| 1 | 10.04.2024 | uselessdollthing | 9.0 | |
| 2 | 06.04.2024 | Tarkovsky | 10.0 | |
| 3 | 24.03.2024 | cibar12 | 10.0 | |
| 4 | 24.03.2024 | danzitorock | 9.0 | After Tanahashi victory at Wrestle Kingdom, Okada won the New Japan Cup and earned his way back to the title scene, and they did what's their best match until this point. This is the match that in my opinion they finally perfected their craft, everything is smooth and perfect, all the moves are well-executed, their chemistry level reached to 100% right here. The style of the match is much like the others, but this time they did everything brilliantly, Tanahashi is almost a heel here, because of the way he completely demolishes Okada's arm, the rainmaker arm, and Okada sells it pretty well and they build the match around this fact, incredible psychology. I think this match is very important to Okada because it definitely made everyone see him as an equal to Tanahashi, and not only a young man who shocked the world at New Beginning... he demonstrated he's capable of beating the Ace multiple times - {****3/4} |
| 5 | 23.03.2024 | FelipeTalksWrestling | 9.0 | [4.75*] The best match of the feud until this point. The Ace Hiroshi Tanahashi worked in a more heelish style for the first time on the feud and even got booed by the crowd multiple times when he kept the submissions after Red Shoes told him to stop. He brutally attacked Okadas arm throughout the whole bout. which created a lot of antecipation for the Rainmaker finishing move. The interactions on the ringside were great, specially the classic High Fly Flow to the ringside and the DDT on the barricade by Kazu. As always, the reversal sequences were incredible, but my only issue with the whole match was the fact that it was clearly built in a predictable way for Okada to win and they never really let us thought Tana would win, because there was no High Fly Flow kickout. The Rainmaker nearfall however was very good, we knew it would not end there because Okada took 10 seconds to score the pin, but this was awesome for the psychology and his selling on this bout was magnificent. At the end of the day, Kazu proved that he was not a fluke and could beat Tana again, even with a injured arm. |
| 6 | 10.03.2024 | 12AMercenary | 9.0 | |
| 7 | 03.03.2024 | SirJamesJones | 10.0 | The psychology and story telling here is brilliant. Its a sheer back and forth between the two, with great selling between both men. The failed rainmaker, the ending sequence and everything throughout was beautiful times and paced creating a match that had me fully invested throughout. The crowd being absolutely electric throughout this, and that energy was certainly tangible through a screen. |
| 8 | 03.03.2024 | lukasmgc | 10.0 | |
| 9 | 28.02.2024 | CFOS | | |
| 10 | 27.02.2024 | Michael Morbius | 10.0 | This match was abosulety incredible, definitely a must-watch if you like in-ring psycology and great selling. Tanahashi's work on Okada's arm is top notch and Okada's is also really good. Tanahashi counter game was also incredible. Okada, instead, started working on Tanahashi's neck following a ddt on the apron. Again, great by Okada and great selling by Tanahashi. Really good counter game by Okada and nice submission spots. I loved that anytime Tanahashi was in danger he went to the arm and that injured arm also prevented Okada from covering immediately following a rainmaker. The arm dragon screw used mutiple times by Tanahashi was a thing of beauty and the combo of standing high fly flow + slingblade + dragon suplex was insane. I also loved the work around the tombstone, where Okada attempted it multiple times but Tanahashi was able to counter until he made the mistake one of his own but Okda countered and finally managed to hit the tombstone. The closing stretch was awesome and I just talked about how I loved the tombstone before the final rainmaker. Okada and Tanahashi had perfect chemistry here and everything they did, every manuever, every sequence was super smooth and excecuted flawlessly. 10/10 - 5*/5* |
| 11 | 23.02.2024 | EverFTN | 10.0 | |
| 12 | 21.02.2024 | wingedeagle | 10.0 | |
| 13 | 16.02.2024 | RingsportsRob | 10.0 | This is a masterpiece of in-ring psychology, not just because of the arm work (which includes stuff that should have been copied everywhere by now), but because of how they reverse the face-heel dynamics of the previous matches without fundamentally changing either character. This would set the stage for the Wrestle Kingdom 9 and 10 main events, and Okada becoming the ace of the company. We really did have it all. |
| 14 | 11.02.2024 | Libelula RGB | 10.0 | |
| 15 | 11.02.2024 | rikatatsumienjoyer | 9.0 | |
| 16 | 08.02.2024 | Mercer King | | |
| 17 | 05.02.2024 | KEI | 10.0 | |
| 18 | 01.02.2024 | manamimeltzer | 8.0 | |
| 19 | 01.02.2024 | Ariak | 10.0 | |
| 20 | 30.01.2024 | Chudit | 10.0 | |
| 21 | 26.01.2024 | Austinisaew | 10.0 | |
| 22 | 13.01.2024 | franromanfraga | 9.0 | |
| 23 | 12.01.2024 | Mariano14 | 10.0 | |
| 24 | 11.01.2024 | Shoot Headbutt Lover | 6.0 | I'm not big on this series whatsoever, but I'm still trying to find why everyone likes these two when they wrestle together. To me it's like putting two electrons together, with anyone else they can have the ability to create magic, but when you put them with each other, they repel. I think Okada & Tanahashi are too similar for their own good, in some cases when you put a highly skilled striker, brawler, or technician with another of that respective style, it usually creates amazing performances with those two. But with these two, who are both all-rounders, it for whatever reason doesn't usually fit. There's some good moments I enjoy like the opening exchange with Okada doing the chest pat gimmick at the start and then Tanahashi following up by kicking him in the gut. Okada sold his arm incredibly well throughout the match. I liked the guardrail DDT Okada did to Tana spiking him on his neck. I enjoyed seeing the Deep in Debt that Okada should bring back and just have it replace the money clip, or combine them and do some sort of Cobra Clutch version of the D.I.D, that'd be neat. And I did enjoy the ending sequence. Those are the only moments I liked of this 30 minute match. People praise the psychology of this but I found myself asking more questions than yelling bravo or YOOOOOOO. Like "Why did Okada put his elbow pad on the elbow that's been getting worked on to do his elbow drop, shouldn't he just use the left elbow that the elbow pad was already on and not risk damaging his elbow anymore, like the pad won't actually save his elbow from hurting against Tana's chest, he's still falling from a great height to land elbow first, it's gonna hurt either way.". Or "Why didn't Tanahashi go for the cover after the High Fly Crossbody to the outside, actually why did Okada get back up after getting thrown into the ring, he should be winded right? ". I also thought the Apron DDT Okada did looked like it didn't have any impact and that Tanahashi's sell was a little silly. I also thought that when Tanahashi reversed Okada's move that Okada hit Ryback's shellshock and was puzzled for a second until he got back up. and finally, I think the Red Ink is a stupid looking move and the fact Tanahashi had zero sense of urgency trying to get to the ropes was baffling. It's not a bad match, but it's nowhere near an all-timer, maybe if I watched this back then I'd appreciate it, but there's not much in it that caters to my taste personally. No head drops, headbutts, hard hitting strikes that echo across the arena, crazy looking moves, crazy reversals, split second nearfalls, a defined heel doing heelish things to go above the rules, any callbacks from earlier in the match that is later used in the match's story that isn't limbwork but an actual story beat. You know, things that I like that would make see this an absolute 5 Star Classic All Timer bout for the ages, I could list more and go on and but my point is, this is an incredibly overrated match. It's an okay match that doesn't play to my personal taste, you may like it though, that's good on you, for me it's just alright but nothing spectacular. *** |
| 25 | 03.01.2024 | RyanKras16 | 10.0 | |
| 26 | 03.01.2024 | Madlad | 10.0 | |
| 27 | 30.12.2023 | Geo93 | 10.0 | This was a godly-level match. Absolutely incredible and probably the best I've seen from either guy so far. At no point during this match was I bored. I remained invested throughout. The PSYCHOLOGY and SELLING was amazing. Okada with his arm, especially. If his previous matches weren't star-making to you, then this had to be the one. The reversals towards the end were unbelievable. Rainmakers into tombstones etc. I was losing my mind during the ending sequence. This was pretty much peak wrestling for me. |
| 28 | 26.12.2023 | god is a myth | 10.0 | |
| 29 | 12.12.2023 | Jman7 | 10.0 | |
| 30 | 26.11.2023 | TheRefBump | 10.0 | |
| 31 | 15.11.2023 | njpwawwe | 8.0 | |
| 32 | 15.11.2023 | SinoParm | 8.0 | |
| 33 | 08.11.2023 | Each | 9.0 | |
| 34 | 31.10.2023 | felixshanewestern | 10.0 | |
| 35 | 29.10.2023 | Kyle from TheMatchGuide | 9.0 | A great match brimmed full of psychology and storytelling, but it falls just a bit short of all-time classic status in my opinion. Tana's work on Okada's arm is damn good, and Okada sells being in dire straits due to a poor arm. The ending sequence with the tombstone into the rainmaker is electric, as is the first kick out of the rainmaker too. Submission spots are great as well, but it lacked some of the grit and excitement I really wanted. 4.75 Stars. |
| 36 | 27.10.2023 | Miglanista | 10.0 | |
| 37 | 23.10.2023 | moxuresu | 10.0 | |
| 38 | 19.10.2023 | Ahmed2003 | 10.0 | |
| 39 | 03.10.2023 | Okaro143 | 10.0 | This was the first NJPW match I had ever watch and I am glad I watched it as it brought me to a completely different version of pro wrestling known as puroresu. The match started slow with a very intriguing psychology battle, Tana targeted the arm while Okada focused on the neck. Okada's arm gave him a lot of problems throughout the match and by targeting Okada's arm, Tana took away Okada's biggest weapon- The Rainmaker. Okada worked heavily on the neck with multiple DDTs and a variety of submissions. Although both men cerebrally worked on a single limb, it seemed that the veteran Tana had the advantage, Okada's compromised arm prevented him from efficiently using his moves and Tana was like a dog with a bone who took advantage of every little opportunity and targeted the arm whenever Okada seemed to gain any momentum. Okada fought through the pain and with great difficulty was able to hit his signature moves but Tana was able to escape defeat more than once because Okada couldn't capitalised on his offense. Watching Okada's selling, Tana's cerebral and at times slightly ruthless approach despite being the crowd favourite and the silent crowd that roared at the big moments opened my eyes to a new exciting form of wrestling in Japan. There was nothing too fancy here but it was an incredible match from a technical point of view, A clean, superb masterclass. Okada and Tanahashi brought out such intricate and delicate details of pro wrestling I had never thought about before. It completely changed my perception on pro wrestling as a whole. The first time I watched this, I considered it to be the best match I ever saw and it remains one of the best matches of all time and the best match in the epic rivalry of Tanahashi and Okada. Incredible match.***** |
| 40 | 23.09.2023 | Taper1994 | 10.0 | This is match four of the feud. At this point in time Tanahashi is 2 up on Okada, so The Ace comes in fully confident. Okada on the other hand only has the one win on Tanahashi, the iconic "Rainmaker shock" in their first match, so Okada is desparate to prove it wasn't a fluke. Right from the start Tanahashi's overly cocky attittude shows, Tanahashi tries for a Rainmaker in the opening feeling out process and then mocks Okada's signiture pose. Tanahashi's first two wins are based around attacking the leg of Okada, but Okada shows he has learned from their prior encounters and avoids an early low dropkick and a dragon screw. However, Tanahashi is not if not adaptable and immediately switches gears targetting the right arm of Okada. Tanahashi is vicious in his attack on the arm of Okada, with some really neat stuff like doing dragon whips on Okada's right arm. However Okada is the one who really shines here as his selling is MASTERFUL. It's not that Okada just sells when Tanahashi is on offense but Okada also sells struggling to do his own moves. Like when Okada tries to fight back with a forearm, Okada actually crumples to the mat because of the pain. Okada stuggles to fully lock in Red Ink and can't even do the Rainmaker pose right doing the camera zoom out spot. Probably my favourite bit is when Okada goes for a top rope elbow, he switches his elbow pad on his left arm to his right arm so the move would hurt him less. The arm work pays off in an amazing spot when Okada hits a surprise Rainmaker, the crowd goes NUTS, Tanahashi looks knocked the fuck out but Okada is too hurt to cover! When Okada finally crawls over, it gets two. I love that the first kickout of the Rainmaker wasn't some shock kickout but instead a match where it logically didn't finish. The match isn't just fully dominated by Tanahashi, Okada gets an early DDT on the apron which messed with Tanahashi's neck, Okada's work on the neck is great as everything Okada does is soften his opponent up for his Rainmaker lariat, and Tanahashi's selling is solid as well. The finishing sequence kind of beautifully plays into all the themes of the match. Tanahashi gets his signiture sequences goes but since he abondoned his usual tactic of going for the legs they don't land quite as hard. Also in the prior matches when Okada blocked the high fly flow with his knees, the counter did just as much damage to Tanahashi as it did to Okada himself due to the leg work but here Okada gets the full advantage from it. Okada tries to finish off with a Tombstone but doesn't have the arm strength to lift up Tanahashi, Tanahashi escapes by wringing the arm. However Tanahashi overconfidence shows again as he mistakenly tries to go for Okada's tombstone which allows Okada to filp over into his own one. The Rainmaker follows and this time there is no kickout. Over 10 year later and this is still the best performance of Okada's amazing career. It's the best NJPW match of all time to me. And forms part of my top 5 matches of all time. ***** |
| 41 | 20.09.2023 | jendenrenlen | 10.0 | |
| 42 | 05.09.2023 | hieisrequiem | 10.0 | |
| 43 | 05.09.2023 | perconflncns | 9.0 | |
| 44 | 30.08.2023 | Bockelito | 10.0 | Okada and Tanahashi may very well be the greatest in ring rivalry in pro wrestling history. They had more classics between the two of them than some promotions had in their entire existence. Okada right here proved that he was a one in a generation talent. Although I regard their dominion 2012 match as a 10/10 as well, this one is an upgrade because, while in 2012 tanahashi still feels like on another level, same for their wrestle kingdom main event of 2013, the april 7 2013 match is a clash of two giants. Okada has ascended to an all time great level and tanahashi is still at his best, which is arguably the best of all time. Also, this match is a breath of fresh air in comparaison to other tanahashi matches because he works on okadas arm instead of his legs, meaning he had to evolve his traditional leg heavy arsenal to neutralize his opponents rainmaker. And just as always with okada matches, the final stretch is on another level. Would recommand to watch it to anyone, especially as part of the okada vs tanahashi rivalry. |
| 45 | 30.08.2023 | JakWhit | 9.0 | |
| 46 | 23.08.2023 | Mojomaker | 10.0 | Match 4# dieser Serie. Ein Klassiker und zurecht eins der am besten bewerteten Matches in der Geschichte von New Japan. Zu diesem Zeitpunkt haben Okada und Tanahashi schon eine beeindruckende Rivalität entwickeln können. Hier nehmen Sie all die Zutaten aus ihren letzten Matches und gehen mit dieser Formel wirklich all in. Tana kommt mit der Beinbearbeitung nicht durch und switcht auf den Arm. Das geschieht so voller Klasse und mühelos, einfach genial. Okadas Selling im ganzen Match ist Wahnsinn, für mich perfekt. Am Ende bauen die beiden auf den vorherigen Matches auf und eskalieren so die Schlussphase bis zu einem großartigen Ende. Absolut verdienter Platz in jeder best of Liste der beiden. |
| 47 | 22.08.2023 | BrokenV | 10.0 | |
| 48 | 19.08.2023 | alibjk77 | 9.0 | |
| 49 | 16.08.2023 | ShineyxDiver | 10.0 | Sensational work from both men to make this match of theirs something special. Even more special than their previous three, including the one at WK. Tana couldn't work the leg, Okada avoided that like the plague and rightfully so, but he immediately went to Okada's right arm for obvious Rainmaker reasons. It worked too, especially well. So much so Okada had to take his elbow pad from the left arm and put it to the right to help alleviate such pain. Of course it couldn't last too long because after deep into the match Okada got enough power into that arm to finish Tanahashi off. Brilliant match of psychology and work. ***** |
| 50 | 15.08.2023 | Hawkeyes1001 | 10.0 | |
| 51 | 01.08.2023 | SED12345 | 10.0 | |
| 52 | 01.08.2023 | Malarkian | 10.0 | The crowd was white hot for match this throughout and it's easy to see why. This match is a masterclass in in-ring psychology and storytelling. Tanahashi's limb work is brutal and relentless and Okada's selling is absolutely top notch. Yet another all-timer between two of the best professional wrestlers ever. |
| 53 | 23.07.2023 | texasyosh | 10.0 | The way Okada and Tanahashi built up their story and rivalry through these matches is seriously impressive. They constantly acknowledge and reference prior matches (specifically the WK bout in this case). Tana changes his gameplan, to target Okada's dominant arm, which makes for a real great change of pace. The real story of this match is "if Okada is truly on the same level of Tanahashi, " after Tana wiped the floor with him at WrestleKingdom. Tanahashi works on top for the majority of this match, and unlike the matches prior where both men's overconfidence led to their downfalls, it's instead Okada really meeting the challenge to truly beat Tanahashi. It's a momentous babyface performance from Okada, and the fans recognize it and get behind him in the latter stages of the match. Okada is able to sell the arm much more effectively than his knee selling from the WK match. Tanahashi, perhaps out of desperation or overconfidence, goes for the third high fly flow of the match. This time, Okada has it scouted. And Tanahashi's time as champ goes on bought time. The ending sequence is seriously some of the best "NJPW counter spots" they've ever pulled off. Rather than it feeling fake or pre-planned (a la Ospreay), this feels real and earned. A testament to how talented both men are. Tanahashi's at his best, with Okada reaching that next level. I think this one rivals their second bout, I have the 2nd one ranked above this one, but this is another excellent bout in their rivalry. |
| 54 | 18.07.2023 | Immortan Scott | 10.0 | |
| 55 | 17.07.2023 | JGM | 9.0 | |
| 56 | 16.07.2023 | eenfish69 | 10.0 | Incredible match from start to finish. All the call backs and references to big and important spots from the last few matches but with extra spin and another level added. A realistic, logical and engaging flow. Absolutely rips through the running time, briliantly paced and exciting throughout with the ebbs and flows. Brilliant, pure brilliance. |
| 57 | 12.07.2023 | GoodVsBadGuys | 8.0 | |
| 58 | 12.07.2023 | sixcrowstimebomb | 8.0 | |
| 59 | 05.07.2023 | Jacek2002 | 10.0 | |
| 60 | 03.07.2023 | SpookySuzuki2 | 8.0 | |
| 61 | 30.06.2023 | biloxata1993 | 8.0 | |
| 62 | 20.06.2023 | DammitChrist | 10.0 | |
| 63 | 12.06.2023 | Jayfunk | 9.0 | |
| 64 | 06.06.2023 | wesereit | 8.0 | |
| 65 | 05.06.2023 | Anarchkitty | 10.0 | |
| 66 | 30.05.2023 | winkarningis | 10.0 | |
| 67 | 22.05.2023 | AidanArcher | 10.0 | |
| 68 | 22.05.2023 | aegoated | 10.0 | |
| 69 | 19.05.2023 | Old Lion | 9.0 | |
| 70 | 10.05.2023 | DangoDaisuki | 10.0 | |
| 71 | 04.05.2023 | ZayTokyo | 10.0 | |
| 72 | 01.05.2023 | innerfilth | 10.0 | |
| 73 | 18.04.2023 | MatchJournal | 10.0 | |
| 74 | 09.04.2023 | Mizzle Assault Ant | 7.0 | An enjoyable enough match but, strictly on what I most love to see in wrestling, I can't say it's an all timer for me looking back 10 years later. It's well worked and fun to watch but there are so many more matches with more grit and excitement. |
| 75 | 06.04.2023 | BatNak | 10.0 | |
| 76 | 03.04.2023 | LucasVentura | 10.0 | |
| 77 | 03.04.2023 | King Road | 9.0 | |
| 78 | 15.03.2023 | Kamilahclan | 9.0 | |
| 79 | 26.02.2023 | homunculus | 10.0 | |
| 80 | 22.02.2023 | Logue38 | 10.0 | The relentless attack on Okada's arm was a joy to watch, with incredible selling from Okada. Interesting use of Okada's dropkicks, with Tanahashi later in the match able to avoid them to shift the momentum. |
| 81 | 17.02.2023 | calivber | 9.0 | |
| 82 | 15.02.2023 | Inserthere750 | 10.0 | |
| 83 | 09.02.2023 | thebodes | 10.0 | |
| 84 | 19.01.2023 | Wrestling Fan | 9.0 | Man, this was incredible. So simple, yet so effective. Not overdone. A very slow pace, with Tanahashi destroying Okada's arm the entire match. Callbacks to the previous matches they had. Okada sold that arm so well. Such smooth transitions from stage to stage in this match. Amazing work by both. No crazy nearfalls, Okada got the first rainmaker after a beautiful battle for control but couldn't make it to Tanahashi, who tried to hit is finishing high fly flow but Okada got the knees up, got the tombstone and hit his rainmaker to become the king of NJPW. The way they established the builds to all the huge moves was insane. I don't see this as a 5-star classic like most, but still an excellent match and worthy of winning MOTY in 2013. ****1/2 |
| 85 | 10.01.2023 | flightaker321 | 10.0 | The opening of this match with Tanahashi mocking Okada by playing around with him, and attempting to hit rainmaker rules. Okada has Tanahashi's leg work scouted this time because he's much better prepared as opposed to the last two matches, so, therefore, Tanahashi has to switch over to working the arm of Okada to slow down Okada's offense, which he does beautifully, Okada's selling was even better. Okada switching his elbow pad to hit the elbow drop, only in turn not being able to hit the rainmaker was beautiful. Okada however still wrestled his kind of match by still targeting Tanahashi's neck throughout this and having the same game plan. The explosive stuff they did at the end had some nice callbacks from their previous matches, but never went too overboard, Okada finally gets his win back after winning a struggle for the tombstone, and then afterward hitting the rainmaker for the finishing touches.***** |
| 86 | 06.01.2023 | Tyler Catalyst | 10.0 | |
| 87 | 05.01.2023 | TheBeardedBaron | 10.0 | |
| 88 | 04.01.2023 | Ofir | 10.0 | |
| 89 | 29.12.2022 | No One | 10.0 | |
| 90 | 23.12.2022 | devwil | 10.0 | Just another example of these two being two of the best ever. Loved the Okada arm subplot, and both guys are just so smooth and have so much chemistry. |
| 91 | 06.12.2022 | jameswarrington19901 | 10.0 | |
| 92 | 29.11.2022 | American Dragon II Jr | 9.0 | |
| 93 | 14.11.2022 | ISimon1912 | 9.0 | This is for sure a great match and worth the reputation it has, however I made a big mistake that I watched the WK10 match before this one and this turned out not to be what I expected, even because the WK10 match is so significant (****1/2) |
| 94 | 13.11.2022 | RafaClau | 10.0 | |
| 95 | 08.11.2022 | GriffithWhite | 10.0 | |
| 96 | 23.10.2022 | puroraisedme | 10.0 | |
| 97 | 07.10.2022 | GOK4E | 8.0 | |
| 98 | 30.09.2022 | RedShow | 9.0 | |
| 99 | 29.09.2022 | NachoMenique | 10.0 | |
| 100 | 19.09.2022 | lbksom | 10.0 | |
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