Okada, Tonga wrestle last NJPW bouts
As NJPW embarked on New Beginning in Sapporo, it did so knowing that chapters do not start without others coming to an end; on February 24 that meant final farewells to Tama Tonga and Kazuchika Okada.
First to depart on the day was Okada, teaming with CHAOS brethren against United Empire and Matt Riddle, confirmed by Jeff Cobb backstage not to be a part of the group, for the time being at least. With none of the UE team wanting Okada to get away from NJPW with a win, the Rainmaker was a target of the match. Although Callum Newman, alone at the end, gave a firm accounting of himself, it was a Rainmaker that saw Okada carry his torch out of the cerulean blue.
His final farewell came after Tetsuya Naito’s main event victory, the IWGP WORLD heavyweight Champion extending a fist for a teary Rainmaker to bump, only to deliver a spit in the face. After a swift exchange of attempted holds, they parted with Naito offering a wry backstage comment of ‘until we meet again’.
For Tama Tonga’s exit, contrasting pasts and futures saw a one night only tag match of GoD vs GoD. Tama paired with seven time IWGP Tag Champion brother Tanga Loa opposite Hikuleo and El Phantasmo, with Jado special guest referee.
Poetically enough, the match came down to the three Tongan sons of Haku. The OG GoD struck the big man with Magic Killer, but rather than a pinfall, sought a highly ambitious Super Powerbomb. Hikuleo denied the move and used a thunderous Gunstun to strike Tama, before uttering a ‘thank you’ to his bigger brother and landing Godsend for three.
As all embraced at the end of the match, tears ran down the face of Tama; backstage he would state that no matter where he may go in future, NJPW would forever be home.
