Is the Rainmaker going to go easy on the Headhunter?

The G1 Climax takes an interesting route as Chaos meets Chaos! Will Kazuchika Okada pull his punches against Yoshi-Hashi or just hit him harder?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Taichi VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo; Evil wins.
• SANADA VS Chase Owens; Sanada wins.
• Hirooki Goto VS Jeff Cobb; Cobb wins.
• Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado; Tanahashi wins.
• Kazuchika Okada VS YOSHI-HASHI; Okada wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current B Block standings!

Kazuchika Okada: 2-0, 4 points
Jeff Cobb: 2-0, 4 points
Taichi: 2-0, 4 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 1-1, 2 points
Tama Tonga: 1-1, 2 points
SANADA: 1-1, 2 points
EVIL: 1-1, 2 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 0-2, 0 points
Chase Owens: 0-2, 0 points
Hirooki Goto: 0-2, 0 points

Taichi w/ Miho Abe VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!

Zack Sabre Jr. is doing the Dangerous Tekkers proud, but can the Sliest Wrestler in the World keep pace? Or will Darkness Fall and bring down the Holy Emperor?

The entrance attire is put away, Miho of course helping Taichi with his large robe. Fans rally for Taichi and his dancing pecs already but then they argue about Dick’s presence and his infamous habit of helping out. Taichi BOOTS Dick, Evil kicks and CLUBS Taichi! The bell rings and this is on the record as Taichi BOOTS Evil down! Taichi chases Evil to the outside, CLUBS him at the railing then whips. Evil reverses but Taichi reverses and Evil hits more railing! Fans rally as Taichi chokes Evil with the camera cable! But Dick attacks from behind! Taichi just glares at Dick and chases him into the ring. The ref reprimands but Evil CLOBBERS Taichi with a clothesline!

Evil drags Taichi up, throws him out of the ring then goes out after him. Evil RAMS Taichi into the timekeeper’s area! Abe-san suffers again! Evil and Dick Too Sweet while Miho and the Young Lions help out. Evil then snatches the ring hammer! The ref stops Evil there and takes the hammer back. Evil drags Taichi up to rake the eyes! The ref reprimands, Evil stops and leaves Taichi behind as he goes into the ring. The ring count starts, Taichi gets up as fans rally, and Miho helps him steady himself. Taichi gets in at 10 of 20 but now Evil wants Taichi’s mic stand! The ref takes that away, too, so Evil digs his boots into Taichi at the corner.

The ref sees that and counts, Evil lets off at 4. Evil smirks as he paces but fans rally up. Taichi kicks from below, Evil eggs him on then rakes Taichi’s eyes again! The ref counts, Evil stops at 4 and stands Taichi back up. Evil wrenches and whips Taichi into the BARE buckles! Dick undid the blue buckle pad when we weren’t looking! Evil covers, the ref says no because of the shenanigans. Seems refs are learning from Red Shoes’ courage. Evil tortures Taichi’s arm but Taichi is in the ropes! Dick distracts the ref but he sees what’s going on soon enough. The ref counts, Evil lets off to then get Taichi up and whip. Taichi reverses to wrench and DANGEROUS HOOK KICK!

Fans rally up while both men are down. Taichi gets up first and paces as Evil sits up. Taichi stands Evil up but Evil swings on him, into a CHOKE! The ref reprimands but Taichi drives Evil down. Dick gets on the apron, so Taichi storms over and CHOKES him, too! Dick falls off the apron but Evil crawls away to the far side. Taichi runs over to BOOT Evil, into Abe-san! The timekeeper’s area can’t catch a break during Evil’s matches! Taichi goes out after Evil and drags him up by his hair while the timekeeper’s area is fixed again. Taichi dares Evil to get up, and then he kicks, but Evil blocks! Evil gives the foot to the ref to mule kick Taichi down!

Fans rally up as Evil and Taichi slowly rise. Evil stands first and drags Taichi up. Evil reels Taichi in but Taichi fights the fireman’s carry. Taichi KNEES Evil low, then goes to a corner. Evil runs in but only gets buckles and a GAMANGIRI! Taichi powers up and runs but into a fireman’s carry! DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives and Evil is furious, but the fans fire up again! Evil stands, slashes his throat and drags Taichi back up. But Taichi fights the STO and RAMS Evil into the bare buckles! Evil suffers his own strategy but he fights the saido with fingers to the eyes! The ref counts, Evil stops and runs but into an AX BOMBER!

Fans fire up as OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi powers up and aims from the corner as Evil flounders up. But Evil blocks the superkick to spin Taichi! Taichi switches, Evil switches, Taichi PELES! Fans fire up with Taichi again as he aims from the corner. But Evil ducks the kick this time and shoves the ref at Taichi! Taichi shoves the ref away to block the low blow! And he LOW BLOWS in return! But Dick distracts as Taichi gets the Gedo Clutch! Miho shouts to the ref to pay attention but Taichi storms over. Taichi moves the ref aside but Dick dodges! But DOUBLE AX BOMBERS take out Evil and Dick! Alabama lift, but Evil fights free! Evil baits Taichi into the bare buckles!

EVERYTHING- NO! Taichi blocks the STO to GAMANGIRI again! Fans fire back up as Taichi catches his breath. Taichi drags Evil up, reels him in, DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but fans rally for “TA-I-CHI! TA-I-CHI!” Taichi powers up again but wait! Dick is messing with Miho! That’s low even for them! But speaking of low, LOW BLOW!! Evil gets Taichi from behind and Dick leaves Miho alone! Evil drags Taichi back up, EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! But Evil doesn’t cover, he gets the SCORPION DEATHLOCK! Dick again grabs Miho by her hair to keep her back! Taichi is OUT, the ref calls it!!

Winner: EVIL, by submission (gains 2 points; Taichi earns 0)

The King of Darkness is more like the King of Scum as he and Dick stand on Taichi and Miho! They ruin Taichi’s run in the G1, will they continue to do even worse in the remaining rounds? As for Taichi, he revives with true RAGE! He wants to lash out on the Young Lions and pursue Evil, but he doesn’t have the energy. Will he be able to rebound next round?

SANADA VS Chase Owens!

The Cold Skull is only doing a little better than the Crown Jewel but that could change right here! Will Chase drag Sanada down to his level? Or will he end up 0-3 after a Skull End?

The bell rings and fans rally up, “SA-NA-DA!” but Chase doesn’t let that bother him. They circle, approach and feel out the grapple. Chase slips through to a waistlock but Sanada wrenches to a switch. Chase wrenches back to a wristlock, but Sanada spins, wrenches and has the wristlock now. Chase rolls, breaks free then cravats for a neck wrench. Sanada endures, clubs free and wrenches to a hammerlock then headlock and takeover. Chase headscissors, Sanada kips free and wants the legs but Chase kicks him away. Chase headlocks, Sanada powers out but Chase holds ropes to avoid the hurdle cycle. Chase trips Sanada up and wants to steal Paradise!

Sanada kicks Chase away and they both kick at the same time, but both block them! They each tell the other to let go, but then they agree to do it at the same time. They both set the other’s foot down, but Chase tricks Sanada! Chase trips Sanada and perfectly– No, wait, Sanada slips right out of Paradise while Chase is gloating. Sanada has the fans fire up more and Chase thinks it’s for him, but then he backs up into Sanada. Chase feels around and realizes who it is and grumbles, “Damn it!” Chase turns around into a kick and Sanada throws him out of the ring. Sanada then builds speed, but Chase moves. Sanada tumbles up and out and Chase trips him off the apron!

Chase stomps Sanada on the ground, drags him back up and whips him hard into railing! Sanada staggers and falls over while Chase goes back into the ring. The ring count starts and is already 5 of 20 while fans rally “SA-NA-DA!” Sanada sits up at 12, stands at 15, and gets in at 17, only for Chase to stomp and rain down fists! Chase chokes Sanada, the ref reprimands and he lets off. Chase stands on Sanada’s neck now but again lets off as the ref counts. Fans rally as Chase stands Sanada up, whips him to a corner hard, and Sanada bounces off buckles before falling over. Chase taunts the fans then drops knee after knee into Sanada’s back. Chase ties Sanada up for a Bow ‘n’ Arrow!

Sanada endures as Chase bends him back against his knees. Sanada pops out to a cover, ONE! Chase stomps Sanada but he sits up. Chase stands Sanada up but Sanada throws forearms. Sanada whips, Chase counters with a cravat knee smash, then mule kicks to a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans still rally for Sanada as Chase clamps on with a chinlock. Chase cranks the hold, leans on Sanada, then digs an elbow into the shoulder. Chase gives toying kicks but Sanada gets up. Chase ROCKS Sanada with a right, then another. Sanada stays up, Chase throws more forearms. Sanada CHOPS and forearms in return but Chase knees low! Chase whips but Sanada dropkicks his legs out!

Sanada kips up and fans fire up again! Sanada aims from a corner, Chase stands and Sanada rallies with forearms and arm-drags! Then a BIG atomic drop! Sanada trips Chase and shows him how to tie up the Paradise Lock! Sanada stands on Chase and gives thumbs up to Milano Collection, who returns the thumbs up reluctantly cuz he’s still a fan of Chase’s. But Sanada dropkicks Chase out of Paradise! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up more as Sanada stands Chase up to fireman’s carry. Chase fights free, shoves Sanada away but Sanada elbows from the corner. Sanada Quebrada but Chase gets under, only to turn around into a RANA!

Chase bails out, Sanada takes aim, and Sanada PLANCHAS, only for Chase to get clear! Chase RAMS Sanada into the railing, but not quite Abe-san, and then gets in to roll into a facelock and GHOSTBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but Chase keeps his cool. Chase hobbles to a corner while Sanada goes to the other. Chase runs corner to corner to forearm smash then reel him in for a short arm lariat! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Sanada back up, fireman’s carries but Sanada fights free. Sanada kicks low, whips Chase to a corner but Chase reverses. Sanada goes up and out and springboards in to missile dropkick! Chase flounders up into a fireman’s carry and T K O! Cover, TWO!

Fans still rally behind Sanada as he goes up top. ROUNDING BODY- NO, he has to roll through as Chase dodges. Sanada runs in, tilt-o-whirl to a dragon sleeper! Chase reaches, hits back, but Sanada cranks back on the hold! Fans rally as Chase endures, and he rolls through as Sanada drops down! Chase ends up in a corner, Sanada runs in but is put up top for a GAMANGIRI, to SUPER SNAPMARE SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Chase keeps moving, SHINING WIZARD! Fans fire up as Chase stands Sanada up, wrenches and JEWEL- NO! Sanada ducks the clothesline to waistlock, but Chase grabs the ref as they go to the ropes! The ref is down as Sanada gets the O’Conner Bridge!

Sanada sees the ref is out and lets Chase go. Sanada checks on the ref but Chase gets him for a half nelson. Sanada arm-drags out of the slam and ROCKS Chase with a forearm! Sanada spins but Chase boots the rolling elbow away! Chase spins to BOOT! Sanada ROLLING SOBATS! Chase JEWEL TRIGGERS point blank! Sanada is down and Chase fires up, as do the fans! Chase drags Sanada up, reels him in, tucks the arms, but Sanada RANAS out of the driver to a cover! TWO!! Chase gets up, Sanada sidesteps but Chase switches. Chase O’Conner Bridge, TWO! SKULL END!! Chase endures but Sanada has the body scissors in!

Chase throws hands and gets his head free, but Sanada just gets him in the dragon sleeper again! Back to SKULL END!! Chase is fading, Sanada lets him go and goes to the corner for ROUNDING BODY PRESS!! Cover, Sanada wins!

Winner: Sanada, by pinfall (gains 2 points, Chase earns 0)

Sanada succeeds and the Crown Jewel is still only worth zero points! Will Chase ever get a W in his G1 debut? As for Sanada, will he keep his chances alive and return to the finals?

Hirooki Goto VS Jeff Cobb!

The NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champions are all struggling, but perhaps the Fierce Warrior can be the one to #TurnItAllAround! Will Goto conquer Cobb? Or will he end up on a Tour of the Islands in Tokyo?

The bell rings and fans rally up already as Goto and Cobb stare down. They slowly circle, then approach to tie up. They’re in a deadlock so Cobb breaks it. Goto and Cobb reset, tie up again, and again they’re in a deadlock. Cobb breaks through to put Goto on the ropes, but he lets off cleanly. Cobb then swings but Goto dodges to kick and fire forearms! Goto headlocks, Cobb tries to power out but Goto holds on tight. Cobb throws body shots, powers out of the headlock and the two ram shoulders. Cobb rebounds to RAM Goto down! Fans cheer the showing of power as Goto goes to ropes. Cobb runs in but Goto boots him! Cobb tries again but Goto dupms him out!

Goto goes out to CLUB Cobb, wrench him to a hammerlock and POST the shoulder! Goto CLUBS the arm now, then whips Cobb into railing! Goto gets the arm again and wraps it around the railing! The ref counts, Goto BOOTS the ram as he lets off. Goto stalks Cobb, kicks him then puts him in the ring. Fans cheer as Goto stands Cobb up. Goto wrenches the arm, YANKS it then grinds it down with a mounted armlock. Cobb gets the ropebreak with a foot but Goto holds on until the ref counts. Goto stomps Cobb, stands him up and CHOPS him in the corner. Goto whips corner to corner, runs in and MURA- NO! Cobb catches and TOSSES Goto away!

Fans cheer and rally while both men are down. Cobb stands up and stomps Goto. Cobb stands Goto up but Goto throws forearms and haymakers! Goto whips corner to corner but Cobb comes back to RAM Goto down! Fans fire up as Cobb catches his breath and paces around. Cobb sits Goto up to knee him over and over in the back. Cobb adds a basement uppercut and Goto writhes. Cobb stands Goto up again, scoops him and KNEES him in the side before tossing him away! Cobb again paces, then has a one hand cover. TWO, so Cobb tires a lateral press. TWO! Cobb is annoyed but he drags Goto up to whip him to a corner.

Cobb runs in to clothesline, then he hauls Goto up to RAM him into another corner! Then corner to corner! Then back again! Then a fourth time! Fans cheer the strength and stamina of Cobb as he CHOP LARIAT combos! And again! And again! Goto falls over while fans cheer Cobb. Cobb claps along but Goto anchors his leg before the moonsault. Cobb clubs Goto, stands him up but Goto one-two combos! Cobb shoves and reels Goto in for a LARIAT! Cobb sets up, GACHIMUCHI flops! Goto avoids being smashed by the moonsault and fans rally back up. Cobb drags himself up the ropes and then drags Goto up to throw hands.

Cobb whips Goto corner to corner then runs in, but Goto dodges the back elbow! Goto comes back to clothesline! Fans rally more and Goto grits his teeth as he throws forearm after forearm! Goto whips corner to corner, runs in and MURAMASA! Direct hit this time, and Goto adds the BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Fans still rally as Goto stands Cobb back up. Goto tries to fireman’s carry but Cobb is too big. Cobb clubs Goto, kicks low and uppercuts! DROPKICK! Fans cheer Cobb showing off his agility while both men are down. Goto crawls to one corner, Cobb goes to the opposite. Cobb runs in to BACK ELBOW! Cobb then hauls Goto up for a RUNNING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!

GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up again as Goto survives, but Cobb grins as he gets back up. Cobb drags Goto up in a deadlift waistlock, but Goto fights free. Goto hits Cobb with forearms but Cobb hits back. Fans rally up as they pick up speed and go back and forth! Cobb ROCKS Goto but he stays up, so Cobb ROCKS him again. Goto fires up to fire off a string of forearms! Goto runs but Cobb ROCKS him! Cobb runs but Goto fireman’s carries! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down but fans rally back up! Goto drags himself to a corner, Cobb goes to the opposite again. Goto roars and both men run at the other, DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES!

Neither man falls, they go again, DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES! Cobb fires up to reel back, but Goto blocks, dodges and DISCUS LARIATS! Fans fire up with Goto as he gets Cobb back up, dragon sleeper! But Cobb slips through to suplex! Goto slips out, waistlocks, but Cobb throws elbows. Goto holds on, Cobb keeps trying but ends up in a clinch. Cobb holds off Goto’s belly2belly, but Goto shifts to OVERHEAD suplex! Cover, TWO! To an ARMBAR! Goto has the arm but Cobb gets a ropebreak! Goto holds on until the ref counts, and fans rally again. Goto stomps Cobb, drags him up, clubs the arm again and again, then wrenches.

But Cobb throws a body shot then ROCKS Goto with a forearm! SUPERKICK! Both men are down again but Cobb already rises as fans rally. Cobb hobbles over, drags Goto up and runs, but Goto follows! Cobb dodges, scoops, RAMS into the corner but Goto avoids the Stampede! SLEEPER! But Cobb lifts Goto for an ATHLETIC PLEX! Cobb then waistlocks and deadlifts for a GERMAN! Cobb powers up again and fans fire up with him! Cobb gets Goto up, whips him to ropes and scoops, TOUR OF- NO! Goto slips out to get a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP, to a ROLLING CLUTCH! TWO!! Cobb narrowly escapes but Goto fires up! Fans are thunderous as Goto and Cobb slowly rise.

Cobb swings on Goto but he catches the arm! Facelock to REVERSE GTR! Goto keeps going, and he LARIATS Cobb down! Cover, TWO!! Cobb survives but Goto drags him back up. Dragon sleeper but Cobb fights! Goto spins Cobb to HEADBUTT! Goto keeps Cobb on his feet but Cobb HEADBUTTS back! Cobb then DEADLIFTS Goto into the TOUR OF THE ISLANDS!! Cover, Cobb wins!!

Winner: Jeff Cobb, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Goto earns 0)

The Hawaiian Hulk snatches victory from the jaws of defeat! The Fierce Warrior could not overcome the United Empire’s biggest and baddest, will Goto ever get on the board? As for Cobb, can he keep pace with Great-O-Khan and make this a UNITED G1?

Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!

The Ace has broken even between the first two rounds and the Good Bad Guy is primed to bring him back down. Will the IWGP US Championship owe a title match to more than just the Rainmaker? Or will love and energy see him through again?

Jado gives Tama a last pep talk while fans cheer as Tanahashi shows off the muscles. Fans already rally, “Let’s Go, Ace!” as the bell rings. Tama is annoyed but he circles with Tanahashi. They approach, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Tanahashi manages some leverage to put Tama against ropes but lets off cleanly. Fans cheer and rally again as Tanahashi and Tama reset. They go again, Tanahashi gets a waistlock but Tama wrenches that apart to a wristlock. Tama twists the wrist more and keeps Tanahashi from ropes. Tanahashi endures the hold, spins through and wrenches back to bring Tama to his knees! Tama endures the wristlock, wants a timeout, but there’re no timeouts here!

Tanahashi puts more pressure on the wristlock, makes it a hammerlock then a headlock and fans cheer. Tama pulls hair but stops as the ref reprimands. Tama powers up but Tanahashi holds tight on the headlock! Tanahashi thrashes but Tama endures. Tama fights up, Tanahashi hits a headlock takeover but Tama turns that around to a headlock of his own. Tanahashi headscissors, Tama kips free and fans cheer as the two stand off. Tama catches his breath as fans rally up more. Tanahashi encourages the fans to get louder with “Let’s Go, Ace!” as he and Tama circle again. They tie up again, are in another deadlock, but Tama pulls hair to put Tanahashi on ropes!

The ref reprimands, Tama stops pulling hair and lets off for a clean break. Tama applauses but then swings on Tanahashi! Tanahashi dodges, fires off fast hands, then throws forearms. Tanahashi whips, Tama reverses but runs into a back elbow! Tanahashi goes up for a CROSSBODY! Tanahashi air guitars and fans cheer, but Tama stalks up to GUN- NO! No cutter as Tanahashi shoves Tama away! Tanahashi runs in but Tama spins him around, only for Tanahashi to again stop the Gun Stun! Tanahashi wants a full nelson but Tama elbows free. Tama throws haymakers then whips, but Tanahashi hits back with flying forearms! Fans fire up with Tanahashi as he stands over Tama.

Tanahashi drops an elbow, a sunset senton, then covers! TWO, to a ghost pin! TWO, Tama staggers up but Tanahashi puts him on the apron. Tama hotshots Tanahashi down, then takes his time returning while Tanahashi is down. Tama shows off his muscles as he takes off the vest. Tama drops a big elbow in return, then rains down rights on Tanahashi. The ref reprimands about the closed fists so Tama lets off. Fans still rally for The Ace but Tama paces around him. Tama drags Tanahashi up, puts on a neck wrench and then throws in elbows. Tama CLUBS Tanahashi with more forearms and elbows, then paces around in frustration.

Tanahashi slowly rises but Tama is after him. Tanahashi throws body shots, runs, but into a SLEEPER! Tama squeezes tight and brings Tanahashi down to the mat. Fans rally as Tanahashi endures Tama thrashing him around. Tama brings Tanahashi all the way down and has a partial body scissor, but Tanahashi still endures. Tanahashi fights up but Tama claws his face! The ref reprimands, Tanahashi continues to fight up and he throws body shots! Tama holds tighter but Tanahashi elbows free! Tanahashi throws forearm after forearm but Tama THROAT STABS! Tama is using his father, Haku’s, move, but Tanahashi fights free with palm strikes!

Tama goes back for the throat! The ref reprimands, counts, but Tanahashi breaks free to fire off fast hands! Tanahashi blocks Tama’s kick, and gives back the THROAT STAB! The ref reprimands, Tama breaks free and runs in, but Tanahashi blocks the kick! DRAGON SCREW! Fans rally up as Tanahashi stalks Tama to a corner. Tanahashi kicks the bad leg, scoops and SLAMS Tama to the drop zone, then goes up the corner! SUNSET SENTON! Tanahashi drags Tama around by a leg and ties the legs up. Tama resists the Texas Clover Hold, drags Tanahashi down and THROAT STABS! The ref reprimands but Tama gets up to his feet to put Tanahashi in a corner!

The ref keeps counting, keeps telling Tama to stop, but Tama finally lets go after a final warning. Fans rally for Tanahashi as he sputters in the corner, but Tama just gets angrier. Tama runs corner to corner to miss and hit buckles! Tanahashi runs, but Tama gets around Slingblade to TONGAN TWIST! Cover, TWO! Tanahashi survives and fans are thunderous for the Ace! Tama stalks Tanahashi as he rises, then runs to SLINGBLADE! Tama fires up as he continues to copy Tanahashi! Tama goes up top, HIGH FLY FLOW!?! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives the Good Bad Guy’s near perfect duplicate and fans are thunderous again!

Tama slithers around like The Viper and waits for Tanahashi to stand. Tanahashi turns around into GUN- NO! Tanahashi blocks to facelock. But Tama fights off the neckbreaker! Tanahashi fights off the Tongan Twist to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi runs for SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Now Tanahashi goes to the corner and up top to show Tama how it’s done! HIGH FLY ATTACK! Then he goes back to the corner and back up top! HIGH FLY FLOW FLOPS! Tama runs in, GUN STUN!! Tama is so fired up he doesn’t even cover yet! Jado tells him to go for the pin but Tama has to crawl over now, having tired himself out. Cover, TWO!! Into ghost pin! Tanahashi wins!!

Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tama earns 0)

In his arrogance, Tama let this one slip through his fingers! You can never count the Once in a Century Talent out, will he find a way up to the top of NJPW once again?

Kazuchika Okada VS YOSHI-HASHI!

Chaos clashes with Chaos as Rainmaker faces Head Hunter in a Korakuen Hall main event! But if Okada is to keep his promise, will he make sure Hashi can’t #GetBackUp?

The jackets are put aside and fans rally up for “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” as the two allies stare down. The bell rings and they still stare down from their corners. Hashi is the first to approach but he and Okada slowly circle. They tie up, Hashi waistlocks, but Okada wrenches out to a wristlock. Hashi spins through, wrenches back, and has the wristlock, as well. Okada rolls, trips Hashi and has a toehold but Hashi pries him off to go for an armbar. Okada powers up to a rear mount but Hashi switches. Okada breaks free and the two stand off, which fans cheer. Hashi and Okada reset in neutral corners to circle again. They feel things out, Okada shoots in and trips Hashi up.

Hashi pushes Okada to a press, then a facelock. Hashi has a headlock but Okada fights up and pries at the hold. Hashi powers up to keep the headlock on tight. Okada tires again, but again Hahsi powers him down. Fans cheer but Okada still works on his escape. Okada pries at the headlock one more time, pops out the back and gets a headlock of his own! Hashi endures the grind now but fights up and pries the hold. Okada returns the favor by powering it on harder. Okada hits a takeover, Hashi goes for headscissors but Okada fights that off. Hashi kicks around, gets up to his feet and they end up on ropes. Okada has Hashi up against them, but he lets off, but Hashi hits before the fakeout!

Hashi throws forearms, headlocks again, and grinds Okada to his knees. Okada fights up, pushes Hashi and powers out but they ram shoulders! Neither falls and the two stare down. Fans cheer as Hashi runs again but they again ram shoulders! They start talking trash and shoving each other. Hashi runs, dodges the boot and CHOPS Okada down! Fans fire up, perhaps for “YO-SHI-HASH!” now. Hashi elbows and whips but Okada reverses, then ROCKS Hashi on the return! Okada runs but Hashi runs him over! Hashi makes sure his bad shoulder is working, and he stomps Okada. Hashi stands Okada up to snapmare him down and clamp on a chinlock, with knee in the back.

Okada endures, Hashi pulls back harder, and fans rally up. Okada kicks around, shifts position and fights out of a headlock with body shots. Hashi throws a forearm, Okada gives it back, and they go back and forth! Okada ROCKS Hashi, ROCKS him again, then runs, but Hashi follows to slide and trip him up! Hashi drags Okada out to RAM him into railing! Fans fire up as Hashi catches his breath. Hashi drags Okada up, CHOPS him, and whips him at railing. Okada stops himself, but turns around into a CHOP! Hashi stands Okada up but Okada fights the neckbreaker to kick and DDT! Hashi writhes on the floor but Okada is down, too, as fans rally back up.

A ring count starts and Okada sits up at 3 of 20. Okada gets in the ring at 7 but Hashi is still down at 10. Hashi stands at 11, Okada goes out at 12 and DDT’s him again! Red Shoes checks on Hashi but Hashi won’t let it end here. Okada gets up and walks around the way to get back in the ring. The ring count starts again and Hashi is still down at 10 of 20. Fans rally up for him and Okada waits, and Hashi rises at 15! Hashi stands at 18 and gets in at 19! Okada walks over and brings Hashi to center. Hashi’s dead weight but still stirring as Okada brings him up again. Okada puts Hashi in a corner, throws back elbows, then gives Hashi space as he goes to the red corner.

Fans rally up, Okada runs in and LEAPING back elbows! Kick and a SPIKE DDT! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives that nasty headstand but Okada keeps his cool. Okada drags Hashi up but again he’s dead weight. Fans still rally, Okada gives Hashi toying kicks, and that gets Hashi to stand again. Hashi and Okada egg each other on, then forearms start flying! Okada EuroUppers, Hashi CHOPS, but Okada CLUBS Hashi down. Okada whips, Hashi reverses and dodges to then HEADHUNTER! Both men are down from that high speed Blockbuster and fans are fired up! Okada rolls to a corner, Hashi aims and runs in, to CHOP!

Hashi whips to CHOP Okada again, then LARIAT! Mule kick and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Hashi keeps his cool and the fans stay fired up as he gets to his feet. Hashi drags Okada up, hangs him out to dry, but Okada fights that and throws forearms. Hashi dropkicks Okada’s legs out! Okada hops off the apron and fans rally as Hashi takes aim again. PLANCHA! Direct hit and Hashi fires up! Hashi puts Okada back in the ring, climbs a corner and aims, BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hashi keeps his cool, this is the Rainmaker he’s in here with. Hashi reels Okada in but Okada fights the bomb lift. Fans rally up as they fight for control, and Hashi CLUBS Okada on the back.

Hashi tries again but Okada still resists. Okada back drops Hashi away! Fans rally up as Hashi and Okada stand, Okaad uppercuts Hashi! Okada whips, Hashi reverses and drags Okada down to the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Okada endures and fans rally as Hashi leans on the hold! Okada scoots and reaches out but Hashi cranks the arms more. Okada is almost to ropes but Hashi turns him away from them! Okada uses his foot for the ROPEBREAK! Hashi lets go but brings Okada up to fisherman. Okada fights the suplex, Hashi wrenches but swings into a snapmare and MONEY CLIP! Okada has Hashi endure a submission now!

Fans rally, Hashi endures and moves around, but Okada keeps him from ropes now with an arm-drag! Okada gets the MONEY CLIP again! Hashi endures, but he’s starting to turn red! Okada wants Red Shoes to check as Hashi sputters! Is he out? He’s turning purple! Okada puts more pressure on, but Hashi gets a second wind to get the ropebreak! Fans cheer Hashi’s heart and determination as he survives! Okada gets Hashi back up, scoops him and SLAMS him, then goes to the corner. Okada climbs, MACHO ELBOW! But he’s not done there, as he gives us the RAINMAKER POSE! Fans cheer and Okada drags Hashi back up.

Okada wristlocks, ripcords but Hashi dodges! Okada blocks the lariat but not the CHOP! Hashi kicks but Okada blocks. Okada ROCKS Hashi, whips but Hashi reverses to drag him down! Okada gets up to short arm LARIAT! No more butterflies as Okada reels Hashi in for another short arm LARIAT! Okada drags Hashi up, waistlocks and wristlock ripcords, but Hashi LARIATS first!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down again! Okada sits up in a daze while Hashi pushes himself up. Hashi stalks up behind Okada, waistlock to full nelson, but Okada breaks that to throw elbows. Hashi staggers away but Okada gut wrenches, only for Hashi to slip out! DRAGON SUPLEX!

Hashi has the fans rallying again as Okada slowly sits up. Hashi powers up, throws forearms and body shots then a CHOP! Hashi whips, Okada reverses but Hashi avoids the dropkick to BASEMENT METEORA! Cover, TWO! Hashi fires up again and fans are right there with him! Okada stands, Hashi runs but into a boot! Hashi rebounds into another boot, but he keeps trying! Okada ducks but Hashi LARIATS again! Hashi gets Okada up, fisherman to the KUMAGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Okada survives but Hashi shows no slowing! BUTTERFLY LOCK!! Fans rally as Okada now endures! Hashi cranks as hard as he can but Okada scoots towards ropes! Hashi turns him away!

Fans rally, Okada refuses to quit and he grits his teeth, even as Hashi leans more weight on him. Okada powers up, reaches out, but Hashi shifts to a SLEEPER! Hashi leans on Okada, drags him away from ropes, then hits a BACKSTABBER! And back to the BUTTERFLY LOCK! Okada still endures, refusing to give in! He flails, reaches out, scoots backwards, but Hashi changes things to a CHICKEN WING, then a SLEEPER! Hashi leans all his weight on Okada but now Okada gets a second wind to stand up. Hashi squeezes tighter and he brings Okada to the mat! Red Shoes checks but Okada wags his finger. Okada gets a third wind, only for Hashi to get the pump handle!

No Karma as Okada powers up to SPINNING TOMBSTONE!! Fans are thunderous as both men are down! Okada stirs, Hashi rolls away. Okada runs out from the corner, but Hashi avoids the shotgun! Hashi runs in at Okada now, for a BIG corner clothesline! Hashi hurries to get Okada up, scoop and SLAM, and Hashi goes to the corner! Hashi climbs, aims, SWANTON FLOPS as Okada moves! Fans build up to another rally as Okada watches Hashi flounder. Okada dropkicks Hashi in the back! Okada whips Hashi for another dropkick! Fans fire up with Okada as he get Hashi back up. Wristlock and ripcord but Hashi dodges to pump handle! Karma CRADLE! TWO!!!

Okada is surprised he escaped, too! But he reels Hashi in, DISCUS- SUPERKICK!! Hashi stops the rain there and he hurries to get Okada back up. Half nelson, pump handle, but Okada gut wrenches for a SIT-OUT PILEDRIVER! Ripcord and RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Hashi earns 0)

Three up, three down, and the Rainmaker stands atop the block! Are the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champions simply cursed in this G1? Or are the fields just that good this year?

As for Okada, he once again gets to close out B Block on the mic. “KORAKUEN! Thank you so much for your passionate and enthusiastic support tonight. Even though this was a fight between teammates, it was a hot fight, worthy of the G1.” Okada has won three in a row, and asks if the fans are getting tired of this. “Some of you must already be thinking that you’re tired of seeing this strong Okada. But I’m not done yet.” Fans cheer for that! Okada will keep on giving us the strong Okada through the rest of the G1.

As of right now, both blocks are through the first three rounds. That means we’re already one-third of the way through the tournament. That of course means there’s still two-thirds to go. “Doesn’t that sound crazy as hell?” But NJPW wants the fans to keep enjoying this “hot autumn” they’re making, and it’s all thanks to the Rainmaker standing in the middle of this ring! They get it, don’t they? So long as he is in this ring, there is one thing that will be falling. “Well, G1, B Block, see you next time, in Hamamatsu.” Okada promises to keep this autumn a scorcher, thanks the fans for tonight, and vows to keep it raining on the G1! Will the Rainmaker blaze a trail back to the top?

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Kazuchika Okada: 3-0, 6 points
Jeff Cobb: 3-0, 6 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 2-1, 4 points
SANADA: 2-1, 4 points
EVIL: 2-1, 4 points
Taichi: 2-1, 4 points
Tama Tonga: 1-2, 2 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 0-3, 0 points
Hirooki Goto: 0-3, 0 points
Chase Owens: 0-3, 0 points

My Thoughts:

An awesome round three for B Block and another great night for NJPW and the G1! Taichi VS Evil was very good but was mostly shocking on Dick Togo going after Miho like that. I suppose that was a different way of cheating that Evil hadn’t done yet, but wow. He now has the tiebreaker on Taichi so that if they move up in the block, Evil still gets ahead of him now. Sanada VS Chase was a lot of fun on character work, and people trying to steal the Paradise Lock is a great bit of that. I figured Sanada was winning, he’s also keeping pace with Evil so that their match in the G1 can determine quite a bit of things. Goto VS Cobb was great, too, and of course Cobb stays strong.

Tanahashi VS Tama was very good, and Tama stealing Tanahashi’s moves was some great stuff. But as Tanahashi is the IWGP US Champion, he isn’t going to lose too much until the latter half of the G1. I definitely think that regardless of who wins the block or the tournament as a whole, we’re seeing Tanahashi VS Okada for the US title at Power Struggle in November. And Okada VS Hashi was awesome stuff, especially for Hashi getting to look really good against Okada. But it again seems the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champions are here to take losses, until they can defend and maybe even lose their titles to Bullet Club after the G1. Okada goes 3-0, I think he goes 4-0 with Goto being his next opponent and him not being main event for Hamamatsu.

My Score: 9.2/10