FOR THE GOLD:
KOTA IBUSHI VS. KAZUCHIKA OKADA
By Jasmine Olan
They are arguably two of the international wrestling scene’s best. Both have made history and are destined to be counted among the greatest of all time. Until this year, they hadn’t had much of a chance to cross paths, but they are set to go head to head in the main event of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s biggest show of the year, WRESTLE KINGDOM. Kota Ibushi and Kazuchika Okada started out on very different paths and each has achieved greatness in their own way. One began his career as a teen prodigy bread to become a champion. The other is a gifted free spirit who built his career on doing it his way.
The Golden Star, Kota Ibushi has always been one to carve out his own path. It’s part of why wrestling fans and critics love him so much. When watching one of his matches, it always feels like your heart is in your throat from beginning to end. His fast paced, hard hitting, and flying style have been a massive hit for the past fifteen years. He is also highly regarded for his kind and humble heart. His groundbreaking storyline with long time partner, Kenny Omega helped make the Golden Lovers one of the wrestling world’s most influential tag teams.
He is a decorated champion both as a junior and heavyweight. Ibushi’s influence is felt throughout the entire industry. However despite having held multiple titles in NJPW, the one he wants the most has eluded him. That title is most prestigious one in all of professional wrestling, the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. After his history making win in the finals of G1 CLIMAX 29, a new chance opportunity has come his way. He is now set to challenge the Rainmaker, Kazuchika Okada in the main event in the Tokyo Dome in January. It is a moment years in the making, and Ibushi’s opponent is more than ready to defend his title and honor.
The story of the Rainmaker, Kazuchika Okada is a truly a fascinating one. At just fifteen years old, Okada left home to train under Ultimo Dragon and Negro Navaro in Toroyumon in Mexico where he would make his in ring debut at sixteen. When he was old enough he tried out for New Japan Pro Wrestling and made the cut to become a young lion. Once Okada returned from his learning excursion, he was immediately put into the main event picture, beginning his historic rivalry with the Ace Of The Universe, Hiroshi Tanahashi. He would go on to be part of some of NJPW’s greatest rivalries and be considered one of the greatest IWGP Heavyweight Champions of all time. Now in the middle of his fifth reign, Okada is still delivering on his unlimited potential.
The rivalry between Okada and Ibushi really began to heat up during G1 season when Ibushi won their match in the finals of block competition. After winning the tournament, Ibushi voiced his desire to become the first man to ever simultaneously hold the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental titles. Heading into WRESTLE KINGDOM season things are sure to heat up even more.
The tide can turn either way with this one, and the match up will definitely be one for the ages. Each man has something to prove going in. For Ibushi, it’s all about proving that he can win the big one. For Okada, it’s about further asserting his dominance. Both competitors are ready to blow the roof off the Tokyo Dome with this encounter. Okada may be one of the greatest of all time at just thirty-one years old, but it’s looking like this really could be Ibushi’s moment. The one thing that can be said for sure is that both men are ready to give it their all for the gold.
