Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito – WrestleKingdom 12

🔥 Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito – Wrestle Kingdom 12 🔥

✅ Date: January 4, 2018

✅ Venue: Tokyo Dome (Tokyo, Japan)

✅ Attendance: Approximately 34,995

✅ Match Type: IWGP Heavyweight Championship Match

📜 Background

📅 January 4, 2018, Tokyo Dome.

Kazuchika Okada vs. Tetsuya Naito—this was a long-awaited showdown, a destiny fulfilled on the grandest stage of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

Back in Wrestle Kingdom 8 (2013), a fan vote determined that Okada vs. Naito would NOT be the main event. Instead, the IWGP Intercontinental Championship match between Hiroshi Tanahashi and Shinsuke Nakamura took the top spot. For Naito, this was a moment of humiliation.

But Naito would reinvent himself. He embraced the Los Ingobernables de Japón (L.I.J.) faction and transformed into the “Uncontrollable Charisma.” By winning the G1 CLIMAX 2017, he earned his way back to the main event of the Tokyo Dome, five years later.

Meanwhile, Okada had already become an undisputed force. After defeating Hiroshi Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 10, he solidified himself as the absolute champion of NJPW. By this match, he had already defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship nine times, setting an unprecedented record in title reigns.

The “Absolute Champion” Kazuchika Okada vs. “Uncontrollable Charisma” Tetsuya Naito—this was a battle for the future of NJPW.

🔥 Match Summary

🔔 Opening Moments

The match began with Naito showing his signature tranquilo attitude, taunting Okada with his relaxed demeanor. But Okada, unfazed, responded with powerful strikes, asserting his dominance early.

The opening phase saw a methodical exchange of grappling and strikes, with Okada trying to slow down Naito’s pace. But Naito soon turned the tide with a corner missile dropkick, shifting momentum in his favor.

💥 Naito’s Offensive Surge – Setting Up Destino

As the match progressed, Naito began his systematic attack on Okada’s neck, preparing for his signature Destino finisher.

He delivered a DDT, followed by a swinging Gloria, and further punished Okada with a neckbreaker barrage.

Okada struggled to escape the relentless assault, while the Tokyo Dome crowd erupted in “Nai-to! Nai-to!” chants.

⚡ Okada’s Comeback – The Champion’s Pride

Okada refused to back down.

He countered Naito’s offense with a dropkick that stopped Naito in his tracks, then attempted a Tombstone Piledriver.

But Naito reversed it!

He countered into Destino, connecting with the move that had won him countless matches before!

Yet, Okada kicked out at two!

🔥 Climax – The Moment That Decided Tokyo Dome’s Destiny

Naito, sensing victory, went for his old signature move—Stardust Press.

But Okada dodged!

With lightning speed, Okada regained control, delivering a Tombstone Piledriver, and then the Rainmaker!

Naito struggled to his feet, but Okada held on and delivered one more Rainmaker!

1…2…3!

Kazuchika Okada defeated Tetsuya Naito and successfully defended the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the 10th time!

🏆 Match Result

✅ Winner: Kazuchika Okada (IWGP Heavyweight Championship retained)

✅ Match Duration: Approximately 36 minutes

📊 Match Ratings

🏆 Category	⭐ Rating	🎤 Notes
Historical Significance	★★★★★	A rematch five years in the making
Crowd Reaction	★★★★★	The Tokyo Dome was completely behind Naito
Match Quality	★★★★★	A perfect blend of pacing, psychology, and execution
Final Moments	★★★★★	Naito’s defeat just before his moment of glory

➡ 🔥 Overall Rating: 10/10 (A defining match in NJPW history!) 🔥

💡 Match Significance and Legacy

✅ Okada set a new record with the longest IWGP Heavyweight Championship reign!

✅ Naito failed to overcome the Stardust Genius curse… for now.

✅ This match marked the beginning of the next phase of Naito’s evolution!

📝 Conclusion

This was not just a championship match; it was a battle to define the meaning of being the main event in NJPW.

Naito had waited five years to rewrite his past, but his redemption was just out of reach.

Okada proved once again that he was the undisputed king of NJPW, standing tall as the absolute champion.

✨ A legendary match that reshaped the landscape of NJPW. A must-watch for all wrestling fans! ✨