Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada

[10.0] "Incredible match. They told an amazing story that has been building up since 4 years ago. When Okada lost in the main event of the Tokyo Dome the previous year, I was really upset as Okada beating Tana at the main event would have cemented Okada as the Ace and Face of New Japan but for some reason they didn't pull the trigger and after watching this match, I am happy they didn't. The match itself was Incredible. A very slow start that slowly build to an incredible finishing stretch. Early on, Tana works on Okada's leg, Okada's selling is superb and I loved the little details in the offense of Tana and selling of Okada. Like most epic New Japan matches, the ending stretch was incredible back and forth action and I Loved how both men tried to beat each other with their own finishers. The best moment of the match was right at the end when Okada went for the Rainmaker, Tana countered it by slapping Okada square in the face and the two men were brought to their knees completely exhausted but Okada didn't let go of Tanahashi's wrist, His body was broken but his spirit wasn't; when exactly one year ago, he left this same stadium with tears in his eyes, Okada massacres Tanahashi and finally stands victorious at the main event of the Tokyo Dome after 4 long years. The torch has been passed, The era of the legendary Tanahashi is ending and a new legend is about to start. One of the greatest matches of all time and my favourite in this legendary rivalry. *****"

[6.0] "Excellent structure. Both men show how much they know the other through the consistent counters, and the declining Tanahashi resorts to picking the leg to slow down the Rainmaker. That being said, Tanahashi's best work is how he sells this desperation, whilst the worst part is Okada working from above. Okada's best part is selling the deadly leg work, whilst Tanhashi's worst stuff is working from above, resulting in a lack of emotional investment for me."

[10.0] "These guys are wrestling soul mates and it's never been on full display as much as it is in this match. Up to this point in the rivalry, Okada and Tanahashi have been pretty even, although both times they faced each other at WK went Tanahashi's way which made you feel like Okada couldn't win the big one. Early on in the match, you could tell that Okada had definitely learned and improved in that respect, but that Tanahashi was still coming out on the better side of many of these little exchanges. All of this started hinting that Tana would be walking out as the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion. The last 10 minutes of this match is some of the best wrestling you'll ever see. Both of these guys are master storytellers. The slow burn at the beginning all the way to the fantastic finish got the crowd white hot as only these two could. The finish is very well executed and such a good turning point in their rivalry. Out of all the spectacular matches between them, this is their Magnum Opus."

"My favorite match of all time. Has been since I first saw it in 2016. The storytelling that pulled me in even as someone who didn't know anything about Okada and Tanahashi's story at the time. This match has only aged better as I've learned more since. Love it."

[10.0] "I swear this was like as close to perfect as you can get. Out of all they past matches this one hands down is my favorite, By far this is still match of the year btw. It doesn't matter how long or how old Okada & Tanahashi are they will just create magic any chance they can get. Instant classic"

[9.0] "[4.75*] These two are each others greatest rivals and dance partners, no one can sell the leg like Okada, no one can target the leg like Tana. They told a fantastic story where through all odds of having 2 weak legs, dominance from Tanahashi, and a mental blockade from crying last WK, Okada powered through, kept wrist control, and hit the Rainmaker for I think the 6th time (? ) to finally become the ace of NJPW. What a match."

[9.0] "Utterly fantastic match with an incredible closing stretch. To start, I do think that this match isn't on the level of their match from Invasion Attack 3 years prior. I think that match had a bigger emphasis on pure storytelling and selling. While these aspects are good here, I don't think they're perfect. Okada's legs are worked here, and with that, he does sell often, but not as much as he did with his arm at Invasion Attack. I tend to try not to compare, but it feels fitting. Okada's moveset in that match changed up and he used his legs much more than his feet. Obviously his kicks are a big part of his arsenal but it felt especially so there. Here, his legs are worked and he continues to use them. On a lot of his dropkicks, he doesn't sell the leg. I do applaud that he wasn't doing his perfect dropkick at one point, but instead switched it to one that would use less power on the leg. And yeah, this is pretty minor. It doesn't ruin the match at all for me, but it does bring it down a notch. Tanahashi doesn't really sell a specific body part for this one but that's okay, he was straight whooping Okada's ass the whole time. Positives are plentiful here. Stellar action, still a lot of story being told, and an amazing finish. Tanahashi can't big-league Okada anymore, he's right on his level. It shows here. A very good bout. What an amazing pairing. [****.5]"

[9.0] "If these guys Tokyo Dome match from the previous year was a little underwhelming relative to most of their matches, this, this is the good stuff. The real conclusion to the greatest pro-wrestling rivalry of the 2010s, maybe the entire 21st century. A true kingmaking moment, the crowd absolutely losing their minds for a crazy extended stretch, the finisher kickouts even work given their rivalry had not been defined by such stuff. I'm pretty sure this is certainly the first time that Tanahashi kicks out of the Rainmaker. The working over that Tanahashi gives Okada's knee, and the way Okada sells it, is spectacular."

[10.0] "Okada plays the cocky heel almost to perfection here. The perfect contrast to Tana's fiery babyface showing. Okada could've done a better job selling his knee, but it was good enough. Great closing stretch."

[10.0] "I love professional wrestling. The feelings this made me feel during the closing stretch are almost impossible to get anywhere else. This felt, at least to me, more reserved than their match from last year's main event, but the focus on storytelling helped it surpass their previous match. The wrist control moment is one of my favorite wrestling moments and it was probably the best finish I've seen so far."

[9.0] "I have a few issues with the first couple of minutes of this but man, by the time this match gets rolling it is absolutely incredible. The first 8 minutes of this is your typical slow and methodical wrestling that you get at the start of every big Okada match, which i kind of expected but it did take a while for them to really start doing something interesting. Tana starts working Okada's leg but he's initially able to shake it off and start controlling the match. This changes when Tana is able to catch him with a Dragon Screw which remain his target for the rest of the match. This is when things start getting really good with many big setpieces and hot nearfalls that have the crowd just about ready to blow the roof off the Dome as the match gets into its later stages. Some awesome moments here with both guys trading eachothers finishers as both guys try desperately to get the win. Eventually though, its Okada who is able to pull through and redeem his loss from the previous Wrestle Kingdom with 3 consecutive Rainmakers to finally put Tana down and cement himself as the new ace of the company. While i do have a few issues with the early pacing here and some of Okada's inconsistent selling, the final two thirds of this are just absolutely magnificent. I haven't seen every match that these two have had but of the ones i have seen, this is definitely my favourite. ****1/2"

[7.0] "The unofficial ending but definitive chapter close on the most important part of this rivalry. The Tana fans had their fun 365 days ago and this year Okada finally gets his Dome win after going 0-2 at WK against Tana. All of this would've made me think I'd dislike this more as it's centred around Okada's success and I will simply never cheer him over Tanahashi but I do prefer this one. It's about 6 minutes longer too but never feels like it's wasting my time and it's not lying to me about either guy or what's going on. There's no half-hearted grappling at the top as they just go straight into strikes, Okada isn't quite sleepwalking his way through this as he feels prepared and ready to take down Tanahashi once and for all but most of all, you can really start to see Tanahashi's time as the Ace wind down in real time, especially after he takes that gross flip bump from apron to floor and is noticeably slower through the rest of the match. I think it's both a credit to Tanahashi and an insult to Okada than in the younger man's biggest moment and the passing of the torch, I'm still far more interested in Tanahashi's desperate struggles and attempt to hold on, even when he has a decade more to offer and another title reign after this match. It's still his end as a real top contender though as he fades into the background after this but in this match, he's holding on to the building and Okada is viciously stomping at his fingers trying to make him fall. It begs the question "why the hell would I cheer Okada? " even louder. Okada isn't bad here though, he's actually really damn good and it's still some years off his laziest work but much like you can see Tana slowing down, you can see Okada growing a little complacent, although nothing big enough to stop this match being great. Nothing Tana does is enough to stop the inevitable and when Tana kicks out of the Rainmaker like last year, Okada doesn't entirely collapse, the truest sign that he's stepping up to the Ace role. I still don't love the end result but god damn it's a hell of a journey."

[10.0] "[5.0*] probably the best match of their series at this point and maybe even genuinely. The roles are different here and the story at its absolute peak here, Okada lost to tanahashi in wk 7&9 after Okada lost to Tana one year ago from this he cried because of that it seems that these losses break something big in him it's like he's dream and his goal been destroyed after these two loses but especially the wk 9 match. So Okada here wants to prove something not just for the crowd and Tana, but also himself. And here's the beauty of this whole thing (I mean the story) there's a huge psychological depth here for the story and the characters. The in ring action ? Was peak wrestling, the way they sets their plans from the beginning you could see their plans and visions. Okada is brilliant in taking the advantage of Tana's mistakes. The same thing goes with Tana later. It's not just pure technicality, it's more than that, it plays out really well for the story to perfection. It's really impressive for me that the smallest details here really REALLY MAKES DIFFERENCE. Every move, face expressions, and character-work played the biggest role for this to be as great as it is, there's a lot wrestlers could learn from this all time masterpiece. Just otherworldly stuff in every sense of the word, changed the game absolutely for the feud and the company, might be top 10 matches ever for me, and it's totally understandable if it's your number 1 match ever. Tremendous professional wrestling here. Fascinating."

[10.0] "Okada's dive over the guardrail was fantastic. Tanahashi's slingblade from the apron to the floor was fantastic. Those were just the best two, there's too many fantastic moments in this match to list. Great finish, the strikes popped, nothing was sloppy and everything sold. 5 stars and I'm looking forward to Wrestle Kingdom 2026."

[10.0] "One of the best matches that i have ever saw in my life tbh this was just perfection and pure wrestling, both mens delivered like their lives was under threat the pace was really good the crowd gone crazy at the end of the match, and the 5 final minutes sequences was just something that you cannot recreate, so yeah i think 10 si the appropriate grade for this match"

[10.0] "[5, 25 Stars] I'll never tire of seeing these two face off, especially at Tokyo Dome. In fact, that's where they last fought in this arena, so why not do it again in 2026? (*****, 25)"

[10.0] "10/10 what a great match I think this match is the best in wrestler kingdom 10 and this match is top 5 for me in njpw"

[9.0] "If Tanahashi in ring performance and psychological display of a match is not highly rated then it is very very underrated. Okada has such an amazing final boss persona which Tanahashi was not able to defeat. Great near falls and great reversals from rainmaker and tombstone"

[5.0] "I think I just don't enjoy Okada and his matches worked around his dropkick. I'd genuinely rather watch Bob Holly do that. Tanahashi isn't quite as disappointing to me, but still not a huge favourite either. This just did nothing for me. They certainly didn't phone it in, but it just had nothing that resonated with me beyond a nice finishing stretch. Okada never really captures my imagination or tells a story worth engaging with."

[5.0] "They had much better matches than this one. It's too long, leg work and selling was weird and it turned into finisher spam."

[7.0] "This match did almost nothing for me. Okada's wildly inconsistent selling on both legs/knees completely took me out of this match for most of it. Psychology pretty much went out the window in the last third with the contest just devolving into finisher spam from both Okada and Tanahashi. A couple of the counters also looked kinda awkward and I was confused at first about what was going on. I know that both of these wrestlers are capable of more but this was just not it. 3.25 stars."

[10.0] "One of the best matches in WK history. True showcase of their legendary feud - that's a factor which makes Wrestle Kingdom 10 really special in hearts of a wrestling fans."

[10.0] "[4.75*] This is now the best match of the feud in my opinion, surpassing the King Of Pro Wrestling one and I honestly do not think it will be topped, ever. This is amongst the greatest Okada matches of all time, on the same level as the Omega and Shibata classics, in my honest opinion (or maybe just a little bit below). This took everything good from the Wrestle Kingdom 7 and 9 matches, merged them and made it fucking better. The WK 7 one still has the best technical wrestling of all, but did not have the same level of drama and emotion. This one took the good technical wrestling, with the limbwork by Tanahashi on Okadas knees (I complained that on the WK 9 match, it was missing), and had the best climax of them all. This crowd was just insane, they were erupting for them, and honestly, this one humiliates every single other crowd they have wrestled in front of. There were a lot of good spots throughout the whole match, such as the Okada splash above the barricade, the classic Tana outside HFF, the Okada dropkick from the second rope to the outside and others, but the nearfalls on the ending stretch are by far the most beautiful part of it. First of all, the spot where Okada did the Rainmaker, Tana kicked out, Okada stole the High Fly Flow, Tana kicked out AGAIN, then Okada went for another Rainmaker, Tana escaped and hit a Rainmaker for himself. The crowd went NUTS for this. What the hell! Then Tana hit a double High Fly Flow and Okada still managed to kick out again! Imagine watching this live, man, must have been the best thing on the planet. Finally, the most dramatic and hard fought ending of the series: a TRIPLE Rainmaker by Kazu, ending everything. Just wow, guys. This is the exact concept of an epic match. If you look on the manual, must be the best example literally ever. This is a perfect Epic match and deserves the best rating possible."

[10.0] "I'm not even sure how it's possible but after 7 other brilliant matches together somehow this one is the best. This match acts as the rubber match to their 3-3-1 rivalry up until this point. They would go on to have many other matches but this one bookends the second chapter of their rivalry and acts as a definitive coronation for Okada as New Japan's top guy. Building on the previous year's match Tanahashi gives everything he can muster to put away Okada but unlike the year before everything he had is no longer enough and Okada can finally best the Ace in the Tokyo Dome and truly cement himself atop the mountaintop of NJPW. 5 Stars."

[10.0] "With all the amazing matches these two had together, it's kind of amazing they stepped it up again. Apparently, this was their eighth (with 6 wins a piece, and 1 tie), and it was their most epic. The final showdown, to decide not only who was IWGP Heavyweight Champion, but to also decide who was to be ACE of New Japan Pro Wrestling. The early half of this match was slow and methodical, but it was absolutely necessary to tell the story. The selling by Okada on the leg was top tier, and things slowly built to an incredible pace in the last 15 or so minutes. This match was 35 minutes in total, and it absolutely felt justified. They took it to their absolute limit and pulled it off with perfection. The best in the lengthy Hiroshi Tanahashi vs Kazuchika Okada series of matches. Wrestle Kingdom 10 was the perfect time to have such an important match."

[10.0] "This was damn near the perfect match. It put an end to a chapter in one of wrestling greatest rivalries, had some of the best in-ring wrestling, and was able to match the hype and even go above and beyond people's expectations. This is my favorite match between the two, and seeing these guys in the main event in the Tokyo Dome, wrestling one of the best matches in wrestling history, was an amazing sight to see. Overall and amazing match and easily one of New Japan's best bouts they ever had on a show."

[10.0] "A fitting end to a chapter in their rivalry, a match that is incredible on its own but even better with the knowledge of their matches leading up to it. A perfect match."

[10.0] "I've watched since childhood, but this match is what truly made me fall in love with the sport and art of professional wrestling."

[10.0] "Both guys are in incredible shape here and also the energy is absolutely electric in the Tokyo Dome. Both guys are very tentative as they start out, finally with a lock up that just shows the intensity of both men in the collar elbow tie up. Okada shows up Tanahashi and ducks his offense a couple of times and hits Tanahashi back a couple times, then he backs away. A lot of counters and both men meet in the center of the ring, Tanahashi continuing to get infuriated by the young champion. Fun stuff they keep telling with the veteran being baited into frustration by the young competitor. Really good mat wrestling with counters. All of its clean and looks good. A quick pin attempt during the chain wrestling but all just clean mat wrestling that even Lou Thesz would like. Tanahashi finally gets the upper hand by working over the leg of Okada. Tanahashi keeps going over the right leg of Okada, starts to move to the left leg but Okada stops him, pushes him into the corner, but cant run well on his knee as he sells that really well. Tanahashi takes advantage of his lack of power and hits a crossbody on him rebounding off the turnbuckle, Okada rolls through that though and tries to get the Tombstone, Tanahashi reverses it over the ropes, Okada breaks the hold and hits a springboard dropkick to Tanahashis back as he spills to the floor from the apron. Really really pretty sequence. Tanahashi is laid out on the ground and the count starts, but Okada comes out to send Tanahashi into the guardrails and kicks him over, selling Tanahashis long history of Neck and Back Issues. Okada then gets a huge running start and hits a flying crossbody over the guardrail and takes out Tanahashi, gorgeous. Count starts but Okada picks up Tanahashi and rolls him into the ring, body slams him and then hits a springboard senton, pin attempt kick out at two. Tanahashi fights back and stops Okada from hitting a dropkick on him while sitting on the top rope, then hits a 450 splash on Okada. Okada starts to fight back and hits a DDT on Tanahashi, flying European uppercut, pin attempt but kick out at two by Tanahashi. Okada dodges a dropkick towards his knees from Tanahashi, who then avoids Okadas senton, more really clean reversals until Tanahashi is finally able to hit his dropkick on the right knee of Okadas. Okada goes for a boot on Tanahashi but he smartly reverses that into a dragon screw. Tanahashi goes to the top rope as Okada is at ringside, Okada cuts him off and tries to get him up on the top rope, Tanahashi slips out of that and hits a dragon screw on the left leg of Okada through the turnbuckles. Another dragon screw to the right leg by Tanahashi, then he hits a slingblade on Okada on the apron. Tanahashi jumps to the top rope and hits a HUGE frog splash crossbody on Okada, looks magnificent. Okada narrowly gets back in to the ring before the 20 count expires, Tanahashi hits him with a body slam and then a second rope frog splash onto the legs of Okada, then wraps him a cloverleaf. Wrapped in it for a while before Okada gets to the ropes. Tanahashi wraps Okadas leg in the ropes and then dropkicks it, but its the left leg this time. Okada goes for a white noise, doesnt hit it the first time but hits it the second time on Tanahashi, but Okada drives Tanahashis head into his knee on the move so it takes both of them out. Both guys get to the center of the ring and trade forearms. Tanahashi runs off the ropes but Okada cuts him off with a dropkick and then a trio of seated dropkicks to Tanahashi, pin attempt but kick out at two. HUGE springboard dropkick from Okada, another pin attempt and kick out. Okada hits a big elbow drop from the top rope, hits his rainmaker pose, hooks Tanahashis arm for the rainmaker, but Tanahashi ducks it, Okada gets Tanahashi up in the Tombstone but Tanahashi reverses that, rolls him up, after the kick out hits a big dropkick to the knee and then another dragon screw. Tanahashi hits the ropes, Okada goes for the dropkick, Tanahashi stops the momentum and hits another dragon screw and another cloverleaf on Okada, as Okada eventually struggles and gets the rope break. Tanahashi and Okada reverse each other, Tanahashi hits another sling blade, then misses a frog splash from the top rope. Okada cant hit another tombstone, hits a rolling neckbreaker, Okada keeps the momentum and lifts up Tanahashi for the tombstone and finally hits it, then gets Tanahashi up for the rainmaker and hits it. Okada pins Tananashi, raises his arm before the 3 count and the lack of focus on the pin lets Tanahashi kick out. Okada springs up and hits a big frog splash, Tanahashi kicks out of the pin at two. Okada pulls up Tanahashi for another rainmaker, but Tanahashi instead hits one of his own on Okada.Both guys have nothing left, Okada gets Tanahashi up for the tombstone but Tanahashi rolls out of it, Rainmaker attempt is reversed into a sling blade, Tanahashi gets a dragon suplex pin attempt on Okada but kicked out, then Tananashi hits a frog splash to the back of Okada, rolls him over and hits another one from the top rope. Okada kicks out at two. Really great stuff. Tanahashi heads up for another crossbody as he waits for Okada to get to his feet, and Okada dropkicks him out of midair. Okada tries to hit a German suplex but Tanahashi gets out, big slap to Okada, then a face level dropkick from Okada. Rainmaker is ducked and the sling blade is avoided, German suplex is hit, Okada grabs the wrist for the rainmaker but Tanahashi slaps him. Okada then hits a duo of rainmakers on Tanahashi, then finally a third, and pins Tanahashi for a 3 count. Excellent match. Not good, not great, excellent. As good as any two athletes can wrestle. The match had wonderful psychology of an overpowering upstart overcoming a savvy veteran doing everything he can to overcome. Okadas sheer power and ability to outlast the old vet who has a great gameplay against Okada. This match never felt slow, had big spots that all worked so well"

[10.0] "The rainmaker finally did it, after several years of incredible battles and with one year in the making after their last match, exactly one year ago, in the same main event and in a Wrestle Kingdom again, the most prestigious place and time a wrestler can be, Okada finally can be called the ace, he did it all, this was the last thing remaining. This was much anticipated, like a final chapter, definitely a conclusion for this first part of the rivalry. I think this can easily be considered as the moment Tanahashi ultimately passes the torch to Okada, the rainmaker is now without a question the biggest name in New Japan. This is probably their most famous and praised battle, but I don't think ring-wise it's the best or the most perfect of them, they had better beginnings and middle parts, the development of this was kind of stale, of course it was lilting, it always is, but this time they fully relied on the climax, and what a climax, dear lord, this was insane, I can understand why this is considered by many the best, because it's the most favorable to mainstream. Differently from some of their last matches, this time Tanahashi focused on Okada's legs, both of the legs, he was just trying to make him unable to do anything, and this was pretty cool, but I think it didn't had the importance it should have when it came to the ending stretch, on the contrary, Okada did a triple dropkick, running like he just started the match. Apart of that little flaw, it was a divine experience, in those last minutes you really couldn't tell who was winning, very tense moments, a lot of breathtaking nearfalls, Okada face expressions after some Tanahashi kickouts were priceless, he was like: "what the hell I need to do to beat this guy in the biggest stage", his ghosts were torturing him, and he demonstrated that perfectly here. Like I said, this may be not technically their best match, but the fact it concluded a chapter of one of the best rivalries of all time, with an indescribable level of drama and two guys desperate to win and refusing to lose, puts this on the level of their past encounters, and the crazy reactions of the crowd were totally justified and proves my point. One of the best arcs of all time ended right here in an awesome way - {****3/4}"

[10.0] "This is in my opinion the best Okada Vs Tanahashi match ever. The in ring action and storytelling is just as god-tier as the entire Okada Vs Tanahashi rivalry has ever been and such a pitch perfect passing of the torch this match was. An all time masterpiece in the best ever in ring rivalry in all of wrestling."

[10.0] "[*****] A beautiful passing of the torch moment from the ace to the rainmaker. The leg work from tanahashi was wonderful, the callbacks to their previous encounters with counter after counter and the near falls will definitely continue to get me on subsequent watches. A true masterpiece of the highest order from two of the best to ever do it."

[10.0] "This was an amazing passing of the torch match with a very big fight feel. The storytelling was on par and the in ring action was amazing as this was both mens respective primes in my opinion. Okada was able to finally beat Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom."

[8.0] "A very overrated match. I looked at the rating here and was expecting an all timer between these two but came away thinking ehhh that was good but nowhere all timer status. It just didnt really click something was missing here. The action was good these two have great chemistry but it was lacking in something. Maybe it was just too predictable and the nearfalls werent good enough to convince me Tana had a real shot. Its good jsut dont expect anything close to what the score here suggest. 4/5"

[10.0] "The definition of "big fight feel." At the time, their match at Wrestle Kingdom 9 was maybe my favorite wrestling match ever. This match has an unbelievable atmosphere. This is one of the best Wrestle Kingdom crowds of all time. Okada looks like a star now. His cockiness has been replaced with confidence and he knows he's the one now. Tanahashi looks amazing and he knows this is his last chance to show that he can still carry the mantle for NJPW. A true torch passing classic that's a pillar in one of the greatest title runs of all time. This match is a masterclass of NJPW's long term storytelling, the call back spots and counters on top of counters are rewarding to every fan who's seen their matches prior to this while also serving as an anthology to fans who skipped right to this match and the apex of NJPW's biggest and most important rivalry. A masterpiece. *****"

[10.0] "A truly epic masterpiece. The story they told with Tanahashi destroying Okada's legs was brilliant. Some of those false finishes at the end still fool me after all this time. I love boxing and the energy in this match feels like Ali/Frazier. Two rivals battering each other and willing to do whatever it takes. And the crowd REALLY got into it towards the end. Okada really had to earn it in this one. A great passing of the torch moment."

[10.0] "Possibly the best match ever imo. Incredibly close to their two classics from 2013 (with like 10 other incredible matches not that far away lol). This builds on their matches up to this point, with ton of counter wrestling and both struggling to get a lead on the other. The closing stretch is the best Ive ever seen, and Okada maintaining the wrist control is these days a fun element of his matches with usually the intrigue being about how his opponent can get out of the move if at all. Here though its done for the first time and a is a powerful symbol, after everything Okada held on, this was his moment and he wouldnt let go, he finally surpassed Tanahashi and hit the rainmaker. Incredible."

[10.0] "Incredible match, the moment when Tanahashi passes the torch to Okada who enters the hall of the greatest of all time. 2016 MOTY (*****)"

[10.0] "The definitive match to the series, where Tanahashi looked to ride the lightning one more time in the house he built. This was the moment Okada stopped being 1A and became a dynasty. In the next 3 years at Wrestle Kingdom, Okada was chased by Kenny, Naito, and then Jay White. He was the standard bearer because he beat Tanahashi. No qualms. Tana changed too, losing High Energy for Go Ace, a theme that came to embody his will to Never Tire, Never Give Up, even though he saw the wave rolling past him. Only two artists like Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi could continue this rivalry in various ways up to the present day, but as a final stamp to the greatest rivalry in NJPW history, this was ******. Next up, when Okada and Naito go one-on-one for the final time next year. But Tranquilo, see you next time."

[9.0] "On a rewatch, this match doesn't quite hold up like I thought it did. This is still an incredible match, but revisiting it, this match drags quite a bit early on with some botches that noticeably took the crowd out at least for a moment. Okada does a great job selling his leg for the most part, but towards the end in particular, the selling does get a little too inconsistent for my taste. Despite these issues though, this is still a fantastic bout with a terrific finish that truly felt like a passing of the torch."

[10.0] "This match is just fantastic. A few weeks ago, after having watched the omega v okada series, as well as tanahashi vs ibushi g1 2018, tanahashi v omega at wk13 and the 2 ospreay v omega matches for a series of all time matches to discover new japan, I thought it would be nice to watch the legendary okada v tanahashi series and, since there are more than 15 matches, actually go through the 9 or more graded matches along the way. All of this is to say that the ride has been awesome, but as of now, having arrived at omega v okada 4, i will still say that this main event of wrestle kingdom 10 is my all time favorite. Having gone through their epic series to arrive at the point were these 2 giants just know each other perfectly and counter everything on the biggest stage is just magic. The climax is so hot and perfect, its the only match where i was actually feeling excited instead of in awe. Truly a perfect match in my opinion and this match alone is worth watching every major new japan matches from tanahashis great 2011 reign onwards. I do not want to spoil what is happening, but a match with a great build up and spots, an amazing pacing and what I consider to be the best ending between the wrestler who is the best at end of matches in tanahashi and the wrestler who has the best match endings in okada. Truly an epic, grandiose match."

[10.0] "This is what it is all about. A money match built off a money rivalry to once and for all have Hiroshi Tanahashi be surpassed as Ace of New Japan by Kazuchika Okada. It happened and shocked us all, but we love it anyways. Okada did some gnarly, never before seen things like his diving cross body over the outside barricade, but Tanahashi also did things to try and desperately keep what he has held for the last 6 years. *****"

[10.0] "Sensational. The crowd was on fire for this one and rightfully so. Two of the best of all time going at it for the top prize in pro wrestling. Maybe my favorite match from these two legends."

[10.0] "This was Best Match in the Greatest Professionl Wrestling Rivrly between Okada and Tanahashi. Match Rating - *****1/4"

[10.0] "The story here is can Okada finally become the ace and finally defeat Tanahashi at WK, or will Tanahashi be able to keep his position as the ace? They start this off slowly like in previous matches with headlocks, chain, and mat wrestling. Tanahashi is really smart here, by not only targeting just one of Okada's legs but both of them instead. Some took issue with Okada's selling but I thought it was strong with him always making sure to show some sort of fatigue, or the way he sold after hitting the neck breaker was really good. The ending stretch was awesome as usual between these two, both guys pulled out all of the spots, which includes Okada hitting a high fly flo, and Tanahashi hitting a rainmaker after they had already kicked out of each other's finishers. Both men were completely beaten down and after Tanahashi slaps Okada both men drop to their knees, but Okada holds onto Tanahashi's wrist to hit two consecutive rainmakers, then one more afterward to ensure the win. Okada finally beats Tanahashi at WK and becomes the ace.*****"

[8.0] "It was a bit sloppy in the beginning with the miscommunication and the selling is inconsistent. It's a really good match, but this only gets the high rating for the extended near finishes at the end."

[10.0] "Their best match together. Nothing else to really say about this. Tremendous match just as expected."

[10.0] "***** - all time classic 5 star wrestle Kingdom main event. Just terrific work from both dudes, Japanese crowd is insanely into it, it's just absolutely awesome"

[10.0] "One of the best Main Events I ever laid eyes on. Two of the best in Japan history just showing why they were the future and the present."

[10.0] "One of the best matches in NJPW history and a 10/10. The buildup was insane and it's a perfect end to this chapter of this decade-long story."