The WWE draft took place on 10/1 in Baltimore and 10/4 in Nashville, ending with the new 2021-22 rosters that go into effect with the 10/22 Smackdown show in Wichita. The next few weeks of both Raw and Smackdown will feature more loaded rosters, and there will also have to be some intermixing through the 11/21 Survivor Series because if the past is an example, that show is a collection of Raw vs. Smackdown matches that need to be built up.
There was less talk about the draft this year. There were key moves, Becky Lynch, Edge, Seth Rollins, Finn Balor, The Street Profits, Kevin Owens and Rey Mysterio to Raw; Drew McIntyre, Charlotte Flair, Shayna Baszler, Sheamus and Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods to Smackdown, fundamentally nothing big has changed.
It feels like Rollins had to follow Lynch to Raw when that change was decided upon, meaning Edge, on a limited schedule, is following as well.
It’s the latest episode of Speak Now with Denise Salcedo!
In this special Halloween edition of Speak Now, Denise will cover Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite as well as the special Halloween Havoc edition of NXT.
Denise will also review Halloween Havoc matches of the past, including the Chamber of Horrors match, Hulk Hogan vs. Ultimate Warrior, and Hulk Hogan vs. The Giant.
She also covers the finals of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s G1 Climax 30, plus she shares IMPACT Wrestling Bound For Glory predictons and so much more!
The show can be seen LIVE every Wednesday at 8 PM Pacific. Additionally, Denise will also be doing AEW PPV post-shows on our Twitch channel, going live shortly after the PPV wraps.
Join Denise Salcedo’s weekly Wednesday night show, Speak Now Pro Wrestling!
In this episode Denise will discuss numerous and current topics in the world of wrestling including a breakdown of both AEW and NXT. For AEW, we will talk about everything including the four way tag team match in the main event and the singing/dancing number with Chris Jericho and MJF. NXT had a NXT Tag Team title match and a big reveal at the end of the show!
She also covers the finals of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s G1 Climax 30, plus she shares IMPACT Wrestling Bound For Glory predictons and so much more!
The show can be seen LIVE every Wednesday at 8 PM Pacific. Additionally, Denise will also be doing AEW PPV post-shows on our Twitch channel, going live shortly after the PPV wraps.
Kota Ibushi has won the G1 Climax tournament for the second year in a row.
Ibushi defeated SANADA tonight at Sumo Hall to become the first back-to-back G1 Climax winner since Hiroyoshi Tenzan in 2003 and 2004. In a back and forth match that lasted over 35 minutes, Ibushi defeated SANADA after landing two kamigoyes.
After the match, Masahiro Chono awarded Ibushi the G1 Climax 30 trophy and flag. After the ceremony, Ibushi talked about how he wants to get back to the way things used to be. He wants to take the G1 and take the opportunity it represents. He won’t escape, he won’t lose, he won’t run away. He ended the promo by promising to “become God.”
With the tournament win, Kota Ibushi will now receive a briefcase that will allow him to challenge the IWGP Heavyweight champion at Wrestle Kingdom 15, which will be held on January 4 and 5, 2021.
Past G1 winners have defended the briefcase in the months prior to Wrestle Kingdom, usually against opponents who beat them during the course of the tournament. During a backstage interview following the match, Jay White confronted Kota Ibushi and challenged him to a match for the briefcase, which Ibushi accepted.
The G1 Climax concludes today in Ryogoku’s Sumo Hall.
A Block winner Kota Ibushi will face B Block winner SANADA to determine the G1 Climax 30 winner. Ibushi is appearing in his third consecutive finals, the only man to ever do so.
Ibushi won the G1 in 2019, defeating Jay White in the finals, and lost to Hiroshi Tanahashi in 2018’s G1 finals. The two have met twice before, both in G1 block action in 2018 and 2019. Each has one victory over the other.
This is SANADA’s first appearance in a G1 finals.
The undercard was announced late on Saturday Eastern time.
LIJ’s Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI will face EVIL & Yujiro Takahashi from Bullet Club in the semi-main.
Kazuchika Okada & SHO will team against Will Ospreay and Great-O-Khan.
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, Jeff Cobb & Master Wato will face KENTA, Jay White, Gedo & Taiji Ishimori in an eight-man tag.
Shingo Takagi & Hiromu Takahashi will team against Minoru Suzuki & Yoshinobu Kanemaru.
The show opener is Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii, YOSHI-HASHI & Toru Yano vs. Taichi, Zack Sabre Jr., El Desperado & DOUKI.
This was all about setting up challengers to the NEVER Six-Man titles. The match was nothing special.
Taichi and Ishii started off, trading kicks to each other’s bad legs. Sabre and Goto tagged in and Suzuki-gun turned this into a brawl around ringside. When the dust settled, Sabre began working over Goto’s bad shoulder.
Goto managed a tag to Yano. Sabre and Yano did some comedy.
DOUKI and YH tagged in for the closing sequence. Desperado jumped in and hit YH with a right hand. Sabre and Taichi hit YH with Zack Mephisto.
Taichi threw DOUKI on top of YH and DOUKI actually scored a pin.
**********
Post-match, Suzuki-gun continued to beat down Ishii, Goto and YH. DOUKI used a steel pipe on Goto. Sabre used an octopus on Yano. Sabre hit a dragon screw on Ishii.
Suzuki-gun then posed with the NEVER Six-Man titles.
As you might expect, the intensity was off the charts in this one.
As soon as he stepped through the ropes, Suzuki went after Shingo. All four brawled around ringside. Kanemaru cut Hiromu off with a drive-by dropkick on the apron.
Kanemaru and Suzuki worked over Hiromu. Shingo got a hot tag and had an awesome exchange with Suzuki. They did a series of near-misses on signature spots. Suzuki avoided a sliding lariat. Shingo fought out of a choke. Suzuki no-sold a DVD. Shingo ate a PK.
Kanemaru and Hiromu tagged back in. Suzuki jumped in for a double team and again Hiromu found himself being worked over.
Kanemaru hit a Deep Impact but Shingo saved for Hiromu. Shingo hit a pop-up DVD on Kanemaru and fired Hiromu up.
Hiromu hit a running DVD into the buckle, then followed with Time Bomb and pinned Kanemaru.
**********
Suzuki and Shingo had a pull-apart after the match.
Hiromu also grabbed Kanemaru’s Jr. Heavyweight Tag belt and they pushed on commentary that Hiromu and BUSHI want Kanemaru and Desperado’s Jr. Tag titles.
**********
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, Jeff Cobb & Master Wato (w/Hiroyoshi Tenzan) defeated KENTA, Jay White, Gedo & Taiji Ishimori (9:04)
They got very little time. As a result, this was all action and basically a fun house show match.
White teased starting off with Juice but begged off.
Ishimori and Wato started instead. Wato got cut off right away as Bullet Club turned this into a brawl around ringside. Bullet Club worked Wato over in their corner.
Cobb got a hot tag. He hit White with a dropkick before both tagged out.
Tana and KENTA went heads-up. KENTA blocked a slingblade and tagged Gedo.
Tana hit Gedo with a dragon screw. White jumped in and hit a dragon screw on Tana. Cobb press slammed White and Ishimori into Gedo. Juice hit a plancha to White. Wato hit a tornillo on Ishimori.
Tana hit Gedo with a slingblade. Cobb followed with a standing moonsault. Tanahashi then used a cloverleaf and Gedo tapped out.
**********
Wrestle Kingdom 15 was officially announced for January 4 and January 5, 2021.
This was a decent showcase for Ospreay’s new faction.
Okada went right after Ospreay while making his entrance. They brawled around the ring while O-Khan and SHO started the match.
O-Khan used a variety of face rakes and chops in working SHO over. Ospreay tagged in for a couple of quick spots here and there but it was mostly O-Khan.
O-Khan missed a charge into the corner, allowing SHO enough time to set up a spear and tag out.
Okada hit O-Khan with a running back elbow and a DDT. O-Khan tied Okada to the tree of woe and used a series of stomps. O-Khan hit a sliding dropkick to Okada. Ospreay tagged in for Pip Pip Cheerio and a near fall.
Okada and Ospreay traded strikes. Okada blocked a tiger kick and hit a dropkick before tagging out.
SHO went for a power breaker but Ospreay escaped and went after SHO’s right knee. Ospreay took the ref and Priestley hit a dragon screw in the ropes on SHO.
Ospreay then used a figure four to submit SHO, while O-Khan sent Okada to the mat with a claw slam.
I thought KENTA beating Naito Saturday would lead to something, and perhaps it still will, but EVIL looks to be next for Naito after this one.
The match began with Yujiro and EVIL illegally doubling up Naito. Naito made a comeback on Yujiro. Yujiro and EVIL resorted to brawling on the floor to regain the advantage. EVIL used chairs on Naito.
Back inside, Yujiro worked over BUSHI. BUSHI came back with a rana and tagged Naito. Naito hit Yujiro with a combinacion in the corner but kept his eyes focused on EVIL the whole time.
Yujiro bit Naito’s hand and EVIL tagged in. Naito hit a swing DDT. Both tagged out.
BUSHI hit a tope suicida and a DDT to EVIL. Togo took the ref. Yujiro jumped in for the double team. EVIL recovered and hit a fisherman buster for a two count.
Everyone jumped in for a big move near the finish. Yujiro sent Naito outside after a big boot. EVIL hit a lariat to cut BUSHI off before he could make his comeback.
EVIL hit Darkness Falls for a near fall, then used a scorpion deathlock for the submission.
**********
After the match, Togo choked out Naito with a ligature. EVIL then hit Naito with Everything is EVIL and posed over him with the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental titles.
**********
G1 Climax 30 Finals: Kota Ibushi defeated SANADA (35:12)
My enjoyment of this was tempered by thefact that I was worried that Ibushi was concussed. The 35-plus minutes flew by. They really kicked it into high gear after the 20 minute mark and some of the near falls were amazing.
They started slowly, sizing each other up. Ibushi used a hammerlock and looked to be going after SANADA’s left arm. They traded a few holds.
They went to striking after a few minutes. Ibushi’s left leg was taped up after his kick war with Taichi on Friday. SANADA kicked at the bad leg.
There was a weird spot where SANADA went for a dropkick. Ibushi ducked under the dropkick but got caught by a SANADA forearm on top of his head. Ibushi rolled outside. Tough to say how much of this was selling and how much was legit but Ibushi looked out of it.
Ibushi got back in and they went back to trading holds on the mat. SANADA used an ankle lock. Ibushi slapped on an STF.
From there, they returned to striking. You almost never see anyone call spots in NJPW but you could see SANADA calling spots to Ibushi here. SANADA dropped Ibushi with a palm strike. SANADA then used a figure four. Ibushi forced a break.
SANADA dropped Ibushi with a forearm strike. Ibushi came back with a sunset flip into a standing moonsault for a near fall. We were past the 15 minute point and this still had not kicked into second gear.
SANADA rolled outside. Ibushi hit a plancha. Back in, Ibushi connected on a springboard missile dropkick for another two count. SANADA hit his leapfrog dropkick and follow-up plancha. SANADA tried to fire up the crowd.
Ibushi fought off a TKO. SANADA missed a moonsault. Ibushi hit a powerslam. Ibushi missed a phoenix splash. SANADA tried a moonsault but Ibushi rolled out of the way. SANADA landed on his feet out of the missed moonsault and sent Ibushi outside with a rana.
Ibushi reversed the position and sent SANADA to the floor. Ibushi teased a golden triangle. Instead, SANADA jumped up on the apron. Ibushi hit a double stomp on the apron. SANADA answered with a magic screw off the apron to the floor.
They teased a double countout at 23 minutes. Both made it back in at 18.
They did a striking sequence, both going after the other’s neck with forearm shots. SANADA hit one kick to the leg and then hit a magic screw inside the ring for a near fall.
SANADA locked on Skull End. Ibushi powered out at the 25 minute call.
SANADA tried for his springboard dropkick but Ibushi caught him coming off the ropes into a last ride. Ibushi sold his leg on landing and could not follow up with a cover.
Ibushi hit a strike combination and another last ride for a near fall. Ibushi made the motion that he was setting up for Kamigoye.
SANADA dropkicked Ibushi’s legs as Ibushi went for wrist control. Ibushi answered with a lariat. SANADA ducked a right hand and hit a tiger suplex for a two count.
SANADA went for a TKO. Ibushi grabbed a dragon sleeper on the way down. SANADA reversed into his own dragon sleeper before using a spinning Skull End.
SANADA got the full Skull End with body scissors in on the mat. Like an idiot, SANADA gave up the hold as Ibushi was about to have his arm dropped three times by the referee. SANADA always gives up on Skull End just when it’s working. It’s a logic flaw in his matches.
SANADA missed a moonsault. Ibushi hit a high kick at the 30 minute call. Ibushi hit a Bomaye for a near fall. Ibushi went for Kamigoye. SANADA blocked and hit a TKO.
SANADA hit a moonsault to Ibushi’s back. He went for a standard moonsault but Ibushi got his knees up. Ibushi sold the damage to his bad leg in blocking the move.
SANADA got Skull End. Ibushi walked the ropes and reversed the hold. They teased a lawn dart. SANADA got back to Skull End. Ibushi reversed and hit a bastard driver for a great near fall.
Ibushi went for Kamigoye. SANADA flipped into a backslide. Ibushi powered out and went for Kamigoye again. SANADA used a sunset flip. Ibushi slid out. SANADA used a Japanese clutch for the closest near fall you’ll ever see.
SANADA tried Skull End again. Ibushi hit a high kick, a bicycle knee and a Kamigoye for another extremely close near fall.
Ibushi then hit a second Kamigoye for the 1-2-3.
Ibushi is The One for the second consecutive year.
**********
Chono entered the ring and presented the G1 Climax trophy and flag to Ibushi. They posed together for the ringside photographers as Ibushi fought back tears.
Ibushi cut a promo in the ring. He thanked the fans and thanked Chono. Ibushi said he can’t wait for things to get back to the way they used to be with full buildings.
Ibushi said he intends to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, and he will become God.
The show ended with streamers falling from the ceiling and Ibushi posing with his trophy and flag.
**********
After the show, Ibushi sat at a table backstage for his post-match comments.
Jay White entered. They drank Zima together.
White said Ibushi isn’t really the winner. He said sometime soon, they’re going to give Ibushi a briefcase to signify his win. White said he’s going to take that case from Ibushi.
Ibushi then gave his comments. He said he will face Jay at any time.
The undercard for tonight’s G1 Climax 30 finals has been revealed.
The card mostly contains a number of tag team matches. Great-O-Khan, who made his return to NJPW at the A Block finals, will team with Will Ospreay to take on Kazuchika Okada and SHO in a tag team match. Great-O-Khan helped Ospreay pin Okada, eliminating Okada from the G1 tournament. It seems that the duo, along with Bea Priestley, are alligned with one another.
Tetsuya Naito and EVIL will see each other in action as well. Naito will team with BUSHI to face EVIL and Yujiro Takahashi in a tag team match.
Kota Ibushi, who won the A Block, will face B Block winner SANADA in the main event.
Here is the full card for this morning’s show, which starts at 2 a.m. Eastern:
Toru Yano, YOSHI-HASHI- Tomohiro Ishii, Hirooki Goto vs. Taichi, Zack Sabre Jr., El Desperado, DOUKI
Shingo Takagi and Hiromu Takahashi vs. Minoru Suzuki and Yoshinobu Kanemaru
Hiroshi Tanahashi, Juice Robinson, Jeff Cobb, Master Wato vs. Jay White, KENTA, Taiji Ishimori, Gedo
Kazuchika Okada and SHO vs. Will Ospreay and Great-O-Khan
Tetsuya Naito and BUSHI vs. EVIL and Yujiro Takahashi
They went the technical wrestling route for most of the contest. Uemura was incredible here.
Uemura used a knuckle lock, then a short arm scissors which he used to roll Kidd around the ring. Kidd used a chancery to soften Uemura up for his buttefly suplex.
Uemura tried to strike with Kidd. That was his downfall. Kidd hit a forearm, a dropkick, then used the butterfly suplex for the pin.
G1 Climax B Block: YOSHI-HASHI defeated Toru Yano (6:11)
This was absolutely horrendous. I’m a fan of Yano comedy but this didn’t work.
YH tried taping Yano to the barricade and his bo staff. Yano tried to spray hand sanitizer in YH’s face. There were two ref bumps. Yano exposed a buckle.
For the finish, YH blocked a low blow and used Yano’s arm to cradle him for the pin.
G1 Climax B Block: Juice Robinson defeated Hirooki Goto (12:09)
Goto got a couple of hope spots but the bulk of this was Juice going after the bad shoulder.
They came out firing off strikes. Juice sent Goto outside and hit a plancha. Goto sold his taped shoulder after the impact of the plancha and that became the story of the match.
Juice blocked an ushigoroshi and hit a superplex. He maintained neck control on the landing and went for a jackhammer. Goto blocked and hit a neckbreaker.
Goto finally connected with an ushigoroshi. A series of counters and teases ended with Goto blocking Pulp Friction and locking on a sleeper. Goto used the sleeper to set up a pair of cradles for near falls.
Juice connected with a Left Hand of God. He followed with an awkward-looking Pulp Friction and pinned Goto.
Goto really sold this as a big deal in the post-match with his facial expressions. A pro’s pro job by Goto.
***** Intermission *****
G1 Climax B Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Zack Sabre Jr. (12:02)
This was a fun match. These two have great chemistry, but they have had more crisp matches.
Sabre scored early with a couple of quick cradles. Tanahashi took a second to regroup, then used a side headlock takeover. He maintained the hold for a long time. Sabre eventually transitioned to a headscissors. They traded these two holds for quite a while.
Sabre went after Tanahashi’s neck with neck cranks and a triangle. Sabre used an octopus. Tanahashi reversed into his own octopus. Sabre went for a Euro clutch. Tanahashi reversed into his own clutch hold for a near fall.
Tanahashi focused on Sabre’s right knee with a low dropkick and inverted dragon screw. Sabre used an inside cradle and a guillotine. Tanahashi reversed the guillotine into twist and shout.
Tanahashi went for a slingblade, the first time either guy hit the ropes in the match. Sabre blocked. Tanahashi got it on his second attempt.
Tanahashi hit a standing High Fly Flow. Sabre rolled through on the landing. Tanahashi trapped Sabre in a cradle and got the flash pin.
Tanahashi held the cradle for a few extra seconds and Sabre threw a tantrum as a result.
G1 Climax B Block: KENTA defeated Tetsuya Naito (21:06)
I was not a fan of this match. I thought they had a good eight minutes laid out and stretched that into 21:06. The finish was very clever.
Both stalled at the outset. KENTA stole a near fall off a cradle. Naito went for a walk around the ring and stalled some more.
They tied up. Naito went after KENTA’s bad shoulder with a hammerlock. KENTA rolled to the floor and grabbed his briefcase. KENTA shoved the ref down and Naito ate a briefcase shot. KENTA went to work from there.
KENTA used a chinlock, a headscissors and a headlock at the 10 minute call. Naito hit his combinacion cabron in the corner and a crucifix. KENTA responded with a top rope clothesline for a two count.
The match finally picked up as Naito made his comeback. Naito hit a poison rana and a series of back elbows, looking to soften up KENTA’s neck for Destino. Naito hit Gloria for a two count.
KENTA blocked Destino and went for a GTS at the 20 minute call. Naito reversed into a Destino but could not follow up with a cover.
Naito rang up the arm and went for Destino. KENTA hit two spinning back fists. Naito answered with Valentia.
Naito went for Destino. KENTA caught Naito’s legs and cradled him for the flash pin.
This loss eliminated Naito.
G1 Climax B Block: SANADA defeated EVIL (27:00)
Lots of Bullet Club-style interference in this one but a good main event with a good story.
Hiromu Takahashi was at the commentary table and played an important role.
Nothing of consequence came from the opening volley. EVIL teased an Everything is EVIL. SANADA teased a Skull End.
EVIL rolled to the floor. SANADA teased a plancha but flipped to his feet on the apron, then pulled himself back into the ring to pose.
After a trip from Togo, EVIL used a snap suplex on a stack of chairs on the floor to take control of the match.
Back inside, EVIL used a scoop slam and a cocky, one-foot cover. Red Shoes refused to count the pin due to the underhanded tactics used on the floor.
EVIL took the ref. Togo pulled SANADA to the floor and sent him into the barricade, then tossed SANADA back in. EVIL used a single-leg crab. SANADA responded with a dropkick to the knee and a back suplex.
SANADA hit his trademark plancha. He put both EVIL and Togo in paradise locks, then broke the holds with a single dropkick.
EVIL gouged the eyes and hit a ref-assisted mid kick, avoiding a TKO in the process. A clever sequence ended with SANADA avoiding a misdirection lariat and hitting a springboard dropkick.
SANADA used the threat of a TKO to set up a Skull End but EVIL powered out. SANADA hit a magic screw and a tiger suplex for a two count. The crowd really got into the match at this point.
SANADA used a spinning Skull End as a precursor to a moonsault attempt. EVIL rolled out of the way and SANADA crashed to the mat. Togo exposed a buckle. SANADA missed a charge into the corner and got sent into the exposed steel twice.
EVIL hit a superplex to set up a scorpion deathlock. SANADA fought to the bottom rope to force a break. EVIL hit Darkness Falls for a two count at the 20 minute call.
SANADA blocked Everything is EVIL and hit a TKO. They did a lengthy double down, prompting Red Shoes to check if both men wanted to continue. They did.
SANADA avoided the exposed buckle and used a moonsault to transition to Skull End. EVIL slid out but SANADA immediately got the hold applied agai and locked in the body scissors. EVIL pried his head free, but SANADA popped up and hit two moonsaults.
Red Shoes went to count the pin. Togo pulled the ref out of the ring. Togo used a chair on SANADA and peppered him with right hands.
EVIL and Togo hit a Magic Killer. Hiromu Takahashi jumped up from the commentary table to come to SANADA’s aid. Hiromu hit a superkick to Togo. EVIL hit a low blow on Hiromu. EVIL and Togo hit a Magic Killer on Hiromu at the 25 minute call.
Togo revived the ref. SANADA stole a near fall off a cradle. EVIL planted SANADA with a lariat. EVIL hit a second big lariat and called for his finisher.
SANADA reversed Everything is EVIL into Skull End. EVIL grabbed the ref. Togo choked SANADA from the apron. Hiromu superkicked Togo and SANADA recovered.
SANADA then used a Japanese clutch and got the pin.
SANADA wins B Block.
SANADA closed the show with a quick promo and said he’ll see us tomorrow.
A look at the WWE draft is the lead story in the new issue of the Wrestling Observer. We look at the different moves made, why they were made, look at the depth charts with both brands to see what is and isn’t lacking, talk the return of talent, talent being kept apart, the whys behind some moves, and the rosters of both brands.
The new issue also covers:
The G1 Climax tournament, with match-by-match coverage of every show this past week, with star ratings and poll results. We look at the quality of shows, matches being built up, who have been the stars and best matches of the tournament.
The Cena wedding, how much Linda McMahon has donated to Trump’s campaign, lots of WWE injury updates, Lawsuit updates, Total Bellas notes, U.K TV ratings, new WWE documentary, how wrestling stacks up to other sports on TV, WWE filming an indie star for documentary, upcoming TV bouts, WWE market value, a new WWE book, and the most-watched shows on the WWE Network this past week.
Saturday’s UFC show from Abu Dhabi and the ramifications of the top matches.
A feature on Len Rossi, one of the biggest stars in Tennessee and Alabama from 1958 to 1972, his career in the ring, his life after wrestling, his tag team partners and most well-known angles. It’s a look back at a unique era of pro wrestling and how Rossi was a key to change in a unique time.
The indictment of the former Alberto Del Rio on a sexual assault and kidnapping case.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
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FRIDAY NEWS UPDATE
For the weekend, Garrett Gonzalez and I will do a show late tonight covering the latest news from the past week. On Saturday, Bryan and I will do a show covering the G-1 final three days.
Tracy Smothers has been hospitalized with non-Hodgkins lymphoma on the left side of his stomach and right side of his lung. Best wishes to him in battling the disease.
The G-1 B Block finals are tomorrow at 4 a.m. Eastern from Sumo Hall:
Yuya Uemura vs. Gabriel Kidd
Toru Yano (3-5) vs. Yoshi-Hashi (1-7)
Hirooki Goto (4-4) vs. Juice Robinson (3-5)
Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-5) vs. Zack Sabre Jr. (5-3)
Tetsuya Naito (6-2) vs. KENTA (4-4)
Sanada (5-3) vs. Evil (6-2)
If Evil wins, he wins the block. If Evil loses and Naito wins, Naito wins the block. If Sabre, Evil and Naito all lose, Sanada wins the block. If Sabre and Sanada win, and Naito loses, Sabre wins the block. Our G-1 weekend polls are for Wednesday’s show, the three shows this weekend, as well as tournament MVP and best match in the tournament, with thumbs up, down or middle, best & worst match for each show to dave@#wrestlingobserver.com
Saturday’s UFC show is an ESPN+ exclusive starting at 4 p.m. Eastern time
Said Nurmagomedov (136) vs. Mark Striegl (136)
Gadzhimurad Anitgulov (206) vs. Maxim Grishin (205.5)
Jamie Mullarkey (156) vs. Firas Ziam (156)
Jun Yong Park (185) vs. John Phillips (186)
Gillian Robertson (125.5) vs. Poliana Botelho (125)
Mateusz Gamrot (156) vs. Guram Kutateladze (156)
Thomas Almeida (146) vs. Jonathan Martinez (146)
Claudio Silva (171) vs. James Krause (171)
Jimmy Crute (206) vs.; Modestaa Bukauska (206)
Katlyn Chookiagian (126) vs. Jessica Andrade (126)
Brian Ortega (146) vs. Chan Sung Jung (146)
The promoters of last weekend’s Collective shows in Indianapolis are urging all fans and wrestlers who were at the shows to test for COVID-19 due to several wrestlers already testing positive.
205 Live tonight has Isaiah Scott vs. Brian Kendrick and Ariya Daivari in matches with Anthony Greene and Curt Stallion.
Bill Goldberg on Instagram teased the idea of a match with Roman Reigns. The two were to wrestle at WrestleMania.
MISCELLANEOUS
Bret Hart, Lance Storm and Trish Status have cameos on Corner Gas Animated that airs on 10/26 on CTV Comedy Channel in Canada. The episode will air at some point in the U.S. but the date isn’t finalized. Storm plays a former pro wrestler turned celebrity gardening podcaster while Bret Hart is his rival. Stratus voices the role of Shauna, a virtual home assistant.
Bu Ku Dao has signed with MLW. Bu Ku Dao wrestles in the Gulf Coast area.
Impact announced Heath, Rhino, Hernandez, Acey Romero, Larry D, Tenille Dashwood, Taya Valkyrie, Brian Myers, Tommy Dreamer and Havok as the first ten entrants in their Call Your Shot gauntlet, a royal rumble style match. The winner picks the title they want to challenge for.
CWE announced with Vincent unable to enter Canada, a tournament will be held on 11/6 in Winnipeg at the Holy Eucharist Parish Hall with Danny Duggan, Mentallo, Adam Knight, EZ Ryder, Kevy Chevy, Tommy Lee Curtis, Bobby Schink and Dragneel for the vacant title. They also announced a 10/26 show in Grand Prairie, Alberta and the Jackpot Grill Events Centre with former UFC star Mitch Clarke vs. Rich King.
Bare Knuckle boxing tonight on the BKTV app from Plant City, FL with former Strikeforce and UFC star Mike Kyle vs Bobo O’Bannon in the main event.
LFA on 10/30 on UFC Fight Pass from Park City, KS is headlined by Vanessa Demopoulos (5-2) vs. Lupita Godinez (4-0) in a strawweight fight and Aaron McKenzie (82-2-1) vs. Joe Giannetti (9-3-1) in a lightweight fight.
LFA runs tonight from Park City, KS on Fight Pass with Andre Petroski (185.8) vs. Aaron Jeffrey (18-2.) and Samantha Hughes (119.2) vs. Danielle Hindley (119.6) as the top bouts.
AAW on 10/29 at 115 Bourbon Street in Merrionette, Park, IL has a few tickets left, 50 person capacity, masks and social distancing required, with Mance Warner & Jake Something vs. Hakim Zane &Karam, Ace Austin & Mad Man Fulton vs. Air Wolf & Angel Dorado, Matt Justice vs. Jake Crist as well as ACH, Fred Yehi, Manders and Trey Miguel.
The Expo Lucha panel events are now available on the Lucha Central YouTube page. This includes matches with stars like Juventud Guerrera, Rey Hours, Flamita, Black Taurus, Laredo Kid, Disco Inferno, Penta El Cero M, Rey Fenix, Jack Evans, Teddy Hart, Amy “Lita” Dumas, Brian Cage and others.
Longtime WWE Magazine writer Keith Elliot Greenberg did an interview with The Wrestling Estate to promote his new book about the indie revolution, and also shared some fun stories about Vince McMahon, Paul Heyman, “Superstar” Billy Graham and Iron Sheik.
Kota Ibushi has won the A Block in NJPW’s G1 Climax 30 tournament and is advancing to this weekend’s finals.
Ibushi defeated Taichi in the semi-main event of this morning’s A Block finals. He still needed help to advance, with Jay White and Tomohiro Ishii facing off in today’s main event. After a back-and-forth match, Ishii hit the vertical brainbuster to pick up the win and eliminate White from the tournament.
Ibushi finished A Block action with 14 points, while White finished with 12 after his loss today.
The G1 finals are being held at Sumo Hall in Tokyo this Sunday (October 18). Ibushi’s opponent for the finals will be determined when the last night of B Block action is held at Sumo Hall on Saturday. EVIL vs. SANADA, Tetsuya Naito vs. KENTA, Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Juice Robinson vs. Hirooki Goto, and Toru Yano vs. YOSHI-HASHI are Saturday’s tournament matches.
Here are the current standings and scenarios heading into the B Block finals, compiled by Ethan Renner:
EVIL — 12 points (6-2) *wins the block with a win over SANADA or a draw/no contest with SANADA, Naito loss and Sabre loss/draw*
Tetsuya Naito — 12 points (6-2) *wins the block with a win/draw over KENTA and an EVIL loss/no contest*
SANADA — 10 points (5-3) *wins the block with a win over EVIL and a Naito loss/no contest*
Zack Sabre Jr. — 10 points (5-3) *ties with Naito & EVIL for block win with a win over Tanahashi, a Naito loss, and a SANADA/EVIL no contest*
Tsuji fired off a dropkick at the bell, then used a splash for a series of quick near falls. Kidd recovered and hit a sunset flip and used an inside cradle for a pair of two counts.
Kidd grounded Tsuji with a headlock. Tsuji made the ropes to force a break. Kidd used a couple of more cradles and hit a dropkick. Tsuji came back with an inside cradle and a spear.
Tsuji hit a powerslam for a two count. Tsuji locked on a Boston crab, then switched to a giant swing.
Tsuji transitioned back from the swing to the crab and Kidd tapped out.
G1 Climax A Block: Yujiro Takahashi defeated Jeff Cobb (10:30)
They had about as good of a singles match as Yujiro is capable of having. They threw in a couple of twists and the match peaked at the right time.
Cobb landed a series of forearms. Yujiro tried to bail out but Cobb kept him in the ring. Yujiro bit Cobb’s hand. Cobb hit a dropkick. They played cat and mouse on the outside. Yujiro avoided a suplex on the floor and hit an inverted DDT.
Yujiro raked Cobb’s face before jumping back in. Cobb beat the count back inside. Yujiro hit a couple of short legdrops and a headbutt in working Cobb over. Yujiro used a stroke for a near fall.
Cobb fired back with chops. Cobb missed a standing moonsault and Yujiro connected on a low dropkick. Cobb hit a series of shoulder tackles and an overhead belly-to-belly out of the corner. Cobb hit a running back suplex for a two count.
Yujiro blocked a charge with a hotshot. Yujiro hit a wheel kick and a fisherman buster for a near fall. Cobb blocked Miami Shine and tried a gutwrench lift. Yujiro again resorted to biting Cobb to free himself.
Cobb hit a spin cycle out of the corner and a standing moonsault for a two count. Yujiro blocked Tour of the Islands and used a cradle for a two count.
Yujiro shoved the ref away. Yujiro used his cane on Cobb and hit an olympic slam for two. Yujiro hit Miami Shine for another two count.
Yujiro hit Pimp Juice and got the tainted victory.
G1 Climax A Block: Shingo Takagi defeated Minoru Suzuki (12:30)
They didn’t get a ton of time and this didn’t reach the heights of their Summer Struggle match. This was still a very good brawl.
They came out swinging. Neither went down after a series of strikes. Suzuki baited Shingo to the ropes where he locked on a rope-assisted armbar. They spilled to the floor. They traded slaps to the face before Suzuki claimed control by whipping Shingo into the barricade.
Back in, Suzuki tried a PK. Shingo caught the kick and hammered away with strikes. They traded shots again. Suzuki lured Shingo in for a rear naked choke. He went for a Gotch piledriver but Shingo hit a DVD. Shingo sold the damage from the armbar to his right arm.
Shingo hit some Misawa elbows and a sliding lariat for a two count. Suzuki blocked a Pumping Bomber by locking in a flying armbar. Suzuki slid to a triangle choke, again working the right arm. Shingo could not power Suzuki up to break the hold.
Suzuki gave up the choke and hit a series of kicks to the right arm. Suzuki fought for, then finally applied, a Fujiwara armbar. Shingo forced a rope break but not before Suzuki did more damage to the right arm.
Suzuki got a rear naked choke. Shingo slid out and hit a series of lariats. Suzuki refused to go down and hit a series of palm strikes. Suzuki hit a headbutt. Shingo blocked a second headbutt attempt and hit a series of his own headbutts.
Suzuki used a misdirection spot to set up another choke. Shingo countered out of the choke with a wild right hand and Suzuki finally went down.
Shingo hoisted Suzuki up for Last of the Dragon. He connected and pinned Suzuki.
Post-match, Suzuki sold his head. He also used a series of awesome facial expressions to convey that he liked the pain. A rematch between these two for the NEVER title seems imminent.
*****Intermission*****
G1 Climax A Block: Will Ospreay defeated Kazuchika Okada (17:03)
The story of the match was Okada failing to implement his pace and being forced to work at Ospreay’s speed. The match was fantastic and the angle was impactful.
Ospreay immediately hit a shotgun dropkick, Sasuke Special and Pip Pip Cheerio for a near fall.
Ospreay hit a high kick and went for an Oscutter. Okada blocked and used the Money Clip. Ospreay forced a rope break. They went outside where Okada hit a draping DDT off the apron to the floor. Ospreay beat the count back in at 15.
Okada asserted control of the match with a swinging neckbreaker. Okada clearly found his target in Ospreay’s neck. Okada hit a series of back elbows to the neck in the corner.
Ospreay created some distance with a backdrop. He followed with a standing shooting star for a near fall. Okada went back to the neck with a DDT.
Ospreay avoided an air raid crash neckbreaker and hit a handspring kick. Ospreay avoided a shotgun dropkick. Okada sat Ospreay on the top rope and went for a dropkick. Ospreay blocked, reversed the position, then hit his own dropkick. Okada crashed to the floor.
Ospreay hit an insane tope over the post to the floor. Back in, Ospreay hit a springboard forearm off the top for a two count.
Okada fought off a Storm Breaker attempt. They traded forearms. Ospreay hit a tiger wall flip kick. Okada missed a dropkick. Okada got his knees up on a standing shooting star. Okada tried the dropkick again but Ospreay caught him flying in with a powerbombfor a two count. This spot ruled.
Ospreay hit a thrust kick and a hook kick. Okada avoided Hidden Blade. Okada escaped a Storm Breaker mid-air and hit a short Rainmaker, maintaining wrist control on landing.
Ospreay ducked a Rainmaker. Okada hit a rebound dropkick. Okada hit a tombstone. Okada got the Money Clip applied. Ospreay forced a rope break.
Ospreay slapped Okada across the face and said “I’m just as good.” Okada hit a shotgun dropkick. Ospreay blocked a tombstone. Ospreay turned a spinning Rainmaker into a standing Spanish fly for a near fall.
Okada slid out of a Storm Breaker and captured Ospreay’s legs for a two count. Ospreay hit a poison rana and Okada landed awkwardly on his neck. Ospreay hit an Oscutter.
Ospreay tried for Storm Breaker again. Okada reversed into another Money Clip. Ospreay escaped.
An insane sequence followed.
Okada used a backslide to set up a Rainmaker attempt. Ospreay ducked it and tried a Rainmaker. Okada ducked that. Okada went for a Rainmaker. Ospreay turned it into a Spanish fly, then changed his mind mid-Spanish fly and tried a Storm Breaker. Okada escaped that and hit a spinning Rainmaker.
Okada got the money clip applied. Bea Priestley ran in. Okada gave up the Money Clip and hit a spinning tombstone. Okada went back to the Money Clip.
Priestley jumped in the ring and took the ref. The Great O-Kharn, the former Tomoyuki Oka, ran in and planted Okada with a claw slam.
Ospreay looked around, feigning surprise. Ospreay then hit Storm Breaker and pinned Okada.
**********
After the match, Ospreay ran back to the ring and hammered Okada with a Hidden Blade.
Ospreay cursed Okada and said that Okada held him back and this was a long time coming.
Ospreay, Priestley and O-Kharn left together.
This was a huge angle and a fantastic match.
**********
G1 Climax A Block: Kota Ibushi defeated Taichi (17:12)
This was the most unique match I’ve ever seen. A complete original.
All they did was kick each other. There was one missed suplex and one Kamigoye finisher. Aside from that, only kicks. And it worked. This was incredible.
They didn’t touch for the first minute of the match.
From there, they traded kicks for eight minutes. Just kick, kick, kick, kick. They no-sold each other’s kicks, they offered each other free kicks at each other’s backs, just every kick thing you can think of.
Taichi hit a back suplex at the ten minute mark. Ibushi landed on his feet and they went back to trading kicks. They went into a double down after exchanging high kicks to the head.
Both made it to their feet. They continued trading kicks, limping around as they recovered in between throwing and absorbing kicks. Taichi tore his pants off. Ibushi dropped Taichi with a kick.
Ibushi called for a Kamigoye. Taichi took Ibushi’s legs out from under him with a sweeping kick.
Both needed the aid of the ropes to stand at the 15 minute call. They held each other up and continued to kick each other into oblivion.
Ibushi hit one final high kick, then delivered a Kamigoye for the pin.
Tsuji carried Taichi to the back. Ibushi limped to the back under his own power.
G1 Climax A Block: Tomohiro Ishii defeated Jay White (24:36)
Excellent main event. Ishii was incredible and White more than held up his end of things.
White began with his customary stalling. He danced around Ishii, taunting him. White slapped Ishii. Ishii responded with a forearm, dropping White. White rolled outside. Ishii went out after him. Gedo distracted Ishii and White took control, whipping Ishii into the barricade.
Back inside, White used a legdrop and a slam for a pair of near falls. Ishii tweaked his left ankle trying to run the ropes. White tried a charge out of the corner but Ishii hit a powerslam.
Ishii hit his chop combinations in the corner. White hit a DDT and a Blade Buster for a two count. White went after Ishii’s taped right knee, slamming it into the mat and hitting it with kicks.
Ishii no-sold a series of forearms. White went back to the knee to cut Ishii off. White ducked a sliding lariat, hit a complete shot, then used a German suplex to plant Ishii. Ishii got a hope spot with a series of strikes, but White remained in control.
White hit a uranage, kicked at the knee, then suplexed Ishii into the buckle. Ishii answered with a German into the same turnbuckle. White blocked a superplex and went back to the knee, using a dragon screw in the ropes.
Ishii knocked White off the apron with a headbutt to the chest. Ishii dragged White back in and hit a delayed superplex for a near fall. White pancaked on the mat to avoid a lariat. Ishii hit a headbutt. White blocked a jumping kick and hit two more dragon screws.
White used the TTO submission. Ishii sold this like crazy. Red Shoes also did his part to sell this as a near finish. Ishii finally fought to the ropes to force a break.
White hit a chop block and a sleeper suplex. He followed with a Kiwi Krusher for a two count.
White called for the Blade Runner. Ishii blocked and hit an inverted dragon screw. Ishii powered White up and hit a knee breaker onto his own bad knee.
Ishii was now out for White’s right knee. Ishii used a kneebar at the 20 minute call. Gedo jumped in while White took the referee. White shoved Ishii into the referee.
Ishii ducked a brass knuckles shot from Gedo. He teased a brainbuster on Gedo but White saved. Ishii hit a German to Ishii. As the referee came to, Ishii hit a sliding lariat for a near fall.
Gedo took the ref. Ishii tried for a brainbuster. White slid out and hit a low blow. White then hit a Regal suplex for another near fall.
Ishii blocked a cross-armed DDT with a headbutt. Ishii fired himself up in the corner. White hit a sleeper suplex. Ishii no-sold it. White hit another sleeper suplex.
They did a series of finisher teases. Ishii hit a cutter.
Gedo shoved the ref down. Ishii hit Gedo with a lariat. Ishii then hit White with a lariat for a two count.
Ishii followed with the vertical drop brainbuster and pinned White to eliminate him.
Ibushi wins A Block.
**********
After the match, Ishii limped to the back.
Gedo helped White to the back and told him that the referee screwed him, he’s still the best and this wasn’t White’s fault.
In his backstage comments after the match, White said he was King Switchblade. He also said he would sincerely cheer for EVIL tomorrow, but warned EVIL to watch out for the referees.
Eight wrestlers remain mathematically alive as NJPW’s G1 Climax 30 enters its final stretch.
Four competitors still have a shot in each block with one A Block show and one B Block show remaining before Sunday’s final. In A Block, Jay White controls his own destiny. In B Block, it’s EVIL who controls his own fate.
After that, things get more cloudy.
White, Kota Ibushi, Kazuchika Okada, and Will Ospreay still have a chance to win A Block.
The most likely A Block scenarios would be White winning with a victory over Ishii or Ibushi winning with a win over Taichi and a White loss. Ospreay needs to win and get help. Okada needs to win or draw and Ibushi and White both to lose.
In B Block, EVIL, Tetsuya Naito, SANADA, and Zack Sabre Jr. are still in the running.
A scenario exists in B Block where there could be a three-way tie for the lead heading into Sunday, although it seems far more likely that Saturday’s EVIL vs. SANADA matchup will determine the B Block winner.
Here are the updated standings and scenarios:
G1 Climax 30 standings —
A Block
Jay White — 12 points (6-2) *wins the block with a win over Ishii*
Kota Ibushi — 12 points (6-2) *wins the block with a win over Taichi and a White loss/draw/no contest*
Kazuchika Okada — 12 points (6-2) *wins the block with a win over Ospreay, White and Ibushi losses/draws/no contests or a draw with Ospreay and Ibushi/White losses/no contests*
Will Ospreay — 10 points (5-3) *ties for the block win with a win over Okada, White and Ibushi losses/no contests*
Taichi — 8 points (4-4) *eliminated*
Jeff Cobb — 8 points (4-4) *eliminated*
Tomohiro Ishii — 6 points (3-4) *eliminated*
Shingo Takagi — 6 points (3-5) *eliminated*
Minoru Suzuki — 6 points (3-5) *eliminated*
Yujiro Takahashi — 0 points (0-8) *eliminated*
B Block
EVIL — 12 points (6-2) *wins the block with a win over SANADA or a draw/no contest with SANADA, Naito loss and Sabre loss/draw*
Tetsuya Naito — 12 points (6-2) *wins the block with a win/draw over KENTA and an EVIL loss/no contest*
SANADA — 10 points (5-3) *wins the block with a win over EVIL and a Naito loss/no contest*
Zack Sabre Jr. — 10 points (5-3) *ties with Naito & EVIL for block win with a win over Tanahashi, a Naito loss, and a SANADA/EVIL no contest*
These two have incredible chemistry, and they continued to display that here. They performed technical wrestling to start. Uemura displayed a couple of cool escapes and counters as he worked over Tsuji’s arm. He locked on a relatively early key lock, and Tsuji had to fight hard to escape with a powerbomb.
Tsuji hit a scoop slam and jumping splashes for two, but Uemura reached the ropes before he could lock on the Boston crab. Uemura regained arm control and went for his overhead suplex, but Tsuji turned it into a crab in a great spot. Uemura fought to reach the ropes, but Tsuji turned it into a cloverleaf before he was forced to break.
They exchanged forearms and Tsuji hit a spear. Tsuji performed a giant swing and locked on the crab, forcing Uemura to tap.
This match was eminently average for the majority of its duration, but it did pick up at the end.
KENTA taunted his opponent at the start, but YOSHI-HASHI hit forearms and chops followed by the Headhunter, forcing KENTA to take a break outside. He baited YOSHI-HASHI to the floor by grabbing his staff and sent him into the barricade and the ring post.
Back inside, KENTA locked in a double wristlock, but YOSHI-HASHI reached the ropes. KENTA beat down YOSHI-HASHI with kicks and continued to attempt arm submissions. YOSHI-HASHI fired up with chops but was cut off with more arm-wrenching. He turned a submission into a sleeper of his own, followed by a vertical suplex.
YOSHI-HASHI hit more strikes and a running dropkick for two. He tried to keep up the attack but was surprised with a powerslam and KENTA’s tornado DDT into the rope. The top-rope clothesline got two. They traded strikes before KENTA hit the Shibata running dropkick in the corner, followed by a diving stomp for two.
YOSHI-HASHI hit a mule kick and a thrust kick followed by a Liger Bomb for two. He immediately applied the butterfly lock. After a long battle, YOSHI-HASHI transitioned to a sleeper but missed a meteora. KENTA tried to lock on Game Over, but YOSHI-HASHI reached the ropes.
They traded kicks and forearms, and KENTA won the striking battle with spinning backfists. YOSHI-HASHI turned the Go To Sleep into a DDT before hitting a dragon suplex and a western lariat. He hit a fisherman’s buster but only got two.
KENTA tried to fire back with strikes, but YOSHI-HASHI attempted Karma. KENTA escaped, locked on Game Over, rolled his opponent away from the ropes, and got the submission victory.
G1 Climax 30 Block B: Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Juice Robinson (14:24)
This was pretty good, but unspectacular.
The story early on was that Juice had Sabre completely scouted. Sabre attempted to take advantage with technical wrestling to start, but Juice matched him all the way before Sabre broke it up with an uppercut. Juice knocked him down with a tackle, but Sabre turned a senton into an armbar.
Sabre targeted Juice’s arm, wrenching it and stomping on it. He went for his arm-twist backflip kick, but Juice avoided it and hit a senton. Juice hit straight punches and a big chop followed by a spinebuster.
Juice set Sabre up top, but Sabre applied a double wristlock and uppercut him off the top before locking on a jumping guillotine. Juice tried to suplex Sabre out of it, but Sabre continued to transition into different holds before Juice reached the ropes.
Juice fired up but Sabre fought out of the Juice Box and hit a soccer kick and a tornado DDT for two. He immediately transitioned into an armbar and then a triangle. The crowd’s stomp-stomp-clap fired Juice up and he escaped with a powerbomb. The corner cannonball followed, but Sabre turned Pulp Friction into an octopus hold. Juice fought out and hit the Juice Box for 2.
Sabre fought out of Pulp Friction again, and the two exchanged cradles before Sabre locked on the European Clutch to escape with a win.
This may have been the wackiest Yano match yet for this G1, but it was really entertaining. They convinced the crowd that Yano was beating the IWGP double champion at points.
The two wouldn’t let each other start the collar and elbow tie-up. Naito rolled Yano up for a great near fall right away, before Yano made his way out to the crowd. The official started to count, but Yano couldn’t find a way back into the ring. He rolled in at nineteen but was met with stomps from Naito.
Naito missed a clothesline and was sent outside, so Yano mocked Naito’s ingobernable dive tease, but instead of doing the LIJ pose, he did his signature shrug. Both men grabbed turnbuckle pads, but Yano won the battle, sending Naito outside.
Yano produced a roll of tape, but Naito popped up and threw the tape to the official. Yano sprayed his cleaner in Naito’s eyes as well as Yota Tsuji’s at ringside, then taped their wrists together through the barricade. Tsuji squeezed through the barricade and both Naito and Tsuji made it in just before the count of twenty.
With their wrists still taped, they downed Yano with a clothesline, before the referee removed the tape.
Naito offered the LIJ pose to Tsuji, but kicked him and slammed him onto Yano. Naito tried to slam the official onto Yano, but Yano hit a low blow and a chop block.
Naito rolled out of a cradle, hit a low blow of his own, and cradled Yano for the pin.
This was better than most EVIL matches from this tournament, but your enjoyment will still be a function of how much you tolerate Togo’s interference.
Goto’s shoulder was taped heavily. He picked up the advantage early on after a shoulder tackle. EVIL whipped Goto into the ropes where he was tripped up by Togo. EVIL kept up the beating on the outside, hitting the homerun swing with chairs.
Goto tried to bring the fight back in the ring, but was whipped into an exposed turnbuckle. Goto fought back with strikes and sent EVIL into the exposed turnbuckle before hitting a Saito suplex and a running bulldog for two. EVIL fought out of the ushigoroshi and hit his official-assisted low kick. He set up for Darkness Falls, Goto fought out, and the two both tried some misdirected rope-running before Goto hit the ushigoroshi.
Goto made his way to the top rope, but Togo distracted him long enough for EVIL to bring him down hard, following with a lariat for two. Darkness Falls was next for another two.
Goto fought out of Everything is EVIL and drove EVIL’s head into his knee. Goto clotheslined EVIL over the top rope and hit a rare dive onto EVIL and Togo.
Back inside, Goto hit a top-rope elbow drop. He tried for the GTR, but EVIL raked his eyes. EVIL distracted the official as Togo attempted to garrote Goto, but Goto immediately fought out and hit a ushigoroshi, followed by a standing headbutt on EVIL. The mid kick followed, and Goto hit a reverse GTR for two.
They each tried for their finishers, but EVIL pushed Goto into the official, which gave him enough of an opening to hit Everything is EVIL for the win.
G1 Climax 30 Block B: SANADA defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi (28:28)
This was the only match from tonight’s show worth going out of your way to see. It was an excellent technical battle to start, building and building to a really exciting closing sequence.
They wrestled around to begin, but neither man could gain an advantage over the other. SANADA locked on a leg nelson, but Tanahashi turned it into a bow and arrow, forcing the two to break. They each had the other by the leg, but refused to set it down, so SANADA attempted the paradise lock. Tanahashi escaped and kicked out SANADA’s leg.
Tanahashi continued to target SANADA’s leg before SANADA came back with a dragon screw. SANADA performed his high leapfrogs followed by a dropkick and a plancha to the outside. Back in, SANADA applied the paradise lock and broke it with a dropkick. He tied Tanahashi up in the ropes with an upside-down paradise lock and hit another dropkick for two.
SANADA set up for a TKO, but Tanahashi kicked out his leg and hit a dragon screw. SANADA rolled to the outside and Tanahashi hit a ridiculous standing High Fly Flow from the top rope to the floor. SANADA made it back in at the count of nineteen but Tanahashi hit dragon screws and locked on a Texas Cloverleaf. Tanahashi sat down deep on it before SANADA eventually reached the ropes.
SANADA went for another TKO, but Tanahashi hit Twist and Shout twice. He went for it a third time, but SANADA turned it into a rope-assisted Magic Killer. SANADA finally hit the TKO for two. Tanahashi whipped SANADA, who hit a springboard dropkick. SANADA attempted the moonsault but missed and tweaked his leg, allowing Tanahashi to hit a Sling Blade followed by an arm-trap German suplex bridge for two.
Tanahashi went for the High Fly Flow, but SANADA got his knees up. SANADA flipped out of the corner into the Skull End. Tanahashi tried to escape by targeting SANADA’s injured leg, but SANADA re-applied the hold. He let go and went for the moonsault, but Tanahashi got his knees up.
At the 25-minute mark, Tanahashi hit repeated dragon screws. SANADA fought out and went for a jumping hurricanrana, but Tanahashi turned it into another Texas Cloverleaf. After a really long battle, SANADA pushed up and fought his way to the ropes.
SANADA went for a cradle, but Tanahashi applied the same cradle for two. Tanahashi tried for SANADA’s Japanese Clutch Hold, but SANADA kicked out and locked on Skull End. Tanahashi flipped himself over to apply Skull End himself, and SANADA couldn’t do the same.
Tanahashi attempted a High Fly Flow, but SANADA turned it into a TKO in a really unique spot. SANADA then hit two consecutive moonsaults for the three count.
Kidd scored a takedown in the early going and began working over the entirety of Uemura. Uemura was able to scramble free and secure Kidd’s left arm in the process. Kidd was forced to resort to the ropes and sneak in some strikes to free his arm.
Once free, Kidd landed a suplex and tried securing the arms for his new finish. Uemura recaptured arm control as Kidd let his guard down. Uemura’s arm work was cut short by a stomp to the chest and an echoing slap nearly left him unconscious.
A strike exchange ended with a Kidd dropkick. Kidd tried again for his double-arm suplex and Uemura slipped free. Uemura used a quick arm drag to take the match briefly to the ground.
Uemura then hoisted Kidd up in double overhooks and landed a suplex with the hooks still in. Uemura used the leverage to pin Kidd.
A very easy watch with strong performances from both men.
G1 Climax A Block: Jeff Cobb defeated Will Ospreay
Ospreay burst from the corner immediately with a dropkick to set the pace of the match. A frustrated Cobb tried striking Ospreay but instead was ejected to the outside by a rana.
Ospreay entered a sprint for the Ospreay special but was caught by Cobb mid-flip. Cobb, still on the apron, lifted Ospreay, teasing both a driver to the ring corner and a powerbomb to the outside. Ospreay freed himself and landed a knee to send Cobb back to the mat. Ospreay then landed the Ospreay special completing the dangerous dance on the outside.
Cobb and Ospreay had a short exchange of strikes, slightly favored Ospreay. Ospreay tried diving onto a standing Cobb but was caught mid-flight and hit with a giant suplex. Cobb followed up with a backdrop, headbutt, and a pseudo-slam from standing suplex position.
A kick to the midsection was caught by Cobb, who then converted with a chop and a senton. Cobb then tried for Tour of the Islands but was blocked by a clever grabbing of the arms. Ospreay flipped into a powerbomb while still attached to Cobb.
Ospreay tried for Storm Breaker but Cobb escaped the underhooks. A quick sequence ended by Ospreay landing a Spanish fly followed. Ospreay landed a 450 and was shocked as Cobb kicked from the pin attempt.
Ospreay tried for the Oscutter but was blocked by Cobb. Cobb then lifted Ospreay onto his shoulders and launched him with a ridiculous F5.
Ospreay and Cobb both tried and failed to land their finish before Ospreay finally connected with his cutter. After Cobb kicked out, Ospreay tried and failed to land Storm Breaker.
It was instead Cobb who landed a German suplex which he followed with Tour of the Islands. Cobb pinned Ospreay after landing the move.
What a match. Spectacular pacing and impactful wrestling.
G1 Climax A Block: Kota Ibushi defeated Yujiro Takahashi
Takahashi broke free of Ibushi-favored collar-and-elbows by sending Ibushi to the outside. Takahashi tried striking Ibushi, but failed in landing anything significant. Takahashi instead gained some momentum by blocking an Ibushi dive and landing a DDT on the outside.
Once inside the ring, Takahashi landed a few strikes that caused Ibushi’s face of rage to grow. Takahashi still held onto his lead, even landing a suplex and a big boot prior to Ibushi gaining any type of foothold.
Ibushi landed a kick to the midsection before kicking a hole into Takahashi’s chest.
Takahashi threw Ibushi onto the ropes and landed a lariat in his next show of offense. This time it was an impressively-timed double foot stomp that broke Takahashi’s momentum.
Takahashi didn’t give up, however, as a bite on Ibushi placed him back into front. Miami Shine left both men winded. Takahashi lifted Ibushi to the top rope and landed a super fisherman buster.
Ibushi freed himself from Pimp Juice but missed the rebound Kamigoye. A short sequence allowed Ibushi to land the Kamigoye and pin Takahashi.
It will never not be strange to see Takahashi scoring near falls over top stars. Anyway, this match was fine.
G1 Climax A Block: Taichi defeated Shingo Takagi
Takagi landed a lariat to the corner followed by a shoulder tackle sending Taichi to the outside. On the floor, Taichi elected to use a hammer to inflict punishment. The referee freed Takagi from a Taichi choke and forced the match to return to the ring.
Back inside, it was Taichi who continued choking Takagi. Any sign of Takagi defiance was blocked prior to a dangerous backdrop attempt. Takagi landed a suplex after being given the least bit of space. A brainbuster and sliding lariat followed.
Takagi whipped Taichi into the corner but was kicked before he could follow up. Taichi was dropped moments later to a Takagi lariat.
Takagi followed the lariat with a noshigami and a failed attempt at Last of the Dragon. A striking contest broke out that featured both men landing larger and larger moves. Taichi landed the dangerous backdrop to end the one-upmanship.
A pumping bomber from Taichi resulted in a two count and the removal of Taichi’s breakaway pants. Takagi immediately flattened Taichi with a lariat.
Takagi landed some strong strikes before an awkward roll-up nearly left him with a win. In following up, Takagi used Made in Japan and a pumping bomber, both of which yielded a near fall.
A Taichi-favored sequence followed. Taichi ended the sequence with Black Mephisto and pinned Takagi.
This was good enough. With both men already mathematically eliminated prior to the match itself, a dramatic masterclass shouldn’t be expected.
G1 Climax A Block: Jay White defeated Minoru Suzuki
White left the ring immediately following the bell. Once Suzuki succeeded in baiting White into a match, he manipulated the fingers, nullifying the effectiveness of one of White’s hands. Suzuki then chopped White in the corner before returning his attention to the digits.
Gedo then interfered in the match on White’s behalf by just gaining the focus of Suzuki.
White chopped Suzuki on the outside which awoke a monster on the face of Suzuki. White temporarily stopped the monstrous Suzuki from encroaching with a chinlock. White threw Suzuki into the ropes, where Gedo threatened to strike Suzuki with a chair. With the referee occupied with Gedo, White tried for a chair shot of his own but Suzuki countered, grabbing the chair and landing multiple shots across the back of White.
Gedo stole enough of Suzuki’s attention for White to reenter the fold and a sadistic attack on the leg of Suzuki emerged from the opening. Suzuki rose in defiance to his knees as fully standing was now an impossibility. Suzuki was chopped and chopped, never fell, but instead rose. Suzuki was dropped by a DDT once regaining footing.
Suzuki gained an opening by apprehending the arm of White. Though nothing followed directly from gaining the arm, Suzuki was able to land a strike that sent White to the floor. Suzuki followed White to make sure he returned to the ring.
White started back at the leg of Suzuki but was caught in a leglock after daring to challenge Suzuki on the mat. White was forced to grab the bottom rope. A pair Suzuki forearms left White limp. Before the third could be delivered, Gedo peculated the awareness of Suzuki once again.
White dropped Suzuki with a chop block. The Blade Runner attempt that followed was transformed into a Suzuki armbar. Gedo hopped onto the apron just in time for the referee to miss White submitting. Suzuki then clubbed Gedo, sending him crashing back to the outside.
A Suzuki striking sequence almost ended in disaster as a ducked strike left White in position for a Blade Runner. Suzuki avoided the move twice in quick succession.
Suzuki locked in a sleeper to weaken White and positioned for the Gotch piledriver before Gedo reasserted his presence. A distracted referee led to a White low blow and a Blade Runner. White pinned Suzuki to further his great standing.
Sadly, the incessant Gedo interference reduced what would have an incredible match to a very good match.
G1 Climax A Block: Kazuchika Okada defeated Tomohiro Ishii
An early standoff combined with their immeasurable reputation built to an intense air around the match. Small moves, an Okada shoulder block, for example, felt huge.
Okada landed a few elbows, a single leg dropkick, and secured a chinlock to lay an offensive foundation. A standing suplex from Ishii did the same for him.
Okada’s chest was chopped, causing him to fall to the corner. A chop to the throat yielded a more devastating result as Okada was forced to gasp for air. Ishii tried to follow up with an Irish whip but was caught by a flapjack.
An Okada DDT allowed him to toy with Ishii, triggering a strike exchange. A solid elbow dropped Okada.
Under the lead of Ishii, they climbed to the top rope. Ishii met resistance but nothing came from the ascent. Instead, on the safety of the mat, Okada landed an Air Raid Crash, initiating Ishii’s survival instincts. Ishii landed a quick suplex on Okada.
A struggle for footing left Ishii in perfect position for a German suplex into the corner. Ishii then lifted Okada to the top rope and suplexed him back to the mat, completing the prior tease.
Okada landed his dropkick to transition into the match’s next phase. A tombstone piledriver followed and the Money Clip forced Ishii into the ropes. Okada slowed after this, a fact that Ishii took full advantage of.
A German suplex allowed Ishii to temporarily gain a lead, but a triad of quick pins left the match back in Okada’s favor. A big boot, elbow, and shotgun dropkick left Okada back in position for the Money Clip. Ishii freed himself from the hold with a DDT.
A failed suplex from Ishii allowed Okada to reset the match with a tombstone. Okada established wrist control but was blocked by a barrage of Ishii headbutts. A Rainmaker failed to make Ishii move.
Ishii landed an enzuigiri and Okada a dropkick. Okada locked in the Money Clip again and allowed Ishii to fade. A last-ditch headbutt reopened the match for Ishii. Ishii landed a lariat and nearly scored the fall.
Ishii lifted Okada for a brainbuster but Okada freed himself. Okada set up for the Money Clip while standing, but Ishii used his knees to break the hold.
A sequence of near-hits played out and was punctuated by Okada’s dropkick. Okada locked the Money Clip in once again and allowed Ishii to slowly fade from consciousness. The bell was called for leaving Okada the victor.
The match’s early feeling of intensity was somewhat drained as the match failed to pick up. While at times sluggish, these men still delivered a strong performance heading into the last stretch of the tournament.
A look at how WWE & AEW are handling things like the reopening of Florida, and how Texas looks to be the place MMA companies will go to as far as putting fans in buildings is the lead story in the new issue of the Observer.
We look at the current planned date and place for WrestleMania, what sports are now allowed to do as far as live events in Florida, AEW’s current plans going forward and the new regulations in Texas.
The new issue also covers:
The Samantha Tavel lawsuit against WWE, Matt Riddle, Evolve and Gabe Sapolsky. We look at the claims and look at both sides of the story and stories that have changed. We also look at the strategy of involving WWE i the case, WWE responds to the suit, and go through the time lines and how they differ and wording of the suit. We also go through the background of the case.
History of the non-relationship of NJPW and AEW. We look at how it started, why there was heat, how the ouster of Howard Meij could change things, as well as why there were so many mentions of NJPW on this past week’s AEW show. We look at what happened in January 2019 that caused issues between the two sides, the issues with how talent was handled on the way out, and what would be the first sign if relations started opening up.
WWE draft.
G-1 tournament. We go through what style of wrestlers have been helped and hurt by the current no-cheer, no-boo environment, who has been able to get a reaction, the standings, this week’s matches, plans for the rest of the year in New Japan, plus coverage with star ratings and poll results from every show.
NXT Takeover, the show background, match-by-match coverage and poll results on the show.
Updates on the sports rights fees business and where wrestling fits in, Paige’s tweet about unions, Stephanie McMahon gets major praise, new member of WWE Board of Directors, Drew McIntyre vs. Tyson Fury update, one year anniversary of Smackdown on FOX, more on John Cena’s debut in Fast & Furious, new season of Miz & Mrs. and the time slot, Angel Garza injury update, new A&E specials on pro wrestlers coming next year, more WWE injuries, WWE UK direction, wrestling placings in sports ratings and UK rating s for WWE & AEW, Jack Gallagher talks his being released, college heavyweight wants to be managed by Pual Heyman, Miz working on a new television show, WWE new developmental signings, WWE injury updates, WWE market value and the most-watched shows of the past week on the WWE Network.
This past Saturday’s UFC show.
Bushiroad’s attempt at a major Stardom show this past week.
Rundown of charting the place-winners in the key Observer awards and how it relates to the Hall of Fame.
A feature on the team of Penny Banner & Lorraine Johnson, who were known for decades as being the greatest women’s tag team in pro wrestling with the death this past week of Johnson.
What sports events did the best in viewers per home while talking about AEW setting its company record in that category this week.
Results of all the major pro wrestling events around the world over the past week.
ORDERING INFO: Order the print Wrestling Observer right now and get it delivered via mail, by sending your name, address, Visa or Master Card number and an expiration date to [email protected] or by going to www.paypal.com directing funds to [email protected].
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MONDAY NEWS UPDATE
Bryan and I will be back tonight to talk G-1 with us now in the final week, as well as the WWE draft, Raw and a multitude of other topics with Wrestling Observer Radio late tonight. You can send questions to the show to [email protected]
A few notes about the news today about WWE continuing in the Thunderdome. The original contract between the building and WWE and the city was through the end of this month. It was actually amended some time back through November. They are now in negotiations for a new deal which would extend past November but the final date they would be looking for isn’t finalized.
These are the name listed to be drafted tonight on Raw and probably some after the show on Raw Talk: Andrade, Bayley, Aleister Black, Alexa Bliss, Daniel Bryan,Carmella, King Corbin, Apollo Crews, Nikki Cross, Dabba-Kato, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode, Erik, Lacey Evans, Charlotte Flair, Jeff Hardy, Billy Kay, Lana, Keith Lee, Elias, Riddick Moss, Natalya, Titus O’Neil, Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, R-Truth, Retribution, Matt Riddle, Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan, Peyton Royce, Arturo Ruas, Sheamus, Shinsuke Nakamura & Cesaro, Street Profits, Braun Strowman, Tamina, Akira Tozawa, Zelina Vega, Bray Wyatt and Sami Zayn.
The G-1 is back tomorrow at 5:30 a.m. in Shizuoka for its final week with an A card show with:
Yuya Uemura vs. Gabriel Kidd
Jeff Cobb vs. Will Ospreay
Kota Ibushi vs. Yujiro Takahashi
Shingo Takagi vs. Taichi
Minoru Suzuki vs Jay White
Kazuchika Okada vs. Tomohiro Ishii
The last show before Sumo Hall is Wednesday morning at 5 a.m. from the Yokohama Budokan with B block
Yota Tsuji vs. Gabriel Kidd
KENTA vs. Yoshi-Hashi
Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Juice Robinson
Hirooki Goto vs. Evil
Tetsuya Naito vs. Toru Yano
Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Sanada
As far as who is still alive at this point, in the A block it’s Okada, Ospreay, Ibushi and White. In the B block, Evil, Naito, Goto, Sabre and Sanada are still alive.
WWE
Women announced for tonight’s dual branded Battle Royal for a show at Asuka at Hell in a Cell are Billie Kay, Natalya, Lacey Evans, Mandy Rose, Dana Brooke, Lana, Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler, Zelina Vega, Tamina, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Alexa Bliss, Bianca Belair, Nikki Cross and Peyton Royce.
Tonight’s show goes against the New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers on ESPN. and the Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers. Wednesday’s wrestling will go against two playoff games, another Braves vs. Dodgers game plus a Houston Astros vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays game
The new season of Total Bellas starts on 11/12 in the 9 p.m. time slot.
ECW Press announced a new Steve Austin book called “Austin 3:16: 316 Facts & Stories about Stone Cold Steve Austin by Michael McAvennie. It is scheduled to be released on March 16, 2021.
Sami Zayn talks WWE creative, Reigns vs. Uso and why he’s a fan of the angle and more.
UFC
Donald Trump Jr. held a rally called Fighters Against Socialism yesterday in Broward County featuring Jorge Masvidal who claimed Joe Biden would paralyze the country with his socialist economic policies. He said everyone in socialists countries is starving and trying to find a way to get here.
AEW
They announced “a huge announcement by MJF” has been added to Wednesday’s AEW anniversary show. Jon Moxley vs. Lance Archer for the AEW title, FTR vs. Best Friends for the tag title, Cody vs. Orange Cassidy for the TV title, Hikaru Shida vs. Big Swole for the women’s title plus Kip Sabian & Miro in a tag match is on the show.
Dark for tomorrow:
Eddie Kingston vs. Baron Black
Evil Uno vs. Frankie Kazarian vs The Blade vs. Jungle Boy
Alex Reynolds & John Silver & Preston Vance vs. Aaron Solow & Angel Fashion & M’Badu
Darby Allin vs. Nick Comoroto (a former WWE developmental guy who was cut in April)
Colt Cabana vs. Griff Garrison
Brandon Cutler vs. Peter Avalon – THE REMATCH
Matt Sydal vs Sonny Kiss
Penta El Cero M & Rey Fenix vs. Lee Johnson & Cezar Bonomi
Elayna Black vs. Red Velvet
Wardlow vs. Elijah Dean
Ricky Stars vs. Fuego del Sol
Joey Janela vs D3
Nyla Rose vs. KiLyn King
Billy & Austin Gunn vs. Ryzin & Maxx Stardom
MISCELLANEOUS
It’s notable that media reports have a Nevada man as the first person to get COVID twice in the U.S., even though it has happened elsewhere in the world. I guess Kayla Braxton in Florida is no longer part of the U.S.
ROH talent is all in Baltimore under quarantine for several days before they start taping another round of television. With several days of quarantine before each show ROH has the strictest protocols of any promotion except for UFC.
Shimmer from yesterday in Indianapolis: Neveah b Kenzie Paige, Alice Crowley won six-way over Elayna Black, Queen Aminagta, Jody Threat, Big Mama,and Brittany Blake, Heather Monroe b Leyla Hirsch, Solo Darling & Willow Nightingale b Kayla Cassidy & Sierra, Lacey Ryan b Davienne, Hyan b Thunderkitty to keep the Heart of Shimmer title, Zoey Skye b Holidead, Ashley Vox & Deli Expo b Allysin Kay & Marti Belle to keep the tag titles, Kimber Lee b Nicole Savoy to keep the Shimmer title (thanks to Craig Russell)
CWE on 10/24 in St. Albert, Alberta with Johnny Devine and former UFC fighter Mitch Clarke. Clarke will be doing what is being called an MMA Exhibition match. Devine also headlines 10/23 in Red Deer. Alberta against Jude Dawkins of Red Deer.
KSW returns on 11/14 featuring welterweight champion Roberto Soldic, light heavyweight champion Tomas Narkyun and former boxer, reality show star and TV host Karolina Owczarz.
Cris Cyborg (22-2) defends the Bellator featherweight title on Thursday against Arlene Blencowe (13-7). The main card starts at 10 p.m. Eastern on CBS Sports Network and DAZN. The semi has Patricky Pitbull Freire (23-9) vs. Jaleel Willis (13-2).
Pro Wrestling Phoenix from Saturday night in Omaha: Con Artiest won three-way over Branden Juarez and Brett Bishop, K-Dos b Jon West, Purple & Mack Riggs b Paul & Joey Daniels, Jack Darling b Logan Ocean, The Carver b Omar Pachecco, Pat Powers b Nicky Scent, Moonshine Russell b Duke Cornell in a lumberjack match, Tim Boston & Set Kobara NC Lars Metzger & Johnny Ruckus, Jack Darling & Lars Metzger & Johnny Ruckus b Branden Juarez & Tim Boston & Seto Kobara-DQ. Next show is 11/11 at the Waiting Room Lounge in Omaha.
Impact tomorrow night on AXS TV has Kylie Rae vs. Kimber Lee and Kiera Hogan & Tasha Steelz vs. Taya Valkyrie & Rosemary vs. Havok & Nevaeh
Former WWE star Eve Torres Gracie tested positive for COVID several weeks ago. Her husband, Rener Gracie, tested positive just before he was to leave for Abu Dhabi to corner Brian Ortega. So he wasn’t allowed to leave the country.
Following a collar-and-elbow tie-up and a trading of strikes, Kidd dropped Tsuji with an arm drag and knife-edge chop. Soon after Tsuji used a dropkick, which he followed with two standing dive variations.
Tsuji then turned his attention to the leg of Kidd, placing him in a unique submission that he converted into a pin attempt. Kidd was able to survive the dual-pronged finish and reassert his position with an uppercut.
Kidd prevailed in a fight for a brainbuster. That left him a favorable position that he fumbled almost immediately. Tsuji was able to milk this opportunity with a slam, but Kidd popped up and responded with a dropkick.
Kidd then secured the underhooks and landed his finishing suplex.
This was a weaker Young Lion outing. Instead of the typical application of a simple story, this felt like an exhibition of moves.
G1 Climax B Block: Zack Sabre Jr. defeated YOSHI-HASHI
Sabre’s ground game was at work from the opening bell. He immediately took YOSHI-HASHI to the mat and kept him there.
YH, once standing, was able to connect with some high impact strikes but soon after found himself back on the mat. Sabre toyed with YH and even allowed him to show signs of defiance but Sabre was clearly on a different level. Even still, YH was holding on.
YH was able to interrupt Sabre’s offense with a kick to the head. This opening allowed YH to land multiple dropkicks and attempt a powerbomb. Sabre slipped free of the more setup intensive maneuver but was dropped with a chop. YH landed the powerbomb and locked in the butterfly lock. Sabre, after a long stint in the hold, fought to the bottom rope.
Sabre scored a takedown which he followed with a double foot stomp to YH’s arm. Sabre tried for a pin following a kick to the chest but YH kicked free and immediately returned to his feet; a strike exchange followed. YH won out and connected with a double knee and a superkick, both landing a near fall.
Sabre was able to take YH back to the mat, arm in hand. YH, try as he might, was unable to fight free and eventually submitted to Sabre.
This match was a tip-top YH performance. The volatile energy he exuded made a finish feel imminent at all times.
G1 Climax B Block: KENTA defeated Toru Yano
Prior to the start, Yano was searched by the referee. Multiple rolls of tape were found in his tights.
Following the bell, KENTA grabbed his briefcase and Yano grabbed a chair. Yano was tricked into ditching the chair, so he grabbed a turnbuckle pad to be on equal footing. Yano was again tricked into dropping his weapon and tried grabbing another pad. KENTA this time actually disarmed before leaving the ring. Yano also exited.
Both men stayed outside in a game of chicken, only returning at the referee’s count of 19. KENTA left the ring again immediately after. Yano pursued KENTA and succeeded in whipping KENTA into the barricade. KENTA began to fight back but was distracted by a roll of tape the referee failed to confiscate from Yano. Yano sprayed KENTA with a bottle of sanitizer and pummeled him with a turnbuckle pad.
KENTA made his way back in and whipped Yano into an exposed turnbuckle. KENTA then tried using the bottle for himself but was blocked by Yano. Yano avoided the liquid but was whipped back into the exposed corner. KENTA was then free to use the bottle. KENTA splashed Yano with the sanitizer and tried pinning him to no avail.
Both men returned outside, fighting over the bottle. A spill left the referee blind. KENTA then led Yano up the ramp while brandishing his briefcase. KENTA hit Yano with the briefcase and tape flew from within. KENTA then used the tape to secure Yano to the entranceway. Late in the referee’s count, KENTA entered a sprint leaving Yano trapped.
Yano was unable to escape leaving KENTA with a count-out victory.
This was a Yano match and not a particularly good one.
G1 Climax B Block: SANADA defeated Juice Robinson
In the early going, Robinson tried to take SANADA to the mat but was stopped by a SANADA dropkick. SANADA tried something similar but Robinson’s elbow found SANADA’s face.
Robinson connected with a spinebuster that sent SANADA rolling to the outside. Robinson whipped SANADA into the barricade and landed a backbreaker and a senton once back in the ring. Robinson was able to further his advantage by avoiding SANADA’s counter attempts and landing a back body drop.
SANADA rolled out of the way of a Robinson cannonball to temporarily extinguish Robinson’s flame. Robinson found himself on the receiving end of another dropkick and a plancha. As the two’s short stay on the outside ended SANADA was caught by Robinson in a fireman’s carry. SANADA was able to slip free, secure a takedown, and lock in the paradise lock all in a matter of seconds.
SANADA broke the lock with a dropkick and worked Robinson into the corner. Robinson was able to fight free and land a quick uranage. SANADA crawled to the corner to catch his breath. Robinson pounced at the positioning of his opponent and landed a cannonball. SANADA was then lifted to the top rope and hit with a superplex, which fed into a jackhammer.
Robinson connected with a powerbomb and began to strike. SANADA ducked the Left Hand of God and locked in the dragon sleeper. Robinson fought free and nearly connected with Pulp Friction.
This same sequence played out again in a similar fashion before a set of grappling nearly allowed Robinson to steal a win via a cradle.
Instead, SANADA locked in the Skull End. Once Robinson’s body was limp SANADA scaled to the top, landed a moonsault, and pinned Robinson.
Something felt off here. Maybe it was the gray SANADA clashing with Robinson’s glow. Either way, it resulted in a lackluster dynamic and a fine-at-best match of moves.
G1 Climax B Block: Hirooki Goto defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi
Both fought for dominance in the early going with light moves and chain wrestling. A knee breaker allowed Tanahashi to transition to the mat.
After returning to their feet it was Goto who won out in a strike battle and landed a backdrop and a bulldog. Tanahashi fought free of a fireman’s carry and a dragon screw took the leg out from under Goto. Goto was then hit with another leg whip, this time into a rope. Tanahashi began a continued wearing down on Goto’s leg.
Goto caught Tanahashi with a quick ushigoroshi and initiated a passionate strike exchange. Goto landed a clothesline but was unable to follow up. Tanahashi whipped the neck of Goto before landing a slingblade.
An open palm strike then dropped Goto long enough for Tanahashi to climb to the top but not long enough to land a move. Goto triggered a top rope fight and after a headbutt landed a ushigoroshi from the top rope.
Tanahashi tried falling out of the way but Goto was able to pull through and connect with GTR. Goto then hooked the leg and pinned Tanahashi for the first time inside of the G1 format.
Strong execution from both men in a to the point, all business match.
G1 Climax B Block: EVIL defeated Tetsuya Naito
EVIL clubbed Naito immediately following the bell, but failed to follow up. Naito instead connected with an arm drag and rana that sent EVIL to the outside providing Naito with a perfect opportunity to taunt the defector.
EVIL was stretched out on the mat once returning to the ring. Naito hit the ropes but was grabbed by Dick Togo. Togo struck and whipped Naito into the barricade before EVIL took over.
Naito then was sent crashing into chairs on the outside. EVIL followed up by hitting his signature double-chair baseball swing on Naito. EVIL continued his illegally gained dominance inside the ring.
Naito stuffed a suplex attempt and avoided a senton, reopening a window of opportunity. An elbow and dropkick placed Naito back in the driver’s seat. A dropkick to Togo only prolonged his chance of staying there.
EVIL tried using further underhanded tactics and was able to stifle Naito’s lead with the unwilling aid of the referee with his leg catch spot. Naito stuffed a suplex attempt once more and took EVIL back to the mat just in time for Togo’s reemergence.
While Naito was seemingly distracted by Togo, EVIL ran for a tackle of sorts that Naito was able to sidestep, sending EVIL crashing into Togo. Naito then landed a spinebuster and continued his ground work on EVIL.
EVIL powered free of Naito’s control with a fisherman’s buster. EVIL hoisted Naito onto the top rope and connected with a superplex. Naito just barely kicked from the pin attempt that followed.
EVIL then locked in a scorpion deathlock on his prone opponent but Naito crawled into the ropes. EVIL set up for a lariat but was caught by a well-placed kick which was followed by Gloria.
Naito gained wrist and waist control shortly but EVIL freed himself with a simple shove and a senton. Naito then was pushed into turnbuckles that became exposed at some point, hit with a tiger suplex, and a giant lariat. Naito kicked out from the pin attempt.
EVIL lifted Naito onto his shoulders but Naito wiggled into Destino. Naito was unable to follow up. EVIL hit Darkness Falls following a brief struggle. Naito stuffed two attempts at Everything is Evil.
Enter Togo.
Togo distracted Naito and the referee long enough for EVIL to land a low blow. Togo threw a chair into EVIL. While the referee was paying attention to the armed EVIL, Togo began chocking EVIL with a band.
Naito, now on his last legs, landed a shoulder tackle after shoving off Togo. EVIL stuffed a suplex and Naito stuffed Everything is Evil. Naito then landed Destino and scored a near fall.
Naito tried for another Destino, but EVIL reversed into Everything is Evil and pinned the double champion.
This match was long, boring, and another EVIL win over Naito means we will likely see it again.
That said, any other result would leave a lot of A Block without any conceivable means of victory, so the finish makes sense regardless of how frustrating it is.
