Unfortunately for SANADA, it just wasn’t his time to be IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
The former IWGP Tag Team Champion walked into his championship bout against Kazuchika Okada with some nice momentum, as SANADA got a strong victory over ‘The Rainmaker’ during the G1 Climax. SANADA has had a breakout year in New Japan, as the Los Ingobernables de Japon member had a fantastic showing during the New Japan Cup and G1 Climax.
His bout against Okada was the rubber match between the New Japan talents and both men did an excellent job showcasing why they’re one of the top talents in the Japanese promotion. However, Okada was able to capitalize on a mistake SANADA made and the longest reigning heavyweight champion nailed his signature Rainmaker finisher and got the three count.