Tag: g1 results

NJPW G1 Climax 34 night 12 live results: Goto vs. Finlay

Posted on by Chick Fritts

A sold-out Korakuen Hall in Tokyo hosts B Block action on night 12 of the NJPW G1 Climax 34 tournament.

In the main event, Hirooki Goto (6 points) faces David Finlay (8 points). It will be the first career singles meeting between the two, as Goto looks to stay alive, while Finlay aims to keep his spot atop B Block.

In the semi-main, Yuya Uemura (6 points) faces Ren Narita (6 points). Uemura and Narita were part of the same class of Young Lions and thus have met 12 times previously in singles bouts, with Narita winning all 12.

HENARE (6 points) will take on Yota Tsuji (6 points) in another B Block bout on the show.

Konosuke Takeshita (6 points) faces El Phantasmo (4 points) in more B Block action.

In the night’s opening tournament bout, Jeff Cobb (8 points) will face Boltin Oleg (4 points) with Cobb trying to keep pace atop the B Block.

Tonight’s undercard:

  • Tetsuya Naito & Shingo Takagi vs. EVIL & Dick Togo
  • Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma vs. Gabe Kidd & Jake Lee
  • SANADA & TAKA Michinoku vs. Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman

Tonight’s show streams live on NJPW World beginning at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time.

**********

Recommended Matches

Jeff Cobb vs. Oleg Boltin – This was one of my favorite matches from the tournament. With every outing from Oleg, he looks better than the last.

Konosuke Takeshita vs. El Phantasmo – This was the most over-the-top match of the tournament. It was filled with intensity and passion. It’s easily one of the standout matches from this year’s G1.

Hirooki Goto vs. David Finlay – Again, if you’re looking for a traditional New Japan main event, it seems like Goto is your man this G1. He more than delivered tonight with a classic, emotional performance.

**********

Undercard Results

Great-O-Khan & Callum Newman defeated SANADA & TAKA Michinoku

Gabe Kidd & Jake Lee defeated Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma

Tetsuya Naito & Shingo Takagi defeated EVIL & Dick Togo

**********

B Block Results

Jeff Cobb defeated Oleg Boltin

This match was fantastic. What started as a wrestling showcase escalated into a war of convincing power moves and desperation.

This match opened with grappling, showing off both guy’s amateur backgrounds. Oleg won out in the initial scramble, forcing Cobb to the floor. After returning to the ring, Cobb caught Oleg with a strike instead of grappling, changing the flow of the match. Oleg responded by throwing Cobb across the ring and laying into Cobb with strikes of his own.

Cobb answered Oleg by kicking him on the mat to establish a lead. When Cobb attempted his standing moonsault, Oleg moved out of the way to reverse the momentum once more. Both men traded dropkicks to stay on even footing as the match continued to heat up.

Oleg eventually caught Cobb with a belly-to-belly suplex. This opened the door for a substantial sequence from Oleg, ending with a splash that scored him a nearfall. Oleg then tried to follow up with his gut wrench throw, but Cobb slipped free and did the move himself to retake the lead.

Cobb tried for a lariat, but Oleg caught him with another massive suplex. Oleg then hit Cobb with his gut wrench throw and a Boltin Bomb for a nearfall. With the end in sight, Oleg tried for his finish, but Cobb slipped free. This led to a back-and-forth for control, initially favoring Cobb.

Cobb tried for the Aloha Maker, but Cobb reversed into the Kamikaze. This scored another nearfall for Oleg. When Oleg tried for another, Cobb slipped free, leading to back-and-forth lariats. Cobb’s lariat won out in the end, leaving him free to hit Tour of the Islands and win the match.

With this win, Cobb leads B Block with 10 points. It also eliminates Oleg from playoff contention.

Konosuke Takeshita defeated El Phantasmo

This match was insane. It was filled to the brim with wild action all at an absurd pace. This was, without a doubt, the best performance I’ve ever seen from ELP and a fantastic outing from Takeshita.

ELP started this match with confidence, landing a dropkick before gesturing to the crowd. Takeshita fired back with the Takeshita line and some taunting of his own. ELP then tried a strike, but Takeshita ducked, leading to an awkward headbutt in the midsection, leaving both men flustered. Takeshita followed up with a DDT and an Irish whip to establish a substantial lead.

ELP ducked a knee from Takeshita, sending Takeshita to the floor. ELP followed up with a reckless suicide dive and a stunning moonsault into the floor seats to completely reverse the momentum of the match. ELP then took a moment to celebrate in the crowd before returning to the ring with a springboard senton and moonsault for a nearfall.

ELP tried for a crossbody, but Takeshita caught him, reversing into a dazzling blue thunder bomb. Takeshita then walked to the floor, where he grabbed a table. Takeshita then posted the table outside the ring. ELP faught back on the apron, preventing Takeshita from driving him through the table. They then fought to the top rope, where ELP landed an avalanche rana and a Thunderkiss 86 for a false finish.

Takeshita escaped the CR2 once, but ELP followed up with a quick sequence that allowed him to hit it on his second attempt; Takeshita kicked out. ELP then tried for sudden death, but Takeshita fell to avoid the finish. Takeshita rolled to the outside, where ELP caught him with a pump kick that left him lying on the table from earlier. ELP then climbed to the top rope, but a moment of hesitation allowed Takeshita to meet him on the apron. Takeshita then grabbed ELP and hit him with a disgusting bastard driver through the table.

A now bloody ELP barely beat the count. Takeshita tried following up with a finish, but ELP slipped free and hit the sudden death for another false finish. ELP then struggled to engage in a strike exchange before trying for another quick pin and hitting another superkick. As ELP tried for his finish, Takeshita reversed into the bastard driver position, but ELP rolled through into a pin attempt. Takeshita powered out, hitting ELP with a wheelbarrow German. Takeshita then took ELP’s head off with a lariat, only for ELP to kick out at one. Takeshita then hit the power drive knee, but ELP kicked out again. Finally, Takeshita hit Raging Fire to win the match.

This win leaves Takeshita with 8 points and eliminates ELP from contention in B Block.

Yota Tsuji defeated HENARE

This was another entertaining match. I’d say it was the weakest so far, but it was still more than solid.

This match opened with a relatively slow feeling-out process, with both men looking to prove their strength. HENARE established an early lead that he used to strike down Tsuji methodically. Tsuji answered HENARE with a sudden curb stomp that led into a tope that turned the match on its head.

Tsuji tried for a suplex that HENARE stuffed. HENARE then hit a suplex of his own. When he tried to follow up in the corner, Tsuji caught him with another curb stomp. Tsuji then followed up with a Samoan drop from the top rope.

A strike exchange allowed HENARE to fight his way back into the match. The Bezerker Bomb left HENARE in a seemingly strong position until Tsuji dropped Henare with a lariat to reverse momentum once again. Tsuji launched into a short rally that ended with a lariat from HENARE, resulting in a match reset.

A knee strike from Tsuji turned into an intense strike exchange. HENARE ended it with a rampage, scoring him a nearfall. HENARE then hit a knee of his own but couldn’t land Streets of Rage. The pair traded headbutts before HENARE ran at Tsuji. Tsuji then sprung up, hit HENARE with the Gene Blaster, and pinned HENARE to win the match. 

Tsuji’s win leaves him in solid position with 8 points.

Ren Narita defeated Yuya Uemura

This wasn’t great, but there are defintly worse House of Torture matches. Uemura’s personality and selling carried this match to a watchable level, so that’s something.

Narita jumped Uemura as the match began. He then drove Uemura’s legs into the ringpost and the floor before throwing him into the barricade to establish a strong lead. Back in the ring, Narita continued to target Uemura’s leg.

Uemura eventually fired up, chopping at Narita in the corner. Narita answered by gauging at Uemura’s eyes. When Uemura tried fighting back, he collapsed under the weight of his own body.

A sudden arm drag and dropkick from Uemura acted as a soft reset for Uemura, but the damage to his leg prevented Uemura from taking full advantage. He still managed to land a suplex before climbing to the top rope, where Kanemaru pushed him to the mat. Narita then locked in the knee bar, re-establishing a substantial lead.

Narita tried for the guillotine knee but missed. This allowed Uemura to knock him to the floor and hit a plancha, reversing the match’s momentum. He followed up with a crossbody for a nearfall and a German suplex for another.

Uemura tried for the deadbolt suplex, prompting Narita to bump the referee. Kanemaru missed the follow-up whiskey misting, and Uemura ejected him from the ring with a dropkick. Narita tried for a pushup bar shot, but Uemura blocked him and hit a dragon suplex to maintain his control.

Uemura tried for the deadbolt again. This led to Narita hitting the referee again and a low blow. Narita then landed the double cross and pinned Uemura to win the match.

Narita advances to 8 points.


Hirooki Goto defeated David Finlay

This was another classic Goto match, and a very good one at that.

In the opening back-and-forth, Goto dumped Finlay on the floor. He followed up with a tackle in the ring, but Finlay answered with a drop on the rope and a leg sweep to reverse momentum. The match then worked its way to the floor, where Finlay slammed Goto into the barricade and bit Goto’s forehead.

Back in the ring, Finlay began to pick apart Goto with a deliberate offense that lasted until Goto landed a massive lariat to reset the match. Goto followed up with a back suplex, but a lariat from Finlay sent both men back to the floor.

Finlay removed the padding on the outside and attempted a powerbomb on the exposed floor. Goto stuffed the move and dropped Finlay on the floor himself. Finlay answered by throwing Goto into the barricade again, maintaining a lead.

In the ring, Finlay continued to bite Goto, drawing the referee’s attention. This allowed Goto to fire back with a lariat and a ushigoroshi to retake the lead. A reverse GTR and a lariat set up the normal GTR, but Goto failed to connect. Instead, he landed a rope-assisted Shoto for a nearfall.

When Goto tried for the GTR again, Finlay slipped free and landed Oblivion. After Goto kicked out, Finlay hit a turnbuckle powerbomb and a traditional powerbomb for a nearfall. Finlay then tried for his finish, but Goto stuffed it, transitioning into Shouten Kai.

With Goto reversing the momentum, Gedo tried distracting the referee long enough for Finlay to use his shillelagh. Goto cut him off with a headbutt. Goto then threw the shillelagh to the floor and dropped Finlay with a GTW for a nearfall.

Goto attempted GTR, but Finlay reversed into Oblivion. On the decent, Goto caught the knee, blocking Finlay’s finish. Goto then dropped Finlay with a headbutt and hit Finlay with GTR to win the match.

Goto joins the crowded 8-point club, keeping his G1 very much alive.

NJPW G1 Climax 34 night 11 live results: Shingo vs. SANADA

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Korakuen Hall will host today’s event featuring A Block action in the NJPW G1 Climax 34 tournament.

In the main event, 3-3 Shingo Takagi faces 3-3 SANADA in a matchup of former stablemates. It will be the first-ever singles meeting between Shingo & SANADA.

In the semi-main, 3-3 Tetsuya Naito takes on 3-3 Shota Umino. The two have met once before in singles competition, with Naito coming away with the victory that time.

5-1 EVIL faces 4-2 Zack Sabre Jr. in a matchup with the top spot in A Block on the line.

3-3 Gabe Kidd will take on 2-4 Jake Lee in another A Block battle.

Two members of United Empire will square off in the first tournament bout of the night, as 2-4 Great-O-Khan & 2-4 Callum Newman go head-to-head.

Today’s undercard:

  • Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma vs. David Finlay & Gedo
  • Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Yuya Uemura & TAKA Michinoku
  • Boltin Oleg, Toru Yano, El Phantasmo & Jado vs. Jeff Cobb, HENARE, Francesco Aklira & Konosuke Takeshita
  • Yota Tsuji & BUSHI vs. Shoma Kato & Katsuya Murashima

**********

Recommended Matches

Jake Lee vs. Gabe Kidd—This match was a total blast. Kidd brings an energy that very few people in the world can match. It was a great brawl and a fantastic change of pace from the rest of the card. I highly recommend giving this a watch.

Shingo Takagi vs. SANADA—If you’re a fan of Shingo Takagi, you’ll enjoy this match, no doubt. They kept a great pace, even as the match’s runtime climbed. This was more of a traditional G1 match, so if that’s what you’re here for, look no further.

**********

Undercard Results

BUSHI & Yota Tsuji defeated Katsuya Murashima & Shoma Kato

Konosuke Takeshita, Francesco Akira, HENARE & Jeff Cobb defeated El Phantasmo, Jado, Oleg Boltin & Toru Yano

Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated TAKA Michinoku & Yuya Uemura

Hirooki Goto & Tomoaki Honma defeated David Finlay & Gedo

**********

Block A Results

Great-O-Khan defeated Callum Newman

Newman launched into a quick sequence to try and gain an early advantage. O-Khan managed to hold on until Newman landed a sudden kick that dropped O-Khan, securing Newman control. Instead of taking advantage, Newman postured to the crowd, allowing O-Khan to fire back and take control for himself.

After being worked over on the mat, Newman caught O-Khan with a stomp to work his way back into the match. Newman took advantage this time, landing a standing moonsault for a nearfall. When Newman attempted a tornado kick, O-Khan reversed into an arm drag for an attempted match reset, but Newman fired back with a standing Meteora to maintain his lead.

O-Khan interrupted the OsCutter, which led to a scramble for control. To end the scramble Newman went for a tornado kick, missed by a considerable amount, and still pinned O-Khan for a false finish. Newman went for the OsCutter again, but O-Khan stuffed it once more. He then transitioned into the Eliminator and pinned Newman to win the match.

This win puts O-Khan at 6 points. It also entirely eliminates Newman from playoff contention.

Jake Lee defeated Gabe Kidd

God, I loved this match. It was violent, efficient, and an all-round great time.

This was my favorite Jake Lee match in at least two years. Gabe Kidd is something special.

On his way to the ring, Lee entered with two cups of beer in his hand. Before he could give one to his faction mate, Kidd cut him off with a big boot, sending him to the floor. Kidd then grabbed a chair and slammed it over Lee’s head. Kidd then grabbed a mic and welcomed Lee to the Wardogs.

Kidd attempted to throw a table at Lee, but Lee avoided the furniture. Lee then hit Kidd with a knee and a chair strike of his own, leading to a fight deep in the crowd. Lee then drove Kidd into the table himself, headfirst.

Lee rolled Kidd into the ring, starting the match officially. Kidd took advantage of this pause by hitting Lee with a lariat and scoring a quick two count, nearly taking the match. Lee reversed Kidd’s driver attempt to start another back-and-forth, escalating with bigger and bigger moves. Lee eventually scored a nearfall with a chokeslam that slowed the match somewhat.

Lee tried for FBS, but Kidd cut him off with another substantial lariat. This led to a strike exchange in the center of the ring that favored Kidd. Kidd tried to follow up with a boot but missed, sending him into the ropes. This allowed Lee to hit a boot of his own that forced Kidd back to the floor. Lee tried to follow up with a kick from the apron, but Kidd pulled him into a suplex. Kidd attempted to follow up by running into Lee, but Lee sidestepped him, sending him crashing into the barricade. At this point, the referee’s count was too high for Kidd to beat, but Lee was in a position to slide into the ring, barely beating the count. Lee wins by countout.

Lee’s win puts him at 6 points, barely keeping him alive.

Zack Sabre Jr. defeated EVIL

Hey, at least it was short.

Before this match could begin, EVIL drug ZSJ to the ring with Dick Togo. They then threw powder in ZSJ’s face and hit him with the Magic Killer in the middle of the ring as the opening bell sounded. EVIL tried pinning ZSJ multiple times but failed. ZSJ then reversed into a pin of his own and won the match. In under 20 seconds, ZSJ won the match.

After the match, ZSJ celebrated in the crowd and EVIL chased him. This lasted significantly longer than the actual match.

This win puts ZSJ at the very top of the block with 10 points.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Shota Umino

This match really struggled to pick up until the very end, and even there, Naito’s weaknesses were all too clear. Umino also didn’t shine here, which is becoming a requirement for a great Naito match at this point. It wasn’t bad, but it’s not something I’d seek out.

Umino established a quick lead with a DDT to the apron, followed by a dropkick. A tornado DDT to the floor only cemented Umino’s early momentum, allowing him to hit an uncontested top rope dropkick and ignition for a quick two-count.

Naito hit an atomic drop and a neckbreaker from the top rope to slow Umino’s advance. To follow up, Naito hit a drop to the apron and the floor, buying him time to recover. Umino barely beat the referee’s count. Back in the ring, Naito maintained his lead with his signature offense.

Umino landed a dropkick to regain some footing. He followed up with a suplex for a two-count. After surviving an Umino exploder, Naito caught Umino in a leg-based Nelson, forcing Umino into the ropes. Naito then began to club on the neck of Umino, but Umino fired back with a sudden Blaze Blade to reset the match.

Umino hit a reverse twist and shout and trident for a nearfall, but Naito answered with Valencia. Naito’s Destino attempt was reversed into a fisherman’s suplex for a Umino two-count. Umino hit Blaze Blade again and a Death Rider for a finish. Umino attempted another Death Rider to close, but Naito transitioned into a Destino attempt that Umino reversed. The pair then struggled for a finish until Naito went for Destino again, but instead of driving Umino on his head, he transitioned into a trap pin. This was enough for him to win the match.

Naito advances to 8 points.

SANADA defeated Shingo Takagi

The opening moments of this match saw both men on equal footing. Shingo tried gaining the upper hand first with knee strikes to the midsection, but a well-placed dropkick from SANADA forced Shingo to the outside. SANADA’s pursuit to the floor was cut off when Shingo suplexed him onto the floor, establishing the first strong lead of the match.

On the outside, Shingo drove SANADA into the apron and barricade, furthering his control. Back inside, Shingo maintained his lead with deliberate offense, slowly picking apart SANADA.

SANADA landed a leg sweep to reset the match after an extended period on the back foot. He followed up with a dropkick and a plancha to establish control over Shingo for the first time this match.

A quick back-and-forth ended with a DDT from Shingo, leaving him back in the driver’s seat. The follow-up suplex scored Shingo at a two-count. The follow-up twist and shout and forced SANADA into the corner, but SANADA was able to fight out with a magic screw.

SANADA attempted a shining wizard but missed. Shingo was unable to follow up, however. SANADA hit the TKO to maintain his lead but missed the follow-up rounding body press. Shingo again failed to capitalize, allowing SANADA to hit the shining wizard on the second attempt.

Shingo blocked the next attempt at the shining wizard and tried for a leg whip, but SANADA slipped free. SANADA then tried for another shining wizard, which he hit. The follow-up rounding body press also connected for a SANADA nearfall.

SANADA tried to close with Deadfall, but Shingo reversed with a drop from the fireman’s carry position. Shingo kept the pressure up with a lariat in the corner, followed by a superplex. The sliding lariat scored Shingo a two-count. Shingo then hit SANADA with Made in Japan, but SANADA kicked out.

A struggle for control followed after SANADA survived Shingo’s finish attempt. SANADA blocked the pumping bomber only to eat a sliding forearm. Shingo then unloaded on SANADA with strikes and a shining wizard of his own. A pair of pumping bombers from Shingo seemingly marked the end for SANADA. As Shingo looked to close, SANADA transitioned into Deadfall, hit his finish, and pinned SANADA to win the match.

SANADA continues his advance with 8 points.

NJPW G1 Climax 34 night nine live results: Shingo vs. Sabre

Posted on by Chick Fritts

G1 Climax 34 action continues today with five A Block matches, including Shingo Takagi vs. Zack Sabre Jr. in the main event.

Shingo is 2-3 with 4 points in the tournament, while Sabre is 4-1 with 8 points. It will be the fifth career singles meeting for Shingo and Sabre, with each holding two victories and two losses.

In the semi-main, 3-2 Shota Umino takes on 2-3 SANADA.

2-3 Tetsuya Naito vs. 3-2 Gabe Kidd, 1-4 Great-O-Khan vs. 5-0 EVIL, plus 2-3 Callum Newman vs. 1-4 Jake Lee round out today’s G1 Climax tournament matches.

Today’s undercard bouts:

  • Yota Tsuji & BUSHI vs. Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
  • El Phantasmo & Jado vs. Yuya Uemura & TAKA Michinoku
  • Oleg Boltin & Toru Yano vs. David Finlay & Gedo
  • Shoma Kato, Katsuya Murahsima, Tomoaki Honma & Hirooki Goto vs. Konosuke Takeshita, Jeff Cobb, HENARE & Francesco Akira

Today’s show streams on NJPW World beginning at 2 a.m. Eastern time.

**********

Recommended Matches

Tetsuya Naito vs. Gabe Kidd – I would consider this a very good Naito match, which is becoming rarer by the day. They played into Kidd’s strengths and covered Naito’s weaknesses quite well. This isn’t a must watch match, but if your here, it might be worth checking out if you’re a fan of either guy.

Shingo Takagi vs. Zack Sabre Jr. – This was one of the best matches of the tournament. It was filled with intense sequences, slick transitions, and fantastic work on a narrative level. Not a second of your time will be wasted here either. This match was efficient, well paced, and an all-round breezy watch. This one is definitely worth going out of your way for.

**********

Undercard Results

Konosuke Takeshita, Francesco Akira, HENARE & Jeff Cobb defeated Hirooki Goto, Katsuya Murashima, Shoma Kato & Tomoaki Honma

Oleg Boltin & Toru Yano defeated David Finlay & Gedo

TAKA Michinoku & Yuya Uemura defeated El Phantasmo & Jado

BUSHI & Yota Tsuji defeated Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru

**********

G1 Climax Results

Jake Lee defeated Callum Newman

This worked well enough. Newman tried his best tog be dazzling, Lee kept it simple in response. Would I recommend seeking this out? No. But was this a fine match. Sure.

This match opened fast, but neither man could connect with offense. After the early whiffs, they turned to more basic wrestling in an attempt to get the action started. A boot from Newman sent Lee to the floor, which he followed with an attempted dive. Lee interrupted the dive, opening the door to an assault on the floor.

Lee maintained his control from the floor inside the ring with basic offense. With a strong lead, he taunted Newman, allowing him to take free, unprotected shots. This backfired, as Newman was given time to recover, which he used to deliver a double stomp to the back to a prone Lee.

Newman filled his rally with his typical flashy offense. In response, Lee threw Newman to the floor. Newman quickly responded on the outside with a dive, maintaining his momentum before returning to the ring.

Newman’s lead lasted until he attempted the OsCutter. Lee reversed the finish and hit a choke slam for a near fall. When Lee tried to follow up, Newman launched into another short rally, only for Lee to catch him with a Face Break Shot. Lee then pinned Newman to win the match.

This win puts Lee at 4 points.

Great-O-Khan defeated EVIL

This was an impressively bad match. The constant interference is one thing, but it was followed by a totally unearned finish.

EVIL opened the match by rushing O-Khan, grabbing him by his braid, and throwing him to the floor. On the outside, EVIL dominated O-Khan, slamming him into the barricades and the seats. After a moment of interference from Togo, O-Khan barely beat the referee’s count. Once O-Khan was back in the ring, EVIL distracted the referee by threatening to choke him with a shirt, only to choke him with a wire once the official’s back was turned.

O-Khan eventually landed a quick suplex to reverse the momentum of the match. He then drove EVIL into the corner before securing a hold in the middle of the ring. EVIL freed himself by bitting O-Khan, reversing the momentum with underhanded tactics again.

When EVIL attempted Darkness Falls, O-Khan reversed into a throw. O-Khan locked in another hold, but EVIL pulled down the referee, allowing Togo to hit the ring. Togo attacked O-Khan with a chair before offering him back to EVIL. EVIL then locked in a sharpshooter, forcing O-Khan to the ropes.

When EVIL attempted Everything is Evil, O-Khan reversed, driving EVIL face-first into the mat. O-Khan then wrestled EVIL to the mat and locked in an arm hold in the center of the ring. When EVIL looked to be in trouble, Togo pulled the referee to the floor and launched into a full-fledged beatdown, ending with a Magic Killer.

O-Khan kicked out of their tandem finish, only for Togo to interfere again moments later. O-Khan responded with a plancha to Togo before returning to the ring. Back inside, EVIL whipped him into an exposed corner twice and hit a lariat for a nearfall. EVIL attempted his finish again, but O-Khan escaped and hit the eliminator. O-Khan then pinned EVIL and won the match.

O-Khan also advances to 4 points.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Gabe Kidd

This was easily the match of the night so far. They worked around Naito’s weaknesses excellently while maintaining a lot of the intensity that makes Kidd matches so great. Very good.

Kidd opened the match by clubbing Naito with heavy strikes before taking action to the floor. On the outside, Kidd kept up his pressure for a moment before taunting Naito. When Kidd attempted to bring Naito back in the ring, Naito returned the favor, rolling out of the ring, baiting Kidd, and mocking him in typical Naito fashion. This strategy allowed Naito to take control of the match.

The match spilled to the floor, where Kidd was able to retake control. He threw Naito into the sea of chairs, where he continued to mock the IWGP World Champion. Kidd then piled up chairs and barricades, which he attempted to suplex Naito into. Naito reversed the suplex and threw Kidd into the chairs himself. Kidd fired back by dropping Naito onto the apron and spitting in his face.

Back in the ring, Kidd took mount and unloaded on Naito with heavy closed fist strikes, forcing the referee to intervene. Kidd then locked in a Boston crab in an attempt to humiliate the champion. When Kidd tried to follow up, Naito reversed into an awkward partial Destino.

A leg sweep sent Kidd crashing into the corner. Naito followed up with a kick and Esperanza. As Naito looked to escalate, Kidd answered with a nasty suplex that resulted in a match reset.

Naito spat in Kidd’s face, returning the favor from earlier in the match. Naito then landed a strike, which Kidd was quick to answer. Kidd tried for the Mad Man Bomb, but Naito reversed with a rana. Naito then unloaded on Kidd’s neck and went for Destino. Instead of delivering his finish by driving Kidd on his head, Naito trapped Kidd with a schoolboy roll-up and won the match.

Naito heads towards the top of the pack with this win, leaving him with 6 points.

SANADA defeated Shota Umino

After a quick opening sequence, SANADA threw Umino to the floor. On the outside, SANADA utilized the barricades to gain and maintain control over Umino before returning to the ring. Back inside, he preserved his lead with simple offense.

A sudden dropkick from Umino allowed him to challenge SANADA’s lead. Umino upped the intensity significantly, landing much more impactful moves after securing the lead, culminating with a DDT to the apron that sent SANADA to the floor. A dropkick from the top rope and an exploder suplex scored Umino a two count.

A SANADA dropkick ended Umino’s offense, allowing SANADA to connect with some of his own. SANADA landed a plancha before throwing Umino back in the ring. SANADA then set up the Skull End. Unfortunately for SANADA, this left Umino in the perfect position for his reverse twist and shout.

SANADA attempted a shining wizard, but Umino caught him in the STF. SANADA escaped by reaching the ropes and challenged Umino’s followup with a magic screw. SANADA then hit the shining wizard, but Umino blocked the rounding body press with his knees.

Umino landed a knee strike to the back of SANADA to jumpstart his rally. He missed the follow-up blaze blade, leading to a back-and-forth. SANADA landed the shining wizard again, but Umino held on. This push and pull continued until Umino landed his DDT for a nearfall. Umino managed to follow up with a blaze blade, only for SANADA to reverse into the O’Connor roll. This pin trapped Umino, leaving SANADA with the win.

SANADA advances to 6 points as well, making it very crowded toward the upper-middle of the block.

Shingo Takagi defeated Zack Sabre Jr.

This match was great. This was the best Shingo performance in ages and a fantastic outing from ZSJ. It built perfectly to the end and was an absolute breeze. One of the best matches of the tournament.

The feeling out process of this match opened hot, with both men trying to gain the upper hand without slowing down. Once the match did slow down, ZSJ was able to grapple his way into a suplex, but Shingo answered with a tackle. Shingo followed up with a suplex of his own before taking control on the mat.

A neck crank followed by a dropkick to the head from ZSJ allowed him to take the momentum from Shingo. ZSJ then took Shingo to the mat, working him over with various chokes before Shingo fired back with a suplex.

Shingo forced ZSJ in the corner and unloaded on ZSJ with strikes. Shingo kept up the pace with high-impact offense until ZSJ reversed a sliding lariat into an arm crank. ZSJ then began to focus the arm, perhaps to prevent the threat of Shingo’s pumping bomber.

Shingo dropped ZSJ to retake the lead after receiving a lot of attention on his arm. He then lifted ZSJ to the top rope and delivered a superplex to cement a lead. Shingo landed a sliding lariat, but the follow-up from Shingo failed as his targeted arm slowed his response.

ZSJ then took advantage again and focused solely on the arm. Shingo was forced to answer with a pumping bomber, but it did as much damage to him as to ZSJ. ZSJ tried to respond by keeping up the attack, but Shingo caught him with Made in Japan, resulting in a nearfall.

Shingo tried for a pumping bomber again, but ZSJ reversed into the Zack Driver; Shingo kicked out. This was followed by a striking battle that Shingo ended with a pumping bomber. Shingo attempted to follow up on his finish, but ZSJ reversed into the sleeper. ZSJ transitioned into an arm breaker and a triangle when the sleeper failed. With Shingo fading, the referee walked away, looking like he would call the match. Shingo responded by pulling the referee down, powering up, and landing Last of the Dragon. Shingo then pinned ZSJ to win the match.

Another man joins the 6 point club with Shingo’s win.

NJPW G1 Climax 34 night three results: Naito vs. Lee

Posted on by Chick Fritts

NJPW’s G1 Climax 34 continues with six tournament matches on night three, including Tetsuya Naito vs. Jake Lee in the main event.

Naito, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, is still looking for his first win of the tournament after being shut out on the opening weekend at 0-2. Lee enters his highest-profile NJPW match to date with a 1-1 record in the tournament.

Five A Block matches, one B Block match, and three undercard tag bouts make up today’s card.

Today’s lineup:

  • A Block: Tetsuya Naito (0-2) vs. Jake Lee (1-1)
  • A Block: SANADA (1-1) vs. EVIL (2-0)
  • A Block: Shota Umino (1-1) vs. Gabe Kidd (1-1)
  • A Block: Shingo Takagi (1-1) vs. Great-O-Khan (0-2)
  • A Block: Callum Newman (1-1) vs. Zack Sabre Jr. (2-0)
  • B Block: Jeff Cobb (1-0) vs. Konosuke Takeshita (1-0)
  • HENARE & Francesco Akira vs. David Finlay & Gedo
  • El Phantasmo & Jado vs. Yota Tsuji & BUSHI
  • Hirooki Goto, Tomoaki Honma & Shoma Kato vs. Oleg Boltin, Toru Yano & Katsuya Morishima

**********

Tonight was by far the weakest night of the G1 so far.

The only match worth seeking out is Konosuke Takeshita vs. Jeff Cobb, but even it would be far from the best match on the prior two nights.

**********

Katsuya Murashima, Oleg Boltin & Toru Yano defeated Hirooki Goto, Shoma Kato & Tomoaki Honma

Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI & Yota Tsuji) defeated Guerrillas Of Destiny (El Phantasmo & Jado)

United Empire (Francesco Akira & HENARE) defeated BULLET CLUB War Dogs

**********

Konosuke Takeshita defeated Jeff Cobb

This match was a blast. At just over 10 minutes, it was action-packed and to the point. Great stuff.

This match opened with both men shoulder-checking each other before Cobb easily threw Takeshita across the ring. Cobb continued to show off by standing on Takeshita, resulting in him rolling to the apron.

A forearm sent Cobb to the floor, leaving Takeshita free to land a tope con hilo. He threw Cobb in the ring and climbed to the top rope in an attempt to follow up, only for Cobb to cut him off with a gut-wrench superplex. Cobb kept up the pressure with a standing moonsault for a quick two-count.

Cobb climbed to the top rope himself. This time, Takeshita landed an incredible superplex of his own. Cobb bounced back with a quick German attempt, but Takeshita landed on his feet. Takeshita then hit a knee strike and a poison-rana. Cobb responded with a lariat, leaving both men grounded.

Cobb tried for another suplex, but Takeshita blocked it and hit one of his own. Takeshita then tried for the knee, but Cobb reversed into the spin cycle and a uranage. As Cobb tried to follow up, Takeshita pulled him into the Blue Thunder Bomb for a convincing nearfall.

Cobb tried for Tour of the Islands, but Takeshita slipped free. Both men then traded knee strikes before a headbutt left Takeshita grounded. As Cobb tried to close, Takeshita cut him off with an elbow and Raging Fire, winning him the match.

Takeshita is still undefeated with 4 points.

Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Callum Newman

This match was entertaining enough.

Early on, ZSJ targeted Newman’s arm while grounding him to establish control. Newman tried utilizing quick offense to work his way back into the match but struggled for quite some time.

Eventually, Newman was able to connect with a suplex to reset the match, but ZSJ immediately brought him back to the mat. Moments like this would continue to play out throughout this match’s runtime. Newman continued to try for openings, but ZSJ continued to stay one step ahead for most of the match.

In the end, Newman hit ZSJ with a powerbomb. ZSJ countered into an ankle submission, forcing Newman to submit.

ZSJ remains undefeated, leading A Block with 6 points.

Shingo Takagi defeated Great-O-Khan

This was another fine match. It’s nothing special, but it’s still solid.

O-Khan threw Shingo to the mat and began beating him down moments after the opening bell. He then tried working over Shingo on the mat in an attempt to wear him down. Shingo answered with a sliding lariat and a bunch of strikes, flipping the match on its head.

O-Khan challenged Shingo’s advance by utilizing more basic throws and holds. Shingo was able to fight through the eliminator and land the pumping bomber to keep O-Khan on the back foot. A follow-up superplex cemented this lead.

O-Khan attempted a rally at the 10-minute mark but was cut off by a mean DDT. Shingo followed up with the dragon suplex and the pumping bomber, but O-Khan kicked out at one. Both men popped up and ran at each other again, and Shingo landed another pumping bomber. This time, it was enough for him to win the match.

Shingo works his way to 4 points.

Gabe Kidd defeated Shota Umino

This was another match that was fine enough but was far from great. Kidd has had much better performances, and Umino’s “hateful” routine was far from believable.

The feeling-out process featured a tense struggle for control. Umino won out first, but Kidd fired back with a bite and suplex to reset the match in his favor.

While Kidd was in control, he bullied Umino with mean kicks and the occasional expletive. After dropping Umino with a barrage of headbutts, Kidd locked Umino in the Boston crab, continuing to ridicule his opponent.

Umino eventually fought back, hitting a knee strike and tornado DDT to begin a rally. Umino’s rally was short-lived, however. Kidd was quick to land a strike, knocking Umino to the mat and leading to a back-and-forth exchange.

Umino survived a big lariat from Kidd and answered with a dragon suplex. The follow-up forearm scored Umino a two count, but both men were downed. Once both men worked their way to their feet, more striking followed.

Kidd utilized a bite to open Umino up for a piledriver, scoring a nearfall. Kidd transitioned into a lion tamer. Once Umino refused to submit, Kidd picked him up, hit him with a powerbomb, and pinned him to win the match.

Kidd now sits at 4 points.

EVIL defeated SANADA

This was far better than you would expect. I wouldn’t call it great, but for a 2024 EVIL match, it was pretty close.

Before the match could begin, EVIL tried to get SANADA to join House of Torture. SANADA put on the HoT shirt, pretending as if he had joined the faction. EVIL then commanded SANADA to lie down for the count, which he also pretended to do.

Once SANADA reversed the pin and EVIL realized he wasn’t joining HoT, the match began. EVIL tried to flee the ring, but SANADA caught him, brought him back, and tied him in the paradise lock.

Dick Togo tripped SANADA to help EVIL back into the match. EVIL then pulled SANADA to the floor, where he drove him into the barricade. Back in the ring, SANADA tried fighting back, only to be whipped into an exposed turnbuckle.

A roll through into Skull End seemingly reset the match in SANADA’s favor. This lasted until an Irish whip sent SANADA crashing into the referee, leaving Togo free to rush the ring.

Togo and EVIL tried using a chair to attack SANADA, but it backfired when SANADA delivered a dropkick, sending the chair into EVIL’s face. SANADA then hit the shining wizard. With the end in sight, SANADA tried for his finish, but EVIL responded with a low; SANADA answered with a low blow of his own.

EVIL was the first to recover from the double low blow, delivering Darkness Falls to establish control. When EVIL tried to close, SANADA responded with the magic screw. The follow-up rounding body press scored SANADA a two count.

SANADA cleared Togo from the ring before he tried to close the match again. This allowed EVIL to block the next shining wizard attempt with the referee. Another low blow from EVIL, followed by his finish, allowed him to secure the pin and the win.

EVIL stays on top at A block with 6 points.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Jake Lee

This was an awkward match. It was clunky and slow. This Naito is hard to watch.

After the opening bell, these guys went to the floor. On the outside, Naito teased Lee, getting in his head early. This allowed Naito to take control in the ring.

Lee answered Naito’s early lead by picking him up by the neck and dropping him. Lee then taunted the crowd before dragging Naito back to the floor, where he drove Naito into the barricade, a chair, and the entrance stage. Back in the ring, Lee maintained his lead with basic holds and strikes, wearing down the champion.

Naito answered Lee with back elbows, opening the door for some basic offense of his own. This was short-lived, as Lee cut off Esperanza with a chokeslam from the top rope. The follow-up knee scored Lee a nearfall.

A quick enziguri from Naito was followed by a failed Destino attempt. Naito returned to the top rope, where Lee reversed momentum again. Naito avoided FBS and landed another enziguri, but a kick from Lee kept Lee confident. As Lee tried for another choke slam, Naito reversed into Destino and pinned Lee to steal a win.

The IWGP champion is on the board with 2 points.

NJPW G1 Climax 34 night one live results: Naito vs. Shingo

Posted on by Chick Fritts

NJPW’s G1 Climax 34 tournament kicks off today with 10 tournament matches in Osaka.

Los Ingobernables de Japon stablemates Tetsuya Naito and Shingo Takagi will square off in the main event in an A Block battle.

The meeting is just the second career singles bout between Naito, the current IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, and Shingo, a former IWGP World title holder. Naito won their first and only meeting in the G1 back in 2019.

Every match in Saturday’s lineup is a G1 tournament bout.

Saturday’s full card:

  • A Block: Tetsuya Naito vs. Shingo Takagi
  • B Block: Yota Tsuji vs. Konosuke Takeshita
  • A Block: Gabe Kidd vs. EVIL
  • B Block: Yuya Uemura vs. David Finlay
  • A Block: SANADA vs. Jake Lee
  • B Block: Hirooki Goto vs. Jeff Cobb
  • A Block: Great-O-Khan vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • B Block: El Phantasmo vs. HENARE
  • A Block: Shota Umino vs. Callum Newman
  • B Block: Oleg Boltin vs. Ren Narita

***********

Oleg Boltin defeated Ren Narita

This match was a blast. The shenanigans from Narita made Oleg look super sympathetic. The structure worked very well. Good stuff.

Oleg came to the ring wearing new gear, showing off Kazak colors. It’s no longer a question; Oleg is no young lion.

The match began with Narita jumping Oleg. Oleg tried his best to fight off Narita but was cut off with a chair attack. From there, Narita started to work the arm, targeting it with objects and general offense.

Oleg eventually fired back with a dropkick. This slowed Narita’s somewhat, but an armbar put Oleg back on the defensive. Oleg powered through the armbar and landed a verdict. He followed up with the kamikaze to win the match.

Oleg is on the board with two points.

Callum Newman defeated Shota Umino

This was a fairly breezy call-and-response match.

This match opened with a striking battle. From there, both men ran at each other before Umino dropped Newman with a kick. Newman fired back with a Boston crab. Once Umino slipped free, he landed another dropkick before locking in a dropkick to slow down this fast start.

After Umino landed another dropkick, Newman responded with a quick kick. From here, both men traded quick strikes until Umino managed to land a cutter. Newman answered with a couple of quick pin attempts before landing a Spanish fly for a nearfall.

A dropkick to the back of Umino left him prone to a stomp to the back. Newman followed up with an OsCutter and pinned Umino to win the match.

In a bit of a surprise, Newman earns his first two points in the opening round.

HENARE defeated El Phantasmo

HENARE forced ELP into the corner after the opening bell. ELP fired back by sending HENARE to the floor, where he landed a tope. Back in the ring, the pair traded strikes, allowing HENARE to establish control for the first time.

HENARE attempted to land a lariat, but ELP reversed into one of his own. When ELP tried to follow up, he was cut off with a knee and a bezerker. The pair then traded strikes again, leading to an intense back and forth.

A sudden Sudden Death from ELP scored him a nearfall. He followed up with a burning hammer and a splash for another.

HENARE fired back a drop and a tackle for a nearfall of his own and a reset in his favor. He then landed Streets of Rage and pinned ELP, winning the match.

HENARE starts off strong with two points.

Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Great-O-Khan

This was one of the best O-Khan performances in ages. The opening of this match was off the wall, and the rest of it held up quite well. Another solid watch.

A quick scramble opened the match before O-Khan dumped ZSJ to the floor. On the outside, O-Khan challenged ZSJ, which led to some exciting grappling. O-Khan escaped ZSJ’s hold by slamming him into the barricade, leading to a brawl in the crowd as the referee’s count climbed. O-Khan dropped ZSJ with a body shot, nearly forcing the cutout.

Back in the ring, ZSJ managed to reverse momentum with some of his signature offense. O-Khan fired back with a bit of wrestling of his own, utilizing throws to ground ZSJ. A hook to the throat of ZSJ floored him, and the follow-up German only cemented O-Khan’s lead.

ZSJ tried catching O-Khan in a hold, only for O-Khan to reverse into a powerbomb. O-Khan managed to lock in his claw to set up the eliminator. When he attempted the move, ZSJ reversed into the DDT. He then landed the Zack Driver, winning the match in mere moments.

ZSJ’s G1 begins with a win and two points.

Jeff Cobb defeated Hirooki Goto

This was a good big-man sprint.

Both men traded strikes to open the match. A short clothesline from Cobb left him ahead of Goto, which he used to land more substantive offense. Goto fired back by clubbing Cobb with more strikes, eventually dropping Cobb with a clothesline of his own.

Goto landed an ushigoroshi for a two-count. Cobb then blocked the GTR attempt but failed to follow up, leading to a scramble for control filled with quick pins and failed moves. From the chaos, Cobb managed to land Tour of the Islands, winning him the match.

Cobb earns his two points.

Jake Lee defeated SANADA

As an outspoken SANADA skeptic and Jake Lee naysayer, I can’t say I hated this. In fact, I’d say I really liked it. It was bold and left me wanting more.

This match opened up with basic wrestling that Lee ended with a choke slam. SANADA fired back with a magic screw and a rounding body press, effectively taking control of the match.

Lee cut off SANADA’s Shining Wizard attempt and barely escaped the follow-up pin attempt. Lee then hit Face Break Shot, his kick in the corner, and pinned SANADA.

In under five minutes, Jake Lee pinned SANADA to earn two points.

Yuya Uemura defeated David Finlay

Compared to everything else on the card so far, this match felt the most like a classic New Japan match.

Uemura opened the match by taking Finlay to the mat. When he tried standing up, Finlay fired back, throwing Uemura to the floor and slamming him into the barricade. Back in the ring, Finlay maintained his lead, picking apart Uemura with focused offense.

Uemura eventually landed a dropkick to reset the match. He then hit a bulldog before dragging Finlay to the top rope only for Finlay to reverse into a superplex. Finlay then hit a backbreaker running at Uemura, opening the door for a reversal.

Uemura landed a dive to the floor once Finlay attempted to retreat. A chop from the top rope and a follow-up backdrop scored Uemura a two-count. Uemura kept up the pressure with a crossbody and a range before attempting another pin.

Finlay landed a sudden powerbomb for a nearfall. He followed up with a Dominator, which resulted in a convincing nearfall. Uemura responded with a pair of suplex, each scoring a nearfall of his own.

With the end in sight, both men began trading blows. Finlay then hoisted Uemura up and hit him with two turnbuckle powerbombs. When Finlay attempted a third, Uemura reversed into a hurricanrana pin, from which Finlay couldn’t escape.

In another slight surprise, Uemurea wins his first-round match, earning two points.

EVIL defeated Gabe Kidd

This was one of the best EVIL matches in years. It was probably the best match he’d had since joining BULLET CLUB. Fantastic. Even the interference felt intentional and earned. Color me impressed.

Before the match could even begin, Kidd landed a tope con hilo to the floor, taking out Togo and EVIL. He then focused on EVIL, landing andother dive before throwing him into the barricade and grabbing chairs.

EVIL managed to take advantage of Kidd’s chairs, slamming one into Kidd’s face before taking his head off with the other. He then entered the ring, marking the official start of the match.

In the ring, EVIL whipped Kidd into an exposed corner, but Kidd fired back with a head butt and an intense flurry. EVIL answered with a fisherman suplex, keeping Kid on the backfoot.

EVIL landed a massive lariat, only for Kidd to kick out at one. He followed up with a backdrop for a two-count. EVIL tried for a referee assist, but Kidd resisted, landing another lariat for another two-count. A frustrated Kidd threw the referee to the floor, opening the door for HoT interference.

With Kidd in the lead, Togo hit the ring and began to choke him with a wire. EVIL then landed a magic killer with aid from Togo. Once the referee re-entered the ring, EVIL hit Everything is Evil and won the match.

EVIL is on the board with two points.

Konosuke Takeshita defeated Yota Tsuji

No doubt the world will be raving about this one. It was exactly what you expect from these two: an action-packed sprint.

The match opened with some basic grappling and strikes before Takeshita landed a tope to the floor to establish a lead for the first time. He then slammed Tsuji into the barricade before returning to the ring, where he kept up the pressure with more intense offense.

Tsuji cut off Takesthia’s lead with a rana, which led to a dive of his own. Back in the ring, Tsuji returned the favor, hitting Takeshita with a variety of high-impact offenses.

Once Takesthia had a moment to respond, he caught Tsuji with a brainbuster. The follow-up knee and suplex scored Takeshita, which scored him a convincing nearfall.

The pair eventually worked their way to the top rope. On the top, Takeshita fell to the mat twice. Tsuji then hit Takesthia with a Spanish Fly from the top for a nearfall. Tsuji tried to follow up with the Gene Blast, but Takeshita reversed it into another suplex and a poison-rana. Tsuji answered with a pump kick and a sit-out powerbomb for a match reset.

A striking battle at the fifteen-minute mark ended with a sudden roll-up attempt from Tsuji. Once Takesthia kicked out, he landed a headbutt and a stomp for another nearfall. Tsuji tried to get Gene to blast again but was cut off by a Takesthia knee. Takesthia then hit a Blue Thunder Bomb and Raging Fire before pinning Tsuji to win the match.

Takeshita starts his G1 career off strong with two points.

Shingo Takagi defeated Tetsuya Naito

The opening feeling out process began before the opening bell sounded as Shingo rejected Naito’s LIJ salute. Once the match actually began, the two treaded lightly until Shingo sent Naito to the floor where he whipped him into the barricades, establishing a strong control over the IWGP champion. Back in the ring, Shingo maintained his lead with basic holds and deliberate strikes.

Naito dropped Shingo over his knee for a quick switch in momentum. From here, Naito began to focus on the neck, utilizing all of his typical moves.

After a substantial amount of time on the back foot, Shingo landed a DDT, which he followed with a sliding lariat and a powerbomb. This left Shingo ahead for a moment, but Naito fired back with more neck-based attacks as soon as there was an opening.

Shingo landed a massive STAY DREAM from the top rope after cutting off an overly ambitious Naito. Naito managed to survive, leading to a back-and-forth strike exchange. Shingo won out by dropping Naito with a Pumping Bomber. He followed this with Made and Japan, but Naito managed to kick out.

Shingo hoisted Naito onto his shoulders, only for Naito to slip into a Destino variation. Naito then placed Shingo on the top rope and tried for the Frankensteiner. After hitting it, Naito landed a follow-up tornado DDT before trying another Destino. An awkward back-and-forth followed as both men tried to close the match, ending with a Kawada Driver from Shingo. Naito kicked out. Shingo then hit Last of the Dragon to win the match.

Shingo not only earned two points with this win, but he also pinned the leader of his own faction and the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.

NJPW G1 Climax 33 finals live results: Okada vs. Naito

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Two NJPW stalwarts will battle for the right to challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 18 in today’s G1 finals.

Kazuchika Okada, a four-time tournament winner, faces Tetsuya Naito, a two-time winner and one-time runner-up, to determine the winner of the 33rd annual G1 Climax tournament. 

This marks a third consecutive finals appearance for Okada, the winner of the 2022, 2021, 2014, and 2012 G1s. A fifth victory would tie him with Masahiro Chono for the most in the three-plus decades of the event. 

Naito returns to the G1 finals for the first time since 2017, when he won his second career G1 by defeating Kenny Omega in the finals. Naito’s first G1 finals win came over Hiroshi Tanahashi in 2013’s tournament, while he lost the 2011 G1 finals to Shinsuke Nakamura. 

Today’s winner will earn the right to challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship currently held by SANADA at Wrestle Kingdom 18 in Tokyo Dome on January 4, 2024. 

Our live coverage of today’s finals begins at 2 a.m. Eastern time.

********** 

Recommended Matches

  • Master Wato, Shota Umino, Tomoaki Honma & Yuji Nagata vs. El Desperado, Minoru Suzuki, Ren Narita, & Yuto Nakashima – This was another fantastic showcase of the Ren and Umino rivalry.
  • Kosei Fujita, Mikey Nicholls, Shane Haste & Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, Oleg Boltin & Ryusuke Taguchi – This was a great example of TMDK’s potential as a unit and Oleg’s potential as a single.
  • BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi, & Yota Tsuji vs. Great-O-Khan, HENARE, Jeff Cobb & Will Ospreay – This was a solid match with a shocking finish that is sure to have effects on NJPW for some time.
  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Kazuchika Okada – There are some Okada/Naito matches that outshine this, in my opinion, but they still had a match that meets the expectations of the G1 final. It’s hard to see this as anything less than the defining rivalry of New Japan’s current era.

********** 

Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa defeated Oskar Leube & Toru Yano

This was a fun opener. The Young Lion bits of this match were delightful. Kaito tried working in his typical style despite Yano, which almost worked. Kaito won the match for his team with a shining wizard on Leube.

I hope that this isn’t the end of Kaito in NJPW, and I don’t think it is. He has been a real highlight of this G1.

Master Wato, Shota Umino, Tomoaki Honma & Yuji Nagata defeated El Desperado, Minoru Suzuki, Ren Narita, & Yuto Nakashima

This was a great multi-man. I can’t get enough of Ren and Shota; the more I see from them, the more I’m sure this will be the rivalry that defines the 20s. Suzuki and Nagata also worked an excellent sequence. The match ended with a death rider on Nakashima.

After the match, Ren and Shota started a brawl which eventually involved the whole of both teams.

Eddie Kingston, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii & YOH defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Tiger Mask & Togi Makabe

This was a fine old guy tag with Eddie Kingston and YOH. There were a couple of interesting exchanges before YOH closed the match with a superkick on Tiger Mask.

After the match, Ishii and Tenzan traded a few headbutts. 

Kosei Fujita, Mikey Nicholls, Shane Haste & Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, Oleg Boltin & Ryusuke Taguchi

This TMDK quartet is excellent in the 8-man tag setting. That said, Oleg was a real star of this match; he’s an absolute mega-star in the making. Nicholls and Haste won the match for TMDK with a tank buster on Goto.

This win leaves TMDK in a solid position to challenge Bishamon for the IWGP tag belts.

El Phantasmo, Hikuleo, Jado., Tama Tonga & Tanga Loa defeated Alex Coughlin, Chase Owens, David Finlay, Gabe Kidd & KENTA

This match focused a lot on continuing Bullet Club vs. ex-Bullet Club feud, with particular focus paid to the Tama/Finlay rivalry. Loa won the match with a quick rollup on Owens.

After the match, Bullet Club attacked the winners, but the managed to Tongans stand tall.

BUSHI, Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi, & Yota Tsuji defeated Great-O-Khan, HENARE, Jeff Cobb & Will Ospreay

Despite Ospreay’s new UK-themed belt, he was introduced as the US champion, at least the first time.

This was a chaotic match, with both factions violently struggling for control. After multiple extensive back-and-forth sequences, including false finishes, Tsuji hit Ospreay with a pair of spears and pinned the UK champion.

After the match, Eddie Kingston hit the ring, attacking HENARE, and fighting into the back.

This massive upset surely sets up a Tsuji/Ospreay singles match at some point in the future.

Dick Togo, EVIL, SHO, & Yujiro Takahashi defeated DOUKI., SANADA, Taichi. & Yoshinobu Kanemaru

This match took a little longer than usual to devolve into a HoT slog, but it still happened. Taichi tried to answer HoT’s antics with weapons of his own, but SHO countered, hitting him with a staff and the Shock Arrow to win the match.

After the match SHO posed with the KOPW belt, and EVIL attacked SANADA.

This win seemingly sets up a SHO KOPW title match at some point soon.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Kazuchika Okada

This match started with their typical warmup exchange. Okada gained the upper hand with a DDT on the apron, followed by a whip into the barricade. Back in the ring, Naito responded with a neckbreaker to gain footing. Naito then utilized simple offense to establish a lead.

Naito returned Okada’s malice, slamming Okada into the barricade; a violent neckbreaker against the barrier nearly resulted in an Okada count out. Back in the ring, Naito maintained his attack.

Okada landed a dropkick that sent Naito crashing to the floor. On the outside, Naito was able to hang on, whipping Okada back into the barricade. After a moment of hesitation, Okada caught Naito with a tombstone on the concrete floor of Ryogoku.

Okada returned to the ring, landing a suplex and a spinning rainmaker. Naito dodged the primary rainmaker, but Okada answered with a dropkick that crumbled Naito.

Once Naito returned to his feet, he spat in Okada’s face. Naito then landed the rope-assisted DDT that finished Tanahashi earlier in the tournament; neck work followed. A massive poison rana scored Naito a nearfall. Okada’s rally attempt was stuffed with a DDT and a Valencia for another nearfall.

When Naito attempted the stardust press, Okada rolled out of the way. A devastating dropkick set Okada up for another rainmaker attempt, but Naito avoided the finish. Naito secured a snug pin for another nearfall before leaping into Okada to reset the match.

Naito dodged another rainmaker and transitioned into a Destino attempt. Okada reversed the Destino into a short-arm lariat, but Okada failed to follow up again. Naito then hit Destino, but Okada kicked out.

A desperate Naito attempted a second Destino, but Okada slammed him to the mat to reverse. Okada tried again for rainmaker, but, again, Naito transitioned into Destino. Instead of going for the pin, Naito hit another Destino to cement his win. Naito then pinned Okada in the middle of the ring to close the tournament.

Naito has won the G1 Climax 33.

NJPW G1 Climax 33 semifinals live results: Naito vs. Ospreay, Okada vs. EVIL

Posted on by Chick Fritts

The semifinals of this year’s NJPW G1 Climax tournament take place today in Sumo Hall. 

In the main event, Tetsuya Naito faces Will Ospreay in a semifinals bout. Ospreay holds a 2-0 record over Naito in singles competition. 

In the semi-main, Kazuchika Okada takes on EVIL is the other semifinal. Okada is 6-2 lifetime against EVIL in singles bouts. 

Today’s winners advance to tomorrow’s finals in the same building to crown the winner of G1 Climax 33. 

Today’s full lineup: 

  • G1 Climax 33 semifinals: Tetsuya Naito vs. Will Ospreay
  • G1 Climax 33 semifinals: Kazuchika Okada vs. EVIL
  • SANADA, Taichi, TAKA Michinoku, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & DOUKI vs. Hikuleo, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, El Phantasmo & Jado
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii, Eddie Kingston & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita
  • Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI vs. Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan & HENARE
  • Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, Togi Makabe, Toru Yano & YOH vs. David Finlay, KENTA, Chase Owens, Alex Coughlin & Gabe Kidd
  • Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma vs. Minoru Suzuki & Ren Narita
  • Kaito Kiyomiya & HAYATA vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Master Wato

Our live coverage begins at 4 a.m. Eastern time. 

**********

Recommended Matches

  • Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma vs. Minoru Suzuki & Ren Narita – These two teams absolutely demolished each other in one of the best tag matches of the year.
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii, Eddie Kingston & Ryusuke Taguchi vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita – This was an incredible, well-structured tag that outshined a lot of the actual tournament.
  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Will Ospreay – If you enjoy big match Ospreay, you’ll love this. Not to say Naito didn’t put in work; this was absolutely a tournament-defining performance. No doubt, this is the type of G1 semi-final you would expect from Ospreay and Naito.

**********

Kaito Kiyomiya & HAYATA defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Master Wato

This NOAH vs. NJPW match was just fine. For most of the match, the juniors focused on each other and the heavyweights on each other. In the end, Kiyomiya won for his team by hitting Tenzan with the shining wizard.

Minoru Suzuki & Ren Narita defeated Shota Umino & Tomoaki Honma

This was fantastic. Shota and Ren beat the brakes off of each other here. Honma and Suzuki were solid throughout. In the end, Ren won the match for Strong Style by submitting Honma with a cobra twist.

David Finlay, KENTA, Chase Owens, Alex Coughlin & Gabe Kidd defeated Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, Togi Makabe, Toru Yano & YOH 

This was a goofy match with the pace set by Owens and Yano. The match continued with Finlay and Makabe trading strikes. Finlay won out, dropping Makabe with Oblivion to win the match.

Jeff Cobb, Great-O-Khan & HENARE defeated Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI

UE worked as heels throughout this match, attempting to isolate the LIJ members to maintain control. After multiple back-and-forth sequences, UE secured two submissions in the middle of the ring to win the match.

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii, Eddie Kingston & Ryusuke Taguchi defeated Zack Sabre Jr., Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita

This was another outstanding tag. The TMDK squad came out strong in this match, working to isolate Tanahashi for a significant portion. The babyface team swung back with some excellent offense, which led to some compelling sequences. The match ended after Kingston unloaded on Fujita before closing with a spinning back fist.

After the match, HENARE hit the ring and attacked Kingston, setting up a NJPW STRONG title match.

Hikuleo, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, El Phantasmo & Jado defeated SANADA, Taichi, TAKA Michinoku, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & DOUKI

This was a reasonably by-the-book 10-man with a couple of athletic sequences and a bit of tomfoolery. The match ended when Hikuleo landed a chokeslam on TAKA; ELP then dragged Jado on top of TAKA to secure the pin.

After the match, the War Dogs surrounded the ring but failed to strike.

Okada defeated Evil

This was not good.

Evil opened the match by jumping Okada and brutalizing him outside the ring. Dick Togo hit Okada with a chair for a nearfall.

Okada powered through Evil’s advance with some strikes of his own to establish some footing. Okada then took the action to the outside himself, whipping Evil into the barricade and driving him to the floor.

After a referee bump, SHO and Yujiro hit the ring and attacked Okada. Okada barely survived the first attack, but many more followed, including a Togo wire choke. Evil dropped Okada with a lariat for a nearfall.

Okada reversed Evil’s finish into a suplex, which he followed with some of his signature offenses. Evil avoided Okada’s attempt to finish and hit Everything is Evil; Okada kicked out. Okada hit an Everything is Evil of his own, followed by a cobra flowsion and a rainmaker to win the match.

Okada is one step closer to his third G1 in a row with this win.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Will Ospreay

This match opened with an extended feeling out sequence. As the match picked up, Ospreay chopped Naito to the floor before landing a plancha.

Back in the ring, the pair jockeyed for control. Naito tried his best to keep Ospreay on the mat, but Ospreay sprung back and knocked Naito to the floor. Naito met Ospreay on the apron and drove him into the ring’s canvas and the floor with a pair of neckbreakers.

Naito returned to the ropes, hit Ospreay with Gloria, and returned to mat work. Ospreay avoided the poison-rana and landed an insane dive from the top and a Liger bomb in response.

Naito reversed the hidden blade with a dropkick and avoided the OsCutter. When Ospreay attempted another powerbomb, Naito reversed into a snug DDT. A second DDT and Valencia scored Naito a nearfall.

Naito attempted stardust press, missed, and ate a hidden blade for even trying, but Ospreay was unable to make the cover.

Ospreay pummeled Naito with kicks before attempting ground and pound, but the referee pulled him off, forcing a standing count. Naito beat the count and ate another hidden blade; Naito kicked out. Ospreay landed OsCutter; Naito kicked out again. Ospreay hit stardust press; Naito kicked out once more. Ospreay attempted Storm Breaker; Naito reversed into a quick pin, nearly stealing a win.

Naito dodged another hidden blade but immediately collapsed. Naito avoided more offense by falling before reversing a Storm Breaker into Destino; Ospreay kicked out, and Naito hit a second Destino and pinned Ospreay to win the match.

The finals are set. Naito and Okada clash tomorrow for the G1 Climax 33.

NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 17 live results: Quarterfinals

Posted on by Chick Fritts

NJPW’s G1 Climax 33 field will be whittled down to four following today’s quarterfinals show in Chiba.

IWGP World Heavyweight Champion and A Block winner SANADA (7-0, 14 points) will face former tag team partner and C Block second place finisher EVIL (5-2, 10 points) on today’s show in a quarterfinals matchup. 

B Block winner Kazuchika Okada (6-1, 12 points), a four-time G1 winner, will take on D Block second place finisher Zack Sabre Jr. (5-2, 10 points) today in another quarterfinals bout. 

C Block winner David Finlay (5-2, 10 points) will face B Block second place finisher Will Ospreay (5-2, 10 points) in today’s quarterfinals. 

D Block winner Tetsuya Naito (5-2, 10 points) will take on A Block second place finisher Hikuleo (4-3, 8 points) in the other quarterfinals bout today. 

Today’s winners will advance to Saturday’s semifinals round. 

Our live coverage begins at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time.

**********

Recommended Matches

  • Will Ospreay vs. David Finlay – The best match in either man’s tournament.
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Zack Sabre Jr. – This was main event Okada with all of the normal fixings.

Yota Tsuji, Hiromu Takahashi, & Shingo Takagi defeated Kosei Fujita, Mikey Nicholls, & Shane Haste

This was a decent opening tag that allowed Fujita to shine. In the end, all three LIJ members focused Fujita before Hiromu closed with timebomb.

Shota Umino, El Phantasmo, Tanga Loa, & Tama Tonga defeated Minoru Suzuki, Ren Narita, El Desperado, & Hiroyoshi Tenzan

This match bounced between greatness and something significantly lesser. Ren and Shota have insane chemistry, and the stories being told by both men are engrossing; everything else in the match was not good. In the end, ELP won with his superkick and a pin on Tenzan.

Chase Owens, KENTA, Alex Coughlin, & Gabe Kidd defeated Taichi, DOUKI, TAKA Michinoku, &Yoshinobu Kanemaru

This was a silly faction battle. Both teams played dirty, with the more serious War Dogs being downright nasty at times. In the end, Kidd won by distracting the referee and dropping TAKA with a right hand.

Hiroshi Tanahashi, Eddie Kingston, and Tomohiro Ishii defeated Great-O-Khan, HENARE, & Jeff Cobb

This was a high-impact six-man. After a bunch of competitive exchanges, HENARE attempted to hit Kingston with Streets of Rage; Kingston escaped, hit the spinning back fist, and pinned HENARE.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Hikuleo

This was a fairly nothing match. It wasn’t horrible, just awfully uninteresting. 

Early on, Naito started working Hikleo’s leg. A grounded Hikuleo struggled to get much going before reversing a DDT into a last ride. Naito escaped the chokeslam multiple times, each time gaining more than he did the time before. After dodging a fourth finish attempt from Hikuleo, Naito hit Destino and won the match to advance.

Will Ospreay defeated David Finlay 

This was a fantastic match. The action all built to the finish wonderfully, and in a rare case, the interference added to the match.

Before the match could begin, Coughlin and Kidd met Ospreay on the ramp. Cobb and O-Khan met the War Dogs, evening the sides. The War Dogs returned to the ring, saving the violence for later.

The match itself opened slowly, with both men looking for anything resembling an opening. Ospreay struck first with a boot and a short offensive sequence.

Finlay took the lead for the first time by taking the fight to the floor. Finlay drove Ospreay into the barricade before setting up a table. Cobb took away Finlay’s table, prompting Finlay to spit in Cobb’s face. Cobb pushed Finlay to the floor, which forced the referee to eject him. While the referee was busy with Cobb, Coughlin and Kidd beat down Ospreay before serving him to Finlay in the ring. Finlay maintained this lead for some time, withstanding multiple Ospreay comebacks.

Finlay tried setting up his table again, but Ospreay hit him with an OsCutter on the apron. Ospreay set Finlay on the table, but Kidd made the save and ate a superkick for his troubles. Once Ospreay cleared his distraction, he drove Finlay through the table with a powerbomb.

Back in the ring, Finlay ate an OsCutter for a nearfall. Ospreay then climbed to the top rope and went for Leap of Fate, but Finlay pulled the referee on top of himself. The referee was out for some time, prompting the War Dogs to beat down Ospreay. The previously ejected United Empire returned from the back and made the save.

Once the fog cleared, Ospreay attempted Hidden Blade, but Finlay was ready with his shillelagh. After dropping Ospreay with his weapon, a second referee entered the match for a nearfall. Finlay attempted to close with Oblivion, but Ospreay reversed into a cutter. Ospreay then tried for Hidden Blade twice, hitting on his second attempt before closing with Storm Breaker.

Ospreay and Naito are now set to collide in the semi-finals.

EVIL defeated SANADA

This was bad—one of the worst matches in the tournament, even.

Before the match could begin, Dick Togo went to the back, leaving the two competitors to fight alone.

The match opened slow, with the former faction mates feeling each other out. As soon as SANADA gained an advantage, EVIL waved to the back, and Togo returned to ringside—he was gone for 90 seconds.

EVIL then attacked SANADA on the floor, driving him into the barricade and attacking him with chairs. Meanwhile, Togo was removing a turnbuckle pad from the ring. Once the match returned to the ring, SANADA whipped him into the exposed corner.

SANADA eventually sprung back, working a hold before shoving EVIL into Togo. EVIL and SANADA traded low blows before Togo pulled the referee from the ring and began to choke SANADA with his wire.

SANADA reversed the Magic Killer, dropped EVIL with a swinging neckbreaker, and Togo with a shining wizard. SANADA hit a moonsault and attempted deadfall, but EVIL raked his eyes. After another back and forth, EVIL reversed deadfall again and hit Everything is Evil to win the match and advance to the semi-finals.

Even if EVIL doesn’t win the tournament, the win all but guarantees an EVIL/SANADA IWGP Championship match. Have mercy on our souls.

Kazuchika Okada defeated Zack Sabre Jr.

The early game saw ZSJ upsetting Okada with a few kicks. Okada followed up by taking ZSJ to the floor and slamming him into the barricades. A draping DDT from the barrier established a strong lead for Okada, which he maintained in the ring.

ZSJ caught Okada in a hold to gain some footing. ZSJ worked Okada on the ground, but Okada powered to his feet and dropped ZSJ with an air raid crash.

Once standing, the pair traded strikes. Okada hit a landslide, and ZSJ answered with a Zack Driver. They then traded strikes from the ground before fighting to their feet.

ZSJ reversed a rainmaker into a lariat of his own. Okada knocked ZSJ with a dropkick but ZSJ rolled through and leveled Okada with a penalty kick; Okada kicked out at one. Okada hit ZSJ with another dropkick, and ZSJ sprung back to his feet, triggering a slap off. Okada won out with a lariat.

Okada attempted another rainmaker, but ZSJ caught him in a stretch. Okada powered out and dropped ZSJ with the rainmaker to win the match.

Okada is now set to face EVIL in the semis.

NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 16 live results: D Block finals

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Five wrestlers remain mathematically alive for the final two quarterfinals spots in NJPW’s G1 Climax 33 tournament heading into today’s show. 

The most likely scenarios will see the winners of today’s main event and semi-main event advancing to Thursday’s quarterfinals. In the main event, Tetsuya Naito faces Hiroshi Tanahashi in a match where Naito advances with a win, while Tana needs a win and help. In the semi-main, Zack Sabre Jr. faces Hirooki Goto in a bout where both need a win and help to advance. Jeff Cobb is in a straightforward win-and-in scenario against Shane Haste. 

The full card: 

  • D Block: Tetsuya Naito (4-2, 8 points) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-3, 6 points)
  • D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. (4-2, 8 points) vs. Hirooki Goto (3-3, 6 points)
  • D Block: Jeff Cobb (4-2, 8 points) vs. Shane Haste (2-4, 4 points)
  • D Block: Toru Yano (2-4, 4 points) vs. Alex Coughlin (2-4, 4 points)
  • Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado & Ren Narita vs. Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI
  • Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma vs. Great-O-Khan & HENARE
  • Hikuleo, Shota Umino & Master Wato vs. David Finlay, Gabe Kidd & Gedo
  • Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa vs. Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita
  • Eddie Kingston & Yuto Nakashima vs. EVIL & SHO

Our live coverage begins at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time.

**********

Recommended Matches

  • Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Hirooki Goto – This match was a fantastic culmination of story threads established through the tournament.
  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi – This was one of the tournament’s best matches. Tanahashi remains incredible, in case there was any doubt. 

EVIL & SHO defeated Eddie Kingston & Yuto Nakashima

This was a typical, tired House of Torture match. Towards the end of the babyface rally, Nakashima was left alone in the ring; SHO took this opportunity to drop him with a wrench strike and a Shock Arrow to win the match.

Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita defeated Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa 

This match was a hoot. The Young Lions were ambitious throughout the match, leading into the final stretch. Ultimately, Nicholls won the bout for TMDK by hitting Oiwa with a sliding lariat.

Hikuleo, Shota Umino & Master Wato defeated David Finlay, Gabe Kidd & Gedo

This was a by-the-book six-man. Wato won the match for his team by forcing Gedo to submit to Vendaval. After the match, Bullet Club beat down the winners and stood tall with their belts.

Great-O-Khan & HENARE defeated Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma 

This was an entertaining match built around United Empire’s desire to kill Ishii. In the end, HENARE won the match by dropping Honma with Streets of Rage.

After the match, O-Khan gave MMA fighter/Pro Wrestler Hideki Sekine a ribbon.

Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado & Ren Narita defeated Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI

This was a solid LIJ/Strong Style match. There were some fun exchanges between Suzuki/Shingo and Ren/BUSHI. In the end, Ren won the match for Strong Style with a cobra twist on BUSHI.

Alex Coughlin defeated Toru Yano

While not horrible, this felt more like a House of Torture match than a War Dogs match. Before the match could begin, Gabe Kidd and Coughlin attacked Yano with chairs and barricades. Yano fought back, driving Kidd through a table. Yano tried stabbing Coughlin with scissors, distracting the referee long enough for Coughlin to hit Yano with a belt and the jackhammer to win the match.

Coughlin ends his tournament with 6 points, Yano 4.

Double Count Out: Jeff Cobb vs. Shane Haste

Haste, essentially playing spoiler on behalf of TMDK, worked a very aggressive match here. Cobb, with his tournament on the line, matched Haste’s energy. The fight worked its way to the floor, where Haste’s strategy began to play out; Haste kept Cobb on the floor as the count climbed, eventually holding him down to force the count out.

This result leaves Cobb with 9 points, which is still leading the block but makes him much more vulnerable to the results from later tonight. 

Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Hirooki Goto

ZSJ focused on wearing down an already worn down Goto. Goto fired back with well-timed bombs, forcing ZSJ on the backfoot multiple times. ZSJ won out in the end by submitting Goto on the mat.

This win puts ZSJ at 10 points, which secures his spot in the playoffs.

Tetsuya Naito defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi

This was a simple, rock-solid Tanahashi masterclass. Tanahashi’s slow build to Ace’s High and High Fly Flow was incredible. Naito won the match in the end with a tornado DDT which echoed through the building. 

This win secures Naito’s spot in the playoffs. He stands atop the block with 10 points.

Quarter-Final Playoff Matches

Tonight marks the end of block action and finalizes the lineup for the playoffs. 

  • SANADA vs. EVIL
  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • David Finlay vs. Will Ospreay
  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Hikuleo

**********

Standings

A Block

  • SANADA (7-0) – 14 points
  • Hikuleo (4-3) – 8 points
  • Yota Tsuji (3-3-1) – 7 points
  • Shota Umino (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Kaito Kiyomiya (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Ren Narita (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Gabe Kidd (2-4-1) 5 points
  • Chase Owens (2-5) – 4 points

B Block

  • Kazuchika Okada (6-1) – 12 points
  • Will Ospreay (6-2) 10 points
  • Taichi (3-4) – 6 points
  • El Phantasmo (3-4) 6 points
  • Tanga Loa (3-4) 6 points
  • KENTA (3-4) 6 points
  • Great-O-Khan (3-4) 6 points
  • YOSHI-HASHI (2-5) – 4 points

C Block

  • David Finlay (5-2) – 10 points
  • EVIL (5-2) – 10 points
  • Tama Tonga (4-2-1) – 9 points
  • Eddie Kingston (4-3) – 8 points
  • Shingo Takagi (3-3-1) – 7 points
  • Mikey Nicholls (2-5) – 4 points
  • HENARE (2-5) – 4 points
  • Tomohiro Ishii (2-5) – 4 points

D Block

  • Zack Sabre Jr. (5-2) – 10 points
  • Tetsuya Naito (5-2) – 10 points
  • Jeff Cobb (4-2-1) – 9 points
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-4) – 6 points
  • Hirooki Goto (3-4) – 6 points
  • Alex Coughlin (3-4) – 6 points
  • Shane Haste (2-4-1) – 5 points
  • Toru Yano (2-5) – 4 points

NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 15 live results: C Block finals

Posted on by Chick Fritts

C Block’s representatives in the NJPW G1 Climax 33 quarterfinals will be decided tonight on the final night of C Block bouts. 

Five wrestlers remain mathematically alive for the two playoff spots heading into the final night. The most likely scenarios involve the winners of the semi-main event and main event advancing. 

Shingo Takagi faces EVIL in the main event, with EVIL advancing with a draw or a victory. Shingo needs a win to advance. In the semi-main, the winner of Eddie Kingston vs. David Finlay will advance to the quarterfinals. Tama Tonga must defeat HENARE and have an unlikely double DQ finish in Finlay vs. Kingston to advance. 

The full card: 

  • C Block: EVIL (4-2, 8 points) vs. Shingo Takagi (3-2-1, 7 points)
  • C Block: Eddie Kingston (4-2, 8 points) vs. David Finlay (4-2, 8 points)
  • C Block: Tama Tonga (3-2-1, 7 points) vs. HENARE (2-4, 4 points)
  • C Block: Mikey Nicholls (2-4, 4 points) vs. Tomohiro Ishii (1-5, 2 points)
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Master Wato vs. Tetsuya Naito, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI
  • Zack Sabre Jr., Shane Haste & Kosei Fujita vs. Hirooki Goto, YOH & Oskar Leube
  • Hikuleo, Shota Umino & Jado vs. Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado & Ren Narita
  • Toru Yano & Tomoaki Honma vs. Alex Coughlin & Gabe Kidd
  • Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa vs. Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan

Our live coverage begins at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time. 

**********

Recommended Matches

  • Eddie Kingston vs. David Finlay – Finlay had a score to settle, Eddie had a dream to fulfill, and the winner advanced to the playoffs. With sky-high stakes, this was the most emotional Eddie match in the tournament. 

  • Tomohiro Ishii vs. Mikey Nicholls – This was a hard-hitting Ishii match with a strong performance from Nicholls.

**********

Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan defeated Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa 

This was a solid tag. Most of the match was built on UE controlling Oiwa, leading to a Kaito hot tag. After tagging back in, UE continued their focus on Oiwa, allowing Cobb to close with Eliminator. 

Alex Coughlin & Gabe Kidd defeated Toru Yano & Tomoaki Honma

If you can somehow imagine, this War Dogs match was violent. It was amusing to see the focused War Dogs clash with the goofy personalities of Honma and Yano. To close, Kidd bumped the ref and dropped Honma with a closed fist to win the match.

After the match, the War Dogs beat down Yano ahead of Coughlin’s G1 match tomorrow. While walking to the back, Coughlin threatened Yano with death. 

Minoru Suzuki, El Desperado & Ren Narita defeated Hikuleo, Shota Umino & Jado

This was a reasonably by-the-numbers tag with some firey sequences between Ren and Shota; every time they’re in the ring together, it feels like we’re on the verge of a generational rivalry. Ren was able to win the match for his team by submitting Jado with a cobra twist.

After the match, Shota and Ren traded a couple of slaps.

Zack Sabre Jr., Shane Haste & Kosei Fujita defeated Hirooki Goto, YOH & Oskar Leube

This was another absolutely solid tag. The exchanges between YOH and Fujita were fantastic. In the end, Haste won with a massive powerbomb, pinning Oskar Leube.

After the match, YOH and Fujita traded licks, prompting Goto and ZSJ to break it up. A tense staredown between ZSJ and Goto followed.

Tetsuya Naito, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe & Master Wato 

This was a bit of a slog compared to the other tags on this card. The most compelling part of this match, the Makabe and Tsuji section, was clumsy at best. This awkward sequence was the end, with Tsuji hitting a stomp, falcon arrow, and a spear to win the match.

After the match, Naito attacked Tanahahsi, focusing on his leg, which he had spent a lot of time working on during the match.

Tomohiro Ishii defeated Mikey Nicholls

Unsurprisingly, this was an intense encounter. Nicholls dropped Ishii on his head repeatedly, scoring a couple of nearfalls. Ishii fired back with a fierce rally, leading to a brainbuster that won Ishii the match.

This result leaves both men with 4 points to finish the tournament.

Tama Tonga defeated HENARE

This did little-to-nothing for me. HENARE worked heelishly throughout, opening the door for a Tama comeback. After surviving a rampage, Tama caught HENARE with a fist and a double under-hook driver to win the match.

This win put Tama at 9 points, ahead of everyone else in C block for the time being. HENARE’s tournament is over with 4 points.

David Finlay defeated Eddie Kingston 

This was one of my favorite matches of the tournament. Eddie’s energy was palpable in this match. Finlay was forced to wrestle downright hateful in response to Eddie’s grit. The finish saw Finlay avoiding a back fist before landing a spear and Oblivion to win the match.

After the match, Finlay stomped on Eddie’s NJPW STRONG title while holding the NEVER belt high.

This win eliminated Eddie from the tournament and secured Finlay’s spot in the elite 8 with 10 points. Finlay is set to face Will Ospreay on Thursday in the quarter-finals.

EVIL defeated Shingo Takagi

EVIL worked dirty from the opening bell. As Shingo fired back, House of Torture made their presence felt. After a referee bump, HoT attacked Shingo, forcing LIJ to make the save. A prolonged, chaotic faction war ended with a low blow, and Everything is Evil.

This win secured EVIL’s spot in the playoffs with 10 points. 

**********

Standings

A Block

  • SANADA (7-0) – 14 points
  • Hikuleo (4-3) – 8 points
  • Yota Tsuji (3-3-1) – 7 points
  • Shota Umino (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Kaito Kiyomiya (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Ren Narita (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Gabe Kidd (2-4-1) 5 points
  • Chase Owens (2-5) – 4 points

B Block

  • Kazuchika Okada (6-1) – 12 points
  • Will Ospreay (6-2) 10 points
  • Taichi (3-4) – 6 points
  • El Phantasmo (3-4) 6 points
  • Tanga Loa (3-4) 6 points
  • KENTA (3-4) 6 points
  • Great-O-Khan (3-4) 6 points
  • YOSHI-HASHI (2-5) – 4 points

C Block

  • David Finlay (5-2) – 10 points
  • EVIL (5-2) – 10 points
  • Tama Tonga (4-2-1) – 9 points
  • Eddie Kingston (4-3) – 8 points
  • Shingo Takagi (3-3-1) – 7 points
  • Mikey Nicholls (2-5) – 4 points
  • HENARE (2-5) – 4 points
  • Tomohiro Ishii (2-5) – 4 points

D Block

  • Jeff Cobb (4-2) – 8 points
  • Zack Sabre Jr. (4-2) – 8 points
  • Tetsuya Naito (4-2) – 8 points
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-3) – 6 points
  • Hirooki Goto (3-3) – 6 points
  • Shane Haste (2-4) – 4 points
  • Alex Coughlin (2-4) – 4 points
  • Toru Yano (2-4) – 4 points

Two B Block wrestlers advance to NJPW G1 Climax 33 quarterfinals

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Two wrestlers advanced to the quarterfinals of NJPW’s G1 Climax 33 tournament on  Sunday on the final night of B Block matches. 

Kazuchika Okada claimed first place in B Block with a 6-1 record and 12 points, defeating Tanga Loa on Sunday. Okada had already secured a spot in the quarterfinals, but now enters the knockout rounds with a top seed. In Sunday’s main event, Will Ospreay defeated El Phantasmo to finish second in B Block, earning a spot in the Thursday, August 10 quarterfinals. 

Entering Sunday’s show, Ospreay was in position to advance with a win or a draw against ELP, while Phantasmo could have knocked Ospreay out of contention and secured second place with a win. 

As it stands, Okada will take on the second place finisher from D Block on Thursday, while Ospreay will challenge the C Block winner. 

The tournament continues on Tuesday, August 8 with the C Block Finals, while the D Block finals will be held on Wednesday, August 9. The quarterfinals are set for Thursday, August 10, the semifinals for Saturday, August 12, and the finals will be held on Sunday, August 13.

Our report from Sunday’s show is available here.

The current quarterfinals lineup for Thursday, August 10: 

  • A Block winner SANADA vs. C Block second place finisher
  • B Block winner Kazuchika Okada vs. D Block second place finisher
  • C Block winner vs. B Block second place finisher Will Ospreay
  • D Block winner vs. A Block second place finisher Hikuleo

The final B Block standings: 

  • Kazuchika Okada (6-1) 12 points
  • Will Ospreay (5-2) 10 points
  • Taichi (3-4) 6 points
  • El Phantasmo (3-4) 6 points
  • Tanga Loa (3-4) 6 points
  • KENTA (3-4) 6 points
  • Great-O-Khan (3-4) 6 points
  • YOSHI-HASHI (2-5) 4 points

NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 14 live results: B Block finals

Posted on by Chick Fritts

B Block’s representatives in the NJPW G1 Climax 33 quarterfinals will be decided tonight on the final night of B Block bouts. 

The winner of tonight’s Will Ospreay vs. El Phantasmo main event will join Kazuchika Okada in representing B Block in Thursday’s quarterfinals. Ospreay can advance with a win or a draw, while ELP must beat Ospreay to advance. 

Tonight’s card: 

  • B Block: Will Ospreay (4-2, 8 points) vs. El Phantasmo (3-3, 6 points)
  • B Block: Kazuchika Okada (5-1, 10 points) vs. Tanga Loa (3-3, 6 points)
  • B Block: Taichi (3-3, 6 points) vs. Great-O-Khan (2-4, 4 points)
  • B Block: YOSHI-HASHI (2-4, 4 points) vs. KENTA (2-4, 4 points)
  • Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI vs. EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi, SHO & Dick Togo
  • Eddie Kingston & Togi Makabe vs. David Finlay & Chase Owens
  • Tama Tonga & Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Jeff Cobb & HENARE
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita
  • Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa vs. SANADA & DOUKI

Our live coverage begins at 1 a.m. Eastern time. 

**********

SANADA & DOUKI defeated Kaito Kiyomiya & Ryohei Oiwa

With Kaito’s tournament being over, this match lacked any real urgency, but this was an entertaining open. Oiwa showed up strong, challenging SANADA in the closing sequence before submitting to Skull End.

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii defeated Mikey Nicholls & Kosei Fujita

This was another fun tag. In more ways than one, this was a tale of two matches with some particularly intense sequences between Nicholls and Ishii while Tanahashi focused Fujita. Tanahashi’s attention paid off as he forced Fujita to submit with the cloverleaf. 

After the match, Ishii and Nicholls came to blows again, forcing the ring crew to break them up.

Jeff Cobb & HENARE defeated Tama Tonga & Hiroyoshi Tenzan 

This was a totally average match. The closing stretch was Cobb beating down Tenzan before dropping him with Tour of the Islands to win.

David Finlay & Chase Owens defeated Eddie Kingston & Togi Makabe

While not very exciting, this was at least a competitive match, especially when Kingston and Finlay squared off. Finlay won the match for Bullet Club after ending a Makabe rally with Oblivion.

After the match, Kingston and Finlay had a brief staredown ahead of their G1 encounter in Yokohama.

Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi, Yota Tsuji & BUSHI vs. EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi, SHO & Dick Togo

It didn’t take long for this to devolve into a archetypal House of Torture match. LIJ tried their best to keep up, with Naito eventually landing Destino on Togo for the pinfall win.

After the match, EVIL attacked Shingo and tried to shave his head, but LIJ made the save.

KENTA defeated YOSHI-HASHI

This was just KENTA beating the brakes off of YH. KENTA’s attack backfired when he hit himself in the face with a metal staff, opening the door for a YH rally. KENTA cut off YH’s rally with a quick cradle to win the match and earn two more points.

Both of these guys were already eliminated from playoff contention, so this match didn’t change anything in the outcome of the tournament. 

Great-O-Khan defeated Taichi

O-Khan wrestled an aggressive match here, maintaining control for quite some time. This turned the match into a ground war, lasting for most of the remaining runtime. After working a head an arm choke for minutes, O-Khan forced Taichi to submit.

This loss eliminated Taichi from playoff contention. O-Khan was already ineligible. 

Kazuchika Okada defeated Tanga Loa

Okada was coasting through the early portion of this match, which opened the door for Loa. Loa’s attempts at offense weren’t enough, as a rainmaker marked the end of Loa’s G1.

This win secures Okada first place in B block with 12 points.

Will Ospreay defeated El Phantasmo

This, unsurprisingly, was a highly athletic match filled with dives, speed sequences, and false finishes; if that sounds enticing, this match is for you. The crowd absolutely ate this up, especially as the time limit grew closer. ELP survived an OsCutter and a hidden blade, forcing Ospreay to close with the tiger driver.

This win earned Ospreay his spot in the playoffs.

**********

Standings

A Block

  • SANADA (7-0) – 14 points
  • Hikuleo (4-3) – 8 points
  • Yota Tsuji (3-3-1) – 7 points
  • Shota Umino (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Kaito Kiyomiya (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Ren Narita (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Gabe Kidd (2-4-1) 5 points
  • Chase Owens (2-5) – 4 points

B Block

  • Kazuchika Okada (6-1) – 12 points
  • Will Ospreay (6-2) 10 points
  • Taichi (3-4) – 6 points
  • El Phantasmo (3-4) 6 points
  • Tanga Loa (3-4) 6 points
  • KENTA (3-4) 6 points
  • Great-O-Khan (3-4) 6 points
  • YOSHI-HASHI (2-5) – 4 points

C Block

  • David Finlay (4-2) – 8 points
  • EVIL (4-2) – 8 points
  • Eddie Kingston (4-2) – 8 points
  • Tama Tonga (3-2-1) – 7 points
  • Shingo Takagi (3-2-1) – 7 points
  • Mikey Nicholls (2-4) – 4 points
  • HENARE (2-4) – 4 points
  • Tomohiro Ishii (1-5) – 2 points

D Block

  • Jeff Cobb (4-2) – 8 points
  • Zack Sabre Jr. (4-2) – 8 points
  • Tetsuya Naito (4-2) – 8 points
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-3) – 6 points
  • Hirooki Goto (3-3) – 6 points
  • Shane Haste (2-4) – 4 points
  • Alex Coughlin (2-4) – 4 points
  • Toru Yano (2-4) – 4 points

NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 13 live results: A Block finals

Posted on by Chick Fritts

A Block’s representatives in the NJPW G1 Climax 33 quarterfinals will be decided tonight on the final night of A Block bouts. 

SANADA has already secured a spot in the quarterfinals on Thursday with his 12 points, and A Block’s second place finisher is most likely to be decided by tonight’s Shota Umino vs. Hikuleo main event. 

Umino, Hikuleo, Gabe Kidd, Yota Tsuji, and Kaito Kiyomiya all remain mathematically alive heading into tonight’s show, however. 

Tonight’s card: 

  • A Block: Shota Umino (2-2-2, 6 points) vs. Hikuleo (3-3, 6 points)
  • A Block: SANADA (6-0, 12 points) vs. Chase Owens (2-4, 4 points)
  • A Block: Yota Tsuji (2-3-1, 5 points) vs. Gabe Kidd (2-3-1, 5 points)
  • A Block: Kaito Kiyomiya (2-2-2, 6 points) vs. Ren Narita (1-3-2, 4 points)
  • Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa & Hiroyoshi Tenzan
  • Will Ospreay & HENARE vs. Togi Makabe & El Phantasmo
  • Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi & BUSHI vs. EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi & SHO
  • Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI & YOH vs. David Finlay, KENTA & Gedo
  • Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan vs. Taichi & DOUKI

Our live coverage begins at 4 a.m. Eastern time. 

**********

Recommended Matches

  • Yota Tsuji vs. Gabe Kidd – These men beat the breaks off of each other in both men’s last attempts to make the playoffs.
  • Ren Narita vs. Kaito Kiyomiya – With Kaito’s tournament life on the line, he left it all in the ring.

**********

Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan defeated Taichi & DOUKI

This was a hard-hitting opening match. After multiple strike and move exchanges, O-Khan secured his iron claw submission, forcing DOUKI to tap. 

Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI & YOH defeated David Finlay, KENTA & Gedo

This was a Bullet Club match, through and through. This match was structured around the heel trio keeping the heels isolated. The ending sequence featured YOH and Gedo, which ended with a YOH superkick; YOH then pinned Gedo for the win.

EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi & SHO defeated Tetsuya Naito, Shingo Takagi & BUSHI 

Unsurprisingly, this was a typical HOT match. The LIJ trio fought back as they could, but in the end BUSHI fell to Everything is Evil.

Will Ospreay & HENARE defeated Togi Makabe & El Phantasmo

In a change of pace, this match was quite light-hearted in the opening moments. The match picked up in the later end, with the UE pair isolating Makabe before HENARE won with Streets of Rage.

Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii defeated Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa & Hiroyoshi Tenzan

This was a competitive match, with GoD and Tenzan providing an adequate challenge for the trio champions. In the end, it wasn’t enough as a High Fly Flow and a sliding lariat scored a win for Ishii, Okada, and Tanahashi.

Yota Tsuji defeated Gabe Kidd

This was a great match.

Tsuji sent his twin brother as a decoy to prevent Kidd’s pre-match attack, scoring him an advantage in the early game. In the ring, the action was intense, with both men lying into each other. The match came to an explosive end once Tsuji hit his spear.

This win moved Tsuji into second place in A block, putting the pressure on for the matches that are to follow.

Ren Narita defeated Kaito Kiyomiya

Narita and Kaito went to war here. In a dynamic, exciting bout, Kaito bombed Narita with a string of big moves. As Kaito looked to close, Narita reversed into a suplex and eeked out a win.

This heartwrenching loss eliminated Kaito from playoff contention.

SANADA defeated Chase Owens

Given Chase’s unfavorability in this, it took a lot of work to buy into. Chase controlled a large portion of this match, attacking SANADA in the ring and out, but in the end, SANADA won out with Deadfall.

SANADA’s perfect G1 continues, advancing to 14 points.

Hikuleo defeated Shota Umino

Shota worked simply, trying to take ok Hikuleo’s legs, while Hikuleo worked to out-power Shota at every turn. The match developed, with both men throwing everything at one another. A sudden scoop slam opened the door for a Hikuleo chokeslam to win the match.

This win secures Hikuleo his 8th point and his spot in the playoffs.

**********

Standings

A Block

  • SANADA (7-0) – 12 points
  • Hikuleo (4-3) – 8 points
  • Yota Tsuji (3-3-1) – 7 points
  • Shota Umino (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Kaito Kiyomiya (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Ren Narita (2-3-2) – 6 points
  • Gabe Kidd (2-4-1) 5 points
  • Chase Owens (2-5) – 4 points

B Block

  • Kazuchika Okada (5-1) – 10 points
  • Will Ospreay (4-2) 8 points
  • Taichi (3-3) – 6 points
  • El Phantasmo (3-3) 6 points
  • Tanga Loa (3-3) 6 points
  • YOSHI-HASHI (2-4) – 4 points
  • KENTA (2-4) 4 points
  • Great-O-Khan (2-4) 4 points

C Block

  • David Finlay (4-2) – 8 points
  • EVIL (4-2) – 8 points
  • Eddie Kingston (4-2) – 8 points
  • Tama Tonga (3-2-1) – 7 points
  • Shingo Takagi (3-2-1) – 7 points
  • Mikey Nicholls (2-4) – 4 points
  • HENARE (2-4) – 4 points
  • Tomohiro Ishii (1-5) – 2 points

D Block

  • Jeff Cobb (4-2) – 8 points
  • Zack Sabre Jr. (4-2) – 8 points
  • Tetsuya Naito (4-2) – 8 points
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-3) – 6 points
  • Hirooki Goto (3-3) – 6 points
  • Shane Haste (2-4) – 4 points
  • Alex Coughlin (2-4) – 4 points
  • Toru Yano (2-4) – 4 points

NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 12 live results: Shingo vs. Finlay

Posted on by Chick Fritts

C Block and D Block hit the home stretch on night 12 of the NJPW G1 Climax 33 tournament. 

Just one night of Block matches will remain for each group following tonight’s show, headlined by Shingo Takagi (5 points) vs. David Finlay (8 points). 

In the semi-main, Zack Sabre Jr. (8 points) faces Tetsuya Naito (6 points) in another potentially pivotal battle. 

The full lineup: 

  • C Block: David Finlay (4-1, 8 points) vs. Shingo Takagi (2-2-1, 5 points)
  • D Block: Zack Sabre Jr. (4-1, 8 points) vs. Tetsuya Naito (3-2, 6 points)
  • C Block: Tama Tonga (3-1-1, 7 points) vs. Eddie Kingston (3-2, 6 points)
  • D Block: Jeff Cobb (4-1, 8 points) vs. Hirooki Goto (2-3, 4 points)
  • C Block: Tomohiro Ishii (1-4, 2 points) vs. HENARE (1-4, 2 points)
  • D Block: Shane Haste (2-3, 4 points) vs. Toru Yano (1-4, 2 points)
  • C Block: EVIL (4-1, 8 points) vs. Mikey Nichols (1-4, 2 points)
  • D Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-2, 6 points) vs. Alex Coughlin (1-4, 2 points)

Our live coverage begins at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time. 

**********

Recommended Matches

  • Alex Coughlin vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi – This was a simple match that worked excellently in the tournament structure.
  • Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Tetsuya Naito – ZSJ’s red-hot 2023 continues with an excellent performance against Naito. Comfortably the best Naito match in the tournament. 

**********

Alex Coughlin defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi

This match featured classic Tanahashi legwork challenged by Coughlin’s power. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a lot of fun. The match ended somewhat suddenly once Coughlin powered Tanahashi into a jackhammer, resulting in a pinfall win.

While Coughlin is mathematically eliminated, this win puts him at 4 points. Tanahashi’s tournament is also on the rocks following this rock.

Mikey Nichols defeated EVIL 

This was a total House of Torture match. EVIL initially jumped Nichols and used typical HoT tactics for the rest of the bout. Kosei Fujita eventually helped Nichols clear the ring, allowing Nichols to trap EVIL with an awkward pin to score the win.

This win doesn’t do much in terms of standings. EVIL is still atop of his block with 8 points, while Nichols has been eliminated from playoff contention with only 4 points.

Toru Yano defeated Shane Haste 

From blindfolds to an under-the-ring fight, it’s fair to say Yano was Yano in this one. After a prolonged time under the ring, Haste emerged from under the ring with a bucket taped to his head. Once the bucket was removed, Yano bumped Haste, leading to the bucket falling on the referee’s head. Yano dropped Haste with a low blow, and a roll-up closed the match. 

This result keeps both men at the bottom of the block and free from playoff contention with 4 points each. 

HENARE defeated Tomohiro Ishii

This match was nothing but these guys beating the breaks off of each other. After multiple false finishes, HENARE connected with a stiff sequence of strikes, followed by Streets of Rage to secure the win. 

Both of these guys were already eliminated, but this win gets HENARE up to 4 points. 

Hirooki Goto defeated Jeff Cobb

Goto sold the damage from the tournament throughout this match, having to withstand Cobb’s freakish strength. Goto busted out some unusual offense, including a code red, which he followed with the GTR to win the match. 

This win puts Goto at 6 points, which not only keeps him in playoff contention, but opens up the playoffs for a lot of D block.

Tama Tonga vs. Eddie Kingston

Two beloved babyfaces met and had a match that fits. Tama had a lot in this, but in the end, Eddie was able to win out with a back fist and a northern lights bomb.

Eddie’s win leaves him tied with block leaders at 8 points. 

Tetsuya Naito defeated Zack Sabre Jr.

From the opening bell, this match had a decent energy about it. A large portion was spent on mat work before transitioning into a standing finishing stretch. In the closing minutes, both men threw everything at each other, but Naito was able to secure the win with an inside cradle. 

This win keeps Naito, and a lot of D block in playoff contention. 

Shingo Takagi defeated David Finlay

This was a methodical match from the open, slowly building to a table spot. Finlay eventually powerbombed Shingothrough the table, acting as a mid-match climax. After an extended period of fighting back into the match, Shingo dropped Finlay with Last of the Dragon to win the match.

Shingo advances to 7 points, making C block a chaotic pickem heading into the end of block action.

**********

Standings

A Block

  • SANADA (6-0) – 12 points
  • Shota Umino (2-2-2) – 6 points
  • Kaito Kiyomiya (2-2-2) – 6 points
  • Hikuleo (3-3) – 6 points
  • Yota Tsuji (2-3-1) – 5 points
  • Gabe Kidd (2-3-1) 5 points
  • Chase Owens (2-4) – 4 points
  • Ren Narita (1-3-2) – 4 points

B Block

  • Kazuchika Okada (5-1) – 10 points
  • Will Ospreay (4-2) 8 points
  • Taichi (3-3) – 6 points
  • El Phantasmo (3-3) 6 points
  • Tanga Loa (3-3) 6 points
  • YOSHI-HASHI (2-4) – 4 points
  • KENTA (2-4) 4 points
  • Great-O-Khan (2-4) 4 points

C Block

  • David Finlay (4-2) – 8 points
  • EVIL (4-2) – 8 points
  • Eddie Kingston (4-2) – 8 points
  • Tama Tonga (3-2-1) – 7 points
  • Shingo Takagi (3-2-1) – 7 points
  • Mikey Nicholls (2-4) – 4 points
  • HENARE (2-4) – 4 points
  • Tomohiro Ishii (1-5) – 2 points

D Block

  • Jeff Cobb (4-2) – 8 points
  • Zack Sabre Jr. (4-2) – 8 points
  • Tetsuya Naito (4-2) – 8 points
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-3) – 6 points
  • Hirooki Goto (3-3) – 6 points
  • Shane Haste (2-4) – 4 points
  • Alex Coughlin (2-4) – 4 points
  • Toru Yano (2-4) – 4 points

NJPW G1 Climax 33 night 11 live results: Okada vs. KENTA

Posted on by Chick Fritts

A Block & B Block have their penultimate Block matches today in Takamatsu as NJPW’s G1 Climax 33 tournament hits the final stretch. 

In the main event, 4-1 Kazuchika Okada looks to rebound from a loss to Will Ospreay in a bout against KENTA. 

In the semi-main, two of the proclaimed Reiwa Three Musketeers do battle, as Shota Umino battles Yota Tsuji. 

The full card: 

  • B Block: Kazuchika Okada (4-1, 8 points) vs. KENTA (2-3, 4 points)
  • A Block: Shota Umino (2-1-2, 6 points) vs. Yota Tsuji (1-2-2, 4 points)
  • B Block: Will Ospreay (4-1, 8 points) vs. Tanga Loa (2-3, 4 points)
  • A Block: SANADA (5-0, 10 points) vs. Gabe Kidd (2-2-1, 5 points)
  • B Block: Taichi (3-2, 6 points) vs. El Phantasmo (2-3, 4 points)
  • A Block: Chase Owens (2-3, 4 points) vs. Ren Narita (0-3-2, 2 points)
  • B Block: YOSHI-HASHI (2-3, 4 points) vs. Great-O-Khan (1-4, 2 points)
  • A Block: Kaito Kiyomiya (2-1-2, 6 points) vs. Hikuleo (2-3, 4 points)

Our live coverage begins at 6 a.m. Eastern time. 

**********

Recommended Matches

  • SANADA vs. Gabe Kidd – I don’t think it’s a stretch to call Kidd an MVP contender at this point—outstanding performance after outstanding performance, and this match is no exception.
  • Shota Umino vs. Yota Tsuji – This was their first meeting post-excursion, and it did not disappoint. 

**********

Hikuleo defeated Kaito Kiyomiya

This match was all about Kaito working from behind to ground the big man. Kaito slowly worked his way to a finish, but in the end, Hikuleo caught Kaito with a chokeslam to win the match.

This win leaves Hikuleo on the upper end of A Block with 6 points, keeping him alive. 

Great-O-Khan defeated YOSHI-HASHI

With YH’s tournament on the rocks, you would expect something more urgent here. Instead, O-Khan just coasted through control until YH launched a late rally. After a few nearfalls, O-Khan dropped YH with an eliminator to eliminate him from this tournament.

O-Khan played spoiler here, moving up to 4 points.

Ren Narita defeated Chase Owens

While not great, this match between two guys who are already virtually eliminated was far from awful. Ren put in a strong performance, eventually forcing Owens to submit with the cobra twist.

This win formally eliminates Owens from playoff contention. 

El Phantasmo defeated Taichi

These guys worked hard throughout this match, splitting the crowd. After extended back-and-forths and false finishes, ELP secured the Gedo clutch.

This win moves ELP to 6 points, but both men are on rocky ground in B block.

SANADA defeated Gabe Kidd

From before the opening bell, Kidd brutalized SANADA using chairs and environmental offense to take the lead. The SANADA rally that followed was one of the best in his title reign. SANADA caught Kidd with a low blow after eating a closed fist, opening up for deadfall and the win.

SANADA’s perfect run continues, making him the only man in the tournament with 12 points.

Tanga Loa defeated Will Ospreay

This match didn’t play to Ospreay’s strengths whatsoever. Both guys got a lot before Loa took the fight to the outside. On the floor, Loa threw Ospreay into the chairs as the referee’s count climbed. Before Ospreay could get back in the ring, Loa hit him with a spear and beat the count himself to win the match via countout.

This massive upset leaves Loa with 6 points, keeping himself and a lot of B block in playoff contention. 

Yota Tsuji defeated Shota Umino

This match opened hot before transitioning into a Shota control segment toward the later middle. The closing sequence saw Tsuji fight back in a furious strike exchange before attempting a spear. Umino reversed into a curb stomp but failed to hit the Death Rider; instead, Tsuji freed himself and connected with the spear to win.

This win moves Tsuji to 5 points, keeping himself and a lot of A Block alive in the process. 

Kazuchika Okada defeated KENTA

An underdog KENTA forced Okada to work from behind for the duration of this match. KENTA utilized weapons and wear-down offense to maintain a lead for most of the runtime. Regardless, Okada was able to hit the rainmaker to win the match.

This win makes Okada the only person in B block with 10 points, ensuring his place in the playoffs and eliminating KENTA, YOSHI-HASHI, and Great-O-Khan.

**********

Standings

A Block

  • SANADA (6-0) – 12 points
  • Shota Umino (2-2-2) – 6 points
  • Kaito Kiyomiya (2-2-2) – 6 points
  • Hikuleo (3-3) – 6 points
  • Yota Tsuji (2-3-1) – 5 points
  • Gabe Kidd (2-3-1) 5 points
  • Chase Owens (2-4) – 4 points
  • Ren Narita (1-3-2) – 4 points

B Block

  • Kazuchika Okada (5-1) – 10 points
  • Will Ospreay (4-2) 8 points
  • Taichi (3-3) – 6 points
  • El Phantasmo (3-3) 6 points
  • Tanga Loa (3-3) 6 points
  • YOSHI-HASHI (2-4) – 4 points
  • KENTA (2-4) 4 points
  • Great-O-Khan (2-4) 4 points

C Block

  • David Finlay (4-1) – 8 points
  • EVIL (4-1) – 8 points
  • Tama Tonga (3-1-1) – 7 points
  • Eddie Kingston (3-2) – 6 points
  • Shingo Takagi (2-2-1) – 5 points
  • HENARE (1-4) – 2 points
  • Mikey Nicholls (1-4) – 2 points
  • Tomohiro Ishii (1-4) – 2 points

D Block

  • Jeff Cobb (4-1) – 8 points
  • Zack Sabre Jr. (4-1) – 8 points
  • Tetsuya Naito (3-2) – 6 points
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi (3-2) – 6 points
  • Hirooki Goto (2-3) – 4 points
  • Shane Haste (2-3) – 4 points
  • Alex Coughlin (1-4) – 2 points
  • Toru Yano (1-4) – 2 points