The Tokyo Dome was electric as Wrestle Kingdom 20 came to a close and in a moment that fans will never forget, Kazuchika Okada defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi in a dramatic, brutal, and emotional match that officially marked the end of The Aces legendary in-ring career.
From the opening bell, the crowd roared for Tanahashi, knowing they were witnessing his final dance. The early minutes were a technical showcase, with both men trading holds, counters, and submissions. Tanahashi locked in a tight armbar, while Okada retaliated with disrespectful slaps and a stiff headlock before flooring the icon with a powerful shoulder tackle.
Okada gained momentum by sending Tanahashi crashing outside with a dropkick and brutal Irish whip into the guardrails, followed by a nasty DDT on the floor. The Rainmaker focused on Tanahashis back throughout the match, slamming him into the guardrails again and delivering punishing offense in the ring. But the Ace wasnt going down easy.
Tanahashi rallied back with a top-rope senton, followed by multiple Dragon Screws, including one draped over the ropes. He took to the skies, delivering a High Fly Flow to the outside, and the fans were thunderous. Okada, however, countered with a massive flapjack and shoulder breaker, slowing Tanahashis rhythm.
In one of the matchs most vicious moments, Okada tombstoned Tanahashi on the entrance ramp, nearly ending it there but the Ace miraculously beat the count.
Back inside, the drama escalated. Tanahashi countered a Rainmaker with one of his own, stunning the Tokyo Dome. Okada fired back, locking in a Boston Crab for an extended period, but Tanahashi wouldnt quit. He answered with a Sling Blade, a PK, and a Bomaye knee in tribute to Shinsuke Nakamura, followed by two consecutive High Fly Flows but Okada got the knees up on the second.
The two exchanged strikes with everything they had left. Okadas uppercuts were met with Tanahashis fiery slaps and forearms. Okada shut it all down with a perfect dropkick, followed by a shocking Destino and a Cobra Flowsion, channeling other NJPW greats in a tribute-laced final chapter. Tanahashi still kicked out but Okada wasnt done.
After a scoop slam and diving elbow, Okada struck the pose, then nailed one final Rainmaker to bring an end to the career of NJPWs Ace.
How do you feel about Kazuchika Okada being the one to end Hiroshi Tanahashis career? Was this the perfect sendoff for the Ace, or should it have gone differently? Share your thoughts in the comments.
