Kazuchika Okada had an incredible year in 2012, and he aimed to end it on a high note by winning at Wrestle Kingdom 7. After his shocking challenge to Hiroshi Tanahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 6, Okada defeated the Ace the following month in the ‘Rainmaker Shock’. This victory marked the beginning of Okada’s dominant first year back from his excursion.
During that year, Okada won the G1 Climax, and with his manager Gedo by his side, he declared that the G1 winner would cash in with an IWGP Heavyweight Championship main event at the Tokyo Dome. However, Okada’s reign as the leader of NJPW in the modern era was questioned by Tanahashi. The Ace believed that Okada needed to defeat him at the show of shows, the Tokyo Dome, in order to solidify his status as the top star.
Okada’s journey to Wrestle Kingdom 7 was not the only sensation in 2012. Shinsuke Nakamura, the King of Strong Style, worked to elevate the IWGP Intercontinental Championship to a status beyond that of the IWGP Heavyweight title. Nakamura faced various challengers, including Kazushi Sakuraba, who made a controversial return to NJPW rings that year.
At the G1 Climax finals, Sakuraba brought a unique style and challenge that Nakamura hadn’t experienced in a long time. The match became reminiscent of Sakuraba’s MMA clash with Alexey Ignashov, as Nakamura received a devastating knee to the face. Despite the setback, Nakamura battled back and Tanahashi, who was preparing backstage for the main event match, cursed Nakamura for providing him with such a difficult act to follow.
Another notable match at Wrestle Kingdom 7 was between Katsuyori Shibata and Togi Makabe. Shibata, a one-time favored son of New Japan who left in 2005 to pursue other interests, returned in 2012 to a chilly reception. Makabe, representing the current guard that helped rebuild NJPW, didn’t take kindly to Shibata’s return. Their violent fight included a powerbomb through a table and a crushing final King Kong Knee.
As Okada’s rise continued, a different era was slowly coming to an end. Keiji Muto, also known as The Great Muta, would retire in the Tokyo Dome for Pro-Wrestling NOAH ten years after Wrestle Kingdom 7. However, Muto still had a few more bouts left in him, including a tag team match with Shinjiro Otani against Tencozy (Satoshi Kojima and Hiroyoshi Tenzan).
Muto and Otani faced Tencozy in a special tag team attraction. This match showcased the war wounds dealt by both teams, with Tenzan even bleeding from the mouth. In the end, Tencozy emerged victorious with a Moonsault on Otani. Although Hashimoto would exchange words and a headbutt with Tenzan after the match, their planned rematch never came to fruition.
Wrestle Kingdom 7 was a memorable event, featuring the rise of Okada, the elevation of the IWGP Intercontinental Championship by Nakamura, and the clash between Shibata and Makabe. It also marked a significant moment in the career of Keiji Muto as he neared retirement. To relive the excitement of Wrestle Kingdom 7, you can watch it here.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for Wrestle Kingdom 18, which will be held on January 4, 2024. You can watch the event live and in English