Makabe vs Ishii Full Fight: A Legendary NEVER Openweight Battle

In the world of New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), few rivalries stand as iconic as the brutal and unrelenting battles between Togi Makabe and Tomohiro Ishii. Their fights have come to symbolize everything that strong-style wrestling represents—intense physicality, resilience, and an unwavering fighting spirit. The Makabe vs. Ishii full fight at King of Pro Wrestling 2015 is a shining example of how these two competitors took their personal feud to new heights in NJPW.

In this detailed article, we will break down this legendary match, exploring the fighters’ backgrounds, the key moments of the battle, and its legacy within NJPW history. Whether you’re a long-time NJPW fan or new to the sport, this fight is a must-see, and we’ll help you understand why.

The Battle for the NEVER Openweight Championship

At the heart of the Makabe vs Ishii full fight was the prestigious NEVER Openweight Championship. Known for its brutal style and no-nonsense competitors, the NEVER division is where the toughest fighters in NJPW battle it out for supremacy. Unlike other championships in NJPW, the NEVER title is known for its hard-hitting matches where strength, endurance, and pain tolerance play key roles.

Before the match, Tomohiro Ishii had already established himself as a dominant figure in the NEVER division. His incredible endurance and ability to absorb massive amounts of punishment had earned him a reputation as one of NJPW’s toughest fighters. Meanwhile, Togi Makabe, also known as the “Unchained Gorilla,” was looking to capture the title and prove his worth as one of the best in the company.

The NEVER Openweight Championship: A History of Toughness

The NEVER Openweight title represents more than just a championship—it’s a symbol of toughness. Champions who hold the belt must display an almost supernatural ability to endure pain while simultaneously dealing out devastation to their opponents. For both Ishii and Makabe, this title was more than a piece of gold; it was the ultimate testament to their strength, heart, and ability to survive under extreme pressure.

Togi Makabe: The Unchained Gorilla

Togi Makabe is a veteran of NJPW and one of its most respected fighters. Known for his aggressive brawling style, Makabe has a reputation for being fearless in the ring. His fighting style relies heavily on raw power, fierce strikes, and a willingness to take any amount of punishment in pursuit of victory.

Makabe’s Strengths in the Ring

Makabe is renowned for his brutal power moves, such as strong lariats and his devastating King Kong Knee Drop. He also has a hard-hitting, no-nonsense approach to his matches, making him an ideal opponent for Ishii. Makabe’s ability to absorb pain and keep fighting, even when outmatched, has earned him the nickname “Unchained Gorilla.”

Makabe’s Style and Impact on NJPW

Makabe’s fighting style is heavily influenced by his fearlessness and raw power. His approach to matches is often described as “brawling,” focusing on wearing down his opponent through relentless strikes and high-impact moves. Makabe’s presence in the ring is a constant reminder of the physicality that defines NJPW’s strong-style wrestling.

Tomohiro Ishii: The Stone Pitbull

Tomohiro Ishii, often referred to as the “Stone Pitbull,” is another cornerstone of NJPW’s tough, strong-style reputation. Known for his unmatched endurance and ruthless fighting style, Ishii has become one of the most respected and feared wrestlers in the company. His incredible resilience, combined with a devastating arsenal of moves, makes him a nearly unstoppable force in the ring.

Ishii’s Fighting Style and Strengths

Ishii is known for his pure strong-style wrestling, focusing on stiff strikes and brutal suplexes. He is also renowned for his ability to take insane amounts of punishment and keep on fighting. His finishing move, the Brainbuster, has earned a reputation as one of the deadliest moves in NJPW. Ishii’s ability to counterattack and deliver sudden suplexes or lariats keeps his opponents on edge throughout the match.

Ishii’s Role in the NEVER Division

As the reigning NEVER Openweight Champion, Ishii represented the very spirit of the division: no gimmicks, no frills, just pure strength and violence. His time as champion helped elevate the title, making it one of the most coveted in NJPW.

The Makabe vs Ishii Full Fight: A Breakdown

The Makabe vs Ishii full fight at King of Pro Wrestling 2015 is remembered for its sheer intensity and physicality. Both competitors pushed themselves to the limit in a match that defined the spirit of the NEVER Openweight Championship.

Opening Moments: Setting the Tone

The match began with both men staring each other down in the center of the ring, their faces filled with intensity. There was no time for technical holds or fancy wrestling moves—instead, the two fighters engaged in a brutal exchange of forearm strikes. These early moments set the tone for the entire match: this was going to be a fight, not just a wrestling contest.

The crowd was on fire, urging both wrestlers to give it everything they had. Neither man backed down, and each blow landed with thunderous force. Makabe’s powerful strikes and Ishii’s stiff chops and headbutts caused the audience to erupt in appreciation, marking the opening phase as one of the most intense in recent NJPW history.

Mid-Match: Escalating Violence

As the match progressed, Ishii began to assert himself with his signature stiff strikes, including multiple hard chops and headbutts that forced Makabe into the corner. However, Makabe was far from finished, and he fought back with a massive clothesline that nearly floored Ishii. But the Stone Pitbull showed his resilience, refusing to stay down.

The match saw both competitors exchange hard-hitting lariats, and the ring seemed to shake every time they collided. The audience was fully invested at this point, chanting and cheering for both fighters. They understood the level of brutality being displayed and respected both wrestlers for their sheer toughness.

The Final Moments: Who Would Stand Tall?

As the match neared its climax, both men were visibly exhausted, having endured more punishment than most could ever hope to withstand. Makabe climbed to the top rope, attempting to land his signature King Kong Knee Drop, but Ishii managed to roll out of the way at the last second, avoiding certain defeat.

In a last-ditch effort, Ishii countered with a Sliding Lariat, nearly securing the victory. However, Makabe kicked out at the last moment, continuing to fight despite being on the verge of collapse. The crowd was on its feet, fully immersed in the high-stakes drama of the moment.

In the final sequence, Ishii managed to lift Makabe for a brutal Brainbuster—a move that had finished many opponents before. With Makabe unable to recover, Ishii secured the pin, and the referee’s hand hit the mat three times, signaling the end of the match.

Post-Match Reaction: Respect Earned

Tomohiro Ishii: Champion and Survivor

After the match, Ishii stood tall, exhausted but proud, holding the NEVER Openweight Championship high above his head. He had successfully defended his title in one of the most grueling contests of his career. Despite the physical toll, Ishii had once again proven his dominance in the division.

Togi Makabe: A Warrior’s Respect

Although Makabe lost the match, his performance earned him the respect of fans and fellow wrestlers alike. His never-give-up attitude and refusal to back down from Ishii’s brutal assault showcased the heart of a true warrior. Many fans believed that had Makabe hit his King Kong Knee Drop, the outcome could have been different. Nevertheless, Makabe left the ring with his head held high, having proven that he could still hang with the best in NJPW.

Legacy of the Makabe vs Ishii Full Fight

The Makabe vs Ishii full fight at King of Pro Wrestling 2015 is widely regarded as one of the best matches in the history of NJPW’s NEVER Openweight division. It set the standard for what strong-style wrestling should be: tough, gritty, and full of heart. This match solidified Ishii’s place as one of the greatest wrestlers in NJPW history and further cemented the legacy of the NEVER Openweight Championship as a symbol of unrelenting toughness.

Reception and Critic’s View

The match received high praise from critics and fans alike, who saw it as a perfect example of strong-style wrestling at its finest. Many noted the incredible endurance displayed by both competitors, highlighting their ability to take and deliver punishing blows without ever backing down.

Influence on Future NJPW Matches

The rivalry between Makabe and Ishii continues to influence NJPW to this day. Younger wrestlers have studied this match to learn the art of strong-style wrestling, and many have pointed to it as a key inspiration for their own hard-hitting feuds. The intensity, storytelling, and physicality of this battle continue to resonate throughout the promotion, serving as a reminder of what NJPW stands for.

Conclusion: A Match for the Ages

The Makabe vs Ishii full fight at King of Pro Wrestling 2015 remains one of the most brutal and unforgettable encounters in NJPW history. From the opening moments of intense physicality to the final, spine-shattering Brainbuster, this match exemplified everything that makes NJPW special.

For fans who appreciate strong-style wrestling and want to see two warriors at the peak of their abilities, this match is an absolute must-watch. It’s not just a contest for a title—it’s a battle for respect, pride, and the legacy of these two legendary fighters.

Whether you’re a seasoned NJPW fan or just discovering the world of professional wrestling, the Makabe vs Ishii full fight is an experience that you won’t want to miss.