In 2012, NJPW entered a new era, and the "Young Boy" Josh Smith breaks down how Hiroshi Tanahashi leads the charge. This episode covers the Bushiroad takeover, Tanahashi breaking the IWGP defense record, and the Rainmaker Shock that instantly turns Kazuchika Okada into a top star.
Josh walks through the key matches and moments that define the year: the stunning title loss in Osaka, Tanahashi’s revenge at Dominion, his classic with Minoru Suzuki, major defenses against Marufuji and Tanaka, and a renewed global focus through CMLL and growing international partnerships.
By the end of 2012, Tanahashi is champion again, Okada holds the Tokyo Dome briefcase, and NJPW is surging. Join Josh as he explores how this year set the stage for one of wrestling’s greatest rivalries.
by KeepnitStrongStyle