Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kenny Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, from New Japan Wrestle Kingdom 13

A good number of Kenny Omega’s title defenses read as parody of NJPW’s style of main event match, long for its own sake and with little of consequence happening until the final ten minutes. That every second of this felt earned and worthwhile, then, was a welcome change of pace, especially for the longest-ever Wrestle Kingdom match to date. It’s also appreciated that Omega worked heel, giving the match direction and heat that might not have been otherwise been afforded. It’s the best match of 2019 so far, and I’m certain this will get MOTY votes when December rolls around.

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