Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada – WrestleKingdom 10

🔥 Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada – WrestleKingdom 10 🔥

✅ Match: 📃 Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada

✅ Date: January 4, 2016

✅ Venue: Tokyo Dome (Tokyo, Japan)

✅ Attendance: Approximately 25,204

✅ Match Type: IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match

📜 Background

📅 January 4, 2016, Tokyo Dome.

This match was a historic showdown between the Ace of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Hiroshi Tanahashi, and the future of the company, Kazuchika Okada.

Since winning his first IWGP Heavyweight Championship in 2012, Okada had risen as “The Rainmaker” and became one of NJPW’s top stars. However, he had never defeated Tanahashi at the Tokyo Dome.

In their previous Wrestle Kingdom encounters in 2013, 2014, and 2015, Tanahashi had emerged victorious each time. For Okada, this match was not just about defending the title—it was about overcoming the “Tokyo Dome curse” and proving himself as the true Ace of New Japan.

For Tanahashi, this match was equally important. As the man who led NJPW back to prominence, he wasn’t ready to simply pass the torch to Okada.

A battle for the symbol of NJPW was about to unfold.

🔥 Match Summary

🔔 Opening Moments

The match began with a cautious start, as both men engaged in a technical exchange. Okada attempted to establish his offense early, looking for his signature dropkick, while Tanahashi focused on ground control to dictate the pace.

Okada went for the Rainmaker early, but Tanahashi dodged and immediately began targeting Okada’s legs.

💥 Tanahashi’s Game Plan – Relentless Leg Attacks

Tanahashi executed multiple dragon screws, systematically weakening Okada’s base to neutralize his movement. He then locked in the Texas Cloverleaf, putting immense pressure on Okada’s knee.

Okada barely made it to the ropes, but the damage was already done.

⚡ Okada Fights Back – The Dropkick Turns the Tide

As the match progressed, Okada found his rhythm. He countered Tanahashi’s offense with a spinebuster into Heavy Rain, followed by a perfectly placed dropkick that sent shockwaves through the arena.

Okada tried to capitalize with the Rainmaker, but Tanahashi countered with a perfectly timed Sling Blade!

🔥 Climax – The New Era Begins

Both men were exhausted as the match entered its final moments.

Tanahashi hit a Sling Blade and climbed to the top rope, looking to end the match with the High Fly Flow. However, Okada countered by getting his knees up at the last second!

Seizing the moment, Okada delivered a Tombstone Piledriver, then finally landed the Rainmaker!

1…2…3!

Okada had done it—he defeated Tanahashi at the Tokyo Dome and successfully defended his IWGP Heavyweight Championship. The era of the Rainmaker had officially begun!

🏆 Match Result

✅ Winner: Kazuchika Okada (IWGP Heavyweight Championship retained)

✅ Match Duration: Approximately 36 minutes

📊 Match Ratings

🏆 Category	⭐ Rating	🎤 Notes
Historical Significance	★★★★★	A defining moment in NJPW history
Crowd Reaction	★★★★★	Electrifying atmosphere in Tokyo Dome
Match Quality	★★★★★	A masterful display of psychology and skill
Final Moments	★★★★★	The Rainmaker surpasses Tanahashi at last