Does someone’s luck run out? Does another’s change for the better?

Kazuchika Okada and Jeff Cobb are both 6-0 and going for lucky number 7! Will one, both or neither keep going strong in the G1 Climax?

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

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Kazuchika Okada: 6-0, 12 points
Jeff Cobb: 6-0, 12 points
EVIL: 5-1, 10 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 3-3, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
SANADA: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Taichi: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Hirooki Goto: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
YOSHI-HASHI: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Chase Owens: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]
Tama Tonga: 1-5, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

Taichi w/ Miho Abe VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!

As you can see, the Holy Emperor and the Good Bad Guy are out of the running. However, the Guerrillas of Destiny are surely hungry to get the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships back. Will Tama get a win over Taichi to get back in the tag title hunt?

Miho helps Taichi with his jacket and fanny pack given the taped ribs. Taichi taunts Tama with the title but Tama shrugs off the trash talk. The ref does his check but Tama attacks! Tama kicks and fires off forearms, the bell rings to get this on record and Tama fires off elbows in the corner. The ref reprimands, Tama lets off but comes back with haymakers and uppercuts. Tama drags Taichi up to whip but Taichi reverses to CHOKE Tama in the corner! The ref counts, Taichi lets off but then he chokes Tama to the mat! The ref reprimands again, counts, and Taichi lets off. Jado coaches Tama up but Taichi stomps him down.

Taichi kicks Tama out of the ring, then chokes him around the way! Taichi whips Tama into railing and fans cheer. Taichi gathers up camera cables and uses those to choke Tama now! The ref reprimands, counts, Taichi lets go quickly. Taichi brings Tama back around into the ring, then clamps on a choke from behind. The ref sees this and reprimands, and Taichi lets off again. Tama throws body shots in return, but Taichi chokes him again! The ref counts, Taichi lets off to whip, but Tama reverses to hurdle, hurdle and HAKU CHOP! Tama takes off the vest as fans cheer and he stomps Taichi in the bad ribs. Tama drags him into a CAMEL CLUTCH!

Taichi endures, but he gets the ropebreak. Tama holds on until the ref counts 4, then kicks him out of the ring. Tama goes out to RAM Taichi into the apron! And then into railing! Taichi clutches his ribs as Tama paces. Tama goes back into the ring to leave Taichi at the ring count’s mercy. Miho checks on Taichi as the count climbs, and it is 10 of 20 before Taichi sits up. Taichi drags himself up at 15 and in at 16. Fans cheer but Tama stomps a mudhole into Taichi at the corner. Tama lets off as the ref reprimands and he stalks Taichi. Taichi kicks back but Tama drops elbow after elbow then a LEAPING elbow drop to the ribs! Cover, TWO!

Tama sits Taichi up, CLUBS him with crossface forearms then wraps on a body scissors! Tama adds a chinlock but Taichi still endures. Taichi moves around, Tama wraps the chinlock on tighter, and fans rally up. Taichi fights to sit up, he elbows but Tama hold onto a crossface of sorts. Taichi elbows again and is free! But Tama CLUBS and whips him, only for Taichi to reverse, wrench and DANGEROUS HOOK KICK! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Tama goes to a corner, Taichi runs in to corner clothesline! Taichi then snapmares and KICKS Tama in the back! Tama writhes and Taichi paces. Taichi then comes back to KICK Tama in the chest!

Jado coaches Tama to hang in there and Tama sits back up. Taichi KICKS him in the chest again but Tama shakes his head and eggs Taichi on. Fans fire up as Taichi KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Tama stands up and is all fired up! He blocks a kick, CLUBS the leg then dropkicks Taichi to a corner! Tama runs in corner to corner but Taichi dodges the splash to GAMANGIRI! Tama is down, Taichi encourages the fans and they rally up. OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi wants Tama to sit up, but Tama ducks the buzzsaw to punch the ribs! Tama boots the Ax Bomber away but Taichi boots Tama back! Taichi runs but Tama ducks the clothesline to get the TONGAN TWIST!

Fans fire up as Tama goes to the corner! Tama climbs, SUPREME FLOW FLOPS as Taichi moves! Fans rally up as both men are down! Taichi drags himself up with the ropes and he stands Tama up to KICK the leg, then BUZZSAW him down! Fans fire up with Taichi and he wants Tama to stand. Tama flounders, Taichi stands him up and runs, AX BOMBER! Tama drops to his knees but Taichi runs again, AX BOMBER! Tama goes down, but he gets right back up! JUMPING HIGH KICK! Tama is down and fans fire up! Taichi goes to the corner, powers up and takes aim, and Tama slowly rises. TENSHO- NO! Tama dodges, body shots and forearms! Taichi comes back, but into a clinch!

Tama wants a bearhug but Taichi fights so Tama KNEES, CLUBS and fireman’s carries! Taichi fights free and comes back to waistlock. The ribs stop the saido, Tama GAMANGIRIS to a GUN- NO!? Taichi drags Tama up, DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Taichi crawls to a cover, TWO!! Tama survives and fans are fired up! Taichi roars and drags Tama back up. Taichi Alabama lifts, but Tama headbutts while upside down! Underhooks but Taichi holds that off to back drop free! Alabama lift and BLACK- NO! Tama slips out to fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Tama hurries up top, SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO?!? Taichi survives and fans are fired up again!

Tama slithers as fans rally up, and Tama pounds the mat. He may not be a Viper but he could be hearing voices. Taichi writhes, Tama wants him to stand! GUN STUN!!! Cover, Tama wins!!

Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taichi earns 0)

Now that was Too Sweet! Tama gets a win over the Dangerous Tekker, will he and brother Loa be primed for a tag title shot?

YOSHI-HASHI VS SANADA!

Much like Taichi and Tama, the Headhunter and the Cold Skull aren’t in the running for the finals this year. But Hashi is still a NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champion. Will Sanada earn Los Ingobernables de Japon a shot at those titles? Or will there be no Skull End in Hashi’s future?

The bell rings and the fans rally up, “SA-NA-DA!” “YO-SHI-HASH!” as the two stare down. They slowly circle, tie up, and Hashi gets around to a waistlock. Sanada switches, Hashi wrenches out to a wristlock but Sanada reverses that onto Hashi. Hashi rolls, trips Sanada and drops an elbow on the knee. Sanada tries to fight back with a forearm, Hashi traps the leg, but Sanada wrangles him with his free leg. Sanada wants the arm but Hashi clasps hands. Hashi pushes to a cover, Sanada keeps his shoulders up, and Hashi gets free. The fans cheer the exchange as the two reset. Hashi and Sanada feel out a knuckle lock but Hashi kicks low to get a headlock.

Hashi grinds the hold, Sanada fights up to throw body shots. Sanada powers out, Hashi runs him over with a shoulder, and fans cheer as Hashi speeds things up. Sanada drops, hurdles, runs and turns Hashi’s arm-drag into his own! Sanada then dropkicks and fans cheer as Hashi goes to a corner. Sanada goes corner to corner, Hashi puts him on the apron but Sanada forearms back. Hashi runs back to slide and trip Sanada up! Hashi then brings Sanada around the elbow on the back. Hashi whips Sanada, Sanada reverses but Hashi stops from running into railing. Hashi elbows Sanada away, then baits him in to drop toehold Sanada into railing!

The ref checks on Sanada but he’s somehow okay. Hashi drags Sanada up as the ring count climbs. Sanada’s dead weight so Hashi lets him be and goes into the ring. The count is already past 10, and reaching 15 as fans rally up. Sanada stands up and slides in at 19! Fans cheer as the match continues, and Hashi stomps Sanada down. Hashi drags Sanada up to snapmare and clamps on a chinlock. Sanada endures the knee in his back, Hashi grinds the hold but Sanada reaches out. Hashi pulls back harder, Sanada scoots forward with his foot, then gets the ropebreak! Fans cheer and Hashi lets go cleanly to bring Sanada back up.

Sanada throws forearms but Hashi gives them back. Fans rally up as they pick up speed, then Hashi CHOPS Sanada! Hashi hangs Sanada out to dry on the top rope, runs and dropkicks him down! Cover, TWO! Hashi drags Sanada up and whips him to a corner, runs in, and CHOPS again! Hashi brings Sanada around to suplex, HEAD- NO, Sanada fights out of the neckbreaker, but Hashi kicks low. Hashi whips, Sanada dropkicks Hashi’s leg out, and fans cheer as both men are down. Fans rally up, and Sanada kips up! Sanada rallies on Hashi with forearms and arm-drags, then a BIG atomic drop! Hashi staggers into a trip, and Sanada ties him up in Paradise!

Fans cheer and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans get louder, Sanada is satisfied with the volume, and he dropkicks Hashi out of Paradise! Cover, TWO! Sanada brings Hashi up but Hashi fights the fireman’s carry. Sanada kicks low, whips Hashi to a corner then RANAS him on the rebound! Fans fire up as Hashi bails out. Sanada takes aim and PLANCHA, but Hashi dodges! Hashi comes back with a PLANCHA of his own! Direct hit and down goes Sanada! Hashi stands back up, drags Sanada up and puts him in the ring. Fans cheer as Hashi goes up top and hits a FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Cover, TWO!

Hashi keeps his cool and drags Sanada up. Hashi reels Sanada in, lifts but Sanada fights the bomb. Sanada fireman’s carries but Hashi fights free. Sanada elbows Hashi away, runs, but Hashi goes the other way to LARIAT Sanada down! Hashi gets Sanada up and hits a RUNNING POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO! Sanada survives and fans fire up but Hashi vows to end this. Hashi drags Sanada up and reels him back in. Hashi fisherman’s but Sanada fights the lift. Sanada puts Hashi on ropes for the MAGIC SCREW! Both men are down and fans fire back up! Hashi and Sanada slowly stir as the fans rally up, and Hashi rolls to the far side.

Sanada grits his teeth as he gets up in the corner. He runs corner to corner but Hashi dodges! Sanada tumbles up and out then springboard missile dropkicks back in! Sanada fireman’s carries but Hashi fights, so Sanada throws him into the dragon sleeper! Hashi drops to arm-drag free, but Sanada comes back to headlock! Hashi turns that into a full nelson! Half nelson, pump handle, but Sanada fights and rolls free to fireman’s carry again! TKO! Cover, TWO! Sanada goes up top to ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto knees! Hashi saves himself at the last second and Sanada writhes and rolls away. Fans rally up as Hashi climbs now, for the SWANTON onto knees! Sanada returns the favor!

Fans rally again, “SA-NA-DA!” “YO-SHI-HASH!” while both men are down. Sanada rises, throws a forearm, but Hashi forearms back. Sanada throws another forearm, Hashi gives it back. They stand, the forearms keep going, and fans rally up as they build up speed again! Sanada wobbles, Hashi ROCKS him then CHOPS him! Fans rally up again as Hashi waits on Sanada. Sanada stands to fire off forearms, ROLLING ELBOW, then tilt-o-whirl into the dragon sleeper! But Hashi fights to fisherman but Sanada fights out of that with a knee! Sanada leans on ropes, Hashi catches his breath and fans rally back up. Sanada runs but into a DRAGON SUPLEX!

But he’s right back up! Sanada runs but into a SUPERKICK! Hashi hurries to get Sanada up and run, BASEMENT METEORA! Fans fire up with Hashi as he drags Sanada up to the fisherman. KUMAGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Sanada survives but fans fire up again! Hashi wraps on a sleeper and leans on the hold. Sanada endures, claws at the hold but Hashi shifts to the full nelson, the half, but Sanada pops out of Karma to O’Conner Roll and sit-down! TWO!! Sanada fireman’s carries, Hashi slips out, Karma CRADLE! TWO!! Sanada and Hashi scramble to their feet, Hashi LARIATS Sanada down! Hashi sits Sanada up in the sleeper, shifts to the pump handle, KA-

NO! Dragon Sleeper! Inverted suplex, DRAPING TKO!! Top rope, ROUNDING BODY PRESS to Hashi’s back! But Sanada isn’t done there, he drags Hashi into the SKULL END!! Hashi endures, fans are thunderous, and Sanada bridges back as far as he can! HASHI TAPS, SANADA WINS!

Winner: Sanada, by submission (gains 2 points; Hashi earns 0)

The Cold Skull gets a hot win by switching up the pattern! Will Sanada be able to throw his opponents for a loop as the G1 enters the homestretch?

Kazuchika Okada VS Chase Owens!

The Rainmaker is going for lucky number 7, but the Crown Jewel could get another shocking upset! Will it be another hot hand for Okada? Or will he bust running into the Texas Heavyweight Champion?

The bell rings and fans rally up, “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” as he and Chase circle. They feel out the grapple, back away, then approach to tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. Okada puts Chase against the ropes, lets off and fakes the chop, to then pat Chase on the shoulder. Fans cheer as Chase rushes in but Okada kicks low. Okada headlocks, Chase powers out but Okada runs him over. Things speed up, Okada fakes out Chase’s dropkick to run him over again. Okada drags Chase up, throws a short elbow, then comes back to CLUB Chase on the back. Chase goes to the corner, Okada brings him out and turns him for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE, but Okada keeps Chase down with a chinlock.

Chase fights up, throws body shots, but Okada CLUBS him down. Okada brings Chase up to scoop and SLAM him, then he goes to the apron for a slingshot senton onto knees! Chase gets the better of Okada here, and fans rally up as Okada writhes. Chase stomps Okada, gets the legs to stomp him in the gut, then again. Chase digs his heel in, lets off, then jams knees into Okada’s back. Chase shoves Okada to ropes to then stand on his back! Chase salutes then steps off to bring Okada back up. Chase ROCKS Okada in the back with a forearm, then shoves him for another forearm! Chase whips Okada hard into a corner, and Okada falls to the mat.

Fans rally up again, “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” but Chase drags Okada up. Okada throws body shots, forearms, and whips Chase, only for Chase to reverse into a cravat knee smash! Chase then hits a mule kick and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Another try, TWO! Another, with both legs, TWO! The deep hook didn’t defeat the Rainmaker but Chase keeps his cool. Fans rally up, Chase sits Okada up to clamp on a shoulder claw! Okada endures as Chase digs deeper! Okada fights up, Chase CLUBS him down. Chase kicks Okada around and taunts him, then slaps him. Okada gets up, Chase throws a forearm but Okada eggs him on. Chase throws more forearms, Okada fires back!

Chase kicks the leg! Okada hobbles and Chase whips, but Okada ducks and dodges to CLOBBER Chase with an elbow! Fans fire up as both men are down again. Chase sits up but Okada stands as fans rally. Okada throws forearm after forearm, then whips Chase corner to corner. Okada runs in to back elbow! And then kick to DDT! Cover, TWO! Okada paces, brings Chase back up but Chase throat chops! Chase throws Okada out of the ring, builds speed but Okada dodges the dropkick to kick and DDT Chase to the floor! Fans fire up again as both men are down on the outside. The ref checks, both men are okay to continue, and a ring count starts.

Okada slowly sits up as the count reaches 10 of 20. Okada stands, brings Chase up and puts him in at 13. Fans cheer as this continues in the ring. Okada wrenches and puts on the MONEY CLIP! Chase RAMS Okada into a corner and is free, but Okada comes back, into a BACKBREAKER! Fans rally back up as Okada writhes. Chase hobbles around, runs corner to corner and forearms Okada, to then reel him in for a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Chase drags Okada up, fireman’s carries, but Okada fights free. Chase elbows him back, runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Both men are down again and fans rally back up.

Okada sits up first but Chase follows. Okada is in the red corner, Chase runs in but Okada pops him up to the top rope. Chase boots back, Okada comes back but Chase puts him up top, GAMANGIRI! Chase cravats for a SUPER SNAPMARE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Okada survives and fans fire up again while Chase grows frustrated. Chase drags Okada up, wrenches an arm but Okada ROCKS him with forearms. Chase ROCKS Okada back, runs at the ropes but is put on the apron. Chase boots back, slingshots and SPEARS Okada down! Fans fire up as Chase drags Okada up. Chase whips Okada to a corner, runs in but is popped up to an Alabama! REVERSE NECKBREAKER!

Fans rally up as both men are down again. Okada drags Chase up, Chase swings but Okada catches the arm! MONEY CLIP! Chase throws haymakers with his free arm and is free! Chase whips, Okada reverses and dropkicks Chase down! Okada hurries to get the arm, MONEY CLIP! Chase is already red as Okada leans on the hold. Fans rally up, Chase fights, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go and fans keep rallying. Okada and Chase slowly rise, Okada scoops and SLAMS Chase, then heads for the corner. Okada climbs, MACHO ELBOW DROP! And of course, Rainmaker Pose! Okada drags Chase up, wristlocks but Chase elbows back.

Okada ROCKS Chase with a forearm to the back! Okada goes to a corner, runs corner to corner but Chase dodges! Chase rolls Okada and has his feet on the ropes! The ref doesn’t see it, TWO!! Okada protests but Chase runs in, Okada dodges the knee. Okada runs, Chase resets to SHI TRIGGER!! Okada flounders against ropes, Chase runs again, but Okada dodges to SNAP GERMAN! Okada keeps the waistlock on to ripcord, but Chase dodges! And fakes out the dropkick to SHINING WIZARD! Chase drags Okada up, reels him in, but Okada back drops free! Chase fires off fast hands, but Okada ducks to backslide! Chase rolls through, BOOTS, but Okada just glares.

Chase boots again, Okada fires up, but into a SHI TRIGGER!! Chase roars, fans fire up and Chase underhooks the arms, but no Package Driver! Chase CLUBS away on Okada, tries again, but Okada flips through to the MONEY CLIP! Chase arm-drags free, but runs into a scoop! TOMBSTONE!! Both men are down but fans are thunderous! Okada gets up, drags Chase up and ripcords, but Chase ducks to backslide! Okada rolls through, Chase reels him in and tucks the arms, but Okada fights free again! Chase sunsets, Okada sits on it but Chase finishes the flip, TWO!! Okada narrowly escapes, spins Chase, but Chase BOOTS and hammerlocks! JEWEL-

No! Okada denies the heist to BACK2BACKBREAKER! And then MONEY CLIP!! Chase is caught again but he’s fighting as fans rally! Chase reaches, Okada drags him away to a MONEY CLIP CAMEL CLUTCH! Chase taps, Okada wins!!

Winner: Kazuchika Okada, by submission (gains 2 points; Chase earns 0)

And fortune still smiles upon the Rainmaker! Okada gives a Low Sweet to Chase, perhaps as a sign of respect. But will Okada be feeling too sweet all the way to the top of G1 finals?

Hirooki Goto VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!

The Fierce Warrior may not be able to take the block, but he could spoil things for the King of Darkness! Will Goto make sure at least one name doesn’t make the cut? Or will he be the newest to learn Everything is Evil?

The jackets are put aside and Evil Low Sweets with Dick. The bell rings and Evil talks trash to Goto as the fans rally up. Goto just kicks and fires off CHOPS! Evil kicks and runs, but Goto ducks to run and run Evil over! Evil bails out but Goto tells him to get back in the ring. Dick distracts but Goto still sees the sneak attack coming! Goto kicks and fires forearms, but Evil rakes eyes! The ref reprimands, Evil tells him to shut up, but Goto turns things around to fire forearms! Goto whips corner to corner, takes a moment to check his vision, then runs corner to corner. But Evil dodges while taking the buckle pad! Goto runs into bare buckles while the ref reprimands Evil.

Evil tosses the buckle pad aside, drags Goto up and throws him out. Goto ends up by railing and we can see where this is going! Evil RAMS Goto into the timekeeper’s area! Down goes Abe-san, along with the bell and NEVER Openweight Six Man belt! Fans rally but Evil uses a chair to choke Goto! Evil lets off before the ref sees, then Too Sweets Dick before he gets in the ring. Evil gets impatient for the ring count but then he shouldn’t have knocked the timekeeper over! The ref keeps count all on his own and it climbs up to 10 of 20 before Goto gets up. Goto stands at 12, Abe-san joins the counting at 14, and Goto gets in at 16.

Evil grabs a leg and stomps away on it! He then turns Goto over for a HALF CRAB! Goto endures, drags himself around but Evil blocks him from the ropes! Goto powers through and still gets the ropebreak! Evil sits deeper but lets off as the ref counts to 4. Evil paces and fans rally for Goto, but Evil kicks him around and CLUBS him. Evil then scoops, SLAMS and covers, TWO! Another, TWO! Another, TWO!! Evil gets frustrated but the fans cheer as Goto stays in this. Evil gives toying kicks and talks trash, then stands on Goto’s head. Fans rally, Evil brings Goto up and Goto fires off hands! Evil kicks low, then boots, but Goto deflects to DISCUS LARIAT!

Both men are down and rolling towards corners as fans rally up. Goto runs in at Evil, MURAMASA! And BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Goto drags Evil up, Evil kicks low and runs but Goto follows to LARIAT! Goto gets Evil up, fireman’s carries, but Evil bails out. Evil takes a moment to catch his breath and go around the way, then he dares Goto to come get him. Goto slides out but Evil slides in. Goto gets to the apron, Evil runs in but Goto ROCKS him with a forearm. Evil grabs at the ref and Dick grabs at Goto! Goto kicks Dick away but Evil BLASTS Goto off the apron! Goto hits railing and the timekeeper’s area again! Abe-san suffers again!

Dick drags Goto up to DECK him while Evil still distracts the ref! Dick then puts Goto in for Evil to cover, TWO! Evil grows annoyed but fans rally up again. Evil drags Goto up, Goto blocks the fireman’s carry! Evil knees low, whips Goto into the bare buckles, then runs, but into a fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Evil goes to a neutral corner, drags himself up the ropes, but Goto runs in! Evil BOOTS him, Goto comes back but into more BOOTS! Evil runs at Goto, DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but Goto stays up! Goto grits his teeth, drags Evil up and slaps him around. Goto fires up but Evil blocks the kick to rake the eyes!

Evil throws Goto’s foot at the ref so hard, the ref falls down! Not Evil’s usual tactic, but that’s because he wants Dick to get in! MAGIC KILLER!! Evil shouts the ref as he covers, the ref counts, TWO!! Goto survives and Evil is beside himself! Evil drags Goto up, fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS!! Cover, TWO!! Goto survives again and fans fire up! Goto and Evil stir as the fans rally, but Evil stands first. Evil slashes his throat, drags Goto up, spins Goto around, but Goto throws elbows to fight the STO! Evil still tries but Goto gets free and pulls hair. Evil breaks free but Goto ducks his elbow to ROCK Evil with a right! Facelock, URA GTR! Goto keeps moving, and LARIATS Evil down! Cover, TWO!!

Fans fire up again as both men are down. Goto grits his teeth and fires himself up as he stands. Goto drags Evil up, dragon sleepers, but Evil slips out to shove him at the ref! But Goto blocks the low blow to fire off forearms! Evil drops to his knees, Goto drags him back up, but Evil reels him in! Goto slips out to sweep the leg! Goto figure fours the legs for the GOTO SHIKI CRADLE! But Dick is distracting the ref!! Goto would’ve won twice over! He lets off to tell Dick to leave, as does the ref. But then Evil runs in! Goto gets the ref out of the way, Evil clotheslines Dick in the corner! Goto runs in to clothesline sandwich them both!

Fans fire up with Goto and he drags Evil back up into the dragon sleeper. But Evil rakes eyes again! The ref reprimands, Evil drags Goto back up and whips him, only for Goto to reverse! Evil hits buckles, Goto fireman’s carries, G T W!! Cover, TWO?!! Evil survives but Goto still has more to give! Goto fires up and takes aim, BUZZSAW! Then the dragon sleeper, for G T- No, Evil grabs the ref! Goto shoves them away, Evil uses the ref as a shield, and Dick uses the SPOILER CHOKER!! Goto is fading out, Dick leaves him on the mat! Evil finally lets the ref go and drags Goto up, EVERYTHING IS EVIL!! Cover, Evil wins!!

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

Talk about spoiling things! The King of Darkness keeps winning thanks to his court jester, and he is still alive in the block! Is there still an outside chance Darkness Falls on the G1 Climax finals?

Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Jeff Cobb!

The Ace is on the outside looking in, but that doesn’t mean he can’t turn the tides! Will he put the United Empire’s Hulk on a last minute detour? Or will he be crushed as Cobb climbs up the G1?

Tanahashi takes off the jacket and shows off the muscles, which the fans do like. Fans rally up already, “Let’s Go, Ace! Let’s Go, Ace!” at the bell. Tanahashi and Cobb circle, feel out the grapple slowly, then tie up with knuckle locks. Just one of Cobb’s is stronger than both of Tanahashi’s, and Tanahashi gets away to reset. They tie up again, collar ‘n’ elbow, but are in a deadlock. Cobb pushes Tanahashi back to ropes, Tanahashi turns things around, and Tanahashi lets off, only for Cobb to shove him down. Tanahashi gets up and protests, but then shrugs it off as he and Cobb circle again. They tie up, Tanahashi headlocks but Cobb powers up.

Tanahashi thrashes the hold, Cobb tries to power out but Tanahashi holds tight! Cobb fights and powers up again to power out. Tanahsahi slides out to avoid any kind of shoulder tackle and fans cheer his savvy. Tanahashi wants Cobb to chase him but Cobb tells Tanahashi to get back in. They continue to dare each other, Tanahashi gets the fans rallying again. Cobb goes out, Tanahashi gets back in and Cobb gets frustrated. Cobb gets in, Tanahashi runs but into a scoop! Tanahashi slips out, full nelsons, but Cobb breaks it with pure power! Tanahashi powers up to put it back on but Cobb powers up to break it again! Cobb grins but Tanahashi powers up even more, so Cobb elbows him away.

Cobb runs in at the corner but gets an elbow. Tanahashi goes up but Cobb drags him down with a waistlock. Tanahashi elbows free but runs into a DROPKICK from Cobb! Fans cheer the agility of the big bad Cobb, and he stomps Tanahashi down. Cobb JAMS his knee into Tanahashi’s back, then throws an uppercut. One finger cover, ONE! Tanahashi doesn’t appreciate Cobb’s cockiness, but Cobb wraps him up in a rear bearhug. Tanahashi endures the squeeze, Cobb pushes him into the corner, then throws body shots. Cobb RAMS his shoulder in, and again, then brings Tanahashi around to scoop and cradle for a BACKBREAKER! Cobb uses Tanahashi as his guitar!

Cobb shoves Tanahashi into the corner again, then CHOP LARIATS! Fans rally up, “Let’s Go, Ace!” but Cobb CHOP LARIATS again! And again! Cobb lets off and Tanahashi drops to a knee. Cobb mocks those clapping for Tanahashi as he scoops and carries Tanahashi around. Cobb KNEES Tanahashi in the side, then again, before tossing him down. Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Fans cheer but Cobb is annoyed with Tanahashi’s resilience. Fans rally up and Cobb toys with The Ace. Cobb stands on Tanahashi’s hand, then lets off. Tanahashi slowly stands, throws body shots, but Cobb just laughs those off.

Cobb messes Tanahashi’s hair up but Tanahashi throws harder body shots! Tanahashi fires up but Cobb RAMS him into the corner! Then goes corner to corner to RAM him! Then back the other way! Then a fourth time! Cobb lets Tanahashi fall while fans cheer his strength. Cobb steps on Tanahashi as he heads to the corner and climbs up. Cobb mocks Tanahashi’s posing, SUNSET SENTON FLOPS! Cobb completed the rotation but Tanahashi avoids the impact! Fans fire up as Tanahashi stands and fires fast hands on Cobb. Tanahashi whips, Cobb reverses but Tanahashi comes back with FLYING FOREARMS! Tanahashi fires up more as he puts Cobb in the drop zone.

Tanahashi stomps Cobb, goes up the corner, and shows him how it’s done! SUNSET SENTON! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up for Tanahashi as he waits on Cobb. Cobb slowly rises, Tanahashi runs, and he dropkicks the legs out! Then he gets a leg for the DRAGON SCREW! Tanahashi ties up the legs for the TEXAS CLOVER HOLD! But Cobb’s so big, it’s hard to turn him over! Tanahashi powers up and gets the turn! Cobb endures, powers up, but Tanahashi sits deep! Cobb powers up again and gets the ropebreak! Tanahashi lets go quickly and stalks Cobb as fans rally. Tanahashi stomps the legs, even as Cobb holds ropes. Red Shoes has Tanahashi let off and Cobb goes to the apron.

Tanahashi runs back over but Cobb ROCKS him first! And headbutts! Cobb bumps Tanahashi off buckles, then climbs up the corner. Cobb wants to bring Tanahashi up but Tanahashi fights the superplex to the outside! He gets Cobb’s leg through the ropes, DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Cobb flops down to the floor as fans fire back up! Fans rally, Tanahashi climbs up top and watches Cobb down below. HIGH FLY ATTACK! Direct hit and down goes Cobb! Red Shoes checks on both men but they’re somehow okay to continue. Fans rally harder than ever, “Let’s Go, Ace! Let’s Go, Ace!” Red Shoes starts a ring count as both men stir.

Tanahashi stands at 8 of 20, gets in the ring at 10, but Cobb is still down at 13! Cobb rises at 14, flounders at 16, then hobbles up and in at 18! Fans cheer as this continues, and Tanahashi fires up as he runs. SLING- NO! Cobb gets around to a waistlock but Tanahashi elbows free. Tanahashi runs into a LARIAT from Cobb! Fans rally again while both men are down. Tanahashi crawls to a corner and drags himself up the ropes. Cobb runs in but misses the back elbow! Tanahashi runs in but Cobb catches his crossbody! Cobb pops Tanahashi up to a suplex, but Tanahashi fights free to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tanahashi fires up and runs, SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!

Tanahashi drags Cobb to a drop zone and goes up the corner. Fans fire up as Tanahashi aims, HIGH FLY FLOW onto knees!! Cobb saves himself and Tanahashi writhes and rolls away! Fans are thunderous as the two slowly stir. Tanahashi fires himself up, he and Cobb glare at each other. Cobb springs up to his one good leg and dares Tanahashi to bring the fight! Cobb throws a forearm, Tanahashi gives it back. Cobb forearms again, Tanahashi gives it back again. Fans rally as the two pick up speed and keep going. Cobb ROCKS Tanahashi, keeps throwing forearms, but then he loads up, only for Tanahashi to SHOTEI! But Cobb fires up, only to turn around into another SHOTEI!

Tanahashi runs, SLING- NO! Cobb swings Tanahashi, ATHLETIC- NO! Tanahashi makes it a SLINGBLADE!! Cover, TWO!! Fans are thunderous again and Tanahashi goes right back to a corner! Tanahashi climbs, aims, HIGH FLY ATTACK is caught!! Cobb pops Tanahashi around to a fireman’s carry, for an F5 THOUSAND!! Both men are down again and fans rallying as Cobb crawls to a cover. TWO!! Tanahashi barely gets out of that one and Cobb is beside himself. Fans rally, “LET’S GO, ACE!” as hard as they can. Cobb tells Tanahashi to just give up but Tanahashi says he won’t! Cobb whips Tanahashi to ropes, scoops, but Tanahashi makes it a cradle, TWO!!!

Cobb and Tanahashi stagger up, Tanahashi blocks the superkick to SHOTEI! But Cobb GERMAN SUPLEXES outta nowhere! Cobb whips and scoops, TOUR OF THE ISLAND!!! Cover, Cobb wins!!

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

The Once in a Century Talent falls again! He was already out of the running, but is he just going to owe yet another IWGP US Championship match in the aftermath? As for Cobb, he gets the mic to speak.

“Tanahashi, Tanahashi.” He applauds, showing his respect. “Are you guys sad that I beat the Ace?” Tanahashi is amazing! But two more wins for Cobb and the United Empire! Jeff Cobb is senshou youshou! That is to say, he will be THE champion in NJPW! But will Cobb’s confidence and dominance be tested in these last two rounds?

Here are the current B Block standings!

Kazuchika Okada: 7-0, 14 points
Jeff Cobb: 7-0, 14 points
EVIL: 6-1, 12 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
SANADA: 3-4, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Hirooki Goto: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
YOSHI-HASHI: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Tama Tonga: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Taichi: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Chase Owens: 1-6, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

My Thoughts:

Another great round for the G1, but full disclosure, I really did consider skipping the first two G1 matches since they wouldn’t affect the top of the block. But Taichi VS Tama was still really good and could lead to Dangerous Tekkers VS Guerrillas of Destiny one more time for the IWGP Heavyweight Tag titles. And Hashi VS Sanada was also very good, and it was great to see Sanada change things up. I hope Sanada finally gets something going for himself, he was running real hot just a couple years ago but things seemed to change, even without factoring in COVID and 2020.

But of course, the latter three matches were great stuff. Chase looks strong even in losing to Okada, who of course continues on undefeated. Evil also stays in the running with his 6-1 record, he could definitely try to spoil things for Cobb next round. But after Cobb got that great win in a great match with Tanahashi, it’s as I said before and I’ll say it again: Okada VS Cobb, both undefeated going into the ninth and final round, that is the big money main event NJPW is sitting on. The winner of that should go in as the undefeated 9-0 B Block winner, and maybe even THE G1 winner just on that. Given that, I feel like Okada finds a way to win to really beef up how the G1 feels.

My Score: 9.1/10