NJPW brings the hot autumn to Yamagata!

The Rainmaker is so close to the finals, he can taste it! But will it taste Too Sweet? Or will Tama Tonga make Okada finally taste bitter defeat this G1?

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

PLAY BY PLAY

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]

Taichi w/ Miho Abe VS Chase Owens!

The Holy Emperor has been falling down the block, but he won’t let himself end up last! Will he thwart a Jewel Heist but the Crown Jewel? Or will the Texas Heavyweight Champion get another shocking win before the G1 is done?

Miho helps Taichi with his jacket, fanny pack and IWGP Heavyweight Tag title belt. Chase of course takes notice of the rib tape, and the bell rings. Fans rally and Chase dares Taichi to take him on sumo style. Fans rally up as Chase takes a sumo stance, but then Chase gets his water bottle first. Chase takes a sip, comes back to center and sets up. But wait, he needs another sip. Chase goes back to his corner, sips from his water bottle, and now he sets up. Wait, wait, wait. Chase needs more water. Taichi gets impatient and dares Chase to bring it already. Chase and Taichi set up, fans fire up and they clinch! Taichi throws Chase down and Chase bails out, having lost his own challenge.

Chase baits Taichi to the outside but Taichi is ready as he kicks low and CHOKES Chase! Taichi brings Chase all the way around to the timekeeper’s area and throws him down. Taichi uses microphone cable to choke Chase! The ref reprimands, Taichi lets off, then stomps Chase down. Taichi drags Chase up, whips but Chase reverses to send Taichi into railing! Then Chase SHOTGUNS Taichi back into the railing! Taichi clutches his lower back, where the rib tape is, and Chase stomps away on him. Chase digs his heel into the tape, drags Taichi back up, then DECKS him with a right hand. Chase digs his knee into the ribs now, but the ref reprimands.

Chase lets off, goes to the ring, and both Miho and the ref check on Taichi. Fans rally up and Taichi says he’s okay to continue. Taichi slowly crawls over as the ring count starts. The count is 7 of 20 as Chase goes out and back after Taichi. Chase CLUBS Taichi down, brings him back up and puts him back in. Fans cheer as this continues in the ring and Chase taunts Taichi. Chase stomps Taichi, throws a body blow, then stomps away in the corner. Fans rally up, “TA-I-CHI! TA-I-CHI!” as Chase stands Taichi up. Chase throws forearms, Taichi kicks back, but now Chase chokes Taichi! The ref reprimands, Chase lets off, but then he CLUBS Taichi down.

Chase knees Taichi in the back then clamps on a chinlock. Taichi has the ropebreak but Chase lets off to slap him around and taunt him. Taichi gets mad as Chase slaps him and he kicks low! And again! And again! But Chase knees low, then whips Taichi to ropes. Taichi reverses to wrench and DANGEROUS HOOK KICK! Both men are down and fans rally back up! Taichi stands, brings Chase up and gives him Kowata Kicks. Chase staggers to a corner, Taichi runs in to corner clothesline! Taichi snapmares Chase to KICK him in the back! Taichi eggs Chase on, Chase ducks the buzzsaw and knees low again! Chase runs but into an AX BOMBER!

Fans fire up and OFF COME THE PANTS! Chase staggers up, Taichi aims, but Chase blocks the superkick to shove and scoop to a BACKBREAKER! Both men are down again and fans rally back up. Taichi gets to a corner, Chase runs corner to corner, but Taichi dodges! Chase ducks the gamangiri to KNEE Taichi in the side! Chase fireman’s carries to a GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives the “Prince’s Throne,” but Chase hasn’t given up yet. Fans rally up as Chase taunts Miho and KICKS Taichi in the side! Chase says he wants a kiss but Miho says no. So Chase KICKS Taichi again! Chase will spare Taichi if Miho gives him a kiss on the cheek, but still Miho refuses.

Chase lines up a shot, runs in but Taichi blocks! Chase throws forearms and a KICK to the leg, but Taichi doesn’t even flinch! Taichi KICKS Chase’s leg, and KICKS and KICKS, then KICKS Chase into flipping through the air! Chase apologizes and wants mercy but Taichi drags him up. Chase fires off fast hands, but Taichi comes back! Chase boots, Taichi sobats then BOOTS, Chase rebounds into the GAMANGIRI! Fans fire up as both men are down again! Taichi fires up and reels Chase in, but Chase fights the saido! Taichi’s ribs hurt, Chase kicks low and tucks him in! But Taichi fights the driver, so Chase BOOTS him! Taichi ducks the clothesline to DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Cover, TWO!!

Chase survives and Taichi seethes. Fans rally up and Taichi roars as he stands! Chase staggers into the Alabama lift but he CLUBS away on the ribs. Chase tucks Taichi back in, but again Taichi fights, and he back drops Chase away! Both men stagger up, Chase runs in, BLINDSIDE SHI TRIGGER to the ribs! Taichi staggers, into a SHI TRIGGER to the face! Chase drags Taichi to a drop zone and goes up top! Fans fire up and SUPER LEG DROPS!! Chase fires up, drags Taichi up and tuck shim in, PACKAGE DRIVER!! Cover, Chase wins!!

Winner: Chase Owens, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Taichi earns 0)

As the Holy Emperor continues to fall, the Crown Jewel shines! Chase sets the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship on Taichi’s chest, will Chase find a partner to take those titles from the Tekkers?

Hirooki Goto VS SANADA!

The Headhunter hit a Skull End last round, will the Fierce Warrior end up in the same boat? Or can he thwart Sanada from sweeping the NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champions?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Goto waistlocks but Sanada switches. Goto wrenches out to a wristlock, but Sanada spins through to wrench back. Sanada has the wristlock now, but Goto rolls and wrenches to a hammerlock. Goto shifts to a headlock, grinds the hold, but Sanada throws body shots. Sanada powers out but Goto runs him over. Fans cheer, things speed up, and Goto turns Sanada’s hip toss into his own! Sanada gets to ropes, Goto clotheslines him up and out! Fans fire up as Goto goes out to bring Sanada back up and into the ring. Cover, TWO! Another try, TWO! Another, TWO! The deep leg hook doesn’t do it, but Goto keeps cool.

Goto sits Sanada up for a chinlock with a knee in Sanada’s back. Sanada endures, even as Goto twists the hold. Goto drives an elbow into Sanada’s forehead and sends Sanada rolling. Goto stomps Sanada down, brings him back up, then CLUBS him on the back. Goto CHOPS Sanada in the corner, whips him corner to corner, but Sanada reverses. Sanada runs in but Goto boots him! Goto goes up but Sanada YANKS him down! Fans rally up, “SA-NA-DA! SA-NA-DA!” as he catches his breath. Sanada throws Goto out of the ring, goes out after him, then CLUBS him! Goto CHOPS back, Sanada ROCKS Goto with a forearm! Sanada fireman’s carries to SNAKE EYES Goto on the railing!

Fans rally up, Sanada gets in the ring, and a ring count starts. Goto stirs but the count is 10 of 20 before he stands. Fans rally more, Goto gets up at 15 and in at 16. Sanada covers, TWO! Another try, TWO! Another with the deep leg hook, TWO! Goto escapes as Sanada returns the favor from earlier. Sanada drags Goto up, trips him, and ties him up in the Paradise Lock! Fans cheer and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans do get louder, and a louder, and Sanada is satisfied with the volume. Sanada runs to dropkick Goto out of Paradise! Sanada then drags Goto around and clamps on a chinlock. Goto endures, pulls hair, but the ref reprimands so he stops.

Goto reaches for ropes, kicks around, but Sanada grinds the hold. Fans rally, Goto reaches out again, and gets the ropebreak! The ref points it out, Sanada lets off cleanly. Sanada then stomps Goto, CLUBS him down, but Goto growls. Sanada throws haymakers but Goto eggs him on. Sanada throws more hands but Goto CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Sanada kicks back, but Goto suplexes! Sanada slips out, Goto deflects the boot to DISCUS LARIAT! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Sanada gets to a corner, Goto runs in, MURAMASA! Then the BULLDOG! Cover, TWO! Goto drags Sanada up but Sanada kicks low. Sanada runs, Goto follows and LARIATS!

Fans fire up with Goto as he drags Sanada up to a fireman’s carry. Sanada fights free to a waistlock but Goto elbows free to run. Sanada hurdles, hurdles and dropkicks! Goto bails out, Sanada PLANCHAS! Direct hit and the fans fire up again! Sanada again encourages them to get louder and the fans oblige. Sanada brings Goto up, puts him back in the ring, then covers, TWO! Sanada drags Goto up, fireman’s carries, but Goto fights out of that to kick low. Goto whips, Sanada tumbles up then out and springboards back in, only for Goto to get under. Goto fireman’s carries, USHIGOROSHI! Fans fire up as both men are down again!

Goto and Sanada both slowly rise and head for each other. Goto throws a forearm, but Sanada gives it back. Fans clap for “SA-NA-DA!” as Goto throws another forearm. Sanada gives it back again, so Goto throws another. They stand, Sanada forearms, Goto forearms, repeat! Sanada wobbles, Goto throws more and more forearms! Goto fires up, but Sanada ROLLING SOBATS! Sanada runs and tilt-o-whirls into the dragon sleeper! Goto flails, pops free, and runs back in, into a fireman’s carry! USHIGOROSHI! Sanada shows that anything Goto can do, he can do, too! Fans are thunderous as Sanada vows to end this! Sanada dragon sleepers again, for the SKULL END!

But Goto rolls through to get his own dragon sleeper! But Sanada slips through to put Goto on the ropes! DRAPING TKO! Cover, TWO! Sanada hurries right to the corner, ROUNDING BODY FLOP as Goto dodges! Fans are thunderous for “SA-NA-DA!” as he and Goto are down again. Sanada crawls to a corner and drags himself up. Goto runs in but into an elbow! Sanada Quebrada to the dragon sleeper! But Goto spins it around! Goto puts Sanada up on the ropes, DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sanada survives and fans fire up! Goto drags himself up the ropes and Sanada crawls after him. Goto BUZZSAW, but Sanada blocks! Forearm and ROLLING ELBOW!

Sanada runs, into a fireman’s carry! Goto throws Sanada into the dragon sleeper but Sanada drops to victory roll! TWO!! Sanada kicks and runs but Goto follows, only for Sanada to duck and O’Conner SIT DOWN! TWO!! Sanada hurries but into another fireman’s carry! He uses the dragon sleeper to get out of it, but now Goto victory rolls! TWO, and Sanada forearms, ROLLING ELBOW, but into a facelock! URA GTR! Goto runs, Sanada duck the lariat to O’Conner BRIDGE! SANADA WINS!!

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

The Cold Skull turned that fast and furious exchange into a sudden victory! And though he’s out of the G1 running, is there another NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Team Championship match in his and Los Ingobernables de Japon’s future?

Hiroshi Tanahashi VS YOSHI-HASHI!

The Ace has already ended up under 500, but the G1 isn’t done just yet. Will he be able to break even? Or will a NEVER Openweight Six Man Tag Champion #GetBackUp at the expense of the IWGP US Heavyweight Champion?

Tanahashi takes off the jacket and fans cheer as he shows off the muscles. The bell rings and fans rally up, “Let’s Go, Ace! Let’s Go, Ace!” Tanahashi and Hashi circle, they tie up, and are in a deadlock already. Tana gets around, wrenches, headlocks, but Hashi slips out to headlock right back. Tana throws body shots, powers up, but Hashi holds on tight! Hashi grinds Tana to the mat, Tana endures and fights back up, but Hashi hits a takeover. Tana rolls, Hashi rolls it back and pulls harder on the headlock. Fans cheer as Tana endures and fights back up. Tana throws more body shots, powers up and out this time, but Hashi runs him over!

Fans cheer as Hashi stands tall and brings Tana up. Hashi throws a forearm, fans rally up and Hashi CHOPS! Tana goes to a corner, Hashi throws another big forearm then whips corner to corner. Hashi runs in but Tana elbows him away. Tana goes up to CROSSBODY! And air guitar, too! Hashi gets up in the corner, Tana and Hashi run at each other, Tana dropkicks Hashi’s legs out! Hashi clutches the knee, Tana is after that leg, and he knees the knee again and again! Tana also stomps the hamstring, then drops an elbow on the knee. Hashi endures the toehold and fights back with a chinlock, but Tana cranks back on the foot! Tana then stands up to spinning toehold!

Hashi still endures, but Tana ties up the legs for a Butterfly Deathlock! Tana puts pressure on the legs and fans cheer the technical savvy. Hashi CHOPS back as fans rally, but Tana puts more pressure on the stretch. Hashi drags himself backwards, Tana puts more pressure, but Hashi still gets the ropebreak! Tana lets him free with help from the ref, and fans rally up again, “Let’s Go, Ace!” Tana stomps Hashi’s legs, drags him up, but Hashi throws body shots. Tana throws a forearm, Hashi forearms and CHOPS! Hashi CHOPS again, but Tana kicks the bad leg! Hashi goes back to ropes, Tana stomps him more and fans continue to rally.

Hashi struggles to stand, Tana kicks his bad leg again. Tana has Hashi in the corner, backs off and fans continue to rally. Tana stands Hashi up, whips him corner to corner, and Hashi barely makes it. Tana runs in but Hashi dodges! Hashi comes back to fire forearms. Hashi whips, Tana reverses but Hashi hits the HEADHUNTER! Both men are down out of Hashi’s blockbuster but Hashi gets to ropes. Hashi gets up as fans rally for The Ace, and Hashi throws forearm after forearm, then another CHOP! Tana staggers to a corner, Hashi whips him corner to corner. Hashi runs in and CHOPS again! Hashi whips and CHOPS, then mule kicks and NECKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO!

Hashi keeps his cool as fans rally up again. Hashi stands Tana up, Tana blocks the suplex, even as Hashi tries again. Tana tries to suplex Hashi but he blocks that. Hashi gets Tana up and over! But Tana holds on, to get Hashi up for TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Tana gets Hashi up again, but Hashi suplexes again! They’re still locked up with dueling facelocks, TWIST ‘N” SHOUT! Both men are 2-for-2, who gets the next one? Hashi suplexes to hang Tanahashi out to dry, but Tana escapes to TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Both men are down again and fans rally back up! Tana fires up as he stands, and he fires a forearm on Hashi! Hashi forearms back, so Tanahashi forearms again!

Fans rally up as the forearms keep flying! Tana gest the edge and Hashi wobbles, but Hashi comes back with fast hands and a CHOP! Tana wobbles but he fires back fast hands of his own! Uppercut, but Hashi PALM STRIKES! Hashi hobbles after Tana to whip, but Tana reverses, only for Hashi to dodge the slingblade! Hashi full nelsons, Tana breaks to switch, but Hashi breaks Tana’s full nelson back! Hashi full nelsons again, Tana breaks and switches, but Hashi slips out of the dragon suplex to GIVE A DRAGON SUPLEX! Fans rally up with Hashi now as he runs, LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Tana survives but Hashi keeps his focus.

Hashi drags Tana up, reels him in, fisherman and- No, Tana turns that into a cradle! TWO, and SHOTEI! But Hashi LARIATS! Fans fire up with Hashi as he stands Tana back up. Full nelson, half nelson, pump handle, but Tana blocks the lift! Tana throws elbows but can’t get free. Fans rally, Tana throws more elbows but Hashi LARIATS point blank! Then he pump handles, KARMA BACKBREAKER! Hashi runs to BASEMENT METEORA! Fans fire up with Hashi as he gets Tana up, fisherman to KUMAGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Tana survives but Hashi has the fans fired up again! Hashi drags Tana up, waistlocks to the full nelson, half nelson, but no Karma! TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT!!

Both men are down and fans rally up again. Hashi and Tana go to opposite corners, and both men rise. Hashi and Tana run at each other, SLINGBLADE! Hashi rises but Tana runs again, LARIAT! Tana stays up, Hashi SUPERKICKS him! Hashi runs but into a SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO! Hashi is still in this but Tana fires up and goes to a corner! Tana goes up top, Hashi stands, HIGH FLY ATTACK! Tana goes back to the corner and climbs back up, HIGH FLY FLOW!! Cover, Tanahashi wins!

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

And the Ace stands tall! But he sits with Hashi to show him the respect he’s earned here. Will both Yoshi-Hashi and Tanahashi be able to finish strong in this G1?

Jeff Cobb VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo!

The United Empire’s Hulk takes on the King of Darkness in a critical match-up! Will Evil take a Tour of the Islands? Or will Darkness Fall and end the dominant win streak?

Evil and Dick Low Sweet and the bell rings. Fans cheer as Evil and Cobb stare down, but then Evil bails out while Dick gets on the apron. Evil sneaks around and attacks from behind! Evil CHOPS Cobb against ropes, then again, and again! Evil wrenches, whips, but Cobb reverses to drop down and hurdle then dropkick! Fans cheer the agility and Cobb drags Evil back up. Cobb DECKS Evil with a forearm! Cobb brings Evil back up, snapmares him at the ropes then jumps and stomps him down! Cobb dares Dick to do something now, then hops off of Evil as the ref counts. Evil gasps and sputters but Cobb stomps him around more.

Cobb brings Evil up, Evil throws body shots but Cobb just smirks. Evil CHOPS, Cobb HEADBUTTS Evil down! Fans cheer as Cobb flexes. Cobb runs, Dick swipes at him, and Cobb tells Dick to back off. Cobb turns around and kicks, but Evil blocks to hand the foot to the ref! Evil the mule kicks Cobb down! Evil drags Cobb up, throws him out of the ring, then RAMS him into the railing! Commentary stays standing better than the timekeeper, and Dick distracts the ref as Evil gets chairs. Evil JAMS Cobb, puts the chair around his head, then hits the HOMERUN! Evil argues with commentary whether that would’ve made it out of the park, but then Dick undoes the blue buckle pad!

The ref checks on Cobb, wondering about the chairs. Fans rally up but Evil gets impatient. The ring count starts but Dick is anchoring Cobb by standing on a foot! Dick backs off as the ref gets whiff of that, and Cobb gets in at 15 of 20! Evil kicks Cobb around in a corner, then CHOPS him! And CHOPS again! Cobb feels those now, and Evil feints a chop to rake the eyes! The ref counts, Evil stops and stalks Cobb. Cobb staggers and Evil taunts him, to then rake the eyes again! The ref reprimands, counts, and Evil lets off at 4 to argue with the ref. Evil gives toying kicks but Cobb throws body shots! Cobb CHOPS and Evil goes staggering away. Cobb ROCKS Evil, Evil rakes the eyes again!

The ref reprimands, Evil whips Cobb out of the ring. Evil goes out and RAMS Cobb into the timekeeper’s table! Down goes Abe-san! When will the torment stop?! Evil drags Cobb up and brings him around the way for a cobra twist! Dick helps out and they form a chain to the railing. But Cobb pries free and HIP TOSSES them both! Fans fire up at that show of strength as Cobb drags Evil up and CLUBS him on the back. Cobb SMACKS Evil off the timekeeper’s table, then dumps him onto the table. Abe-san gets away this time, and Cobb SMACKS Evil off the table again. Cobb makes Evil take a seat before dribbling his head off the desk!

The ref reprimands, Cobb takes the bell hammer from Abe-san and puts it in Evil’s hand. Is Evil the timekeeper now? Cobb goes around and grabs Dick! Dick begs for mercy but Cobb picks him up with both hands to RAM into Evil! Evil once again tastes payback for everything he’s done to Abe-san! Cobb considers using a chair but he decides not to sink to Evil’s level. Cobb leaves Evil behind as the ring count climbs, but then Evil gets up. Cobb goes back out to fetch Evil, and ROCKS him with a forearm. Cobb DOUBLE CHOPS Evil up and over the railing! Cobb then goes around the way to put Evil in the ring, and fans cheer.

Cobb watches Evil crawl to a corner, and he grins as he runs corner to corner for the LEAPING UPPERCUT! Cobb then picks Evil up for the RUNNING BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! GACHIMUCHI MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Evil survives being squashed but he gasps and sputters as Cobb looms over him. Fans rally up as Cobb drags Evil up. Cobb whips Evil to ropes and scoops, but Evil rakes eyes to avoid the tour! Cobb waistlocks but Evil backs him up into the bare buckles! The Bullet Club’s favorite strategy finally comes into play! Fans rally up again and Evil wants Cobb to stand. Cobb rises, Evil runs, and LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Cobb is still in this and Evil grows frustrated.

Evil slashes his throat and drags Cobb up. Evil spins Cobb around, but Cobb slips out of the STO to RAM Evil into a corner! And then corner to corner! Dick gets on the apron but Cobb redirects towards him! Dick gets away, the ref is knocked over by this, and then Cobb pops Evil around to RAM him into a corner! OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! Cover, but the ref is still down! Dick gets the chair and SMACKS Cobb on the back! Dick drags Cobb up to throw down punch after punch! Fans rally as Dick paces and stomps Cobb’s legs. Evil drags Cobb up, he and Dick coordinate, MAGIC KILLER! Dick goes out to get the ref up and into the ring as Evil drags Cobb back up.

Fans rally back up for Cobb but Evil fireman’s carries, DARKNESS FALLS! Cover, TWO!! Cobb is still alive and fans are fired up! Both men are down as Evil catches his breath. Evil gets up, slashes his throat again, then stand Cobb back up. But Cobb fights the STO with elbows! Cobb catches Evil, tries to steal the STO, but Evil shoves Cobb into bare buckles! Only for Cobb to come back and LARIAT! Fans fire up, Cobb gets to his feet and he hobbles over to Evil. Cobb drags Evil up, whips him to ropes, but Dick helps keep Evil at the ropes! Evil BOOTS back, runs in but Cobb ROCKS him with a right! Cobb runs but into a drop toehold onto ropes! Then Dick gets a cheap shot in!

Cobb staggers, Evil runs in, into an ATHLETIC PLEX! But Evil collides with the ref again! Dick gets Cobb with the SPOILER CHOKER!! Cobb is turning red! Evil gets up and Dick feeds Cobb to EVERYTHING- NO! Cobb shoves Evil at Dick, then runs! They dodge his double clotheslines, but Cobb blocks a kick to give it to Dick! Then Cobb SUPERKICKS Dick! Cobb remixes Evil’s usual move, but Evil resists the German Suplex to LOW BLOW! Fans rally up as Evil crawls to get the chair. Evil aims at Cobb as he rises, and Evil swings, but Cobb ducks! SUPERKICK sends the chair into Evil! GERMAN SUPLEX! Cobb gets Evil up, reels him in, TOUR OF THE ISLAND!! Cover, Cobb wins!!

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

UNDEFEATED AT EIGHT! Is there no stopping the United Empire’s tank at this point? Are we looking at the future G1 Climax 31 winner?

Kazuchika Okada VS Tama Tonga w/ Jado!

We just saw Jeff Cobb win and go 8-0, and the Rainmaker will have to face him in the ninth! Can Okada keep pace with Cobb until that final match-up? Or will the Good Bad Guy have the best win of the entire G1?

Tama already takes off his vest as Okada takes off his jacket. The bell rings and fans rally up already for “O-KA-DA! O-KA-DA!” Tama and Okada circle, back off, stare down a moment, and feel things out. They tie up, Okada waistlocks but Tama wrenches out to a hammerlock. Okada drop toeholds, gets a waistlock, but Tama gets a double wristlock that he makes a hammerlock. Okada endures as Tama cranks on the hold, and then rolls to get up. Tama wrenches and has the wristlock again but Okada rolls. Okada gets the leg, has a toehold but Tama uses a chinlock to fight back. Okada pulls on the leg, Tama endures, but Okada keeps on the pressure!

Tama scoots back and reaches out, and gets the ropebreak. The fans cheer, Red Shoes counts, and Okada lets off cleanly. Tama gets up and Jado coaches him. The two reset, circle again and fans rally up. They tie up, Okada shoots around and trips Tama to tie up the legs. Tama reaches back for a chinbar but Okada cranks the deadlock. Tama scrambles around to another ropebreak, but Okada cranks on the hold! Red Shoes counts, Okada lets off at 4. Tama gets up again and is frustrated while Okada just smirks. Okada and Tama circle again, feel things out, and tie up. Tama waistlocks, SLAMS Okada, floats around to a facelock and grinds Okada down.

Okada fights up, powers Tama to ropes, and Red Shoes calls for the break. Tama lets go, Okada lets off, and things are tense, but Tama ROCKS Okada with forearms to intercept the fake-out! Okada knees low, whips but Tama reverses. Tama hurdles, hurdles and HAKU CHOPS! Fans fire up and Jado coaches Tama to keep on Okada. Tama stomps Okada, Okada throws body shots, then forearms. Tama throws body shots, runs, but into a boot! Okada snapmares Tama and runs to basement dropkick! Fans cheer as Tama writhes. Okada drags Tama up, reels him in, turns him and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE! Okada keeps cool as he clamps on a chinlock.

Okada grinds Tama down, Tama endures and pries at the hold, then gets the ropebreak. Okada lets go cleanly and fans cheer. Tama throws body shots but Okada ROCKS him with an elbow. Okada drags Tama up, scoops and SLAMS him, then goes to the apron for a slingshot senton! Tama bails out, Okada goes out to fetch him, and he CLUBS Tama on the back. Okada has media make room and he whips Tama, only for Tama to reverse! Okada goes up and over the railing, Tama runs in but Okada ROCKS him! But Tama GUN STUNS Okada to the railing! Okada goes down in a heap and clutches his chest as Red Shoes goes out to check on him.

Tama tells Okada to get back in the ring but Red Shoes Tama to do the same. Tama backs off and lets the ring count start. Okada grits his teeth and fans rally up, but the count reaches 10 of 20 before he stands up. Okada hobbles around the railing and to ringside, but the count is 15 as he drops again. Okada gets back in at 18, but Tama stomps away on him! Tama drags Okada up, and dropkicks him into a corner! Fans fire up, Tama rains down haymakers, then he drags Okada up for a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Tama sits Okada up to CLUB him with crossface forearms, then tops it off with an elbow to the top of Okada’s head! Cover, TWO!

Tama is annoyed while fans rally up, and Tama drags Okada up to a chinlock. Okada endures, Tama drags him down to the mat and hooks a leg. Okada is turning red and tries to get up, but Tama puts more weight on the sleeper. Fans rally, Okada fights his way up to his feet, and throws body shots. Tama cranks the hold, Okada elbows free but Tama CLUBS him to a corner. Tama whips corner to corner, Okada reverses and runs in but Tama BOOTS back! Tama runs, into a FLAPJACK! Both men are down and fans rally up harder! Tama slowly sits up, Okada follows. Okada rallies with big forearms and elbows! Okada whips, Tama reverses but Okada ELBOWS him down!

Okada whips Tama corner to corner, runs in and back elbows! Then kicks and DDT’s! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Okada stalks Tama. Tama staggers up, Okada reels him in but Tama blocks the Alabama lift. Tama throws body shots, Okada staggers back and Tama whips him corner to corner. Tama runs in, STINGER FLOP as Okada dodges! Okada puts Tama up top to dropkick him down! Tama hits the floor and fans fire up! The ring count starts and Jado coaches Tama up. Okada goes out after Tama, though, and whips Tama into railing! Okada runs in to BOOT Tama up and over! Okada then drags Tama back up, but Tama GUN-

NO! Okada won’t let that happen again! Okada drags Tama out along railing, DRAPING DDT! Both men are down and Red Shoes checks, both men are okay to continue so fans rally back up. The ring count starts again, and Okada sits up at 6. Okada stands at 9, catches his breath and fetches Tama at 15. Okada puts Tama in the ring at 17 and fans cheer the sportsmanship that this continues in the ring. Okada drags Tama up, wrenches and goes for the Money Clip, but Tama blocks! Tama TOSSES Okada away, then throws body shots and uppercuts! Tama runs but into a dropkick! Okada drags Tama up for the MONEY CLIP!!

Tama endures, fans rally up, and Okada thrashes on the hold! Tama reaches out for the ropes but Okada drags Tama away from them! Tama keeps fighting, and he gets the ROPEBREAK! Okada lets go fast and fans cheer. Okada drags Tama up, scoops and SLAMS him then goes to the corner. Okada climbs up top, and MACHO ELBOW DROPS! Fans fire up and Okada strikes the Rainmaker Pose! Okada drags Tama up, ripcords, but Tama jumps for a SATELLITE DDT! Both men are down again and fans fire back up! Tama flounders and gets to his feet, then heads for Okada. Tama brings Okada up, CLUBS him on the back, brings him in, but Okada slips out to scoop!

Tama fights to get the dragon sleeper again but Okada turns it around! ROLLING- COMPLETE SHOT! Tama counters and gets Okada back up in the dragon sleeper! TONGAN TWIST! Cover, TWO!! Okada barely gets that arm up and Tama is frustrated again. Fans rally harder and Jado coaches Tama to keep at it. Tama fires up, wants Okada to stand, and he runs in to GUN- NO, Okada pushes to ROLLING LARIAT!! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Tama and Okada both slowly sit up. Okada gut wrenches but Tama blocks. Okada keeps trying, Tama CLUBS and throws body shots. Tama swings but into a waistlock! He fights the suplex to PELE!

Okada staggers to a corner, Tama goes to the other. Okada runs back but Tama dodges the shotgun! Okada gets up in the corner, Tama runs back in, but Okada pops him up to the Alabama! REVER- NO! Tama slips out to fireman’s carry, ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! Tama goes up top fast, for the SUPREME FLOW!! Cover, TWO!! Fans are thunderous as Tama watches Okada on the mat. Tama drags Okada up, underhooks the arms, but Okada fights the lift. Tama CLUBS Okada on the back, underhooks again, but Okada again fights to back drop free! Okada and Tama get up, Tama throws body shots! Tama whips, Okada reverses and dropkicks Tama down!

Fans fire up and Okada grits his teeth as he drags Tama up. Okada gut wrenches to JUMPING TOMBSTONE! Okada roars and fans are thunderous as he drags Tama up. Okada ripcords, Tama jumps, GUN- NO! Okada blocks again, and Okada ripcords, GUNS- NO!? Okada blocked again?! Ripcord, but Tama ducks the lariat! And he fakes out Okada’s dropkick! Fans rally up as Tama watches Okada rise, GUN- STILL NO! Ripcord, but Tama reels Okada in! Half hatch, BLOODY SUNDAY!! Shout out to The Prince!! Fans are thunderous again and Tama pounds the mat. Tama is hearing voices like The Viper as Okada slowly stands. Tama takes aim, GUN-

NO! Okada keeps blocking the cutter! Okada powers through to gut wrench again! POWER- GUN STUN!?!? Tama hit his best, covers, TWO?!?! Okada survives but Tama is roaring! Tama underhooks and lifts, D S D!!! Cover, Tama wins!!!

Winner: Tama Tonga, by pinfal (gains 2 points; Okada earns 0)

INCREDIBLE!! The Good Bad Guy is the one to give Okada his first win this G1!! Is this going to be what keeps Okada from making it to the finals? Or can he rebound against Jeff Cobb in the ninth?

As for Tama, he takes a moment before getting on the mic. “YAMAGATA~! I! AM TAMA TONGAAA~! And tonight, I beat Okada! Today starts a new chapter for Tama Tonga. I changed my history today!” Mic drop and the music hits! The Good Bad Guy is feeling much more than Too Sweet today! Will this be what leads Tama Tonga to bigger and better in NJPW?

Here are the current B Block standings!

Jeff Cobb: 8-0, 16 points
Kazuchika Okada: 7-1, 14 points
EVIL: 6-2, 12 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 4-4, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
SANADA: 4-4, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Tama Tonga: 3-5, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Hirooki Goto: 2-6, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
YOSHI-HASHI: 2-6, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Chase Owens: 2-6, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Taichi: 2-6, 4 points [ELIMINATED]

My Thoughts:

Another great round for the G1, and quite a few surprises. I didn’t think Chase was going to win but with World Tag League coming up in a couple months, I suppose it makes sense to get as many teams in on the title hunt. Sanada gets another win and I’m thinking LIJ could try for the Six Man titles again, but just not sure with who. Takagi is top champion, Naito is out, so would it be Sanada, Hiromu and Bushi? Without either of his heavyweight tag partners, Sanada can’t get in on World Tag League anyway. Tanahashi VS Hashi was really good but I figured Tanahashi was winning. Tanahashi has plenty of options for the IWGP US Championship going into Power Struggle, I’m thinking he finishes his G1 with 5-4.

Cobb VS Evil and Okada VS Tama were both awesome stuff, but what a great shocker for Tama to win! Cobb is going in undefeated, Okada has this loss, that finals match gets even more interesting because if Okada is Cobb’s one loss, that is all it takes since Okada and Cobb would both be 8-1. However, how awesome would it be if Cobb goes into the finals as THE 9-0 block winner?

My Score: 9.2/10