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After a rocky start to the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship’s legacy, this past year gave it a much-needed push back into the limelight as one of the most sought-after belts in wrestling, but there’s still work to be done. Kazuchika Okada was about to do that until his fantastic run was cut horribly short by SANADA, but that’ll no longer be an issue as we take matters back to the aftermath of Wrestle Kingdom 17, to the start of the Rainmaker’s 2nd reign. This isn’t just about recapturing the glimmer of the V4 belt though. In each company, the World Championship acts as the centrepiece to its future, any changes affecting the greater surrounding stories as well. Thus, this booking aims to orient NJPW as a whole, smoothing over complaints like the redundancy of BULLET CLUB and the staleness of CHAOS whilst building a promising future for New Japan for when its current pillars ultimately need to hang up their boots.
New Year Dash!! (January 5, 2023)
Also on the show:
CHAOS (Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii, YOSHI-HASHI) vs Sabre-Gun (Zack Sabre Jr., Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls) BULLET CLUB (Jay White, KENTA, El Phantasmo, EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi) vs Guerrillas of Destiny, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Master Wato
Kazuchika Okada & Kenny Omega vs United Empire (Aaron Henare & Jeff Cobb)
As always, New Year Dash!! has been an explosive night thus far, seeing the debuts of Just4Guys and Sabre-Gun from the ashes of Suzuki-Gun, as well as House of Torture finally leaving BULLET CLUB after their loss earlier in the night, turning their backs on Jay White. But it’s the main event which shakes the company to the core, as legendary rivals IWGP World Heavyweight Champion
Kazuchika Okada and IWGP United States Champion Kenny Omega shockingly team up to take on Will Ospreay’s United Empire henchmen, both having their issues with the Commonwealth Kingpin and his posse. A fun showcase sees the super-team nail their RainmakeV-Trigger combo on Aaron Henare to seal the deal, with Cobb eyeing Kenny menacingly post-match and Okada going right back to big-leaguing Omega, refusing to acknowledge him.
Once the Cleaner departs, Kazuchika cuts a post-match promo claiming last night was merely the first of many nights of a company-wide purge. He’s tired of these outsiders trying to share his earned spotlight, so one by one, he’s going to send them back home. “Kaito Kiyomiya, young lion, I’ll see you in Yokohama.” Okada drops the mic and heads back, where IWGP Tag Team Champions Bishamon are wrapping up an interview. They’re disgruntled from their loss to Sabre-Gun earlier in the night, Goto seeming even more upset that Okada chose to team with Omega over anyone of them, questioning the use of CHAOS, but Kazuchika pays it no note, shooing him off so he can have his interview time.
Kazuchika Okada & Kenny Omega def. United Empire (Aaron Henare & Jeff Cobb) (13:36)
Heading into Yokohama, a 5-match series is announced between Los Ingobernables de Japon and KONGOH’s members! With Shingo Takagi staking his claims to Okada’s title the night prior, Katsuhiko Nakajima raises the question of how deserving the Dragon truly is considering he’s lost twice to the NOAH star. Taking the potshot as a challenge, Shingo agrees to put his shot on the line, the faction with the most wins facing the Rainmaker next!
Wrestle Kingdom 17 in Yokohama Arena (January 21, 2023)
Also on the show:
BUSHI vs Tadasuke Hiromu Takahashi vs Hajime Ohara SANADA vs Manabu Soya Tetsuya Naito vs KENOH Shingo Takagi vs Katsuhiko Nakajima
CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada & Tomohiro Ishii) vs Team NOAH (Kaito Kiyomiya & Masa Kitamiya)
Before the LIJ/KONGOH series can commence, Okada calls on his trusty right-hand man Tomohiro Ishii (not Goto) to assist him in driving home the GHC Heavyweight Champion Kaito and his main unit ally, Masa Kitamiya, promising to beat Kiyomiya like in last year’s tag. What starts as an average match rapidly devolves into a brawl when Kaito, sick of Kazuchika overlooking and disrespecting him, boots his face off with unbridled intensity, causing Okada to snap, beating the snot out of him! A German Suplex dumps Kazuchika on the floor as referees pull them apart, and as Okada seethes, it’s clear this is far from over.
CHAOS and Team NOAH fought to a no contest (6:35)
Though Kaito’s stunt gains the Rainmaker’s attention, it also garners his wrath, a livid Okada cursing up a storm in a post-match interview. When asked if a match will happen with Kiyomiya, Kazuchika outright refuses to work with the ‘snivelling, puny prick’, claiming he had his chance and ruined the honour of dancing with the Rainmaker. Goto tries to calm Okada down, reminding him that with Nakajima winning KONGOH the series 3-2, they have a preview match with KONGOH tomorrow. In the heat of rage, Okada tells him to ‘f*** off’, before naming Goto their team’s captain since he wants to play smart with him.
The New Beginning in Nagoya (January 22, 2023)
Captain’s Fall: CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada, Hirooki Goto [C], Tomohiro Ishii, YOSHI-HASHI) vs KONGOH (Katsuhiko Nakajima, KENOH [C], Manabu Soya, Tadasuke)
After a turbulent recent weeks, Okada’s in dire need of something to calm him down, hoping a match in his home prefecture of Aichi will help. He’s all calm until he sees Goto’s dumb face though, becoming irrationally angry again, barking at the Aramusha to do his job. Okada sits out majority of the match until Nakajima mouths off with him on the apron, piefacing the Rainmaker when he refuses to get in! Furious, the Rainmaker shoves a concerned Goto aside and tags in, laying into Nakajima to the point of near-disqualification, before murdering Tadasuke to equalise the sides after KENOH eliminated YOSHI-HASHI! He gives Soya the same treatment, tearing KONGOH a new one until Nakajima almost slaps him unconscious, Okada staggering back into his corner, where Goto tags in! As Hirooki and Nakajima go at it, Okada regains his bearings right as Nakajima nails the Vertical Spike to pin CHAOS’s captain to automatically win the match!
KONGOH def. CHAOS (17:11)
As a smug Nakajima snatches Okada’s title away from the referee and holds it over his head, sneering and taunting at Kazuchika, the Rainmaker flips him off! Collecting his boys as Katsuhiko unceremoniously tosses Okada’s belt over to him, Okada returns to the back with gritted teeth, promising to ruin Nakajima, though not before chewing out Goto as the rest of CHAOS watch on uncomfortably.
The New Beginning in Osaka (February 11, 2023)
Also on the tour:
Jay White vs EVIL Bishamon (c) vs TMDK (Mikey Nicholls & Shane Haste) - IWGP Tag Team Championship Hiromu Takahashi (c) vs YOH - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
Kazuchika Okada (c) vs Katsuhiko Nakajima - IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
It’s been a rough tour for CHAOS, from getting whooped by KONGOH to YOH failing to bring back gold, but through their failures, Bishamon is able to redeem itself by beating back Sabre-Gun’s TMDK. Nevertheless, it’s all taking quite the toll on Okada’s mental, who’s been devolving back to his cocky, snappy self. Finally though, he gets a chance at release when he faces arguably his spiritual counterpart from NOAH, the fellow 35-year-old meeting the Rainmaker in a first-time match that’s been a very long-time coming. Nakajima oozes confidence as he strides out to his grand piano theme, while Okada stomps out with a scowl as Katsuhiko crumples raining Okada Dollars in his hand.
As the bell chimes, Okada offers a traditional lock-up but Nakajima stiffly kicks his thigh instead and smirks. Okada though glares a hole through Katsuhiko, launching at him like a mack truck with harsh elbows in response! Whipping him at the corner, Okada charges, but Nakajima slides out the way and rocks him with a Superkick, dusting off his hands and covering for two! He beats a Lariat attempt, nailing a Big Boot and a Leg Sweep, before crashing into the champion with a MISSILE DROPKICK!
Dazed, Okada finds himself in the ropes, Nakajima continuing to rock him with stiff boots, one sending him to the apron! The Genius of the Kick follows, wanting a Roundhouse, but Okada kicks out his other leg and nails an APRON DDT! Back inside, a Senton Atomico and DIVING ELBOW DROP nabs 2! Okada builds momentum with a Neckbreaker, but Nakajima flips out a German and whacks a SOCCER KICK into his chest! He caves Okada’s sides in with more as the champion splutters until Okada flips him off again!
Nakajima charges with a YAKUZA KICK but Okada pulls the ropes down! Nakajima caught, Okada nails a DROPKICK! Katsuhiko collapses out, Kazuchika chasing after, whipping him into the guardrail before cleaning his clock with a Big Boot of his own! FLYING CROSSBODY – SUPERKICK SNIPES OKADA! Nakajima kicks Okada’s arm into the guardrail, before a HESITATION DROPKICK whacks it off the steel post! Seating Okada on the canvas, Nakajima bullies the arm with disgusting shoulder kicks. A Penalty Kick misses, though as does Okada’s Short-Arm Rainmaker, NAKAJIMA WHIPPING THE SHOULDER INTO THE MAT!
BOW-AND-ARROW ON THE ARM! Nakajima tries tearing it off the bone, but when that doesn’t work, he ties Okada in the ropes and goes to town! The referee intervenes to force the break, but as Katsuhiko turns around a DROPKICK awaits! BELLY-TO-BACK SUPLEX! Okada teases a Rainmaker, but Nakajima slaps him away and nails the shoulder – STRAIGHT-JACKET SUPLEX! ONE! TWO! THR-KICK OUT! Keeping wrist-control, Nakajima mockingly kicks the arm and shoves his face, BUT OKADA EXPLODES BACK WITH A LARIAT FROM THE OTHER ARM!
Keeping hold himself, Okada knocks Nakajima down with another Lariat, before a BEAUTIFUL DROPKICK knocks him loopy! HEAVY RAIN! ONE! TWO! THR-NOOOOO! Okada sets up the TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER, but Nakajima thrashes free with head kicks, pulling him over for a VERTICAL SPIKE attempt! Okada slips free and nails an Enzuigiri! GERMAN SUPLEX! The arm keeps him from bridging, instead climbing the turnbuckles, teasing the Crossbody, only to eat a ROLLING FIFTEEN!
Okada staggers, holding the ropes to keep upright, but Nakajima has other intentions, kicking the arm off, before nailing a RING-SHAKING SUPERPLEX! Rolling through, he pulls him into a TWISTER II!!! ONE! TWO! THR-NO DICE!!! Disappointed, he drops Okada into seated position with a BICYCLE KNEE STRIKE, before lining up a PK! OKADA COUNTERS INTO A SURPRISE EMERALD FLOWSION ON THE NOAH STAR! Regaining his bearings for a moment, Okada smells blood in the water, throws out the arms, wanting the RAINMAKER… NAKAJIMA SLAPS THE SOUL OUT OF HIM!!!
Okada collapses deadweight to his knees as Nakajima grins sick thoughts to himself, before mocking the Rainmaker pose! Ripcording Okada around, he nails a JUMPING KICK, before going for the VERTICAL SPIKE… OKADA REVERSES INTO A SHORT-ARM RAINMAKER!!! Nakajima now stunned, Okada lifts him by the waist and nails the RAINMAKERRRRRRRRRR!!! ONE! TWO! THR-NOOOOOOOO!!! But a ticked Okada doesn’t let him go, mauling him with haymakers and kicks like he did Kaito as even Nakajima’s forced to cover up!
Frustrated, he slaps Nakajima in the face, but Katsuhiko with a SHOULDER KICK! DOUBLE UNDERHOOK SUPLEX! Okada rattled, he eats a Sliding Dropkick and an AIR RAID CRASH, before Nakajima nails the NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB!!! ONE! TWO! THR-OKADA STAYS ALIVE!!! Nakajima back to the well with the VERTICAL SPIKE… DROPKICK FROM OKADA!!! ANOTHER DROPKICK!!! SHORT-ARM RAINMAKER!!! AND A TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!!! Lifting him up with hatred, Okada ripcords him into the RAINMAKER!!! But he’s not done, going for another as NAKAJIMA FLIPS HIM OFF!!! RAINMAKERRRRRRRRRRRR!!! ONE! TWO! THREE!!!
Kazuchika Okada (c) def. Katsuhiko Nakajima to retain the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship (27:18)
Triumphing over the outsider, Okada steps over him like he’s dirt and collects his title… BUT HE’S SPUN INTO A BLADE RUNNER!!! Jay White stands over his rival’s fallen body, the respect shown at Wrestle Kingdom a mere ruse, the Switchblade wanting his title back!
Done with White’s antics, Okada agrees to a rematch on one stipulation – if White loses,
BULLET CLUB must disband. It’s coming up to 10 years of him dealing with their rubbish, and frankly, he’s hurt and old and tired of the rinse and repeat. It’s time he ends it for good.
Battle in the Valley (February 18, 2023)
Also on the show:
Kenny Omega (c) vs Jeff Cobb - IWGP United States Championship Tama Tonga (c) vs Tomohiro Ishii - NEVER Openweight Championship
Kazuchika Okada (c) vs Jay White VII - IWGP World Heavyweight Championship (If White loses, BULLET CLUB must disband)
With Okada dropping a massive bombshell, a deranged and desperate White can only accept,
needing the title back, even if it means risking BC should he fail. Their 7th and potentially final match, Jay’s still 4-2, putting the Rainmaker at a disadvantage, but he couldn’t care less. White makes his entrance flanked by BC, who look downright scared for their future, but KENTA tells them to hold strong. As Jay approaches the ring though, he tells them to let him run this solo against the Black Sun’s advice, White believing this to be his fight despite everything on the line, going it with just Gedo. Okada’s by his lonesome as always, ready to bury the past forever.
Unlike their WK match, this starts surprisingly in Okada’s favour even with the hell he went through just a week ago, the Rainmaker cutting off White’s condescending trash talk with a DROPKICK! Beating on his torso, Okada whips Jay at the ropes for another Dropkick, but Gedo pulls White out, giving him a pep talk to focus as Okada flashes him a ‘Too Sweet’! Not thinking, Jay slides back into a BIG BOOT, Okada continuing control with a Neckbreaker!
Hammering on the neck, Okada cinches in an early RED INK, forcing White to fight as Gedo looks on worriedly. Hissing and spitting, Jay struggles to the ropes, but there’s no breaks for him, a FLAPJACK snapping his neck off the ropes and a Lariat stumbling him to the floor! Regrouping with Gedo again, his friend pleads with him to snap out of whatever this is, only to step back fearfully as a snarling Okada approaches.
Understanding he’s in supreme control, Okada takes his sweet time tossing Jay back in, though his return’s slowed by Gedo, who begs for mercy for Jay as Kazu steps on the apron. Okada rolls his eyes, ONLY TO TURN INTO JAY RUNNING FULL SPEED AT HIM! SHOULDER TACKLE SENDS OKADA FLYING RIB-FIRST INTO THE GUARDRAIL!!! As Okada wails in agony, White cackles. Mission accomplished. Playing possum to lower Kazuchika’s guard, he’s in control now.
Collecting Okada, he rams his spine from apron to post… BEFORE TACKLING HIM THROUGH THE GUARDRAIL ITSELF, BOTH EXPLODING THROUGH!!! As Okada nurses his ribs, Jay plops down on a vacant chair next to a fan and snatches their water, taking a swig and patting himself on the back, before ‘making it rain’ over Okada’s head. He sets up a table at ringside which remains untouched for now as his foe crawls back in, Jay instead nailing a sick DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Chopping and kicking the midsection, a SNAP SAITO gets 2!
A Reverse STO attempt backfires though, Okada lifting Jay into a HANGMAN’S DDT! One Corner Elbow later, and a DROPKICK sends Jay crashing from the top turnbuckle to the ramp! Gedo orients the dazed Jay to a chair, White using it for support, only to yank him off as OKADA SOARS – TOPE CON HILO EATS THE OPENED CHAIR!!! Back in agony, a SLEEPER SUPLEX only doubles it! Sliding Kazu in, a Running Corner European follows into a Blade Buster tease… JAY HITS A BLOODY SUNDAY INSTEAD!!! ONE! TWO! THR-KICK OUT!!!
Okada tries fighting back with a forearm, but a HURRICANE DRIVER FLOORS HIM!!! INTO A LIONTAMER!!! Jay tortures the back holding up the company as now Okada searches for the ropes, but the moment he finds them, another SLEEPER SUPLEX awaits! Okada rolls through though and nails a PERFECT DROPKICK! White rocked, he eats a TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!!! Okada goes for a RAINMAKER, but sensing Jay trying to counter into the Blade Runner, he pushes off and nails another DROPKICK!
Remembering the table, Okada nails a SPINNING RAINMAKER, before rolling White onto it! Heading up, Gedo begs him to spare Jay, but Kazu refuses… DIVING ELBOW DROP THROUGH THE TABLE, BUT IT TAKES OUT GEDO!!! JAY PULLED GEDO INTO HIS PLACE!!! Chucking evilly to himself, Jay rolls Okada in for a KIWI KRUSHER, but the Rainmaker writhes, readjusting into seated position on White’s shoulders! He hammers on White’s head, but Jay pulls his body down instead… STEPPING OVER THE ARMS, HE NAILS A STYLES CLASH!!! ONE! TWO! THR-NOOOOOOO!!!
Quickly losing patience, he bashes Sharp Sensations against Okada’s chest, before holding the finger gun to his head… V-TRIGGER!!! IS HE GOING FOR IT?! Lifting Kazu onto his shoulders as the crowd gasps… JAY FEIGNS IT, DROPPING OKADA INTO BLADE RUNNER POSITION- OKADA REVERSES INTO A RAINMAKER!!! HE’S NOT FALLING FOR WHITE’S TRICKS ANYMORE!!! ONE! TWO! THR-JAY KICKS OUT!!! Dumping Jay with a German, he nails a couple Short-Arm Rainmakers, followed by a LANDSLIDE! Getting ready to nail another Rainmaker, he grabs the wrist…
JAY NAILS A RAINMAKER OF HIS OWN!!! ONE! TWO! THR-NOOOOOOOOOO!!! White slams the mat, tears in his eyes, not knowing what to do, but right as he’s about to lose hope, he remembers KENTA. Charging up the Busaiku Knee Kick… HE RUNS INTO A DROPKICK!!! Slugging elbows as Jay returns chops, Okada suddenly scoops him up for a LANDSLIDE!!! And he’s back up in position for the RAIN-BLADE RUNNER!!! BUT JAY CAN’T CAPITALISE, TOO SPENT!!!
Instead, White wills himself to go for another, securing wrist-control to nail a couple Short-Arms of his own, before doing the slit-throat taunt… BLADE RUNNER- OKADA DOESN’T BUDGE!!! Jay tugs, growing frantic as he locks eyes with Okada, who shakes his head! SPINNING TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER!!! INTO A RAINMAKER!!! Picking a limp Jay back up, Okada ‘Too Sweets’ him on the forehead, before waving goodbye, NAILING ONE MORE RAINMAKERRRRRRR!!! ONE! TWO! THREE!!! BULLET CLUB is dead. Long Live Okada.
Kazuchika Okada (c) def. Jay White to retain the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship (38:48)
A stunned silence fills San Jose at first, followed by a standing ovation for both warriors. 10 years of one of the greatest factions of all-time, now over. BC rush out to White’s side, some shocked, some furious, but overall emotional for their last night together. KENTA gives Okada a soulless look as the Rainmaker leaves the ring, Kazu nodding to Tanahashi on commentary, knowing what this moment means to him too. But alas, the night is over as Jay walks himself out of New Japan, no betrayals on their last night.
Whilst Okada’s been through two tense defences in a short span, yet another challenge awaits him. Kaito consistently calling him out in the past weeks, using Okada’s moves on tours, Kazu finally caves, confirming he’ll be there at Keiji Muto’s retirement show, but he’ll be there for blood.
NOAH Last Love (February 21, 2023)
Also on the show:
AMAKUSA vs Hiromu Takahashi Keiji Muto vs Tetsuya Naito
IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada vs GHC Heavyweight Champion Kaito Kiyomiya
The most invigorating Japanese rivalry in recent memory finally receives the pay-off everyone desires as NJPW’s Ace fights NOAH’s up-and-coming Ace. What ensues is awfully one-sided, Okada fully tapping into his role of Big Brother as he demolishes the man he deems lesser than him. Kaito does his best to hold out, getting in Kazu’s face a couple times, but he’s no match for the unbridled arrogance and fury of Okada, who wrecks him with an Antonio Inoki Enzuigiri, a Mitsuharu Misawa Emerald Flowsion, and a stiff-as-hell Rainmaker! 7 years ago, this was Naomichi Marufuji to Okada, but now Kazu is the Alpha Dog in town.
Kazuchika Okada def. Kaito Kiyomiya (16:32)
With Okada drifting into this unrecognisable version of himself, the rift between him and members of CHAOS continues to grow. Goto’s outspoken in his discontentment with CHAOS’s current position, HASHI standing with his partner, believing Kazuchika should be spending more time uniting the faction as their leader rather than running off to humiliate others and dapping up Tanahashi. Ishii and Yano, on the other hand, refuse a rebellion as CHAOS OGs and loyalists, Tom already eating well with his NEVER Openweight Championship. As such, a match between them is set for Anniversary!
As for Okada, with LIJ not getting the chance to fight Okada due to their loss to KONGOH, Hiromu Takahashi challenges him to a Champion vs Champion fight as one of 2 LIJ members who did win against KONGOH.
51st Anniversary Show (March 6, 2023)
Also on the show:
Bishamon (c) vs CHAOS (Tomohiro Ishii & Toru Yano) - IWGP Tag Team Championship
IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada vs IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Hiromu Takahashi
A long-awaited rematch from 2020’s New Japan Cup Semi Finals for Hiromu, much like Prince Devitt a decade ago he wants to prove he can hold both titles simultaneously. Though Devitt failed, Takahashi tries to avenge stablemates Tetsuya Naito and Shingo Takagi’s failures against the Ace as Tanahashi commentates again, having surprisingly voiced his support for Okada’s recent regime of culling the outsiders. An 18-minute sprint sees Hiromu rely on his explosiveness to leave Okada reeling, a Time Bomb II banging up the neck for a near-fall, but Takahashi still isn’t on Kazu’s level, a Rainmaker silencing him!
Kazuchika Okada def. Hiromu Takahashi (18:03)
Despite Bishamon’s defiant victory against CHAOS, Okada pays it no regard when choosing a partner for New Japan’s return to Aichi, remembering how Goto failed him last time. Called out by recent Young Lion graduates Ren Narita and Shota Umino, who have been making waves in the New Japan Cup, Narita determined to replicate mentor Katsuyori Shibata’s run to avenge him, whilst Shota wishes to impress idol Tanahashi, Kazu fittingly invites the Ace of the Universe to team with him!
New Japan Cup - Night Five (March 11, 2023)
The Dream Team (Kazuchika Okada & Hiroshi Tanahashi) vs Ren Narita & Shota Umino
A true dream team, the company’s Aces battle its future in a thrilling exhibition bout, Shota borrowing from Tanahashi in his performance, whilst Narita remains very much determined to get in Okada’s face. Much like the rest who have tried as of late though, he’s well out his weight class, Okada paying him a mocking headbutt and a Rainmaker to humble the youngster! As Narita wallows in disappointment though, Okada offers a hand to Shota, helping him to his feet and claiming he sees a future in the Tanahashi-derivative star.
The Dream Team def. Ren Narita & Shota Umino (13:32)
As the New Japan Cup rolls on, it reaches a scintillating conclusion with Just5Guys’ Taichi besting Sabre Gun’s Zack Sabre Jr. in the Finals, Taichi having beaten Ospreay in the Semis and Zack triumphing over SANADA! As the group joins the Toshiaki Kawada student for the trophy presentation, complete with a recently-turning SANADA, who betrayed Naito in the Quarter Finals, they invite one last member to their family to Sabre-Gun’s Kosei Fujita’s umbrage – his former friend who he left, Ryohei Oiwa! Whilst J6G and Sabre-Gun’s rivalry bubbles in the background, the important matter at hand is Taichi’s upcoming shot!
Road To Sakura Genesis - Night Three (April 3, 2023)
The Dream Team (Kazuchika Okada & Hiroshi Tanahashi) vs Just6Guys (Taichi & SANADA)
Once again calling on Tanahashi, the (Aether) Aces step to their mutual foes of Taichi & SANADA. Looking down on the pair as AJPW guys, Okada & Tanahashi are especially hostile in their treatment of J6G, but unlike Kaito who ate all of it, Taichi & SANADA are a lot more defiant, the Holy Emperor especially passionate in his reminders that no matter where he came from, he still worked his way through the Dojo like Okada and Tanahashi. Still, even with Taichi catching the champion by surprise with multiple near-falls, forcing him to become more serious, it’s not their night… yet, SANADA eating the fall off a High-Fly Flow!
The Dream Team def. Just6Guys (15:27)
Sakura Genesis (April 8, 2023)
Also on the card:
Hiromu Takahashi (c) vs Lio Rush - IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs Great-O-Khan – NEVER Openweight Championship Bishamon (c) vs Aussie Open - IWGP Tag Team Championship
Kazuchika Okada (c) vs Taichi VI - IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
Though the tag match may not have gone in J6G’s favour, tonight’s a lot different. One year ago, Taichi watched as his partner ZSJ failed to dethrone Okada after winning the NJC, much like four years before that. But now, he’s earned the chance to be the one fighting Kazu and silence his critics, especially the Rainmaker, rather than spectating a third time. Conducting a full operatic entrance, the Holy Emperor is the fan-favourite in the very arena his mentor Kawada retired, looking to make him proud, and for once, even Okada’s grandeur pales in comparison to his foe, though he looks past it, prepared to stomp out another outsider.
What ensues is a match centred around respect, Okada refusing to give it to Taichi, and Taichi doing everything he can for it! From homages to Kawada with the DANGEROUS BACKDROP and a GANSO BOMB tease from Taichi, to Kazu intentionally attempting NOAH-centric moves like the BURNING HAMMER and EMERALD FLOWSION, they trade bombs from start to finish, Taichi even connecting a RIPCORD AXE BOMBER for a near-fall! Yet despite putting on the best underdog performance of his career, the RAINMAKERS put a stop to it!
Kazuchika Okada (c) def. Taichi to retain the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship (28:32)
So close yet so far. As another one bites the dust, CHAOS comes out to join Okada for the show-closing promo – Ishii with his gold, but Bishamon now titleless, as well as Lio Rush failing to win gold too. The Rainmaker gloats, saying he’s never been better… though CHAOS could be a lot better. Admonishing their failures, he tells them he’s disappointed in them. Unlike other factions do, he refused to hold their hands every step of the way, putting his faith in them, yet they’ve thrown that in his face time and time again. Certain members are holding the group back, so he invites them to either leave while they can, or face the consequences.
A few moments pass, but no one budges. Okada scoffs, about to speak until Goto gets in his face! Running down Okada, he says he’s done with the treatment he’s received from the Rainmaker lately, his spot in CHAOS always one of shame after all, constant losses to Okada forcing him to join his foe rather than fail further. But he’s no coward. He’s not going to tuck his tail between his legs and scram like Okada wants. He knows Kazu wants him gone, so if that’s the case… he challenges him to put the leadership of CHAOS on the line against him at his 20th Anniversary Show! If Okada wins, he’ll leave. If Goto wins, he takes over. Astonished by Goto’s defiance yet almost respecting it, Okada agrees to let him fight for his future!
Capital Collision (April 15, 2023)
Also on the show:
Kenny Omega (c) vs El Phantasmo - IWGP United States Championship
The Dream Team (Kazuchika Okada & Hiroshi Tanahashi) vs Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin) (c) vs Aussie Open (Kyle Fletcher & Mark Davis) - NJPW STRONG Openweight Tag Team Championship
Before Goto’s final stand, Okada makes a trip down to America to challenge for the STRONG Tag Titles, wanting to show Hirooki how it’s done by not only beating the team which dethroned Bishamon, but also the legendary Motor City Machine Guns! Joined by Tanahashi as expected, the icons make up for their lack of tag team experience with sheer talent, giving both teams a tough draw. A Rainmaker to Fletcher sets up Tanahashi for a High-Fly Flow, but as Okada prepares to defend the pinfall, OUT COME BISHAMON! Drawing Okada’s attention, Goto brawls with the Rainmaker whilst HASHI distracts Tana, allowing Davis to take him out, before nailing the Coriolis on Shelley to win the titles!
Aussie Open def. Motor City Machine Guns (c), The Dream Team (25:13)
As Okada realises what’s just happened, Bishamon are long gone by then, Goto waving to a fuming Kazu from the entranceway!
Hirooki Goto 20th Anniversary Event (April 22, 2023)
Kazuchika Okada vs Hirooki Goto XVI
High stakes for the main event, all of CHAOS and Tanahashi are in attendance to witness their stable’s future. Goto’s stoic, not letting the emotions of it all get to him, whilst Okada’s arrogant as ever, overconfident in his abilities despite their series being only 8-7 to him, Goto able to score the grandest of equalisers tonight should he win. What ensues is an all-out war for CHAOS, Goto doing everything to prove himself a worthy member, whilst Okada devotes himself to ruining the Aramusha. And at certain points, Goto has the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion on the ropes, humbling the Rainmaker off a nail-bitingly close near fall on the GTR! But Okada’s simply unstoppable, it taking three Rainmakers to seal the deal, Okada besting Goto!
Kazuchika Okada def. Hirooki Goto (25:10)
Ruining Goto’s big night, Okada’s smug with himself as HASHI, Lio, YOH, and even Yano tend to their fallen comrade, while Ishii watches with a hint of sorrow, though ultimately steering clear of treasonous actions. As per the stipulation, an emotional Goto’s forced to leave CHAOS, though he doesn’t walk the plank alone, YOSHI, Rush, and YOH, following suit! Okada seems taken aback at first, though ultimately nods, needing all traces of weakness gone from his stable. Just Ishii and Tanahashi left standing at ringside, Okada declares that the foundations of the group will be rebuilt, starting with… the three of them!
Handing a CHAOS shirt to Tanahashi, he welcomes Hiroshi to the group, before handing over the mic! Tana explains that upon speaking with Okada, he realised this would be the right way for him to protect the future of the company he fought so long for. Just because he’s carrying a flag now though, doesn’t mean he’s any different from the man they all know and love. He’s doing this for the betterment of the place he loves. He’s doing this for a purer New Japan!
As the three stand tall together… BUSAIKU KNEE KICK TO OKADA! Just as quickly as KENTA slipped into the ring, he slips back out, Taiji Ishimori & SHO by his side! Banding together as a group of misfits following BULLET CLUB’s death, SHO leaving House of Torture too, it’s clear KENTA has one thing on his mind… take from the man who took from him.
Wrestling Satsuma no Kuni (April 29, 2023)
CHAOS (Kazuchika Okada, Tomohiro Ishii & X) vs KENTA, Taiji Ishimori & SHO
With KENTA and co. targeting Okada, a Six-Man Tag is set, though not with Tanahashi as CHAOS’s third man. Instead, he gives up his spot to their ‘new member’, who reveals himself to be
Shota Umino! Okada impressed with his talents a couple months back, he shows off his chops here as a functioning member of the new CHAOS, the three gelling together perfectly. A rather shades of grey encounter between two sides with moral ambiguities, the crowd is evenly split, but alas, it’s KENTA’s crew scoring a bit of an upset after some shenanigans, the Busaiku Knee Kick taking down Ishii! After the match, KENTA gestures Okada’s belt around his waist.
KENTA, Taiji Ishimori & SHO def. CHAOS (14:39)
Wrestling Dontaku (May 3, 2023)
Also on the card:
Tomohiro Ishii (c) vs YOSHI-HASHI - NEVER Openweight Championship Kenny Omega (c) vs Shingo Takagi - IWGP United States Championship
Kazuchika Okada (c) vs KENTA II - IWGP World Heavyweight Championship
Not having touched one-on-one since KENTA’s debut G1, there’s a big fight feel for the sacred rematch 4 years long overdue. The Black Sun carrying NOAH’s flag in Okada’s eyes, he’s determined to add KENTA to his list of casualties, whilst vengeance remains glued to the challenger’s mind. Returning to his Overture theme, KENTA’s just as arrogant as the champion, the two producing mirroring self-absorbed entrances, but as the bell rings, it remains to be seen whether their skill is also mirrored.
Starting with a feeling out sequence, the two trade a variety of holds back-and-forth with increasing pace, before Okada teases a sudden RAINMAKER! KENTA has it scouted, catching the arm and immediately getting to work on it, remembering Nakajima’s strategy. Hammering it with elbows and kicks, a HIGH KNEE finds its mark on Okada’s shoulder! Whipping him to the mat, a PENALTY KICK follows to the joint! Okada shakes out his arm in agony as KENTA’s target becomes crystal clear, smartly looking to eliminate the Rainmaker from the equation as early as possible!
KENTA races in for a Corner Big Boot, but Okada ducks out the way, dropping KENTA with a BACKDROP SUPLEX! He shakes out his arm as he drops into cover, shooting the half, only for KENTA to reverse the pinfall mid-count into a GAME OVER attempt! Alarm in his eyes, Okada frantically lunges at the ropes for reprieve, though KENTA holds on until 4 to exact as much damage as possible on the limb!
Okada resting against the ropes as he tries to get some feeling back in his arm, KENTA sprints for a RUNNING YAKUZA KICK, but Okada pulls the ropes down, the Black Sun sent crashing to the outside! He whips KENTA into the guardrails for a Big Boot that sends him over, a JUMPING CROSSBODY following suit! Dragging KENTA out the rubble, he teases a HANGMAN’S DDT off the steel, only for KENTA to drop down and SNAP OKADA’S ARM OVER THE GUARDRAIL! Threading it through the gap, a HESITATION DROPKICK MANGLES HIS ARM IN THE STEEL!
Okada lets out a cry of pain as the section crashes down on him, having no time to recover as he feebly frees himself from it, KENTA yanking him by the arm! He tries to send Okada’s arm into the steel post, but the Big Boot takes him down! Rolling KENTA inside, Okada hails down a MISSILE DROPKICK to send him sprawling across the ring, before a STRAIGHT-JACKET NECKBREAKER subdues him for the Rainmaker to lock in RED INK!
Using the opportunity to rest his own arm, it backfires when KENTA contorts it over his shoulder to free himself, a CROSS ARMBREAKER turning the tables! Kazuchika gets a monkey grip to prevent full extension though, rolling KENTA over to his shoulders for 2, before hoisting him up into an AIR RAID CRASH NECKBREAKER! ONE! TWO! THR-KICK OUT! Okada tries to pick KENTA up with one arm for the TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER, but he fails miserably, KENTA turning the predicament around into an EMERALD FLOWSION!
Scaling the ropes, KENTA teases a DIVING DOUBLE FOOT STOMP to the point of Okada’s elbow… MILLION DOLLAR DROPKICK INTERCEPTS! Okada stands KENTA up with a DDT, before dumping him with a GERMAN SUPLEX, though is unable to get the bridge. Wanting to wrap things up and fast, he uses the ropes to get KENTA in position for a TOMBSTONE PILEDRIVER, before securing wrist-control! He looks for the RAINMAKER, only for KENTA to blast the arm with a YAKUZA KICK!
Okada’s arm dropping by his side, KENTA teases going for a RAINMAKER OF HIS OWN, only for Kazuchika to bring him down with a FLAPJACK instead! A SHORT-ARM RAINMAKER shakes off KENTA’s advances on the arm, before a RAINMAKER FINDS ITS MARK!!! ONE! TWO! THR-NOOOOOOOOOO!!! Not enough strength behind it for Okada to put KENTA down for good, he tries for another… KENTA SLAPS THE TASTE OUT HIS MOUTH! KENTA RUSH FOLLOWS SUIT! AND A BUSAIKU KNEE KICK!!! ONE! TWO! THR-OKADA SURVIVES!!!
Doing the Rainmaker pose, KENTA secures wrist-control himself and puts Okada on his shoulders, teasing a GO 2 SLEEP! OKADA NAILS HEAVY RAIN!!! A LANDSLIDE attempt is stuffed, KENTA again abusing the arm like it’s the Dragongate monkey, BEFORE NAILING A SHORT-ARM RAINMAKER OF HIS OWN!!! Okada forced to eat stiff shot after stiff shot like it’s Shibata all over again, he looks to be on dream street as KENTA fires up a second BUSAIKU KNEE- DROPKICK COUNTERS!!! Accounting for his deteriorating arm, Okada nails a pair of SHORT-ARM RAINMAKERS with his nondominant arm to ease into one more RAINMAKERRRRRRRRRRR!!! ONE! TWO! THREE!!!
Kazuchika Okada (c) def. KENTA to retain the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship (26:35)
It may be the accumulating fatigue talking, but KENTA may have given Okada his biggest scare yet, a lucky last gasp saving the Rainmaker’s reign. Not so bad for an outside, he thinks. As a shattered KENTA collects his bearing, SHO and Taiji by his side, Okada stops him from leaving just yet, instead calling to Tanahashi from commentary, who tosses him a shirt! Mic in his other hand, Okada declares that KENTA impressed him more than he would normally care to admit. It’s almost as though his talents were being wasted in BULLET CLUB… So, why not join CHAOS?
The Black Sun’s understandably stunned, the man he hated just moments ago now offering a truce? But Okada tells him to sit on it, offering a couple more shirts to his pals, stating he could use their talents to fuel his new vision. SHO was always the better Roppongi 3K member after all. And Taiji’s an Ultimo Dragon trainee like him. Just think on it. As KENTA and co. leave to the back in deep thought, it appears big things lie ahead for CHAOS…
First off this is going to be a bit long because I'm trying not to leave anything out. I also play her primarily as a point tank because she benefits from being near where the fight is centered around. If you don't want to read all of it, there's one thing I'm trying to spread about her that's super cool in the Royal Presence section that I bolded. I was just answering another post and it ended up being way too long so I'm putting this here since I haven't seen many guides on her around.
On to the guide and feel free to correct me on things or put your own ideas of the character in the comments!
General Nyx is a much better point tank than a lot of people think. Being patient also really helps with her; not just in learning her, but also in stealing the point. She's not broken or the best, but she's good and can be pretty versatile when you get her down. It just takes bit of time to get a playstyle that works with her down.
The first thing to know is that she does a LOT of damage, but it's slow. You have to play point patiently with her and take your opportunities when you see them. She's great at denying space and dealing wide areas of damage. Even if that damage seems small, it adds up. Which you'll see me say over and over again. Instead of holding point more defensively than offensively like say an Inara would, Nyx does the opposite. She uses slow sneaky damage to steal the point and try and angle herself where she can poke a little close, but safe. You always want to be where your support can see you and protect them even more than another tank would. They're your lifeline and only source of healing.
When you use either her shield or presence and don't have a need for it to be active anymore, then re-activate them to end the effect so that you can get your cooldown back faster.
Last thing is that if your support isn't very good you're going to have a ton of trouble staying up so you
have to play a lot safer and use your poison, rift slash, and poke to try and steal what space you can. If your dps isn't very good, then a lot of the slow damage you're doing is going to get wasted. It's your job to weaken the enemy and their job to finish them off. Not that you can't still get picks and burst people down, but bad dps is really going to make things much harder on you than another tank would especially if their target priority isn't good. Making enemies back up or just die is how you're going to survive along with knowing when to back yourself. But if your dps and/or your support is at least decent you can create so many opportunities for your team, which makes the character a lot of fun.
Weapon Her weapon shots gets +75 damage within 20 units, which is not far at all. It's essentially nose to nose, but when you think it's within survivable space, try and get into that range for the extra dps. She goes from ~483 dps to ~608 dps if she hits all bonus damage shots in one combo (about 3 seconds when I timed it. Someone could correct me if I'm wrong there though.) It will really benefit you to move strafe forward and then back a little when you fire to try and get that bonus damage, but also maintain a little space. Mess around with it in the shooting range to get used to that if you don't already do it.
Abyssal Fortress I have four tips for for the shield:
1.) When using it to protect yourself try to keep it close to you and of course strafe through it if enemies try and walk through to hit you. You can look a bit in front of you or straight down at the ground, but just remember 30 units isn't far and 1500 less shield is best to avoid when you can help it.
2.) Place the shield facing towards where the danger is. If most of the damage is in front of you, then place it there. If you're dueling the enemy tank because they're killable and there's two dps to your right, then place it towards them to block their damage.
3.) If you seen a teammate (especially your support) in need of protection don't be afraid to place the shield farther away near them to keep them from dying or to aid their retreat. If you're fighting point and think the save is more valuable, then retreat off point and protect the teammate by throwing a rift slash at whoever is chasing them or poking with your weapon if you can. But get away from the point if it'll kill you.
4.) If the enemy tank (like Barik, Ash, Atlas, or another Nyx) places their shield down before you do, don't be afraid to walk forward and put your shield past theirs to negate their value if you think it's survivable space.
Rift Slash Rift slash isn't just good for damage or trying to get picks. It's also a great zoning/area denial tool. Don't be afraid to use it to keep people from being in a certain spot if you think you'll find more value than just damage. Also great for pushing the support from line of sight from their tank.
Also don't
just use it for yourself. It can really help your flank get that pick if you notice it.
Using it is easier when you charge it for distance instead of damage. The distances are 25 units for 0-49% charge, 50 units for 50-99% charge, and 100 units for full charge. The damage increase is on the initial hit only and you can add more with your weapon than charging will and some players (not a lot, though) will hear the charge and know they need to dodge it, so faster is also better. Additionally, the hitbox when it's a projectile is smaller than the hitbox when it's stationary, so Show of Force cripple is easier to hit as well if you place it correctly. You'll still want to aim directly for enemies, but knowing this can make it a lot easier to hit. You also sometimes want to walk forward or back to get the the area where the slash will stop.
Pre-firing Rift Slash can be a good idea, especially if you know the enemy is going to be near a certain distance. But if the charge will go farther than the enemy you want to hit you have three options:
1.) Hit the enemy with the claw projectile
2.) Hit an object ~15 units near them (includes deployables)
3.) If you're on high ground, aim at the ground near them.
Last thing I'll add on this is that if you need to retreat, hit enemies with the slow or put it in a spot that'll get in their way so you can get out of trouble more safely.
FOR ENEMIES WITH SHIELDS: Fire your rift slash above them at roughly the units you would need to diagonally to get that initial hit damage (and cripple on Show of Force.) Sometimes you'll still hit the shield, but hey we tried. They'll still take the pulse damage like they would have if you just hit the shield.
Royal Presence For Royal Presence (her F,) don't think of it as just a defensive ability that makes the damage you take slower. It's great for that, but it's also a great offensive ability for punishing enemies for grouping up near you and racking up that ult charge! You'll be surprised how fast you'll get it with Abyssal Authority and Center of Combat. Sure the damage on the poison is slow, but you don't have to aim it and it can only really be cleansed by ethereal like Grohk & Seris' movement abilities, Zhin billow, and Koga dash.
The poison can also be re-procced, so if you touch an enemy with the aura again near before it ends, they take double damage. Meaning with Center of Combat 5 they can take a total of 30% health over 12 seconds. That's 3 times the damage at base and 6 times if you just got it one them once! People will really just stand in it and not respect the slow damage, but even if it can seem minimal it really does add up; damage is damage after all!
The pull is also really useful for getting a support out of position and then throwing Rift Slash on them, stopping the momentum of an enemy trying to run away, or trying to get an enemy off of one of your teammates. The hitbox for it is a small cone in front of you and it also does 100 damage when you activate it, which the in-game description doesn't mention.
If you didn't know, you can cleanse all temp damage from Presence with her ult.
But a really cool thing about Royal Presence is that there's a small window where any damage you would take as purple health is automatically healed back up; without even having to use your ult for it. This window is less than a second and basically where her wings go in front of her right when you first activate presence. You don't need to activate the chain pull at all, so you still also get all the other perks of the ability and can save your ult! This means that you can run into Drogoz ult and right before he hits you, pop presence and you'll take no damage. Good Drogoz players will adapt and choose a different target or dodge you, but it's an awesome counter to a death sentence. This also works for tanking Jenos ult, Skye ult, etc. Any big burst damage, but also really any damage in that small window. You can practice this against the Cassie bots in the shooting range. Just wait before one of them fires at you and pop the first activation of Presence. Of course this doesn't work against Vora ult. No idea about Maeve's Street Justice talent however, but to me that's nearly impossible to time.
Funny enough KamiVS just did this in a video he posted yesterday:
https://youtu.be/H8gOxFzkTy8?t=125 Last two things to touch on for Presence, but important is you can use it to retreat to get back to your support. You can also touch the enemy tank and hopefully the support with the poison, throw a rift slash if you need to, back up and heal/poke, and then re-proc the poison to add more damage and point pressure. The ability is really a nice mix of offense and defense.
Ultimate For her ult you almost always want to use it while using Presence. You can pop Presence and run into the enemy and ult to cleanse all that damage you took and to make space or punish them for being too closely grouped up and then put rift slash on whoever got caught up in it. Also don't be afraid to use the cleanse from her ult defensively just to survive! Sometimes an enemy will still get hit by it or get pulled out of position. There's also three other things you can do with your ult I'll add:
1.) Use Rift Slash before ulting to slow enemies so they can't just run out. This is also way better in Show of Force since anyone you hit with it will be crippled and unable to use a movement ability to dodge the ult. This also works with Subjugation's root on Presence pull.
2.) Use the chain pull from presence right before ulting so their momentum is going towards you or to try and get an additional enemy into it. This ends your aura early, so any damage you take after the initial cleanse from your ult will be taken normally. Use this when you know it's safe too.
3.) If your shield is off cooldown, you can put it in front of you before you ult to block damage or pull them through it if you run the Abyssal Breach talent (you can do the same with chain pull.) You can also just put the shield down just before enemies come out of stun to block their damage and keep space/retreat.
Items As for items the best items in my opinion for her are:
Chronos - She's really depends on her cooldowns both defensively and offensively. A lot of my damage is often half ability damage or more.
Rejuv - She gets a scaling 20% healing bonus near the objective. So 20% on it and still a bonus even if you're just a bit away from it. I'm still not sure where that bonus ends, but both of these together also stack against caut. So at Rejuv 3 on point and 90% caut, you're only in 40% caut. Still try to get out of combat (ideally still near the objective, but out of enemy sightlines) to get healed up by your support. But if you have to fight on point in caut, then you have to wait until you can use your shield to cleanse it.
Nimble - No movement ability means you need faster movement speed to get in and out of fights. A lot of value for not a lot of credits, but there are situations where you might not have space to buy it
Haven - Less damage better. Especially in Royal Presence.
Resilience - CC can really mess up your day, so resi is a must buy for her in those situations.
Points if you noticed that three of her items (Nimble, Resi, Rejuv) are actually pretty low cost, so getting your build up can be pretty fast sometimes.
As for her best item starts (if your support is something like Jenos or Corvus or a solo damage furia, start a Rejuv build):
1.)
Chronos + Nimble - If you buy this, your third buy should almost always be rejuv unless there's a situation that calls for something else like something that needs counter or your support is just cracked and doesn't need it quite yet. But Rejuv is inevitable on this character.
2.)
Rejuv + Resi - Best start when there's CC you don't want to deal with. Once Resi is at 2 you can start building out more, but rush that unless your opponent isn't very good with CC.
3.)
Rejuv + Nimble / Rejuv alone - You need more healing
Redundant items for her are:
Illuminate - You can actually just track enemies that are invisible with the tick damage from royal presence and then throw rift slash on them, hit them with your weapon, and either kill them or push them out. It takes some getting used to for you to hit your shots just tracking the numbers, but it's nice to have the item slot freed up.
Morale Boost - You get so much ult charge from Presence ticks if you have her build set up right with Center of Combat and Abyssal Authority, so only reason to really buy this is if you really need your ult and your build doesn't include those.
Last thing about items is that while she isn't great with Wrecker, if your team is low on it and you feel like you need it: get it.
Cards Onto her cards, I'll preface by saying that strong card go brrrr isn't always the best option on this character. She's got a lot of stuff that's a little weak in base kit, but much stronger when you buff it. So a balanced spread can help you out a lot. But also some of this is my opinion and you do you; if you want a card at 5 then that's your expression of the character. Remember that you should try to build characters to suit your own playstyle.
Best (No particular order):
Abyssal Authority - Getting more enemies in your aura means more passive damage. That means more ult charge, damage numbers for credits, and adding kill potential to your team even for enemies you aren't actually looking at. It doesn't seem like a lot at first, but it adds up as I mentioned above. If you're point tank you want this card at 3-4. 5 is kind of overkill, but do you.
Center of Combat - This is where a lot of your damage numbers will come from. Boosting aura damage is great. I have this at 4 on my main build which can rack up to 26% max health on a single target over 12 seconds. There's still a good benefit to 5, but I like to put that point elsewhere to balance my build out. Except in a Nyx mirror. They go 5 then you go 5 on this card.
Forever Changed - HP adds to your bulkiness which can really help you out. But if you'd rather go for something else, totally respectable. But have at least one build that has this card at 4 or 5 if you notice you find yourself in a situation that demands bulkiness.
The Little Things - Rift Slash is a hugely important tool on this character, so reducing it's cooldown is fantastic. Personally I have this at 2 because I have my points elsewhere and at this level I rarely don't have slash when I need it. But it still happens now and again. 4-5 is kind of overkill unless you're going off-tank though.
Devastating Blows - This card is amazing when you need it. You'll find yourself against enemies that usually won't be close to you though. Which negates the benefit of the card. That's why I have a build that just uses this as a filler card. I find that at 3 you're generally in the space you would be fighting another tank on point, but if you find that space to put it at 4 then go for it! 5 isn't too far off from 4 though, so the benefit in a point in another card is a little better, but that's just my opinion.
Pretty Good:
All Will Kneel - Rift slash is amazing at denying space, so adding some radius to it's pulses. That's 200 damage total over 2s or 300 over 3s in Show of Force, but the slow is the biggest benefit.
Unchecked Power - I've faced Nyx's that send this card and ngl it can be pretty annoying at start until resil is up. Even at just 2-3 there's value in this card, but I personally don't use either this or the previous one because I find more than enough value with base rift slash and I like buffing other things better for my playstyle.
Brutal Pursuer - This card is ONLY good if you're going off tank. Otherwise you're better off putting points elsewhere. The value of the move speed just isn't high enough on point tank.
Unyielding Advance - This is a pretty good filler card. If you find it suits you, then go for it! But it doesn't have a lot of value past 1-2 compared to others.
Frontline Commander - This card is amazing! On another character. Nyx's base kit needs too much boosting to justify space for this at a level where it's really useful. She's pretty CC heavy, so the move speed decrease just gives resi more value against her. But still give it a shot if you like it, despite what I said it's a pretty fun card. Just remember that my take on this card is an opinion despite me wording it like it's a fact.
A Swift End - Devastating blows gets you way more value for the most part. It's there all the time and this is only usable on shield. At level 5 this adds ~120-162 dps to a single combo (3s), but that number really isn't exact and is likely a little lower. Just an estimate. Biggest argument for this card is you can re-proc it by strafing your shield, so it's shield duration + 3s. But if an enemy shield is in your way then you lose value unless your aim is to try and burst down the shield or run in and drop your shield over theirs. It's a nice card, but it runs into the same problem as Frontline Commander: Nyx's base kit makes it hard to put points into it since the base range of her aura and her weapon bonus damage is low, and her tick damage needs the help from Center of Combat. The card
is still fun though and if you find more success with it than the others then more power to you. Still try it out and draw your own conclusion! It may be it just doesn't suit me personally. Same applies to some other cards above.
Meh:
World Torn Asunder - When you get used to Rift Slash, it's not super hard to hit even at 100 units as long as you space yourself correctly. So the real value in this is hitting agile enemies like Vatu, Maeve, or VII. But it's not a card you want to put a lot of points out of, and you can still work around having it. Not a bad idea to have it as a 1-2 pointer to deal with champions like that though if you find it helps you! I'm just saying in general there's much more value elsewhere. Personally I don't use it at all, but give it a shot still to draw your own conclusion.
No:
True Freedom - If you take one thing away from this comment. Don't use this card. It's a scrub trap. There's better one pointers and when you get used to the character you'll find this card is just training wheels that don't even really need to exist. Even if you miss a hit on your weapon or hold it for a bit longer, the value is just too small.
The New Order - Not as bad as True Freedom is, but the value is way too low and other cards are just way better. Most chains will hit 1-2 enemies max. Even at 5 that's a 150-300 shield for way too many points.
Unyielding Advance - It's like using Guardian as an item: don't. People will buy wrecker and decimate your shield even with this at 5. And if they don't your shield will last more than long enough.
Face to Face - I mean, you can kind of meme with this, but even then the value is just bad. Base pull does it's job just fine, and using this to soften the blow from the other team building resi doesn't help a whole lot in comparison to other cards.
Builds If anyone wants my builds for reference, I'll put them here. Just remember this is for how I play the character and what personally found me the most success:
AA= Abyssal Authority, CoC = Center of Combat, FC = Forever Changed, TLT = The Little Things, DB = Devastating Blows, BP = Brutal Pursuer
Balanced - CoC 4, AA 3, FC 3, DB 3, TLT 2. Main build I use almost all the time.
Bulky - FC 5, CoC 4, AA 3, TLT 2, DB 1. I use this build either when I need more health, or more often when I know enemies are going to be farther from me so I won't get value out of DB.
Damage - CoC 5, AA 4, DB 3, TLT 2, FC 1. I use this build when facing another Nyx or really bulky comps. Especially with Lilith as the support with 2 tanks. Really messes with her resources.
Off-Tank - CoC4, DB 4, TLT 3, BP 3, AA 1. As off tank you need that extra bit of movement speed. Even though it isn't substantial, it helps a lot. You're not the center of the fight as off-tank, so AA doesn't get as much value, but CoC adds to your damage. DB is at 4 so you can get stronger pokes from a bit farther and TLT 3 lets you rift slash more and keep that move speed up. Don't use it exclusively for the speed though.
Talents Show of Force - This is my favorite talent for her by far. The extra second lets you deny more space and the cripple increases pick potential for you and your team. Biggest downside if there's a lot of CC on your team you'll lose value so you might be better off going Abyssal Breach in those cases. But you can definitely still work around it even then.
Abyssal Breach - The talent I used on point before they buffed Show of Force. Having your shield more often on point is really helpful and it punishes anyone trying to push past your shield in narrow spaces or catch you while you're strafing it in open ones. Great if your team has a lot of CC like I pointed out above. Also don't forget you can use your chain pull to bring people through the shield for that extra damage if you find a good chance for a pick. This goes for pulling enemies through it with your ult as well, but if resi is up it's not nearly as viable tech.
Subjugation - A lot of people say it's her best, but I say it's situational. If you end your aura early with it, you lose a lot of that nice damage and ult charge. But this talent is still really useful. Great as an off-tank talent if your team doesn't have a lot of useful CC so you get more value out of this from forcing resi or someone on the enemy team ignoring resi. Make sure to track who has it for you picks. On point you would only use this if you know the enemy has an agile champion your comp isn't equipped to deal with and you know you won't hit those Show of Force cripples. If your team has a lot of CC then Show of Force is the better off-tank talent.
Well, that's the end of the guide. I know that was a lot of text, but so are her ability descriptions in game lol. I hope that some of the info that I put here was found useful by someone. Take care and glhf!
EDIT: Spelling, phrasing, and used the wrong numbers for Swift End. Changed to dps instead of raw damage. Moved Swift End to Pretty Good section and updated its description since I changed my mind on it a little after typing it out and thinking about it.