New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) have announced the fourth bout between reigning IWGP heavyweight champion Kazuchika Okada and former United States champion Kenny Omega will take place at Osaka-jō Hall in Japan on June 9.
Okada recently competed against Hiroshi Tanahashi in what was the champion's record 12th title defence at New Japan's Wrestling Dontaku event. After successfully defending the title against the former Ace, Okada recalled the names of his opponents. He then challenged Kenny Omega to another IWGP title match. The Best Bout Machine then entered the ring and accepted the challenge, only to add that their next contest would be a 2 out of 3 falls match.
If you're a fan of professional wrestling, and that is not limited only to the WWE, you should probably be super excited by now as Okada and Omega have quite a history in the ring. Their first match at NJPW's premier Wrestle Kingdom 11, which Okada won, was a six-star masterpiece.
The second match, a draw, at Dominion 6.11 broke the ratings system and earned a rare six and a quarter stars from veteran American journalist Dave Meltzer.
The third chapter in their classic rivalry, Omega finally won this one, also earned a six-star rating from Meltzer.
Fans and professional wrestlers alike have hailed this modern rivalry that has often been credited with redefining professional wrestling when it comes to in-ring psychology and storytelling. Both Okada and Omega have numerous accolades to their names and their in-ring chemistry is off the charts. Will their next bout jolt the world of professional wrestling again, only time will tell.