From the Vault: Tetsuya Naito vs Kazuchika Okada

Though some fans might be among the idea that Jericho vs Omega not only should've been the main event, but would go as far to say that it was the main event. However, I am one of the members of the concept that the World Championship should always main event a card no matter how well other matches are hyped. For someone who has never seen New Japan or the "Rainmaker" himself Okada is a freaking machine in the ring & clearly the franchise of New Japan. With how freaking hard hitting this match was it is incredible how long both Okada & Naito were able to go in this match. 

​There is no doubt that both Naito & Okada had an incredible 2017 with both men moving to another level and helping New Japan expand into the United States. Now with Tanahashi taking a step down the card into the Intercontinental title picture it left a spot open for a new face & it is perfect timing for Naito who is finding his way up the card himself. Okada on the other is slowly becoming on par with legends of the past like Fujinami, Inoki, or Great Muta who helped carry the company. 

​Though some fans believed that Naito should've came out the winner of the match as it was his time to become champion. However, at this point Okada is still chasing down the legacy of the previous "Ace" of New Japan which meant he had his own story. Which is just another why New Japan is so unique, because their are so many different stories & what if situations that it is very hard to keep track of them all. But I will say that this match was the only match that could've headlined the first major event of what promises to be an incredible year for New Japan. ​