Pro Wrestling NOAH's Destiny 2005, held on July 18th at the Tokyo Dome, remains one of the most iconic and memorable events in the promotion's history. The show featured a stellar lineup of matches, showcasing some of the best talents in the world of professional wrestling at the time. Here's a detailed review of the event:
Venue and Atmosphere
The Tokyo Dome, with its massive seating capacity, provided an electric atmosphere for the event. The enthusiasm and energy of the fans were palpable, adding to the grandeur of the occasion. The production quality was top-notch, with excellent lighting, sound, and camera work that captured the intensity and emotion of each match.
Main Event: Kenta Kobashi vs. Kensuke Sasaki
The main event of the evening saw Kenta Kobashi defend his GHC Heavyweight Championship against Kensuke Sasaki. This match was the epitome of hard-hitting, King's Road style puroresu, it is two redwoods come to life with the intent of chopping each other down.
Kobashi's resilience and Sasaki's raw power created a compelling narrative. The match was a showcase of endurance and sheer willpower, with Kobashi ultimately retaining his title after a grueling battle. This match is often regarded as one of the best in NOAH's history, exemplifying the art of storytelling through physicality.
Marufuji & KENTA vs. Misawa & Ogawa
The tag team match featuring Naomichi Marufuji and KENTA against Mitsuharu Misawa and Yoshinari Ogawa was another highlight of the evening. The chemistry between Marufuji and KENTA, known for their innovative and high-flying style, contrasted beautifully with the experienced and methodical approach of Misawa and Ogawa.
The match was a blend of fast-paced action and technical wrestling. Marufuji and KENTA's high-risk maneuvers kept the fans enthralled, while Misawa and Ogawa's veteran tactics added depth to the contest. Marufuji and KENTA emerged victorious, but the match was a testament to the legacy of Misawa and Ogawa, highlighting the generational clash within NOAH.
Junior Heavyweight Showcase: Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Takashi Sugiura
Yoshinobu Kanemaru defended his GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship against Takashi Sugiura in a match that showcased the agility and technical prowess of NOAH's junior heavyweight division. Kanemaru's experience and ring awareness were evident as he countered Sugiura's offense with precision.
Sugiura's power and relentless aggression created a dynamic contest. The back-and-forth action kept the audience engaged, with near falls and high-impact moves. Kanemaru retained his title, but Sugiura's performance solidified his status as a rising star in the junior heavyweight ranks.
Undercard Matches
The undercard of Destiny 2005 featured several noteworthy matches that added depth to the event:
- Minoru Suzuki vs. Akira Taue: A clash of contrasting styles, with Suzuki's submission expertise against Taue's brawling tactics. The match was a gritty, hard-fought encounter, with Suzuki ultimately securing the victory.
- Jun Akiyama vs. Makoto Hashi: Akiyama's experience and technical skill were on full display in this match. Hashi put up a valiant effort, but Akiyama's relentless offense proved too much, resulting in a decisive win for Akiyama.
- Multi-Man Tag Matches: The event also featured several multi-man tag matches that provided a platform for NOAH's younger talent to shine. These matches were fast-paced and entertaining, showcasing the depth of NOAH's roster.
Overall Impressions
Destiny 2005 was a landmark event for Pro Wrestling NOAH. The matches were not only technically sound but also emotionally engaging, highlighting the promotion's commitment to quality wrestling and storytelling. The Tokyo Dome setting added to the spectacle, making it a truly memorable night for fans and wrestlers alike.
The event solidified NOAH's reputation as a premier wrestling promotion, capable of delivering high-caliber matches and creating lasting memories. Destiny 2005 remains a benchmark for professional wrestling shows, celebrated for its outstanding matches and the unforgettable performances of its stars.