New Japan Pro Wrestling Season 1 Episode 20 Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada from the 24th G-1 Climax Tournament
- July 10, 2015
Tetsuya Naito and Kazuchika Okada are two of the biggest stars in New Japan Pro Wrestling, and their matchup in the 24th G-1 Climax Tournament was highly anticipated. Okada, the former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, entered the tournament as the favorite, but Naito, the leader of the popular faction Los Ingobernables de Japon, was determined to make a statement.
The two men started the match cautiously, feeling each other out and looking for openings. Okada used his superior size and strength to gain the early advantage, but Naito was able to counter with his quickness and agility. The crowd was firmly behind Naito, who had developed a reputation as a rebel against the establishment.
As the match progressed, Naito began to take control, focusing on Okada's left knee in an attempt to weaken him for his finishing move, the Destino. Okada, meanwhile, tried to wear down Naito with his trademark Rainmaker clothesline. Both men showed incredible resilience, withstanding each other's big moves and continuing to fight on.
The match reached a climax when Okada hit a huge dropkick, followed by a Tombstone piledriver, and then attempted his Rainmaker finisher. Naito ducked the move, however, and was able to hit a series of rapid strikes and a beautiful reverse DDT. He followed up with the Destino, and the crowd erupted as he pinned Okada for the victory.
The match was a classic example of New Japan Pro Wrestling at its best, with two top stars putting on a masterful display of athleticism, skill, and storytelling. Naito's win over Okada was a huge moment for his fans, who had been waiting for him to achieve this level of success for years. The match also set the stage for future showdowns between the two men, as their rivalry continued to heat up. Overall, it was a must-see episode for any New Japan Pro Wrestling fan.