Tag: G1

NJPW G1 Climax 35 results: Semifinals

Posted on by Corey Michaels

The NJPW G1 Climax 35 tournament reaches its penultimate night with semifinals action.

IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr. and Konosuke Takeshita square off in the main event with a place in Sunday’s finals hanging in the balance. Sabre earned a bye into the semis with his first place finish in B Block, while Takeshita earned his way in with a win over David Finlay in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

Tonight’s other semifinals bout features EVIL vs. Yota Tsuji. EVIL earned his spot in the semis by finishing with the highest point total in A Block, while Tsuji defeated Shota Umino in Thursday’s quarterfinals to move on.

The winners of tonight’s bouts will square off tomorrow in the G1 finals with a spot in the Wrestle Kingdom main event potentially on the line. Last year’s G1 winner Sabre chose to cash in his title shot at King of Pro Wrestling last October rather than wait for the traditional January 4 Tokyo Dome challenge. Sabre defeated Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP World title last October.

**********

  • El Desperado, Ryusuke Taguchi, Shota Umino, YOSHI-HASHI & Yuya Uemura defeated Master Wato, Satoshi Kojima, Taichi, Toru Yano & YOH
  • House of Torture defeated Oleg Boltin & Tomoaki Honma
  • United Empire defeated El Phantasmo, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuya Murashima
  • Daiki Nagai & Shingo Takagi defeated War Dogs (David Finlay & Gedo)
  • House of Torture defeated War Dogs
  • House of Torture defeated TMDK
  • EVIL defeated Yota Tsuji
  • Konosuke Takeshita defeated Zack Sabre Jr.

Main Card – Tag Team Matches

El Desperado, Ryusuke Taguchi, Shota Umino, YOSHI-HASHI & Yuya Uemura defeated Master Wato, Satoshi Kojima, Taichi, Toru Yano & YOH

(Fun 10-man tag to open the show. Everyone hit their best strengths. Kojima and Taichi’s moments were a real chuckle, on par with Yano and Taguchi’s comedic proclivities.)

Uemura and Taichi locked up, with the former eating a big boot from the latter. Deep arm drag by Uemura saw Taichi dragged into the corners, with Umino soon on the receiving end of a kick. Kojima and Taichi had an awkward intense stare after Yano tagged himself in. Kojima eventually made it in, were he rained down chops on Umino’s chest.

YOSHI-HASHI and Desperado bore down on Kojima, who escaped to YOH. Suplexing Desperado, YOH dropped to one himself. Taguchi delivered two Funky Weapons to topple Wato. YOSHI-HASHI nearly tricked Taichi into taking out Kojima, who repeatedly tried shaking Taichi’s hand. Uemura and Umino coordinated to plummet Wato to the mat. Taguchi hit Wato with a Bomaye.

Desperado assisted Taguchi by slingshotting Wato and YOH onto the top rope. Wato fell down, while Desperado pulled YOH by the leg. Taguchi took advantage of the situation by rolling up Wato. Three taps later and Taguchi won the match for his comrades.

House of Torture (Don Fale & Yujiro Takahashi) defeated Oleg Boltin & Tomoaki Honma

(With his recent, crushing loss to EVIL in the G1 Climax A-Block coupled with this loss, there might be a slight change in Boltin. With commentary mentioning to keep an eye on Boltin’s post-match comments in the night, I wonder what it could be.)

A bitter Boltin didn’t even bother taking off his shirt or NEVER Openweight Championship; he charged Fale in the corner and chopped him down. Fale fired back with strikes but stumbled to his opponent’s dropkick. Fale dropped him with a charging lariat and tagged Takahashi in. Honma tagged in after his partner stunned Takahashi with a shotgun dropkick.

Takahashi rolled out of the way of Honma’s Kokeshi. Boltin halted Fale’s rampage for Honma to deliver one Kokeshi. Mid-Kokeshi, Fale caught Honma by the throat, hit him with a stiff clothesline, and an elbow drop for the pinfall.

Post-match: Fale and Takahashi dispatched an irate Boltin, with Fale faux-pinning his downed former opponent.

United Empire (Callum Newman, Great-O-Khan & Jakob Austin Young) defeated El Phantasmo, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuya Murashima

(Newman’s being positioned as the big star of this triumvirate while Khan’s longer tenure glues the group’s dynamics in place. This match was emblematic of that in the wake of departures like Jeff Cobb, Will Ospreay, and Aussie Open’s. Murashima is coming to his own, displaying more than intensity and drama; he’ll go far in NJPW.)

Khan grappled with the Ace, ultimately driving him into the corner. Tanahashi rebounded with a flying crossbody with further assist from Phantasmo and a senton by Murashima. Tanahashi, Phantasmo, and Murashima did an air guitar pose, the latter of which had such a good time doing it that he didn’t notice Young and Newman taking out his partners. After singlehandedly dispatching United Empire, Murashima resumed excitedly playing the air guitar until Tanahashi calmed him down.

Khan sat atop Tanahashi’s shoulders on the top rope, pressing his full weight. He pulled the Ace to the ring’s center for Mongolian chops that instantly fell his opponent. Phantasmo soared into the United Empire on the outside, dragging Khan back into the ring for a Senton + Lionsault combo. Scouting Phantasmo, Khan caught his Canadian opponent with a punch. Sturdy as he was, Newman flipped in the air by Murashima’s power, landing to Tanahashi’s Slingblade and Murashima’s bulldog powerslam.

Newman charged for Murashima, with some trouble. However, he inevitably sent the Young Lion on his back with a crushing Firebolt. This earned Newman and his United Empire co-horts the win.

Daiki Nagai & Shingo Takagi defeated War Dogs (David Finlay & Gedo)

(Unafilliated (LIJ) coming to Nagai’s aid more and more keeps me invested in this new iteration of the group. Post-Naito and BUSHI, its as though Takagi, Hiromu Takahashi, and Yota Tsuji are filling a void left behind and the hungry Nagai could be that foil.)

Finlay swiftly dragged Nagai to the ropes, where the pair struck the other with elbows in repetition. Ruthlessly, Finlay battered the Young Lion and hit him with a Senton. Spinning around Nagai atop his shoulders, Finlay dizzily stumbled to a tag with Gedo.

Nagai struggled back to his feet, grounded firmly by Gedo’s neck hold. Takagi tagged in, but had little luck when Gedo and Finlay unified their sights on him. Nagai came to Takagi’s aid, resulting in a plancha to Finlay. Gedo hit the ground stunned after Takagi’s Dangerous Driver. WAR Special locked in, Gedo submitted to the merciless hold of Takagi.

House of Torture (SANADA & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) defeated War Dogs (Drilla Moloney & Taiji Ishimori)

(House of Torture win, but at least I got a kick out of Ishimori noticeably taking out Kanemaru on the outside away from the camera. Combined with the whiskey spray from the War Dogs and the sound the guitar made on Moloney popped me. That said, I hope the resulting blood wasn’t too serious. He staggered off in the end as it streamed down his face.)

SANADA was dressed from head to toe in a full-body reflective suit. Glimmering in the light, he looked like a human disco ball.

Both teams wasted no time as they brawled before and after the bell. Moloney and Ishimori went to work on Kanemaru in the corner. SANADA pulled Moloney away, bashing him against the hard, blue steel guardrails near the crowd. Kanemaru and SANADA applied pressure with their legs, driving Ishimori into the corner turnbuckle. Ishimori leapt to a comeback with a dropkick to Kanemaru.

Moloney with the tag, scouted SANADA’s each move temporarily downed him. Kanemaru prevented any follow-up courtesy of a leg pull. Ishimori equalized Kanemaru on the outside, loudly and off-camera. SANADA clutched the referee when Moloney hoped to suplex him. Kanemaru sought to spray whiskey in Moloney’s eye but he ducked in time. The War Dogs imbibed the whiskey, spraying it into the House of Torture. SANADA blasted Moloney’s skull with his guitar, deeply embedding it. This earned House of Torture a pin.

House of Torture (DOUKI, Ren Narita & SHO) defeated TMDK (Hartley Jackson, Kosei Fujita & Ryohei Oiwa)

(Fujita and Oiwa didn’t get much time, but Jackson put up a valiant effort. I wasn’t a fan of this match once it became clear and predictable, try as everyone might.)

House of Torture struck Fujita and Oiwa, but had a hard time with Jackson. SHO and DOUKI bullied Fujita on the outside. Narita added to this in the ring, driving Fujita’s head along the rope. DOUKI overwhelmed the exhausted and worn Fujita, capitalizing with a double-stomp. Wearily, Fujita turned the tables at last with a dropkick.

Oiwa blasted off with a fury, dropkicking Narita and punishing him with utmost focus on the left arm. Even though he raked Oiwa in the eye, he found himself again in the throes of agony courtesy of another arm hold. SHO joined Narita to torment Oiwa, both men dropped to a double-clothesline.

Jackson threw his weight at Narita. Suffering knee targeting, Jackson’s friends aided him into landing a senton on Narita. Clinging the referee to the rope, Narita distracted him so SHO might harm Jackson more with a wrench. Thanks to this, a poke in the eye, and DOUKI’s pipe, House of Torture quelled Jackson’s Jagged Edge. Narita locked in a figure-four leglock to tap Jackson out.

G1 Climax Semifinal Matches

EVIL defeated Yota Tsuji

(Disappointed with the finish. It feels like a crime. And voice my misgivings as I might, I think there’s nothing stopping NJPW from booking EVIL versus Zack Sabre Jr at Wrestle Kingdom 20.)

Tsuji got the better of EVIL initially, but Dick Togo pulled him into the steel guardrail outside. EVIL flung him into it, toppling over someone in a production desk. Wrapping a microphone around Tsuji’s neck, EVIL demanded he declar him the winner. Shingo Takagi and Daiki Nagai joined Tsuji’s side to urge him back up. There htey stayed through the match.

EVIL hoped to take advantage of the recent woes he inflicted on Tsuji, but he persevered. Sinking in a figure-four leglock, EVIL inevitably relinquished his hold. Hurling his opponent in the corner, he powerbombed the limping Tsuji. The two battled for a vertical suplex, with Tsuji grittily pulling through.

In his spirited comeback, Tsuji chopped down EVIL. In his ire, EVIL beamed Tsuji into and over the steel guardrail. Dick Togo kicked Tsuji’s leg into the barricade and fled behind Don Fale after Shingo Takagi gave chase. EVIL cinched in a deep Darkness Scorpion. Red-faced and unrelenting, Tsuji dramatically gripped a rope break.

Tsuji curb stomped EVIL, earning him enough time for a reprieve. A Spanish Fly begat an urgent rebound by Tsuji, leading EVIL to fling the referee in the way of a Gene Blaster. With the referee incapacitated, Fale and Togo frantically took out Nagai and Takagi so they could assault Tsuji. EVIL’s allies and Tsuji’s allies gave each other low blows. Tsuji and EVIL traded counter after counter. Attempting to send EVIL from the top rope, Tsuji tragically fell to Fale’s low blow. EVIL locked in one last Darkness Scorpion, enough to render Tsuji unconscious.

Post-match: Referee Kenta Sato rejected Takagi and Nagai’s appeals to overturn the finish, as Tsuji hadn’t tapped out.

Konosuke Takeshita defeated Zack Sabre Jr.

(Takeshita pulled out a miracle here. Off the cusp of the last match, he became Western fans’ last hope against EVIL with this win. Admittedly, NJPW should be investing more in their younger stock; they’ve quite an impressive crop to do so with. However, Takeshita makes his NJPW dates, and does more than I think most people realize. He is contracted to NJPW, after all. Him winning the G1 and potentially the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship would not be a bad call.)

Sabre started off this rematch by getting the best of Takeshita. However, the Alpha reversed this with a shoulder hold of his own. Sabrearms were tied around his neck as he struggled to maintain calmness. Soon, Sabre shouldered Takeshita to send him down. There, he cranked the arm of his opponent and bent his fingers back. Takeshita wriggled to a rope break.

Sabre aimed for a Penalty Kick on the ring apron, but Takeshita countered him with a DDT to the floor ringside. A German Suplex rendered Sabre momentarily stunned, and a flying shoulder tackle brought him back down. Sabre dodged Takeshita’s knee, kicking the back of it as he did so. To rub salt in the wound, he tied Takeshita’s weak leg against a bottom rope. Following a modified stretch to agonize it further, Sabre stomped on the knee.

Takeshita’s adrenaline propelled him to demolish Sabre with two consecutive exploder suplexes. Sabre snatched a comeback as he clutched an armbar. This essened the affect of a lariat. Out of nowhere, Sabre survived a Blue Thunderbomb to engage a triangle choke. Takeshita wept for frantic rope break attempts as Sabre tied his legs together. A loud clap followed a Rolling Elbow from Takeshita. He stole a Zack Driver to no avail. Desperately, Sabre tried many different holds and pins, but Takeshita escaped via a German suplex.

Sabre avoided a knee, landing a Zack Driver followed by an armbar. He maintained this with urgency as Takeshita miraculously earned a rope break. A lariat overturned Sabre’s Penalty Kick. The men sparred with Sabre slapping the taste out of Takeshita’s mouth. On the top turnbuckle, Sabre maintained a hold on Takeshita’s left arm but fell to the mat in Takeshita’s transitioned Raging Fire. A Powerdrive Knee and another Raging Fire tore Sabre apart for the pinfall.

Post-match: The entire House of Torture spilled to ringside. EVIL teased entering the ring, but smugly backed away and his lackeys joined him.

(I stress again the urgency of elevating the young, hot talent. So many could’ve qualified for the playoffs, semifinals, and finals. EVIL, no matter what his popularity in Japan may or may not be, should not be in this position in 2025. Hope beyond hope, Takeshita’s NJPW schedule could see him be a bigger deal in AEW and NJPW. The stars of the past cannot be relied on forever, especially in today’s wildly changing wrestling climate.)

NJPW G1 Climax 35 semifinals set

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Following Thursday’s show at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, NJPW G1 Climax 35 is down to its final four competitors.

Yota Tsuji and Konosuke Takeshita secured their semifinal spots with respective victories over Shota Umino and David Finlay as the G1 playoffs began. Both semifinal matches will go down this Saturday with EVIL vs. Tsuji and Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Takeshita determining which two competitors advance to the finals.

EVIL and Sabre earned byes to the semifinals by finishing atop A and B Block during round-robin competition. The semifinal bouts are both rematches from earlier in the tournament, where EVIL defeated Tsuji and Sabre defeated Takeshita.

Ariake Arena in Tokyo is hosting the semifinals on Saturday with the finals then happening at the same venue the next day.

Along with bragging rights, the G1 winner receives an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship shot that is traditionally used at NJPW’s annual Wrestle Kingdom spectacular at the Tokyo Dome in January. Sabre is the current champion, having defeated Hirooki Goto to regain the belt back in June. Sabre could choose his Wrestle Kingdom challenger if he wins the G1.

NJPW G1 Climax 35 remaining schedule —

Saturday, August 16:

  • Semifinal match: EVIL vs. Yota Tsuji
  • Semifinal match: Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Konosuke Takeshita

Sunday, August 17:

  • Tournament finals

NJPW G1 Climax 35 results: A Block’s final night

Posted on by Corey Michaels

NJPW G1 Climax 35 reaches the conclusion of A Block matches on today’s show in Hamamatsu.

The top three competitors in A Block will advance to the playoffs, beginning Thursday. The Block winner receives a bye into the semifinals set for next Saturday.

Eight of ten competitors in A Block have some chance of advancing to the playoffs entering today’s show. Only two competitors can seal their own fate with a victory.

Yuya Uemura (10 points) faces David Finlay (8 points) in today’s main event. If Uemura wins, he’s in the playoffs. Finlay needs to win and get help to advance.

EVIL (10 points) faces Hiroshi Tanahashi (8 points) in the semi-main. EVIL is in the playoffs with a victory. Tana needs to win and get help to make the playoffs.

Yota Tsuji (8 points) and Callum Newman (8 points) meet in the third tournament match of the show. Each needs to win and get help to advance.

Ryohei Oiwa (8 points) faces SANADA (6 points) in the second tournament bout tonight. SANADA is eliminated from contention, while Oiwa needs to win and get help to remain alive.

Boltin Oleg (8 points) vs. Taichi (6 points) is today’s tournament opener. Taichi is eliminated, and Boltin needs to win and get help to keep his playoff hopes alive.

**********

  • War Dogs defeated Daiki Nagai & Shingo Takagi
  • TMDK defeated Shoma Kato & YOSHI-HASHI
  • United Empire defeated Katsuya Murashima & Shota Umino
  • House of Torture defeated The Don Callis Family
  • Oleg Boltin defeated Taichi
  • SANADA defeated Ryohei Oiwa
  • Yota Tsuji defeated Callum Newman
  • EVIL defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi
  • David Finlay defeated Yuya Uemura

Main Card – Tag Team Matches

Bullet Club War Dogs (Drilla Moloney & Taiji Ishimori) defeated Daiki Nagai & Shingo Takagi

(Moloney has the killer instinct, and matches the power presented by Takagi. This will make their upcoming B-Block matches interesting with both men currently tied at 8.)

Moloney and Takagi locked horns until a shoulder tackle gave the latter control. Ishimori and Moloney isolated Nagai from his partner. Nagai blasted Ishimori with a Spinebuster. Moloney ate a lariat from Takagi. Ishimori held Nagai deep with a Bone Lock, which ultimately resulted in the Young Lion tapping out.

TMDK (Hartley Jackson & Zack Sabre Jr.) defeated Shoma Kato & YOSHI-HASHI

(Only a brief taste of Sabre and YOSHI-HASHI. Very brief, I might say. The story I saw coming out of this is that despite Jackson getting the better of him, Kato’s heart wouldn’t let him stay down for long, no matter what size his opponent is. Plus, he changed tactics early on whereas some Young Lions might’ve stubbornly stuck to the same method.)

Jackson swiftly leveled the playing field with both YOSHI-HASHI and Kato lain flat. Sabre worked on the neck of young Kato. YOSHI-HASHI drove Sabre into the mat with a DDT. Kaito unwisely attempted to flip Jackson over his shoulder but changed strategy to a leg hold that knocked down the girthy giant. Jackson compressed Kato’s midsection with a devastating senton. In the center of the ring, Jackson flattened Kato with a Jagged Edge, warranting a pinfall.

United Empire (Great-O-Khan & Jakob Austin Young) defeated Katsuya Murashima & Shota Umino

(Young was almost a non-factor in the match following his August 8 tag with Callum Newman against Yota Tsuji and Daiki Nagai. Khan’s much maligned ruined knees during this tournament didn’t deter him, however.)

Khan denied a thirsty Umino of a chance to lock up, lending a still-hurt Young to suffer his knee to the Roughneck. To give his weakened partner more of a chance, Khan laid ruin unto Umino, hurling him into the barricade. Mongolian chops and his patented top rope sit-down may have rocked Murashima, but the Young Lion sent him flying with a pounce. He aligned with his more senior partner to level Khan. Tenzan Tombstone Driver and a vice grip wrought enough agony for Murashima to tap out.

House Of Torture (Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) defeated The Don Callis Family (Konosuke Takeshita & Rocky Romero)

(Standard House of Torture fare, albeit without weapons or the accursed interference. Romero sold believably. Takeshita was presented as formidable and likely to handle Narita in the B-Block, but even the numbers game may prove too much for him.)

House of Torture struck first after the bell, with Narita disposing of Takeshita into the chairs in the crowd. He and Kanemaru targeted Romero’s knee. Takeshita returned, sending Narita downward with an exploder suplex. Romero briefly had control on Narita, but his knee gave out during a Sliced Bread attempt. Narita tapped Romero out with an Indian Deathlock.

G1 Climax A-Block Matches

Oleg Boltin (10) defeated Taichi (6)

(Boltin’s matches excite when he’s up against someone who is either more cunning than him or relatively close in strength. Taichi was just that, so seeing how Boltin had to pull through on sheer will made this a battle for survival that tested the merits of his tenacity.)

The more-experienced Taichi controlled the early goings, but a Dangerous Backdrop, Boltin Shake, and backbreaker incurred a deep woe into Taichi’s ribs. Boltin’s momentum came to a screeching halt after an enzuigiri laid him out. A Dangerous Backdrop lent Taichi a moment to recuperate. Boltin landed a short-range Kamikaze, softened by his worn back and hobbling knee. Taichi rocked Boltin with a roundhouse kick. Boltin swung a brief comeback through a Kamikaze. He then unleashed another, full-force Kamikaze to pin Taichi.

SANADA (6) defeated Ryohei Oiwa (8)

(SANADA played spoiler to Oiwa’s last chance to stay in the G1 so dirtily. At least he can live in the solace that he dragged Oiwa down with him; neither man advance in the tournament. Foreshadowing this in the tag match against Oiwa and Hartley Jackson on August 8, it paid off in a different way for the House of Torture member. I may not like it, but we move on.)

Try as he might, SANADA struggled to escape Oiwa’s headlocks. Even when he tried a Side Headlock Takedown, SANADA found himself in Oiwa’s grasp. SANADA ruined Oiwa’s neck following a DDT to the floor from the ring apron. Oiwa transitioned SANADA’s Skull End to another headlock. Firmly locking hands across SANADA’s waist, Oiwa flung his opponent about with suplexes. After some Eddie Guerrero-esque shenanigans with his guitar, SANADA blasted Oiwa with the musical instrument for the pinfall.

Yota Tsuji (10) defeated Callum Newman (8)

(Selling not just the wear and tear of the G1 Climax, but the disappointment of elimination, Newman did admirably here. Walker Stewart on commentary mentioned a Tsuji win may cost Oleg Boltin the oturnament here, so in any event this match still gives hope to someone moving forward in the tournament at this juncture in tonight’s show.)

Newman, having been told he was eliminated from the finals, sourly and halfheartedly struck Tsuji. Soon, it annoyed Tsuji so much that he pitched Newman into a row of chairs. Sensing Newman’s exhausted state and his strength in fast-paced action, Tsuji slowed the match to a crawl as he worked his opponent’s neck. As Newman steadily gained momentum, Tsuji quelled it with a double-stomp. Spanish Fly by Newman thwarted a potential Gene Blaster.

From the top rope, Newman crushed Tsuji’s midsection with a double-stomp. Tsuji unsheathed a Gene Blaster, short-range, leaving Newman retching by the ropes. Marlowe Crush from Tsuji punished Newman to the point of collapse. Seventeen Crosses gave Tsuji the vital three seconds to win.

EVIL (12) defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi (8)

(Deflating. Heartbreaking. And yet expected. The August 8 tag match where EVIL swore to make the match fair and honorable didn’t carry over. I wouldn’t have minded the loss had it been clean. However, the silver lining is that this win helps push Yota Tsuji further in the tournament as well.)

A Flying Crossbody provided confidence to Tanahashi, but EVIL suplanted this by stealing the Ace’s Dragon Screw Legwhip. He then focused on Tanahashi’s notoriously spent knees. Hope was within Tanahashi’s clutches after a senton, but EVIL caught him in a Figure Four Leglock. EVIL dropped Tanahashi with Darkness Falls. Tanahashi crawled for a rope break to stop a Darkness Scorpion. Twist’n’Shout and a Slingblade incapacitated EVIL, but not enough to roll away from a High Fly Flow.

Dick Togo and Don Fale strutted to hand EVIL a steel chair. He implored them to leave, to which Tanahashi assisted by handing the referee the chair. Distracted, the referee missed EVIL throwing powder into Tanahashi’s face. House of Torture assaulted Tanahashi. EVIL pinned Tanahashi with Darkness Falls, thus eliminating him from the tournament.

Main Event G1 Climax A-Block

David Finlay (10) defeated Yuya Uemura (10)

(Match of the night. I’m gutted that Uemura is out, but Finlay’s had an incredible year. Already a fan of these two, my appreciation for each grew in this match. The desperation, the drama, it oozed right out of the screen, where their deepest desires and biggest moves were pure adrenaline made manifest. Making an insane comeback earlier in the tournament, Finlay’s underdog story continues, but where will it take him?)

Uemura sent Finlay into the barricade at ringside and worked his shoulder in the ring. Finlay got revenge by sending Uemura into the barricade. Uemura wriggled to a rope break in an escape from Finlay’s rear naked choke. Finlay tossed out a lariat that sent both men to the outside; the War Dog then lobbed Uemura into the ring post.

Northern Irish Curse courtesy of Finlay slammed Uemura on the mat. He flew too close to the Sun, however, as he tried sending Uemura to the outside but was ironically flung there himself from a rope-assisted hurricanrana. Uemura writhed in pain after a Backbreaker, yet he escaped a pin from Finlay’s Dominator. Fully extending Finlay’s arm, Uemura maintained pressure, pulling back as far as he could. In this tormenting stretch, Uemura even pulled Finlay’s leg.

Finlay plummeted Uemura with two Pop Out Powerbombs and an Oblivion. Uemura tried a Dragon Suplex and Hiroshi Tanahashi’s High Fly Flow, to no avail. Finlay saved himself with two Overkills to put away Uemura.

(This was an important night in this year’s G1 Climax. Oleg Boltin was out despite his victory. Callum Newman’s disappointment carried into his match with wrinkles added to his personality. SANADA spoiling Ryohei Oiwa left a bad taste in my mouth. Hiroshi Tanahashi’s loss would’ve done the same, had it not meant Yota Tsuji would progress. EVIL’s win meant so much in the layout of the G1 Climax, as did the winner of David Finlay versus Yuya Uemura. With the three winners of the A-Block settled, B-Block will settle that section.

The G1 Climax is nearly at its end, and so much is on the line with the future of New Japan Pro Wrestling.)

NJPW G1 Climax B Block standings: First wrestler clinches playoff spot

Posted on by Joseph Currier

With a victory on Friday, IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr. became the first wrestler to clinch a spot in the NJPW G1 Climax 2025 playoffs.

Sabre defeated Drilla Moloney to bring his G1 points total to 12. That puts him in sole possession of first place in B Block, and it guarantees that Sabre will finish in one of the top three places. Trailing behind him are Shota Umino, Konosuke Takeshita, and Ren Narita with 10 points. There is then a group of wrestlers tied at eight points — some who have been eliminated and some who still have a slight mathematical path.

Here are the full block standings:

B Block standings —

  • Clinched playoff spot — Zack Sabre Jr.: 12 points (6 wins, 2 losses)
  • Shota Umino: 10 points (5 wins, 3 losses)
  • Konosuke Takeshita: 10 points (5 wins, 3 losses)
  • Ren Narita: 10 points (5 wins, 3 losses)
  • Drilla Moloney: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • Great-O-Khan: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • Shingo Takagi: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • Eliminated — YOSHI-HASHI: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • Eliminated — El Phantasmo: 8 points (4 wins, 5 losses)
  • Eliminated — Gabe Kidd: 0 points (withdrew from tournament due to injury)

The last A Block show is happening this Sunday with the final B Block matches then taking place on Wednesday. The playoffs are set for August 14-17.

In A Block, Yuya Uemura and EVIL lead the way with 10 points, followed by a logjam at eight.

A Block standings —

  • Yuya Uemura: 10 points (5 wins, 3 losses)
  • EVIL: 10 points (5 wins, 3 losses)
  • Ryohei Oiwa: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • David Finlay: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • Yota Tsuji: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • Oleg Boltin: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • Callum Newman: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • Eliminated –– Taichi: 6 points (3 wins, 5 losses)
  • Eliminated — SANADA: 6 points (3 wins, 5 losses)

The remaining G1 schedule can be seen below:

Sunday, August 10 in Gunma

  • A Block: Yuya Uemura vs. David Finlay
  • A Block: Taichi vs. Oleg Boltin
  • A Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. EVIL
  • A Block: Yota Tsuji vs. Callum Newman
  • A Block: Ryohei Oiwa vs. SANADA

Wednesday, August 13 in Shizuoka

  • B Block: Shota Umino vs. Great-O-Khan
  • B Block: YOSHI-HASHI vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • B Block: Konosuke Takeshita vs. Ren Narita
  • B Block: Shingo Takagi vs. Drilla Moloney

Thursday, August 14 in Tokyo (Korakuen Hall)

  • 2nd Place A Block vs. 3rd Place B Block
  • 2nd Place B Block vs. 3rd Place A Block

Saturday, August 16 in Tokyo (Ariake Arena)

  • A Block Winner vs. Winner of 2nd Place B Block vs. 3rd Place A Block
  • B Block Winner vs. Winner of 2nd Place A Block vs. 3rd Place B Block

Sunday, August 17 in Tokyo (Ariake Arena)

  • Tournament finals

NJPW G1 Climax A Block standings: Two wrestlers eliminated

Posted on by Joseph Currier

Two wrestlers were eliminated from A Block contention on Thursday as NJPW G1 Climax 2025 enters its final stretch.

Taichi and SANADA are both out of contention following their losses on today’s show. A defeat to Callum Newman ended Taichi’s hopes, while SANADA was mathematically eliminated by a loss to Hiroshi Tanahashi.

The A Block standings now have Yuya Uemura and EVIL leading the way with 10 points. Behind them, there is a logjam with six wrestlers still in contention at eight points. Three wrestlers from the block will advance to the playoffs pending the results of the final night of A Block action this Sunday.

Here are the current A Block standings:

A Block standings —

  • Yuya Uemura: 10 points (5 wins, 3 losses)
  • EVIL: 10 points (5 wins, 3 losses)
  • Ryohei Oiwa: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • David Finlay: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • Yota Tsuji: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • Oleg Boltin: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • Callum Newman: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • Taichi: 6 points (3 wins, 5 losses)
  • SANADA: 6 points (3 wins, 5 losses)

In the B Block, eight wrestlers are still in contention. El Phantasmo and Gabe Kidd have officially been eliminated, while Shingo Takagi still has a very slim mathematical path to the playoffs despite only having six points.

B Block standings —

  • Konosuke Takeshita: 10 points (5 wins, 2 losses)
  • Ren Narita: 10 points (5 wins, 2 losses)
  • Zack Sabre Jr.: 10 points (5 wins, 2 losses)
  • Shota Umino: 8 points (4 wins, 3 losses)
  • Drilla Moloney: 8 points (4 wins, 3 losses)
  • YOSHI-HASHI: 8 points (4 wins, 3 losses)
  • Great-O-Khan: 8 points (4 wins, 4 losses)
  • Shingo Takagi: 6 points (3 wins, 4 losses)
  • El Phantasmo: 6 points (3 wins, 5 losses)
  • Gabe Kidd: 0 points (withdrew from tournament due to injury)

There are now only six shows remaining in the tournament, which will conclude at Ariake Arena in Tokyo on August 17. The winner receives an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship shot that is traditionally used at Wrestle Kingdom.

The remaining G1 schedule can be seen below:

Friday, August 8 in Kanagawa

  • B Block: El Phantasmo vs. YOSHI-HASHI
  • B Block: Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Drilla Moloney
  • B Block: Shingo Takagi vs. Ren Narita
  • B Block: Shota Umino vs. Konosuke Takeshita

Sunday, August 10 in Gunma

  • A Block: Yuya Uemura vs. David Finlay
  • A Block: Taichi vs. Oleg Boltin
  • A Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. EVIL
  • A Block: Yota Tsuji vs. Callum Newman
  • A Block: Ryohei Oiwa vs. SANADA

Wednesday, August 13 in Shizuoka

  • B Block: Shota Umino vs. Great-O-Khan
  • B Block: YOSHI-HASHI vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • B Block: Konosuke Takeshita vs. Ren Narita
  • B Block: Shingo Takagi vs. Drilla Moloney

Thursday, August 14 in Tokyo (Korakuen Hall)

  • 2nd Place A Block vs. 3rd Place B Block
  • 2nd Place B Block vs. 3rd Place A Block

Saturday, August 16 in Tokyo (Ariake Arena)

  • A Block Winner vs. Winner of 2nd Place B Block vs. 3rd Place A Block
  • B Block Winner vs. Winner of 2nd Place A Block vs. 3rd Place B Block

Sunday, August 17 in Tokyo (Ariake Arena)

  • Tournament finals

NJPW G1 Climax 35 results: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Yota Tsuji

Posted on by Corey Michaels

NJPW’s G1 Climax 35 tournament continues today with an A Block show from Fukuoka.

Hiroshi Tanahashi faces Yota Tsuji in the main event tournament match. Tanahashi is part of a three-way-tie for last place in A Block, while Tsuji is part of a three-way-tie for first place. Tanahashi has 4 points, while Tsuji stands at 8.

The next G1 tournament win for Tanahashi will give him 100 for his unparalleled career.

David Finlay and his 4 points face EVIL and his 8 points in today’s semi-main event.

Yuya Uemura with 8 points and coming off a victory over Tanahashi, faces SANADA and his 4 points.

Taichi faces Ryohei Oiwa in a battle of 6 points on the show.

The other competitors with 6 points also square off with Boltin Oleg vs. Callum Newman.

A series of tag matches previewing the next B Block show on Tuesday round out today’s undercard. The show begins at 4 a.m. Eastern time on NJPW World.

**********

Main Card – Tag Team Matches

The Don Callis Family (Konosuke Takeshita & Rocky Romero) defeated Shoma Kato & YOSHI-HASHI

(YOSHI-HASHI, given his G1 record this year, doesn’t inspire hope in me to win this to enter the semi-finals, let alone the finals. The B-Block matches on August 5 may change that, but I look to Takeshita to maintain his dominance.)

Takeshita tossed YOSHI-HASHI around at ringside, while the nimble Romero used aerial kicks keep Kato down. Kato ran the ropes at Takeshita’s request, eventually knocking the Alpha down. YOSHI-HASHI kept up the momentum, but Takeshita’s shoulder drove him away. Romero pinned Kato after a Sliced Bread.

House Of Torture (Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) defeated United Empire (Great-O-Khan & Jakob Austin Young)

(Whether to instill further doubts in Khan or to sow seeds of an epic babyface comeback, Khan’s knee and arm injuries add drama to his G1 journey. Plus, it’s a smart plan by House of Torture—wear down your opponent so they’ll be easy to handle the next night. Khan sold his wounds well.)

Sensing the still-present damage to Khan’s arm courtesy of Zack Sabre Jr the previous night, Narita targeted his right arm. Kanemaru, meanwhile, later focused on Khan’s left knee. Young left Narita dazed after he gained control and floated into a Tornado-DDT. Kanemaru yanked the referee down while he applied utmost pressure to Young in a figure-four leglock. Narita kept Khan at bay while Young tapped out to the leglock.

Post-match: Kanemaru and Narita brought in a steel chair to add further punishment to Khan’s knee.

Bullet Club War Dogs (Drilla Moloney & Taiji Ishimori) defeated El Phantasmo & Jado

(It’s hard to say who will walk away with additional points tomorrow. Moloney’s on a hot streak right now, but Phantasmo in 2025 has a certain flair about him.)

Ishimori suffered at the hands of Jado and Phantasmo, with the former landing a DDT. Moloney feigned a ripcord to subvert Phantasmo into a series of chops. Phantasmo aimed for a CR2 but rolled away to Jado after a Spinebuster. Ishimori played dead after Jado’s clothesline, only to pull him in for a roll-up for the win.

TMDK (Hartley Jackson & Zack Sabre Jr.) defeated Daiki Nagai & Shingo Takagi

(Nagai came into his own in this match. Takagi’s support went a long way, too. With whatever happens with the remnants of Los Ingobernables de Japon, I hope Nagai finds his place with them.)

Sabre and Takagi wrestled to a standstill. Nagai had no such luck against Jackson. Sabre popped in for his own technical pressure on the Young Lion. Jackson returned for a senton, but Takagi saved Nagai. Together, they neutralized Jackson. Nagai even narrowly toppled Jackson with a Canadian Destroyer!

Sabre came to Jackson’s aid, but Nagai snatched him for a Spinebuster. Jackson’s girth prevented a powerslam by Nagai, and he responded with a senton. He then followed up with a Jagged Edge to Nagai.

G1 Climax A-Block Matches

Oleg Boltin (7) defeated Callum Newman (6)

(Boltin is his own beast, but Newman pulled out a hard-fought effort. Despite the back issues, he made Boltin fight for the win.)

Boltin rolled to the outside after a hurricanrana by Newman. Outside, he withstood the unforgiving blue steel barricades. Chops and slams by Boltin aggravated Newman’s injured back. Newman transitioned Boltin’s Kamikaze to a semi-successful hurricanrana. Boltin landed a standing Kamikaze.

Newman pressed into Boltin’s midsection with a stomp from the top rope. He rolled through Boltin’s suplex. With swiftness, Boltin caught Newman, who had full momentum, and planted him with a Kamikaze for the win.

Ryohei Oiwa (7) defeated Taichi (6)

(Taichi is 6-6 in his G1 win-loss record, so he can’t get too comfortable. While I support him, I’m also investing in Oiwa stock.)

Equally strong, Taichi and Oiwa repeatedly reached an impasse. Taichi broke this with a kick. Oiwa gained the upper hand, pummelling Taichi with a scoop slam and a senton. An enzuigiri handed Taichi a comeback. Oiwa escaped a Black Mephisto to drop Taichi with a Doctor Bomb. Dangerous Backdrop provided Taichi with a moment to breathe.

A weary war of stiff forearms wore weaker, but Taichi’s wrist control kept him in control. An Axe Bomber cemented it. Taichi cut off any offense Oiwa might have wanted with enzuigiris each time. However, in the nick of time, Oiwa sent Taichi falling with The Grip. This earned Oiwa the pinfall.

SANADA (6) defeated Yuya Uemura (8)

(Perhaps the only match I wasn’t fond of. Were it not for the House of Torture, this bout would’ve had the makings of a great match.)

Within minutes, SANADA had wrist control, but it shifted to Uemura. SANADA regained it, but a deep armdrag swung it back in Uemura’s favor. SANADA opted to other forms of offense, but Uemura would return wrist control in his favor with more arm drags. Shining Wizard by SANADA broke the cycle. Choosing something new, Uemura plunged SANADA with a back suplex.

Uemura tried for an armbar. SANADA propelled Uemura into Referee Marty Asami, leading him to proceed with a low blow. Uemura rolled out of the way of SANADA’s guitar shot. After Asami missed a capture pin, Yoshinobu Kanemaru slid into the ring to spray whiskey in Uemura’s face.

SANADA finally blasted Uemura with his guitar; Kanemaru took advantage of this by rolling Asami back over and directing his attention to SANADA’s pin. This lent SANADA the pinfall.

David Finlay (6) defeated EVIL (8)

(Surprisingly great. This naturally warranted a lack of referee during the more plunder-heavy moments of this match. Moreover, the odds stacked against Finlay gave the Bullet Club leader the support of fans needed to propel him to victory. Throughout his G1 journey, at this juncture, Finlay needed this win.)

Finlay cut EVIL’s entrance short as he drove him into the crowd. EVIL tubmled onto the floor as Finlay landed upright, clotheslining him to the outside. Don Fale and Dick Togo joined EVIL in tossing Finlay into the barricade, even knocking over a commentary desk. Both opponents traded profanities on the microphone as EVIL choked Finlay with the wire.

Referee Red Shoes prevented EVIL from using a steel chair, leading to the House of Torture leader to toss it to Gedo. This lent Fale and Togo to aid EVIL by removing the turnbuckle pad. Landing in the exposed iron of the padless corner, Finlay fired back with an Irish Curse. Fale attempted to squish Finlay in the corner but instead landed Red Shoes. He, EVIL, and Togo struck Finlay with a steel chair as a Young Lion carried Red Shoes to the back.

EVIL and his henchmen were singlehandedly thwarted by Finlay, with Fale shockingly sent back in a vertical suplex. Fueled by adrenaline, Finlay nearly spelt doom for EVIL with a powerbomb, stopped only by a low blow. EVIL grabbed a steel chain to choke Finlay and adorned his lariat with its unforgiving metal. Spear by Finlay downed EVIL. Gedo handed Finlay a shillelagh. Kenta Sato replaced Red Shoes as referee. Finlay defeated EVIL with an Overkill.

Main Event G1 Climax A-Block

Hiroshi Tanahashi (6) defeated Yota Tsuji (8)

(Hope for The Ace is on the horizon. Tanahashi gaining his 100th G1 win bolsters the heightened stakes of the tournament. Can he keep up this momentum? He’s made career history, but will he end his career on the highest note possible? This is what the G1 is about, beckoning fans to speculate where things will go from here.

As far as the match goes, Tanahashi had his undying charisma driving the match, fully weaving his age and weakening knees into the storyline and the match structure. Tsuji was no slouch either, making Tanahashi look like a billion yen. To fill his Gene Blasters with so much dread that they’re hardly seen, he had the potential of a threat, supplanted by the legend.)

Tanahashi clenched hold of Tsuji’s wrists, broken by a rope break. Tsuji worked Tanahashi’s knees, most painfully exemplified by a horizontal Dragon Screw Legwhip. Karma found Tsuji, as Tanahashi sprang his own Dragon Screw Legwhip. Scoop slam reintroduced Tsuji to the mat, followed by a top rope senton. Tsuji countered a Slingblade with a backslide and a knee to the Ace’s face.

Tsuji aimed to send Tanahashi reeling with a vertical suplex but fell to the mat after a Twist’n’Shout. Tanahashi ended a standoff by stopping Tsuji’s Gene Blaster with a Slingblade. The Ace countered another Gene Blaster into a Snapdragon Suplex. Despite his best efforts, Tsuji bore the brunt of three High Fly Flows and lost the match.

(All but one of the G1 matches hit on all cylinders. Whether it’s the youthful clash of Oleg Boltin and Callum Newman, the continuance of the War Dogs versus House of Torture between David Finlay and EVIL, Taichi falling behind Ryohei Oiwa, or Tanahashi gaining his 100th G1 win, there was much to enjoy. Sadly, the House of Torture had to get a win, with SANADA taking out Yuya Uemura, with interference. But that pales in comparison to the hype of the tournament as it heats up.)

NJPW G1 Climax 35 results: Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Great-O-Khan

Posted on by Corey Michaels

Four B Block matches are set for today’s NJPW G1 Climax 35 event in Hiroshima.

In the main event, IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr. faces Great-O-Khan. It’s the fourth career singles meeting between the two, with Sabre winning all three previous matchups. O-Khan is part of a four-way tie atop B Block with 8 points, while Sabre has 6 points in a three-way tie for fifth place in the Block.

Drilla Moloney and his 8 points face Konosuke Takeshita and his 6 points in today’s semi-main event in a first-time singles meeting between the two.

Shingo Takagi takes on El Phantasmo in another tournament bout on today’s show. Both are tied for eighth place in B Block with 4 points. Shingo has won two out of three previous singles meetings with ELP.

YOSHI-HASHI and Shota Umino square off in today’s first tournament matchup. YH has 8 points, while Umino has 6 points.

Five tag team bouts previewing the next A Block matchups round out today’s undercard. The show begins at 3 a.m. Eastern time on NJPW World.

**********

Main Card – Tag Team Matches

Oleg Boltin & Toru Yano defeated United Empire (Callum Newman & Jakob Austin Young)

(Yano is underrated when it comes to matches like these: playing the fool so well that everyone thinks his comedy is part of the act, but it lets him outsmart others. That’s the secret of where the genius of his character lies. Also, though quite brief, the momentary exposure of Boltin and Newman leaves tomorrow’s A-Block matches enticing; it’ll be interesting how these young foreign NJPW talent fare one-on-one.)

Newman started off with some momentum against Boltin after some kicks, but a shoulder tackle and a Boltin Shake shook him off. Young equalized Yano and joined Newman in overwhelming Boltin. Yano tore the turnbuckle pad and threw it at Young. Feigning hurt against the exposed turnbuckle, Yano used Young’s momentum during an Irish Whip to drop and roll him up for the pin.

TMDK (Hartley Jackson & Ryohei Oiwa) defeated Masatora Yasuda & Taichi

(Yasuda’s brilliance is budding, as seen in this match. Jackson selling for him despite being monstrous held the idea that the rookie could chip and tear at the beast to one day slay him. Good stuff.)

Evenly matched, Oiwa and Taichi wrestled to a stalemate. Hiroshima cheered Yasuda on as he attempted a flip on Jackson. Despite suffering the full weight of Jackson falling on him, Yasuda avoided Oiwa with a hurricanrana and dropkick.

Though their partners wrestled to another standstill, Yasuda gained some offense with high dropkicks on Jackson, and ate a burning lariat for his efforts. Jackson dropped courtesy of Taichi and Yasuda’s unified vertical suplex.

Jackson’s senton may have crushed Yasuda’s midsection, but his Jagged Edge gave him the pinfall over the Young Lion.

Shoma Kato & Yuya Uemura vs. House Of Torture (SANADA & Yoshinobu Kanemaru)

(Soon, Milano is going to have enough and beat somebody up if people keep involving him in their matches. The way the match went, in storytelling structure, it seems Uemura might triumph over SANADA tomorrow in the A-Block matches.)

A callous SANADA battered Uemura, dragging him into the crowd (and through Milano Collection, again). Abandoned for a hopeful 20-count, Uemura sprinted to beat the timer. Kato may have started with spirit against Kanemaru, but the veteran was wiser and merciless in his approach, dropping the upstart repeatedly on the mat.

Locking in a Boston Crab, Kanemaru dragged Kato into the center. Pulling back and sinking low, he forced a tap-out by the Young Lion.

Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuya Murashima defeated Daiki Nagai & Yota Tsuji

(Some nice levity to this match. The flex-off, Murashima having too much fun with the air guitar, it added to the fun. Tanahashi and Tsuji should have a nice match tomorrow. Tonight reads that we’ll see the Ace pass the torch to another Reiwa Musketeer.)

Following a flex-off, Tanahashi’s seasoned expertise saw him topplle Tsuji with a flying crossbody. The Ace and Murashima then teamed against Nagai; Murashima was so amped up about it that he got carried away with the air guitar pose that Tanahashi had to calm him back down.

Several spiteful chops and a dropkick by Nagai wore down on Murashima. Using Murashima’s momentum against him, Nagai planted him with a Spinebuster. Murashima barreled into a comeback, pouncing on Nagai. Tanahashi intercepted Tsuji with a Dragon Screw Legwhip. Together, Tanahashi and legal man Murashima held Tsuji and Nagai in Boston Crabs; Murashima sank his Crab in deeper upon a crawling Nagai to tap him out.

House Of Torture (Dick Togo & EVIL) defeated Bullet Club War Dogs (David Finlay & Gedo)

(Thankfully a short House of Torture match. However, credit where it’s due, the aftermath of the Bullet Club Civil War added to the match’s drama, especially in those closing moments.)

No time was spared in this match, as EVIL and Finlay reignited their Bullet Club war to the Hiroshima crowd. Don Fale played equalizer, taking out Finlay on the outside. Togo and EVIL tormented Gedo, where Fale joined them. Gedo pounded Togo with a Fistdrop. Togo ripped away the turnbuckle pad and EVIL whipped Finlay into it.

Fale and Togo held Finlay down as he locked eyes with EVIL who tapped Gedo out with a Darkness Scorpion.

G1 Climax B-Block Matches

Shota Umino defeated YOSHI-HASHI

(Hiroshima loved this one and I appreciate it as well. Umino’s quietly been putting on classic G1 performances, contrasting his rough early 2025.)

YOSHI-HASHI withstood Umino’s early fire, sending him across the barricades. Increasingly confident, YOSHI-HASHI fell victim to Umino targeting his knee. Basement dropkick by YOSHI-HASHI brought Umino’s trajectory to a screeching halt.

Umino applied pressure to an STF, to which YOSHI-HASHI could barely crawl out of. YOSHI-HASHI planted Umino with a Canadian Destroyer. A right-handed lariat cut the head off of YOSHI-HASHI, with a knee to drop him. YOSHI-HASHI reversed Umino’s Northern Light’s Suplex with a DDT. After an intense trade of lariats and kicks, each more devastating than the last, Umino pinned YOSHI-HASHI after a Second Chapter.

Shingo Takagi defeated El Phantasmo

(After a solid opener, Takagi and ELP elevated the show with a classic. Starting with goofy banter, the pair quickly heated up the scene with a display that left Hiroshima in applause.)

Phantasmo interacted with the audience for an extended period, soon wearing out Takagi’s patience. Tijeras courtesy of Phantasmo flipped Takagi over, giving way to offense on the blue steel guardrails at ringside. Takagi’s right hand stopped Phantasmo’s floaty offense with a quick yet effective punch. He flipped the Canadian with a Driver onto the ring apron.

While Takagi did incur a Step-Up Enzuigiri, he delivered a Pumping Bomber. Unidentified Flying Opponent sent Takagi crashing back down. The heat of the match began to boil, as Takagi planted Phantasmo with Made in Japan. Phantasmo swung a comeback with a Poisonrana and a CR2. Failing a Sudden Death, Phantasmo soared from the top rope but narrowly suffered a sliding Pumping Bomber.

CR2 by Phantasmo was reversed into poisonrana, followed by a Pumping Bomber. Takagi stole a CR2, hit Phantasmo with another Pumping Bomber, and sealed the deal at last with a Last of the Dragon.

Konosuke Takeshita defeated Drilla Moloney

(The match was already a great watch, but that final stand fueled on pure rage and hate elevated this. Moloney embodied a protagonistic fire and spirit that made it all the more heartbreaking when Takeshita stopped his endeavors.)

Moloney and Takeshita immediately went to war, soon spreading to the audience and into the chairs surrounding. Takeshita endured chops and promptly downed Moloney with a stiff forearm. Moloney barreled Takeshita out of the ring and into the barricade. Exploder suplex by Takeshita stopped Moloney’s control, with a Brainbuster providing additional damage.

Takeshita rolled out of the way of an elbow drop, resulting in Moloney landing loudly and painfully on the mat. Blue Thunderbomb by Takeshita added more salt in the wound. Moloney slammed Takeshita with a Spinebuster, and succeeded with a fruitful Elbow Drop. Invoking the name of the injured Gabe Kidd, Takeshita incurred Moloney’s wrath that ended with a powerful lariat. Takeshita survived a Drilla Killa, ending the match in a Raging Fire for the win.

Main Event G1 Climax B-Block

Zack Sabre Jr. defeated Great-O-Khan

(What an excellent, unique showcase! Sabre had to cut away Khan’s most powerful asset, his arms, to take the win from Khan. Had he not have succeeded in wearing down Khan’s arm, Sabre would not have eked out this victory. Khan’s matches have this flair of an unstoppable force, but in this, his kryptonite cracked his skin. This is the ruthless Zack that should have had his defenses since his first NJPW World Heavyweight Championship reign.

Cautiously dancing around the other, Sabre and Khan grappled to a few impasses. Even when they got physical, they were evenly matched, with both men working the other’s arms and both men falling after boots to the faces at the same time. Khan implemented his Claw during a Cobra Twist. Sabre grounded Khan with a cross-armbar.

Finding a sweet spot in Khan’s left arm, Sabre battled with Khan for control until a back suplex broke his hold. Sabre prevented Khan’s Mongolian Chops but wound up slammed mid-air and flung around like a ragdoll.

Firmly ensnaring his limbs around the arm of his opponent, Sabre was raised up and slammed. The aches of the arm-targeting were evident in Khan’s half-Mongolian Chops to Sabre. Enduring strikes in succession, Khan brought his forearm into Sabre’s midsection, momentarily downing him. Bristling past Sabre’s Tornado-DDT, Khan blasted him with an Eliminator. Following an unsuccessful Zack Driver, Sabre held Khan in an armbar.

(Each B-Block match tonight brought something new that told a different story, each of which still commanded full attention. Heading over halfway into the tournament, and everyone is becoming more pronounced in their viability as a potential finalist. As I type this, I’m finding myself changing my favorites to win.)

BVV: Reviewing Shingo vs. Takeshita, TNA Impact

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

Image: NJPW

Come join the fun on the latest Big Vinny V Show with Vince Verhei.

TNA Impact was the latest American TV wrestling show that had very little wrestling, so we also go back to Japan for the latest highlight from this summer’s NJPW G1 tournament.

But first, TNA must deal with the fallout from Slammiversary which means everyone is going to talk a lot—everyone, that is, except Joe Hendry and Mike Santana, the losers of the Slammiversary main event, who closed out Impact with a one-on-one match with no explanation of what the PPV loss means to them, or why they are fighting.

But, we did have Santino Marella and Masha Slamovich laying out a rematch against new Knockouts Champion Jacy Jayne; The System, suddenly babyfaces now, vowing to fight for TNA; Moose declaring his intentions to challenge Trick Williams for the TNA World title; Order 4 just hating everyone; Victoria Crawford starting some sort of issue with Dani Luna and Indi Hartwell; Leon Slater, the Hardys, and Steve Maclin talking about how great they are for a while; and Jayne talking about how great she is.

Oh, there were, like, three other matches, including the Major Edge Guys reuniting.

Then, it’s off to Tokyo where Shingo Takagi battled Konosuke Takeshita in a match that had more wrestling by itself than a full hour of Impact (or SmackDown, for that matter).

Click Here to Listen (sub needed) or watch on YouTube with a premium sub

NJPW G1 Climax 35 live results: Shingo Takagi vs. Konosuke Takeshita

Posted on by Corey Michaels

NJPW’s G1 Climax 35 tournament rolls on tonight with four B Block matches in Ota.

In the main event, Shingo Takagi faces Konosuke Takeshita in one of the more highly-anticipated matchups of the tournament. Takeshita enters the match with 4 points, while Shingo has 2 points, with his only win so far coming via forfeit due to Gabe Kidd’s injury and withdrawal.

Three more B Block matches are set for the show.

Shota Umino and Ren Narita will match up in the semi-main event. Both enter the contest with 4 points thus far in the G1.

Zack Sabre Jr. will take on El Phantasmo in a battle of two wrestlers each with 2 points.

B Block leader YOSHI-HASHI and his 6 points will face Great-O-Khan (2 points) in the night’s first tournament bout.

A series of tag team matches previewing the next A Block battles fill out today’s undercard.

The show kicks off at 2 a.m. Eastern time on NJPW World.

**********

Pre-show

The NJPW roster joined ringside during a tribute to the late Hulk Hogan who passed away on July 25, 2025 at the age of 71.

Main card

Oleg Boltin & Toru Yano defeated Daiki Nagai & Yota Tsuji

(Nagai has shown promise thus far with the LiJ alumni during this early stretch of the G1.)

Boltin had the early advantage over Tsuji, culminating in a Boltin Shake. Nagai joined Tsuji in planting Boltin with a 2-on-1 suplex. Yano removed the turnbuckle pad, as is his wont, but Nagai outsmarted him right into the exposed corner. Spinebuster by Nagai whittled down the veteran, but resulted in a Demon Killler powerbomb, giving Yano and Boltin the victory.

United Empire (Callum Newman & Jakob Austin Young) defeated BULLET CLUB War Dogs (David Finlay & Gedo)

(Optimistic win for the United Empire’s junior members.)

Newman forewent the formalities during Finlay’s entrance as he interrupted. The pair brawled, with Finlay tossing Newman into chairs amid a fleeing crowd. Back in the ring, he controlled Newman’s arm, with Gedo offering additional punishment. Young fended off Gedo using his legs; a dropkick rattled him further. Neman saved Young from Finlay’s Dominator before they combined their offense to him and Gedo. Young pinned Gedo via Jakob’s Ladder to win the match.

House Of Torture (SANADA & Yoshinobu Kanemaru) defeated Masatora Yasuda & Taichi

(If Taichi were to start a new stable, Yanemaru would be a great addition.)

House of Torture immediately went to work on Yasuda and Taichi, the former of which wore on SANADA. Taichi found himself dragged to the chairs as SANADA clobbered him with a water bottle (before politely handing it back to the commentator he stole it from). Yasuda had no choice but to withstand the wrath of Kanemaru and SANADA until landing a scoop slam despite his softened knee. Wrist control and spry legs gave Taichi an edge that overwhelmed Kanemaru and SANADA. Once more into the Ota crowd, SANADA send Taichi into a commentary table.

At last, Taichi swung a comeback in the form of a lariat to SANADA. Kanemaru landed on his shoulders following Yasuda’s heightened dropkick. With a Boston Crab vigorously in place on Yasuda, SANADA tapped him out.

Post-match: Unsatisfied for the first two times, SANADA returned Taichi into the crowd.

House Of Torture (Dick Togo & EVIL) defeated Tomoaki Honma & Yuya Uemura

(I’d have preferred a Uemura win, but that’s just me. As far as House of Torture matches go, this didn’t overstay its welcome.

Re-using their teammates’ game plan from the previous match, House of Torture swarmed their opponents. Honma flattened Togo before paying homage to Hulk Hogan. Togo regained command of the match in working Honma’s arm. EVIL and Don Fale rung the ring bell to distract the referee after Togo landed an Italian Fistdrop to Honma. Uemura was unleashed next, yet EVIL tossed him to Togo and Fale for extra damage. Gritting his teeth through the pain, Uemura battled past his abdomen pain working in tandem with Honma to wear down EVIL. Togo broke up Honma’s pin to EVIL after a successful Kokeshi. Magic Killer by House of Torture to Honma gave the stable yet another victory.

Post-match: EVIL, Togo, and Fale wrenched the knee of Uemura, even as Young Lions attempted to pull them away.

TMDK (Hartley Jackson & Ryohei Oiwa) defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuya Murashima

(While building Tanahashi and Oiwa up later, NJPW put Jackson to good use in giving Murashima a spot to shine and show his character’s strength and cunning.)

Oiwa locked up with Tanahashi, with the Ace geting the upper hand twice. He followed with a flying crossbody. A Twist’n’Shout gave Tanahashi confidence, but Oiwa powered out. Murashima sought to test his girth and strength against Jackson but quickly lost his composure. A senton by Jackson winded Murashima. Jackson bullied young Murashima until he fired back with a pounce. Oiwa held Tanahashi on the apron to watch as Jackson dropped Murashima with a Jagged Edge for the win.

G1 Climax B-Block

Great-O-Khan defeated YOSHI-HASHI

(Yoshi-Hashi’s story during this year’s G1 Climax remains compelling, a desperation to win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, so setbacks like these set the drama up quite well.

Khan’s strength hinted at early benefits, but YOSHI-HASHI double-palmed him to the mat. Dropping YOSHI-HASHI onto the ring apron, Khan punctuated this devastating enviornmental-assisted assault with his trademark sit on a precariously perched YOSHI-HASHI on the tope rope. Gaining speed, Khan fell victim to a Head Hunter by a defiant YOSHI-HASHI. Refusing YOSHI-HASHI’s fisherman suplexes and tombstone piledrivers, Khan landed a DDT but couldn’t capitalize. Clutching Khan’s wrist, YOSHI-HASHI weakened Khan only to run into Khan’s Pop-Up eliminator. YOSHI-HASHI unfortunately ran into Khan’s Claw, ultimately finished off by his Eliminator.

Zack Sabre Jr. defeated El Phantasmo

(Immediately one of this year’s G1 Climax’s best matches. A wonderful story build on respect, told with desperate moves in the final stretch to create a perfect drama.)

Phantasmo wriggled out of Sabre’s every technical maneuver. In one particular pin attempt, Sabre bridged out. Each man traded holds in an attempt to pin or submit the other. With unwavering neck control, Sabre dragged Phantasmo around. In a sudden comeback, Pantasmo shot Sabre outside with a dropkick.

Tope Suicida from Phantasmo flipped Sabore over the barricade and into the seats. Phantasmo landed a Tornado-DDT but didn’t pin Sabre in time for the pin. Phantasmo driver nearly gives the Canadian a win, as did his theft of Sabre’s Zack Driver. Bullied by Sabre, Phantasmo fought his way to a comeback, with a Thunderkiss 85 seeming like a sure shot before Sabre drove his knees up. Following a nasty Zack Driver, Sabre’s spider-like reflexes wrapped his limbs around Phantasmo for an octopus-hold that tapped Phantasmo out.

Ren Narita defeated Shota Umino

(Narita’s always better outside of the grasp of House of Torture. It’s pleasing to know that is a constant, because it makes his other matches better.

Lurking on the outside, Narita soon saw himself laid flat on the floor. Playing possum while grabbing his worn knee, Narita reversed Umino’s fortune with tosses into the steel barricade. Reversing the momentum, Narita gained control of Umino’s wrist, bending it against the steel barricade. Narita worked the arm of Umino, wrenching it back, pulling it closer to out of socket. Fisherman Suplex and a STF failed Umino, but agonized Narita. Grounded, Narita pulled back as much as he could on Umino’s arm. After pulling Narita back into the ring for a STF, Umino was distracted by the ring bell, sounded by Yoshinobu Kanemaru. Swiftly evading Narita’s weaponry,

Using a board that Kanemaru gave him, Narita nearly struck Umino with a stick. Double cross rendered Umino further unconscious, yet still kicking. A flying knee stomp to the back of Umino’s skull ended the match in Narita’s favor.

Main event

Konosuke Takeshita defeated Shingo Takagi

(I didn’t think anything tonight would eclipse El Phantasmo versus Zack Sabre Jr, but Takeshita and Takagi stole the show. Ota became unglued and the atmosphere grew beyond electric. Not only did Takagi lose his breath, but I did too.

Locking up, Takagi and Takeshita’s strengths were evenly matched, leading to a test of wills. Takagi had an edge in his experience, but Takeshita’s prowess lent him a comeback, as seen with a flying shoulder-tackle. A diving senton took the breath out of Takagi. Sensing a Blue Thunderbomb, Takagi wriggled out of Takeshita’s clutches and flipped him with a Dragon Screw Leg Whip. Reading Takeshita like a book, Takagi goaded his opponent so he could dodge and down him with a DDT.

Using DDTs of his own, Takeshita landed Takagi nastily on his neck a few times. A Sliding Pumping Bomber bore down on Takeshita. An Exploder Suplex reawakened Takeshita’s chances, with a series of German Suplexes by Takagi. Pumping Bomber on the top rope plummetted Takeshita to the mat, but Takagi couldn’t win from his Made in Japan. Takeshita fell to a Pumping Bomber and a Last of the Dragon, but much to Takagi’s chagrin, neither could pin the Alpha. He burned Takagi with a Raging Fire, but he escaped to the ropes. In an epic closing sequence full of finishers and explosive moves, Takeshita choked the life out of Takagi’s breath. Eyes bulging madly, Takagi was fully ensnared in Takeshita’s rear-naked chickenwing; unwilling and unable to give in, the referee declared Takeshita the winner.

Tonight’s G1 Climax was not exactly full of bombastic spectacles, save for El Phantasmo versus Zack Sabre Jr and Shingo Takagi versus Konosuke Takeshita. Yet, because of these two matches, this show is recommended viewing.

NJPW G1 Climax 35 live results: Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. David Finlay

Posted on by Ryan Howard

A Block takes center stage today with five tournament matches in Ota on night five of the NJPW G1 Climax 35.

In the main event, Hiroshi Tanahashi faces David Finlay. Both wrestlers are 1-1 with 2 points thus far in the tournament. This is of course the final G1 for NJPW president Tanahashi, as he has announced that he will retire at Wrestle Kingdom in January.

Yota Tsuji and Ryohei Oiwa will square off in the semi-main event. Both enter the match with 2-1 records and 4 points so far. The winner will remain tied for the A Block lead following today’s show.

Taichi and EVIL will lock horns in another tournament matchup. Both are 2-1 with 4 points, and the winner will also remain tied atop A Block.

Yuya Umeura faces Callum Newman on today’s card, with both 1-2 with 2 points.

The tournament action today kicks off in the sixth match of the card with Boltin Oleg vs. SANADA. Oleg is 2-1 with 4 points, while SANADA is 1-2 with 2 points.

A series of tag team previews for Saturday’s B Block bouts fill out the first five matches of today’s show.

Our coverage will begin shortly after the show ends.

**********

Gabe Kidd Officially Withdraws from G1 Climax 35

Kidd came to the ring moving very gingerly on his bad knee and said he was hopeful to power through and continue the tournament, but the doctors said there’s no way he’s going to be cleared and withdraws from the G1. While this sucks, the positive is he’s received so much love from the fans and promises when he’s back, it’ll be the best version of Gabe Kidd you’ve ever seen and thanks the crowd again for their support.

Shoma Kato & YOSHI-HASHI vs. United Empire (Great-O-Khan & Jakob Austin Young)

After a long stare down, O-Khan fired off one Mongolian Chop on Yoshi before he & Young attacked their opponents around the ringside area. Spilling into the crowd, O-Khan sat and posed on Yoshi before posting him before controlling Kato back inside. Kato managed to fire off a deep arm drag and that was enough for a Yoshi hot tag, laying out O-Khan with a Head Hunter. A brief back and forth of chops led to Young & Kato coming back in, Kato hitting a vertical suplex before feeding Young to Yoshi for a superkick. O-Khan broke the count, but had his leg dropkicked out by Yoshi. Leg lariat by Young flattened Kato and was followed up with a shotgun dropkick out of the corner for two. Jakob’s Ladder (Sliced Bread) connected and Young got the win.

Match Result: Great-O-Khan & Jakob Austin Young defeated Shoma Kato & YOSHI-HASHI when Young pinned Kato

Jado & El Phantasmo vs. TMDK (Zack Sabre Jr. & Hartley Jackson)

Sabre trash talked ELP’s gear before an early scramble saw ELP lounge in the corner until a forearm/uppercut exchange ensued. ELP caught Sabre with a dropkick and briefly double teamed with Jado, who took over, but immediately was trapped in a triangle arm bar in the ropes. Jackson continued targeting the arm, until Jado started no selling Sabre’s strikes, turning him inside out with a lariat. ELP tagged in with a springboard axe handle and Lionsault for two. Sabre blocked an enzugiri with an Ankle Lock, but there was a scramble, ELP nearly getting CR2, only for Sabre to roll through into a PK for the double down. Jackson made the tag, but ELP ducked a charging Sabre, who booted his partner. Sudden Death connects by ELP, as he rolled up Jackson for the victory.

Match Result: Jado & El Phantasmo defeated Zack Sabre Jr. & Hartley Jackson when ELP pinned Jackson

Tomoaki Honma & Shota Umino vs. House of Torture (Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru)

At least Narita & Kanemaru had the respect enough to attack right at the bell and not before, as they worked over Honma in the early going, keeping him isolated until he flattened Kanemaru with a DDT. Umino made the tag and charged Narita, who quickly bailed, so Kanemaru suffered corner strikes and fisherman’s suplex for two. Narita tripped the leg, long enough for Kanemaru to dropkick out the leg, try a double team, but Umino had is scouted and caught Narita with a dropkick. Umino sold his knee, as Honma tagged back in, tried a Kokeshi, but Narita dodged and sank in an arm breaker. Umino made the save with locomotion corner splashes and double suplex with Honma on Narita before assisting with the Kokeshi, which finally hit. Headbutt & lariat got Honma a near fall, as Kanemaru is seen taking a swig of whisky on the outside. He threw the ref into Honma, misting him, giving Narita a chance to waffle Honma with the pushup board to steal the pin. Post-match, Narita & Kanemaru continued the beating, nearly taking out Umino’s knee, but it was dodged, sending Narita high tailing it.

Match Result: Ren Narita & Yoshinobu Kanemaru defeated Tomoaki Honma & Shota Umino when Narita pinned Honma

Daiki Nagai & Shingo Takagi vs. Don Callis Family (Konosuke Takeshita & Rocky Romero)

An early exchange with Takeshita & Takagi saw neither budging off shoulder block attempts before each dodged signature clothesline attempts, leading to a stalemate. Nagai & Romero tagged in, with Nagai hitting a shoulder tackle, then refusing to give up the pin attempt for three separate two counts. Takeshita briefly stared down Nagai from the apron, which was enough for Romero to attack and gain control. Nagai continued being isolated, including a deep squat suplex from Takeshita, before finally dodging a corner charge, sinking in a Boston Crab on Romero. Takeshita broke it up with a big boot, but Nagai didn’t back down, hitting a huge dropkick. Takagi & Takeshita slugged it out, until Takeshita fired off a home run right hand. Nagai got a series of roll-ups on Romero, who floated over a suplex, hit a Rewind Kick and sank in the Diablo Armbar for the submission.

Match Result: Konosuke Takeshita & Rocky Romero defeated Daiki Nagai & Shingo Takagi when Romero submitted Nagai

A Block: Boltin Oleg (4) vs. SANADA (2)

(Another strong showing from Oleg, who continues to impress in his G1 Climax debut. Meanwhile, the SANADA Fit Check is real, folks, I can only describe him as a Create-A-Wrestler come to life, as he’s someone you give as many accessories for entrances and as whacky attire as possible.)

Running trend this G1 has been SANADA’s absurd entrance attires, as this one, I can only describe as Giant Gonzalez Chic, as it’s an airbrushed full body suit and a thong. Thankfully he’s not wrestling in that, as he attacked Oleg during his intro, but Oleg quickly ran through him with a shoulder tackle to the outside. SANADA dodged a Kamikaze, getting a drop toe hold throat first into the barricade. The match spilled into the crowd, leaving Oleg crawling back to the ring to beat the count, as SANADA was there to dropkick out the leg repeatedly. Oleg fought back with a suplex and huge running splash for a near fall, before hitting his Boltin Shake.

SANADA booted Oleg through the ropes, crotched him and hit a draping Magic Screw off the apron and another back inside before locking in Skull End. Oleg floated over, tried a lawn dart, but SANADA slipped out, tried a springboard dropkick, only Oleg moved and mowed him down for two. Series of reversals led to a missed low blow attempt by SANADA, who tried a moonsault out of the corner, but leapt into the clutches of Oleg, who hit Verdict. SANADA avoided Kamikaze with a Shining Wizard to the back of the head. Oleg blocked the second attempt into a Kamikaze to get the win.

Match Result: Boltin Oleg (6) defeated SANADA (2)

A Block: Yuya Uemura (2) vs. Callum Newman (2)

(Uemura continues to be my favorite of the new guard of NJPW, his matches, regardless of how where on the card, always seem to draw me in and get my interest. Newman has done a great job selling this G1 so far, his first few matches saw him sell his knee, while today, it was the arm.)

After refusing to give up the center of the ring for Uemura to do his entrance, Newman exploded out of the gates early, realizing his speed is going to be his advantage. The moment the match slowed, Uemura took advantage, targeting the left arm, leaving Newman to rely on his kicks to get back control. Newman tried to drive his own shoulder into the corner to set it, as a high kick to Uemura gave him time to recover. Oscutter 2.0 blocked as he leapt right into an arm breaker in mid-air by Uemura, leaving Newman scrambling for the ropes. Newman sent Uemura to the floor and hit a wildly impressive scale of the ropes and springboard double stomp to Uemura’s back.

Not wanting the count-out victory, Newman rolled Uemura back inside for another double stomp off the top for two. Corkscrew kick landed flush, but Uemura cut off a charge with a huge dropkick. Both traded charges, until Newman tried to throw a right hand, his bad arm, allowing Uemura to Gator Roll into a Deadbolt Suplex for the victory.

Match Result: Yuya Uemura (4) defeated Callum Newman (2)

A Block: Taichi (4) vs. EVIL (4)

(Your House of Torture special, which is the carbon copy of all EVIL matches for G1 Climax’s until it inevitably blows up in his face later in the tournament. It’s been going on so long, even if it includes who I think has been the G1 MVP, Taichi, I am almost entirely zapped of interest in matches like this.)

EVIL, Don Fale & Dick Togo attacked not only Taichi, but his young lion, Masatora Yasuda as well before the bell. EVIL would almost use Yasuda as a prop of distraction to beat down Taichi outside. Back inside, Taichi started no selling, so EVIL went to the eyes. Taichi avoided the ref distraction, decking Kanemaru off the apron, ripped his britches off, before being tripped up by Fale, allowing EVIL to regain control. Taichi scrambled, tried a Saito Suplex, but EVIL held onto referee Marty Asami, who had enough of his nonsense and slapped EVIL in the face. Taichi hit the Saito Suplex with a bridge, but only for a two count. Taichi went for an Axe Bomber, but EVIL pulled Asami in to take the bullet.

Togo attacked Taichi from behind, but Yasuda made the save. Trying to fight off Fale, who just stood there unphased. After easily dispatching of Yasuda, Fale wanted a Grenade on Taichi, who avoided and hip tossed Fale to the outside before knocking EVIL (who had a chair) off the apron to the outside. Fale threw EVIL back inside at 19, but Taichi met him with an Axe Bomber for two. Taichi missed another, Fale hit him in the back with a chair, allowing EVIL to hit an Axe Bomber of his own for two. Taichi no sold being sent into an exposed corner buckle, sending EVIL chest first into it, as he wanted Black Mephisto, but EVIL countered into the neckbreaker cutter for the win.

Match Result: EVIL (6) defeated Taichi (4)

A Block: Yota Tsuji (4) vs. Ryohei Oiwa (4)

(A much slower paced match you’d expect in the first half, but once it got going, it ramped up in a big way and the crowd were loudly into it. Both know each other so well, that everything the other would throw would be scouted, so ultimately, Tsuji had to pull out a completely new way to get the flash victory, as both continue looking strong in the tournament.)

Very even back and forth out the gate, as Tsuji trapped the arm and snapped it back, as that’s the body part he’s zoned in on. Oiwa dodged a baseball slide and worked a headlock ringside before driving Tsuji into the barricade. After breaking the count, Oiwa picked up the pace a bit, but Tsuji was there with a Facebreaker combo before going back to the arm. Tsuji wanted the Marlowe Crash, but Oiwa dodged into a suplex, but couldn’t follow up due to the arm issues. Both fought up in the ropes, as Tsuji connected on a sunset flip Liger Bomb for two. Tsuji tried firing off lariats, but Oiwa no sold and spiked Tsuji with a DDT. Headbutt crumbled Tsuji, who rose up with a smile on his face. While Tsuji missed a Curb Stomp, Oiwa looked to get just enough of his (which was about zero), went for a Doctor Bomb, but Tsuji popped him with a right hand and followed with multiple Curb Stomps.

Tsuji did the deal with a Falcon Arrow for two before snapping the fingers of Oiwa, following with a pump knee and Marlowe Crash. Oiwa managed to dodge a Gene Blaster, turning Tsuji inside out with a lariat, but with his bad arm. Rolling Germans from Oiwa, but Tsuji blocked Chaos Theory into a snap German and Gene Blast for two. Tsuji charged for another, but it was Oiwa who hit a Gene Blast for a one count, turned Tsuji inside out with a lariat, this time for two. Doctor Bomb connected flush, but again, Tsuji kicked out. Discus lariat missed, but Chaos Theory landed, only for Tsuji to kick out again. Oiwa maintained wrist control, but Tsuji was able to hit a sit-out backslide for a snazzy flash pin.

Match Result: Yota Tsuji (6) defeated Ryohei Oiwa (4)

A Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi (2) vs. David Finlay (2)

(Finlay is hell bent on being the best, but each hiccup makes that desire that much more difficult and it’s all about how he bounces back. This was Tanahashi’s 99th G1 Climax tournament win and I wouldn’t be shocked if Tanahashi either goes to the Finals or gets to 100 wins and that’s it. I’m glad he’s soaking in every possible moment in his final G1 Climax, he deserves all the flowers and admiration for what he’s done and continues to do for New Japan Pro Wrestling.)

Some early comedy, with each making their case to referee Red Shoes that the other pulled their hair, but Red Shoes was having none of it. Tanahashi hit a springboard cross body out the corner and low dropkick to Finlay’s leg, leading to a little air guitar. The delay allowed Finlay to return the favor with a dropkick, going after Tanahashi’s left leg. Finlay continued to keep Tanahashi grounded until the tables were turned and a suplex into the corner left Finlay clutching his leg. Somersault senton crushed Finlay for two, as Tanahashi leapt for Sling Blade, but Finlay caught him with a back suplex. Taking it to the outside, Finlay had Tanahashi in a fireman’s carry and just launched him into the post. Trying a powerbomb, Tanahashi countered with a hurricanrana into the post, leaving both men to beat the count at 19.

Forearm battle ramped up before Tanahashi changed levels with uppercuts until Finlay cut him off with a huge Dominator for two. Finlay wanted Into Oblivion, but Tanahashi countered into multiple Twist & Shouts and Sling Blades. Struggling to leap over the top, Tanahashi still hit Aces High and High Fly Flow, but Finlay kicked out. Tanahashi went for another, this time Finlay getting the knees up for the reset. Tanahashi charged into the corner, but Finlay caught him with multiple Into Oblivions, only for Tanahashi to kick out. Tanahashi no sold multiple back fists, so Finlay threw an uppercut headbutt that crumbled Tanahashi. Finlay wanted Overkill, but Tanahashi countered into a cradle for the flash pin and Finlay can’t believe it, he had a mini-tantrum out of frustration, but signaled to Tanahashi that he was this close to winning.

Post-match, Tanahashi thanked the crowd, hoping everyone shows up tomorrow, as this is his last G1 Climax and he’s standing in the ring with conviction and determination. Tanahashi said while he’s tired, he’s never too tired to be thrown the air guitar and tear it up for the fans. After a few solos and encores, Tanahashi smashed the air guitar and thanked them all again. Aaron Wolf was shown as one of the Young Lions and we get a shot of him nodding to Tanahashi, as we already know Tanahashi’s career will end at Wrestle Kingdom, while Wolf’s career begins. Despite this not being a very full crowd, you’d never have known it at the end, as every fan flocked to Tanahashi to high five, hug or simply wave to him during his exit.

Match Result: Hiroshi Tanahashi (4) defeated David Finlay (2)

A Block Standings:

  • EVIL 6 points
  • Boltin Oleg 6 points
  • Yota Tsuji 6 points
  • Hiroshi Tanahashi 4 points
  • Ryohei Oiwa 4 points
  • Taichi 4 points
  • Yuya Uemura 4 points
  • Callum Newman 2 points
  • David Finlay 2 points
  • SANADA 2 points

B Block Standings:

  • YOSHI-HASHI 6 points
  • Drilla Moloney 4 points
  • Shota Umino 4 points
  • Konosuke Takeshita 4 points
  • Ren Narita 4 points
  • Zack Sabre Jr. 2 points
  • El Phantasmo 2 points
  • Great-O-Khan 2 points
  • Shingo Takagi 2 points
  • Gabe Kidd (withdrawn) 0 points

Saturday July 26 in Tokyo:

  • B Block: YOSHI-HASHI vs. Great-O-Khan
  • B Block: El Phantasmo vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
  • B Block: Shota Umino vs. Ren Narita
  • B Block: Shingo Takagi vs. Konosuke Takeshita

NJPW star withdraws from G1 Climax due to injury

Posted on by Joseph Currier

One of NJPW’s top wrestlers has been forced to withdraw from the G1 Climax due to injury.

Gabe Kidd’s tournament run began on July 19 with a loss to Konosuke Takeshita on the opening night. Since then, Kidd has had to forfeit his scheduled B Block matches with a right knee injury preventing him from competing. It’s now been officially confirmed that Kidd is out of the remainder of the G1. He shared the news with fans during an appearance at Friday’s NJPW show in Tokyo.

“I was really hopeful that I could come back and power through this and continue in this G1 Climax, but I’ve spoke to the doctors and there is no way I can be cleared, so I have no other choice [but] to withdraw from the G1 Climax,” Kidd announced. “And this is sh*t, man. It really f*cking sucks. It’s been a mental battle these past few days since I found out this information.”

Further details about the injury and when Kidd will be able to return have not been provided. Kidd promised that, when he is able to come back, he will be the best version of himself fans have ever seen.

“A positive note is that I’ve received hundreds of messages from these people — the fans — and they’ve said they want me to rest and come back stronger,” he said. “And I can only promise you one thing, is that when I am back fighting on this blue mat that it is going to be the best version of Gabe Kidd that you’ve ever f*cking seen.”

NJPW also has not announced if Kidd will be vacating the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship. He won the title from Yota Tsuji in June and made his first defense against Hiroshi Tanahashi earlier this month.

NJPW G1 Climax 35 night one live results: 10 tournament matches

Posted on by Corey Michaels

The biggest tournament of the year in pro wrestling kicks off today.

NJPW’s annual G1 Climax begins in Hokkaido with an all-G1 show featuring 10 tournament bouts.

In his final G1, Hiroshi Tanahashi finds himself in the main event of today’s show against Taichi in an A Block matchup.

IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr. faces Ren Narita in B Block in today’s co-main event.

Yota Tsuji and SANADA will go one-on-one in A Block action.

Gabe Kidd takes on Konosuke Takeshita in an intriguing B Block matchup on today’s card.

David Finlay and Ryohei Oiwa match up in another A Block tilt.

Shota Umino and El Phantasmo will square off in B Block.

Yuya Uemura and Boltin Oleg in an A Block matchup is fourth on today’s card.

Great-O-Khan faces Drilla Moloney in B Block.

EVIL and Callum Newman go one-on-one in A Block in the second match in today’s lineup.

Kicking off today’s show and the G1 as a whole, Shingo Takagi vs. YOSHI-HASHI in a matchup of veteran stalwarts in the opening contest.

**********

YOSHI-HASHI defeated Shingo Takagi

A shockingly quick match. Last of the Dragon is a deadly move, so escaping that with a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it move was so nice. Clean match, setting the vibe for the unexpected efficiently.

Takagi sent YOSHI-HASHI’s early momentum to a screeching halt with a DDT and a vertical suplex. He continued this with a dropkick, before countering a lariat with a thrust kick and sneaking his own lariat. YOSHI-HASHI’s fortitude fell after a lariat and a Pumping Bomber. Fortunately for him, he reversed Takagi’s Last of the Dragon into a Crucifix Driver for the pinfall.

EVIL defeated Callum Newman

Obvious EVIL win from the start, typical House of Torture shenanigans. However, EVIL and Newman worked well together despite a lack of strong chemistry.

EVIL gained swift control thanks to underhanded tactics while Dick Togoand Bad Luck Fale assaulted Newman on the outside. Newman gained a comeback with an elbow to EVIL, a dive to Fale, and a kick to Togo. Taking advantage of his opponent’s weak left knee, EVIL dodged a top rope stomp by Newman and shoulder-tackled it from behind. A Firebolt gained a nearfall for the young Newman. EVIL catapulted Newman into the referee, leading Togo and Fale to choke and slam the United Empire member. Locked in a Darkness Scorpion, Newman had no choice but to submit to EVIL.

Drilla Moloney defeated Great-O-Khan

The War Dog has been having an exceptional 2025, so a good start thus far in the G1 is a good way to keep his upward trajectory moving. That said, there was little sauce to this match. It was good, but not great.

Moloney sought an early Drilla Killa, but Khan trumped it with his might. The War Dog sent Khan careening into the barricade with a baseball slide. He then tied Khan’s ponytail to the barricade, with Khan barely sliding back into the ring with time to spare. Near the ropes, Khan held Moloney within a Camel Clutch. Vertical suplex offered Moloney a reprieve to survive a stiff exchange, gifting him an opportunity for a Spinebuster. Tenzan Tombstone courtesy of Khan opened a window, but Moloney closed it with a Gore. Moloney evaded a Cobra Claw, ending the match with a Gore and Drilla Killa to Khan for the pinfall.

Yuya Uemura defeated Oleg Boltin

So far, the best match on the card. Boltin’s hotter than ever as 2025 rolls on, and Uemura is a remarkable talent on his own merit. The closing stretch was enough to wake anybody up.

Brisk matwork began this affair, with the strong Boltin gaining the advantage due to his powerful offense. Uemura found his resolve as he controlled Boltin’s arm and stretched it. Despite the damage to his arm, Boltin sent Uemura’s hopes crashing with a couple of slams. Boltin Shake rattled and rolled Uemura, but couldn’t quell a high drop kick from Boltin’s springy opponent. The softened arm of Boltin almost saw an extended arm hold were it not for his resilience and a rope break. A dynamic display of offense won over the Hokkaido crowd, Uemura ultimately succeeded in pinning Boltin via a Deadbolt Suplex.

Shota Umino defeated El Phantasmo

Listen, I love ELP, and Umino’s been slowly winning me over again, but this match was boring. The crowd was forgiving, playing along, but this match was quiet. I know these two can deliver. Not necessarily bad, but not as exciting as it had the potential to be. That said, I want to give credit where it’s due: the match benefitted from the story of their friendship.

Grappling started this match, with Phantasmo getting a nice start, to which he playfully bantered to Umino. What seemed like a hard chop exchange was a ruse for Phantasmo to kick Umino, baiting him into rage for a dopkick. Soaring through the ropes, Phantasmo sent Umino colliding into the barricade. This dominance continued until Phantasmo twisted Umino’s nipples. A Neckbreaker provided Umino a brief comeback. Canadian Revolution by Phantasmo temporarily swung the match back in his favor. Following some quiet offense, Umino won the match with a Second Chapter.

Ryohei Oiwa defeated David Finlay

The psychology and physiology of this match proved a compelling watch. The tactical edge of Finlay, coupled with his ruthless, dirty ways contrasted well with the spirted Oiwa and the indominitable strength of him. In this instance, brawn superceded brains.

Oiwa exploded in the match after some early chess by Finlay. With some backbreaking offfense, Finlay backed Oiwa into the corner for a shoulder collision and a flip back to the center of the mat. Light on his feet, Oiwa bounced for a nice dropkick. Though he slammed Finlay, Oiwa stung his own back in the process. A few foul gestures and hurled profanities later, Finlay tossed Oiwa through the barricade and into the Hokkaido crowd. With utmost bravado, he slammed Oiwa into the mat courtesy of an Irish Curse. Oiwa, maintaning control over Finlay’s midsection, gifting him a weak Doctor Bomb. Using The Grip, Oiwa rent Finlay immobile for the three seconds it takes for a pinfall.

Konosuke Takeshita defeated Gabe Kidd

The suspense here was palpable. There were no mental games, no tests of honor or skill. Only a contest of pure, unadulterated will. Takeshita versus Kidd was exhilarating.

High-octane energy immediatley propelled this match, with Takeshita landing a flying shoulder that rattled Kidd. Unsatisfied, Takeshita worked Kidd with a neckhold. Kidd eventually gained control, swinging Takeshita into the rails of the barricade. Surviving the outside brutality, Takeshita regained his composure to send Kidd down with a frightening Blue Thunderbomb. The opponents collided in an attempt to lariat the other; Takeshita was successful in this endeavor. Reversing Takeshita’s Raging Fire into a Brainbuster, Kidd rallied the Hokkaido crowd.

Kidd found his mettle again after a lariat, leaving him to follow up with relentless offense. Takeshita retrieved the momentum with a forearm. Battling on the outside, Takeshita elbowed Kidd down to thunderous effect, nearly ending the match at a 19-count. Despite some hefty strikes that wore on Takeshita, Kidd suffered an elbow to the back of the head, a neck snap, and a sleeperhold that left him unconscious.

Yota Tsuji defeated SANADA

The conflict SANADA has shown sporadically in his time jumping from stable to stable yet unable to fully abandon his nature as a fair wrestler continued well into this match. Using this story to elevate his opponent a win will hopefully serve the oppsing Tsuji well.

Tsuji initially had a fire to him, but SANADA cut him from underneath. Dragged through the barricades and into several chairs in the crowd, Tsuji escaped a countout by the skin of his teeth at the 19-count. Surviving a Shining Wizard, Tsuji dropped to a dropkick to his left leg. As SANADA charged forth, Tsuji pulled out a Gene Blaster for a surprise win.

Ren Narita defeated Zack Sabre Jr

Sabre as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion this go-around made this match more enthralling than it would have been during his first reign. Being an absolute jerk opposed to the nasty tactics of House of Torture made this a captivating watch. Narita brought his A-game here, too. This was a far cry from 2023’s Wrestle Kingdom 17.

Sabre wasted no time ensnaring Narita within his technical clutches, instantly working the legs. Provoking Sabre to the ropes, Narita superceded him to drop him on the mat. Dangling on the ropes, Sabre pulled Narita’s arm and sent him into the guardrails near commentary. Using this opportunity for punishment, Narita tormented Sabre amid the Hokkaido crowd before wrapping his opponent’s knee around the metal ring post on the outside. He continued this too on the inside, hobbling the Brit. The damage continued as he slammed and slammed Sabre’s brittle knee into the mat.

Twisting Narita’s neck, Sabre instantly felt the sting of Narita’s knee targeting. Succeeding an Octopus Hold, Sabre gave Narita karma by working his leg too. Penalty Kicks exhausted Narita’s chest. Feigning incapacitation, Narita lay in wait to a hold. Sabre reversed this at the last moment with a Zack Driver. Firmly in control with hold after hold, Sabre fell victim to Narita biting his calf. Using Souled Out, Narita followed up with Hell’s Guillotine to defeat Sabre.

Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Taichi

Lately, it seems Tanahashi has been working progressively dirtier as time goes on during this final year. Still, he balances it with the nobility of his babyface tenure. As though he knows he has to gain the advantage he needs to win with time running out. Taichi, in matches like these, feels like a climb that is destined to hopefully pay off someday.

Withstanding early lock-ups, Taichi gained control of Tanahashi using his legs to his advantage. Wrapping Taichi’s legs on the ropes, Tanahashi send him crashing with a Dragon Screw Leg Whip. While Red Shoes Umino pleaded for the duo to stop brawling on the outside, Tanahashi pretended to oblige, only to wrap Taichi’s leg on the guardrail and kicking it further in. In the ring, Tanahashi reaped the benefits of his aggressive knee-targeting, applying a hold and adding pressure to it. Holding out through Tanahashi’s merciless knee focus, Taichi pulled out an enzuigiri.

Ripping off his pants to reveal his trunks, Taichi sought a superkick but lost his base after a kick to the knee. Texas Cloverleaf further persecuted Taichi’s hurt knee, but a rope break rescued him. Another Dragon Screw Leg Whip begat a Texas Cloverleaf, with the Ace sinking as low as he could for further abuse. Another enzuigiri gave Taichi a breather, and the fire to survive a first Sling Blade. An Axe Bomber Lariat allowed Taichi perseverence through more Tanahashi offense, with a bridging suplex almost granting him a victory had it not been for his knee giving out. His knee once more giving out, Taichi failed a top rope suplex and ate two High Fly Flows, with a third one giving Tanahashi the victory.

To me, the main players in this tournament feel like YOSHI-HASHI, Taichi, and Tanahashi. At least, they feel the most compelling journeys to follow. Granted, the young stars such as Yota Tsuji, Ryohei Oiwa, Gabe Kidd, Drilla Moloney, and Yuya Uemura have so much momentum ahead of them. Overall, this night of G1 Climax started off average but grew intensity as the night wore on.

New Japan Soul live results: Two title matches, G1 play-in gauntlet

Posted on by Corey Michaels

NJPW’s New Japan Soul tour concludes today with two title bouts, plus a G1 Climax 35 play-in gauntlet match.

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion El Desperado defends his title against Kosei Fujita in the show’s main event. Desperado has won all three of their previous singles encounters.

In the semi-main, House of Torture’s SHO and DOUKI defend the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship against Master Wato and YOH in a rematch from last month’s Dominion event.

With Hirooki Goto out of this year’s G1 Climax 35 tournament due to injury as announced Friday, a spot opened up in A Block. That will be filled by the winner of today’s last chance gauntlet match featuring Taichi, Tomohiro Ishii, Satoshi Kojima, and Chase Owens. Two random participants will start the match, with the final two competitors entering after eliminations. The sole survivor will move on to participate in the G1.

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tiger Mask in a special singles match is set for today’s undercard. This will be just the second career singles meeting between the two, with Tanahashi winning their previous match, and will be the last time the two square off with Tanahashi’s retirement date set for January. This also marks the 30th anniversary of the debut of this current iteration of the Tiger Mask character.

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Pre-show

Zane Jay versus Tatsuya Matsumoto ended in a Time-Limit Draw

Jay leveraged his weight in a few leg holds, whereas Matsumoto cranked back on a couple of his own. Double-wrist lock and an armbar by Jay gave the American an edge. against the ropes, Matsumoto endured forearms until he absorbed enough to fire back. Since his arm was weakened, Matsumoto pulled out a single-leg Boston Crab before pulling Jay in for a full Boston Crab. During this hold, Jay desperately crawled to the ropes, but the 10-minute time-limit ran out.

These Young Lions explored the dichotomy of their styles well. Matsumoto classically trained in grappling while Jay, without it, managed to overwork the limbs of his opponent.

Daiki Nagai & Katsuya Murashima defeated Masatora Yasuda & Shoma Kato

Nagai controlled Yasuda early on. Murashima’s size and power offset Kato until the latter targeted his weak left knee. Eventually, he powered out of Kato’s advances with a pounce. Kato and Yasuda ran roughshod on Nagai, with Murashima diving for a desperate save. Yasuda yanked as far as he could on Nagai, trapped in a Boston Crab. Murashima made a spirited comeback, using an Avalanche Slam to dispatch Yasuda. Spinebuster and Boston Crab combination forced Yasuda to tap out.

Murashima and Nagai worked a thrilling babyface role. So far, the best on this month’s pre-shows.

Main show

House Of Torture (EVIL, Ren Narita, SANADA, Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Yujiro Takahashi) defeated Oleg Boltin, Ryusuke Taguchi, Shota Umino, Tomoaki Honma & Yuya Uemura

House of Torture struck before the bell. Uemura came to Umino’s save when Narita and then Takahashi tried to weaken him early. Taguchi overwhelmed Narita momentarily, before Togo distracted him with a running motion that Taguchi copied. Takahashi bit the fingers of Uemura, who came to the aid of Taguchi. SANADA feigned a collapse, low-blowing Taguchi in the process; the fallen Taguchi landed his head on Takahashi’s sensitive nether regions as he fell.

Boltin’s might gave his team an advantage upon his tag-in with a Boltin Shake on SANADA. Kokeshi by Honma and Taguchi focused EVIL’s midsection. Honma fired himself like a rocket into EVIL, once again leaving him prone on the mat. EVIL hit Tonma with an EVIL STO, giving his team the pinfall victory.

Not as much House of Torture shenanigans as I expected. There wasn’t as many moments for Umino and Uemura to shine, but they made the most of it. Boltin and somehow Taguchi were the stars of their team tonight with House of Torture focusing on EVIL, Narita, and Takahashi. Though not a bad match, I’d hesitate to recommend this as must-watch.

Hiromu Takahashi, Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji defeated TMDK (Hartley Jackson, Ryohei Oiwa & Zack Sabre Jr.)

Sabre swiftly trapped Takagi in a hold, but the latter reflexively evaded the technical prowess of the former. Takahashi charged at the unshakeable Jackson, only to be tossed after a failed flying crossbody.

TMDK took turns landing Sentons on Takahashi. Oiwa and Tsuji clashed with their dynamic stylings. The former soon landed a DDT and then an Anaconda Suplex. Pumping Bomber by Takagi sends the sturdy Jackson down. A Gene Blaster and Pumping Bomber combination fell Jackson, with Tsuji enjoying the pinfall.

Post-match, Tsuji, Takahashi, and Takagi were on their way out when Young Lion Daiki Nagai approached them to their ranks.

Without Naito and BUSHI, the triumvirate of the last Los Ingobernables de Japon are still as strong as ever. With Nagai accompanying them, this could be the start of something special.

Hiroshi Tanahashi defeated Tiger Mask

These veterans locked up, feeling each other out, when Tanahashi targeted Tiger Mask’s legs. El Tigre Suicida followed a comeback, bringing Tiger Mask further in control of the match. Failing a Tiger Suplex from the top rope, Tiger Mask landed an armdrag from the same position. A Tiger Driver softened the Ace, leading him to target Tanahashi’s leg.

Figure-four leglock further agonized Tanahashi, who found the spirit to roll into a rope break. He broke this momentum with a Sling Blade, punctuated by a Twist and Shout. High Fly Flow took the breath out of a prone Tiger Mask, earning Tanahashi a victory despite the stinging in his legs.

Tiger Mask working the way he does at his age is astounding. Moreover having the chemistry with Tanahashi to have a toned down, stripped down match that isn’t boring is an added bonus. While not must-watch, there’s something to enjoy here.

Taichi won G1 Climax 35 Block A Play-In Gauntlet Match (Satoshi Kojima, Chase Owens, Taichi, Tomohiro Ishii)

Chase Owens defeated Satoshi Kojima

Though his sturdy demeanor balanced out Owens’s size, he suffered from his heelish tactics. Distracted by the ref, Owens dropped on the apron after Kojima went after his leg. The incensed veteran chopped Owens in the corner and capitalized with an elbow drop.

Change in strategy by Owens: target the leg. His plan was instantly thwarted by a lariat. Using referee Marty Asami, Chase Owens avoided another by Kojima. With a Last Testament, he soundly quelled Kojima’s hopes of advancing in the gauntlet.

Taichi defeated Chase Owens

SANADA intercepted Taichi, throwing him across tables and near the fans before dragging him into the ring. Owens hoped to pick the bones of the tenderized entrant, but couldn’t destroy Taichi’s will. SANADA further interfered, but Owens couldn’t seem to capitalize no matter how much he and his comrade tried.

High Noon by Ownes and stomps by SANADA added further damage. Just as SANADA was about to swing his guitar, the next entrant Tomohiro Ishii charged in, taking SANADA out of the proceedings. Taichi took advantage of the chaos with a Jacknife for the pin. Owens retaliated with strikes fueled by his fury.

Taichi defeated Tomohiro Ishii

Waiting for Taichi to get his bearings, Ishii threw his artillery into his fellow IWGP Tag Team Champion. Taichi ate some chops, nearly wishing to succumb to it, but persevered. In the corner, Ishii incurred chops by Taichi that showed cracks in his exterior. He saved himself with a lariat.

Vertical suplex courtesy of Ishii and Taichi still stood. Ishii pulled out Taichi’s Last Ride and a sliding forearm, both for failed pin attempts. Dangerous Backdrop gave Taichi some reprieve. A thunderous powerbomb via Taichi erupted Korakuen Hall. Taichi no-sold a Piledriver by Ishii, as well as chops. Ishii stole a Black Mephisto. Taichi fired back with a Gedo Clutch. Black Mephisto by Taichi ends this final stretch.

What a way to sell the importance of the G1 Climax. This was just to qualify in place of the injured Hirooki Goto. Chase Owens’s dastardly antics drove the drama, making an example of Satoshi Kojima before punishing an undying Taichi. Ishii only sought to bring the best out of their bout. In this, Taichi succeeded as the driving force in this match. Not only did he have my pick to win this match, but he now has my full support to win the whole thing.

House Of Torture (DOUKI & SHO) (c) defeated Master Wato & YOH for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship

YOH trapped DOUKI and SHO in SANADA’s Paradise Lock, following up with dropkicks to their rear ends alongside Wato. DOUKI used a pipe on the outside to stretch Wato’s knee on the outside. He further agonized this with a single-leg Boston Crab. YOH flew over the top to drop DOUKI and SHO to the floor.

SHO, sensing YOH gaining momentum, used the referee as a shield but ultimately fell to a lariat. DOUKI confined Watoo’s leg on the rope and struck it with the pipe from earlier. YOH came to Wato’s rescue, dropping DOUKI with a Falcon Arrow. Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Yujiro Takahashi slid in for DOUKI and SHO, only for Toru Yano to drag them out. SHO struck Wato with a metal sheet, to which DOUKI capitalized on with a Suplex de la Luna for the pinfall.

Great match until the finish.

Main event

El Desperado (c) defeated Kosei Fujita for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship

Fujita started off strong, sending Desperado every which way. Desperado, still adorned with scars from June 24’s Death Match with Jun Kasai, returned fire with chops. Driving Fujita’s knee onto the outside floor multiple times, Desperado took it further with the mat as he targeted the challenger’s legs from every angle.

Fujita terrorized Desperado, seeking to enact a deadly hold, battling for wrist control. The pair exchanged kicks and strikes, to which Fujita’s tenacity won out. Fujita further reached into the bag of mentor Zack Sabre Jr with technical wrestling before pulling a Kami Special. Desperado countered this with a Dragon Screw Leg Whip to an airborne Fujita. Taking utmost advantage of the worn Fujita, Desperado pulled off a gnarly Numero Dos to thus retain his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.

Post-match, Desperado praised Fujita while detailing the weight of being the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.

Desperado is having one of the best years in wrestling. Fujita came out of this feeling like a potential junior heavyweight champion. Just not now. Desperado lays claim to that as far as IWGP titles go.

Final thoughts

The show was filled with good to great matches. The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship Match was the only disappointing one—not bad in the execution of the earlier structure, but the finish left me with a bad taste. As for the G1 Climax Qualifier Gauntlet Match, that final stretch was sensational on a cosmic level. Keep this meomentum on Taichi. El Desperado’s 2025 has been a long time coming, as he continually has had phenomenal years, year after year. What’s more, is that this still feels like the beginning to his peak.