The main event saw Kazuchika Okada take on Tetsuya Naito, both men’s titles on the line. IWGP Heavyweight Champion vs. IWGP Intercontinental Champion. It was the epic clash between the two biggest modern day pillars in New Japan Pro Wrestling. And in the end, somehow, someway, Naito finally did it… he beat the unbeatable, dethroning Kazuchika Okada and taking the IWGP Heavyweight title from him at the Tokyo Dome, a feat that seemed impossible at this point. Counting his match with Ibushi last night, Okada has gone into the Tokyo Dome with the title five times before and retained every time. But Naito broke the streak… sadly, KENTA was not about to let him celebrate.
In the midst of the traditional show closing speech, KENTA made his presence known and jumped Naito. Just hours after losing the NEVER Openweight Championship to Hirooki Goto, KENTA saw fit to sit cross-legged across the fallen body of Naito and pose with both of his newly won titles. The message here is clear. He intends to go after one of, if not both, of Naito’s titles. We will assuredly be seeing this bout in the future.
KENTA has taken the title of ‘Most Hated Man In New Japan’ away from Jay White since his turn to the Bullet Club and subsequent attack on Shibata over the summer of 2019. So it’s no surprise to see him make this jump. He may be on the verge of establishing himself as the new top heel for years to come.
You can see my recap of this show-closing segment below:
Crowd is going absolutely wild, loud chant of “Naito”!
Naito on the mic, speaking to the crowd about his monumental victory. Names everyone in Los Ingobernables… BUT KENTA JUMPS HIM OUT OF NOWHERE! Takes him down, nails the PK! I really did not expect anything to happen here! To hell with waiting for New Year Dash apparently! GTS! KENTA raining down punches!
KENTA crosses his legs across Naito’s face and holds up both titles! Makes his leave, his point made. Bushi into the ring to escort Naito to the back.
