The G1 Climax’s A Block enters round 7!

NJPW and the G1 return to Osaka with round 7! But it’ll take a lot more than luck for many in A Block! Who keeps their chances alive?

NOTE: NJPW no longer wants to feed AXS TV now that it is with Anthem and Impact Wrestling. But never fear, I will cover NJPW in the spirit of AXS in providing the most important matches of the show.

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• A Block – Tomohiro Ishii VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
• A Block – Jay White VS Yujiro Takahashi; White wins.
• A Block – Will Ospreay VS Taichi; Ospreay wins.
• A Block – Kota Ibushi VS Minoru Suzuki; Ibushi wins.
• A Block – Kazuchika Okada VS Shingo Takagi; Okada wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current A Block standings!

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

A Block – Tomohiro Ishii VS Jeff Cobb!

Perhaps two of the most solid and sturdy wrestlers in the entire company now collide, desperate to keep afloat in the G1! Will the Stone Pitbull sink like a stone? Or will he rise above the Hawaiian Hulk’s high tide?

The bell rings and fans rally up as the two stare down. Cobb and Ishii tie up, Ishii gets the headlock but Cobb lifts Ishii just by standing. Cobb puts Ishii on the ropes, the ref calls for the break and Cobb lets off. They get forehead to forehead as Cobb talks some smack on the Stone Pitbull and wants to see him show that toughness. Ishii throws forearms, runs and rams shoulders, but Cobb stays up. Ishii goes again, Cobb again tanks the shoulder. Cobb forearms, runs and bumps Ishii but Ishii comes back. They keep ramming and ramming but Ishii staggers. Cobb runs, bumps Ishii again then runs him over! Fans cheer for this showing of strength while Cobb brings Ishii back up. Cobb throws haymakers, uppercuts and then whips Ishii to a corner.

Cobb runs corner to corner but Ishii dodges. Ishii comes back but into Cobb’s boot. Cobb runs, ducks the lariat and rams Ishii again. Ishii returns and runs Cobb over! But Cobb kips up! Cobb wags his finger and throws forearms! Cobb reels Ishii in for a headlock, but Ishii back suplexes out of it! Fans cheer as both big men are down. Ishii rises and fans rally as he brings Cobb back up. Ishii throws elbows on the back of Cobb’s neck, then throws headbutts. Ishii gives Cobb a little slap before giving him a big CHOP! And another CHOP! Cobb CHOPS back but Ishii shrugs it off. Cobb CHOPS and forearms but Ishii headbutts again! Ishii brings Cobb up as fans rally and Ishii CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Cobb ends up in a corner, Ishii eggs him on with toying stomps.

Fans rally up again as Cobb throws forearms and CHOPS! Ishii just takes it so Cobb throws more forearms. Ishii CHOPS and Cobb falls! Ishii goes back to those toying stomps and that angers Cobb. Fans cheer as Ishii runs, Cobb blocks the boot and reels him in, T-BONE SUPLEX! Ishii got AIR! Fans rally up as Cobb scowls and watches Ishii rise. Cobb picks Ishii up and RAMS him into the corner! Cobb throws shoulders, whips Ishii out then back in, and hits the leaping uppercut! Cobb hoists Ishii up for the RUNNING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Cobb keeps his cool as Ishii survives. Fans rally up as Cobb looms over Ishii. Cobb brings Ishii up in a dead lift waistlock but Ishii fights free. Ishii runs, Cobb scoops and pops Ishii up, but Ishii fights out!

Ishii tries to suplex but Cobb resists. They fight for suplex control as fans rally up again. Cobb gets Ishii up but Ishii resists. Ishii gets Cobb up and over! Fans fire up with Ishii while Cobb slowly sits up. Cobb gets to ropes, Ishii heads over and CHOPS him again! And again! And again! Cobb starts egging Ishii on so Ishii CHOPS and forearms on repeat! The ref counts and Ishii lets up, and Cobb flops down. Cobb sits up in a daze and fans rally up again as Ishii heads over. Ishii stands on Cobb’s head, then brings him up to whip. Cobb reverses and throws a forearm, but Ishii just roars back! Ishii throws a forearm, Cobb throws one back, and the fans fire up as they go back and forth! Cobb gets the edge, powers up, but Ishii DECKS him!

Ishii shakes out his arm and fans rally up again. Ishii drags Cobb up but he’s dead weight. The ref wants to check Cobb so he backs Ishii off. Cobb stirs as fans rally up again and Ishii comes back. Ishii drags Cobb up, whips him to a corner but Cobb reverses! Ishii comes back, into the OVERHEAD SUPLEX! But Ishii rises! And he POWERSLAMS Cobb down! Cobb wobbles but he stands again! Cobb swings, into Ishii’s GERMAN SUPLEX! Ishii and Cobb slowly rise, Cobb staggers but catches Ishii’s clothesline for an EXPLODER! Ishii rises but wobbles, the two head for each other! Ishii swats Cobb’s clothesline away and headbutts, but Cobb HEADBUTTS! Cobb rammed through Ishii but they’re both down!

Fans rally up again as both men are somehow still in this! Cobb is up first and he sees Ishii coming, SUPERKICK and waistlock, Cobb swings Ishii around before the GERMAN! Bridging cover, TWO!! Ishii survives but Cobb is back up! Fans fire up with Cobb as he brings Ishii back up and whips. Cobb goes to scoop, Ishii LARIATS! But Cobb stays up to LARIAT back! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Ishii survives and fans are fired up again! Cobb gets back to his feet, drags Ishii back up with him, and whips, scoops, TOUR OF- NO! Ishii escapes to ENZIGURI! Cobb flops against ropes but Ishii clutches the leg. Fans fire up and rally again as both big men slowly sit up. Cobb flounders at the ropes but Ishii fires himself up!

Ishii runs in to clothesline at the ropes, then he runs, but Cobb swats the lariat away to JAB Ishii! Ishii drops to a knee, but rises as Cobb runs. Ishii LARIATS Cobb first!! Ishii fires himself up again and he sits Cobb up. SLIDING- NO!! Cobb caught the lariat to a clinch! But Ishii slips out of the urenage to DRAGON SUPLEX! Both men are down again as the fans rally up! The fans are thunderous as Ishii rises and roars again! Ishii runs, LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!?! Cobb survives and the fans are loving it! Ishii growls as he gets back up. Ishii drags Cobb up, suplexes, but Cobb lands out of it, to reel Ishii in for an ATHLETIC PLEX! But Ishii rises?! Fans are thunderous again and Cobb is shocked!

Cobb elbows Ishii, Ishii forearms, but Cobb forearms back! DOUBLE HEADBUTT! Both men fall back but fans fire up again! Cobb stands first, drags Ishii up and goes to lariat but Ishii spins him through! Ishii reels Cobb in but Cobb suplexes! Ishii escapes that, spins Cobb around and HEADBUTTS! Cobb manages to sit up and Ishii runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Ishii still LARIATS, but Cobb stays up! POP-UP BOMB! And a dead lift POP-UP to the TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, COBB WINS!!

Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Ishii earns 0

What in the world?! How did he even do that!? Whatever level of strength we thought Cobb had, he clearly has more! Will he use that strength to spoil someone else’s G1?

A Block – Jay White w/ Gedo VS Yujiro Takahashi!

Bullet Club VS Bullet Club? Will this even be a match? After all, Tokyo Pimp is out of the running at 0-6. Will he simply help the “Jay1” continue? Or will he hold on to his pride and make King Switch work for the points?

Wait, White doesn’t even looked dressed like he’s ready to wrestle! Is he just in his warm-up gear and sneakers? The ref still does the check in case this is a trick in itself, but White’s clean. And since this is all Bullet Club, they all Low Sweet. Fans cheer the sportsmanship, and White does some last warm-ups. The bell rings, White has his dukes up, but then he claps to get the fans on a rhythm. “Jay White-O” or “YU-JI-RO,” it doesn’t matter. White says, “Dozo.” Go ahead. Yujiro does lie down for White! White covers, ONE, because White wants the ref to take it easy. Cover, ONE, but White lets up again? White wants to take his time apparently. White toys with the cover, then covers, ONE! Yujiro tells White to hurry up. Cover, TWO!? Yujiro didn’t stay put?

White asks if Yujiro is joking around now. Yujiro promises, he’s joking. Cover again, TWO? White thought it was funny for him to toy around but not for Yujiro! White complains to Gedo but Yujiro rolls White up!! TWO!! White asks Yujiro what the hell, but Yujiro rolls him into a cradle! TWO!! White gets away and is upset with Yujiro. White shoves Yujiro but Yujiro LARIATS White!! Fans are thunderous as Yujiro reels White in, INCOLLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Gedo is furious as Tokyo Pimp goes rogue! Yujiro brings White up, fireman’s carries, but White slips out of Miami Shine! Yujiro shoves White at the ref, White stops himself, but Yujiro LOW BLOWS White!! Roll up, TWO!?!? White survives and Gedo is stunned!

Yujiro drags White up and into another fireman’s carry, MIAMI SHINE!! Cover, TWO!!! White survives and Yujiro is furious! Yujiro drags White up as the fans are furious again. Gedo gets in, the ref is distracted, White LOW BLOWS Yujiro! BLADE RUNNER!! Cover, White wins!

Winner: Jay White, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Yujiro earns 0

Tokyo Pimp wouldn’t just take the loss, King Switch had to earn it! Yujiro is out of the running either way, but White is furious with him! White grabs a chair, Gedo asks White spare Yujiro and they argue! Did Gedo know Yujiro would pull this?! No!! Gedo wants White to calm down, and he does. White throws the chair away and storms off. G1 aside, is there dissention inside the Bullet Club?

A Block – Will Ospreay VS Taichi!

The Assassin is entangled at the top of the block and looks to breakaway! But the Sliest Wrestler in the World wants to drag Ospreay down for his own benefit! Will Ospreay find a way to lead A Block? Or will Taichi scratch and claw and use every trick in the book to gain some ground?

The elaborate entrance attires are removed, as are the Rev-Pro British Heavyweight and IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship belts. Taichi shows off the dancing pecs real quick before the ref checks him. The bell rings and the fans fire up already. Ospreay is feeling the energy as he moves around but Taichi stays put in his corner. Ospreay tells him, “C’mon, Taichi! Let’s go!” Taichi fires up a little and ties up with Ospreay. Ospreay puts Taichi on the ropes and gives a clean break. Fans cheer as Ospreay double guns and circles with Taichi again. They tie up, Ospreay puts Taichi on the ropes again and Ospreay lets off again. “It’s too easy, brother, c’mon!”

Taichi fixes his hair and circles with Ospreay again. They tie up, Ospreay wrenches the arm but Taichi goes to the ropes again. Ospreay lets up, and messes with Taichi’s hair! Taichi kicks low and rakes Ospreay’s eyes! The ref reprimands, Taichi whips Ospreay but Ospreay dodges and huricanranas! Fans fire up as Ospreay builds speed, but he fakes Taichi out to the hero landing! Taichi grabs something from the timekeeper. Ospreay leaps but Taichi uses the bell hammer! Taichi has it tucked into the back of his pants so the ref can’t see it! Taichi uses the hammer to choke Ospreay again! The ref reprimands but Taichi pushes him away. Taichi CLUBS Ospreay with the hammer! Fans rally up but Taichi chokes Ospreay again!

Taichi lets Ospreay go and the ref reprimands. The ref takes the hammer but Taichi uses camera cables! The ref counts, Taichi lets go at 3 and Ospreay gasps and sputters. Taichi puts Ospreay in the ring, has him in a corner, and chokes him with his bare hands! The ref reprimands again, Taichi stops at 4 but with only one hand. The ref counts again so Taichi lets up. Taichi grins as he comes back and brings Ospreay up to snapmare. Taichi CHOKES Ospreay again! Taichi stops and says this is a cover, but he just chokes Ospreay again! The ref counts but not the way Taichi wants so Taichi stops. Taichi kicks Ospreay around and goes for another kind of choke. The ref reprimands so Taichi rakes Ospreay’s eyes again!

Taichi gives toying kicks and slaps, but Ospreay hits back with forearms! Taichi chokes and throws Ospreay down! The ref reprimands but Taichi just shrugs it off to whip. Ospreay handsprings, NEURALIZER! Taichi is down and fans fire up for Ospreay as he rises! Ospreay is in the corner, Taichi runs in but he blocks Ospreay’s boot. Ospreay enziguris then Manhattan drops, to DOUBLE CHOP! Taichi rolls away to avoid the shooting star but Ospreay dropkicks him out! Ospreay SASUKE SPECIALS! Down goes Taichi! Ospreay says “I’m so talented” as he walks it off. Ospreay comes back and drags Taichi up. The ring count climbs to 10 of 20 as Taichi resists. Ospreay clubs Taichi and puts him in at 14.

Fans rally up as Ospreay aims from the apron. Ospreay springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Ospreay keeps his focus as fans rally up again. Ospreay drags Taichi up in a dragon sleeper and lifts but Taichi knees free! Taichi and Ospreay go to opposite corners but Ospreay runs in. Taichi dodges but then Ospreay dodges Taichi to CHOP Taichi down! Ospreay drags Taichi back up, scoops and slams Taichi into a drop zone, then fires up! Ospreay goes up, MOONSAULT! Taichi moves, Ospreay lands on his feet to moonsault again! Taichi moves again, Ospreay again lands on his feet and standing shooting stars! Then Ospreay rolls to CORKSCREW SENTON! Cover, TWO! Taichi survives Ospreay’s speed rush and Ospreay is surprised!

The fans rally back up as Ospreay brings Taichi up. Ospreay reels Taichi in, underhooks, but Taichi resists the lift. Taichi spins out, reels Ospreay in but Ospreay elbows the saido away. Taichi boots, Ospreay fires up but Taichi back kicks! Taichi runs, into the dropkick-flip, but he GAMANGIRIS! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Ospreay sits up in a daze but he manages to get up. Taichi and Ospreay are on opposite sides of the ring, Ospreay staggers over and Taichi kicks his leg! Ospreay throws a forearm, but Taichi kicks back! Taichi eggs Ospreay on so he throws another forearm. Taichi kicks, Ospreay forearms, and now Ospreay eggs Taichi on. Fans rally up as Taichi KICKS Ospreay in the chest! Ospreay gasps and sputters but he gets up.

Ospreay blocks the next kick to elbow the leg then CHOP Taichi down! Ospreay fires up, drags Taichi up to whip, but Taichi reverses. Ospreay handsprings, into the DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Ospreay definitely lands on his head and he flounders about! Fans rally up as Ospreay is okay to continue. Ospreay gets up, Taichi runs in at the corner, to GAMANGIRI again! Taichi brings Ospreay out to put him on the top rope. Taichi climbs up and then Alabama lifts! Ospreay fights it off, then sunset flips over to tuck Taichi in! CHEEKY NANDOS! Taichi falls and fans fire up again! Ospreay goes to the apron and climbs up top. Fans fire up as Ospreay aims, 450 SPLASH onto knees! Taichi aims, BLINDSIDE AX BOMBER! A Hidden Bomber, if you will, as Taichi was clearly mocking Ospreay there.

Taichi powers up and runs, but Ospreay slips through Ax Bomber to reel Taichi in! Taichi fights out of the bomb and ROUNDHOUSES! Taichi reels Ospreay in, LAST RIDE! High stack cover, TWO!! Ospreay survives and fans are fired up again! Taichi fires up and takes off the pants! Taichi aims from the corner as Ospreay rises. Ospreay SUPERKICKS first! And then HOOK KICKS! Taichi falls, fans fire up and Ospreay runs to the ropes. Springboard, into the SUPERKICK!! The Oscutter was taken down by Tensho Jujihou! Fans are thunderous as both men slowly rise again. Taichi fires himself up and fans fire up with him! Taichi drags Ospreay up, Alabama lifts, but Ospreay kicks to get the underhooks! Ospreay lifts, Taichi slips out and ROCKS Ospreay with a right!

Ospreay staggers but swats away the superkick, only for Taichi to get the Alabama! Ospreay fights it off again, underhooks but Taichi back drops out! Ospreay lands on his feet, springboards, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous again as Ospreay aims! HIDDEN BLADE!! Ospreay isn’t done yet, he underhooks, lifts and STORMBREAKER!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Taichi earns 0

The Assassin strikes again! Ospreay keeps pace with White at the top of the block, will his win over the Switchblade be all the difference? As for Taichi, he takes out his frustration on a Young Lion! Taichi chokes the guy until the other Young Lions drag him away! What will Taichi do now that he’s out of the running?

A Block – Kota Ibushi VS Minoru Suzuki!

The Golden Star was derailed by The Dragon, and now he’s up against the Meanest Man in the World! Will Ibushi be able to survive Suzuki and take another step closer to his ascension? Or will things only get worse for him before they get better?

The bell rings and both men put their dukes up. Fans rally as the two circle and approach. They feel things out, Suzuki kicks but Ibushi kicks. Suzuki straight kicks but Ibushi kicks again. They keep going, Suzuki tries some fast hands. Ibushi keeps his guard up but gives back hands and kicks! Suzuki has Ibushi in a corner but Ibushi comes back with knees. Suzuki throws hands, Ibushi throws kicks but neither seems to falter. Fans cheer as the two keep circling. Ibushi guards as Suzuki throws more hands. Ibushi gives them back, and the two keep moving. Suzuki straight kicks, Ibushi stays up and guards against more slapping palm strikes. Ibushi tries to throw hands but Suzuki stays clear. Ibushi kicks but guards. Suzuki shoots in and gets the leg takedown!

Suzuki wants that leg but Ibushi holds him off. Suzuki drops on Ibushi to go after the head and arms but again Ibushi holds him off. Ibushi gets a leg guard and then the ropes. Fans cheer this technical exchange and Suzuki lets up at the ref’s count. Suzuki grins and fans cheer as Ibushi gets up. Ibushi and Suzuki circle again and feel out the grapple. Ibushi gets around but Suzuki gets the arm. Suzuki wrenches the wrist but Ibushi hooks a leg. Ibushi drop toeholds then floats around to get Suzuki’s wrist now. Fans cheer but Suzuki is frustrated. Ibushi cranks the arm, Suzuki gets up and goes after a leg. Suzuki cranks on a foot and has a heel hook! Then Suzuki drops down for the grapevine. But Ibushi just grabs one of Suzuki’s feet for the same hold!

Suzuki cranks hard but Ibushi holds on. Ibushi and Suzuki get in stomps where they can, as well as some trash talk. Suzuki cranks the ankle again but Ibushi rolls. The fans rally as Ibushi endures and gets around. Suzuki pulls hard, Ibushi gets the ropebreak! Red Shoes calls for the break, but Suzuki talks trash. Suzuki tells Ibushi to let up but Ibushi tells him to let go. Ibushi has the heel hook now and cranks back. Suzuki stomps until Ibushi lets go but Ibushi stomps back! Suzuki lets go to go to the apron. Ibushi drags Suzuki up but Suzuki is after his arms! Ibushi forearms Suzuki away, then runs to BOOT Suzuki down! Suzuki hits railing and Ibushi goes out after him. Ibushi stomps Suzuki, drags him up and whips him to railing!

Fans fire up as Ibushi goes back in the ring. Fans clap with Ibushi but Suzuki rises. Suzuki goes around the way, and goes up the ramp? Suzuki dares Ibushi to come get him! “KOI! (C’MON!)” Suzuki goes to the stage and dares Ibushi to come after him. Ibushi goes out and heads up the ramp after him. If Suzuki wants Ibushi, here he is! They brawl on stage! Fans rally as Suzuki and Ibushi throw forearms back and forth! Suzuki DECKS Ibushi, then brings him back up to DECK him again! Suzuki stomps Ibushi down the ramp, then brings him up for more forearms! The ring count starts and Suzuki kicks Ibushi while he’s down. The count is at 10 of 20 but Suzuki tells them to shut up. Suzuki goes back and is in at 15. Ibushi hobbles and Suzuki makes Red Shoes stop the count!

Ibushi gets in, fires body shots but Suzuki DECKS him again! Suzuki stomps Ibushi but Ibushi sits up. Ibushi eggs Suzuki on as Suzuki kicks him. Suzuki KICKS Ibushi again but Ibushi keeps egging him on! Suzuki KICKS and Ibushi takes a moment. Suzuki dribbles Ibushi off the mat, slaps him around, but Ibushi dares him to keep going. Ibushi then throws forearms back but Suzuki laughs as he ROCKS Ibushi again. Suzuki throws body shots, a haymaker, then runs corner to corner to BOOT! Suzuki drags Ibushi out to knee low then he runs, but into Ibushi’s dropkick! Fans fire up and rally as the two men stir. Ibushi stands first, brings Suzuki up, and ducks Suzuki’s palm strike to fire off a strike fest! Suzuki fires up and throws more forearms!

Ibushi gives another strike fest then KICKS! Suzuki stays up and he grits his teeth! Ibushi KICKS him again but Suzuki wobbles! KICK, wobble! KICK, Suzuki roars! Ibushi BOOTS Suzuki over then KICKS him again! Suzuki just roars as he stays up! The fans are fired up as Ibushi KICKS again! Suzuki refuses to fall all the way over! Ibushi runs again, KICKS, and this time Suzuki is down. Ibushi toys with Suzuki now, and fans rally up as Suzuki just takes them. Suzuki starts to grin as Ibushi gives him chin checks and kicks. Suzuki DECKS Ibushi! Red Shoes checks on Ibushi but he’s somehow okay to continue. Suzuki scowls as he stalks behind Ibushi. Ibushi flounders about but manages to stand. Suzuki ROCKS him with another right, but Ibushi stays up. Suzuki ROCKS him again, and again!

Ibushi still eggs Suzuki on!? Suzuki BOOTS, Ibushi BOOTS, Suzuki BOOTS, Suzuki blocks Ibushi’s boot to throw more forearms! Ibushi ROUNDHOUSES! Suzuki rises?! And he DECKS Ibushi again! Both men are down and fans fire up! Suzuki growls as he rises slowly. Fans rally up as Ibushi rises and Suzuki flounders about. Suzuki and Ibushi stagger over to each other and Suzuki laughs. Suzuki gives short headbutts over and over and now Ibushi laughs! Ibushi throws forearms, Suzuki gives them back, and we have another brawl! Fans fire up as they go back and forth, faster and faster! Faster and faster!! They aren’t even taking time to guard! They wobble and fans cheer as they stay on their feet!

Suzuki eggs Ibushi on but Ibushi throws another forearm. Suzuki throws one back, then palm strikes. Ibushi gives those back, and they’re throwing hands fast and furious! Suzuki gets the edge, ducks Ibushi’s retaliation to SLEEPER HOLD! Ibushi reaches out but already starts to fade! Fans rally up and Suzuki spins Ibushi! Gotch lift, but Ibushi fights up and out to back drop. Suzuki sunset flips, Ibushi has the wrists! KAMIGO- NO! Suzuki rolls with the knee to get the ankle! Half Crab! Ibushi endures as Suzuki gets the other leg, for the FULL Boston Crab! Fans rally up as Ibushi endures and Suzuki sits deep! Suzuki is working on a WALLS OF JERICHO! It is Jericho’s 30th anniversary. Ibushi rolls through but Suzuki still has the one leg. Suzuki cranks on the heel, Ibushi fights up to his one good foot, V-TRIGGER!

Ibushi wants another but Suzuki blocks! Suzuki spins Ibushi to the sleeper, then to the Gotch but Ibushi is free, V-TRIG- NO! Suzuki blocks this one, and gets an arm. Ibushi headbutts, gets both arms, STANDING KAMIGOYE?!? Ibushi takes the knee pads down, sits Suzuki back up, and gives him a PROPER KAMIGOYE!! High stack cover, Ibushi wins!!

Winner: Kota Ibushi, by pinfall; gains 2 points, Suzuki earns 0

Yet Suzuki is grinning?! Suzuki enjoyed battling Ibushi, will these two battle again with the NEVER Openweight Championship on the line? But Ibushi also keeps pace with Ospreay and White to keep the top of the block in a very interesting situation! Ibushi beat Ospreay, Ospreay beat White, White beat Ibushi! Will one of them pull away to be THE man on top of A Block?

A Block – Kazuchika Okada VS Shingo Takagi!

The Rainmaker managed to get a quick win off Cobb while The Dragon managed to overcome the Golden Star and hold onto that outside chance! Will this be Takagi’s chance to soar like a dragon? Or will Okada finally break through to former glory?

The bell rings and fans rally already. Takagi and Okada circle, but Okada goes to a corner. Takagi backs away, Okada comes back and they tie up. Okada gets the arm, wrenches to a wristlock, but Takagi wrenches back to a wristlock of his own. Takagi cranks on the wrist, Okada rolls and trips Takagi up to get a toehold. Takagi turns over but Okada uses that to lace up the legs. Okada floats to a headlock but Takagi fights up. Takagi wrenches to a hammerlock, shifts to a headlock and hits a takeover, but Okada headscissors back. Takagi pops out and the two stand off, which fans cheer. Okada and Takagi reset and fans rally again. The clapping begins and Takagi wonders, is it “TA-KA-GI” or “O-KA-DA” they want?

Okada and Takagi circle again, tie up, and Takagi powers Okada to ropes. Okada turns things around, lets up on the break and fakes Takagi for the shoulder pats. Takagi rushes Okada but Okada kicks low! Okada headlocks, Takagi powers out, but Okada bumps him with shoulders. Takagi rebounds and runs Okada over! Things speed up, Takagi fakes Okada out to run him over again! Fans fire up and the claps for “O-KA-GI!” “TA-KA-DA!” (Great Key At Most?) start up. Takagi whips Okada corner to corner but Okada reverses. Okada runs in, Takagi dodges the elbow and runs. Okada boots, snapmares and runs, basement dropkick! Takagi bails out and fans fire up. Takagi grabs a chair from the timekeeper’s area, to take a seat. Fans cheer more as Takagi dares Okada to come out.

Okada patiently waits inside the ring instead. Takagi goes around, starts looking under the ring, but he gets back in. Okada kicks Takagi, brings him out and turns him for the neckbreaker! Fans cheer and Okada brings Takagi up. Okada bumps Takagi off buckles, then throws back elbows. Takagi shrugs those off but Okada throws another! Fans cheer and Okada brings Takagi back out. Okada throws elbows to the neck, Takagi elbows Okada in the side. Okada forearms Takagi and Takagi leans on the ropes. Okada brings Takagi up to scoop and slam, then he goes to the apron for the slingshot! Takagi bails out to avoid the senton, but Okada is right up to PLANCHA! Takagi avoids that, trips Okada up then hits the DDT to the floor! Fans fire up after Dangerous Driver Takagi and Takagi gets them rallying.

Takagi drags Okada up, bumps him off the apron and then brings him around to grind into the post! Red Shoes reprimands, Takagi stops and RAMS Okada into the apron! Takagi has media move, and he whips Okada into railing! Okada falls but fans cheer as Takagi heads over. Takagi drags Okada up again and puts him back in the ring. Takagi slingshot double stomps, then marches on Okada’s chest! Red Shoes reprimands, Takagi lets off and he brings Okada back up. Takagi scoop slams, drops elbows over and over, then a back senton! Cover, TWO! Takagi drags Okada into body scissors and puts on the squeeze! Okada endures, fans build to a rally, and Okada drags himself and Takagi around. Okada reaches, and gets the ropebreak! Takagi lets up but he drags Okada back up.

Fans rally as Takagi bumps Okada off buckles. Takagi rams into Okada then throws forearms. Takagi brings Okada out for a high and hard suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer, Takagi argues the count a bit, then stands on Okada’s head. Red Shoes reprimands but Takagi stomps! Takagi fires fans up and he is confident the clapping is “TA-KA-GI!” Takagi gives toying kicks but Okada gets up. Okada throws forearms, Takagi DOUBLE CHOPS! Takagi whips and knees Okada at ropes, but he runs into the FLAPJACK! Fans fire up while Takagi is frustrated with himself. Okada and Takagi stir and the fans rally again. Okada stands first and he throws forearms on Takagi. Okada whips, Takagi reverses but Okada dodges to back elbow!

Fans fire up with Okada and he goes after Takagi. Okada whips Takagi corner to corner, runs in to back elbow, then kicks and DDT’s! Cover, TWO! Okada keeps his cool and fans follow the clap clap clap stomp. Okada stalks Takagi, Alabama lifts but Takagi blocks! Okada throws forearms, EuroUpper, but Takagi gets the arms! Okada elbows back, whips again but Takagi reverses. Takagi runs in, blocks the boot and clotheslines back! Takagi runs to ropes, Okada blocks and fireman’s carries but Takagi slips out. Okada elbows out of the waistlock, runs, but Takagi pops Okada up for the fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Cover, TWO! Takagi keeps his cool and fans rally back up.

Takagi sits Okada up for point-blank hip attacks and stomps. Takagi gives toying kicks, brings Okada up, but again Okada fights off the Especial! Okada spins, Alabama lifts and REVERSE NECKBREAKERS! Both men are down but fans fire up! Okada rises, brings Takagi up and throws forearms. Takagi throws forearms back, so Okada hits more. They brawl back and forth, fans rally up, Takagi JABS and CHOPS! Takagi whips, Okada boots but Takagi blocks. Okada dodges the clothesline, puts Takagi up top and dropkicks him down! Takagi tumbles to the floor and fans fire up again! Okada goes out to bring Takagi up. Takagi blocks the gut wrench and elbows Okada back. Takagi whips, Okada reverses and now Takagi hits railing! Okada drags Takagi over, puts him on the apron for a DRAPING DDT!

Fans fire up while Red Shoes checks on them. Takagi is okay to continue and fans rally with the clapping again. Okada grits his teeth as he gets up. The ring count is already 10 of 20 but Okada goes to Takagi. Okada brings Takagi up and in at 15 and fans cheer that this will continue. Okada brings Takagi up again, gut wrenches but Takagi blocks! Okada clubs Takagi, runs, into the elbow! JAB! LARIAT! Fans fire up and Takagi hobbles back over. Takagi makes sure his own neck works before bringing Okada up. Especial, Okada fights out and has the arm! MONEY CLIP! Takagi reaches for ropes, Okada shifts to a backslide, but Takagi resists that to Especial! NOSHIGAMI! Both men are down but fans fire up again. Takagi drags Okada into a wheelbarrow GERMAN! High stack cover, ROPEBREAK!

Okada stirs but Takagi is up first. Takagi fires up and the fans clap. Takagi drags Okada back up, drives elbows into the shoulder and neck, then adds crossface forearms! Takagi runs, Okada rises to dropkick! Fans fire up as Okada drags Takagi up, gut wrench, TOMBSTONE! Okada has the arm, for the MONEY CLIP! Takagi endures, fans rally as he fights and moves around and Okada cranks harder! Takagi punches at the hold but Okada just wrenches more! Takagi’s foot gets the ropebreak! Okada lets go and both men are down. Fans rally again as Okada stands first. Okada goes to a corner and climbs up top. Takagi hurries over to anchor a foot! Okada clubs, Takagi CHOPS! Takagi climbs up, Okada gives forearms, but Takagi gives headbutt after headbutt!

Fans fire up with Takagi as he goes all the way up, for the SUPERPLEX!! Takagi crawls over, covers, TWO!! Okada survives but both men grit their teeth as they rise. Takagi fires himself up and the fans clap with “OI! OI! OI!” Okada is in a corner, Takagi runs corner to corner, corner PUMPING BOMBER! Okada fires forearms back! Takagi ROCKS Okada and whips! Okada reverses, his dropkick is denied, but he dodges the sliding lariat! Okada uppercuts, Takagi blindside lariats! Okada boots from the corner and shotgun dropkicks! Takagi is right up to SLIDING LARIAT!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down again! Okada and Takagi stir, Takagi crawls over and drags Okada up. Fans keep rallying as Okada throws an uppercut! Takagi wobbles, Okada tries to gut wrench but Takagi fights it!

Okada still tries, Takagi has a leg, so Okada clubs him. Okada uppercuts again, and again, and again! Takagi wobbles to ropes and fans rally again. Okada gut wrenches, Takagi fights free and HEADBUTTS! Okada throws more forearms but Takagi eggs him on! Takagi throws forearms from all sides! Takagi ROCKS Okada but says he’s not done! He throws even MORE forearms from all sides, RUNNING FOREARM!! Okada is in a daze as Takagi brings him back up! Pump handle, torture rack, but Okada slips out! Okada Alabama lifts, Takagi sunset flips, Okada sits down! Cover, TWO!! Takagi escapes, flounders into the gut wrench, SPINNING TOMBSTONE! Okada sits Takagi up for the MONEY CLIP!!

Takagi endures, fans rally hard as ever and Takagi fights up! Takagi reaches for ropes, Okada pulls him away, but Takagi still tries. Okada turns him to back slide, Takagi rolls through, RAINMAKER! But that wasn’t quite it, and Okada brings Takagi back up. Takagi LARIATS but Okada stays up. Takagi HEADBUTTS, JABS, but Okada ducks the lariat. Okada swings but Takagi ducks that lariat, to wristlock ripcord and STEAL the RAINMAKER?!?! Call it DRAGON MAKER! Takagi staggers up and fans fire up with him as he steals the POSE! Takagi runs, Okada staggers up, but Okada boots first! Okada runs, Takagi clotheslines at ropes! Takagi runs, Okada catches him and spins him, but Takagi blocks the discus! Takagi pump handles, MADE IN JAPAN!!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Okada survives and the fans are electric!!

Takagi isn’t done yet, he fires up and runs, PUMPING BOMBER!!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Okada survives again and fans are at a new level: ERUPTING! Takagi fires up, pump handles but Okada clubs him. Takagi POINT-BLANK PUMPING! Fans keep rallying, Takagi pump handles and torture racks, but Okada slips out to MONEY CLIP! Takagi arm-drags but Okada shotgun dropkicks! Takagi rises?! Okada dodges his lariat to DISCUS RAINMAKER!! Both men are down but the fans continue to erupt! Okada crawls to Takagi and gets the arm. Okada sits Takagi up, MONEY CLIP!! Takagi endures and punches at the hold. Okada cranks as hard as he can, Takagi starts to fade! Fans rally up as Red Shoes checks. Takagi stays awake, grabs at Red Shoes and pulls him back. Takagi stands, into a BACK2BACKBREAKER!

Takagi is down, Okada drags Takagi from ropes, but Takagi grabs at Okada’s hair! Red Shoes reprimands and asks Takagi if he’s done. Takagi throws clubbing hands, Okada CRANKS! Takagi is turning purple!! Red Shoes checks again, Takagi is OUT!! Okada wins!!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by submission; gains 2 points, Takagi earns 0

Takagi loses to the Money Clip but it was his body that gave up, not his spirit! Okada slays the dragon and keeps pace with the others at the top of the block! But with Ibushi and White having wins over him, is there still hope for Okada to take the block?

Okada gets the mic to shout, “MY FIFTH WIN! This Summer- Wait, Autumn… I know. Until I do that, it doesn’t really feel like a G1, does it? Sorry for keeping you waiting.” Okada knows it’s been awhile since he’s been able to celebrate a G1 win in Osaka, so thank you. Since he won, he might as well win the whole G1 Climax, right? Fans cheer because they’d love to see that. He HAS to come back to Osaka the G1 Champion now, doesn’t he? “I will absolutely keep that promise.” Just two more matches, and they’re both Chaos VS Chaos! Get excited, and see you next month! Will the Rainmaker find a way to overcome Ishii AND Ospreay to head to the finals?

Here are the NEW A Block standings!

Will Ospreay: 5-2, 10 points
Jay White: 5-2, 10 points
Kota Ibushi: 5-2, 10 points
Kazuchika Okada: 5-2, 10 points
Jeff Cobb: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Taichi: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Minoru Suzuki: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Tomohiro Ishii: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Shingo Takagi: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Yujiro Takahashi: 0-7, 0 points [ELIMINATED]

My Thoughts:

An incredible round 7 for the A Block! Four 5-2 records, all with interesting win-losses just between each other. I love that White VS Yujiro started as if it was going to be a win handed to White on a silver platter, but the leader of Bullet Club doesn’t have the hold over his guys like he thinks. White still wins, of course, because it builds the story within the Bullet Club while also pushing things in the G1. Ospreay has a great match with Taichi, Ibushi has a great match with Suzuki, and Okada has an amazing match with Takagi. I really thought Takagi was going to pull it off, but Okada is Okada so he’s keeping pace with the top of the block. Ospreay has a win over White, White has wins over Okada and Ibushi, but Ibushi has wins over Ospreay and Okada. They’re saving Okada VS Ospreay for the ninth and final round, that could very well decide it all.

My Score: 9.5/10