Tag: g1 results

NJPW G1 Climax 30 night 15 results: Okada vs Ishii

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Yuya Uemura defeated Gabriel Kidd

Kidd scored a takedown in the early going and began working over the entirety of Uemura. Uemura was able to scramble free and secure Kidd’s left arm in the process. Kidd was forced to resort to the ropes and sneak in some strikes to free his arm.

Once free, Kidd landed a suplex and tried securing the arms for his new finish. Uemura recaptured arm control as Kidd let his guard down. Uemura’s arm work was cut short by a stomp to the chest and an echoing slap nearly left him unconscious. 

A strike exchange ended with a Kidd dropkick. Kidd tried again for his double-arm suplex and Uemura slipped free. Uemura used a quick arm drag to take the match briefly to the ground.

Uemura then hoisted Kidd up in double overhooks and landed a suplex with the hooks still in. Uemura used the leverage to pin Kidd. 

A very easy watch with strong performances from both men.  

G1 Climax A Block: Jeff Cobb defeated Will Ospreay 

Ospreay burst from the corner immediately with a dropkick to set the pace of the match. A frustrated Cobb tried striking Ospreay but instead was ejected to the outside by a rana.

Ospreay entered a sprint for the Ospreay special but was caught by Cobb mid-flip. Cobb, still on the apron, lifted Ospreay, teasing both a driver to the ring corner and a powerbomb to the outside. Ospreay freed himself and landed a knee to send Cobb back to the mat. Ospreay then landed the Ospreay special completing the dangerous dance on the outside.

Cobb and Ospreay had a short exchange of strikes, slightly favored Ospreay. Ospreay tried diving onto a standing Cobb but was caught mid-flight and hit with a giant suplex. Cobb followed up with a backdrop, headbutt, and a pseudo-slam from standing suplex position. 

A kick to the midsection was caught by Cobb, who then converted with a chop and a senton. Cobb then tried for Tour of the Islands but was blocked by a clever grabbing of the arms. Ospreay flipped into a powerbomb while still attached to Cobb.

Ospreay tried for Storm Breaker but Cobb escaped the underhooks. A quick sequence ended by Ospreay landing a Spanish fly followed. Ospreay landed a 450 and was shocked as Cobb kicked from the pin attempt.

Ospreay tried for the Oscutter but was blocked by Cobb. Cobb then lifted Ospreay onto his shoulders and launched him with a ridiculous F5. 

Ospreay and Cobb both tried and failed to land their finish before Ospreay finally connected with his cutter. After Cobb kicked out, Ospreay tried and failed to land Storm Breaker.

It was instead Cobb who landed a German suplex which he followed with Tour of the Islands. Cobb pinned Ospreay after landing the move.

What a match. Spectacular pacing and impactful wrestling.

G1 Climax A Block: Kota Ibushi defeated Yujiro Takahashi 

Takahashi broke free of Ibushi-favored collar-and-elbows by sending Ibushi to the outside. Takahashi tried striking Ibushi, but failed in landing anything significant. Takahashi instead gained some momentum by blocking an Ibushi dive and landing a DDT on the outside.

Once inside the ring, Takahashi landed a few strikes that caused Ibushi’s face of rage to grow. Takahashi still held onto his lead, even landing a suplex and a big boot prior to Ibushi gaining any type of foothold.

Ibushi landed a kick to the midsection before kicking a hole into Takahashi’s chest. 

Takahashi threw Ibushi onto the ropes and landed a lariat in his next show of offense. This time it was an impressively-timed double foot stomp that broke Takahashi’s momentum.

Takahashi didn’t give up, however, as a bite on Ibushi placed him back into front. Miami Shine left both men winded. Takahashi lifted Ibushi to the top rope and landed a super fisherman buster. 

Ibushi freed himself from Pimp Juice but missed the rebound Kamigoye. A short sequence allowed Ibushi to land the Kamigoye and pin Takahashi. 

It will never not be strange to see Takahashi scoring near falls over top stars. Anyway, this match was fine.  

G1 Climax A Block: Taichi defeated Shingo Takagi 

Takagi landed a lariat to the corner followed by a shoulder tackle sending Taichi to the outside. On the floor, Taichi elected to use a hammer to inflict punishment. The referee freed Takagi from a Taichi choke and forced the match to return to the ring.

Back inside, it was Taichi who continued choking Takagi. Any sign of Takagi defiance was blocked prior to a dangerous backdrop attempt. Takagi landed a suplex after being given the least bit of space. A brainbuster and sliding lariat followed.

Takagi whipped Taichi into the corner but was kicked before he could follow up. Taichi was dropped moments later to a Takagi lariat.

Takagi followed the lariat with a noshigami and a failed attempt at Last of the Dragon. A striking contest broke out that featured both men landing larger and larger moves. Taichi landed the dangerous backdrop to end the one-upmanship.

A pumping bomber from Taichi resulted in a two count and the removal of Taichi’s breakaway pants. Takagi immediately flattened Taichi with a lariat. 

Takagi landed some strong strikes before an awkward roll-up nearly left him with a win. In following up, Takagi used Made in Japan and a pumping bomber, both of which yielded a near fall.

A Taichi-favored sequence followed. Taichi ended the sequence with Black Mephisto and pinned Takagi. 

This was good enough. With both men already mathematically eliminated prior to the match itself, a dramatic masterclass shouldn’t be expected.

G1 Climax A Block: Jay White defeated Minoru Suzuki 

White left the ring immediately following the bell. Once Suzuki succeeded in baiting White into a match, he manipulated the fingers, nullifying the effectiveness of one of White’s hands. Suzuki then chopped White in the corner before returning his attention to the digits.

Gedo then interfered in the match on White’s behalf by just gaining the focus of Suzuki. 

White chopped Suzuki on the outside which awoke a monster on the face of Suzuki. White temporarily stopped the monstrous Suzuki from encroaching with a chinlock. White threw Suzuki into the ropes, where Gedo threatened to strike Suzuki with a chair. With the referee occupied with Gedo, White tried for a chair shot of his own but Suzuki countered, grabbing the chair and landing multiple shots across the back of White. 

Gedo stole enough of Suzuki’s attention for White to reenter the fold and a sadistic attack on the leg of Suzuki emerged from the opening. Suzuki rose in defiance to his knees as fully standing was now an impossibility. Suzuki was chopped and chopped, never fell, but instead rose. Suzuki was dropped by a DDT once regaining footing.

Suzuki gained an opening by apprehending the arm of White. Though nothing followed directly from gaining the arm, Suzuki was able to land a strike that sent White to the floor. Suzuki followed White to make sure he returned to the ring.

White started back at the leg of Suzuki but was caught in a leglock after daring to challenge Suzuki on the mat. White was forced to grab the bottom rope. A pair Suzuki forearms left White limp. Before the third could be delivered, Gedo peculated the awareness of Suzuki once again. 

White dropped Suzuki with a chop block. The Blade Runner attempt that followed was transformed into a Suzuki armbar. Gedo hopped onto the apron just in time for the referee to miss White submitting. Suzuki then clubbed Gedo, sending him crashing back to the outside.

A Suzuki striking sequence almost ended in disaster as a ducked strike left White in position for a Blade Runner. Suzuki avoided the move twice in quick succession. 

Suzuki locked in a sleeper to weaken White and positioned for the Gotch piledriver before Gedo reasserted his presence. A distracted referee led to a White low blow and a Blade Runner. White pinned Suzuki to further his great standing. 

Sadly, the incessant Gedo interference reduced what would have an incredible match to a very good match. 

G1 Climax A Block: Kazuchika Okada defeated Tomohiro Ishii

An early standoff combined with their immeasurable reputation built to an intense air around the match. Small moves, an Okada shoulder block, for example, felt huge.

Okada landed a few elbows, a single leg dropkick, and secured a chinlock to lay an offensive foundation. A standing suplex from Ishii did the same for him.

Okada’s chest was chopped, causing him to fall to the corner. A chop to the throat yielded a more devastating result as Okada was forced to gasp for air. Ishii tried to follow up with an Irish whip but was caught by a flapjack.

An Okada DDT allowed him to toy with Ishii, triggering a strike exchange. A solid elbow dropped Okada. 

Under the lead of Ishii, they climbed to the top rope. Ishii met resistance but nothing came from the ascent. Instead, on the safety of the mat, Okada landed an Air Raid Crash, initiating Ishii’s survival instincts. Ishii landed a quick suplex on Okada.

A struggle for footing left Ishii in perfect position for a German suplex into the corner. Ishii then lifted Okada to the top rope and suplexed him back to the mat, completing the prior tease. 

Okada landed his dropkick to transition into the match’s next phase. A tombstone piledriver followed and the Money Clip forced Ishii into the ropes. Okada slowed after this, a fact that Ishii took full advantage of.

A German suplex allowed Ishii to temporarily gain a lead, but a triad of quick pins left the match back in Okada’s favor. A big boot, elbow, and shotgun dropkick left Okada back in position for the Money Clip. Ishii freed himself from the hold with a DDT. 

A failed suplex from Ishii allowed Okada to reset the match with a tombstone. Okada established wrist control but was blocked by a barrage of Ishii headbutts. A Rainmaker failed to make Ishii move.

Ishii landed an enzuigiri and Okada a dropkick. Okada locked in the Money Clip again and allowed Ishii to fade. A last-ditch headbutt reopened the match for Ishii. Ishii landed a lariat and nearly scored the fall.

Ishii lifted Okada for a brainbuster but Okada freed himself. Okada set up for the Money Clip while standing, but Ishii used his knees to break the hold.

A sequence of near-hits played out and was punctuated by Okada’s dropkick. Okada locked the Money Clip in once again and allowed Ishii to slowly fade from consciousness. The bell was called for leaving Okada the victor.

The match’s early feeling of intensity was somewhat drained as the match failed to pick up. While at times sluggish, these men still delivered a strong performance heading into the last stretch of the tournament. 

G1 Climax 30 standings —

 A Block

  • Kazuchika Okada — 12 points (6-2)
  • Kota Ibushi — 12 points (6-2)
  • Jay White — 12 points (6-2)
  • Will Ospreay — 10 points (5-3)
  • Taichi — 8 points (4-4) *eliminated*
  • Jeff Cobb — 8 points (4-4) *eliminated* 
  • Tomohiro Ishii — 6 points (3-4) *eliminated*
  • Shingo Takagi — 6 points (3-5) *eliminated*
  • Minoru Suzuki — 6 points (3-5) *eliminated*
  • Yujiro Takahashi — 0 points (0-8) *eliminated*

B Block

  • Tetsuya Naito — 10 points (5-2)
  • EVIL — 10 points (5-2)
  • Zack Sabre Jr. — 8 points (4-3)
  • Hirooki Goto — 8 points (4-3)
  • SANADA — 8 points (4-3)
  • Toru Yano — 6 points (3-4)
  • KENTA — 6 points (3-4)
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi — 6 points (3-4) 
  • Juice Robinson — 6 points (3-4) 
  • YOSHI-HASHI — 2 points (1-6) *eliminated*

NJPW G1 Climax 30 night 14 results: Naito vs. EVIL

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Gabriel Kidd defeated Yota Tsuji 

Following a collar-and-elbow tie-up and a trading of strikes, Kidd dropped Tsuji with an arm drag and knife-edge chop. Soon after Tsuji used a dropkick, which he followed with two standing dive variations.

Tsuji then turned his attention to the leg of Kidd, placing him in a unique submission that he converted into a pin attempt. Kidd was able to survive the dual-pronged finish and reassert his position with an uppercut. 

Kidd prevailed in a fight for a brainbuster. That left him a favorable position that he fumbled almost immediately. Tsuji was able to milk this opportunity with a slam, but Kidd popped up and responded with a dropkick.

Kidd then secured the underhooks and landed his finishing suplex.

This was a weaker Young Lion outing. Instead of the typical application of a simple story, this felt like an exhibition of moves. 

G1 Climax B Block:  Zack Sabre Jr. defeated YOSHI-HASHI

Sabre’s ground game was at work from the opening bell. He immediately took YOSHI-HASHI to the mat and kept him there.

YH, once standing, was able to connect with some high impact strikes but soon after found himself back on the mat. Sabre toyed with YH and even allowed him to show signs of defiance but Sabre was clearly on a different level. Even still, YH was holding on.

YH was able to interrupt Sabre’s offense with a kick to the head. This opening allowed YH to land multiple dropkicks and attempt a powerbomb. Sabre slipped free of the more setup intensive maneuver but was dropped with a chop. YH landed the powerbomb and locked in the butterfly lock. Sabre, after a long stint in the hold, fought to the bottom rope.

Sabre scored a takedown which he followed with a double foot stomp to YH’s arm. Sabre tried for a pin following a kick to the chest but YH kicked free and immediately returned to his feet; a strike exchange followed. YH won out and connected with a double knee and a superkick, both landing a near fall.

Sabre was able to take YH back to the mat, arm in hand. YH, try as he might, was unable to fight free and eventually submitted to Sabre. 

This match was a tip-top YH performance. The volatile energy he exuded made a finish feel imminent at all times. 

G1 Climax B Block: KENTA defeated Toru Yano

Prior to the start, Yano was searched by the referee. Multiple rolls of tape were found in his tights. 

Following the bell, KENTA grabbed his briefcase and Yano grabbed a chair. Yano was tricked into ditching the chair, so he grabbed a turnbuckle pad to be on equal footing. Yano was again tricked into dropping his weapon and tried grabbing another pad. KENTA this time actually disarmed before leaving the ring. Yano also exited.

Both men stayed outside in a game of chicken, only returning at the referee’s count of 19. KENTA left the ring again immediately after. Yano pursued KENTA and succeeded in whipping KENTA into the barricade. KENTA began to fight back but was distracted by a roll of tape the referee failed to confiscate from Yano. Yano sprayed KENTA with a bottle of sanitizer and pummeled him with a turnbuckle pad. 

KENTA made his way back in and whipped Yano into an exposed turnbuckle. KENTA then tried using the bottle for himself but was blocked by Yano. Yano avoided the liquid but was whipped back into the exposed corner. KENTA was then free to use the bottle. KENTA splashed Yano with the sanitizer and tried pinning him to no avail. 

Both men returned outside, fighting over the bottle. A spill left the referee blind. KENTA then led Yano up the ramp while brandishing his briefcase. KENTA hit Yano with the briefcase and tape flew from within. KENTA then used the tape to secure Yano to the entranceway. Late in the referee’s count, KENTA entered a sprint leaving Yano trapped.

Yano was unable to escape leaving KENTA with a count-out victory. 

This was a Yano match and not a particularly good one. 

G1 Climax B Block: SANADA defeated Juice Robinson 

In the early going, Robinson tried to take SANADA to the mat but was stopped by a SANADA dropkick. SANADA tried something similar but Robinson’s elbow found SANADA’s face.

Robinson connected with a spinebuster that sent SANADA rolling to the outside. Robinson whipped SANADA into the barricade and landed a backbreaker and a senton once back in the ring. Robinson was able to further his advantage by avoiding SANADA’s counter attempts and landing a back body drop.

SANADA rolled out of the way of a Robinson cannonball to temporarily extinguish Robinson’s flame. Robinson found himself on the receiving end of another dropkick and a plancha. As the two’s short stay on the outside ended SANADA was caught by Robinson in a fireman’s carry. SANADA was able to slip free, secure a takedown, and lock in the paradise lock all in a matter of seconds. 

SANADA broke the lock with a dropkick and worked Robinson into the corner. Robinson was able to fight free and land a quick uranage. SANADA crawled to the corner to catch his breath. Robinson pounced at the positioning of his opponent and landed a cannonball. SANADA was then lifted to the top rope and hit with a superplex, which fed into a jackhammer. 

Robinson connected with a powerbomb and began to strike. SANADA ducked the Left Hand of God and locked in the dragon sleeper. Robinson fought free and nearly connected with Pulp Friction.

This same sequence played out again in a similar fashion before a set of grappling nearly allowed Robinson to steal a win via a cradle.

Instead, SANADA locked in the Skull End. Once Robinson’s body was limp SANADA scaled to the top, landed a moonsault, and pinned Robinson. 

Something felt off here. Maybe it was the gray SANADA clashing with Robinson’s glow. Either way, it resulted in a lackluster dynamic and a fine-at-best match of moves. 

G1 Climax B Block: Hirooki Goto defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi

Both fought for dominance in the early going with light moves and chain wrestling. A knee breaker allowed Tanahashi to transition to the mat.

After returning to their feet it was Goto who won out in a strike battle and landed a backdrop and a bulldog. Tanahashi fought free of a fireman’s carry and a dragon screw took the leg out from under Goto. Goto was then hit with another leg whip, this time into a rope. Tanahashi began a continued wearing down on Goto’s leg.

Goto caught Tanahashi with a quick ushigoroshi and initiated a passionate strike exchange. Goto landed a clothesline but was unable to follow up. Tanahashi whipped the neck of Goto before landing a slingblade.

An open palm strike then dropped Goto long enough for Tanahashi to climb to the top but not long enough to land a move. Goto triggered a top rope fight and after a headbutt landed a ushigoroshi from the top rope.

Tanahashi tried falling out of the way but Goto was able to pull through and connect with GTR. Goto then hooked the leg and pinned Tanahashi for the first time inside of the G1 format. 

Strong execution from both men in a to the point, all business match. 

G1 Climax B Block: EVIL defeated Tetsuya Naito 

EVIL clubbed Naito immediately following the bell, but failed to follow up. Naito instead connected with an arm drag and rana that sent EVIL to the outside providing Naito with a perfect opportunity to taunt the defector.

EVIL was stretched out on the mat once returning to the ring. Naito hit the ropes but was grabbed by Dick Togo. Togo struck and whipped Naito into the barricade before EVIL took over.

Naito then was sent crashing into chairs on the outside. EVIL followed up by hitting his signature double-chair baseball swing on Naito. EVIL continued his illegally gained dominance inside the ring. 

Naito stuffed a suplex attempt and avoided a senton, reopening a window of opportunity. An elbow and dropkick placed Naito back in the driver’s seat. A dropkick to Togo only prolonged his chance of staying there.

EVIL tried using further underhanded tactics and was able to stifle Naito’s lead with the unwilling aid of the referee with his leg catch spot. Naito stuffed a suplex attempt once more and took EVIL back to the mat just in time for Togo’s reemergence. 

While Naito was seemingly distracted by Togo, EVIL ran for a tackle of sorts that Naito was able to sidestep, sending EVIL crashing into Togo. Naito then landed a spinebuster and continued his ground work on EVIL. 

EVIL powered free of Naito’s control with a fisherman’s buster.  EVIL hoisted Naito onto the top rope and connected with a superplex. Naito just barely kicked from the pin attempt that followed.

EVIL then locked in a scorpion deathlock on his prone opponent but Naito crawled into the ropes. EVIL set up for a lariat but was caught by a well-placed kick which was followed by Gloria. 

Naito gained wrist and waist control shortly but EVIL freed himself with a simple shove and a senton. Naito then was pushed into turnbuckles that became exposed at some point, hit with a tiger suplex, and a giant lariat. Naito kicked out from the pin attempt. 

EVIL lifted Naito onto his shoulders but Naito wiggled into Destino. Naito was unable to follow up. EVIL hit Darkness Falls following a brief struggle. Naito stuffed two attempts at Everything is Evil.

Enter Togo.

Togo distracted Naito and the referee long enough for EVIL to land a low blow. Togo threw a chair into EVIL. While the referee was paying attention to the armed EVIL, Togo began chocking EVIL with a band. 

Naito, now on his last legs, landed a shoulder tackle after shoving off Togo. EVIL stuffed a suplex and Naito stuffed Everything is Evil. Naito then landed Destino and scored a near fall.

Naito tried for another Destino, but EVIL reversed into Everything is Evil and pinned the double champion. 

This match was long, boring, and another EVIL win over Naito means we will likely see it again.

That said, any other result would leave a lot of A Block without any conceivable means of victory, so the finish makes sense regardless of how frustrating it is. 

G1 Climax 30 Standings —

A Block

  • Kazuchika Okada — 10 points (5-2)
  • Kota Ibushi — 10 points (5-2)
  • Jay White — 10 points (5-2)
  • Will Ospreay — 10 points (5-2)
  • Tomohiro Ishii — 6 points (3-4)
  • Shingo Takagi — 6 points (3-4)
  • Minoru Suzuki — 6 points (3-4)
  • Taichi — 6 points (3-4)
  • Jeff Cobb — 6 points (3-4)
  • Yujiro Takahashi — 0 points (0-7) *eliminated*

B Block

  • Tetsuya Naito — 10 points (5-2)
  • EVIL — 10 points (5-2)
  • Zack Sabre Jr. — 8 points (4-3)
  • Hirooki Goto — 8 points (4-3)
  • SANADA — 8 points (4-3)
  • Toru Yano — 6 points (3-4)
  • KENTA — 6 points (3-4)
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi — 6 points (3-4) 
  • Juice Robinson — 6 points (3-4) 
  • YOSHI-HASHI — 2 points (1-6) *eliminated*

NJPW G1 Climax 30 night 13 results: Okada vs. Shingo Takagi

Posted on by Chick Fritts

Yuya Uemura defeated Yota Tsuji 

Both tried for a ground-based advance in the opening moments. Uemura turned his attention to the arm of Tsuji. Tsuji employed a headlock which allowed him to take the match to the mat. Both men were on equal footing in this domain before Uemura regained arm control.

Uemura maintained arm control for some time before Tsuji was forced to slam him. A Tsuji splash followed, but yet again Uemura was able to slip into control of Tsuji’s arm. Tsuji interrupted the torment of his arm with a dropkick. 

Following the dropkick, Tsuji locked in the Boston crab. After a struggle, Uemura crawled to the ropes. Uemura again snatched the arm of Tsuji and hoisted him into a double arm suplex. Uemura then pinned Tsuji for the win. 

A fun opener with an excellent display of systematic dismantling, a la Jay White. There are few better ways to open a show. 

G1 Climax A Block: Jeff Cobb defeated Tomohiro Ishii 

A collar-and-elbow tie-up favoring Ishii started the match but the strength of Cobb allowed him to force Ishii into the ropes. The two then entered a feeling out series featuring ducks and some moderate striking.

An Ishii shoulder tackle left Cobb laying for just a moment. Ishii and Cobb started a strike exchange featuring many an Earth-shaking chop. Cobb was able to hook the leg of Ishii after falling to a chop. With the leg in hand, Cobb threw Ishii far into the air with an exploder suplex. A gargantuan backdrop followed.

Cobb tried for a couple of moves that met resistance and an eventual Ishii reversal in the way of a brainbuster. Ishii then started to unload strikes onto Cobb who was showing resistance only in emotion.

Cobb crumbled. The referee began to check on Cobb but Ishii still tried to follow up. After Ishii hoisted Cobb to his feet, Cobb caught Ishii with a German suplex. Ishii returned the favor.

Cobb then landed a ram-like headbutt to the lower jaw of Ishii sending both men crashing to the mat. 

Cobb hit a lariat and a standing moonsault that only yielded a two count. Ishii then connected with an enzuigiri to effectively reset the match.

A closed fist from Cobb drew the attention of the referee and allowed Ishii to land a giant lariat. A brief struggle on the mat led to an Ishii German suplex. Another lariat resulted in an Ishii near fall. 

Ishii slowly lifted Cobb for a brainbuster only for Cobb to slip out and land another toss. Ishii immediately powered back to his feet. Another headbutt left both men back on the mat.

Ishii and Cobb then entered another brief offensive exchange, but it was Cobb who would hit a pop-up powerbomb. He immediately followed with Tour of the Islands. Cobb folded Ishii up and secured the win.

This match was fast and uncompromising. If there ever was a match deserving of the car wreck metaphor, it was this one.  

G1 Climax A Block: Jay White defeated Yujiro Takahashi

Following White’s signal, Takahashi assumed the position flat on his back. White teased the pin a couple of times but Takahashi kicked out when White actually tried for one.

Takahashi then popped up to his feet and tried rolling White up. Takahashi tried the same thing again before hitting White with a forearm, a low blow, and Miami Shine. White kicked out from the pin attempt that followed.

Enter Gedo. A White low blow and a Blade Runner allowed White to secure the win.

**********

Post-match, White grabbed a chair and threatened to hit Takahashi, but Gedo talked him down from the cliff. 

I guess no one bothered to tell Takahashi he was eliminated from the tournament and that White is supposed to be the head of his faction. Oh well. 

**********

G1 Climax A Block: Will Ospreay defeated Taichi

Ospreay tried to bait Taichi into showing interest, but Taichi was not biting. Taichi, instead of engaging in the match, fixed his hair. Ospreay messed it up. This gave Taichi all the motivation he would need. A quick kick to the midsection from Taichi led to a rana from Ospreay. Taichi fell to the outside. Once both were outside, Taichi hit Ospreay in the gut with a hammer before choking him with its handle. 

Back inside, Taichi continued at the throat of Ospreay, pressing his hands across it. Ospreay eventually was able to use his speed to land a kick and gain some control.

Taichi rolled to the outside and was hit with the Ospreay special. An Ospreay flying palm, shooting star press, and 540 Corkscrew Senton Bomb followed. Taichi reset the match with an enzuigiri. 

Ospreay tried for the Oscutter but was caught with a Taichi suplex. The two climbed to the top rope and a brief struggle led to a Cheeky Nandos Kick from Ospreay.

Ospreay then ascended, dove for the 450, but was stopped by the knees of Taichi. A high kick and a powerbomb left Taichi with a near fall and without pants.

Ospreay immediately kicked Taichi in the back of the head. Ospreay tried for the Oscutter but was kicked mid-flight. 

Taichi hoisted Ospreay for Black Mephisto but lost control. Ospreay tried for Storm Breaker but suffered the same fate. A second Black Mephisto/Storm Breaker failed struggle occurred.

Ospreay hit the ropes and landed Oscutter only for Taichi to kick out. Ospreay hit the Hidden Blade and Storm Breaker for the pinfall victory. 

This match’s contents in no way justified its length. It lacked any sort of tangible tension and therefore was a hard watch.   

G1 Climax A Block: Kota Ibushi defeated Minoru Suzuki

They approached each other with open hands, raised as if they were heading into pankration. Both men traded blows before Suzuki secured a takedown. Ibushi found the ropes before any harm could be done. Suzuki grabbed the arm of Ibushi but it was Ibushi who scored a takedown in retort.

Both men gained control of each other’s ankle from the mat and rolled in and out of pressure before finding the ropes. Instead of breaking, the two just began kicking each other. 

Ibushi sent Suzuki to the outside with a kick. While outside, Suzuki was thrown into the barricade. Ibushi then returned to the ring but Suzuki, instead of joining Ibushi, traveled to the top of the ramp and dared God to duel in no man’s land. Ibushi accepted and the two began beating each other down in front of the entranceway.

Suzuki won the exchange and returned to the ring mid-count. Suzuki stopped the count in time for Ibushi to return to the ring. 

Suzuki began to strike down Ibushi once back in the ring. A dropkick from Ibushi reversed the pace of the match.

Ibushi began to unload kicks onto a willing Suzuki. In the middle of the kick storm, Suzuki released a roar. Suzuki rose from his semi-seated position and dropped Ibushi with a single forearm. Suzuki waited for Ibushi to rise to his feet before the two began discharging strikes. 

With both men staggered, a laugh-filled barrage of back and forth forearms and slaps ensued.

Ibushi was then caught in the clutches of Suzuki’s sleeper and nearly a Gotch piledriver. Instead, Ibushi rolled through and tried for the Kamigoye. Suzuki caught Ibushi’s leg in a Boston crab. Ibushi fought free and hit a standing Kamigoye which he followed with another typical Kamigoye.

Ibushi then folded a smiling Suzuki up and pinned him in the middle of the ring. 

This was fantastic from bell to bell. Each act of the match was distinct yet still worked towards a central, integrated whole.  

G1 Climax A Block: Kazuchika Okada defeated Shingo Takagi

They entered a typical, inconsequential feeling out process in the opening moments — waistlock, wristlock, collar-and-elbow, side takedown, etc.

Two Takagi shoulder blocks forced Okada to dig deep for a kick. Okada worked Takagi in the corner before a scoop slam. Takagi retreated to the outside and avoided an Okada plancha.

Takagi then hit Okada with a DDT on the floor, before driving Okada into every surface available to him. Takagi continued his offense for a considerable duration inside of the ring.

Okada began to fight his way back into the match following some taunting kicks from Takagi. A flapjack left Okada in a favorable position. A hip attack and DDT from Okada furthered his advantage.

This was short-lived as a struggle ensued, and it was Takagi who emerged from the chaos with a drop from the fireman’s carry. A similar scuffle followed almost immediately, but this time it was Okada who emerged from the fog with an air raid crash.

They traded forearms after both men returned to their feet. Okada, after being given an inch of space, landed a dropkick that sent Takagi crashing to the outside. Okada then took to seeking justice, driving Takagi into the outside elements before planting him into the floor via a DDT. 

Back in, Takagi was able to resist the advance of Okada, landing a lariat. Takagi tried hoisting Okada onto his back but was placed into the Money Clip. Takagi fought free and landed the Noshigami and a wheelbarrow suplex. Okada found the rope to break the pin attempt that followed. 

Takagi hit the ropes but was stopped mid-sprint with Okada’s dropkick. A tombstone piledriver immediately followed leaving Okada with a clear opportunity to lock in the Money Clip. Takagi crawled to the bottom rope to break the hold.

Okada climbed to the top rope and was cut off by Takagi. Takagi landed a superplex which he followed with a running lariat into the corner. Okada bounced from the corner with an attempt at recovery. Okada landed a dropkick and Takagi an elbow, leaving both men grounded. 

Okada tried hoisting Takagi up for the tombstone but Takagi fought free. Takagi then began leveling Okada with forearms but failed in delivering Made in Japan.

Okada tried for a quick pin and landed a tombstone after Takagi kicked free. Okada then locked in the Money Clip once more before landing a Rainmaker. Takagi powered up following the near finish and landed a Rainmaker of his own.

Takagi landed Made in Japan and nearly pinned Okada in the following attempt. A Pumping Bomber followed and yielded Takagi the same result.  

Takagi hoisted Okada up for Last of the Dragon but Okada fought free. Okada hit a lariat and locked in the Money Clip again.

Takagi fought and fought but eventually faded to the clutch of Okada. Okada’s Money Clip caused Takagi to pass out, leaving Okada victorious. 

Okada matches still struggle in the opening act due to the reduced input of the crowd. The match’s climax and falling action were great even with the lackluster opening. 

**********

G1 Climax 30 Standings —

A Block

  • Kazuchika Okada — 10 points (5-2)
  • Kota Ibushi — 10 points (5-2)
  • Jay White — 10 points (5-2)
  • Will Ospreay — 10 points (5-2)
  • Tomohiro Ishii — 6 points (3-4)
  • Shingo Takagi — 6 points (3-4)
  • Minoru Suzuki — 6 points (3-4)
  • Taichi — 6 points (3-4)
  • Jeff Cobb — 6 points (3-4)
  • Yujiro Takahashi — 0 points (0-7) *eliminated*

B Block

  • Tetsuya Naito — 10 points (5-1)
  • EVIL — 8 points (4-2)
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi — 6 points (3-3)
  • Juice Robinson — 6 points (3-3)
  • Zack Sabre Jr. — 6 points (3-3)
  • Toru Yano — 6 points (3-3)
  • Hirooki Goto — 6 points (3-3)
  • SANADA — 6 points (3-3)
  • KENTA — 4 points (2-4)
  • YOSHI-HASHI — 2 points (1-5) *eliminated*

NJPW G1 Climax 30 night 12 live results: EVIL vs. Tanahashi

Posted on by Ethan Renner

Recommended matches —

  • Hirooki Goto vs. YOSHI-HASHI 
  • Tetsuya Naito vs. Juice Robinson
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. EVIL

**********

Report —

Gabriel Kidd defeated Yuya Uemura (8:47)

Kidd got the better of a nice chain wrestling battle. This was going to be contested on the mat until one of them got frustrated and started striking. 

Uemura broke first. He fired up and hit a slam and some strikes. Kidd no-sold a tough forearm strike but Uemura dropped him with another. 

Uemura tried for his double underhook suplex but Kidd blocked. Uemura hit the ropes but ran into a Kidd dropkick. 

Kidd used a brainbuster for a near fall, then hit a double-arm suplex for the pin. 

G1 Climax B Block: Hirooki Goto defeated YOSHI-HASHI (14:12)

Great effort from both guys. YH was eliminated from contention with the loss, but he has had a series of excellent performances in this G1. 

YH acted as though he was going to break cleanly against the ropes. Instead, he hit a chop. YH tried to out-power Goto with shoulder blocks but Goto established the power advantage. 

YH then went after Goto’s taped-up shoulder. He used arm wringers and a hammerlock, sending Goto shoulder-first into the buckle. YH tried for a cross armbreaker but couldn’t get full extension. Goto forced a rope break. 

Both fought for a vertical suplex. Goto blocked and hit a back suplex out of the corner instead. Goto hit a wheel kick and a bulldog for a two count. 

YH fought out of an ushigoroshi attempt and hit a headhunter. YH hit a series of chops. Goto answered with an ushigoroshi. YH fought out of a GTR attempt. They used a misdirection spot to set up simultaneous lariats. YH then hit a thunderous lariat to end the sequence. 

YH ducked a lariat and hit a dragon suplex. YH hit a meteora for a two count, then slapped on a butterfly lock. YH modified the hold as Goto tried to fight for the ropes. YH eventually transitioned to a sleeper, then hit a backstabber. 

YH hit a fisherman buster for a near fall at the 10 minute mark. Goto blocked a Kharma attempt and hit a GTW but could not follow up with a cover. 

They traded strikes. Goto hit a big forearm. YH ducked a lariat and hit a lariat of his own. YH blocked a GTR and hit a headbutt. Goto answered with a headbutt. 

They traded slaps. Goto hit a stiff slap, a GTR, then covered for the pin. 

G1 Climax B Block: Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Toru Yano (12:21)

I can’t believe they went twelve minutes. They made it work, though.

Yano pulled four rolls of tape out of his tights at the opening bell in an effort to demonstrate that he was going to fight fair. 

Both broke cleanly against the ropes after locking up. Yano then took another roll of tape out and threw it away. Yano offered Sabre a free amateur hold and Sabre accepted. Sabre used a headscissors but Yano made the ropes immediately. 

Sabre allowed Yano a chance to apply a hold. Sabre tied Yano up and tried a cradle but Yano made the ropes. The fight spilled to the floor. Yano used a chair on Sabre and taped him to the chair through the barricade. Sabre beat the count back in at 19. 

After a struggle, the referee freed Sabre from the chair. Yano offered an apology and bowed to Sabre. Yano wanted to shake hands. Sabre accepted the handshake but Yano used it to set up an eye rake and a fireman’s carry. 

They again fought outside. Sabre used an ankle lock to drag Yano towards the entrance. Sabre raced Yano back to the ring. Yano just beat the count at 19. 

Sabre attacked the left leg with strikes and a kneebar over the bottom rope. Sabre went back to the ankle lock. Yano fought his way to the corner and removed a turnbuckle pad. Yano shoved the ref and hit Sabre with the pad. 

Sabre tried a clutch but Yano reversed into a cradle. They traded pinning combinations for near falls. Yano sent Sabre into the exposed turnbuckle. 

Yano tried a powerbomb but Sabre caught him in a guillotine. Yano reversed the hold and used a cradle for two. Sabre blocked a low blow and again applied an ankle lock. Yano hit Sabre with the pad but Sabre no-sold it. 

Sabre then transitioned to a modified figure four. Yano finally tapped. 

***** Intermission *****

G1 Climax B Block: SANADA defeated KENTA (11:24)

This was well-worked and had a creative closing sequence. 

KENTA tossed his briefcase in the air to distract the referee and attacked SANADA before the opening bell. KENTA chose SANADA’s neck as his target. He used a neckbreaker and a headlock early. KENTA hit a back elbow for a one count, then applied a headscissors on the mat. 

SANADA came back with a backdrop, still selling the damage to his neck. SANADA used a paradise lock and broke it with a dropkick. KENTA blocked an attack in the corner and hit a swing DDT, dropping SANADA’s neck across the top rope. 

KENTA hit a top rope clothesline for a two count. SANADA teased a plancha but KENTA side-stepped and tripped SANADA on the apron. KENTA then hit a draping DDT for a near fall. 

KENTA hit a yakuza kick and a stalling dropkick in the corner. He followed with a double stomp off the top rope for a two count. 

SANADA blocked a GTS. KENTA slipped out of a dragon sleeper. KENTA fought to get Game Over applied, but SANADA reached the ropes before he could get it. SANADA hit a TKO.

KENTA shoved SANADA into the ref at the 10 minute mark. KENTA hit a DDT. With the ref still down, KENTA grabbed his briefcase. KENTA swung and missed with the briefcase. SANADA dropkicked the briefcase into KENTA’s face. 

SANADA went for a moonsault. KENTA got his knees up and cradled  SANADA for two. KENTA used two more quick cradles. SANADA reversed the second into an O’Connor roll and got the flash pin. 

G1 Climax B Block: Tetsuya Naito defeated Juice Robinson (25:02)

This was excellent. It took three Destinos for Naito to put Juice away, but Juice never hit Pulp Friction, so they have a story for the next time they face off. 

Juice did some crowd work right away. They did a couple of comedy spots, teasing locking up but ducking out of the way at the last second. 

They fought to the floor. Juice whipped Naito into the barricade. Naito climbed back in and hit a flying headscissors. They rolled back outside and Naito repeatedly sent Juice into the ring frame and the barricade. 

Back inside, Naito hit some short, taunting kicks. Naito used a crucifix andmocked Juice’s earlier crowd work. Juice fought to the ropes to force a break. Naito continued his taunting. 

Juice came back with a series of jabs and a DDT. Naito avoided an attack from the top rope. Juice landed on his feet. Naito hit a hip toss and a dropkick. Naito hit a neckbreaker over his knee, a second neckbreaker, then used Pluma Blanca. Juice forced a rope break. 

Juice avoided a flying forearm and hit a full nelson slam into a double down. Juice hit a cannonball and again got the crowd fired up at the 15 minute mark. 

Juice hit a superplex, maintained control of Naitos neck on landing, then hit a jackhammer for a two count. Naito fought off a Pulp Friction attempt and a Juice Box. Juice then connected with a Left Hand of God. 

Juice went for a Juice Box. Naito reversed into a poison rana. Naito hit a top rope frankensteiner. Juice answered with a leg lariat. They did another double down at the 20 minute call. 

Naito tried a tornado DDT. Juice blocked and hoisted Naito up. Naito countered into Destino. Juice kicked out at two. 

Juice blocked a second Destino attempt and hit a powerbomb. They had an intense striking exchange. Naito took a flip bump off a left hand. Naito blocked a Pulp Friction attempt. Juice connected with a Left Hand of God. 

Naito blocked another Pulp Friction attempt and ducked a left hand. Naito hit another Destino but Juice again kicked out. 

It took a third Destino for Naito to finally put Juice away, 1-2-3.

Naito continued mocking Juice’s mannerisms after the match. 

G1 Climax B Block: EVIL (w/Dick Togo) defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi (19:58)

This was a Bullet Club main event with ref bumps and interference aplenty. To the surprise of nobody, Tanahashi still put on an incredible performance. 

EVIL hit a kick to the gut and used a side headlock at the opening bell. Tanahashi escaped and employed a headlock takeover. He maintained the headlock as they got to their feet. Each pulled the other’s hair. Tanahashi hit a second rope crossbody and played some air guitar to close the opening sequence. 

EVIL took the referee. Togo pulled Tanahashi to the floor, hit him with punches, then whipped him into the barricade. EVIL pulled a pile of chairs from under the ring. He Pillman-ized Tanahashi’s neck against the post with a chair, then suplexed poor Yota Tsuji onto two chairs. 

EVIL exposed a buckle as Red Shoes began to count Tanahashi out. Tana beat the count back in at 14. EVIL hit a snap suplex but Red Shoes refused to count the pin. EVIL went to work on Tanahashi’s left leg. 

EVIL tried to use Red Shoes to assist in a mid kick. Tanahashi blocked and hit a dragon screw instead. EVIL tried to send Tanahashi over the top rope but Tana skinned the cat back in. EVIL immediately hit a German and a fisherman buster for a two count. 

Tanahashi tried for a cloverleaf but EVIL fought it off. Tana hit a baseball slide to Togo and a dragon screw in the ropes to EVIL. 

Tanahashi then got the cloverleaf applied. EVIL fought out and tried a low blow. Tanahashi blocked the low blow but got sent into the exposed buckle. 

EVIL hit a misdirection lariat for a two count. Tana blocked Everything is EVIL and turned a Darkness Falls attempt into a slingblade. 

Tana went to the top rope. Togo jumped on the apron. Tsuji jumped up and tackled Togo. Tanahashi hit a standing High Fly Flow. Tana locked in a cloverleaf. Togo fought free of Tsuji, jumped in and bumped the ref, then choked Tana with a steel cable. Tanahashi fought out of the choke and sent Togo packing. 

Tanahashi hit twist and shout and a slingblade for a two count. 

Tanahashi went up top and hit a High Fly Flow to EVIL’s back. He flipped EVIL over and went for another. Togo threw a chair at Tanahashi. Tana caught the chair. Tana gave the chair to the ref. Togo then crotched Tana on the top rope. 

EVIL hit a superplex and made a cover. Tanahashi kicked out at two. EVIL hit Darkness Falls for another two. 

EVIL hit Everything is EVIL. It was as though all the life was sucked out of the crowd with that move. EVIL then covered for the pinfall victory. 

EVIL closed the show with a quick promo. 

G1 Climax 30 Standings —

B Block

  • Tetsuya Naito — 10 points (5-1)
  • EVIL — 8 points (4-2)
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi — 6 points (3-3)
  • Juice Robinson — 6 points (3-3)
  • Zack Sabre Jr. — 6 points (3-3)
  • Toru Yano — 6 points (3-3)
  • Hirooki Goto — 6 points (3-3)
  • SANADA — 6 points (3-3)
  • KENTA — 4 points (2-4)
  • YOSHI-HASHI — 2 points (1-5) *eliminated*

A Block

  • Kazuchika Okada — 8 points (4-2)
  • Kota Ibushi — 8 points (4-2)
  • Jay White — 8 points (4-2)
  • Will Ospreay — 8 points (4-2)
  • Tomohiro Ishii — 6 points (3-3)
  • Shingo Takagi — 6 points (3-3)
  • Minoru Suzuki — 6 points (3-3)
  • Taichi — 6 points (3-3)
  • Jeff Cobb — 4 points (2-4)
  • Yujiro Takahashi — 0 points (0-6) *eliminated*

NJPW G1 Climax 30 night eleven results: Ibushi vs. Takagi

Posted on by Parker Klyn

Recommended Matches —

  • Kazuchika Okada vs. Jeff Cobb
  • Minoru Suzuki vs. Will Ospreay
  • Jay White vs. Taichi
  • Kota Ibushi vs. Shingo Takagi

Report —

Yota Tsuji defeated Gabriel Kidd (7:13)

The Young Lions wrestled a little differently this time. There was almost no technical wrestling, as this was a battle of strikes and power moves.

Both men exploded out with strikes at the bell. Kidd took control and nailed some loud chops in the corner. More strikes led to some quick covers, but it was too early to pin Tsuji.

Tsuji took control with a corner lariat and a running splash, but Kidd hit a body slam. They fought each other, both trying to hit a suplex, but Kidd won the strength battle. Kidd went for the underhook suplex, but Tsuji fought out with forearms.

They traded forearms, a battle which Tsuji won. Kidd turned a shoulder tackle attempt into a standing dropkick. Tsuji fought back with an open-hand strike, a powerslam, and a spear for a near fall.

Tsuji applied the Boston crab. Kidd nearly reached the ropes, but Tsuji pulled him back to the center of the ring and deepened the hold, forcing Kidd to tap out.

G1 Climax A Block: Tomohiro Ishii defeated Yujiro Takahashi (15:28)

This was probably the best Yujiro match of this year’s G1, but if Ishii can’t get better than a decent match out of somebody, they probably don’t really belong in the tournament. I have no idea why this went as long as the Ibushi/Ospreay main event from a couple nights ago.

Yujiro attacked before the bell with a lariat. He brought Ishii to the ramp, went for Pimp Juice, but settled for a standard DDT. Back in, Ishii attempted to come back with a lariat but Yujiro turned it into a tilt-a-whirl slam.

Yujiro tried for the fisherman’s buster, but Ishii turned it into a vertical suplex. They exchanged strikes before Ishii leveled him with a headbutt. Yujiro escaped a suplex attempt with his bite spot and hit a seated dropkick.

Ishii went for a running move but Yujiro flapjacked him into the top rope. He no-sold some Yujiro firearms and hit a Saito suplex. Ishii attempted a suplex but Yujiro turned it into a fisherman’s buster.

A strange moment happened then as Ishii sold his wrist and neck like he’d been legitimately injured, and the official stopped letting Yujiro wrestle momentarily. It must have been selling because Ishii immediately hit a German suplex into the corner pad followed by a superplex for two.

Yujiro fought out of a powerbomb attempt and hit a spinebuster, a lariat, and what looked like an Olympic slam for two. He hit his twisting fireman’s carry slam for another near fall. Ishii escaped a Pimp Juice attempt and hit another German.

Ishii hit an enzuigiri and a lariat for two. He went for the vertical drop brainbuster, but Yujiro fought back multiple times and turned it into a brainbuster of his own. Ishii went for it again, but Yujiro turned it into an inside cradle for a good near fall.

Ishii exploded with a jumping headbutt and a sliding lariat for two, followed by the vertical drop brainbuster for three.

G1 Climax A Block: Kazuchika Okada defeated Jeff Cobb (11:01)

This was a very enjoyable first-time meeting, if a bit short as NJPW are clearly sacrificing some of Okada’s great match quality to tell the story of not wanting to win with the Rainmaker. Cobb has looked quite impressive in these 10-12 minute sprints.

Okada showed off with his rope break spot right away. Cobb caught an Okada dropkick attempt out of midair and turned it into a vertical suplex in a great power spot. Okada avoided a corner elbow and hit a DDT.

Okada worked over Cobb’s head and neck. He went for a corner elbow of his own but Cobb moved out of the way and hit shoulder tackles followed by an overhead throw and a running back suplex.

They traded forearms before Cobb downed Okada with a lariat. We then got a ridiculous display of power as Cobb transitioned a gutwrench to both sides of his body, attempted a powerbomb, caught Okada’s escape attempt in midair, then hit a twisting back suplex.

Cobb went for a lariat but ran straight into a dropkick followed by a tombstone. Okada locked on the Money Clip cobra clutch and turned Cobb’s attempt to reach the ropes into a backslide for two. He went for another running move but Cobb hit a dropkick of his own. Cobb followed by stealing Okada’s Rainmaker pose.

Cobb attempted Tour of the Islands, but Okada turned it into a roll-up for two. A thrust kick sent Okada to the mat, but he locked on the same seated cradle as his win over Suzuki for the flash pinfall. 

***** Intermission *****

G1 Climax A Block: Will Ospreay defeated Minoru Suzuki via pinfall (14:34)

This was another very good first-time matchup. Suzuki was effective in picking apart Ospreay’s arm, and Ospreay’s selling was solid. The finish did seem a bit abrupt.

Ospreay hit a dropkick that sent Suzuki to the outside, followed by a plancha. He attempted Pip Pip Cheerio over the barricade but Suzuki turned it into a Fujiwara armbar. 

Suzuki continued to work over Ospreay’s arm on the outside. Back in, he continued the attack. Suzuki bullied and taunted Ospreay in the corner, daring Ospreay to fight back. Ospreay sold his arm every time he attempted a strike. Suzuki returned fire with chops and forearms.

One of the chops made Ospreay’s chest bleed, which was evident as Suzuki applied an octopus hold. Ospreay attempted a comeback but Suzuki turned Pip Pip Cheerio into another armbar.

Ospreay reached the ropes, but Suzuki leveled him with more forearms. Ospreay eventually fought his way back and finally hit Pip Pip Cheerio. They made their way to the top rope which led to a cool sequence where Ospreay attempted a 450, missed, rolled through, hit a high kick, then Suzuki hit a slap, and Ospreay hit a hook kick to win the battle.

Ospreay adjusted to his arm injury by switching arms for a forearm battle, which wasn’t enough to stop Suzuki’s strikes. Ospreay went for the handspring enzuigiri but Suzuki turned it into a sleeper, which Ospreay himself turned into a vertical suplex.

Suzuki avoided the Hidden Blade and turned a tilt-a-whirl into a sleeper. Ospreay hit an enzuigiri when Suzuki attempted the Gotch piledriver, then hit Stormbreaker for the win.

G1 Climax A Block: Jay White defeated Taichi (15:32)

While not a technical classic, this was about as fundamentally entertaining as a G1 match can get. Taichi had his second straight fantastic performance while White has just had a really great tournament overall. 

Switchblade and Taichi had a genuinely hilarious interplay at the start, which the crowd just loved. Taichi’s a heel but he was definitely playing babyface here. He would copy White every time he powdered and got back in the ring.

They both attempted a strike but Taichi escaped to the outside and drove White into the barricade. He choked White with an electrical cord, but Gedo provided a distraction by driving Taichi into the ring post and the barricade.

Back in, White hit a neckbreaker for two. White continued his beatdown, but Taichi eventually came back with an enzuigiri. He went for another enzuigiri, but White chop blocked his leg and hit a DDT. The Bladebuster followed for two.

White went for a backdrop driver, but Taichi hit an Axe Bomber to the back of his head. Taichi set up for the Last Ride, but White pancaked out of it, which led to Kawada kicks. Another attempt at the Last Ride was turned into a dragon screw.

Taichi missed another enzuigiri and White hit a German suplex, but Taichi popped right up and was met with a uranage. Taichi fired up again and hit a backdrop suplex for the double down.

They had a fighting spirit striking battle, with the catch being that when one would signal for the other to hit their chin, they’d hit something completely different. Taichi won the exchange with yet another enzuigiri. He locked on the Gedo clutch, but Gedo himself distracted the referee.

White went for a low blow, but Taichi stopped him before being shoved into the referee, who took a bump. Taichi dispatched Gedo with a low blow and hit a second on White, leading to the Gedo clutch for a super close near fall.

Taichi stacked White up with the Last Ride for two. The pants were off, but White moved the official in between him and Taichi before the buzzsaw kick. Taichi went for Black Mephisto, but White hit the Blade Runner out of nowhere for the pin.

G1 Climax A Block: Shingo Takagi defeated Kota Ibushi (22:11)

These two men beat the hell out of each other, resulting in a fantastic main event which capped off a show in which each match was better than the last. They left enough on the table to leave people excited about the prospect of a rematch down the line.

This was our third first-time matchup of the night. Both men teased signature moves. A forearm exchange looked to give Shingo the advantage, but he ran into a dropkick and was sent outside.

Back in, Shingo regained the advantage by catching a springboard. He dropped Ibushi into the top rope before clotheslining him outside. Shingo beat Ibushi down using the barricade and ring and concluded the attack with a DDT.

Ibushi attempted a comeback but was leveled with a forearm. Multiple further Ibushi comebacks were easily foiled by Shingo. Eventually, a jumping hurricanrana bought Ibushi some time. His signature strike sequence and a moonsault got two.

Shingo rolled to the outside, leading to Ibushi hitting a plancha. Back in, Shingo fought his way out of a powerbomb and the two exchanged strikes before Shingo hit his own signature strike sequence.

Ibushi fought out of the Noshigami and turned into a Kamigoye attempt. Ibushi missed and Shingo finally hit the Noshigami for two. Shingo hit a backdrop suplex but Ibushi fired up and hit a half-and-half suplex for the double down.

They traded stiff slaps before Shingo transitioned into chops and Ibushi hit kicks. Ibushi flipped his way out of a German suplex and hit a great-looking buzzsaw kick. The Last Ride followed for two.

Shingo popped Ibushi up onto his shoulders and hit a DVD. He set up for Last of the Dragon, but Ibushi fought out and hit a jumping knee. Shingo countered the Kamigoye with a headbutt and hit Made in Japan for a good near fall.

Shingo hit two Pumping Bombers for another near fall. He set up for Last of the Dragon, but Ibushi fought out. Shingo leveled Ibushi with a lariat. Ibushi hit a huge lariat of his own followed by the Bomaye, but Shingo countered the Kamigoye into Last of the Dragon for the win.

Post-match, Shingo cut a promo addressing the Hiroshima crowd.

G1 Climax 30 Standings —

A Block

  • Kazuchika Okada — 8 points (4-2)
  • Kota Ibushi — 8 points (4-2)
  • Jay White — 8 points (4-2)
  • Will Ospreay — 8 points (4-2)
  • Tomohiro Ishii — 6 points (3-3)
  • Shingo Takagi — 6 points (3-3)
  • Minoru Suzuki — 6 points (3-3
  • Taichi — 6 points (3-3)
  • Jeff Cobb — 4 points (2-4)
  • Yujiro Takahashi — 0 points (0-6)

B Block

  • Tetsuya Naito — 8 points (4-1)
  • Juice Robinson — 6 points (3-2)
  • Toru Yano — 6 points (3-2)
  • EVIL — 6 points (3-2)
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi — 6 points (3-2)
  • Zack Sabre Jr. — 4 points (2-3)
  • Hirooki Goto — 4 points (2-3)
  • KENTA — 4 points (2-3)
  • SANADA — 4 points (2-3)
  • YOSHI-HASHI — 2 points (1-4)

    NJPW G1 Climax 30 night ten results: KENTA vs Tanahashi

    Posted on by Chick Fritts

    Report —

    Yuya Uemura and Yota Tsuji went to a time limit draw

    Both men tried and failed to gain an upper hand in the early going, both upright and on the mat. An Uemura headlock and takedown allowed him to temporarily pull away, but Tsuji’s superior power permitted him a quick slam to reverse the match into his favor. Tsuji tried to maintain this lead with various strikes but fell victim to the headlock again. 

    The same gaining and loss of momentum played out once more, this time featuring a Tsuji back body drop before Uemura’s speed proved to be too much. Uemura locked in a deep Boston crab that forced Tsuji into the ropes.

    Uemura then slowly tried to chop Tsuji into further weakness but was leveled with a spear. Tsuji locked in a Boston crab of his own, which after an extended struggle, forced Uemura into the ropes.

    Uemura withstood Tsuji strikes and regained control with a forearm. Uemura tried two quick cradles, but was interrupted by the bell, signifying a time limit draw.

    This was really strong. This was a match packed full of energy and passion, drama and theatrics. 

    G1 Climax 30 B Block: Hirooki Goto defeated Toru Yano

    This set a record for the quickest match in G1 history. 

    Yano threw his towel in the face of Goto before being leveled with a lariat. Goto then folded Yano up, pinned him, and left victorious. 

    This match was over before it started. Goto wore a serious face of determination during his entrance that was still there during his exit. 

    G1 Climax 30 B Block: SANADA defeated Zack Sabre Jr.

    Sabre followed the bell with a burst of energy. A scramble left both struggling for a pin in the opening minute. After they separated it was Sabre who gained control once the two met again.

    Sabre worked SANADA on the mat, but SANADA trying for a pin scared Sabre back into standing. The standing only lasted long enough for Sabre to pull SANADA to the mat with an armbar. SANADA escaped the submission attempt, grabbing the arm of Sabre at the same time, but found himself in it again. 

    SANADA fought to his feet only to be dropped again by Sabre headscissors. SANADA worked his way free but Sabre immediately exited the ring, extinguishing any SANADA momentum.

    Once the match continued, a test of strength led into Sabre strikes and a SANADA dropkick. Sabre again retreated to the outside.

    While outside, Sabre was joined by SANADA who was stretched for his trouble. Once back in, Sabre tried to twist his leg to torque the arm of SANADA but fell after putting weight on his taped appendage. A SANADA dragon screw to the target leg made it clear Sabre was still hurting. 

    Sabre landed a few kicks but found himself tied up in the dragon sleeper. Sabre rolled free which triggered a sequence of pin attempts. SANADA was able to place Sabre in dragon sleeper position, land a rope assisted DDT, and connect with a moonsault.

    SANADA then pinned Sabre, clean in the middle. 

    This match was good enough but at no point felt great. The technical displays from Sabre were par for the course, there was not enough emotion to make them anything more. 

    G1 Climax 30 B Block: EVIL defeated Juice Robinson 

    EVIL jumped an unsuspecting Robinson as soon as the bell sounded. Robinson fought free and landed a crossbody which he followed with a sequence of chops. Dick Togo grabbed the leg of Robinson to prevent any further offense. EVIL then distracted the referee, allowing Togo to beat down Robinson with no repercussion.

    After Robinson was driven into the barricade EVIL traveled to the outside himself, creating a platter of chairs that he drove Robinson’s back into.

    Back in the ring, EVIL locked in a single-leg Boston crab which left Robinson’s back in worse shape. Robinson tried to show signs of life but found himself falling victim to more of EVIL’s shenanigans. An eye rake and an unprotected turnbuckle shot allowed Robinson to fall further behind. 

    EVIL was caught by a Robinson kick on a rebound. Robinson unloaded strikes on EVIL before landing a huge spinebuster. Togo was also taken out by a Robinson crossbody leaving Robinson alone with EVIL.

    A cannonball and a crossbody left Robinson with a near fall. EVIL freed himself from a full nelson and, with unwilling aid from the referee, landed a kick. EVIL was unable to follow up as Robinson avoided his attempt at a senton. Robinson lifted EVIL to the top rope and connected with a huge suplex. 

    Robinson was interrupted by the chair of Togo.

    EVIL landed a lariat and a powerbomb once back in the driver’s seat. Robinson continued to struggle against EVIL’s advances, landing a big right hand.

    The camera pulled away, revealing Togo distracting the referee. EVIL landed a low blow, Everything is EVIL, and pinned Robinson. 

    This match was hurt by the constant interference. Robinson, try as he may, couldn’t save a match stranded in Togo land. 

    G1 Climax 30 B Block: Tetsuya Naito defeated YOSHI-HASHI 

    YOSHI-HASHI gained early control on the mat but this was short-lived. A calm Naito taunted him in his typical fashion. YH landed a shoulder tackle and a rana, which left Naito on the outside. YH’s followup in the ring was over in moments. Naito landed an atomic drop and neckbreaker, his first display of offense thus far. Naito at this point had an extended offensive stint.

    YH fought free with a float-over neckbreaker after a failed attempt at a Naito Destino. YH connected with a dropkick that sent Naito crashing to the outside. YH followed up with a diving somersault senton. YH’s offense was temporarily stopped after Naito turned a powerbomb attempt into a rana. YH’s grit pulled through as he landed the powerbomb after Naito ascended to the top rope. 

    Naito connected with a DDT to regain his footing. A knee to the back, Gloria, and a spinebuster followed. YH reversed a lariat attempt to reset the match.

    A strike exchange allowed YH to pull ahead. YH drove the head of Naito into the mat and locked in a sleeper. From the sleeper, YH connected with a backbreaker and locked in the butterfly lock. Naito was in the hold for a long time before finding the bottom rope.

    Once standing, Naito connected with multiple elbows to the head but was caught, by a YH headbutt. A dragon suplex and a lariat left YH with a near fall. YH hoisted Naito up, only for Naito to fall into a partial Destino. Naito tried for a second but YH connected with a bunker buster. The near fall that followed was exquisite. 

    Once standing, Naito hit a surprise enzuigiri. Naito had a short show of offense before landing Destino for the pinfall victory.

    This match had me bite on a YH near fall over the double champion. Naito’s lack of credibility paid to YH nearly and believably led to a career-defining upset. Instead, we had a match that was way better than what could be expected. 

    G1 Climax 30 B Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated KENTA 

    A collar-and-elbow tie-up in the opening sequence allowed KENTA to mess up the beautiful hair of Tanahashi and escape to the outside. Tanahashi interrupted the games of KENTA with a dropkick before dragging him back between the ropes. 

    KENTA turned his attention to the leg of Tanahashi with a chop block, boots, and a pair of slammings into the ring post. Tanahashi was held down by his leg in the middle of the ring before struggling into the bottom rope. A figure four from KENTA resulted in the same.

    KENTA took the action outside where he drove the leg into the barricade. Back inside, KENTA delivered more of the same. Tanahashi, with pain across his face, began to fight to a standing position. Tanahashi would then land a dragon screw and a sunset flip, but a quick powerslam allowed KENTA to continue his offense. 

    KENTA locked in the figure four again. After Tanahashi found the bottom rope, an apron struggle would determine the next phase of momentum. Tanahashi was beating KENTA down when he was interrupted by a dropkick to his knee. Still on the apron, KENTA landed a leg whip, leaving Tanahashi stranded on the outside. Tanahashi just barely beat the referee’s count to return to the ring.

    KENTA landed a double foot stomp that nearly scored the fall. KENTA locked in the figure four again. This time Tanahashi took to slapping at his opponent. KENTA became irate, dropped the hold, and hit forearms from full mount.

    KENTA lifted Tanahashi to his feet and hit the ropes. Tanahashi caught KENTA on the rebound with a slingblade, resetting the match.

    KENTA and Tanahashi began trading strikes. Tanahashi hit a dragon screw into the ropes. Another dragon screw, a cloverleaf, and a dropkick left Tanahashi ahead for the first time. 

    KENTA stopped Tanahashi by throwing him into the referee. With Tanahashi laying on top of the referee KENTA landed a splash. KENTA grabbed his briefcase and flattened Tanahashi. A drive-by kick and a running knee from KENTA landed just as the referee returned to consciousness. Tanahashi kicked out the pin attempt that followed. 

    KENTA began to strike Tanahashi before turning to the GTS. Tanahashi slipped free from the finish and landed a neck whip. Tanahashi connected with a sling blade before climbing for High Fly Flow.

    Instead of trying for a pin on KENTA, Tanahashi locked in the cloverleaf submission in the middle of the ring. KENTA tapped out moments later.

    This was a great outing from both men that played entirely to their strengths. KENTA was the perfect foe for the undeniable hero, Hiroshi Tanahashi. A fantastic way to close the show. 

    G1 Climax 30 Standings

    A Block

    • Kota Ibushi — 8 points (4-1)
    • Kazuchika Okada — 6 points (3-2)
    • Jay White — 6 points (3-2)
    • Will Ospreay — 6 points (3-2)
    • Minoru Suzuki — 6 points (3-2)
    • Taichi — 6 points (3-2)
    • Tomohiro Ishii — 4 points (2-3)
    • Shingo Takagi — 4 points (2-3)
    • Jeff Cobb — 4 points (2-3)
    • Yujiro Takahashi — 0 points (0-5)

    B Block

    • Tetsuya Naito — 8 points (4-1)
    • Juice Robinson — 6 points (3-2)
    • Toru Yano — 6 points (3-2)
    • EVIL — 6 points (3-2)
    • Hiroshi Tanahashi — 6 points (3-2)
    • Zack Sabre Jr. — 4 points (2-3)
    • Hirooki Goto — 4 points (2-3)
    • KENTA — 4 points (2-3)
    • SANADA — 4 points (2-3)
    • YOSHI-HASHI — 2 points (1-4)

    NJPW G1 Climax 30 night nine results: Ibushi vs. Ospreay

    Posted on by Parker Klyn

    Recommended Matches —

    • Jay White vs. Jeff Cobb
    • Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki
    • Tomohiro Ishii vs. Taichi
    • Kota Ibushi vs. Will Ospreay

    Report —

    Yuya Uemura defeated Gabriel Kidd (7:51)

    In terms of excitement, this was one of the weaker Young Lion matches on this tour. It wasn’t bad, but there was much more of a focus on technical wrestling exhibition than a competitive fight.

    There was a test of strength at the start. Both men had their hands locked for a long time. Kidd won the power battle, but Uemura’s bridge was too strong to break.

    Uemura locked on a long side headlock. They didn’t throw a single strike until nearly five minutes in, where they had a forearm battle. Kidd got the upper hand with a big overhand chop but Uemura fought back with a shoulder tackle and an elbow smash.

    Kidd hit a dropkick and went for his underhook suplex, but it was turned into a cradle exchange. Uemura applied the Boston crab. Kidd reached the ropes, but Uemura immediately hit his overhead belly-to-belly and locked on a Lion Tamer variation for the submission.

    G1 Climax A Block: Shingo Takagi defeated Yujiro Takahashi (13:39)

    This was no good, one of the least exciting matches from the entire tournament. It was perfectly serviceable in-ring but there was no energy or crowd investment and the ref bump nonsense is way overdone. At least the other Yujiro matches have been much shorter.

    After an early shoulder tackle, Yujiro was sent outside. Shingo attempted to whip Yujiro into the barricade, but Yujiro blocked and forced Shingo himself into the barricade.

    When trying to re-enter the ring, Yujiro drove his boot into Shingo’s head, but Shingo clotheslined Yujiro’s legs and he took an apron bump. After a brief fight, Yujiro hit a reverse DDT on the apron.

    Yujiro continued to beat down Shingo until the latter fired up with chops and forearms. Yujiro bit his way out of a suplex attempt. Shingo took advantage with a shoulder tackle and escaped a fisherman’s buster with the same bite move that Yujiro uses.

    Yujiro fought his way out of Noshigami and hit the fisherman’s buster for two. They each avoided each other’s running power moves. Shingo finally hit a Pumping Bomber but Yujiro popped up right away and nailed a lariat of his own.

    An Olympic slam from Yujiro and his swinging fireman’s carry slam got two. He went for another lariat but Shingo hit his signature striking sequence and a sliding lariat.

    Shingo went for Last of the Dragon but Yujiro fought his way out with another bite while shoving down the official. He tried to attack with his staff but Shingo broke it in half with a forearm.

    With the referee back up, Shingo hit another Pumping Bomber and the Last of the Dragon for three.

    G1 Climax A Block: Jeff Cobb defeated Jay White (12:26)

    I don’t know if it was ring rust or something else, but Cobb has gotten better with every single match on this tour. This was an excellent babyface performance showcasing his power and athleticism, and against all odds he upset Switchblade in picking up the win. 

    White went for takedowns at the bell but they were all easily countered by Cobb. He gave Cobb a quick slap and then powdered to the outside to stall. Back in, Cobb hit a huge dropkick. There are lots of excellent standing dropkicks in NJPW, but Cobb may have the best one outside of Okada.

    Gedo entered the ring. Cobb clunked Gedo and Switchblade’s heads together, but White took advantage after Gedo grabbed Cobb’s leg. White beat Cobb down in the corner. After a while, Cobb hit a Samoan drop to even the playing field.

    A massive overhead belly-to-belly gave Cobb the advantage, followed by a corner splash and a running back suplex. White fought back with uppercuts and a head-and-arm suplex into the turnbuckle pad. White hit Bladebuster for two.

    The two men traded strikes in the center of the ring. Cobb won the striking battle but White turned a lariat into a flatliner. White attempted a German suplex but Cobb fought out, so he turned it into a uranage for two.

    White picked Cobb apart but Cobb just whipped him headfirst into the corner. Cobb hit his catching suplex and a standing moonsault for two. White fought his way out of Tour of the Islands and attempted the Blade Runner, but Cobb fought out and hit a German.

    Gedo entered the ring and distracted Cobb which allowed White to hit a sleeper suplex. Cobb popped up and hit Tour of the Islands. Gedo tried to interfere again but Cobb press slammed him into White and hit a second Tour of the Islands for the win.

    ***** Intermission *****

    G1 Climax A Block: Kazuchika Okada defeated Minoru Suzuki (14:20)

    They’re telling a story with Okada and his Money Clip submission, namely that it usually doesn’t work. The match was a good technical battle that never really sniffed greatness.

    It was evident based on the crowd response at the bell that they were excited about this one. They wrestled back and forth at the start. Okada went for his corner elbow but Suzuki avoided it and locked on his rope-assisted armbar, sending both men outside.

    Suzuki sent Okada into the barricade and beat him down with kicks. Back in the ring, Suzuki hit a soccer kick and went for a double wristlock, but Okada reached the ropes. Suzuki continued to target the arm.

    Okada avoided a boot in the corner and hit a neckbreaker for his first bit of real offense eight minutes in. They exchanged forearms. Suzuki hit his crushing forearms to end the back-and-forth.

    Suzuki applied the sleeper and went for the Gotch piledriver, but Okada turned it into the air raid crash neckbreaker. They continued to exchange forearms as Suzuki dared him to hit him. 

    Okada hit his dropkick and a tombstone before locking on the Money Clip. Suzuki rolled out and turned it into an armbar but Okada reached the ropes. Okada went for a Rainmaker. Suzuki kicked his arm away, but Okada hit a short Rainmaker anyway.

    Okada attempted another Rainmaker but Suzuki turned it into a rear naked choke. Okada fought his way out and attempted the Money Clip. Suzuki tried for the Gotch, but Okada turned it into a cradle for the win. This was the same finish as the first fall in his Omega classic and against Jericho at Dominion last year. 

    G1 Climax A Block: Tomohiro Ishii defeated Taichi (18:36)

    Ever since their first singles match last year, we’ve known that Ishii is Taichi’s best opponent. They affirmed this here with a pretty unbelievable closing sequence, on the level of any stretch from Ishii/Shingo on night seven.

    They both fired out of the gates with offense right away. Ishii hit chops and Taichi hit kicks. Taichi won when Ishii’s leg gave out and the action moved outside, where Taichi hit Ishii with the ring bell mallet and choked him with it.

    Taichi kept up the advantage in the ring with strikes. Ishii eventually powered up and hit a powerslam. Ishii alternated strikes and forearms in the corner. They continued to battle with strikes until Taichi hit an enzuigiri in the corner.

    Ishii avoided the buzzsaw kick and attempted a suplex, but Taichi fought his way out and hit the kick. The pants were off, and Ishii fired up. They collided and Taichi hit another enzuigiri. Taichi went for Black Mephisto but couldn’t hit it. Taichi hit Ishii with Kawada kicks, a forearm smash, an Axe Bomber and a backdrop driver.

    Taichi tried for Black Mephisto once more but Ishii turned it into a buckle bomb and a lariat. Taichi pushed the official, but Ishii blocked a low blow. Ishii completely no-sold a buzzsaw kick and leveled Taichi with a forearm and a powerbomb for two.

    Two huge lariats turned Taichi inside out for another two. Taichi fought his way out of the vertical drop brainbuster, pushed Red Shoes out of the way, hit a low blow, and applied the Gedo Clutch for a great near fall.

    The Last Ride powerbomb stacked up Ishii for another good near fall. Ishii hit a German suplex. Taichi fired up, so Ishii just downed him with a clothesline. Another clothesline led to Taichi kicking out at one and hitting another Axe Bomber and backdrop driver for two. 

    They traded signature offense and strikes once more, with both hitting an enzuigiri for a double down. Ishii hit a sliding lariat for two, followed by the vertical drop brainbuster for three.

    The Young Lions had to separate them post-match. 

    G1 Climax A Block Kota Ibushi defeated Will Ospreay (15:54)

    This had very good, hard-hitting, fast-paced action but it never came close to reaching the level of their previous two singles matches, mostly due to the relatively short match length. Still, this was a worthy G1 main event.

    I really hope they’re not trying to portray this version of Ospreay as a babyface, because he’s such a blatantly unlikable presence, out-of-ring concerns notwithstanding.

    Ospreay teased Ibushi with the Okada rope break and a walk-over sequence before sending him to the outside with a hurricanrana.

    Ibushi immediately attempted the Kamigoye but Ospreay escaped and hit his handspring kick. Ibushi avoided a plancha but fell victim to a soccer kick.

    Back in, Ospreay nailed big chops on Ibushi in the corner before locking on a modified scorpion deathlock. Ibushi escaped and they battled with strikes before Ibushi took the advantage with a dropkick. Ibushi hit his signature striking combination and a standing moonsault for two.

    They had a really cool counter-based strike exchange which Ibushi concluded by just crushing Ospreay with a double foot stomp. Ospreay hit Pip Pip Cheerio followed by a picture-perfect Sasuke special.

    A lifting inverted DDT from Ospreay got two. They fought up top, which led to Ibushi hitting a springboard hurricanrana where Ospreay landed on his feet, the same spot we see in every Ospreay/Ibushi match.

    Ospreay laid in forearms and Kawada kicks, but Ibushi entered his glassy-eyed trance-like state. Ibushi leveled Ospreay with a palm strike. Ibushi continued to beat down Ospreay with kicks, but Ospreay hit his backflip into an enzuigiri. He went for the handspring kick again but Ibushi turned it into a German suplex followed by the Bomaye for a near fall.

    Ospreay avoided the Kamigoye and hit a hook kick. Ibushi fought his way out of the Stormbreaker, but Ospreay hit a Liger bomb for two. Ospreay went for the Hidden Blade but was downed with a high kick and the Last Ride for two.

    Ibushi removed his kneepad and called for the Kamigoye, but Ospreay turned it into a cradle. Ospreay went for the Oscutter but Ibushi kneed him out of midair and hit the Kamigoye for the win.

    **********

    Post-match, Ibushi cut a short promo.

    **********

    G1 Climax 30 Standings

    A Block

    • Kota Ibushi — 8 points (4-1)
    • Kazuchika Okada — 6 points (3-2)
    • Jay White — 6 points (3-2)
    • Will Ospreay — 6 points (3-2)
    • Minoru Suzuki — 6 points (3-2)
    • Taichi — 6 points (3-2)
    • Tomohiro Ishii — 4 points (2-3)
    • Shingo Takagi — 4 points (2-3)
    • Jeff Cobb — 4 points (2-3)
    • Yujiro Takahashi — 0 points (0-5)

    B Block

    • Tetsuya Naito — 6 points (3-1)
    • Juice Robinson — 6 points (3-1)
    • Toru Yano — 6 points (3-1)
    • Zack Sabre Jr. — 4 points (2-2)
    • EVIL — 4 points (2-2)
    • KENTA — 4 points (2-2)
    • Hiroshi Tanahashi — 4 points (2-2)
    • Hirooki Goto — 2 points (1-3)
    • YOSHI-HASHI — 2 points(1-3)
    • SANADA — 2 points (1-3)

      NJPW G1 Climax 30 night eight live results: Naito vs. SANADA

      Posted on by Ethan Renner

      Recommended matches —

      • Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. YOSHI-HASHI
      • Tetsuya Naito vs. SANADA

      Report —

      Ao-re Nagaoka in Niigata was the venue. 

      **********

      Yota Tsuji drew with Gabriel Kidd (15:00)

      The emphasis here was on selling. The work was technically sound but there was not much in the way of action. 

      Kidd dominated the early part of the match, grounding Tsuji with holds. Tsuji sold damage to his neck and lower back. Tsuji came back with two slams and used a leg lace. Kidd sold his left leg. 

      Kidd won a striking battle and tried to fire up the crowd. Kidd got double underhooks and tried for a suplex. Tsuji blocked and hit a powerslam. 

      Tsuji hit a running forearm and used a dropkick for a two count. Kidd hit a hip toss and used a crab. Tsuji fought for the ropes and finally got there to force a break. 

      Kidd again worked for a butterfly suplex. Tsuji blocked. Kidd used a sunset flip for a near fall. Tsuji hit a backdrop. Kidd fought out of a Boston crab and hit a dropkick. 

      Tsuji hit a spear and used a cradle for a two count. Kidd used a small package for a near fall as the time limit expired. 

      They fired off a few strikes after the bell before both guys collapsed, selling exhaustion. 

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: Juice Robinson defeated Toru Yano (6:42)

      I usually like Yano’s comedy as a change of pace on these G1 shows but it wasn’t clicking today. 

      Yano offered Juice a Yano t-shirt. Juice went to put it on and Yano used a schoolboy for a near fall. Yano sprayed hand sanitizer in Juice’s eyes and rolled him up for two. 

      They rolled outside where Juice poured a bottle of sanitizer in Yano’s eyes. They teased a countout but Yano made it back in at 19. 

      Yano exposed a buckle. Juice avoided a slingshot into the exposed buckle. Yano bailed and tried to bait Juice to the floor. Juice tore up the t-shirt. 

      Yano hit an inverted atomic drop in the aisle and taped Juice’s feet together. Juice beat the count back in at 17. Juice hit a full nelson slam and freed his feet. 

      Yano ducked a Left Hand of God and tried to backslide the ref. Juice hit a Left Hand of God. Yano blocked Pulp Friction and tried a schoolboy. Juice blocked and cradled Yano for the pin. 

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Hirooki Goto (4:00)

      This was different. A total sprint. Goto’s right arm and shoulder were heavily taped. 

      Sabre used a cross armbreaker. Sabre used a misdirection spot to set up an octopus. Goto reversed into an ushigoroshi attempt but Sabre blocked. Sabre hit a PK. Goto hit a running mid kick. 

      Goto hit an ushigoroshi and a mid kick. He went for a GTR but Sabre blocked and used a clutch hold for the pin. 

      ***** Intermission *****

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated YOSHI-HASHI (18:41)

      I think we need to start asking ourselves a question — is YOSHI-HASHI good now? 

      In this case, he was in there with one of the greates wrestlers ever, but he’s had a series of very good matches this year. 

      Tanahashi used a trip takedown and a Fujiwara armbar. YH countered with a dragon screw to the right leg. Tanahashi answered with his own dragon screw. Tana fired up and hit a somersault senton off the second buckle for a two count. 

      They had a chop battle. YH got the best of it and hit a series of kicks. YH hit a sit-out powerbomb for a two count. Tana blocked a fisherman buster. YH blocked a dragon suplex. Tanahashi hit a straightjacket German for a near fall. 

      YH blocked a slingblade with a chop. Tanahashi hit slingblade on his second attempt. Sensing victory, Tanahashi went for High Fly Flow. YH got his knees up. They had a lengthy striking battle in the center of the ring. YH dropped Tanahashi with a forearm shot. 

      YH avoided a slingblade and hit a lariat for a two count. YH used a butterfly lock. Tanahashi tried like hell to sell this as a potential finish. YH eventually gave up the hold and hit a backstabber. Tanahashi blocked Kharma and hit twist and shout. 

      Tanahashi hit a dragon screw. They traded quick cradles. Tanahashi hit another dragon screw. YH avoided slingblade and hit a dragon suplex. YH hit a meteora for a two count and a sidewalk slam for another two count. 

      Tanahashi blocked Kharma. YH went for a lariat but Tanahashi ducked and hit a slingblade. Tanahashi hit a standing High Fly Flow. 

      Tanahashi then hit another High Fly Flow and picked up the pinfall victory. 

      Tanahashi’s post-match celebration was great. 

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: EVIL (w/Dick Togo) defeated KENTA (15:40)

      This was about what you would expect with two heels from the same faction. KENTA played underdog to make the match work. The finished product was okay. 

      KENTA offered a too sweet before the bell. EVIL declined and gave Togo a too sweet instead. 

      KENTA went for a walk at the opening bell. He grabbed Togo in a threatening manner. Back inside, they traded kicks. They rolled to the floor where KENTA established the advantage, slamming EVIL into the barricade and posting him. 

      KENTA continued to hold the advantage and hit some short kicks. Togo tripped KENTA from the floor. They went back to the outside. EVIL Pillmanized KENTA’s left arm against the post. 

      EVIL went to work on the left arm. He used a hammerlock and sent KENTA shoulder-first into an exposed buckle. EVIL used a slam and a Fujiwara armbar. 

      KENTA cameback with a lariat and a vertical suplex. After a standing switch, KENTA hit a swing DDT and a top rope clothesline for a two count at the 10 minute mark.

      Togo jumped on the apron. KENTA was distracted and EVIL jammed the left arm over the top rope. EVIL again used a hammerlock into the exposed buckle. EVIL used a suplex for a near fall. 

      EVIL pulled Red Shoes into KENTA’s path and the ref took a bump to the floor. KENTA grabbed his briefcase. Togo tried to take it away from him but KENTA nailed him with it. 

      KENTA used a briefcase shot on EVIL. KENTA hit a top rope double stomp as the ref was revived. KENTA hit a busaiku knee for a near fall. 

      EVIL fought out of a GTS attemptand sent KENTA into the buckle. EVIL hit Darkness Falls for a two count. EVIL hit a lariat for another near fall. KENTA fought off Everything is EVIL and hit a series of palm strikes at 15 minutes. 

      Togo jumped on the apron. KENTA pulled him in the ring. KENTA tried for a GTS on Togo. EVIL shielded the ref and hit a low blow, then used Everything is EVIL for the pin. 

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: SANADA defeated Tetsuya Naito (27:08)

      This was a great main event. There were some scary moments towards the end when both guys were slick with sweat and there were nearly some inadvertent head drops. SANADA got his first win of the tournament and this set up a potential challenger for Naito later in the year. 

      They started with some mat work. SANADA fought for a cross armbreaker but couldn’t get it. Naito used a headlock but SANADA used a headscissors escape. 

      SANADA used a hammerlock to set up a side headlock. SANADA broke cleanly against the ropes but Naito did not. Naito hit a kick and SANADA rolled outside. Naito went for his tranquilo pose but SANADA pulled him to the floor. SANADA hit a pose back in the ring instead. 

      They teased locking up but Naito wanted to brawl instead. Naito hit some strikes and a one-legged dropkick. On the floor, Naito sent SANADA into the barricade. SANADA beat the count back in at 17. 

      Naito hit a neckbreaker and used a crucifix. SANADA forced a rope break. Naito hit a slingshot dropkick in the corner before taunting SANADA by stepping on his face. SANADA fought out of a neckbreaker attempt and hit a dropkick, taking out Naito’s left leg. 

      SANADA hit a leapfrog dropkick and a follow-up plancha before firing up the crowd. SANADA avoided a flying forearm. He fought for a suplex but Naito hit an arm drag out of it. Naito hit a swing DDT and SANADA sold his neck. 

      SANADA avoided a top rope frankensteiner and hit a dropkick while Naito was seated on the top rope. SANADA drove Naito off the top rope into his knee, then used a tiger suplex with a bridge for a near fall at the 15 minute call. 

      Naito blocked a Skull End attempt and hit a spinebuster. Naito hit some short elbows to the neck, setting up for a later Destino attempt. Naito hit a top rope frankensteiner for a near fall. Naito tried Gloria but SANADA blocked. Naito hit Esperanza. 

      Naito went for a Destino but SANADA blocked and hit a TKO into a double down at 20 minutes. 

      They traded strikes from their knees. They climbed to their feet and continued to trade. The crowd really got into this striking battle. 

      SANADA used a moonsault press to set up Skull End. He used a spinning Skull End before dropping to the mat and adding a bodyscissors to the Skull End. Naito popped his head out of the hold twice, but SANADA went right back to it both times. 

      SANADA gave up the hold and went up top. SANADA missed a moonsault. Both men were still down selling at the 25 minute call. 

      Naito slipped on a Destino attempt. He escaped the Skull End coounter attempt and hit Destino. SANADA kicked out. 

      SANADA blocked another Destino attempt. Naito tried Gloria but stumbled and almost dropped SANADA on his head. 

      SANADA hit a Destino for a near fall, then hit two moonsaults for the win. 

      **********

      Post-match, SANADA offered an LIJ fist bump. Naito accepted the gesture, then left the ring and the mic to SANADA. SANADA closed the show with a promo. They turned the house lights down and the crowd lit up the arena with their phones. 

      **********

      G1 Climax 30 Standings

      B Block

      • Tetsuya Naito — 6 (3-1)
      • Juice Robinson — 6 (3-1)
      • Toru Yano — 6 (3-1)
      • Zack Sabre Jr. — 4 (2-2)
      • EVIL — 4 (2-2)
      • KENTA — 4 (2-2)
      • Hiroshi Tanahashi — 4 (2-2)
      • Hirooki Goto — 2 (1-3)
      • YOSHI-HASHI — 2 (1-3)
      • SANADA — 2 (1-3)

      A Block

      • Jay White — 6 (3-1)
      • Will Ospreay — 6 (3-1)
      • Taichi — 6 (3-1)
      • Kota Ibushi — 6 (3-1) 
      • Minoru Suzuki — 6 (3-1)
      • Kazuchika Okada — 4 (2-2)
      • Shingo Takagi — 2 (1-3)
      • Tomohiro Ishii — 2 (1-3)
      • Jeff Cobb — 2 (1-3)
      • Yujiro Takahashi — 0 (0-4)

      NJPW G1 Climax 30 night seven results: Ishii vs. Takagi

      Posted on by Parker Klyn

      Recommended Matches:

      • Kota Ibushi vs. Jeff Cobb
      • Kazuchika Okada vs. Taichi
      • Jay White vs. Will Ospreay
      • Tomohiro Ishii vs. Shingo Takagi

      Korakuen Hall got its first look at G1 Climax Block A tonight, headlined by Tomohiro Ishii vs. Shingo Takagi in the main event.

      Report —

      Yota Tsuji defeated Yuya Uemura (7:53)

      Korakuen famously loves its Young Lion matches. This was the third meeting between these two on the tour, and I felt it was their best yet. 

      Tsuji won a test of strength with a Greco-Roman knuckle lock, but Uemura’s bridge was too strong to break. After more chain wrestling, Tsuji landed the first move of the match with a running shoulder tackle.

      A jumping body press got an early two for Tsuji, but Uemura had too much left in the tank for him to lock on the Boston crab. A dropkick allowed Uemura to make his comeback, followed by a running forearm for two.

      Uemura laid in strikes in the corner. After being whipped into the opposite corner, Tsuji exploded back with a spear, which finally allowed him to apply the crab.

      Uemura nearly reached the ropes to escape the crab, but Tsuji pulled back with a giant swing. After a longer-than-usual submission fight, Uemura was forced to tap.

      **********

      El Desperado joined the commentary team.

      **********

      G1 Climax Block A: Minoru Suzuki defeated Yujiro Takahashi (7:58)

      This was nice and compact action, but nothing special.

      They shoved each other around before the bell, and Suzuki quickly downed his opponent with a big boot. On the outside, Yujiro took the advantage by striking and choking with his staff.

      After more strikes in the ring, Suzuki snapped, sending Yujiro back outside. He smashed Yujiro with chair strikes and shoved down the official, then choked Yujiro with an electrical cord.

      Back inside, Suzuki applied a sleeper hold. Yujiro caught a soccer kick and hit a running dropkick, followed by a fisherman’s buster for two.

      They traded forearms, but Suzuki’s super-stiff forearm sent Yujiro to the mat. After firing back up with a lariat, Yujiro attempted his swinging fireman’s carry slam, but Suzuki escaped.

      Suzuki turned Pimp Juice into the rear naked choke, followed by the Gotch piledriver for a quick win. 

      G1 Climax Block A: Kota Ibushi defeated Jeff Cobb (10:44)

      I thought this was Cobb’s best performance yet, but the match ended just as it was getting great.

      They performed chain wrestling to start. After a big chop from Cobb, they went right into a striking battle. Ibushi hit his striking sequence, finishing with a moonsault for two.

      Ibushi ran the ropes but Cobb hit an impressive standing dropkick to take control. Ibushi fought back with a jumping hurricanrana and a plancha to the outside. He missed a springboard but avoided a spear and hit a double stomp.

      Cobb caught a mid kick and hit a back suplex. He ran in with his jumping uppercut in the corner, followed by his catching back suplex and a standing moonsault for two. 

      Cobb set up for a running lariat, but Ibushi turned it into another stiff striking battle, which Cobb won with a standing lariat. He then hit his series of gutwrenches, but Ibushi fought out of the powerbomb, so he turned it into an F5 for a near fall. 

      Ibushi fought out of Tour of the Islands and hit a high kick and a V-Trigger, followed by the Kamigoye for the win.

      ***** Intermission *****

      G1 Climax 30 Block A: Kazuchika Okada defeated Taichi (17:30)

      This started slowly with too much brawling, but it built to a really exciting finish. I thought this was better than their overlong New Beginning main even from earlier in the year. Okada’s back was heavily taped, and he just didn’t move as effortlessly as we’re used to seeing from him.

      Taichi attacked before the bell, and sent Okada into the barricade outside. El Desperado, who had been on commentary, distracted the referee while Taichi hit chair shots. I’m not sure why that was necessary considering Suzuki hit chair shots right in front of the exact same official earlier in the show.

      Back inside, Taichi beat Okada down with kicks. Okada rolled outside again, and Taichi shoved him into the ring apron. Back in, Okada was beaten down for a while before fighting back with a running forearm. 

      Okada hit his running back elbow and his corner DDT sequence for two, but Taichi fought out of the Money Clip cobra clutch. Taichi rolled outside once again, driving Okada’s back into the ring barricade. Okada finally got the best of the exchange with a DDT to the floor.

      Okada missed a missile dropkick which sent him crashing to the mat. Taichi hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker and locked on a single-leg crab, but Okada reached the ropes.

      Okada fought out of the Last Ride, so Taichi was forced to hit Kawada kicks. Another Last Ride attempt was countered into the Air Raid Crash neckbreaker. Taichi avoided a corner lariat and hit an enzuigiri.

      Taichi ran the ropes but had the Okada dropkick scouted. He hit a buzzsaw kick, and the pants were off, but Okada hit his dropkick. Okada tried to apply the Money Clip but Taichi turned into a backdrop suplex. 

      Okada fought out of the Last Ride once again and hit a spinning tombstone piledriver, which allowed him to lock on the Money Clip. Taichi fought out with an illegal choke, but Okada hit a short Rainmaker and maintained wrist control. 

      Taichi pulled the official in front of a second Rainmaker attempt and used the Gedo Clutch for a great near fall.

      Another jumping enzuigiri led to a striking battle. Taichi finished it off with a Rainmaker of his own. 

      Okada fought out of Black Mephisto and locked on the Money Clip, but Taichi forced his way out. He tried for Black Mephisto one more time, but Okada hit a backbreaker with the Money Clip applied, leading to a referee stoppage. 

      G1 Climax 30 Block A: Will Ospreay defeated Jay White (18:49)

      This was fantastic, maybe White’s best match all year. They kept the Gedo interference to a minimum, and White’s timing in avoiding big moves is so perfect that it makes them all the more satisfying when they hit.

      Gedo joined Switchblade as always. His gimmick on this tour has been taunting the fans for being unable to chant. He powdered to the outside at the bell, and continued to do so for a few minutes. 

      Once inside, White beat Ospreay down in the corner. Ospreay fired back out with a huge chop, reminiscent of his massive chop against Okada during last year’s G1 Korakuen stop. 

      A lariat sent White to the outside, but Ospreay feinted on his space flying tiger drop attempt. Back in, White dispatched Ospreay with an overhead suplex from inside the ring to the apron, sending him crashing to the floor. 

      White maintained control during a long heat segment. Ospreay finally made a comeback with a handspring kick followed by a standing shooting star press for two. Pip Pip Cheerio followed, but White moved out of the way of the space flying tiger drop.

      Gedo grabbed Ospreay’s leg as they made their way back inside the ring, allowing White to take advantage once again. The Bladebuster got two for White. Ospreay tried to hit his backflip into an enzuigiri, but his leg gave out. Another distraction from Gedo gave White enough time to counter Pip Pip Cheerio into a German suplex.

      The two fought on the top rope, but Ospreay hit a springboard dropkick, forcing White into the tree of woe. White moved out of the way of the Coast to Coast and rolled outside, which allowed Ospreay to hit the space flying tiger drop.

      Back in, a springboard 450 splash from Ospreay got two. White avoided the Oscutter and hit a uranage for a double down. The Kiwi Krusher got two, but Ospreay fought out of the Blade Runner and hit a Liger bomb. 

      Ospreay fought out of another Blade Runner and hit the Oscutter for two. He set up for the Hidden Blade, but White collapsed out of the way. Ospreay laid in ground and pound to the back of White’s head, which forced the official to break it up.

      Ospreay continued his beatdown with Kawada kicks, but White tripped up the official on as he set up for the Stormbreaker. Gedo tried to use his brass knuckles, but Ospreay easily downed him with a forearm and foiled White’s attempt at a low blow.

      The Hidden Blade followed and Ospreay hit the Stormbreaker for the upset victory.

      G1 Climax 30 Block A: Tomohiro Ishii defeated Shingo Takagi (26:02)

      This was a rematch of many people’s match of the tournament from last year, and I’d say it mostly lived up to that expectation. I’d put it on the level of their match from earlier this year. These two absolutely killed each other, even more than you’d imagine. It didn’t truly pick up until the closing sequence, but these two have such a high floor when they’re in the ring together that even with a more muted crowd reaction, the match is still excellent. 

      They had a striking exchange right at the bell. Ishii gained the upper hand at the start with a shoulder tackle and a couple big chops. Outside, Shingo was sent into the barricade, but he fired up with a shoulder tackle and a lariat. 

      Back in, Shingo hit elbow drops and a leaping senton. The two hit big chops on each other, concluding with a massive two-hand chop from Shingo. Ishii regained the upper hand with a suplex.

      Ishii beat Shingo down in the corner with forearms and chops. He whipped Shingo into the other corner, but Shingo hit his signature strike combination followed by a lariat.

      They continued to battle with strikes. Shingo hit a wheelbarrow German suplex for two. He hit the Pumping Bomber, but Ishii popped up and the two hit lariats for a double down.

      They fought up top and Ishii hit a superplex. Ishii fought out of Made in Japan, but Shingo improvised and hit a gutbuster. Made in Japan and a Pumping Bomber each followed for two. 

      A short lariat downed Ishii. Shingo went for another Pumping Bomber but Ishii turned it into a backdrop suplex and hit a second for good measure. They traded strikes once more, and Ishii hit a powerbomb for two.

      Ishii attempted the Vertical Drop Brainbuster but Shingo popped him up into a DVD. Ishii fired back up and hit a lariat but Shingo kicked out at one, followed by a sliding lariat for two. 

      Shingo fought out of the brainbuster again and hit a sliding forearm smash. They domed each other with clunking headbutts which garnered audible groans from the crowd. That was brutal.

      They each hit a series of forearms, but Shingo trapped Ishii in the ropes and hit a GTR. A picture-perfect Pumping Bomber landed for a great near fall. Ishii fought out of Last of the Dragon and hit a DDT at the 25-minute mark.

      They traded lariats and Ishii hit a jumping enzuigiri and another big lariat, allowing him to hit the Vertical Drop Brainbuster for his first win.

      Post-match, they both sold like they didn’t realize the fight was over and continued to go after each other. 

      G1 Climax 30 Standings

      Block A

      • Jay White – 6 (3-1)
      • Will Ospreay – 6 (3-1)
      • Taichi – 6 (3-1)
      • Kota Ibushi – 6 (3-1) 
      • Minoru Suzuki – 6 (3-1)
      • Kazuchika Okada – 4 (2-2)
      • Shingo Takagi – 2 (1-3)
      • Tomohiro Ishii – 2 (1-3)
      • Jeff Cobb – 2 (1-3)
      • Yujiro Takahashi – 0 (0-4)

      Block B

      • Tetsuya Naito – 6 (3-0)
      • Toru Yano – 6 (3-0)
      • KENTA – 4 (2-1)
      • Juice Robinson – 4 (2-1)
      • EVIL – 2 (1-2)
      • Zack Sabre Jr. – 2 (1-2)
      • Hiroshi Tanahashi – 2 (1-2)
      • Hirooki Goto – 2 (1-2)
      • YOSHI-HASHI – 2 (1-2)
      • SANADA – 0 (0-3)

      NJPW G1 Climax 30 night six results: Naito vs Goto

      Posted on by Chick Fritts

      For the first time in this year’s G1 Climax, the B Block takes us to Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.

      Report —

      Gabriel Kidd defeated Yuya Uemura

      The match began with a brief scramble which Kidd came out on top of. Kidd took to targeting the arm of Uemura in his early groundwork and continued to do it throughout the match.

      After multiple Uemura transitions, Kidd would ultimately return his attention to the arm. After a test of strength and a show of athletics favoring Kidd, Uemura secured a takedown and began working a headlock. Only after an extended period under the control of Uemura would Kidd break free with a rope break and a dramatic dropkick.

      Kidd and Uemura then traded advantage, first with Kidd laying boots into a cornered Uemura followed by Uemura doing the same to Kidd. Uemura tried to further his lead with a return to the headlock but Kidd landed a slam effectively resetting the match. 

      After an exchange of strikes, Uemura took the match back to the mat and locked in the Boston crab. A submission soon followed, leaving Uemura the victor. 

      Crisp work from both men but especially Uemura. 

      G1 Climax B Block:  YOSHI-HASHI defeated SANADA 

      SANADA and YOSHI-HASHI started the match with a brief in-ring struggle that spilled to the outside. YH gained an early advantage in the outside brawl but after SANADA drove YH into the barricade, the match became all SANADA. After barely beating the referee’s count YH was brought to the mat. He stayed there for some time under the control of SANADA. 

      After a neckbreaker, YH was in the driver seat. This was followed by a short offensive streak that was cut short by a SANADA dropkick. Likewise, SANADA’s offense was short-lived, as it was cut short by a YH lariat.

      YH landed a powerbomb before attempting a Swanton. SANADA’s knees found YH’s back during his descent. SANADA took advantage of his damaged adversary by locking in the Skull End. After YH had seemingly faded from consciousness, SANADA ascended to the top rope and tried for a moonsault but found himself in the knees of YH. 

      With both men on equal footing, it was a struggle to find a finish. SANDA teased a second try for Skull End but instead was nearly rolled up by YH.

      YH landed a double knee and secured a near fall. YH then landed Kharma and pinned SANADA in what must be considered an upset.

      This match was nothing to write home about. Its shining moments featured YH’s determination to hold on, he truly is a gem.

      G1 Climax B Block: KENTA defeated Zack Sabre Jr. 

      KENTA lured Sabre to the ground by giving up his guard in the opening moments. Sabre unsurprisingly came out on top, triggering KENTA stalling. Sabre returned KENTA’s favor this time, but instead of engaging in grappling, KENTA took to striking his prone opponent. KENTA kicked Sabre inside the ring and out before Sabre caught a kick and nearly submitted KENTA.

      Sabre then took time to kick at a downed KENTA, an action that KENTA mimicked after withstanding the storm. Sabre and KENTA traded blows for a while, with noting feeling meaningful. KENTA eventually landed a flying forearm and a fisherman buster before returning to the mat. More striking followed their rise

      A KENTA lariat left him in control long enough to land a hangman’s DDT which he followed with a pair of dropkicks. KENTA rose to the top rope and landed a double foot stomp and a near fall. A running knee resulted in another two count.

      Sabre resisted as KENTA tried for the GTS. KENTA dropped Sabre with a chop but was caught by Sabre as he attempted to follow up. A ground struggle favoring Sabre followed. Sabre tried for a quick pin and some strikes but a surprise knee from KENA led into the GTS which Sabre did not kick out from. 

      This match’s luster was outweighed so much by its pacing that it’s hard to forgive. It was slow.  Both men’s striking and groundwork felt like filler instead of a logical progression to a finish. When the finish finally came there was no feeling, no emotion, just a change in standings. 

      G1 Climax B Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Juice Robinson 

      Tanahashi and Robinson had a feeling out that did nothing more than to reassure viewers of both men’s charisma. Robinson gained a leg up early as he landed a backdrop which he followed with a full nelson. Tanahashi fought out but Robinson reasserted his lead with a headbutt to the upper back of Tanahashi. It took a quick dropkick for Tanahashi to start playing catchup. 

      Enter Tanahashi dragon screws. After two leg whips, Tanahashi tried for the cloverleaf but an aware Robinson rolled Tanahashi up, nearly pinning him. Robinson then hit the stunned Tanahashi with a spine buster and a flurry of strikes. Robinson tried for a standing suplex but left himself open for another dragon screw, this time of the neck variety. Robinson did not let this set him back for long as he regained the full nelson and landed a lariat mere moments later. Robinson set up in the corner and landed the cannonball. 

      Tanahashi was positioned on the top rope where a struggle ensued. Robinson held on to his lead, landing a super-standing suplex followed immediately by a mat-bound standing suplex. Down come the straps of Robinson’s tank top just in time for a Tanahashi sling blade. After a second sling blade, Tanahashi tried for a pin. After Robinson kicked out, Tanahashi tried for a crossbody but found himself being pinned after Robinson rolled through it. 

      A strong strike from Robinson nearly left him the victor but Tanahashi’s limp body forced him to lean in too far. Instead of Robinson following up, Tanahashi rolled Robinson up and commandeered his first block victory.  

      A very fun watch with tons of energy. A perfect collision of character that left everything else on the card feeling gray by comparison. 

      G1 Climax B Block: Toru Yano defeated EVIL 

      Yano’s antics started as soon as the bell sounded. The turnbuckle padding was immediately removed from every corner and subsequently used as a weapon by EVIL. Dick Togo tried to interfere on behalf of EVIL but was taped to the barricade as soon as Yano was given the chance. Yano tried to do the same to EVIL but was forced to re-enter the ring as the 20 count inched near.  

      EVIL landed multiple Irish whips into the exposed buckle after returning to the ring. Yano returned the favor. Before Yano could follow up, Togo revealed he was free from Yano’s trap. Togo extended the turnbuckle padding just in time to save the back of EVIL. EVIL was then aided as Togo distracted the referee long enough for an EVIL eye rake and a low blow. Yano was seemingly unbothered and landed a low blow of his own. 

      Togo hit a low blow on Yano but Yano immediately returned the favor. Yano again hit EVIL in the nether regions before rolling him up for the win.

      A Yano match bell to bell — after all, what else could it be? Yano’s continual B Block dominance is an interesting road to a horizonal cliff.  

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: Tetsuya Naito defeated Hirooki Goto 

      Goto took to a headlock as soon as the bell sounded. After fighting free, Naito turned his attention to the taped shoulder of Goto, whipping it downwards. Goto retreated to the outside where he fell victim to Naito’s malice. After being whipped shoulder first into the barricade Goto was choked against the blue steel.

      Once the contents returned to the ring, Naito continued to target the shoulder. A neckbreaker with a slight tilt left Goto to crash against the same shoulder. Naito strikes seemed to hit Goto’s shoulder without fail. At every turn, Naito had one target in mind.   

      After ducking an elbow, Goto landed a backdrop to reset the match. He took advantage with a bulldog but soon after was again on the receiving end of Naito’s targeting. Goto’s resistance was proving to be futile as Naito went after that elbow.

      Naito drove Goto back-first into the corner before ascending to the top rope. Goto was able to stun Naito during his ascent, leading to a top rope standing suplex that reset the match in his favor.

      Goto took to the skies with a plancha before landing an elbow drop on Naito. Goto’s offense was not enough however as a well-placed kick from a dazed Naito left Goto reeling. 

      Naito was able to regain control with a simple strike and further his lead with a barrage of elbows to the shoulder. Naito moved his attention further up as his strikes were soon finding the side of Goto’s head. A top rope frankensteiner cemented Naito’s change in target. 

      Naito had victory in his sight when he tried for Destino. Goto was able to catch Naito in the middle of his finish and prevent doom. Goto had a brief offensive stint before lifting Naito into the fireman’s carry. Naito fell from the carry driving Goto into the mat at the same time. 

      A last-ditch strike exchange left both men winded. Naito tried for a slam of sorts but instead was reversed into a ushigoroshi. Goto slowly lifted Naito to his feet and was hit with a surprise Destino. During Naito’s attempt for another Goto reversed, driving Naito to the mat. 

      A well-placed kick found the chest of Naito. Naito was lifted back to his feet but he reversed Goto with Valentia. Naito then landed another Destino and pinned Goto for the win.

      A very good match. Goto was excellent playing from underneath. Likewise, Naito being anything short of commanding would have been out of place. The execution was fantastic as well. This without question was the best match of the night. 

      **********

      G1 Climax 30 Standings —

      A Block

      • Jay White – 6 points (3-0)
      • Taichi – 6 points (3-0)
      • Will Ospreay – 4 points (2-1)
      • Kota Ibushi -4 points (2-1)
      • Minoru Suzuki – 4 points (2-1)
      • Kazuchika Okada – 2 points (1-2)
      • Jeff Cobb – 2 points (1-2)
      • Shingo Takagi – 2 points (1-2)
      • Tomohiro Ishii – 0 points (0-3)
      • Yujiro Takahashi – 0 points (0-3)

      B Block

      • Tetsuya Naito — 6 points (3-0)
      • Toru Yano — 6 points (3-0)
      • Juice Robinson — 4 points (2-1)
      • KENTA — 4 points (2-1)
      • Hirooki Goto — 2 points (1-2)
      • Zack Sabre Jr. — 2 points (1-2)
      • EVIL — 2 points (1-2)
      • YOSHI-HASHI — 2 points (1-2)
      • Hiroshi Tanahashi — 2 points (1-2)
      • SANADA — 0 points (0-3)

      NJPW G1 Climax 30 night five results: Ibushi vs. Ishii

      Posted on by Chick Fritts

      G1 Climax 30 made its last stop before arriving in Tokyo with a stacked card from the tournament’s A Block in Kobe.

      Report —

      Gabriel Kidd defeated Yota Tsuji 

      Kidd started the match by taking Tsuji to the mat. Tsuji was able to gain some ground by grappling in retort, but overall Kidd’s mat work left him in the driver’s seat early.

      The power of Tsuji was the main means of thwarting Kidd’s advance. A large shoulder block led to an extended showcase of Tsuji offense. Tsuji locked in a single leg Boston crab that forced a desperate rope break from Kidd. The rope break allowed Kidd to regain a semblance of control, but again Tsuji’s strength seemed to be too much.

      Kidd managed to withstand the storm and catch Tsuji off guard with a passion-filled sequence punctuated with a double arm suplex. Kidd then pinned Tsuji in the middle of the ring for his first win over Tsuji. 

      A fun match that was fundamentally sound. Kidd’s fervor really stood strong at the conclusion. A simple story executed well. 

      G1 Climax 30 A Block: Taichi defeated Yujiro Takahashi 

      This match started abruptly as Takahashi rammed his cane into Taichi as the opening bell sounded. Takahashi was disarmed but maintained the momentum until Taichi returned the favor with a hammer. Taichi took to assaulting Takahashi on the outside of the ring, driving him into the ring post and choking him with cables. Takahashi returned the favor of an environmental beating. 

      Takahashi’s offense inside the ring was short-lived as Taichi gouged for the eyes. A Taichi enzuigiri only cemented his rebound. Taichi kicked Takahashi in the temple before trying for a pin that Takahashi only just kicked out from.

      Taichi wasted no time as tried he tried to hoist Takahashi for a slam but Taichi’s hand found its way into the mouth of Takahashi. With Takahashi’s teeth pressed into his hand, Taichi again turned to raking the eyes of Takahashi, a cute moment in what had been a trivial match. 

      Takahashi won a striking victory and followed up with an Olympic slam. Taichi reset the match with a suplex of his own. Taichi landed a lariat, re-energizing him late in the match.

      After Takahashi kicked from the pin that followed Taichi’s breakaway pants were torn from his thighs in one fluid motion. Takahashi hit Miami Shine immediately after Taichi’s theatrics.

      Taichi was able to fight free from Pimp Juice and down the referee in the process. A low blow and quick rollup followed leaving Taichi with another win.

      This match was what one should expect with these two, nothing special. Some interactions were fun but not enough to carry them to a good match. 

      G1 Climax 30 A Block: Minoru Suzuki defeated Jeff Cobb

      Suzuki started the match by baiting Cobb to the mat. Cobb was able to hold his own against Suzuki’s ground game but Suzuki eventually forced Cobb into a rope break.

      Now that the two were standing, Cobb tried to crush Suzuki with his strength. Suzuki again was able to get the best of the situation. The two spilled to the outside of the ring. Suzuki and Cobb again seemed to be near equals, but even here it was Suzuki who proved to be ahead. 

      It was only by a collision of bodies that Cobb was able to pull ahead. Cobb was able to maintain his advantage in a striking exchange and subverted a Gotch piledriver. Cobb used his power to block almost every attempt at a Suzuki comeback. Suzuki’s wherewithal eventually proved to be too much even for Cobb’s power.

      A choke attempt from Suzuki seamlessly lead into a successful Gotch piledriver leaving Suzuki with a clean pin. 

      This match was fast-paced and well structured. In a test of brains versus brawn, Suzuki’s demanding presence gelled perfectly with Cobb tonight for an outstanding match. 

      G1 Climax 30 A Block: Kota Ibushi defeated Tomohiro Ishii

      Following an intense staredown, Ibushi and Ishii entered a series of tie-ups. After the collapse of the felling out process, they entered an extended striking sequence. Ishii was unmoving for the sequence and was perpetually standing over Ibushi during any pause.

      Ibushi was able to withstand the strikes and ultimately end the first striking session with a rana. It wasn’t long after that the striking continued as if it had never stopped, but this time Ibushi had the edge. 

      An Ibushi slam and dropkick that would have dropped any other left Ishii standing. Before the shock of Ishii’s resistance could fully set in Ibushi was hit with a power slam. Ibushi this time refused to fall. The two then entered a test of will where no move could drop either man. 

      A tempo-resetting dropkick from Ibushi triggered an open palm brawl. Ibushi was able to drop Ishii for a moment, but Ishii rose with even more striking. 

      This awakened the beast in Ibushi.

      Ibushi punched the heart of Ishii before nearly kicking his head off. Ishii was then hoisted by Ibushi into a powerbomb which only yielded a two count.

      Ishii was not done fighting.

      Ishii and Ibushi entered another struggle. This time it was an Ishii headbutt that caused Ibushi to fall. An Ishii lariat resulted in a near fall for the Stone Pitbull, but again Ibushi continued to resist.

      Now on his last legs, Ibushi landed an enzuigiri followed by a brainbuster. Ibushi dropped his knee pads and landed a Kamigoye only for Ishii to kick out again.

      Ishii and Ibushi traded their final swings at this point. Ishii’s headbutts and knees, in the end, proved to be just short of enough as another Kamigoye left Ibushi the victor.

      What a match. These men beat the breaks off of each other. With everything left in the ring, topping this would be a real challenge. 

      G1 Climax 30 A Block: Shingo Takagi defeated Will Ospreay 

      Ospreay’s speed met Takagi’s power as soon as the bell sounded.

      Ospreay and Shingo struggled for any advantage in a fantastic opening arrangement. Ospreay forced Takagi to retreat to the safety of the outside after his speed in combination with his new bulk proved to be too much. Takagi avoided any significant offense before dropping Ospreay with a Fireman’s carry takeover on the arena floor. 

      Takagi took his lead between the ropes, slowing the pace and overpowering Ospreay. Takagi landed a few elbows and a knee drop before taunting Ospreay. Ospreay responded with the initiation of a chop exchange which he left victorious. Ospreay’s offense picked up temporarily but was cut short by Shingo’s power. Shingo was just as unsuccessful in maintaining long-term sway as an unexpected stunner threw the match back in Ospreay’s direction.

      In the first prolonged offensive stint of the match, Ospreay landed a flying forearm and the Sasuke special. Ospreay positioned Takagi in the tree of woe once returning to ring, where he delivered a swift kick to the skull and a picture-perfect coast-to-coast dropkick. A bloody Sunday and moonsault failed to close the match for Ospreay. 

      Ospreay tried for a springboard variation but was caught by a ready Takagi. Takagi dropped Ospreay face-first on the mat. Takagi was experiencing offensive success in the match for the first time. A sit-down powerbomb from Ospreay cut Takagi’s hopes short. An Oscutter and near fall seemingly reset the match.

      Takagi and Ospreay began trading more and more impressive moves. Ultimately it was Takagi’s Made in Japan that left him ahead.

      A pumping bomber almost closed the match for Takagi. Instead of a victory, the move triggered Ospreay’s final efforts. A poison rana from Ospreay and a headbutt from Takagi again reset the match. 

      Both men were now left to slug it out. Forearms reigned in prior to a burst of speed. Ospreay landed a one-man Spanish fly, a lariat and a brutal forearm to set up for a finale.

      Takagi met Ospreay with a lariat of his own to subdue what would be the match’s end. Takagi then hoisted Ospreay onto his shoulders and dropped him from the second rope. Ospreay kicked out. Takagi landed a lariat. Ospreay kicked out.

      Finally, Takagi connected with the Last of the Dragon, pinning Ospreay for the win.  

      This pair brings out the best in each other and now a rubber match is necessary. They put on a great match with little room for improvement.

      G1 Climax 30 A Block: Jay White defeated Kazuchika Okada

      White journeyed to the outside as soon as the match started, as this match was going to be on his terms.

      Okada tried for his typical rope pat down but this match was at White’s pace. White actually was the one patting down Okada, which upset him greatly.

      Okada took to beating down White, but again, this was under White’s control. Gedo clubbed the back of Okada, gaining his attention long enough for White to regain advantage. 

      White began his systematic dissection of Okada’s back at this point, driving Okada back first into any rigid object at his disposal. Okada tried to fight free but his back was proving to be his weak point. Plenty of knees and forearms from White crashed into the spine of Okada. Whenever Okada showed signs of life, his back stopped him. 

      Okada eventually landed a facebuster on White and began a slow climb back into this match.

      Forearms, a hip attack and a DDT left Okada in control but for some unimaginable reason, Gedo became the center of Okada’s attention. A double DDT, ignoring the previously damaged back, dropped both White and Gedo. 

      Once in the ring again Okada’s back failed again. White regained advantage with a DDT of his own and once again the beating of Okada’s back continued.  

      Okada was able to catch a methodical White with a neckbreaker, resetting the match. The two traded forearms back and forth before White collapsed. Gedo tried to interfere again but was subverted by Okada. An Okada dropkick attempt was avoided, further punishing the back. 

      White tried the Rainmaker but Okada responded with a forearm. An Okada dropkick, piledriver, and Money Clip left Okada in control. Gedo entered the ring and found himself on the receiving end of a dropkick.

      Okada locked in the Money Clip again only for Gedo to grab at the leg of the referee. White landed a low blow before grabbing the wrist of Okada. Okada tried again for a desperation Money Clip, but White landed a suplex in retort.

      A transition into a Blade Runner allowed White to pin Okada.  

      **********

      White grabbed a microphone and thanked Okada for celebrating the two year anniversary of White’s and Gedo’s Chaos defection while simultaneously claiming Okada’s glory days are behind him. 

      If you still somehow need convincing of White’s brilliance, this match will do it for you. It is everything you should expect in a White showing — a complete dissection and change of scenery when compared to everything else in New Japan. This was a great match that was only held back by the overuse of Gedo. 

      **********

      G1 Climax 30 Standings —

      A Block

      • Jay White – 6 points (3-0)
      • Taichi – 6 points (3-0)
      • Will Ospreay – 4 points (2-1)
      • Kota Ibushi -4 points (2-1)
      • Minoru Suzuki – 4 points (2-1)
      • Kazuchika Okada – 2 points (1-2)
      • Jeff Cobb – 2 points (1-2)
      • Shingo Takagi – 2 points (1-2)
      • Tomohiro Ishii – 0 points (0-3)
      • Yujiro Takahashi – 0 points (0-3)

      B Block

      • Tetsuya Naito — 4 points (2-0)
      • Juice Robinson — 4 points (2-0)
      • Toru Yano — 4 points (2-0)
      • Hirooki Goto — 2 points (1-1)
      • KENTA — 2 points (1-1)
      • Zack Sabre Jr. — 2 points (1-1)
      • EVIL — 2 points (1-1)
      • YOSHI-HASHI — 0 points (0-2)
      • SANADA — 0 points (0-2)
      • Hiroshi Tanahashi — 0 points (0-2)

      NJPW G1 Climax 30 night four live results: Naito vs. Sabre

      Posted on by Ethan Renner

      Recommended matches —

      • YOSHI-HASHI vs. EVIL
      • Tetsuya Naito vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

      Report —

      This was the second straight night in Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center in Sapporo.

      **********

      Yota Tsuji defeated Yuya Uemura (8:13)

      This was solid but these guys have had much better matches. 

      They started off with some mat wrestling. Uemura went after Tsuji’s left leg with an ankle pick and a toe hold. Tsuji came back with some forearm strikes and worked a kravate. 

      Tsuji landed some more forearms and a chop. Uemura hit a running forearm strike and a dropkick. Uemura went for a crab but had to settle for a heel hook. Tsuji forced a rope break. 

      Tsuji hit a unique running powerslam for a two count. He got a Boston crab applied and Uemura tapped.

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: Hirooki Goto defeated SANADA (11:03)

      They didn’t get a lot of time for two guys who are pushed at their level, but they did well with the time they had.   

      They brawled outside at the outset. SANADA teased a moonsault press off the apron but Goto stepped out of the way. Goto went for a lariat but SANADA dodged it and Goto hit the post with his right arm. 

      SANADA went after the right arm with strikes. Goto avoided a standing moonsault but SANADA hit a dropkick for a two count. 

      SANADA missed a charge into the corner. Goto hit a back suplex for a near fall. Goto hit a wheel kick in the corner and used a running bulldog for a two count. Goto teased an ushigoroshi but SANADA slid out. SANADA hit his leapfrog dropkick and a follow-up plancha. 

      A series of counters and teases ended with SANADA getting Skull End applied. Goto reached the ropes to force a break. Goto hit a lariat but sold the earlier damage to his right arm. They traded finisher teases but neither could hit a big move. 

      They traded a series of cradles for near falls. SANADA hit an ushigoroshi and a snap slingshot suplex. SANADA missed a moonsault and they did a double down. 

      SANADA used a moonsault press to set up Skull End. Goto escaped and hit an elevated GTR for a two count. 

      Goto hit the GTW and a mid kick. He followed up with a GTR and got the pin. 

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: Toru Yano defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi (7:15)

      Yano now has wins over both Tanahashi and Okada in the last 30 days. Wrestler of the year?

      Yano tried to bait Tanahashi into chasing him outside but Tana refused. They traded a couple of holds before Yano went for a corner pad. Tana also went for a corner pad but decided not to break the rules. 

      They did some comedy with Yano’s corner pad. Tanahashi played air guitar with the pad. Tana hit a dragon screw. They rolled outside where Yano sent Tanahashi into the barricade. They fought all the way to the entrance. Yano used an eye rake and made poor Tanahashi run all the way back to the ring to beat the count. Yano used a quick cradle for a two count. 

      Tanahashi hit a somersault senton for a two count before using another dragon screw. Tanahashi missed a pescado. Yano grabbed a roll of tape and threatened to tape Tanahashi to the barricade. Instead, Tanahashi used the tape to blindfold Yano. Yano beat the count back in. 

      Still blindfolded, Yano pulled the ref in the path of a flying forearm. Tanahashi pulled up at the last second and avoided the ref. Yano hit a low blow and rolled Tanahashi up for the victory. 

      ***** Intermission *****

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: Juice Robinson defeated KENTA (17:01)

      This started very slowly. It picked up once they got to the closing sequences but they could have cut five minutes and had a better match. 

      KENTA began with his trademark stalling. 

      I get that the Bullet Club guys are working for the people in the building and not everyone watching every show on the tour at home, but having KENTA, Jay White and EVIL all start their matches with a ton of stalling wears on you. 

      Juice hit a kick and used a headlock takeover as they continued the slow start. Juice went for a series of jabs but KENTA rolled outside and took a walk after the first strike. 

      KENTA caught Juice coming back in and hit a knee drop off the second rope to take the early advantage. KENTA used a chinlock, hit a kick, then used a different chinlock. He then repeated the same sequence. 

      Juice tried a Juice Box but KENTA raked his face to escape. KENTA hit a powerslam and a diving clothesline off the top for a two count.  Juice made a comeback with corner clotheslines and a cannonball. 

      KENTA blocked a superplex with headbutts and hit a missile dropkick. KENTA followed with a yakuza kick and a stalling Shibata dropkick. KENTA hit a top rope double stomp for a near fall. 

      Juice avoided a busaiku knee and hit a slam. They traded strikes. Juice hit the Juice Box for a two count. KENTA blocked Pulp Friction and laid in some stiff strikes. 

      KENTA went for a GTS but stumbled. Juice avoided two more GTS attempts and hit a Left Hand of God. Juice then hit Pulp Friction and covered for the win. 

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: EVIL defeated YOSHI-HASHI (17:21)

      These guys injected some life into the show. This was an excellent match with awesome near falls. 

      EVIL brought a chair into the ring. He went to hit YH with it as YH entered but YH hit EVIL and Goto with his staff. YH controlled the open with a series of strikes. 

      EVIL used interference from Dick Togo to gain the upper hand. Togo tripped YH and whipped him into the barricade while EVIL took the ref. 

      EVIL went to work and sent YH into an exposed buckle. YH came back with a headhunter. EVIL cut him off again and used a superplex. EVIL used the exposed buckle two more times before hitting Darkness Falls for a two count. 

      YH avoided Everything is EVIL and sent EVIL into the exposed buckle twice. YH hit a hook kick and avoided a misdirection lariat. YH hit a brainbuster for a two count. 

      YH used the butterfly lock. Togo jumped on the apron and YH gave up the hold. YH sent EVIL into Togo and hit a backstabber. 

      YH went back to the butterfly lock. They were going to stay in this hold until they got the crowd. They finally did. YH transitioned to a kimura but YH reached the ropes. 

      EVIL tried to bump the ref and hit a low blow. The ref didn’t go down and YH blocked the blow. EVIL then hit a lariat into a double down at the 15 minute call. 

      YH hit a dragon suplex and a meteora for a two count. He followed with a swanton bomb for another close near fall. 

      EVIL took the ref while Togo choked YH out. YH fought off the ligature and knocked Togo down. YH hit a hook kick and a lariat for a near fall. 

      EVIL blocked Kharma, hit a low blow, then connected with Everything is EVIL for the tainted victory. 

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: Tetsuya Naito defeated Zack Sabre Jr. (28:29)

      This was a war of attrition. They completely worked Sabre’s style and that usually works given that no one else works like Sabre on these shows. 

      They began with five minutes of very nice mat work. Sabre used a series of three cradles for near falls

      Sabre twice sent Naito outside after tripping him. Sabre continued with his ground work. Naito came back with his signature low dropkick before using a crucifix hold. Sabre rolled to the ropes for a break. 

      Naito used a kravate. Sabre slid out and spiked Naito on top of his head with a tornado DDT. At the 15 minute call, Sabre used a hurricanrana to set up a triangle choke. Naito forced a rope break. 

      They had their first real striking battle of the match. Naito used a trip takedown to pull Sabre to the apron. Naito hit a neckbreaker off the apron to the floor. Back in, Naito hit a series of back elbow strikes. 

      Naito hit a top rope frankensteiner just past the 20 minute call. Sabre popped up and hit a series of uppercuts. Naito used a swing DDT for a two count. Naito tied up Sabre with a Pluma Blanca but Sabre forced a break. 

      Naito went for Gloria but Sabre blocked. Naito tried a flying forearm but Sabre caught him flying in and used an octopus hold. Sabre kept the hold applied as they fell to the mat. Naito fought the hold for a long time before rolling to the ropes. 

      They traded finisher teases around the 25 minute call. Naito hit a Destino. He went for a second but Sabre turned it into a Zack Driver. Neither guy went for a pin. 

      Sabre used a guillotine to set up a European clutch and a rolling Japanese leg hold for a pair of near falls. 

      Sabre went for a Zack Driver. Naito countered into Destino for a near fall at 28 minutes. 

      Naito then hit another Destino and got the pin. 

      **********

      Naito closed the show with a promo. 

      **********

      G1 Climax 30 Standings

      B Block

      • Tetsuya Naito — 4 points (2-0)
      • Juice Robinson — 4 points (2-0)
      • Toru Yano — 4 points (2-0)
      • Hirooki Goto — 2 points (1-1)
      • KENTA — 2 points (1-1)
      • Zack Sabre Jr. — 2 points (1-1)
      • EVIL — 2 points (1-1)
      • YOSHI-HASHI — 0 points (0-2)
      • SANADA — 0 points (0-2)
      • Hiroshi Tanahashi — 0 points (0-2)

      A Block

      • Jay White — 4 points (2-0)
      • Will Ospreay — 4 points (2-0)
      • Taichi — 4 points (2-0)
      • Kazuchika Okada — 2 points (1-1)
      • Kota Ibushi — 2 points (1-1)
      • Minoru Suzuki — 2 points (1-1)
      • Jeff Cobb — 2 points (1-1)
      • Shingo Takagi — 0 points (0-2)
      • Tomohiro Ishii — 0 points (0-2)
      • Yujiro Takahashi — 0 points (0-2)

      NJPW G1 Climax 30 night three results: Kota Ibushi vs. Jay White

      Posted on by Parker Klyn

      Recommended Matches —

      • Minoru Suzuki vs. Taichi
      • Tomohiro Ishii vs. Will Ospreay
      • Kota Ibushi vs. Jay White

      Report —

      Today’s Block A show was at Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center, which is where the New Beginning in Sapporo takes place.

      Gabriel Kidd defeated Yuya Uemura (7:36)

      Whatever match you have pictured for these two in your head, this was exactly that: pristinely wrestled, compact, and hard-hitting.

      The two Young Lions wrestled back and forth to start. Uemura eventually gained the upper hand with an Indian deathlock, but Kidd reached the ropes and hit a slam.

      Uemura was forced into a corner and met with big chops from Kidd. He broke out with forearms and the two exchanged strikes before Kidd downed Uemura with a back elbow for two.

      Kidd continued to hit overhand chops, but was met with Uemura’s picture-perfect dropkick. A hip toss got two, and Uemura immediately transitioned into a single-leg crab, but Kidd reached the ropes.

      Uemura tried to hit his overhead suplex, but Kidd fought out and the two had a forearm battle, which Kidd won. Kidd hit a dropkick and a butterfly suplex for the win.

      G1 Climax 30 Block A: Jeff Cobb defeated Shingo Takagi (11:40)

      This was solidly worked and hard-hitting, but Cobb remains a step slower than other NJPW wrestlers who perform a similar style, such as Shingo, Ishii, Goto, and even Taichi. 

      Shingo took control early on with a shoulder block. He and Cobb had an Irish whip battle, which Cobb won, following up with an overhead belly-to-belly suplex. Cobb continued to target Shingo’s midsection, concluding with a back suplex.

      After fighting out of a suplex, Shingo hit his jab/lariat striking sequence and a delayed suplex for two. He went for the sliding lariat but Cobb blocked. Shingo then turned a rope rebound into a backdrop suplex.

      The two traded clotheslines and exploder suplexes. They had a seated striking battle which gradually transitioned into a standing one including forearms, thrust kicks and headbutts. Cobb won that battle with a lariat, but Shingo immediately hit the noshigami.

      Cobb avoided the Pumping Bomber but Shingo got him on the rebound for a near fall. Shingo set up for Last of the Dragon, but Cobb powered out and hit his series of gutwrenches, ending with a gutwrench powerbomb for two. 

      Shingo powered out of a fireman’s carry and hit his sliding lariat. After beating Cobb down, he hit Made in Japan for two. Cobb powered out of Last of the Dragon, and the two traded standing lariats. Cobb hit a German suplex and the Tour of the Islands for the win.

      G1 Climax 30 Block A: Kazuchika Okada defeated Yujiro Takahashi (12:00)

      While we did get an admittedly exciting closing sequence, this was as lifeless as a G1 match can get. Nobody buys into Yujiro as a competitor and Okada’s style is suboptimal in the pandemic crowd setting.

      Aside from his signature bite spot, Yujiro wrestled completely cleanly. Okada went for a suplex early on but Yujiro escaped with his hand bite. He then brought Okada outside for a neckbreaker and running dropkick on the ramp, which led to an extended heat segment where Yujiro beat Okada down.

      There were lots of rest holds. Okada made his comeback by avoiding a boot and hitting a running uppercut. He hit a DDT but Yujiro rolled outside to avoid the cover, so we got a rare pescado from Okada. 

      Back in, Yujiro fought out of a suplex and hit the fisherman’s buster for two. The two had a striking battle, which Yujiro won with an eye rake. Okada hit his dropkick and the tombstone piledriver. He then locked on the cobra clutch but Yujiro escaped with a bite and a Saito suplex.

      Okada missed the rolling Rainmaker and Yujiro hit his twisting fireman’s carry drop and a big lariat. Okada attempted the dropkick but Yujiro had it scouted. He set up for Pimp Juice but Okada fought out and hit the rolling Rainmaker. After locking on the cobra clutch, Yujiro was forced to submit.

      G1 Climax 30 Block A: Taichi defeated Minoru Suzuki (12:42)

      This was different than most G1 matches, more of a plunder brawl than anything else with an excellent strong style sequence at the finish.

      Suzuki attacked before the bell. The two were all over each other, going for illegal chokes and closed-fist strikes. When the official attempted to break it up, he ended up taking a bump and both competitors grabbed chairs.

      After a wacky chairs battle in the ring, Suzuki sent Taichi outside and beat him down with another chair. Suzuki continued the attack, choking his stablemate with the chair and taunting him. Taichi attempted to fight back, but Suzuki downed him with a forearm.

      We got more and more brawling as the two spent nearly five minutes outside. Suzuki brought yet another chair into the ring. The referee took another bump when he tired to stop Suzuki. Taichi took advantage with a strike from the mic stand.

      Outside once again, Taichi began to choke Suzuki with electrical cords. Suzuki stumbled up the ramp, but Taichi stopped him with a chair shot. Taichi removed his pants without celebration, showing that he meant business in this one. 

      Taichi hit Kawada kicks, which woke up Suzuki, who downed him with one forearm. The two had a long strike exchange. Taichi hit an Axe Bomber to the back of Suzuki’s head, followed by the gamengiri. 

      Suzuki went for the sleeper but Taichi powered out and hit a backdrop suplex and another gamengiri. He went for another Axe Bomber, but Suzuki countered with another sleeper. Suzuki locked on the Gotch grip, but Suzuki powered out of the piledriver.

      Taichi then hit Black Mephisto to pin his stable leader.

      G1 Climax 30 Block A: Will Ospreay defeated Tomohiro Ishii (18:14)

      This was excellent, but perhaps a bit different than you might expect. There was less of a focus on an extremely fast pace and more of a focus on innovative spots and counter-based wrestling.

      It’s remarkable how much bigger Ospreay is than Ishii. There was an incredible moment at the bell where Ospreay offered up a handshake with his dumb smile, which Ishii ignored to attempt a lariat. Ospreay offered another handshake but Ishii refused once again, this time with a kick. They each attempted their big moves but missed. 

      Ospreay hit a stiff slap and Kawada kicks before Ishii leveled him with a chop and a shoulder block. It was all Ishii for a while as he beat Ospreay down with strikes. Ospreay eventually attempted a comeback, but Ishii cut him off with a throat chop.

      The handspring kick gave Ospreay a moment to recover. Despite his bulked-up physique, Ospreay is still able to hit a picture-perfect standing shooting star press and Pip Pip Cheerio. The two traded reversals and counters before Ospreay forced Ishii off the apron with a dropkick.

      We got a ridiculous sequence where Ospreay went for the Fosbury Flop, but Ishii moved. Ospreay then sprung back up to the apron and flipped into an inverted front chancery. Ishii fought out and Ospreay jumped back off the railing and hit an Oscutter. Ishii just made it back in at 19 and was immediately met with a springboard dropkick for two.

      Ospreay made his way back up to the top rope, but Ishii forced him off his balance by hitting the ropes. He then essentially performed a pull-up into a headbutt to Ospreay on the top in an innovative spot, followed by a superplex. Ishii hit forearms, but the two began a string of countering each other’s big moves before Ospreay finally hit a thrust kick.

      More kicks followed. Ospreay missed the Oscutter and was floored with a forearm. Ishii followed up with a powerbomb and a sliding lariat, each getting two. Ishii went for a lariat but Ospreay turned it into a Spanish Fly for a near fall. Ospreay then hit the Oscutter for another good near fall.

      Ishii powered out of the Stormbreaker and hit a headbutt. Ospreay went for the super Oscutter but settled for a hook kick before Ishii downed him with a lariat. Ishii attempted another but Ospreay turned it into a powerbomb.

      The two battled with strikes once more. Ishii hit a headbutt but Ospreay turned the brainbuster into a stunner. Ospreay hit a reverse hurricanrana and appeared to set up for the Stormbreaker but turned it into a piledriver for a fantastic near fall.

      The Hidden Blade and the Stormbreaker followed for three.

      G1 Climax 30 Block A: Jay White defeated Kota Ibushi (20:27)

      I thought this was a very compelling match. White did a great job targeting the knee and Ibushi did just as good a job selling it. Your enjoyment is probably a function of how much you like or dislike the Gedo interference, but I thought it was very well done. These two have phenomenal chemistry.

      This matchup has been greatly protected as they’ve only met twice, once in the G1 finals and once at Wrestle Kingdom. Switchblade was joined by Gedo. White taunted the fans at the start, imploring them to chant Ibushi’s name, which they can’t do due to pandemic regulations.

      Ibushi beat White down but White took advantage by forcing Ibushi’s knee into the ring apron. Outside, White drove Ibushi into the barricade and continued to target the knee. The methodical attack by White went on for an extended period of time.

      Ibushi eventually made a comeback with a dropkick and a standing moonsault. He attempted his springboard corner moonsault but White moved out of the way, and Ibushi sold his knee. The Blade buster got two, followed by a German suplex where Ibushi landed right on his head.

      Every time Ibushi attempted a comeback, White would target the knee and cut him off. Ibushi was able to force White to the apron to attempt his apron German but Gedo grabbed White’s foot to stop it. That gave White the opening to hit a dragon screw and a uranage for two. Gedo called for the Kiwi Crusher but Ibushi fought out and hit a cradle piledriver.

      White went back to his plan of attacking the knee but Ibushi snapped into his trance-like state and was unaffected. White attempted more strikes but Ibushi downed him with a lariat. Ibushi countered a German suplex into one of his own. He went for the Bomaye but White countered, so Ibushi hit a roundhouse kick. 

      White regained control with more dragon screws before locking on the TTO submission. Ibushi nearly tapped but he reached the ropes. White hit a sleeper suplex but Ibushi hit the Bomaye and the Last Ride for a good near fall.

      Ibushi set up for the Kamigoye but White grabbed the official. In front of eerie silence, White attempted a couple forearm. Ibushi shook it off, leveling White with a forearm and a kick of his own. Gedo distracted the official and White hit a low blow, followed by a leglock suplex for two.

      Ibushi hit a V-trigger and dispatched Gedo with a high kick but White hit the Blade Runner out of nowhere for the win.

      **********

      Post-match, White cut a completely unhinged promo calling the fans stupid for robotically clapping –– most of the fans probably don’t understand what he’s saying in English. He called Ibushi stupid for caring what the fans think. This was sensational.

      Okada is up next for White, their first meeting since Madison Square Garden.

      **********

      Updated Block A Standings:

      • Jay White – 4 points (2-0)
      • Will Ospreay – 4 points (2-0)
      • Taichi – 4 points (2-0)
      • Kazuchika Okada – 2 points (1-1)
      • Kota Ibushi – 2 points (1-1)
      • Minoru Suzuki – 2 points (1-1)
      • Jeff Cobb – 2 points (1-1)
      • Shingo Takagi – 0 points (0-2)
      • Tomohiro Ishii – 0 points (0-2)
      • Yujiro Takahashi – 0 points (0-2)

      NJPW G1 Climax 30 night two live results: Naito vs. Tanahashi

      Posted on by Ethan Renner

      Recommended matches —

      • Gabriel Kidd vs. Yota Tsuji
      • Juice Robinson vs. YOSHI-HASHI
      • KENTA vs. Hirooki Goto
      • Tetsuya Naito vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

      Report —

      Yota Tsuji defeated Gabriel Kidd (9:15)

      Excellent opener. Well worth checking out. 

      They started with a very solid grappling battle. There was some MMA influence in the grappling. There was some lucha influence. It was awesome. 

      Things broke down into a striking battle. Tsuji got the upper hand at first and hit a splash for a two count. Kidd fired back and gained the upper hand with some stiff strikes. 

      Tsuji hit a backdrop out of a powerbomb attempt from Kidd. They traded strikes. Kidd hit a picture-perfect dropkick and locked in a single-leg crab. Tsuji forced a rope break. 

      Tsuji hit a brainbuster. Kidd came back with two quick cradles for a pair of near falls. Tsuji fired up and hit a spear and a powerslam for a near fall. 

      Tsuji locked on a Boston crab. Kidd fought the hold but eventually tapped out in the center of the ring. 

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: Juice Robinson defeated YOSHI-HASHI (15:57)

      We still haven’t seen a bad match in this tournament as these two had a really good one. 

      Juice has a new Blues Brothers look, new hair, new gear. It works for him. 

      Juice got the crowd into it right away and they were with him for the whole match, it was some of the best crowd work by anyone in a really long time. 

      This was all Juice for the first several minutes. He went after YH’s bad knee which caused him to miss some shows this summer. YH fried back but got cut off again. Juice hit a cannonball in the corner for a two count. 

      Juice teased a superplex. YH hit a running powerbomb out of the corner for a two count. YH hit a lariat for a two count. YH used a butterfly lock but Juice forced a break. 

      Juice hit a Juice Box for a near fall. YH used a cradle for a quick near fall before Juice hit two left hands of God and a Pulp Friction for the pin. 

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: Toru Yano defeated SANADA by countout (6:16)

      Yano comedy matches are a nice change of pace in G1. Not every match can have super intensity. 

      The ref took two rolls of tape out of Yano’s knee pads before the match started. 

      There were the usual Yano shenanigans with turnbuckle pads and such. SANADA used a rolling cradle for a near fall. 

      Yano grabbed a chair and sat in the aisle. SANADA refused to go out after him. They dueled with turnbuckle pads. SANADA missed a moonsault but landed on his feet. Yano rolled him up for a two count before hitting a slingshot into an exposed buckle. 

      SANADA sent Yano into an exposed buckle and cradled him for a two count. SANADA hit a plancha. SANADA put Yano in the paradise lock in the aisle. Uemura freed Yano. 

      SANADA tried to put Uemura in the paradise lock. Yano taped SANADA and Uemura together and beat the count back in for the win. 

      ***** Intermission ****

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: KENTA defeated Hirooki Goto (17:15)

      Very good match. Much more of a storytelling match with an emphasis on selling than a collection of flashy moves. 

      KENTA stalled early, then tricked Goto into chasing him outside. KENTA took over and tried to get the crowd to boo, but booing is not allowed. 

      Goto tried to come back with a back suplex but KENTA cut him right back off. KENTA hit a series of short kicks, taunting Goto. Goto lost his temper and KENTA slapped in a triangle before transitioning to a Game OVer attempt before Goto reached the ropes to force a break. 

      Goto hit a back suplex for a two count. KENTA connected with a high kick and double stomp off the top rope for a near fall. 

      KENTA hit a busaiku knee for a two count. He used a throat slash gesture before trying a G2S. Goto blocked and hit an ushigoroshi. 

      Goto used Shoryu Kekkai but KENTA forced a break. Goto used an ushigoroshi position to st up a GTR attempt but KENTA blocked. 

      KENTA got Game Over applied. Goto fought for the ropes but KENTA managed to roll through and keep the hold applied. Goto tapped. 

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: Zack Sabre Jr. defeated EVIL (w/Dick Togo) (14:54)

      The finish was excellent here. I’m as tired of ref bumps as the next person but I liked the finish enough to overlook the ref bump. 

      Togo taunted Sabre before the match. Sabre attacked Togo which allowed EVIL to attack Sabre. 

      Red Shoes rang the bell and they brawled to the floor with Sabre still in his ring jacket. EVIL sent Sabre into the barricade and worked on his lower back. 

      EVIL exposed a buckle. They traded cobra twists. EVIL used a single-leg crab. Sabre avoided a whip into the exposed buckle and twisted various parts of EVIL’s anatomy with his legs. Sabre focused his attack on EVIL’s left arm. 

      EVIL hit a mid kick into a double down. EVIL sold his arm while Sabre sold his back. Sabre avoided a misdirection lariat out of the corner and used an octopus hold. EVIL escaped by grabbing Sabre’s ear. EVIL hit a fisherman buster into another double down. 

      EVIL hit a superplex for a near fall. He went for Everything is EVIL but Sabre blocked. EVIL blocked a Zack Driver. Sabre used a cradle for a two count. 

      Togo jumped on the apron. Sabre knocked him off and gave up the hold he had applied. EVIL sent Sabre into Red Shoes and the ref took a bump to the floor. Togo jumped in and attacked Sabre. 

      Togo and EVIL hit Sabre with running sentons. Sabre fired up and tried to use a cross armbreaker on Togo but EVIL saved and stomped on Sabre’s arm. 

      Sabre blocked a low blow and used an ankle lock. EVIL threw Sabre off into the exposed buckle. The ref was revived. EVIL hit Darkness Falls for a two count. 

      EVIL went for Everything is EVIL. Sabre blocked and rolled into a European Clutch and got the pin. 

      G1 Climax 30 B Block: Tetsuya Naito defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi (27:17)

      This was the best version of Tanahashi that we have seen since at least the Wrestle Kingdom match with Kenny Omega in January 2019. This was the match of the tournament so far. 

      They started with some grappling with neither gaining the clear upper hand. Tana played some air guitar. Naito teased locking up but hit some strikes instead. 

      Tana made it clear that this was not the same Tana we’ve been seeing sell match after match all year. Instead, he was aggressive and went on the offense in response to Naito’s attack. 

      Tanahashi kicked out Naito’s left leg with a low dropkick and followed with a leg lock on the mat. Naito rolled to the floor to collect himself. They played cat and mouse. Naito hit his tranquilo pose. Tana tried a senton but Naito avoided it and continued posing. 

      Naito sent Tanahashi into the barricade and choked him. Tana sent Naito into the barricade. Naito popped off the rail with a one-legged dropkick and maintained the advantage. Back in the ring, Naito used a crucifix. Tana forced a rope break. 

      Tanahashi fired back with strikes. He blocked the combinacion cabron in the corner and hit a uranage into a double down. Tanahashi firmly established control of the match after a flying forearm and a somersault senton off the second rope. 

      Tana sent Naito to the floor after a dragon screw. Tana hit an awesome High Fly Flow to a standing Naito on the floor. 

      They teased a countout but Naito made it back in. Tana hit a dragon screw in the ropes as Naito climbed back inside. Tana went for a cloverleaf. Naito reversed into a cradle for a two count. Naito hit a spinebuster as the momentum shifted again. 

      The following sequence is where this thing found a new gear. 

      Naito hit a top rope frankensteiner but Tana rolled through into a cradle for a great near fall. Tana hit two dragon screws before trying the cloverleaf again and this time he got it. Naito was in the hold for over a minute before he reached the ropes. Tana blocked a flying forearm. Naito blocked a dragon suplex. Tanahashi hit a straight jacket German into a bridge for a two count. 

      Naito hit a swing DDT. Naito went for Gloria but Tana blocked and hit a slingblade. Naito countered a Michinoku Driver attempt into an inverted DDT. They did a lengthy double down. 

      Both guys fired up and they traded strikes. Naito blocked an Irish whip and hit a series of back elbows as it looked like Tana might be fading. Naito maintained wrist control through all of these elbows. Naito hit Gloria for a near fall. 

      Naito went for Destino. Tana blocked and hit three twist and shouts. Naito blocked a slingblade and hit an enzuigiri. Tanahashi hit a slingblade at the 25 minute call. 

      Tanahashi hit another slingblade. He went up top for High Fly Flow. He hit a standing High Fly Flow and went back up for another but Naito slid out of the way and Tana crashed to the mat. 

      Naito hit Destino but Tana kicked out at two. 

      Naito went for another Destino. Tana blocked. Naito blocked a palm strike and hit Valentia. Naito then hit another Destino for the pin. 

      **********

      Naito closed the show with a promo. 

      **********

      G1 standings —

      B Block 

      • Tetsuya Naito 2 points (1-0)
      • Zack Sabre Jr. 2 points (1-0)
      • KENTA 2 points (1-0)
      • Toru Yano 2 points (1-0)
      • Juice Robinson 2 points (1-0)
      • YOSHI-HASHI 0 points (0-1)
      • SANADA 0 points (0-1)
      • Hirooki Goto 0 points (0-1)
      • EVIL 0 points (0-1)
      • Hiroshi Tanahashi 0 points (0-1)

      A Block 

      • Kota Ibushi 2 points (1-0)
      • Jay White 2 points (1-0)
      • Minoru Suzuki 2 points (1-0)
      • Taichi 2 points (1-0)
      • Will Ospreay 2 points (1-0)
      • Yujiro Takahashi 0 points (0-1)
      • Jeff Cobb 0 points (0-1)
      • Tomohiro Ishii 0 points (0-1)
      • Shingo Takagi 0 points (0-1)
      • Kazuchika Okada 0 points (0-1)

      NJPW G1 Climax 29 night 14 results: Tetsuya Naito vs. Shingo Takagi

      Posted on by Ethan Renner

      The G1 Climax 29 continued today in Osaka with B Block action. 

      Here are the results and match recaps.

      **********

      SHOTA UMINO & REN NARITA DEFEATED TOA HENARE & YUYA UEMURA

      A nice little showcase for the Young Lions here. Narita held his own with Henare at first, but Henare came back with a suplex and went to work. 

      Henare and Uemura worked over Narita’s left leg. Narita’s selling was excellent. Narita hit a release belly-to-belly, and Umino got a hot tag. Uemura quickly cut him off, but Umino came back with an elbow, then a dropkick. 

      The finish saw Umino use a powerbomb for a nearfall, then followed with a fisherman suplex on Uemura for the pin. 

      MINORU SUZUKI, LANCE ARCHER & ZACK SABRE JR. DEFEATED SANADA, EVIL & BUSHI

      This was built around SANADA battling the effects of his nearly 30 minute battle with Okada yesterday. 

      SANADA sold for Suzuki and Archer most of the way. EVIL and Sabre tagged in for a quick back-and-forth. BUSHI and Suzuki got tags, and Suzuki used a misdirection spot, then a rear naked choke into a Gotch-style piledriver for the pin. 

      After the bout, Archer went after SANADA. He applied the EBD Claw, then continued fighting SANADA to the back. 

      BAD LUCK FALE, YUJIRO TAKAHASHI & CHASE OWENS DEFEATED HIROSHI TANAHASHI, KOTA IBUSHI & TOMOAKI HONMA 

      Bullet Club attacked Tanahashi as he posed on the ropes during his entrance. They turned this into a brawl, as Fale choked Tanahashi with a camera cable. 

      Tanahashi sold for a while, then hit a dragon screw to Yujiro. Ibushi tagged in for some signature offense on Yujiro, including a standing moonsault. 

      Honma and Owens tagged in. Honma teased a kokeshi off the second rope, but missed with it. Honma couldn’t keep up with the pace of Owens here, which was sad. 

      Owens hit a package piledriver for the pin, while Fale used a Grenade on Tanahashi ahead of their matchup later this week. 

      KAZUCHIKA OKADA, WILL OSPREAY & YOSHI-HASHI DEFEATED KENTA, CLARK CONNORS &  KARL FREDERICKS

      YOSHI-HASHI got the submission win over Connors with a Butterfly Lock. 

      Aside from a couple of brief sequences between Ospreay and KENTA, this was mostly a showcase for the selling ability of the L.A. Dojo boys, Connors and Fredericks. 

      Fredericks continues to show more potential than Connors, but Connors had a nice outing here. 

      KENTA and Ospreay’s sequences were mostly teases and counters, as KENTA avoided Ospreay’s tiger wall flip kick, while Ospreay avoided the Busaiku knee strike of KENTA. KENTA did connect with a one-legged dropkick. 

      Ospreay and KENTA had a quick pull-apart after the match. 

      B BLOCK MATCH: TOMOHIRO ISHII DEFEATED TORU YANO (9:36)

      This was super entertaining. 

      Yano exposed two buckles before the opening bell. He sent Ishii into both, then pulled Ishii’s shirt over his head. Yano used three quick cradles for nearfalls. 

      Yano got a chair, and sat it on the ramp. Yano sat down. He begged Ishii to come outside with him, but Ishii declined, and the referee started to count. Yano jummped up pat 17, and made it back in at 19. 

      Back inside, Ishii lit Yano up with chops in the corner. Yano avoided a charge into the corner, and Ishii twice got sent into the exposed buckle. 

      Ishii hit a short clothesline, then a powerslam. He taunted Yano with short kicks to the head, and Yano fired up. They had an intense striking battle, and Yano actually dropped Ishii with a short forearm. 

      Ishii made it back to his feet, then hit a release German. Yano used two quick cradles for nearfalls. Ishii got sent into the exposed buckle again, and Yano used a schoolboy for a nearfall. 

      Yano hit a lariat, then used a belly-to-belly for a nearfall. Ishii came back with a headbutt, then hit his own lariat for a nearfall. 

      They traded low blow attempts, then traded cradles for nearfalls, as things got really chaotic. 

      Ishii hit a sliding lariat, then hit the vertical drop brainbuster for the pin. 

      B BLOCK MATCH: TAICHI DEFEATED JUICE ROBINSON (12:29)

      I didn’t like this match. Too many distractions and ref bumps, and too much interference in a bout that didn’t need those things to be good. 

      Miho Abe and Yoshinobu Kanemaru accompanied Taichi to the ring. Before the opening bell, Abe took the referee, while Kanemaru attacked Juice on the ramp. 

      Taichi used a buzzsaw kick for a nearfall immediately after the opening bell. Juice came back with a full nelson bomb. Abe and Kanemaru provided another distraction on the outside, and Abe slapped Juice. 

      They traded jabs and kicks, back inside. Juice blocked a thrust kick, while Taichi blocked a Juice Box. Juice connected with a leg lariat, a corner clothesline, then a cannonball. 

      Juice went for Pulp Friction, but Taichi blocked it. Taichi hit a kamaguri. Taichi hit an axe bomber, but Juice came back with a Juice Box. 

      Juice hit a powerbomb for a nearfall, then used the grip to transition to a crab. This is where things really fell apart. 

      Kanemaru jumped on the apron for a distraction. The referee took a bump. Taichi avoided Pulp Friction. Kanemaru tried to spit whiskey in Juice’s eyes, but Juice hit him with the Left Hand of God, then a pescado. 

      Back inside, Taichi spit whiskey in Juice’s eyes, then used a Gedo Clutch for a nearfall. 

      Taichi followed with a buzzsaw kick, then hit Black Mephisto for the pin. 

      B BLOCK MATCH: HIROOKI GOTO DEFEATED JEFF COBB (11:20)

      This was neither man’s best match, but they showed great effort. Neither guy is built for a technical classic on their own, and this was a hard-hitting big guy match as a result. 

      They traded tackles and dropdowns in the opening sequence. Cobb hit a dropkick, sending Goto rolling to the floor. Cobb sent Goto into the security fence, then threw Goto back into the ring. 

      Goto blocked a throw, then hit a discus lariat. Goto hit a suplex for a nearfall. They traded lariats, then Cobb hit a spin cycle. They exchanged lariats again, then Cobb hit a leaping uppercut forearm. Cobb followed up with a standing moonsault for a two count. 

      They battled their way to the top rope, where Cobb connected with a delayed superplex for a two count. Cobb teased Tour of the Islands, but Goto countered with an ushigoroshi. 

      Goto hit a series of mid kicks, then hit an inverted GTR for a nearfall. Goto went for a traditional GTR, but Cobb fought it off, then hit a superkick. Goto blocked a throw, then hit a belly-to-belly for a two count. 

      Cobb hit a snap German, then went for Tour of the Islands. Goto reversed the attempt into another ushigoroshi, then hit a GTR for the pin. 

      B BLOCK MATCH: JAY WHITE DEFEATED JON MOXLEY (15:20)

      Too many shenanigans leading to the finish in this one for my liking. I understand the desire to protect Moxley, and White is an important building block. At some point, though, you have to question whether it helps White to have all of his wins come as a result of interference. 

      Moxley went after White before the match, not allowing White to do his usual stalling routine at the opening bell. 

      This was all Moxley early. He used basic offense, primarily punches and chops. He set up a table, but Gedo took the table down. 

      White clotheslined Moxley with the top rope, then used a series of DDTs to establish his first real offense of the match. White hit a Blade Buster, then tossed Moxley outside. White sent Moxley into the barricade, then posted him. Moxley began selling his left shoulder as a result. 

      Moxley started a comeback. He hit a one-legged dropkick, then a suicide dive. Moxley took the fight to the floor, then dragged White into the crowd for a brawl. Back at ringside, Moxley used a figure four around the post. 

      They finally made their way back inside, where Moxley used a cloverleaf. He transitioned to an STF, but White reached the ropes. White cut Moxley off with a suplex into the buckle, a Saito suplex, a flatliner, then a deadlift German. 

      White hit a uranage for a two count. Moxley hit an X-plex for a nearfall of his own. They trades strikes. Moxley teased the Regal knee, but Gedo provided a quick distraction. Moxley hit a Death Rider, but only got a two count. 

      Moxley tried for another Death Rider, but White pulled referee Red Shoes to the ground. Gedo jumped in with brass knuckles. White hit a low blow, then used a rollup for a nearfall. Moxley countered with his own rollup for two. 

      Moxley hit the Regal knee for a two count. Moxley went for another Death Rider, but Gedo jumped on the apron for a distraction. White hit two sleeper suplexes. Moxley flipped White double middle fingers. 

      White hit a Bloody Sunday DDT, then hit Blade Runner. He covered, and pinned Moxley. 

      B BLOCK MATCH: TETSUYA NAITO DEFEATED SHINGO TAKAGI (27:15)

      What a match. This was an absolute joy to watch. 

      They teased a couple of lockups, but Naito backed off. They finally tied up, and Naito backed Shingo into the ropes. Naito broke cleanly, but Shingo tried to hit a chop on the break. Naito avoided it. 

      They did an intricate series of counters and reversals, ending with Shingo pulling out of a side headlock on the mat. Naito offered a fist bump, but Shingo refused. Shingo hit a chop, but got sent outside after a dropkick. Naito teased a dive, but hit his Tranquilo pose instead. 

      Shingo tossed a chair into the ring. Naito set up the chair, and hit a drop toehold on Shingo into the chair. 

      Naito used his legs to tie Shingo up in a crucifix hold, but Shingo reached the ropes. Naito tried for the combinacion cabron, but Shingo caught him coming in. They exchanged strikes in the center of the ring, before Naito raked Shingo’s eyes. 

      Shingo used a hair pull, while Naito spit in Shingo’s face. Shingo connected with a jab-chop combination, then clotheslined Naito over the top rope. 

      On the outside, Shingo sent Naito into the railing. He then whipped him over the barricade. Shingo posted Naito. He dropped Naito face-first on the apron, then hit a DDT on the floor. 

      Shingo hit a slingshot knee to the chest, back inside. He followed with a lariat, then a shoulder tackle. On the mat, Shingo used a headlock. He followed with a kneedrop to the chest. Naito came back with palm strikes, an inverted atomic drop, then a hurricanrana. 

      Naito hit a back elbow, a dropkick to the back, then a combinacion cabron. Naito used a neckbreaker, but only got a one count. Naito missed on a swinging DDT attempt, and Shingo connected with a pop-up DVD. 

      Shingo hit a top rope back elbow for a two count. He missed with a sliding lariat, and Naito countered with an enziguri. Naito hit a draping neckbreaker over his knee, then teased a top rope reverse rana. Shingo slipped out, then hit noshigami. 

      Shingo tried for a short lariat, but Naito blocked it, then hit a swinging DDT. Naito went for Gloria, but Shingo blocked it. Naito hit a wheel kick, then a flying forearm. Naito then hit Gloria for a nearfall. 

      Naito teased Destino, but Shingo blocked it. Naito tried for a poison rana, but Shingo blocked that, then hit a powerbomb. Shingo hit a wheelbarrow German, suplexing Naito into the turnbuckle. 

      Shingo hit a pair of corner clotheslines. Naito dropped to the mat, selling exhaustion. Shingo climbed the ropes, with Naito draped over his shoulders. Naito fought off whatever Shingo had in mind. Naito tried a frankensteiner off the top. Shingo blocked it at first, but Naito ultimately connected with the move. 

      Naito hit a poison rana. He teased Destino, but Shingo cut him off with a huge lariat, and Naito took a flip bump at the 20 minute mark. 

      Shingo went for Made in Japan, but Naito blocked it. Shingo hit a couple of brutal lariats. He went for a third, but Naito blocked it. Shingo hit a third lariat in the ropes, then a Saito suplex. Naito countered with a sick dragon suplex. 

      Naito hit a dropkick. He went for Destino, but Shingo countered into Made in Japan. He covered, but Naito kicked out. 

      Shingo hit a Pumping Bomber, and Naito took another flip bump. He covered, but Naito again kicked out. 

      Shingo went for Last of the Dragon, but Naito reversed it into a Destino. Naito could not follow up, and they did a double down. 

      They exchanged punches on the mat, then traded headbutts. Back on their feet, Naito spit at Shingo, then hit a series of strikes. Shingo fired back, and they continued trading at the 25 minute call. 

      Shingo hit a headbutt. Naito blocked a suplex, and reversed it into a brainbuster for a nearfall. 

      Shingo escaped a Destino, then hit a Pumping Bomber. Shingo tried for Last of the Dragon, but Naito hit a Canadian Destroyer. Naito then hit Destino — but only got a two count. 

      Naito hit another Destino, and this time it was enough. 1-2-3.

      G1 STANDINGS

      A BLOCK

      ⦁ Kazuchika Okada 12 (holds tiebreaker over KENTA, yet to face EVIL, Ibushi)

      ⦁ Kota Ibushi 10 (holds tiebreaker over KENTA, yet to face Okada)

      ⦁ EVIL 8 (holds tiebreaker over Ibushi, yet to face Okada)

      ⦁ KENTA 8 (holds tiebreaker over EVIL)

      ⦁ Hiroshi Tanahashi 8 (eliminated)

      ⦁ SANADA 6 (eliminated)

      ⦁ Zack Sabre Jr. 6 (eliminated)

      ⦁ Lance Archer 4 (eliminated)

      ⦁ Will Ospreay 4 (eliminated)

      ⦁ Bad Luck Fale 4 (eliminated)

      B BLOCK

      ⦁ Jon Moxley 10

      ⦁ Jay White 8

      ⦁ Tomohiro Ishii 8

      ⦁ Hirooki Goto 8

      ⦁ Tetsuya Naito 8

      ⦁ Juice Robinson 6

      ⦁ Toru Yano 6

      ⦁ Jeff Cobb 6

      ⦁ Taichi 6 (eliminated)

      ⦁ Shingo Takagi 4 (eliminated)