When Kazuchika Okada defeated Jay White for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 17, Shingo Takagi knew it was his time to finally look for his rematch. It was Okada who defeated Takagi to end his reign as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion at Wrestle Kingdom 16, and never got his rematch until now. With a 2-2 record in singles matches, it’s hard to say either Okada or Takagi is the favourite, but between his success in the 2022 G1 Climax and Wrestle Kingdom 17? Takagi is facing Okada at 110% – and will need to rise to the level of The Rainmaker.
The Dragon Meets The Rainmaker
This match would quickly hit the mat as the bell rang, with Okada being taken down in a rear chinlock, being able to block into the Hammerlock. Okada would get the rear waist lock, with Shingo able to find his footing. They’d engage in a test of strength, with Shingo able to push Okada to the ropes for a set of knee strikes before the rushing shoulder tackle and a vertical suplex.
A quick elbow drop led to a pinfall, with Shingo just testing Okada before some hard strikes in the corner. Shingo would find himself on the top rope, and Okada nailed the dropkick to send Shingo tumbling to the floor. Okada would wrap the neck of Shingo up in the barricade, before kicking – drawing some boo’s from fans.
Back in the ring, the sliding dropkick would land – catching Shingo in the side of the face. Rear chinlock was applied, and when Shingo got the bottom rope, Okada cranked back a bit – more heel tactics from Okada. Shingo would strike away at Okada, not getting much response before being sent to the mat. Money Clip would be applied, and Shingo quickly broke free, hitting the jumping senton splash.
Shingo would fire up, hitting some downward elbow smashes to the jaw of Okada before faking him out with a jab and spiking him with the DDT. Okada was sent to the floor with a lariat, with Shingo tossing him into the barricade, and a flapjack onto the apron. Pop Up Death Valley Driver would follow, with Okada driven into the floor.
Shingo Takagi Brings The Heat
Okada would barely make it back into the ring after the referees count, with Shingo hitting a lariat into the corner. Superplex was set up – and Okada was taken down the hard way. Sliding Lariat was next, but Okada wasn’t staying down for a pinfall yet. Made In Japan was blocked, but Okada would fold after a stiff chop from Shingo.
Shingo would run right into the Pumphandle Neckbreaker, getting him a chance to breathe after several minutes of being mauled by Shingo. Powerslam on the floor was blocked, with Okada hitting a Tombstone Piledriver instead. Back in the ring, Money Clip would be applied, with Okada looking to choke Shingo out like the 2020 G1 Climax.
Shingo was able to break free briefly only to take the backbreaker and have the hold reapplied. Okada would let Shingo go, before the body slam and flying elbow drop. Rainmaker Pose was struck, and Shingo ran into the dropkick – only to counter the Rainmaker with a Pumping Bomber. They’d trade strikes in the middle of the ring, with Okada hitting the European Uppercuts to make Shingo fold.
Shingo came back with a jab to the throat, a headbutt and the jumping knee drop to the head – this match hitting a peak of physicality. Okada was hit with a Shingo style GTR before the Made In Japan for a near fall. Last Of The Dragon was blocked before the snap Rainmaker just saw Shingo stand tall. Takagi Driver ‘98 got a two count, before the drive by elbow smash.
Kazuchika Okada Remains IWGP World Heavyweight Champion
Shingo hit the ropes and nailed a stiff pumping bomber. Last Of The Dragon was blocked and Okada went for the flash pinfall for a near fall. Rainmaker would follow, but Okada was unable to go right into the pinfall – collapsing in the ring instead. He’d rise to his feet and set up another Rainmaker, hitting the German Suplex before swinging and missing. Shotgun Dropkick was followed by the Landslide, with a Rainmaker countered into Last Of The Dragon.
Shingo was unable to go right into the pinfall, and Okada was able to survive. Another Last Of The Dragon was set up, with Okada fighting – before trading lariats with Shingo in a losing effort. Shingo would take the Enziguri, before the Cobra Flowsion was blocked into the Dragon Suplex. Pumping Bomber was met by the dropkick, only for the Spinning Rainmaker to be met with a lariat.
Okada would hit the Pumping Bomber himself, before the Cobra Flowsion and finally The Rainmaker – ending this match. There is no shame in Shingo losing, this was a damn well fought match. Now, Okada looks forward to Battle In The Valley – where he defends again in just one week. To show fans in the United States what the true spirit of professional wrestling is – he needs his greatest rival – Hiroshi Tanahashi, setting up their latest meeting.
Will Okada return to Japan as champion? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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