Whose luck runs out in the fourth round?

Sanada is 3-0 in A Block, and Kazuchika Okada is 3-0 in B Block! Will either man still be leading the G1 Climax after tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• G1 Climax 33, B Block: Will Ospreay VS Great-O-Khan; Ospreay wins.
• G1 Climax 33, A Block: Shota Umino VS Gabe Kidd; Shota wins.
• G1 Climax 33, B Block: Taichi VS KENTA; Kenta wins.
• G1 Climax 33, A Block: Yota Tsuji VS Chase Owens; Tsuji wins.
• G1 Climax 33, B Block: Tanga Lao VS El Phantasmo; ELP wins.
• G1 Climax 33, A Block: Ren Narita VS Hikuleo; Hikuleo wins.
• G1 Climax 33, B Block: Kazuchika Okada VS YOSHI-HASHI; Okada wins.
• G1 Climax 33, A Block: SANADA VS Kaito Kiyomiya; Sanada wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current A Block standings.

Sanada: 3-0, 6 points
Kaito Kiyomiya: 2-0-1, 5 points
Gabe Kidd: 2-1, 4 points
Chase Owens: 2-1, 4 points
Ren Narita: 0-1-2, 2 points
Shota Umino: 0-1-2, 2 point
Yota Tsuji: 0-2-1, 1 point
Hikuleo: 0-3, 0 points

Here are the current B Block standings.

Kazuchika Okada: 3-0, 6 points
Taichi: 2-1, 4 points
Will Ospreay: 2-1, 4 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 2-1, 4 points
Tanga Loa: 1-2, 2 points
Kenta: 1-2, 2 points
Great-O-Khan: 1-2, 2 points
El Phantasmo: 0-3, 0 points

G1 Climax 33, B Block: Will Ospreay VS Great-O-Khan!

The United Empire was bound to clash being in the same block, and perhaps it is misfortune that it happens here in the fourth round. But will the IWGP United States Champion stay strong? Or will the Rev-Pro British Heavyweight Champion soon have the upper hand?

The bell rings and the two tie right up! They’re in a deadlock as fans rally and duel. Khan powers Ospreay back a few steps, but Ospreay digs in his heels! Even so, Khan puts Ospreay on the ropes. The ref calls for the break, Khan lets off with pats on the shoulders, and fans applaud. Ospreay gets right up in Khan’s face, stands him up tall, and CHOPS! But Khan doesn’t flinch! Ospreay fires forearm after forearm but Khan just brushes himself off. So Ospreay dares Khan to try! Khan Mongolian Chops! Ospreay drops to a knee, but he rises up. Khan Mongolian Chops again! Ospreay drops to a knee again, but he rises back up.

Khan Mongolian Chops again, but Ospreay SOBATS! Ospreay whips, but Khan blocks! Khan whips, Ospreay ducks ‘n’ dodges to BOOT! Ospreay runs, but into a back drop! Fans fire up for Khan while Ospreay flounders. Khan drags Ospreay up to suplex high and hard! Cover, ONE! Khan wraps onto Ospreay with a HEAD ‘N’ ARM TRIANGLE! Ospreay kicks around to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer as Khan lets off, but Khan kneels on Ospreay’s face! The ref reprimands, Khan steps away, and fans rally. Khan drags Ospreay back into a chinlock, and digs his knee in! Then he throws elbows down into the shoulder!

Ospreay endures as Khan goes back to the chinlock. Fans rally up, Ospreay fights around, but Khan shifts to a headlock. Khan grinds Ospreay into the mat, but Ospreay fights back up. Ospreay throws body shots, but Khan ELBOWS him on the neck! Khan whips Ospreay to a corner, but Ospreay reverses! Ospreay runs in but only gets buckles! Khan CLUBS Ospreay on the back, and fans fire up as Khan sits on his throne! But Ospreay slips out to JUMP STEINER! Fans fire up as Khan goes flying! Ospreay drags Khan up, fires forearms, then whips. Khan reverses but Ospreay handsprings, NEURALIZER!

Fans fire up again while Khan bails out. Ospreay hurries over, to PLANCHA! Direct hit and down goes Khan! Fans fire up again and Ospreay says “IKU ZO! <LET’S GO!>” Ospreay drags Khan up and puts him in, then aims from the apron. Khan rises, fans rally, and Ospreay springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Khan hangs tough, but Ospreay drags him to a drop zone. Ospreay goes up the corner but Khan anchors him. Ospreay CLUBS Khan but Khan TRIPS Ospreay! And then SLAM DUNKS him off the buckles! Then runs to BOOT Ospreay down! Cover, TWO! Ospreay hangs tough and fans rally up again.

Khan puts some stank on his hands, but Ospreay blocks the Mongolian Chops to give Kawada Kicks! Ospreay pulls the ponytail and turns Khan around, to CHOP! Ospreay fires the fans up, but Khan catches him for a HITSUJIGOROSHI! Ospreay claws at the hold and fires fists from below, but Khan knees him in the back! Khan scoops Ospreay, carries him over, and DUMPS him outta the ring! Ospreay hits apron on the way down! Khan goes out after Ospreay and tells cameramen to move. Khan drags Ospreay up to whip him hard into railing! Ospreay sputters as he falls, but Khan opens the gate!

Fans move aside as Khan brings Ospreay into the seats. Khan BOWLS Ospreay into chairs! The ref has Khan go back to the ring while he checks Ospreay, but Khan goes looking for something. Khan brings out a chair from under the ring! Khan drags Ospreay back to the ring, to RAM into railing! Khan has the chair, and he JAMS Ospreay! And SMACKS him on the back! The ref reprimands but Khan pushes Ospreay into the ring. Khan covers with one hand, but the ref won’t count that. This ref is following Red Shoes’ example, taking outside shenanigans into consideration. Khan drags Ospreay up and reels him in.

Khan scoops, but Ospreay slips free to HOOK KICK! Fans fire up as Ospreay powers up the arm! Ospreay aims from the corner, Khan sits back up, but Khan avoids Hidden Blade! Khan shoves the ref at Ospreay but Ospreay moves, so the ref hits buckles hard! Ospreay storms up, into MIST!! Khan blinds Ospreay with clear mist, then trips Ospreay to the PANCAKE BRIDGE! TWO, and Khan waistlocks to bridge! TWO, suplex to PANCAKE! TWO!?!? Ospreay escapes and he says he can’t see! Khan runs in to clothesline Ospreay out! Fans rally up and Khan PLANCHAS?! Fans fire up even more as Khan takes Ospreay down!

Khan drags Ospreay up and into the ring, then clamps on the IRON CLAW! ELIMI-NO, Ospreay flips through to SUPERKICK! And he swats the lariat to HOOK KICK! Ospreay runs, into a LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!!! Ospreay survives and we hit 10 minutes! Khan vows to end this and he goes up, to MOONSAULT!?? Cover, TWO!!! Khan is busting out Ospreay-esque moves and yet Ospreay is still in this! But the Monster Rage boils over! Khan IRON CLAWS, then ELIMIN- NO, JUMP KNEE! But HELL STABS! Khan runs, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!?!? Khan survives but Ospreay fires up!

Ospreay calls his shot, springboards, OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Khan survives but Ospreay puts him in the drop zone! Ospreay goes up to CORKSCREW SENTON!! Cover, Ospreay wins!!

Winner: Will Ospreay, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Khan earns 0)

Ospreay truly took a “Leap of Faith” with that corkscrew, and now he is victorious! Khan sure tried some nasty tactics, but Ospreay lets it slide, and even offers Khan a hand. Khan accepts it and the fans cheer. The United Empire is still strong, will they take over the G1 one way or another?

G1 Climax 33, A Block: Shota Umino VS Gabe Kidd!

The Roughneck has two points from two draws, while this War Dog has two wins for four points. Will Gabe be able to beat Shota in time? Or will he feel the Paradigm Shift firsthand?

Not again! Despite Shota entering through the crowd, Gabe still blindsides him! Fans boo but Gabe doesn’t care, and he takes Shota’s jacket to wear as his own! Gabe mocks Shota’s entrance then tells the fans off. Gabe then lashes Shota with his own jacket! And again! Gabe drags Shota up to CHOP him! Gabe then headlocks to bring Shota along, and ROCKS him with a forearm! they go down the bleachers, Gabe CHOPS Shota again, and fans boo more. Gabe headlocks Shota again to bring him down to the ground level, and POSTS him! Gabe puts Shota in the ring, and he tells the ref to ring the bell!

The ref reluctantly does as told, and Gable runs to COMEBACKER LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Shota is still in this and Gabe is furious. Gabe drags Shota up, drags him through the ropes and to the apron, but Shota fights the suplex! Shota throws body shots, fires forearms, and fans rally! Shota hits Gabe again and again, but Gabe ROCKS Shota back! Gabe reels Shota in, to suplex him to the apron! Shota flops to the floor and Gabe dusts himself off while fans boo. Gabe then goes looking around, and he goes out to just grab an empty chair! Fans boo and commentary tells him not to go this far but Gabe says he’s gonna do what he wants!

But the ref stops Gabe from using the chair on Shota, so Gabe throws the ref into the ring. Gabe wants a ring count now! The count begins, Gabe paces around, and fans rally for Shota. Gabe lounges on the top rope, fans boo, but we’re at 7 of 20! Gabe says HE is the future of NJPW, not Shota! Shota stirs at 10, sits up at 12, but staggers around at 14 and flops back over! Shota gets up at 16 and hops in at 17, but Gabe stands him up to CHOP him down! Gabe digs his boot into Shota’s head, but fans boo and the ref reprimands. Gabe lets off at 4, sits Shota up, and KICKS him in the back! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally up but Gabe smirks then flips everyone off. The fans cheer Shota on but Gabe goes out to snatch a fan’s Shota banner! Gabe CHOKES Shota with it! Fans boo, the ref counts, and Gabe lets off at 4. Gabe then flosses his cheeks with the banner! Then he spits on it! Gabe throws it back to the crowd as they boo, but he just soaks it all up. Gabe eggs Shota on, and Shota rises. Gabe talks trash, but Shota throws a forearm! But there’s no power behind it! Shota gets mad and he fires another forearm, but there’s still not a lot of power. Shota gets angrier, the fans rally for him, and he fires another forearm, but Gabe ROCKS him with a right!

Gabe reels Shota in, EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Shota is still in this and Gabe grows frustrated. Gabe drags Shota up, reels him in, but Shota fights the lift! So Gabe CLUBS away on Shota. Gabe runs, but Shota catches him for the DROP and BASEMENT UPPERCUT! Fans fire up as Shota grits his teeth and checks his neck. Shota whips Gabe to a corner, runs in, and UPPERCUTS! Then FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but fans still rally. Shota nods and he drags Gabe up. Shota clinches but Gabe fights the suplex! Shota knees low, snapmares and clamps onto an arm, to then throw down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS!

Fans fire up as Shota uses the Blackpool Combat Club special and just drives those elbows in! Shota then drags Gabe up, clinches, but Gabe fights with elbows of his own. Gabe CLUBS Shota, runs, but into a DROPKICK! Shota then hurries to the corner, climbs up, and fans rally. Gabe stands, and Shota BLINDSIDE MISSILE DROPKICKS! Shota then drags Gabe up, for SAVING GRACE! Cover, TWO! Gabe is still in this but Shota just fires up again. Both men rise, and Shota sees Gabe go to the corner. Shota drags Gabe up, hoists him up top, and then climbs up after him. Fans rally again but Gabe fights the clinch!

Gabe CLUBS Shota, ROCKS him with a forearm, but then Shota just laughs! Gabe throws more shots but Shota gives them back! They brawl up top, Shota gets the edge and Gabe wobbles! Shota clinches, but Gabe BITES an ear!! The ref reprimands, Gabe lets off, and fans boo. Gabe drags Shota up with a HANGING FACELOCK!! The ref counts, Gabe lets Shota go at 4 and Shota flops down! Fans boo more but Gabe hops down and catches his own breath. Gabe scuffs Shota but the fans continue to rally. Gabe snarls and he KICKS Shota in the back! Gabe scuffs Shota more, mocks the new Ace, “What you got? What you got?!”

Gabe SPITS at Shota! Fans boo more and Shota stands. Shota scowls and swings, but Gabe ROCKS him first! Shota BOOTS, Gabe CHOPS, but then Shota clinches for the EXPLODER! Both men are down and fans fire up again! Gabe sputters as he rolls to a corner, and Shota rolls to the opposite end. We reach 10 minutes as both men stand. Shota runs corner to corner but Gabe BOOTS him! But Shota rebounds to UPPERCUT Gabe at the ropes! Shota goes out, SLINGSHOT DDT! Shota then watches Gabe flounder and the fans rally up. Gabe rises slowly, Shota runs in, kick and underhooks! But Gabe sends Shota at the ref!

Shota stops himself, and then he blocks Gabe’s low blow! Fans boo Gabe, and Shota reels him in, POP-UP UPPERCUT! Then IGNITION!! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives but Shota fires up! Fans are with him as he underhooks, but Gabe waistlocks. Shota switches, Gabe elbows free, then he grabs at the ref. Gabe sends the ref at Shota! Shota moves the ref aside but Gabe HAYMAKERS! Fans boo the closed fist, but Gabe hits a SAIDO!! Cover, TWO!?! Shota survives and Gabe can’t believe it! The fans rally up for Shota again, but Gabe flips them off. The fans boo, Gabe drags Shota up, and Gabe hooks a leg!

Shota fights the lift, Gabe CLUBS him on the back, then CHOPS him! And CHOPS him again! Gabe runs, but into a POP-UP CLINCH for DEATHRIDER!! Shota then drags Gabe right up as the fans rally, for PARADIGM SHIFT!! Cover, SHOTA WINS!

Winner: Shota Umino, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Gabe earns 0)

Comeuppance bites this War Dog in the butt, and Shota is now even with him at four points each! But while 1-1-2 looks weird, will this be what helps Shota stay ahead in the block?

G1 Climax 33, B Block: Taichi VS KENTA!

The KOPW Champion, the Holy Emperor, suffered his first loss in the G1 at the hands of Kazuchika Okada. The Defy Wrestling Champion, the Fang Revived, suffered another loss, and at the hands of Will Ospreay. In another clash of champions, who has the worse luck in round four?

As Taichi makes his entrance, Kenta mocks the sing-along by strumming his Defy title as a bass guitar. And then Kenta is surprised Taichi has a belt at all. Kenta then says HIS belt means more, even though it’s not from NJPW. Taichi takes off his coat and fans cheer for the KOPW belt. Kenta raises his Defy belt and fans cheer again. Taichi holds up the KOPW belt and fans cheer even more! Kenta raises his belt again, and he still gets cheers, but it sounds like the NJPW belt is more popular. Kenta is annoyed by that, and Kenta shouts at Yoshinobu Kanemaru on commentary. Kanemaru hops into the ring and fans cheer him on.

Kenta raises his Defy belt, and fans cheer. Taichi gets on a corner and raises his KOPW belt and fans cheer. “Uncle Nobu” wants another sample, and so Kenta stands on a corner to raise his belt. Fans cheer, but then Taichi stands back on the corner, pops the pecs and holds up the belt, and fans cheer even more! Kanemaru declares… TAICHI the favorite! Kenta gets mad, kicks Kanemaru and then throws him out! But what did he expect from Taichi’s own teammate? But then Kenta CLOBBERS Taichi with the Defy belt! The ref missed that, but he still rings the bell and counts the cover! TWO!!

Kenta is even more upset, and he drags Taichi up. Fireman’s carry, GO TO- NO, Taichi blocks! And ROCKS Kenta, then hits a DANGEROUS SAIDO! Cover, TWO!! Kenta survives and both men are down while Kanemaru returns to commentary to ask what the heck. Both men in the ring rise and fans rally up. Taichi stands first, and Kenta wants him to hold on. Kenta apologizes for all that, but then he RIPS Taichi’s pants off! He denies Taichi his moment, but Taichi still hits AX BOMBER! Fans fire up as Taichi aims from the corner now! JUTEN- NO, Kenta dodges to fireman’s carry! Taichi slips off, but Kenta grabs the ref!

Taichi pushes Kenta to ropes so the ref goes along for the ride into the O’Conner Roll! But then Taichi keeps it going into the TAICHI GEDO CLUTCH! But the ref can’t count! Taichi would’ve won by now! Taichi lets off and gets mad at the ref. Kenta then scurries to his corner, grabs his Defy belt, and he takes aim again! But Taichi dodges the belt shot to SOBAT! Fans fire up with Taichi and he aims. BUZZSAW, but Kenta uses the belt as a shield! And then LOW BLOW! Roll-up, the ref counts, KENTA WINS!!

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

Kanemaru is furious on Taichi’s behalf but the Fang Revived still stole one from Taichi! Kenta then hurries away before Kanemaru can do something about it. With this, Kenta leapfrogs near the top, will he still make this his G1?

G1 Climax 33, A Block: Yota Tsuji VS Chase Owens!

The GENE 1 isn’t going so well, as Tsuji only has one point from a draw. However, the C1 is feeling good with two wins and four points. Will the Crown Jewel continue to shine? Or will Tsuji find a way to break diamonds and finally score a win?

Chase insists on the ref checking Tsuji, and then he CLOBBERS Tsuji! Fans boo as Chase stomps Tsuji and the bell rings. Chase CHOKES Tsuji, the ref reprimands, but Chase whips Tsuji to ropes and CLOBBERS him again! Cover, TWO! Chase keeps his cool as he paces around. Chase drags Tsuji up, hooks the arms but Tsuji gets away to the outside. Chase pursues to RAM Tsuji into railing! Chase brings Tsuji around, and whips him into more railing! Fans rally for Tsuji but Chase drags him up. Chase brings Tsuji around, to whip again, but Tsuji sends Chase into railing now! Chase hobbles and fans rally for Tsuji more.

Tsuji stalks Chase, SMACKS him off the apron, and then SMACKS him off the apron again! Tsuji goes up to the apron and fans cheer, but Chase YANKS Tsuji down! Fans boo but Chase hurries back up as the ring count starts. But Tsuji jumps to TIGER FEINT KICK! Tsuji keeps himself on the apron with his feet in the ropes! Tsuji then stands up, climbs the corner as we pass 10 of 20, and he ASAI MOONSAULTS Chase down! Fans fire up with that show of agility, but the count is now 15! Tsuji brings Chase up and into the ring as fans rally behind him. Chase rolls all the way to the far side and bails out, but Tsuji just takes aim!

Fans fire up as Tsuji builds speed! Chase gets up, but Tsuji avoids his shoulder! But Chase avoids the knee! Tsuji avoids the lariat but Chase avoids the shoulder to KNEE Tsuji, and Chase hits a HOTSHOT NECKBREAKER! Chase rolls back in and he stomps Tsuji around. Chase drags Tsuji up, headlock punches, but claims it was his palm. Fans boo as Chase stands on Tsuji’s head and mocks the LIJ fist. Chase then fishhooks Tsuji’s face! The ref counts, Chase lets off and he drags Tsuji back up. Chase shoves Tsuji to ropes to then ROCK him in the back! And then another shove, for another forearm to the back!

Chase brings Tsuji up, BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Tsuji hangs in there but Chase paces around. Chase kicks at Tsuji, but Tsuji just grins? Chase slaps Tsuji around, taunts him, and stands him up to fire a forearm! But Tsuji still grins! Chase fires more forearms, but Tsuji eggs him on. Chase throat chops! No more smiling there, and Tsuji fires forearms in return! Tsuji runs, wheelbarrows, but Chase rolls him and shifts to a CROSSFACE! Fans cheer Chase’s agility and technical ability! Tsuji endures, moves around, and gets the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Chase lets off at 4, and paces around.

Tsuji goes to a corner, Chase runs in but Tsuji dodges! Tsuji comes back, but Chase dodges! Chase runs in but blocks a boot, only for Tsuji to bring him down with DOUBLE KNEES! Fans rally, Chase rises, and Tsuji fires up! Tsuji fires forearm after forearm, whips Chase but Chase reverses. Tsuji ducks ‘n’ dodges to BOOT Chase down! Fans fire up as Chase goes to a corner, and Tsuji runs in, but Chase puts him on the apron. Tsuji ROCKS Chase first, then climbs the corner! FLYING RANA! Chase tumbles out of the ring and fans fire up as Tsuji takes aim again! Tsuji builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit into the railing!

Fans fire up as Tsuji rises and roars! Tsuji hears the “YO~TA! YO~TA!” and he puts Chase in the ring. Cover, TWO! Chase is hanging tough but Tsuji stays focused. Tsuji kicks Chase to ropes, taunts him, and Chase fires a forearm! Tsuji knees low, reels Chase in, but Chase wrenches out, only for Tsuji to ROCK him! Tsuji runs in, into a BOOT! Back suplex off buckles, and then SAIDO! Chase hits the combo, and then he runs in at the corner, forearm smash! Short arm LARIAT! RUNNING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Tsuji is still in this and Chase is annoyed. Chase fireman’s carries, but Tsuji fights free!

Tsuji kicks low, suplexes, but Chase fights it! Chase wrenches out, fireman’s carry, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Tsuji is still in this and we hit 10 minutes. Chase takes aim, runs side to side, but Tsuji avoids the C-Trigger to JUMP KNEE! Tsuji runs, SPEAR into C-TRIGGER!! Chase wrenches, hammerlocks, JEWEL HEIST!! Cover, ONE?!?! C-TRIGGER!! Underhooks and lift, but Tsuji back drops! Chase sunset flips and high stacks, TWO! BACK ELBOW! Chase runs, into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB, into a RUNNING KNEE of Tsuji’s own!! Fans are thunderous as Tsuji hauls Chase up!

Tsuji suplexes, but Chase powers out to SUPERKICK! Tsuji roars, Chase fires off a strike fest, but Tsuji ROCKS Chase with one shot! Chase roars and runs in, into a HEADBUTT!! Tsuji looms over Chase, and he still smiles! Tsuji runs, CURB STOMP!! Cover, TWO!! Chase survives but Tsuji isn’t done there! Fans are thunderous as Tsuji roars and aims at Chase. Chase rises, Tsuji runs in, GENE BLAST SPEAR!! Cover, Tsuji wins!!

Winner: Yota Tsuji, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Chase earns 0)

And with that, Tsuji finally hits the bull’s eye! Is there still time for Tsuji to blast off to the top of the block?

G1 Climax 33, B Block: Tanga Lao w/ Jado VS El Phantasmo!

The Silverback is just ahead of the Headbanga in the block with his one win, but that could all change. Will Loa be able to go Ape Shit on ELP? Or will Loa’s run face Sudden Death?

The bell rings and fans rally up. ELP offers a handshake, and Loa says okay, and accepts. They hug it out, both bonded by no longer being Bullet Club 4 Life. Fans rally up and ELP wiggles out of his shirt. Loa says thumbs up, 20/10. But then ELP wants Loa to take off the shirt, and the fans cheer for the same. Loa shimmies and shakes, but says no, he’s shy. ELP is bummed and says shirts off. Fans cheer for that, too, and Loa considers again. ELP even asks nicely, “Onegaishimasu!” Loa obliges and fans cheer. The two tie up, and Loa shoves ELP away. ELP comes back, they tie up, but Loa again shoves him away.

The two reset, tie up, ELP waistlocks then headlocks but Loa powers out to run ELP over. Things speed up, ELP DROPKICKS, but Loa rebounds to run ELP over! Fans cheer, Loa applauds, but ELP gets up to clothesline Loa and himself out of the ring! ELP then brings Loa up to CHOP! Loa shakes his head, so ELP CHOPS again! The chops hurt ELP’s hand as much as anything, but he still CHOPS again! Loa kicks low, brings him around, and Loa whips him at railing! But ELP LEAPS over them clean! Loa runs in, but ELP ROCKS him first! ELP hops up, TORNADO- NO, Loa blocks that and he TOSSES ELP back over!

ELP lands on his feet, SUPERKICK! And then SUPERKICKS again! Loa wobbles, ELP hops up to the next level, and he has fans scoot over to make room! ELP runs and FLIES to take out Loa! Fans fire up for “E L P! E L P!” while both men are down. ELP rises first, shakes out the arms and he brings Loa back up. ELP puts Loa in the ring, fans applaud and rally up, and ELP hurries up the ropes! SPRINGBOARD SWANTON! Then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Loa is still in this but ELP slashes his throat! ELP reels Loa in, calls out his shot, but the arms do bother him. ELP still tucks Loa in, only for Loa to power up!

Loa whips ELP away, runs in at the corner, but ELP goes up and over and handsprings, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard, into a SPEAR! Loa intercepts ELP and both men are down! Fans fire up and both men rise slowly. Jado coaches Loa and Loa shakes out the stars. Loa drags ELP up, CLUBS him on the back, then waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! ELP ends up all folded up but Loa aims from the corner. ELP rises, Loa runs in, and he clotheslines in the corner! Then GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Cover, TWO!! ELP is hanging tough and fans rally back up! Loa storms over to ELP and drags him up.

Loa reels ELP in, suplexes, but ELP slips free to roll Loa up! TWO!! ELP hurries to reel Loa in and turn him, but Loa fights the backslide! ELP keeps trying, he brings Loa down, cover! TWO!! Loa escapes but ELP runs up, only for Loa to block the cradle! Loa scoops ELP to swing him, for a SIDE SLAM! Cover, TWO! ELP survives and fans fire up! Loa drags ELP up, BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! ELP barely gets that arm up in time! Loa stalks ELP to ropes, drags him up and around, and then suplexes again! Loa marches around with ELP and fans rally, before the JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives again!

Loa grins and shakes his head, he didn’t think ELP was this tough. Loa looms over ELP, and he rains down forearms! Loa then lets off and the ref checks ELP. ELP’s still in this so Loa goes to a corner. Loa climbs and fans rally, but ELP trips Loa up first! ELP then hurries up after Loa, brings him to the very top, and fans rally up again! But Loa fights the superplex and throws body shots! Loa then HEADBUTTS ELP and ELP falls to the mat! We pass 10 minutes, and Loa adjusts his position. Loa drags ELP up to the top!? But ELP powers out to GAMANGIRI! ELP then resets things, and he GAMANGIRIS again!

Loa wobbles up top and fans fire up as ELP throws off his elbow pads! ELP climbs, goes to the very top, but Loa turns Steiner into SUPER POWERBOMB!! Both men are down and fans are thunderous! Loa crawls over to ELP, pushes him over for a cover, TWO!!! ELP survives and fans are thunderous again! ELP is shaking, and he pounds the mat as he fires up! Fans are with him, and he fires off shots on Loa! Loa grits his teeth and takes them all! ELP SLAPS! Loa SLAPS!! Loa scoops, carries ELP around, and runs, but ELP slips off! GHOST PIN! ELP WINS!!

Winner: El Phantasmo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Loa earns 0)

The Headbanga toughed it out and he finally gets on the board! ELP puts Loa at the bottom of the block now, but Loa still shows ELP respect by helping him up. Will these two still find their way to the top as the G1 rolls on?

G1 Climax 33, A Block: Ren Narita VS Hikuleo w/ Jado!

The Son of Strong Style has kept pace with rival Shota, in that he has two points but no wins. But that is still better than the Young Guerrilla having no wins and no points! Will Hikuleo keep from falling to 0-4? Will Shota actually get a W?

The bell rings and the two stare down as fans rally up. Then they tie up, and Hiku shoves Narita away. Narita gets up and Hiku eggs him on. They circle, Narita gets around Hiku but Hiku avoids the drop toehold, only for Narita to avoid the stomp. Hiku says it was that close, and the two reset. Hiku then calls for a test of strength, but also mocks Narita with how much taller he is than Narita. Narita goes for another drop toehold but Hiku avoids it again. Narita tries again but Hiku grabs that leg to stand Narita up! Narita fights the choke grip! Narita throws forearms, ROCKS Hiku, but then Hiku shakes his head.

Hiku swings, Narita dodges and FLYING FOREARMS! Hiku staggers, Narita runs, but Hiku BOOTS Narita down! Fans fire up and Hiku stomps Narita around. Narita throws hands but Hiku CLUBS him back down! Hiku drags Narita up, ROCKS him, and then storms up to Narita at the ropes. Hiku ROCKS Narita again, but Narita fires a forearm! And another! And another! Hiku boots but Narita blocks! Narita ROCKS Hiku, Hiku runs back in but Narita dumps him out! Narita goes out and kicks Hiku! Narita whips, but Hiku blocks! Hiku then whips Narita hard into railing! Narita goes down in a heap!

Hiku drags Narita up, brings him around, and gives him an APRON BACK SUPLEX! Fans fire up while Hiku paces. Hiku drags Narita up, puts him in, and fans applaud as Hiku steps back into the ring. Hiku looms over Narita, drags him up, and ROCKS him with a forearm! Narita sits in a corner and Hiku digs his boots in! The ref counts, Hiku lets off, and then Hiku drags Narita up. Narita fires forearms! Hiku fires them back! Hiku then TOSSES Narita across the ring! Fans fire up and Hiku aims. Narita drags himself up, Hiku runs in, but Narita dodges! Narita runs in, but Hiku scoops him! But Narita shifts around to a SLEEPER!

Hiku stays standing, and he RAMS Narita into the buckles! Hiku is free and Narita is the one sputtering. Hiku drags Narita up, but Narita gets a leg! Narita drags Hiku down, turns him over, but Hiku BOOTS Narita away! Fans rally as Hiku stands and shakes out the legs. Hiku storms over to Narita, Narita stands and Hiku CHOPS! Hiku then scoops, to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!! Fans rally but Hiku drags Narita up. Hiku suplexes, holds Narita up, but Narita slips free to hop on, SLEEPER! Hiku shakes and scoops Narita, to SPINNING SIDEWALK SLAM! Fans rally and Jado coaches Hiku as both men are down!

Hiku rises in the corner, Narita goes to the opposite. Hiku runs in to SPLASH! And then scoop, to SNAKE EYES! Hiku runs to LARIAT! Hiku hauls Narita back up to suplex, BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Narita survives falling from such a high place, but Hiku has something even bigger planned! Hiku hauls Narita up, whips him, but Narita avoids the scoop powerslam! Narita BOOTS, but Hiku choke grips! Narita goes after that arm but Hiku RAMS him into buckles! Narita runs in, dodges Hiku and WHEEL KICKS! Fans fire up, Narita runs to BOOT, but Hiku stays up! Hiku roars, Narita runs, and BOOTS again!

Hiku is still up so Narita goes again! Narita avoids Hiku’s boot to NECKBREAKER DROP! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Hiku goes to ropes and Jado coaches him but Narita aims from a corner. Narita runs in to BACK ELBOW! Narita facelocks but Hiku’s too big to suplex! Narita kicks at the legs, runs, and BOOTS again! Then RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Narita gets a leg! KNEEBAR!! Hiku endures, kicks at Narita, but Narita pulls on the leg more! Hiku fights, so Narita lets go to then tie up the legs! They roll, Narita holds on, and he tries to turn Hiku over!

Hiku is big but Narita stomps him into place! Only for Hiku to get the ROPEBREAK! Narita lets go in frustration and we pass 10 minutes. Narita roars, brings Hiku up and clinches, but Hiku is too big to Belly2Belly! Hiku HEADBUTTS! And fireman’s carry! But Narita slips around to a SLEEPER! Hiku RAMS Narita into buckles, but Narita holds on! Hiku starts to fade, Narita shifts to COBRA TWIST, but Hiku throws Narita right off! Narita roars, runs in, into the SNAP POWERSLAM!! Fans are thunderous as Hiku rises and calls his shot! Hiku clamps onto Narita, drags him up, CHOKE- ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!!

Narita has the arm! Hiku kicks around and stacks Narita, TWO! Narita lets the arm go, but LEAPING STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!!! Hiku survives and fans fire up again! Narita roars, and he goes up the corner! Hiku rises, Narita leaps, but into the choke grip! But Narita SLAPS! And SLAPS! But Hiku SLAPS! And choke grips! To CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, HIKU WINS!

Winner: Hikuleo, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Narita earns 0)

Finally a W for the Young Guerrilla, and that means he is no longer the bottom of the block! Will Hikuleo use this breakthrough to gain more ground in the G1?

G1 Climax 33, B Block: Kazuchika Okada VS YOSHI-HASHI!

Chaos clashes with Chaos as the Rainmaker battles with the Head Hunter! Will Okada assert his dominance by going 4-0? Or will Hashi shock the world by winning against one of the best?

The bell rings and the fans rally and duel as the two stare down. Okada and Hashi circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Okada powers Hashi back step back step, and puts him on the ropes. Red Shoes calls for the break, and Okada lets off slowly. Okada actually hits Hashi, though! Fans cheer as Okada dares Hashi to give one back. So Hashi does! They throw forearms back and forth and fans fire up! Okada knees low, headlocks, but Hashi powers up and out. They RAM shoulders and neither man falls. Okada runs, they RAM shoulders again and neither man falls. Okada eggs Hashi on so Hashi runs, only to duck ‘n’ dodge and run Okada over!

Fans fire up as Hashi paces. The fans seem strongly behind Hashi compared to Okada now, and Hashi brings Okada up. Okada knees low, runs, but Hashi follows to trip Okada up! Hashi drags Okada outside, CLUBS then CHOPS him! Okada comes back to BOOT Hashi, and DDT to the floor! Fans rally, Okada paces, and then Okada brings Hashi up. Okada POSTS Hashi! Hashi falls in a heap, some fans boo, but this is the new, meaner Okada who doesn’t care. The ref count starts, climbs to 10 of 20 pretty quickly, and Okada puts Hashi in at 12. Fans applaud and Okada steps in to bring Hashi up.

Okada snapmares Hashi at the ropes, then runs to BASEMENT DROPKICK! Okada then has a cocky cover, but Red Shoes doesn’t allow that. Okada stands on Hashi with his whole foot, but Red Shoes still disregards it. Okada steps away and paces while fans rally up. Okada brings Hashi up and around, turns him, and hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Okada scuffs Hashi and paces again. Okada gives Hashi some mocking knee strikes to the chin, but Hashi gets up to go forehead to forehead. Hashi then fires off forearms! Okada ROCKS Hashi with just one! Hashi falls against ropes but Okada stands him back up.

Okada whips, Hashi reverses but Okada ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for Hashi to dropkick the leg out! Fans fire up as Hashi is turning the tide! Okada goes to a corner, Hashi runs in and CHOPS! Hashi whips to CHOP again, then he mule kicks and runs, BLOCKBUSTER! Fans fire up with Hashi and Okada goes to another corner. Hashi runs in to clothesline! Then turn and NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Hashi keeps cool while Okada crawls. Hashi rallies the fans and he brings Okada up. Hashi suplexes to hang Okada out to dry, and then he runs, but Okada hops down! So Hashi dropkicks the legs out!

Fans fire up as Okada goes to the floor and Hashi pursues. Hashi has fans move aside so he can hang Okada out to dry on the railing! Hashi then goes side to side as fans fire up, and Hashi DROPKICKS Okada off railing! Fans fire up with Hashi again and Hashi drags Okada up. Hashi puts Okada in the ring, fans rally, and Hashi climbs the corner. But Okada anchors Hashi! Hashi CLUBS Okada, and again, and again, but Okada ROCKS Hashi back! And again! Okada CLUBS Hashi now, then climbs up after him. He wants cameramen to move? Because Okada fireman’s carries! But Hashi CLUBS Okada back!

Hashi sunset flips, to RUNNING POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Okada is still in this but Hashi isn’t giving up! Hashi drags Okada up, fisherman’s, but Okada fights the suplex! Okada pries the hold open and CLUBS Hashi back! Hashi kicks but Okada blocks and spins Hashi! Hashi blocks the boot to CHOP! Okada sputters to a corner and fans fire up with Hashi! Hashi runs back in, but Okada pops him up to an Alabama Lift! REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Both men are down again as we hit 10 minutes! Fans rally, Hashi clutches his neck and Okada catches his breath. Okada aims from a corner, Hashi rises, and Okada runs in to BOOT!

Hashi staggers around but he stays up, so Okada BOOTS him again! Hashi leans on ropes now, and fans rally. Okada BOOTS again, but Hashi roars! Hashi fires forearm after forearm, but Okada just nods! Okada and Hashi go forehead to forehead, and then forearm for forearm! Fans rally as the two pick up speed! They go back and forth, Okada ROCKS Hashi again, but Hashi shakes that off. Hashi throws a strike fest, and CHOPS! Okada sputters again and fans fire up! Hashi whips, Okada reverses but Hashi avoids the dropkick! To SUPERKICK! Fans fire up with Hashi and he drags Okada back up!

Hashi fisherman’s for the KUMA- NO, Okada fights free, gets around, DISCUS- DOUBLE LARIATS! Both men stagger around, and then they go forehead to forehead again. They start throwing SLAPS back and forth! Fans fire up as Hashi roars, but Okada SLAPS! And SLAPS! And CLUBS Hashi down! Okada runs, but Hashi LARIATS! But Okada’s right up to SHOTGUN!! Hashi is in the corner, he comes back, but Okada catches him! Ripcord, HASHI MAKER?! Hashi hits first and fans are thunderous! Hashi fisherman’s, KUMAGOROSHI!! Cover, TWO!??! Okada survives but the fans are electric for Hashi!

Hashi roars and he brings Okada back up. Hashi turns Okada, full nelson, pump handle, but Okada fights Karma with elbows! Okada hooks the ropes and Red Shoes calls the break. So Hashi LARIATS up close! Okada sputters to the corner and Hashi goes to the opposite. Hashi runs in, but Okada dodges! And Alabama, back drop to cover! TWO!!! Hashi escapes by nanoseconds! Okada swings, into the full nelson! But Okada wrenches out, and wraps on the MONEY CLIP!! Hashi fires body shots but he’s already fading! Okada squeezes tighter but the fans rally behind Hashi! Hashi sits down, Okada lets him go and drags him back up!

Okada paces, short arm- NO, Hashi blocks that! Hashi ducks the next, waistlocks, and we hit 15 minutes as Okada CLUBS away! Hashi kicks low! Hashi roars, runs, but into the DROPKICK! Okada hurries to haul Hashi up, scoops him, LANDSLIDE! Fans fire up and Okada roars! Okada drags Hashi back up, ripcords, RAIN- NO, Hashi ducks it to pump handle and KARMA CRADLE!! TWO!?!? Okada escapes with nanoseconds to spare, and then he shoots around! Ripcord, but Hashi ducks again! Only to run into a scoop! Hashi slips off, to SUPERKICK! Okada staggers, Hashi waits and jumps on, but Okada fights off the crucifix for a TOMBSTONE!!

Okada reels Hashi in to ripcord and RAINMAKER!!! Cover, Okada wins!!

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

Okada shows everyone that he is NOT Easy Pickings, he is an all you can eat buffet! But he and Hashi still fist bump in respect. Okada is now the first to 8 points this year, will he continue to stand atop the mountain that is the G1 Climax?

G1 Climax 33, A Block: SANADA VS Kaito Kiyomiya!

The main event is a battle for the top spot in the block, between two students of Keiji Mutoh! Will the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion shine brighter than the Supernova? Or will Kaito avoid a Skull End?

Fans rally up for Kaito but Sanada tunes that out. The bell rings and the two circle, and now the “SA-NA-DA!” comes out. The chants are equal according to Red Shoes, and the two feel things out. They tie up, Kaito wrenches and wristlocks but Sanada wrenches to wristlock back. Kaito fights the hold but Sanada twists the wrist harder. Kaito rolls, cartwheels, slips through and wrenches back! Fans cheer this technical exchange, and Kaito wristlocks again. Sanada rolls, trips Kaito, and drops to a toehold. Kaito fights with a chinlock but Sanada pulls on the leg. Kaito headscissors and wants the arm, but Sanada moves around.

Kaito shifts but Sanada stands, so Kaito hammerlocks. Sanada reaches down but Kaito keeps his feet back. Sanada switches the hammerlock onto Kaito but Kaito switches it right back onto Sanada. Sanada endures, but Kaito wrangles him to the mat. Fans cheer again, and Kaito SNAP LOCKS the arm! And again! And then drives knees into it! Kaito pulls harder on the hammerlock, but Sanada reaches back for a headlock. Kaito bridges over to put on the pressure, and then moves around the way to twist the hammerlock again. Fans applaud, and Kaito goes to hook another arm. Sanada resists, fights around, and sits up.

Sanada stands, reaches back, and headlocks. Kaito endures the grind, throws body shots, then brings Sanada down to a knee. Kaito pops out the back, but Sanada stands up. Kaito wrenches to hammerlock, but Sanada throws body shots. Sanada powers out but Kaito runs him over! Things keep moving, Sanada hurdles, but backflips as Kaito holds ropes to stop himself! Kaito runs in but Sanada avoids the Shining Wizard! Sanada runs but Kaito blocks the Shining Wizard! Fans are thunderous as these two stand off! The chants are dueling, “SA-NA-DA!” “KAI~TO!” The two circle, approach, and then Kaito runs!

Kaito ducks, dodges, slides under and arm-drags for an armlock! Sanada headscissors, Kaito kips free and DROPKICKS Sanada down! Cover, ONE!! Sanada runs in, into another arm-drag! Kaito has the armlock again and fans fire up! Sanada endures, even as Kaito digs a knee into his head. Sanada fights up, reaches out but Kaito keeps him from ropes. Sanada arm-drags but Kaito arm-drags right back to keep the armlock! Fans rally and duel, Sanada fights up again, and he goes around to go up the ropes and FLYING ARM-DRAG, only for Kaito to arm-drag and keep the armlock! Fans cheer as Kaito then drops an elbow on the arm!

Kaito keeps on the armlock but Sanada fights up again. Kaito hooks a leg to keep Sanada down, then he shifts to CLUB the elbow! Sanada pulls hair, Red Shoes reprimands, but Sanada still whips free, only for Kaito to CLOBBER him! Kaito elbows Sanada, whips, but Sanada reverses. Sanada runs in, Kaito ELBOWS him away, and then goes up, FLYING FOREARM! Sanada bails out and Kaito watches as fans rally. Kaito builds speed to FLY over the corner!! Direct hit and down goes Sanada! Fans rally harder for “KAI~TO!” while he brings Sanada back up. Kaito puts Sanada in the ring and waistlocks! Kaito deadlift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!

Sanada is still in this and fans rally up again. Kaito hooks Sanada’s arms in chicken wings! But Sanada fights the lift! Kaito CLUBS away on Sanada, then chicken wings him again! TIGER- NO, Sanada arm-drags free! Sanada dodges to dropkick the legs, then he DROPKICKS Kaito down! Kaito flops out of the ring and fans fire up for Sanada again. Sanada PLANCHAS and down goes Kaito! Fans fire up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans do get louder as Sanada goes around the ring and Sanada is satisfied. Sanada returns to fetch Kaito, and he brings Kaito around to put him in the ring. But Sanada keeps Kaito on the apron! MAGIC SCREW to the floor!

Sanada looms over Kaito as he writhes, and then he drags Kaito up. We hit 10 minutes, Kaito pushes Sanada away but Sanada CHOKES him against the railing! Red Shoes reprimands, Sanada lets off, and Kaito sputters as he goes to the ring. Sanada pushes him in, covers, TWO! Kaito is hanging tough but Sanada paces. Sanada drags Kaito up to hit a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up and Sanada keeps cool. Sanada drags Kaito up, fireman’s carries, but Kaito fights free! Kaito shoves Sanada to a corner, runs in, but into an ELBOW! Sanada QUEBRADA, and he has Kaito in the dragon sleeper! SKULL- NO, Kaito slips free to DOUBLE STOMP Sanada’s leg!

Fans fire up while both men are down, and Sanada clutches that knee. The dueling continues, but the “KAI~TO!” is louder. Kaito goes to ropes, sees Sanada stand, and Kaito dropkicks the leg! And then dropkicks the leg again! Kaito goes to a corner, climbs up top, and he MISSILE DROPKICKS the leg! Sanada writhes but Kaito brings him up! DRAGON SCREW! And then step over, into the FIGURE FOUR!! Sanada endures and fans rally up again! Sanada pries at the hold but Kaito pushes his leg back down! Sanada claws at the mat but Kaito thrashes around to put on the pressure! Sanada keeps his shoulders up, and he works to turn it over!

Kaito fights the turn to keep the hold on Sanada! Kaito and Sanada glare at each other, and Sanada even eggs Kaito on! So Kaito THRASHES! Sanada’s shoulders are down, Red Shoes counts! TWO!! Sanada almost didn’t realize! Sanada powers up and pushes off the mat, and he TURNS IT OVER! Kaito now suffers the pressure! But then Kaito turns things back over! Sanada endures all over again, and Kaito puts on more pressure! Sanada reaches out, but Kaito thrashes some more! Sanada sits up, but he’s turned away from the ropes! We hit 15 minutes as Sanada continues to endure, and Sanada scrambles to the ROPEBREAK!

Fans cheer and Kaito undoes the hold. Sanada clutches the knee, but Kaito drags him up. Kaito chicken wings, for the TIGER PLEX! But Sanada lands out!? Only for his bad leg to jam!! Kaito smirks and he stalks up behind Sanada. Kaito drags Sanada up and has the bad leg! But Sanada CLUBS away! Kaito UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS, then runs! But Sanada avoids the rolling elbow to underhook and TIGER DRIVER!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous again! Sanada kips up!? He hobbles but the bad leg held together! Sanada then drags Kaito up, fireman’s carries, T K O!! Cover, TWO!

Sanada slaps the bad leg into working, and we hit the three minute warning! SKULL- NO, Kaito fights the sleeper, so Sanada gives him a SKULL SWING! Then he puts Kaito in the drop zone, to go up and ROUNDING BODY- NO, Kaito moves and Sanada lands on his feet, to jam the bad leg! SHINING WIZARD from Kaito!! But Kaito can’t make the cover! Fans are thunderous and dueling, and Kaito rises first. Kaito drags Sanada up but Sanada UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS, but into a hook, and ELBOW! Kaito runs, ROLLING ELBOW! But Sanada DROPKICKS right back! Two minute warning as Kaito JUMP KNEES! And TIGER PLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!!!

Fans are electric as time is ticking away! Kaito powers up, drags Sanada up, and Kaito chicken wings! TIGER DRIVER 23!!! Cover, TWO!?!? Sanada survives Kaito’s best but Kaito isn’t done yet! Kaito is all fired up, and he aims from a corner! Sanada rises as we hit the last minute! EVOLVED- POP-UP CUTTER!!! Sanada stops Kaito’s second best shot, and he aims from a corner! Sanada SHINING WIZARD!! But he isn’t done, he clinches to DEAD- ROLL-UP FROM KAITO!! TWO!!!! Kaito staggers up and we hit 30 SECONDS! Sanada gets around, O’Conner BRIDGE, but Kaito pops free to O’CONNER BRIDGE!! TWO!!!

We hit TWENTY SECONDS as both men stand! ROLLING ELBOW, ROLLING ELBOW, and then a RUNNING- RANA!!! Cover, TWO!!! TEN SECONDS! SHINING WIZARD!!! Cover, SANADA WINS!!!

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

With just TWO SECONDS LEFT, the Cold Skull pulls out the win!! But with how close this came, and how close Kaito came to winning it himself, is this a sign that the G1 could still become the GREEN 1?

As for Sanada, after taking his kneepad off to alleviate the pressure, and getting the belt back around his waist, Sanada sits down while he has the mic. Sanada tells Kaito, “Coming here from another promotion, alone, fighting in the toughest tour in the whole country… That took guts. Let’s do this again sometime.” Fans cheer both Sanada’s show of respect, and the idea that these two could meet again. Fans cheer for “KI-YO-MIYA! KI-YO-MIYA!” while he’s helped away by Young Lions. But then Sanada says, “Hold on a moment. I’m the one who won today, so please, get out of here. Thanks for coming.” Fans laugh as Sanada goes back to not respecting Kaito.

Sanada stands, and says, “I’m Sanada, the man who loves this place more than anywhere else in Japan. Do you mind if I borrow someone from commentary for a moment?” Fans cheer as he of course means Kanemaru. Just as last time Sanada won the main event, he calls on “NOBU-JI! NOBU-JI!” and the fans chant along. Kanemaru leaves commentary and joins Sanada in the ring. And just like last time, Sanada brings up how Just5Guys were in a shampoo commercial. So check that off the bucket list. Next is winning all the way to the G1 Championship! Fans like the sound of that, too!

Sanada then says that “today’s gift… The Gift… Well, unfortunately… There’s no spotlight operator today, so that’s a bit of a problem. But hey, should we give it a go?” Fans cheer, they still want the gift! The lights go down and the “stars” come out as fans get their phone lights on. Sanada says, “Who needs a spotlight? This is even more peaceful and beautiful. Anyway, with a gift, it’s the thought that counts. “OI, KORAKUEN! See you next time!” The gift was sent and fans are happy, but will the best gift of all be the one that closes out the G1 Climax finals?

Here are the NEW A Block standings!

Sanada: 4-0, 8 points
Kaito Kiyomiya: 2-1-1, 5 points
Shota Umino: 1-1-2, 4 points
Gabe Kidd: 2-2, 4 points
Chase Owens: 2-2, 4 points
Yota Tsuji: 1-2-1, 3 points
Hikuleo: 1-3, 2 points
Ren Narita: 0-2-2, 2 points

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Kazuchika Okada: 4-0, 8 points
Will Ospreay: 3-1, 6 points
Kenta: 2-2, 4 points
Taichi: 2-2, 4 points
YOSHI-HASHI: 2-2, 4 points
Great-O-Khan: 1-3, 2 points
El Phantasmo: 1-3, 2 points
Tanga Loa: 1-3, 2 points

My Thoughts:

Another great round for NJPW and the G1. For one, great first wins from Shota, Hikuleo, Tsuji and ELP, each with different story beats. Shota humbles Gabe, Hikuleo leaves Narita as the last winless participant, putting some pressure on Narita next round, and ELP has respect for Loa while Loa has respect for ELP. While Bullet Club could have multiple civil wars to fight, I’d also love for ELP to unite with the Guerrillas of Destiny against Finlay’s War Dogs to avenge all of the different expulsions from the group. Tsuji’s win was just about a great match with Chase Owens, who himself continues to come into his own as a singles guy.

Ospreay VS Khan was such a great opener, especially with Khan not holding back just because he’s facing a friend. Ospreay wins to keep just a step behind Okada, that is going to be an awesome match. Okada VS Hashi was itself an awesome match, with the fans loving how Hashi pushed Okada. Okada’s win over an IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion plants a seed for Dream Team (Okada & Tanahashi) VS Bishamon (Hashi & Goto) in a rematch from this year’s Anniversary Show back in March, but that’s only if Okada doesn’t win the G1 for a third year. Kenta getting a fast and dirty win off Taichi, that could give us an awesome KOPW Championship feud, and I’d love to see what match types Kenta invents.

And of course to follow the awesome Okada VS Hashi, we got an awesome, truly down to the wire main event. If they’d messed up anything along the way, they would NOT have had those two seconds to spare and we would’ve had a rather awkward main event draw. But that shows just how good Sanada and Kaito both are, being they’re both Mutoh’s students, as Sanada was in NOAH when he was first starting out. And of course, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion wins out over the NOAH visitor.

Sanada continues to have excellent promos, especially with him getting to show personality. At first, fans were onboard because they liked his strong, silent type vibe, as well as the juxtaposition of him being so cold yet still giving the “love confession.” And now fans are onboard because they want to see Sanada be more open and that’s what he’s getting to do. Sanada is IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, so he doesn’t have to win the G1, but he’s surely on his way to being a semifinalist, and might even meet old rival Okada to see who goes on to the finals. And if that’s the case, that match is going to be awesome, too.

My Score: 9/10