In the world of professional wrestling, the title of IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is one of the most prestigious and coveted accolades. Kazuchika Okada, who had held the title for over 700 days, had become synonymous with the championship. However, in a shocking turn of events, SANADA dethroned Okada at NJPW Sakura Genesis, setting the stage for a new era of heavyweight wrestling in New Japan Pro Wrestling. In this article, we’ll examine the key moments of this historic match and what it means for the future of NJPW.
SANADA Dethrones Kazuchika Okada As IWGP World Heavyweight Champion At NJPW Sakura Genesis
The Professional Wrestling industry witnessed another monumental moment as a new champion emerged. SANADA, the charismatic wrestler under New Japan Pro Wrestling’s (NJPW) Just Five Guys faction, defeated Kazuchika Okada to win the coveted IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. As this was his first world championship win, fans and admirers cheered for the talented wrestler’s remarkable achievement.
It was a long and arduous journey to the IWGP’s top title for SANADA. Before this victory, he unsuccessfully challenged for the prize four times. Additionally, matches against Okada in singles competition have historically been very difficult for the skilled wrestler, as he had a staggering 1-8 record against the “Rainmaker”. But the former L.I.J. member’s change in look, attitude, and faction alignment led him to success, overcoming Okada in about 27 minutes with the Deadfall.
SANADA has been with NJPW for sixteen years, and this monumental victory came just days before the seventh anniversary of his NJPW debut at Invasion Attack 2016. At this event, he helped Tetsuya Naito win his first IWGP Heavyweight Championship in the main event. It was evident that his passion and dedication for professional wrestling finally paid off after years of hard work and regular participation in NJPW’s local and international events.
Following his championship win, SANADA was congratulated by his peers and fans alike. His former L.I.J. stablemate Hiromu Takahashi also challenged him for the championship. Hiromu is the current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, and he was successful in his third defense of the title earlier in the night when he overcame Robbie Eagles, TMDK’s newest member, in the semi-main event. While SANADA acknowledged Hiromu’s challenge, he first laid out a challenge of his own, saying that the “Ticking Time Bomb” must first defend the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship against Yoshinobu Kanemaru. That way, they could potentially have a Champion vs. Champion match on a later date.
Sanada’s journey to the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship was an inspiration for fans and followers worldwide. He proved that with unwavering dedication, patience, and significant changes in his approach, anything is possible in professional wrestling. He has set an example for young wrestlers and professional wrestling enthusiasts that there is no shortcut to success, and hard work eventually pays off. Moreover, his victory adds another chapter to NJPW’s proud legacy, which is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking professional wrestling events and talented wrestlers. The organization is highly admired and respected in the world of professional wrestling, and its remarkable events like Sakura Genesis add to its legacy.
In conclusion, SANADA’s victory was not only about winning a championship, but it was about the culmination of his journey, which began sixteen years ago. His victory was also a symbol of hope and inspiration for young wrestlers and professional wrestling enthusiasts worldwide. SANADA always believed in himself, and his patience finally paid off. His story is motivational and inspiring at the same time, and NJPW continues to provide the platform for wrestlers like him to shine on the biggest stage of them all.
In conclusion, SANADA’s triumph over Kazuchika Okada at NJPW Sakura Genesis is a moment that will go down in history as one of the most memorable in professional wrestling. With this impressive win, SANADA has become a force to be reckoned with in the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship scene. As the landscape of NJPW continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see what SANADA does next as the reigning champion. But for now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the incredible performance he put on to claim the title and mark the beginning of a new era in NJPW.
