AXS TV finishes NJPW Dominion with THE match of the entire event: Best 2 out of 3 Falls, Kazuchika Okada VS Kenny Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship #OneMoreTime! Will the Bullet Club’s Cleaner finally take the title from The Rainmaker? Or will Okada’s historic streak reach 13 successful defenses?

Gifs can be found courtesy of http://frentique.tumblr.com

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: Jushin Thunder Liger, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Rey Mysterio VS The Bullet Club; Bullet Club wins.
• IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Best of Three Falls: Kazuchika Okada VS Kenny Omega; Omega wins and becomes the new IWGP Heavyweight Champion.

PLAY BY PLAY

NJPW and AXS TV review what has led to this amazing main event!

“The history of professional wrestling changed on January 4th, 2017 at the Tokyo Dome”, for one of the greatest feuds in NJPW was born! The Rainmaker had barely begun his fourth reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion when Kenny Omega came for the title. Omega was the first foreigner to win the G1 Climax, and was ready to win on NJPW’s biggest stage. Their 46 minute match astounded the world, and even in defeat, The Cleaner established himself as one of the best.

Five months later, they had a rematch just a year ago at Dominion 2017. This time, it would be a 60 minute DRAW that was the pinnacle of pro-wrestling. However, they were not done. Omega wanted Okada a third time, at the G1 2017! They met in B Block’s final, and the at-the-time IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion defeated THE champion. However, the strife within Bullet Club sidetracked Omega, and he not only lost the IWGP USHC, but he almost lost his friends forever.

Meanwhile, Okada won again and again to break the historic title defense record. The Rainmaker now stands at 12, but he remembers his time-limit Draw and G1 defeat to Omega. Okada called him out, and Omega accepted. This is the fourth time around, there will be no time limit, and one man must score twice to win the entire match! Who will prove themselves THE BEST in NJPW, if not the entire wrestling world, today?!

Six Man Tag: Jushin Thunder Liger, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Rey Mysterio VS The Bullet Club’s Cody, Hangman Page & Marty Scurll!

The Ace is joined by two living legends of wrestling to battle the American Nightmare, Problem Solver & Villain for a star-studded showdown! Can Tanahashi, Liger & Mysterio combine and show the younger generation how it’s done?

Tensions run high even before the bell, but the teams keep from breaking out into a brawl. The teams calm down and sort out while we take a quick break.

NJPW on AXS returns as Liger and Scurll start. Scurll trash talks the junior heavyweight legend, but fans are on Liger’s side. Scurll calls out Mysterio? The fans like that idea, so Mysterio tags in! Time for payback from Long Beach. Except Scurll tags out to Hangman. Even Hangman is surprised by that one. Mysterio gets the fans chanting “6 1 9! 6 1 9!” as Hangman comes in. Hangman gets in Mysterio’s face and demands Tanahashi. Mysterio points over to him, and the fans like that, too. Tanahashi tags in, and Hangman stays. They circle, tie up, and Tanahashi gets the wristlock. Hangman reverses the wristlock but Tanahashi reverses back. Hangman reverses back but Tanahashi does it back. Tanahashi gets the hammerlock then the headlock, then back to the hammerlock. Hangman gets his own hammerlock but Tanahashi reverses and gets the headlock again.

Tanahashi grinds Hangman but Hangman powers out, only for Tanahashi to run him over. Tanahashi runs, and Hangman expects him to go over, but Tanahashi drops an elbow! Hangman gets up, angrily floundering to the Bullet Club corner. Cody and Scurll calm Hangman down, and Cody tags in. Fans are mixed over the American Nightmare, but are definitely behind Tanahashi. Tanahashi and Cody circle, but Cody gets some push-ups in. Fans boo as Cody flexes, and Tanahashi himself is not impressed. Cody and Tanahashi circle, but then Tanahashi shows his push-ups off. Tanahashi flexes, and fans like that. They finally tie up, and Cody gets the headlock. Tanahashi powers out but Cody ducks under, only for Tanahashi to throw him with arm-drags.

Cody kicks low, drops for the uppercut, then brings Tanahashi over. Scurll tags in, but Tanahashi gets away to tag Mysterio! Scurll runs but Mysterio dodges, only for Scurll to run Mysterio over with a shoulder. The Villain flaps his wings “Woop woop” before covering, TWO! Scurll goes to put his full weight on him, but Mysterio counters and gets up onto Scurll’s shoulders to then sunset flip. TWO, and Scurll swings, but Mysterio gets under the punch to give a kick. Mysterio whips but Scurll reverses, only for Mysterio to kick him again. Mysterio runs and headscissors Scurll down. Fans fire up as Mysterio tags in Liger. Scurll panics but he’s tossed out by the NJPW legend. Liger builds speed while Tanahashi holds Scurll in place, and Liger hits the baseball slide!

Scurll hits railing, but Tanahashi feeds him to Liger. Liger grabs the legs and gets the arms, for the full surfboard! Hangman and Cody attack Tanahashi and Mysterio to then attack Liger. Scurll is free but the referee reprimands Cody & Hangman as they stomp Liger out. Scurll drags Liger over, and he copies the surfboard. Liger resists when it comes to the arms, so Scurll just stomps the knees. Scurll kicks Liger in the head, then tags in Cody. Cody stomps on Liger, especially the legs. He throws haymakers and kicks, and has Liger in the Bullet Club corner. Cody cartwheels away to blow a kiss to Mysterio. Tag to Hangman, and Hangman stomps Liger’s leg. Hangman brings Liger up, for a back suplex. Cover, TWO, but Hangman hangs on to that leg.

Tag to Scurll, and Scurll hammerlock stomps! Liger writhes in pain while Scurll taunts Mysterio and Tanahashi. Tag back to Hangman, and they take out Liger’s team again. All three Bullet Club members focus on Liger now with a double whip, drop toehold, basement dropkick and Hangman’s standing shooting star! Cover, TWO! Hangman argues with the referee, but fans rally up for the legend. Hangman drags Liger over and tags in Scurll. Scurll kicks Liger while he’s down, then stalks him to a corner. Scurll shouts “He’s no legend to me!” as he whips Liger corner to corner. Liger comse out with a back elbow, but misses the palm strike. Scurll gets Liger with the feint to kick out a leg, then runs, but into a tilt-o-whirl backbreaker!

Both men are down, but fans are fired up. Liger crawls, hot tag to Mysterio! Mysterio springboards in for the seated senton, then runs to whip Scurll. Scurll sunset flips but Mysterio rolls through to kick Scurll down. Mysterio whips but Scurll reverses, but Mysterio tilt-o-whirl headscissors Scurll away. They speed up, quebrada to tilt-o-whirl DDT! Mysterio has the fans all fired up, and he waistlocks Scurll. Scurll standing switches but Mysterio bucks him off. Mysterio mule kicks Scurll, then springboards again, wheelbarrow throw! Scurll’s on the ropes, but Hangman tags in! Hangman slingshots just as Tanahashi tags in, and Mysterio dodges Buck Shot to feed Hangman to Tanahashi’s elbow. Tanahashi springboards for a crossbody, then dropkicks Cody for good measure. Hangman’s boot is caught into a dragon screw, and Tanahashi fires up.

Tanahashi runs, but into the roaring elbow. Hangman lifts Tanahashi, but Tanahashi denies the Rite to hit the swinging neckbreaker! Tanahashi keeps going, but runs into a cheap shot kick. He makes Scurll pay for it, but Hangman kicks and runs, so Mysterio gives that cheap shot back. Mysterio shoulders in, but Hangman knocks his slingshot down. Hangman and Tanahashi collide with clotheslines, but neither man falls. Tanahashi slaps Hangman, but Hangman discus clothelines Tanahashi down! Both men crawl for their corners as fans rally. Hot tags to Cody and Liger! Liger waistlocks and rolls Cody, TWO, small package! TWO but Liger is on Cody with a waistlock.

Cody elbows out, then runs, but into the SHOTEI! Cover, but Scurll breaks it. Mysterio returns but Scurll gets his fingers! Mysterio breaks free and enziguris Scurll. Scurll crawls to ropes, and Mysterio runs. Hangman returns, intercepts, and prepares a bomb, but Tanahashi kicks Hangman in the stomach. Mysterio headscissors and Hangman ends up beside Scurll. Mysterio runs, for a DOUBLE 619!

Scurll rolls out while Hangman flounders, Tanahashi brings him down with a Slingblade! Hangman rolls out while Mysterio wipes Scurll out again. Tanahashi slingshots out to hit Hangman again, and Liger goes after Cody. Liger brings Cody up to the top rope, then climbs for the SUPER Steiner! He keeps going, but Cody escapes. Cody wants Cross Rhodes, and hits it! Cover, Bullet Club wins!!

Winners: The Bullet Club, Cody pinning

What a shock! The youthful trio defeats the living legends! Though, what’s not shocking is that Cody attacks Liger after the win. But then Mysterio springboards in, hits Cody with a seated senton, then literally kicks Cody out of the ring. The Bullet Club regroups while Tanahashi and Mysterio check on Liger. The bad guys get the win and get away, but will there be payback down the line?

IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Best of Three Falls: Kazuchika Okada VS Kenny Omega!

The finale of Dominion 2018 has the biggest match yet between the two best in NJPW! History is on the line along with the title, will 13 prove to be The Rainmaker’s unlucky number? Or will The Cleaner finally have the grand prize he’s been seeking?

Omega has his friend in the Golden Lovers, Kota Ibushi, in his corner, while Okada has Gedo as always. Of course, it is odd that it’s only Ibushi in Omega’s corner, given how close Omega is with The Young Bucks. But Bullet Club dysfunction aside, Omega must focus on the history-making champion across from him. Red Shoes presents the belt to Omega, does his check of both men, and the bell rings to begin the first fall!

FIRST FALL

Omega and Okada soak in the moment as fans cheer for them. They start to circle, then slowly approach. They tie up, and Omega gets the waistlock. Okada works against it, and gets the standing switch. Omega pries his way out to a wristlock, but Okada rolls through. Okada reverses but Omega reverses back. Omega gets the headlock takeover, but Okada headscissors. Omega pops out and the two stand off. Fans applaud and duel between these two modern greats. Okada and Omega circle again. Omega lunges in, leg takedown to waistlock to facelock. Okada reverses to his own, then brings Omega up. Okada changes to a cravat, then snapmares for a chinlock. Omega moves and works his way out to a grounded armlock. Omega wrenches that arm, but Okada shifts. It becomes a cover, TWO, but Omega chases Okada to the ropes. Omega honors the ropebreak and backs away.

Okada comes back and fans duel again as they circle. They tie up, Okada rolls to get the wristlock. Okada brings Omega to the mat with the top lock, but Omega kip-up to reverse. Omega toeholds and cartwheels to the facelock. They stand up but Okada gets the leg trip. Okada drops an elbow on Omega’s leg, then makes it a shinlock. Omega grinds his forearms into Okada’s face, but Okada doesn’t let go. Okada wrenches back, but Omega grabs the chin to turn Okada. Omega gets the ropebreak, and Okada lets go. They both stand up and circle again. Another tie up, and Okada powers Omega back to a corner. Okada honors the ropebreak, but then fakes a hit to pat Omega on the shoulder. Omega comes back, looking to strike, but gives back two shoulder pats.

Omega then rushes in but Okada dodges the knee. Okada runs in but Omega goes up and over. Omega comes back but is popped up onto the shoulder. Omega slides off and kicks low, to then whip. Okada reverses but Omega holds ropes to avoid the dropkick. Omega dropkicks Okada in the knee, then runs, leap frog, but Okada slips out to wristlock and swing out! Omega ducks the lariat to shovel Okada onto his shoulders! Okada flails and gets to ropes to bring Omega outside with him! They both hit the floor, but are getting up slowly. Ibushi coaches up Omega, and both men stand up to brawl at ringside. Okada hits, Omega hits, then back again.

They pick up speed in their strikes, but Okada gets an edge. Omega still hits back, then whips Okada at the railing. Okada reverses to send Omega into railing! Okada then boots Omega over, into the gap. He then clears space, gets a running start, and FLIES over the railing, but into a V-Trigger! Okada clutches his arm while Omega gets up. Omega drags Okada up, and then takes a piece of railing like a ramp. He scoop slams Okada onto it and chairs! Then they go back to the ring, and Omega covers. TWO, but Omega keeps focus. Fans rally up and duel again. Omega drops elbows into Okada’s shoulder, then covers again, TWO.

Omega runs, for another elbow drop. He stalks Okada as he rolls away. Omega sits Okada up to kick him across the back. Omega toys with Okada a little, then kicks him in the back again. Gedo coaches Okada up, and Okada dares Omega to kick him again. So Omega does, as he kicks Okada’s back twice, then runs for the dropkick to the head! Cover, TWO, but Omega still keeps his cool. He brings Okada up and bump him off a buckle. Omega chops Okada in the corner, then again. He lifts Okada, for a running backbreaker. Cover, TWO! Okada writhes while we go to break.

NJPW on AXS returns, and fans rally up again for both men. Omega brings Okada up into a half camel clutch. Okada endures as he works his way out. Okada crawls for ropes, but Omega pulls back on him more. Omega gets both arms for a full camel clutch, and rocks back and forth to pull on the spine. Gedo shouts for Okada to fight, and Okada pops out to get the ropebreak. Omega lets go, but he kicks his heel into Okada’s back. Fans rally up again, and Omega brings Okada up. Okada hits Omega with a haymaker, but Omega gives him a blunt chop. Okada hits Omega again, but Omega chops Okada again. Omega even chops Okada’s back as he leans against the ropes. Omega turns Okada around to chop the front, as well. He runs, but Okada catches him in the flapjack!

Both men are down, and fans rally up again. Omega stands first, then drags Okada up. Okada hits with a forearm to the body, then a forearm to the head. Omega swings but misses, and Okada fires off more shots. Okada whips but Omega reverses, but things speed up and Okada runs Omega over with the back elbow. Omega gets to a corner, and Okada whips him corner to corner. Okada back elbows in the corner, then hits a DDT! Cover, TWO, but Okada keeps his cool. Okada grabs Omega for a seated cobra clutch. Omega flails, stands up, and throws Okada off. Okada ends up outside, but he dodges the slingshot. Okada slingshots and hits Omega! Both men go down, but Okada is up first. Okada brings Omega up and into the ring, then climbs up top.

Omega sees him and gets under the jump. Omega runs out, but his kick is blocked nito Okada’s kick. Okada runs, but into the huricanrana! Okada goes back out, but Omega sees him. Omega baseball slides and hits Okada in the back! Okada tumbles over the blue railing and to the floor. Omega gets up as fans drum for the Terminator. Omega aims, springboards, and LEAPS! He wipes Okada out with that insane crossbody! Omega stands first, and brings Okada up. They go back over the blue railing and to the ring. Omega runs, leap frog bulldog! Cover, TWO!

That was so close, but Omega keeps going as he brings Okada up. Omega lifts Okada in the cross-leg fisherman, to brainbuster! Fans rally and Omega powers up. He aims, BANG, and runs, but misses the V-Trigger! Okada gets Omega with a German Suplex on the rebound, but Omega lands on his feet! Omega thrusts, Okada manages to block the knee, but Omega comes back to hit another! Omega goes for but Okada denies the Reverse-Rana by holding ropes.

Okada reels Omega in and hits the German Suplex with bridge! TWO, but barely as Omega simply rolls sideways. Okada holds on, prepares the wristlock, but Omega backs him down to a corner. Omega throws back elbow after back elbow, then hoists Okada up top. He chops Okada for good measure before climbing up. Omega prepares something but Okada resists. Even so, Omega keeps trying. They fight with body shots, but Okada sends Omega down. Omega comes back with a big forearm and rocks Okada to his knees. Omega drags Okada up, and puts Okada up top backwards now. He climbs up and wants the half nelson. Okada resists as Omega tries the full nelson. Okada elbows Omega off, then hops down to the apron. He gets Omega in Tombstone position! APRON TOMBSTONE!! Okada rolls away while Omega writhes.

Fans rally and duel again. Okada rolls away while Omega stands up. Okada blasts Omega off the apron with a dropkick! Omega hits railings ribs first! Red Shoes checks on Omega, but Omega refuses to let this end. Okada comes out to fetch Omega, giving a forearm to that bad spot in the ribs. Fans rally as they go back into the ring. Okada climbs up again, and hits a powerful missile dropkick! Cover, TWO!? Omega refuses to let Okada score even this first fall, that’s how much the title means to him. Okada has Red Shoes check on Omega, but again, Omega refuses to end this. Okada brings Omega up again, scoop slam, then he climbs up top again. He drops the elbow from up top! Okada calls for his namesake more, but Omega catches him with a Snap Dragon Suplex! Okada rolls away while Omega fires himself up.

Omega goes Terminator, takes aim, and builds speed, to FLY! That senton was double edged given Omega’s bad ribs, but he doesn’t care. Omega gets up and brings Okada up. They go back into the ring, and now Omega climbs up top. Omega aims at Okada, for a missile dropkick to the back! Cover, TWO! There’s still no first fall, but Omega looks to change that. Omega has the full nelson, but Okada fights free with back elbows. Okada runs but Omega reels him in for a chop to the back. Omega shovels Okada up, wants the Angel, but Okada hops off. Okada wants the lariat, but Omega kicks it away. Omega V-Trigger, then another shovel. Okada fights it, so Omega pops Okada into a German Suplex! Bridge cover, TWO?! That wasn’t the first fall!? Omega can’t believe it, but that’s how much this means to Okada.

Fans are thunderous as Okada crawls. Omega says BANG, then runs, for the V-Trigger! Then, the shovel, but Okada pops out and dropkicks Omega in the back. Omega’s against ropes, and Okada whips him across the way for the dropkick. Okada fires up, and he brings Omega up again. Wristlock and swing out, but Omega ducks. Omega wristlock and swings Okada out for a V-Trigger! Cover, high stack, TWO!! That was as close to three as could be! Omega drags Okada up while Gedo pounds as hard as he can. Omega has Okada up in double underhook. He lifts, but a headscissor counter throws Omega! Omega comes back, but Okada scoops him into position, Tombstone! Okada won’t cover, he wants his move. He drags Omega up, swing out, but Omega tilt-o-whirls around Okada. Omega tries a sunset, but Okada sits on it! Okada gets the first fall!!

FIRST FALL: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall

It took over 28 minutes to do it, but Okada scores the first point! Omega is now behind the 8-ball if he wants to win this match and the title. Both men are allowed a brief break to regroup, and we go to a television break.

NJPW on AXS returns and both men have returned to their corners. Okada grins, confident in his 1-0 lead. Both men are ready to go, and the bell rings on the second fall!

SECOND FALL

Omega rushes Okada immediately, but runs into a kick. Okada puts Omega in a corner and throws a forearm, but Omega fires off many more in return. Omega clubs away on Okada’s back, but Okada puts Omega back in the corner and onto the top rope. Okada dropkicks Omega down, and Omega tumbles to the floor. Omega staggers while Okada catches his breath in the ring. Okada waits while Omega crawls. Okada goes out to thread Omega through the railings and pull back on his head! Omega can only endure the pain. Red Shoes comes out to get Okada to stop. Okada brings Omega around and clubs that neck. Okada hits the bad ribs, too, then wrenches Omega’s arm before whipping him at railing. Omega stops himself, then mule kicks Okada. Omega uses the rails as a springboard, but Okada shoves him to the front row!

The railings save the fans, but not Omega. Okada catches his breath while Omega writhes. Omega sits up, but Okada is upon him from across the rails. Okada drags Omega out, for a draping DDT to the floor! Both men are down, but Okada from exhaustion while Omega from the damage done. Red Shoes gets Okada to go back into the ring. Okada waits while Omega stands up. The 20 count begins, but Omega returns at 8. Fans applaud the heart of the challenger. Omega hits Okada, but his punches are too weak. Omega chops, and those have a bit more sting. Okada backs down, Omega runs, but into Okada’s boot! Okada backs off to a corner to recover from those chops. Omega sits up, but Okada is on him. Omega swings but ends up in the cobra clutch!

Okada brings Omega to the mat, but Omega won’t quit. Fans rally as Okada wrenches on Omega’s neck. Omega moves around, reaching for ropes. Okada keeps him back, and he wants Omega to quit. Omega refuses, and he gets a second wind. Omega jawbreakers out, then chops Okada again. He runs, but into the headlock, which he counters with a back suplex! Both men are down again, and fans rally up again. Omega follows Okada out of the ring, and back suplexes him on the apron! Okada slumps down while Omega makes his way back up. Omega “borrows” a table from the timekeeper’s area, and throws it on top of Okada. He gets onto the apron, and leaps for a double stomp onto Okada and table!

The table stays solid as it squashes Okada! Omega then sets that table up, as it has more left to do. Omega drags Okada up and over, but Okada throws Omega into a post. Okada and Omega both go back inside the ring, but slowly after all the damage done. Fans rally up with Gedo as Okada scoop slams Omega. Okada goes for a back senton, but Omega puts his knees up! Omega drags Okada up, fireman’s carry, and “You Can’t Escape!” But Okada slips off before the rolling senton, then fireman’s carry for the Heavy Rain! Both men slowly stand, but Okada blasts Omega into a corner with a dropkick! The second fall continues after the break.

NJPW on AXS returns and both men are slowly stirring. Okada goes after Omega and drags him over to the center of the ring. Okada climbs up again, but slowly. Omega gets up and throws hands on Okada. Omega chops Okada again, then climbs up to join him. They stand up, and Omega uses the cross-leg fisherman for the SUPERPLEX! The crash landing hurts them both, but Omega feeds off the fans’ rally. He stands up and dares Okada to stand. Okada slowly stirs, and Omega is upon him with forearms. Omega whips but Okada reverses, only for Omega to reel him into the fireman’s carry. “You Can’t Escape!” Rolling senton, then the moonsault, but onto knees! Okada hits the running European Uppercut! Now Okada stands first, and he stares at that table Omega set up. He calls his shot as he brings Omega up.

Okada whips and goes to back drop, but Omega flails and lands on his feet. Omega runs, dodges, and hits a running DDT! Okada ends up on the apron, and Omega calls the shot for the table. Omega joins Okada on the apron, and ignores Red Shoes as he begs Omega not to do this. Omega brings Okada up with a waistlock, but needs the Young Lions to pull the railing back. Okada holds onto ropes for dear life as Omega pulls for the German Suplex. Omega keeps trying but Okada keeps holding on. Omega clubs Okada’s back, then tries for the full nelson! Okada resists, but Omega clubs him until he gets the hands free. Okada elbows back, and Omega hops down, but then tries the electric chair! Omega wants the Angel but Okada slips out to wristlock swing! Omega ducks under again, to Reverse-Rana Okada on the floor!

Both men are down again, but Omega gets up to get in the ring. Red Shoes checks on Okada. Okada is still moving, and the 20 count begins. Gedo shouts for Okada to move, but the count passes 10 before Okada crawls. Okada turns himself around and flounders to the ring. He beats the count at 19, but Omega hits a V-Trigger! Then, electric chair, but Okada reverses! Jumping Tombstone! Okada wants to keep going, wristlock and swing, but Omega counters with a yurinagi! Fans are fired up all over again as both men slowly stir. Omega sits up first, then crawls over to Okada. Okada slowly sits up, and the two glare as they stand up. Omega hits first with a forearm, but Okada comes back with his own. Omega hits again, but Okada still comes back with another.

Now Omega chops Okada, and it echoes out. Okada forearms, and they go back and forth, faster and faster. Omega ducks, gets around, Snap Dragon! But Okada springs up to dropkick Omega back! Omega staggers, and Okada whips. Omega reverses to dropkick Okada! They both get up, get running, and Omega counters Okada’s dropkick into a sit-out powerbomb! Omega rolls Okada over, not for a cover, but for another V-Trigger! Then he hauls Okada up, double underhook, but Okada back drops out of it! Omega sunset flips but Okada sits on it, TWO!!

Okada EuroUppers, then runs, but into another V-Trigger! Omega grabs Okada, double underhook, piledriver! Cover, TWO!? Okada will not allow Omega to tie this up, no matter what. But Omega takes aim again, BANG! He runs, V-Trigger! Then, the electric chair, One-Winged Angel! Cover, Omega scores the second fall!!

SECOND FALL: Kenny Omega, by pinfall

After 19 minutes, The Cleaner ties it up at 1-1! We go to break while both men regroup for the third and final fall!

THIRD FALL

NJPW on AXS returns with the bell, and Omega immediately V-Triggers Okada in the head! Omega hurries to haul Okada up for another, but Okada slips out! Okada gets Omega with the wristlock and swing, RAINMAKER! The lariat connects, but Okada falls away from Omega. He can’t make the cover, he’s missing his chance. Fans are thunderous as Okada crawls over to try, TWO! Okada and Omega stir as fans rally up again. Okada sits up, but Omega follows. They get to their feet, but Okada is on Omega first. Okada tries but Omega blocks the gutwrench scoop. Okada tries but Omega counters into his own gutwrench. Both men fight for control, but neither will make it easy for the other.

Okada clubs Omega with double ax handles. Omega swings a hand, but Okada blocks to give a EuroUpper. Omega manages to slap Okada, but Okada gives another EuroUpper. Okada brings Omega up for another EuroUpper, and Omega staggers to ropes. Okada whips, but Omega’s stumble saves him from Okada’s dropkick. Omega gets up and fans are rallying behind him. Omega drags Okada up, lifts, but Okada resists. Okada holds on against whatever Omega has planned. Omega clubs away with forearms and palm strikes. Okada goes limp enough for Omega to try again. Omega lifts, but Okada fights out of the powerbomb. Okada goes to huricanrana, but Omega blocks it with strength! Omega improvises, and takes a page from a former Bullet Club leader, STYLES CLASH!! A truly phenomenal idea as Omega rolls Okada over for the cover. TWO!?!

Okada survives, grabbing the rope for good measure. Fans chant “AJ Styles!”, remembering who that move represents. Omega gets to a corner while Okada crawls the other way. Omega takes aim at Okada, runs corner to corner, V-TRIGGER! But he’s not done, as he goes for another electric chair. But Omega’s legs and back give out, he collapses while Okada falls into buckles. Okada rests against the buckles while Omega fires himself up. Omega uses the corner for help in shoveling Okada up. Fans are thunderous once more as he has Okada up. But Okada slips down, prepared for the Tombstone! But then Omega slips around and lifts Okada for the same! Wait, he changes it up, cradle piledriver!! Cover, TWO!!?

Even Ibushi is shocked at how close that was! But again, this is all for pride, history and the title. Any one of those is reason enough not to quit. Ibushi coaches Omega up and to keep focus. Omega gets up again and positions Okada before climbing up top. Phoenix Splash, FLOPS! Okada comes back with a dropkick to the back. Okada drags Omega up again, gutwrench scoop, but Omega slips out again. V-Trigger knocks Okada down! Omega drags Okada back up, for another V-Trigger. Then another! Omega backs up, but Okada blocks the third one, and counters with a dropkick! Okada gutwrenches but his back won’t let him, so he dropkicks Omega again. He drags Omega up, wristlock and RAINMAKER– But there’s no power behind it…! Okada and Omega slump to the mat, running on fumes.

Fans have not stopped, they are still thunderous for both men. Red Shoes begins a count, and the two men begin to stir. The count stops at 7 as both men crawl over to each other. Okada weakly clubs Omega, and Omega weakly forearms Okada. Okada throws Omega’s face to the mat, but Omega forearms Okada back. Omega hits, Okada hits. Omega slaps, Okada slaps! Now Omega headbutts, and it’s almost double-edged. Omega stands up and drags Okada up with him. Okada RAINMAKER outta nowhere! It wasn’t the full form, but that was still good enough to clobber Omega. Okada has the wrist as he drags Omega up again, for another RAINMAKER! Omega is down, but Okada can’t make the cover from exhaustion. Okada comes back around too late, but he grits his teeth as he drags Omega up one more time.

Omega is dazed as Okada swings him out, but then GERMAN SUPLEX! They fall sideways, no bridge to cover. But Omega holds on to the waistlock as fans rally up again. Omega drags Okada up, for another German! But Omega doesn’t try for the bridge there, he wants more. He drags Okada up again, but Okada standing switch to GERMAN Omega! But the bridge is lopsided, no cover. Okada doesn’t care, he returns to his wristlock control. He drags Omega up, swings out, but Omega dodges! SNAP German! Omega tries again but Okada elbows out. Reverse-Rana! Omega uses all he has left just to stand while Okada rests against ropes. Red Shoes comes over, and Omega uses him. BANG, but into a dropkick!

Okada still has something left as he drags Omega back up. He wristlocks, swings out, but is reeled into a sudden One-Winged Angel!! But Omega can’t cover, even as Okada groggily crawls to ropes. Okada is out of it, but Omega still gets up. Fans are thunderous as Omega gets running again… V-TRIGGER!! Then, electric chair, ONE-WINGED ANGEL!! Cover, Omega WINS!!!

Winner: Kenny Omega, by pinfall; NEW IWGP Heavyweight Champion

He has done it!! Omega wins in an amazing comeback from behind, and has ended Okada’s historic reign! This war for the ages was a total of 65 minutes, the most memorable 65 minutes anywhere in wrestling, and it ends with Omega becoming the 66th heavyweight champion! We go to break while both men recover before the championship presentation.

NJPW on AXS returns…

Okada is still dazed, and Omega can barely move much himself. Ibushi helps Omega sit up, but on the ramp are Omega’s other friends, the newly crowned IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, The Young Bucks! Matt & Nick Jackson slowly make their way down the ramps as Omega checks on Okada. Fans cheer this show of respect, as well as this incredible accomplishment. Ibushi helps Omega stand so that the announcement can officially be made. The Bucks enter the ring as Omega is presented with the belt. They bring it in for hugs! The Bucks are so proud of their friend for finally achieving this accolade. Even Ibushi joins in!

Okada is helped away by Gedo and a Young Lion, having left it all in the ring. Meanwhile, Red Shoes hands Omega the title belt, so that he may truly celebrate this moment. With Ibushi and the Bucks by his side, Omega puts on the belt to truly feel like he’s champion.

Omega gets a microphone, and speaks to the crowd in Osaka. “I guess I’ll do my best to speak a little Japanese.” Omega says these past ten years, he’s done so much. His ultimate goal was always this IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Omega thought that if he ever got the belt, he’d leave Japan. But now, in the middle of this match, he saw pro-wrestling’s future. Wrestling has truly evolved. And because of that, as the leader, the champion of NJPW, he will take the next step and move forward. He is champion, the Young Bucks are champions, and “Bu-san” Ibushi is the “strongest and handsomest tag team partner”. They can do anything, so let’s all go together!

But of course, this is a worldwide promotion, so Omega speaks some English. Today was a miracle. So many people tell Omega he’s not the best, he’s a waste of time, he should fit in or take a payday, should stay calm and Tranquilo. But that’s not Omega’s way. Omega’s way is to make his own rules and live the way he wants. With everyone beside him, especially his best friends, “we can truly do anything.” “But alas”, after that hour-plus long main event, Omega is tired and almost died, so this is where he bids us adieu. “Thank you so very much. Good bye, mwah, and good night! BANG!” The confetti fires and rains down on this #GoldenElite.

But then, Cody reappears? The Bullet Club dysfunction is still happening on the side, and clearly Cody looks annoyed. Cody leaves without a word or a gesture of respect. Will he be aiming for the Cleaner again in the near future? That is something to worry about when the time comes. For now, Omega’s friends hoist him up onto their shoulders to celebrate!

Backstage interviews.

Omega says he defeated the greatest wrestler on modern Earth. Okada is the “total, complete package”, the man who carried NJPW to this point. But this is as far as Okada can go with it. Omega sees NJPW’s future, its evolution and the evolution of all pro-wrestling with it. He has so much more to do now that he is IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Omega will do his best to fill Okada’s shoes as he writes a new chapter, a new legacy, for NJPW. Even after putting his body through Hell, Omega wants more. Where will NJPW go and what heights will they reach with Omega at the helm?

My Thoughts:

I’m practically speechless after that main event, but I’ll do my best to form words. Dominion 2018 raises the bar on not just the other wrestling promotions around the world, but on NJPW itself, to where I’m not sure how they’re going to outdo this. Okada VS Omega Part 4 alone puts everyone else on notice for what a Match of the YEAR candidate really looks like. And thinking about it, Dominion was a great event for Bullet Club as a whole, with the trio of Cody, Scurll & Hangman defeating Liger, Mysterio & Tanahashi, then the Young Bucks checking off the Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, and of course, Omega winning THE Heavyweight Championship. The only thing missing is an end to the civil war. Perhaps one more time for Cody & Omega will do it, but it’d have to be something truly decisive, and no less than for the title.

My Score: 9.6/10