibata takes out a play from one of his former rival's books, as HE ATTEMPTS TO LIFT UP OKADA FOR A GTS...BUT OKADA IS ABLE TO JUST MERELY ESCAPE, AND CATCH SHIBATA WITH A SUPRISE, AS HE STUNS HIM WITH A HUGE FOREARM! He simply isn't finished there though, as HE LANDS A HEADBUTT UPON SHIBATA'S SKULL FOR GOOD MEASURE, WHICH LEADS HIM TO FALLING DOWN TO ONE KNEE! Not looking to let this massive opportunity go to waste, Okada decides to hoist up his opposition, and then LANDS A BODYSLAM, WHICH THEN LEADS TO HIM SCALING UP TO THE TOP ROPE! Without any hesitation at all, HE ATTEMPTS FOR THE TOP ROPE ELBOW DROP, BUT SHIBATA IS SOMEHOW ABLE TO GET HIS KNEES UP! Which completely takes Okada's ability to breath away from him, as he gasps for air.

For the remainder of this contest, it seemed as each of them had the other's number, and this led to the contest going longer than anyone had imagined. As we got to the 25 minute mark, Shibata and Okada began to enter in a battle of forearms, in an attempt to exhaust the other, enough to simply put them away while they may have not expected it in the first place. However, as the time limit kept creeping in on us, both of them desperately attempted to put eachother away, but simply to no avail unfortunately. Now finally with only a minute remaining, OKADA ATTEMPTED TO PUT SHIBATA AWAY WITH A RAINMAKER, AND STRUGGLED FOR THE ENTIRE MINUTE, WHICH SHIBATA HOLDING ONTO HIS WRIST! Seemingly able to keep him away from him, and not able to close on him for the unique lariat, until eventually with only a few seconds left on the clock, SHIBATA WAS ABLE TO USE THIS TO HIS ADVANTAGE, AND GET HIM DOWN TO A SEATED POSITION, BEFORE LANDING A PK! BUT BEFORE HE KNEW IT, IT WAS TOO LATE, AND THIS CONTEST HAD ENDED IN A TIME LIMIT DRAW!

Kazuchika Okada (13) vs. Katsuyori Shibata (13) ends in a DRAW (30:00)

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G1 Climax - Night Seventeen

Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay

In the final night of the A Block, both Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay would meet eachother once again, with Okada holding the record over them. Most notably, Okada was able to overcome his former stablemate at WrestleKingdom 15, but now, Ospreay could be the very man who keeps The Rainmaker from capturing the G1 Climax trophy once again. This contest turned out to be exactly as one may expect, simply a back-and-forth endeavor, that could've went either way, especially considering how well each of these individuals knew eachother. After 20 minutes of intense and physical action between both competitors, Okada ended up showcasing his confidence a bit too early, something he wouldn't normally do, but in this instance, he ended up doing just that. However, as we ended up getting to the conclusion of this contest, Okada attempted for A SPINNING TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER, BUT OSPREAY WAS ABLE TO REVERSE THIS, AND CHOP OFF THE LEGS OF THE RAINMAKER! Which he ended up using to his advantage, as OSPREAY PROCEEDED TO CONNECT WITH A HIDDEN BLADE, AND THEN THE STORMBREAKER! 1...2...3...! OSPREAY DOES IT!

Will Ospreay def. Kazuchika Okada via Pinfall (24:22)

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G1 Climax 32 Finals

Katsuyori Shibata vs. KENTA

We have finally made it, as both of New Japan's finest meet in the center of the ring, for a chance to headline the Tokyo Dome, and possibly meet The Rainmaker right there, which is what Shibata's wanted for almost five years. Both of these individuals put on quite the stellar contest, which can't be all that surprising, especially with who's involved in this very contest. This physical endeavor saw both men let out their years of frustration upon eachother, and either of them could've walked out with the trophy, but only one could prove they belonged at the very top of this promotion. As we reached the conclusion of this matchup, KENTA ATTEMPTED TO PUT SHIBATA AWAY WITH HIS VERY OWN PK, BUT SHIBATA WAS SOMEHOW ABLE TO DUCK UNDER, AND LAND A G2S OF HIS OWN! AFTER THIS, HE PROCCEEDED TO LIFT HIS OPPOSITION UP TO A SEATED POSITION, AND PROCEEDED TO CONNECT WITH A PK THIS TIME AROUND! 1...2...3...! SHIBATA WINS THE G1 CLIMAX!

Katsuyori Shibata def. KENTA via Pinfall (33:21)

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Destruction In Kobe 2022

Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Jeff Cobb - IWGP World Heavyweight Championship

In last year's G1 Climax Finals, The Rainmaker was able to overcome the United Empire member, and seemingly in the process, end his dreams of headlining the Tokyo Dome. This time around though, Jeff Cobb was able to conquer the champion in this year's annual tournament, and with that, he's earned a world title shot for himself in Kobe! Speaking of him, the challenger steps out from behind the curtain first, who's unsurprisingly greeted with an ovation of boos, but something that might be of note, is that none of his stablemates have chosen to back him tonight, at the request of Cobb. Looking to prove himself once again, he proceeds to make his descent down the entrance ramp, and then into the middle of the squared circle, before he begins to motion for the champion to make his way out from the back. In just a matter of seconds, he follows that very wish, as Okada's theme blares over the PA System, and the rematch both men have been waiting for is only a few moments away. Without any bit of hesitation, he begins to make his way down the ramp, with his eyes glued upon his target.

Upon eventually entering the ring, Okada proceeds to hand over New Japan's top title, and before he fully lets go of it for this upcoming contest, he looks back it once more, possibly as a sense of fear for his opposition on this fateful night. With the opening bell officially sounding, this prompted both individuals to meet eachother in the center of the ring, where a test of strength was attempted in the opening moments of this matchup. This was unsurprisingly won by Cobb, who proceeds to trap Okada in a headlock, seemingly squeezing it in between his arms, not only that, but aswell as wrenching his opponent's head back-and-forth, until he decided to let go. Not feeling at his very best already, Okada felt the need to back up a couple of inches, but this doesn't abrupt Cobb's cycle of abuse, as he grabs ahold of him, and chooses to irish-whip the champion over to the nearest corner, and once he rebounds off of them, OKADA RUNS INTO AN EARLY TOUR TOUR OF THE ISLANDS ATTEMPT...BUT THANKFULLY IS ABLE TO ESCAPE IT, AND ROLLS OUT OF THE RING, UNDER THE BOTTOM ROPE!

Simply not looking to leave Okada alone out at the ringside area, Cobb proceeds to follow him, and attempts for a vicious elbow strike, which the champion is able to counter, AND LAND ONE OF HIS OWN! However, this only pisses off his challenger further, who lands it this time around, which makes him move back a couple of inches once more. Feeling as the opportunity was right there, he grabs ahold of Okada, AND THEN THROWS HIM INTO THE BARRICADE, BUT UPON CHARGING AT HIM FOR A LARIAT, OKADA IS ABLE TO THROW HIM OVER SOMEHOW! With Cobb now laying lifeless upon the concrete floor, his opponent attempts to join him, and looks to hoist him up due to the count continuing from the official in charge, but Cobb is somehow still conscious, AS HE LANDS ONE LAST FOREARM SMASH UPON OKADA, WHO FALLS RIGHT DOWN TO THE FLOOR! Not having much movement from The Rainmaker at the moment, Cobb jumps over the barricade, and lifts up the champion back to a vertical base, and sends him back into the ring before the count concludes.

He begins to scream for Okada to make it to a vertical base, and somehow he's able to do so, possibly by just pure determination, or maybe just...grit. Either way, having him up upon his feet now, Cobb grabs him by the waist, AND WASTES NO TIME IN, ATTEMPTING FOR A GUTWRENCH SUPLEX, WHICH IS ABLE TO CONNECT! For the first time in this contest, an attempted pinfall ends up occurring...1...2...KICKOUT! THE RAINMAKER IS ABLE TO STICK IN THIS ONE, AND WHILE IT MAY NOT BE FOR MUCH LONGER, HE'S STILL ABLE TO GET HIS SHOULDER UP FOR NOW! A sense of frustration now comes across of Cobb's face, as he certainly feels as this title contest should've been over by now, but knowing fully well how talented the champion is, he decides to continue his brutality. Lifting up Okada once again, he now this time LOOKS FOR AN ATHLETIC-PLEX, BUT HIS OPPOSITION IS ABLE TO FIGHT OUT OF IT, SEEMINGLY ABLE TO CONNECT WITH NUMEROUS HEADBUTTS DIRECTED AT OKADA'S SKULL! Not having any other choice, Cobb almost immediately lets go of his insane grip, which leads to Okada, irish-whipping him over to the corner, setting up for the transition.

He now charges towards the corner, AND LANDS A BACK ELBOW INTO THE CORNER, WHICH DOESNT FAZE COBB SOMEHOW! Knowing this won't put him down just yet, OKADA ATTEMPTS FOR IT ONCE MORE, BUT COBB CATCHES OKADA, FOR YET ANOTHER ATHLETIC-PLEX! Cobb now begins to scream out at the top of his lungs, simply letting the world know that nothing can stop his dominance, but it seems that The Rainmaker begs to differ. As he begins to rise to his knees, and with little-to-no grip, he begins to hold onto Cobb's kneepads for leverage, which the challenger seems to find disrespectful, and picks him up and sends him over to the nearest set of ropes once again! Which leads Okada to rebound off of them for a second time in this contest, BUT AS COBB LOOKS TO GO FOR A TOUR OF THE ISLANDS ONCE AGAIN, OKADA IS ABLE TO REVERSE INTO A DDT! 1...2...KICKOUT! COBB REMAINS IN THE CONTEST THIS TIME AROUND, WHICH CAN'T BE SURPRISING!

It seems that we are in the final stretch of this contest, as both men remain on the canvas for the next 30 seconds, as they look to use that as needed recovery time. However, as that time eventually expires, and they proceed to make their way to a vertical base, Cobb attempts for A DESTRUCTIVE GERMAN SUPLEX, OKADA IS ABLE TO FIGHT OUT OF IT, AND FIND HIS FOOTING! With that being said, HE'S ABLE TO USE THE REST OF HIS STRENGTH, TO PICK UP HIS CHALLENGER AND SUCCESSFULLY CONNECT WITH A SPINNING TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER! If anyone is aware of Okada's arsenal, they would know he isn't finished yet, as he proceeds to hoist up Cobb, AND BRING HIM RIGHT BACK DOWN TO THE CANVAS WITH A FORCEFUL RAINMAKER, THAT IMMEDIATELY BRINGS COBB DOWN HARD TO THE MAT! 1...2...3...! OKADA HAS RETAINED OVER A GAMED COBB!

Kazuchika Okada (c) def. Jeff Cobb via Pinfall (31:48)

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King Of Pro Wrestling 2022

Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay - IWGP World Heavyweight Championship

With their last encounter occurring in this year's G1 Climax Tournament, Will Ospreay was able to overcome The Rainmaker in singles competition for the second time in his career, and earn himself this well-earned world title opportunity this evening. Not looking to waste a single moment, the challenger makes his way out from behind the curtain, as Ospreay's theme begins to blare over the PA System, who is eventually greeted with an absolute massacre of boos, from all of the fans in attendance for this year's King Of Pro Wrestling event. He proceeds to pay no attention to it, but instead to continue his descent down the entrance ramp, and then into the squared circle. He begins to pace around the ring, where he patiently awaits for the champion to follow him in suit. After a few moments had passed, The Rainmaker would make his presence known, as he walked out from behind the curtain, and for the first time in quite a bit, he let his entrance speak for itself. As his customized bills seemingly began to fall from the ceiling, and a smirk was once again seen upon his face.

Continuing his entrance, he made his way down the entrance ramp, still able to keep his eyes on the United Empire Leader. Eventually entering the ring, he handed over the thing he cherishes the most, and even on his own accord, he proceeded to make his way over to his respective corner, which led to the official in charge prompting the challenger to do so aswell. In just a matter of moments, the opening bell would officially sound, signifying that both competitors involved in this contest were free to engage with one another. With that said, both Okada and Ospreay would make their way to the center of the ring, where they proceeded to engage in a lock-up. A bit of struggle would be seen from both of them, but eventually Okada was able to gain the upper-hand, as he quickly irish-whipped his opposition into the nearest corner, AND ATTEMPTED FOR A BACK ELBOW RIGHT OFF THE BAT, BUT OSPREAY MOVED OUT OF THE WAY IN THE NICK OF TIME! Able to save himself from a world of hurt, OSPREAY FIRES BACK WITH A KICK TO THE SKULL! OKADA SEEMS TO BE STUNNED!

Feeling in a sense of comfort now, Ospreay begins to taunt at the champion, seemingly having a huge smirk upon his face as he does so, but this only aggravates Okada even more. Finding himself no longer stunned, he JUMPS OUT OF THE CORNER AND LANDS A DESTRUCTIVE FOREARM UPON HIS CHALLENGER, WHICH SENDS HIM BACK A COUPLE OF HIS INCHES! Looking to take advantage of this, Okada walks up to his adversary, AND LANDS A HEADBUTT UPON THE CHALLENGER, WHICH COMES FROM NO OTHER THAN SHIBATA...IT SEEMS HE'S LEARNING FROM ONE OF HIS FIERCEST RIVALS! However, Ospreay isn't willing to back down that easily, as HE LANDS ONE HIMSELF, WHICH PROMPTS FOR A WAR OF HEADBUTTS...AS THEY BOTH LOOK TO EXHAUST ONE ANOTHER! At one point, it seemed as The United Empire Leader was going to be the first to fall, which Okada sensed almost immediately, AS HE CHARGED TOWARDS THE ROPES, AND UPON REBOUNDING OFF OF THEM, OSPREAY IS ABLE TO CATCH THE CHAMPION WITH A SPANISH FLY!

Not able to attempt for the pinfall immediately, Ospreay ends up crawling for the cover, due to landing on his elbow in an awkward position. 1...2...KICKOUT! His inability to cover properly might've saved The Rainmaker there, which only frustrates the challenger even more, as he proceeds to head over to the corner, which could honestly only mean one thing - one of his select signature maneuvers. Beginning to take down off one of his elbow pads, Ospreay ATTEMPTS FOR A HIDDEN BLADE, BUT OKADA IS ABLE TO SENSE IT, WHICH LEADS HIM TO DUCK UNDER! Realizing that he unfortunately missed it, Ospreay returns to a vertical base almost immediately, AND CATCHES OKADA WITH A SILENT WHISPER! Instead of falling back-first though, the champion ends up falling directly to his knees, which opens up a massive opportunity for the challenger. He heads over to the nearest corner now, AND IS ABLE TO THIS TIME AROUND, LAND A HIDDEN BLADE IN HIS SECOND ATTEMPT!

This time around though, he's able to head for the cover almost immediately, no hesitation or wound to hold him back here. 1...2...KICKOUT! OKADA IS ABLE TO SURVIVE THE PINFALL ATTEMPT, BUT OSPREAY WON'T STOP HERE, NOT NOW, NOT EVER! He chooses to now hoist up his challenger, AND ATTEMPTS FOR AN OSCUTTER THIS TIME AROUND, BUT OKADA IS ABLE TO CATCH HIM, AND DROPS HIM DOWN ON HIS HEAD! An almost unconscious Ospreay seems to have no earthly idea of where he is at this current moment, which entices Okada to lift him up once more, AND DROP HIM RIGHT BACK DOWN WITH A SPINNING TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER! 1...2...KICKOUT! NOPE, NOT JUST YET, AS OSPREAY ISN'T FINISHED IN THIS ONE, NOT BY A LONG SHOT! Able to stick in this one, Okada now attempts for the conclusion of this contest, as he grabs his challenger by his backside, and upon bringing him up to a vertical base, HE ATTEMPTS FOR A RAINMAKER, BUT OSPREAY PUSHES HIM INTO THE CORNER! Unfortunately for the official though, he's right there, AND IS HIT BY OKADA!

As the official ends up falling down, Great-O-Khan and Aaron Henare of The United Empire begin to run down the entrance ramp, AND SNEAK ATTACK OKADA! Continuing the beatdown upon him, there seems to be no hope from him at all, until a former rival of his, and the G1 Climax 32 Winner, in the form of, Katsuyori Shibata seemingly makes the save! After the attack commences, and United Empire have scattered away from the squared circle, both Okada and Ospreay proceed to rise to their feet. Where Ospreay makes it quite clear, he would love nothing more than to conclude this contest right here, which is what he inevitably intends to do. AS HE ATTEMPTS FOR YET ANOTHER OSCUTTER, BUT OKADA CATCHES HIM WITH A DROPKICK IN MID-AIR! AND AFTER THAT, HE PROCEEDS TO HOIST UP HIS CHALLENGER, AND SENDS HIM RIGHT BACK DOWN WITH A RAINMAKER! 1...2...3...! OKADA ONCE AGAIN RETAINS, AND WILL HEAD INTO WRESTLEKINGDOM STILL THE CHAMPION!

Kazuchika Okada (c) def. Will Ospreay via Pinfall (31:00)

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Power Struggle 2022

Kazuchika Okada & Katsuyori Shibata vs. Great-O-Khan & Aaron Henare - Tag Team Match

With both Okada and Shibata meeting in a matter of months at WrestleKingdom, they will be tested this evening against none other than The United Empire, which has been set up after the brawl that occurred at King Of Pro Wrestling, only a little less than a month ago. Many wondered if the champion and challenger would be able to co-exist, and after it all, it seemed they were actually able to. United Empire truly gave them a fight, and put forth quite the cohesion between both Great-O-Khan and Aaron Henare, but in the end, it seemingly wasn't to be. As once the conclusion came to be, HENARE ATTEMPTED TO LAND A LARIAT UPON OKADA, BUT WAS CAUGHT WITH A DROPKICK! After this, it seemed he was just completely out of it, which led to The Rainmaker proceeding to end it all, AS HE HOISTED UP A LIFELESS HENARE, AND CONNECTED WITH A RAINMAKER! 1...2...3...! OKADA AND SHIBATA GET IT DONE, AND WALK INTO WRESTLEKINGDOM WITH SOME MOMENTUM!

Kazuchika Okada & Katsuyori Shibata def. Great-O-Khan & Aaron Henare via Pinfall (20:00)

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WrestleKingdom 17

Kazuchika Okada (c) vs. Katsuyori Shibata - IWGP World Heavyweight Championship

With 2023 finally upon us, the annual tradition of returning to the Tokyo Dome is seen, as we embark on the journey of heading into the main event of night one! Both Okada and Shibata have an immense amount of history between the both of them, which has only continued to grow stronger with a time limit draw between them this past Summer. With this being their third encounter, the two will go into battle to decide who's the very best, in possibly their biggest outing yet! The challenger is out from behind the curtain first, as Shibata's theme begins to blare over the PA System, which garners an unsurprisingly positive reaction from the faithful crowd in Tokyo, but that's clearly to be expected. He continues to make his descent down the entrance ramp, before eventually entering the ring, where he couldn't be more pleased to finally have returned to, only one year ago. At this very event, Shibata was victorious against Ren Narita in his return, and after over four years of being on the shelf, you would have to expect this is a huge moment for him this evening.

He now begins to motion for the champion to make his entrance, and here in New Japan, his wish is Okada's command. In just a matter of moments, Okada would end up making his presence known, as he stepped out from the backstage area, as he was once again upon the big stage, and simply wasted no time in beginning his descent down the entrance ramp. An extravagant entrance seemed to follow him, as his customized bills began to rain down from the sky, and his golden coat dragged down the ramp behind him, only such a sight could be seen for a champion of his caliber. Upon eventually entering the squared circle, he proceeds to hand off New Japan's top title, and once again looks at it for what seemed to be an eternity, before heading to his respective corner. Once Shibata ended up following in suit, the opening bell would eventually sound, which signified both competitor's ability to now meet in the center of the ring, where they proceed to engage in a lock-up!

Both men look to gain the upper-hand in the early moments of this contest, and throughout the matchup, they were able to do so, but not for long. Seemingly not being afraid to counter one another, which created quite the back-and-forth atmosphere, which could've led either individual to walk out of the Tokyo Dome as the victor. However, as we got closer-and-closer to the conclusion of this contest, the reminders of what occurred back in 2017 kept creeping in, which only made for Shibata to keep carrying on, and attempting to finish off his greatest fear. In the end though, with the gold up for grabs, they both knew that the conclusion had to come sooner rather than later, WHICH LED TO OKADA ATTEMPTING FOR A RAINMAKER, WHICH SIBATA SUCCESSFULLY WAS ABLE TO COUNTER, AND LANDED A BACKDROP SUPLEX INSTEAD! Landing directly upon his neck, Okada could barely move, which is what prompted Shibata, to land a VICIOUS HEADBUTT, BEFORE TRANSITIONING INTO A SUCCESSFUL PK ATTEMPT! 1...2...3...! SHIBATA FINALLY DOES IT, HE CAPTURES THE TOP GOLD!

Katsuyori Shibata def. Kazuchika Okada (c) via Pinfall (40:00)