Top 10 best NJPW matches of 2021 so far

#2 Kota Ibushi vs. Jay White for the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships (NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 Day 2)

WRESTLE KINGDOM 15 IS 2️⃣ DAYS AWAY!January 4 & 5 see three of the very best compete for the richest prizes in professional wrestling on its grandest stage. Will it be Kota Ibushi, Tetsuya Naito, or Jay White to leave with all the gold?LIVE & IN ENGLISH on @njpwworld!#njwk15 pic.twitter.com/3FBUhICZ2G

— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) January 1, 2021

After Kota Ibushi beat Tetsuya Naito to claim the straps at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15, he had one more obstacle to overcome. "Switchblade" Jay White was the man who defeated him last year at the Tokyo Dome and took his G1 Climax 30 briefcase.

White clearly had Ibushi's number heading into NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 Day 2 with a three-match winning streak against "The Golden Star." He felt confident that he was in his opponent's head. Although Ibushi wanted to become a god, White thought that he already was and this night was his destiny.

This had the makings of an all-time classic. Kota Ibushi was in top form, being impeccable with his selling and fabulous facial expressions. However, it was Jay White who took center stage and showed that he is the top heel in NJPW.

Kota Ibushi vs Jay White has reached the holy grail the very small exclusive club that only Kenny Omega, Kazuchika Okada, Mayu Iwatani, and Jungle Kyona have reached my 6 star+ club. I give Kota Ibushi vs Jay White WrestleKingdom 15 night 2 double title match: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ pic.twitter.com/Fxd6cGnHB1

— 🅰︎🅴🅱︎: HOST OF TWNP 🌸 (@AEB_OMEGA_JAN) January 9, 2021

Switchblade had developed a compelling character, but he lacked the in-ring work of other main eventers. This was a magnificent performance from the 28-year-old that had the wrestling world talking. His heel work was on another level, pulling every bit of emotion from the Tokyo Dome crowd.

The NJPW main event was a masterpiece. Over 47 minutes long, this set the Tokyo Dome record for the longest match ever, surpassing Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega from Wrestle Kingdom 11. Ibushi and White showed exceptional chemistry that built this contest to a captivating finish.

Ibushi withstood White's entire assault on his knees and ribs before hitting a flurry of offense. He countered a Kamigoye into a lariat. Ibushi then hit a Kamigoye to the back of the head and another to the face to win and retain the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships.

It was beautiful professional wrestling that felt extremely satisfying by the end.