Wrestle Kingdom 17: Top Highlights & Must-See Moments

Wrestle Kingdom 17, guys, was absolutely insane! It was a night packed with incredible matches, shocking upsets, and moments that will be talked about for years to come. If you missed it, or just want a refresher on all the key happenings, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into the top highlights and must-see moments from Wrestle Kingdom 17!

The Epic Main Event: Okada vs. White

The main event, Kazuchika Okada versus Jay White for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, was nothing short of a classic. Okada, the Rainmaker, entered with the weight of expectation on his shoulders, while White, the Switchblade, aimed to continue his reign of dominance. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both wrestlers showcasing their incredible skills and resilience.

From the opening bell, the intensity was palpable. White, known for his cunning and underhanded tactics, tried to disrupt Okada's rhythm early on. He targeted Okada's legs, attempting to ground the Rainmaker and prevent him from executing his devastating Rainmaker lariat. Okada, however, weathered the storm and began to mount his comeback, delivering a series of impactful strikes and signature moves. The crowd was on their feet as the two exchanged blows, each wrestler desperate to gain the upper hand.

The match reached its climax with a series of near falls that had the audience gasping. White hit Okada with his Blade Runner finisher, but Okada somehow managed to kick out at the last possible moment. Okada then rallied, hitting White with a Landslide Tombstone Piledriver followed by a Rainmaker, but White refused to stay down. The resilience of both competitors was truly remarkable.

In the end, Okada finally managed to put White away with a second Rainmaker, securing the victory and regaining the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. The crowd erupted as Okada celebrated his hard-fought win, confetti raining down on the new champion. This match was a testament to the incredible talent of both Okada and White and will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest main events in Wrestle Kingdom history.

Kenny Omega's Return and Championship Win

One of the biggest stories heading into Wrestle Kingdom 17 was the return of Kenny Omega to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) to challenge Will Ospreay for the IWGP United States Championship. This match was highly anticipated due to the history between Omega and Ospreay, as well as the clash of styles between the two world-class athletes. Omega, the Best Bout Machine, had previously held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and was looking to add another title to his resume. Ospreay, on the other hand, was determined to defend his title and prove that he was the top wrestler in the world.

The match itself was an absolute barnburner. Omega and Ospreay went back and forth, trading high-impact moves and showcasing their incredible athleticism. Omega hit Ospreay with his signature moves, including the V-Trigger and the One-Winged Angel, but Ospreay refused to stay down. Ospreay, in turn, hit Omega with his own arsenal of moves, including the Oscutter and the Hidden Blade. The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the two wrestlers pushed each other to their limits.

Omega eventually managed to defeat Ospreay after a grueling back-and-forth battle, capturing the IWGP United States Championship. The victory marked Omega's return to the top of NJPW and signaled his intention to once again dominate the promotion. The match was a true classic and further cemented Omega's legacy as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

The Passing of the Torch: Tanahashi vs. Muto

Another highly anticipated match at Wrestle Kingdom 17 was Hiroshi Tanahashi versus Keiji Muto, also known as The Great Muta. This match was billed as a passing of the torch, as Muto was nearing the end of his legendary career and Tanahashi was looking to continue his reign as one of the top stars in NJPW. Muto, a true icon of Japanese wrestling, had announced that Wrestle Kingdom 17 would be his final match in NJPW, adding a special significance to the encounter.

The match was a masterclass in storytelling, with both wrestlers playing their roles to perfection. Muto relied on his experience and cunning to try to outsmart Tanahashi, while Tanahashi used his athleticism and determination to overcome Muto's veteran savvy. The crowd was incredibly invested in the match, cheering for both wrestlers and appreciating the history and tradition that they represented.

Tanahashi ultimately emerged victorious, defeating Muto in a hard-fought battle. After the match, the two wrestlers embraced, symbolizing the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. It was an emotional moment for everyone in attendance, as they paid tribute to Muto's incredible career and celebrated Tanahashi's continued success.

Other Notable Moments

Besides these main matches, Wrestle Kingdom 17 had plenty of other notable moments:

• Tama Tonga winning the NEVER Openweight Championship: Tama Tonga defeated Karl Anderson to win the NEVER Openweight Championship in a thrilling match.
• Hiromu Takahashi retaining the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: Hiromu Takahashi successfully defended his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against Master Wato in an exciting high-flying contest.
• The New Beginning announcements: NJPW announced several major events for the upcoming months, including The New Beginning tour, which will feature several high-profile matches.

Final Thoughts

Wrestle Kingdom 17 was a truly unforgettable event. From the epic main event between Okada and White to the emotional passing of the torch between Tanahashi and Muto, the show was packed with incredible moments that will be talked about for years to come. If you're a fan of professional wrestling, you definitely don't want to miss Wrestle Kingdom 17. It was a night that showcased the very best of NJPW and reminded us why we love this sport so much. What was your favorite moment from Wrestle Kingdom 17, guys? Let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to share this article with your wrestling buddies!