Will the Aerial Assassin dry up the Rainmaker?

Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay used to be mentor and student, but now they are bitter enemies! Will Okada find a way to hold onto the top spot in B Block?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current A Block standings.

Sanada: 4-0, 8 points
Kaito Kiyomiya: 2-1-1, 5 points
Shota Umino: 1-1-2, 4 points
Chase Owens: 2-2, 4 points
Gabe Kidd: 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 current 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

G1 Climax 33, A Block: Shota Umino VS Chase Owens!

The Roughneck has only one win, but he still has four points like the Crown Jewel! But will Shota have more points than Chase after this? Or will Chase deny Shota’s Paradigm Shift?

As Shota arrives at ringside, Chase rushes up to the ropes! Shota gets back, and goes around the way, but then Chase tries again! Shota avoids the wrecking ball dropkick, and the brawl is on! The ref reprimands, but Shota DECKS Chase! Fans fire up as Shota brings Chase up and CLUBS him! But Chase throat chops in return! Shota staggers back against the corner post, and Chase swings, only for Shota to duck! The chop hits the POST! Fans fire up while Chase slides into the ring. Shota takes off his entrance attire and gets in the ring. The bell finally sounds and Shota fires off forearms! Shota whips, Chase reverses but Shota holds ropes.

Chase runs in, Shota dodges to arm-drag then ELBOW Chase down! And then basement dropkick! Fans fire up with Shota while Chase bails out. Shota waits on Chase and Chase catches his breath. Chase SPITS at Shota, but then Shota storms out after him! Shota blocks Chase’s punch and DECKS Chase again! Chase crawls under the ring? Shota drags him back out, and Chase apologizes! Shota still stomps Chase! Shota stands Chase up to ROCK him, then whips, but Chase reverses! Shota hits railing, staggers forward, into Chase’s DEATH VALLEY DRIVER to the floor! The ref checks Shota while fans rally up.

Chase slides into the ring and lets the ring count climb. Shota is still down at 8 of 20, and Chase wants this to go faster! The count passes 10, Shota drags himself up at 13. Shota staggers over at 16, but flops over! Shota springs back up and in at 19! Chase sits Shota up to throw hands! He shows the ref these are palm strikes, and then he stands Shota up to UPPERCUT! Chase CHOPS Shota in the corner, then stalks him along the way. Chase CLUBS Shota on the back and then cravats Shota to CHOKE him against ropes! The ref counts, Chase lets off but Chase throws Shota down by his hair!

The ref reprimands again, but Chase knees Shota in the back. Chase clamps on a chinlock and then grabs the arms for a motorcycle stretch. Shota endures, fights up, and throws elbows! Chase whips Shota to CLOBBER him! Cover, TWO! Chase pushes Shota back to a cover, TWO! Chase says the ref is slow and he hates him! Chase clamps on a chinlock and grinds Shota down. Shota endures, Chase puts on more pressure, but Shota fights up. Shota throws body shots, Chase knees low! Chase storms up to whip Shota to ropes but Shota reverses and scoops, to DROP Chase, and BASEMENT UPPERCUT!

Fans fire up with Shota and rally as Chase goes to a corner. Shota runs in to UPPERCUT! FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Fans and Shota stands Chase up in a dragon sleeper, but Chase arm-drags free! Shota runs back in but Chase catches him to a full nelson! Chase spins Shota around to a dragon sleeper, for a FINAL CUT! Cover, TWO! Shota is still in this and Chase is again mad at the ref. Chase runs in to forearm smash in the corner, then short arm LARIAT! Chase runs to KNEE Shota down! Cover, TWO! Shota hangs tough but Chase drags him back up. Chase fireman’s carries but Shota slips free, shoves and DROPKICKS Chase down!

Fans rally up and Shota dragon sleepers Chase, fisherman’s a leg, TRIDENT! Cover, TWO! Shota aims from the corner, runs in, but Chase avoids Ignition! Chase runs in, into a POP-UP UPPERCUT! Shota tries again but Chase dodges to GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up while both men are down! Chase shakes out a leg, drags himself up with the ropes, and he storms back over. Chase kicks Shota around, slaps him around, and then just slaps him! Shota stands up, Chase fires forearms, but Shota ROCKS Chase in return! Chase throws another forearm, but Shota ROCKS Chase! Chase BOOTS, but Shota just ROCKS Chase back!

Shota fires off forearms, elbows, more forearms, but Chase BOOTS! And SUPERKICKS! And hammerlocks, to JEWEL HEIST! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Shota survives again! Chase runs in, C-TRIGGER! Chase then brings Shota in, tucks the arms, but Shota fights the package driver! Shota kicks low, underhooks, but Chase wrenches out to drag Shota down into a CRADLE! TWO as tips the cradle ever so slightly! TWO as Chase escapes! Chase runs in, Shota avoids the C-Trigger but Chase blocks the lariat to fire off fast hands! C-TRIGGER! And then Chase tucks Shota in, but Shota flips free?! Kick and DEATH RIDER! Cover, Shota wins!

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

The Roughneck has a bloody nose, but he also has the victory! Will Shota be able to make up ground and take the block?

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

The Head Hunter gave the Rainmaker one hell of a fight, and so did the Holy Emperor, but neither of them could come out with a win. Both men stand at 2-2, but who will #TurnItAllAround as we enter the home stretch?

The bell rings and fans rally up as the two stare down. They circle, tie up, and Hashi wrenches an arm. But Taichi reels Hashi in! Hashi fights the saido with elbows, then ROCKS Taichi! Taichi rebounds to BOOT Hashi! Hashi rebounds to ROCK Taichi! And repeat! The BOOT and the forearm keep going back and forth, but then Hashi blocks the boot to forearm! Taichi changes tactics, and he CHOPS! Fans fire up for that and Hashi CHOPS back! Taichi CHOPS again! Hashi CHOPS again! Taichi CHOPS, Hashi CHOPS, we now have a CHOP fight! They go CHOP for CHOP, and Taichi wobbles!

Hashi CHOPS again and Taichi grits his teeth! Hashi CHOPS, runs, and DOUBLE CHOPS Taichi down! Fans fire up and Hashi paces around. Taichi crawls to a corner, fans rally behind him, but Hashi CLUBS Taichi on the neck. Hashi whips corner to corner, runs in, but into a BOOT! Taichi runs in to BOOT at the corner! Taichi snapmares and KICKS Hashi, but Hashi stands right up! Hashi CHOPS again, but Taichi wrenches to DANGEROUS HOOK KICK! Fans fire up, and Taichi drags Hashi up. Taichi brings Hashi around to KICK him back down! Taichi drags Hashi up, whips him to ropes, and kitchen sink knees!

Taichi storms up on Hashi, drags him up, and reels him in for an abdominal stretch! Taichi pushes down on Hashi’s face and clubs his ribs, but Hashi endures! Hashi fights his way over, reaches out, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer, Taichi lets off and Hashi slumps down. Taichi kicks Hashi around, drags him up, and fires Kawada Kicks! But Hashi stands right up! Hashi fires forearms, but Taichi SOBATS! Taichi runs, but Hashi dodges and comes back, BLOCKBUSTER! Both men are down at the five minute mark! Fans rally up, Taichi goes to a corner, and Hashi runs in to CHOP! Fans fire up and Hashi whips Taichi to CHOP him!

Hashi mule kicks, hangs Taichi out to dry, and then runs side to side to DROPKICK Taichi down! Fans fire up and he drags Hashi up to turn him, for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Hashi drags Taichi up, and Hashi CLUBS Taichi! And CLUBS him again! Taichi kicks but Hashi blocks! Hashi CLUBS the leg, CHOPS Taichi to a corner, and fans fire up! Hashi runs in but Taichi dodges to GAMANGIRI! Both men are down again and fans fire up! Taichi stands up, and OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi kicks but Hashi ducks to full nelson! Taichi breaks that but Hashi waistlocks. Taichi breaks that to PELE!

Taichi runs, but Hashi gets around to SNAP DRAGON! Fans fire up with Hashi and he runs, to LARIAT! Taichi stays up and comes back, AX BOMBER! But Hashi stays up! Hashi runs, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And Taichi falls! Hashi powers up, runs, but Taichi BOOTS! Hashi roars and runs again, into a ROUNDHOUSE! Hashi still comes back, but into DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Fans are thunderous while both men are down! Taichi crawls to ropes and Hashi goes to the other end. Hashi runs in, into AX BOMBER! Taichi drags Hashi up, Alabama Lifts, but Hashi fights it to then hit CANADIAN DESTROYER!

Hashi runs to LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!?! Taichi survives and we hit 10 minutes! Taichi flounders, Hashi drags him up and reels him in. KUMAGOROSHI!! Cover, TWO!??! Taichi survives again and fans are thunderous! Hashi drags Taichi up, full nelsons, then pump handles. But Taichi slips free to trip Hashi! TAICHI GEDO CLUTCH! TWO!!! Hashi escapes, Taichi GAMANGIRIS! Fans fire up again while both men are down! Taichi storms around, drags Hashi up, but Hashi fights off the saido! Taichi CLUBS Hashi, CLUBS him again, and then drags Hashi back up. Hashi ROCKS Taichi first! And BACKSTABBERS!

Fans fire up again as both men rise back up! Hashi runs in, hops on, but Taichi fights the crucifix to hit BLACK MEPHISTO!! But he can’t make the cover! Taichi fires up and the fans fire up with him! Taichi drags Hashi up, Alabama Lifts, but Hashi slips free! SUPERKICK! And then TENSHO JUJIHOU!! Taichi drags Hashi back up, Alabama Lift, BLACK MEPHISTO!!! Cover, Taichi wins!!

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

These two just gave each other one hell of a fight! But in the end, the KOPW Champion pins one half of the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions! Will Just5Guys truly change everything in NJPW?

G1 Climax 33, A Block: Kaito Kiyomiya VS Gabe Kidd!

The Supernova of NOAH may have lost last round, but it was to THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. Will he then have no problem beating one half of the NJPW Strong Openweight Tag Team Champions? Or will this War Dog have some green feathers in his teeth?

Oh, well, of course Gabe attacks during Kaito’s entrance! He sucker punches Kaito and pushes him along. Fans boo but Gabe pulls railing apart so he can whip Kaito into the railing of the bleachers area. Gabe flips fans off and goes back for Kaito. Gabe ROCKS Kaito, but Kaito hits back! They brawl fast and furious, Kaito gets the edge and he UPPERCUTS Gabe! Fans fire up while Gabe sputters. Kaito CLUBS Gabe, follows him along the way, but Gabe hits back! Gabe has fans move aside, and he sits Kaito down. Gabe CHOPS Kaito, then makes more fans move in another section! Gabe runs back in, but Kaito dodges! Gabe bowls himself in to the chairs!

Fans fire up as Kaito drags Gabe up and brings him around with a headlock. They finally go to ringside and Kaito aims for the ring. Gabe blocks, and UPPERCUTS Kaito down! Gabe then brings out a chair from under the ring! Fans boo as Gabe JAMS Kaito, then SMACKS him! Fans boo but Gabe just flips them all off. Gabe eggs them on and the fans boo more. Gabe drags Kaito back up, then puts him in. The bell finally rings, Gabe covers, TWO! Kaito is still in this but Gabe talks trash. Gabe sits Kaito up to CHOP him down! Gabe eggs fans on and he looms over Kaito. Kaito gets away to a corner and Gabe stomps him down!

Gabe digs his boots in, the ref reprimands and counts, and Gabe lets off at 4. Kaito drags Gabe up, CHOPS him, and CHOPS him again! And again! Gabe fires CHOPS again and again and again, then UPPERCUTS Kaito down! Gabe soaks up more heat from the fans and then eggs Kaito on. Gabe mocks Noah as Kaito rises. Gabe slaps Kaito around, eggs him on some more, and Kaito clubs Gabe. It doesn’t have much behind it, so he CLUBS Gabe again! That one Gabe felt. Gabe BITES Kaito on the forehead! The ref counts, Gabe has Kaito in a corner but he only lets off as the ref forces himself between them!

Gabe taunts Kaito and stomps him, then flips off fans. Gabe drags Kaito up but Kaito fights the lift! Kaito wrenches out to ROCK Gabe with forearm after forearm! Kaito whips, Gabe reverses and ROCKS Kaito, to then SAIDO! Cover, but Gabe lets off? Gabe is toying with Kaito, he says he’s having too much fun. Gabe puts Kaito on ropes, then on the top rope, to SHOVE him to the floor! Fans boo as Gabe dusts himself off. The ref reprimands, but Gabe just does jumping jacks while the ring count climbs. Kaito is still down at 10 of 20, but he stirs. Kaito pushes up at 15, drags himself up at 17, and drags himself in at 19!

Gabe runs, Kaito dodges! Kaito returns to NECKBREAKER DROP! Fans rally up, Gabe sits up and clutches his neck, and he CLUBS Kaito down! Gabe whips Kaito, Kaito ELBOWS him away! Kaito FLYING FOREARMS! Fans fire up as Kaito goes up the corner! Kaito MISSILE DROPKICKS Gabe down! Fans rally and Kaito brings Gabe up. Kaito UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS and UPPERCUTS! Gabe CHOPS, runs, but Kaito JUMP KNEES! Kaito drags Gabe up, waistlocks, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO! Kaito escapes and fans rally up. Kaito drags Gabe up again to waistlock, but Gabe reaches out!

Kaito grabs Gabe’s arms to chicken wing! But Gabe grabs at the ref! And LOW BLOW MULE KICKS! Fans boo while both men are down. Gabe storms over and drags Kaito up, to SLAP him! And SLAP, and SLAP, and SLAP! Kaito goes to a corner, Gabe fires more slapping strikes, then throws knees into Kaito over and over! The ref counts and Gabe lets off. Fans rally for Kaito but Gabe storms over. Gabe SPITS at Kaito, then stomps Kaito more! The ref reprimands and counts, but Kaito TACKLES Gabe! Kaito rains down furious forearms and fists, then SPITS on Gabe! Fans fire up for that! Gabe gets up, and the two start throwing SLAPS!

Gabe SLAPS, Kaito SLAPS, Gabe, Kaito, Gabe Kaito Gabe Kaito, then Kaito just SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS and SLAPS!! Gabe falls, Kaito kicks him out! Kaito stomps away on Gabe at the railing! The ref reprimands but Kaito drags Gabe up to whip him hard into railing! Kaito storms up to Gabe but Gabe DUMPS Kaito and himself into No Man’s Land! Gabe kicks while he’s down, then both men stand. The forearms fly back and forth, they end up tumbling back into the crowd! Gabe eggs Kaito on so Kaito DECKS him! Kaito has Gabe in a seat and just hammers away with forearms! Kaito then drags Gabe up, but Gabe RAMS Kaito into the bleachers!

Both men are down, the ref reprimands and wants them both in the ring. Gabe CLUBS Kaito, we pass 10 minutes, and Kaito CLUBS Gabe! Gabe CHOPS Kaito, Kaito CHOPS Gabe down! Gabe rises back up and he ROCKS Kaito, but Kaito ROCKS Gabe! Gabe ROCKS Kaito as the ring count finally starts, and Kaito fires up by headbutting a chair! Kaito HEADBUTTS Gabe down! Kaito drags Gabe along, they brawl some more, but we pass 10 of 20! Kaito DECKS Gabe but he won’t leave him behind! We pass 15 as Gabe CHOPS Kaito! The brawling continues, but the count hits 20! IT’S A DRAW!!

Double Count-Out Draw; both men earn 1 point

Kaito and Gabe still want after each other, but the match is over! Even so, Gabe SLAPS Kaito! Kaito SLAPS Gabe! Gabe throws a forearm, Kaito rams into Gabe, and they throw more shots! Young Lions separate them but Kaito fights free and CLOBBERS Gabe! They brawl by the bleachers but are pulled apart again! Kaito leaves it at that, but then Gabe storms after him! Fans fire up as Gabe says F this, F Kaito, F Noah, and F all the rest! And the brawl is back on!! Young Lions hurry in to break it up, and other refs show up, too! Gabe comes back for more, so Kaito RAMS him into the apron!

Young Lions drag Kaito away but Gabe fights free of his. Gabe gets in the ring and fans fire up again. The War Dog wants to keep fighting, and that much the fans respect. But Gabe doesn’t respect them, he flips them off. He tells Kaito he’s effing dead, and then he takes his anger out on Young Lions! Will there be consequences for this wild brawl after the bell?

G1 Climax 33, B Block: Tanga Lao w/ Jado VS Great-O-Khan!

The Silverback and the Dominator are both near the back of the block, but there’s still time to build momentum! Will Loa go Ape Shit on the Rev-Pro British Heavyweight Champion? Or will he be torn down by the Iron Claw?

The bell rings and the two stare down. Fans rally up and the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Khan manages to push Loa back a step. But Loa pushes Khan back that step, and the two break. Fans cheer, the two circle again, and they tie up again. They’re in another deadlock, and Loa pushes Khan back a step. Khan pushes Loa back a step, and they break again. Fans continue to rally, Khan and Loa tie up a third time, and Loa headlocks. Khan pulls hair, the ref reprimands, but Khan powers out. They RAM shoulders and fans cheer as neither falls. Loa dares Khan to go, so Khan runs. They RAM shoulders again, but still neither falls!

They RAM shoulders again, and both men are amused. They RAM again, Loa runs, then ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING SHOULDER Khan down! Loa struts around and smiles as he brings Khan up. Loa suplexes and he holds Khan up! But Khan fights free, and he drags Loa down to have the KNEEBAR! Loa scrambles, reaches out, but Khan twists the foot in a HEEL HOOK! Khan thrashes around, but Loa still fights his way to the ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer, but Khan thrashes more! The ref reprimands and Khan lets go. Loa goes to the apron but Khan stands on his legs. Khan stomps the legs, and Loa falls to the floor.

Khan goes out to keep on Loa, and he STOMPS the leg into the floor! And again! Khan backs Jado off, and he looks under the ring. Khan brings out chairs! Jado protests, but Khan digs a chair into Loa’s leg! Then he puts the chair in place, grabs the other, CON-CHAIR-TO on the knee! Fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Khan puts the chair on Loa’s leg! Khan sits on the chair to sit on the leg! The ref reprimands, Khan moves around to dig the chair leg in, and he even pulls on Loa’s ear! The ref counts, Khan steps away and back into the ring. It’s already been five minutes as Khan calls for the ring count.

The count starts, Jado coaches Loa and fans rally up. Loa drags himself up at 10 of 20 and hobbles in at 11! Fans cheer but Khan grabs the leg! STANDING KNEEBAR! Khan pushes against the joint but Loa endures! Loa pulls Khan’s ponytail, but Khan shifts around to put the legs in a modified deathlock! Loa crawls, but Khan claws at his shoulders! Khan Mongolian Chops! And again! And then pushes on the legs! Loa endures, powers his way forward, and fans rally as he drags Khan along! ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, but Khan needs help so the ref unties the leglock. Loa clutches his leg while Khan paces.

Khan has his hands behind his back as he eggs Loa on. Loa CHOPS, but Khan scuffs him. Loa CHOPS again, but Khan stomps Loa down! Fans rally behind Loa but Khan drags him up to grab the leg. SHIN BREAKER! Khan holds on to bring Loa back around, another SHIN BREAKER! Khan lifts again but Loa sunset flips! TWO!! Khan escapes and he stomps Loa down! Khan runs, but Loa drops, then hip tosses! Fans fire up as Loa goes to the corner. Loa runs back in, but into a BOOT! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as Loa is still in this, and Khan stands on Loa’s leg. Loa pushes Khan away but Khan eggs him on.

Loa rises, and Khan Mongolian Chops! But Loa just grows! So Khan kicks the bad leg! Fans rally with Loa, Khan Mongolian Chops again! Loa grows, so Khan kicks the leg again! Khan puts some stank on this one, Mongolian- BODY SHOT from Loa! And UPPERCUT! Body shot! Uppercut! Repeat! Loa backs Khan down, fires off faster and faster and faster, and then CHOPS! Fans fire up and Loa growls. Loa whips Khan corner to corner, only to send him back into the same corner! Clothesline, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up, and Khan rises! Khan runs in, shoots around, IRON CLAW SLEEPER SUPLEX!

But Loa’s right up!? We pass 10 minutes as Khan kicks low! BELLY2BELLY! But Loa’s right back up! Loa kicks low, clinches, T-BONE SUPLEX! But Khan’s right up!? Fans fire up and Khan LARIATS! Loa stays standing, and he LARIATS back! Khan comes back, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Fans fire up as they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Both men stay up so they fire up, but Khan SAYANAGIS! Cover, ONE?!? Loa runs up to SPEAR!! Cover, ONE?!?! Fans fire up again and Loa kicks low! Knee, ENZI- NO, Khan dodges! And he drops an elbow on the leg! Fans rally and Khan rises. Khan prepares the claw, and he clamps it onto Loa’s face!

Khan drags Loa up but Loa fights the lift! Loa pries the claw away!! But Khan UPPERCUTS! Khan runs, into a kick! KNEE! ENZIGURI! Khan wobbles and staggers, roars and comes back, but into a scoop! APE SHIT!! Cover, LOA WINS!

Winner: Tanga Loa, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Khan earns 0)

A huge win for Loa, that mathematically eliminates the Eliminator! If Loa doesn’t win the G1, will he be aiming for the Rev-Pro title instead?

G1 Climax 33, A Block: Hikuleo w/ Jado VS Yota Tsuji!

This is quite literally one of the biggest matches in the block, and is a pivotal one with time running out! Will the Young Guerrilla stay alive in the G1? Or will this truly become the GENE1?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for “YOTA! YOTA!” Tsuji smiles and encourages the cheers. But then Hikuleo raises a hand and fans cheer for him. The fans start dueling, the two start circling, and they tie up. Hiku’s height is his leverage and he pushes Tsuji to a corner. The ref counts, Hiku lets off, and he pats Tsuji on the shoulder. But then Tsuji pushes Hiku! Hiku swings, misses, and Tsuji fires off forearms! Tsuji eggs on the “big boy” so Hiku shoves him down! Tsuji grins, runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Hiku blocks the tilt-o-whirl! Only for Tsuji to shift position! But Hiku fights the DDT and throws Tsuji away!

Tsuji kicks back, runs, but Hiku ELBOWS Tsuji down! Fans fire up and Hiku paces around Tsuji. Hiku stomps Tsuji, paces more, then stomps him again. Fans rally, Hiku eggs Tsuji on and Tsuji sits up with a smile. Hiku stands Tsuji up, but Tsuji pulls hair! So Hiku pulls hair! The ref reprimands and both men let off, but then Tsuji uses Hiku’s own hair to blind him! Hiku tosses his hair back, but Tsuji ROCKS him! Tsuji fires more shots, but Hiku ROCKS Tsuji in return! Hiku runs in, but stops from being dumped out! Hiku stomps Tsuji down! Hiku drags Tsuji up, but Tsuji HOTSHOTS and BOOTS Hiku!

Tsuji slingshots in, keeps moving, and he clotheslines Hiku up and out! Fans fire up as Hiku staggers around, and Tsuji builds speed! Tsuji DIVES, but Hiku catches him! Hiku BEARHUGS, runs, but Tsuji slips free and POSTS Hiku! Tsuji follows Hiku around the way and fans fire up. Tsuji aims from the apron, Hiku turns around, Tsuji FLYING RANAS! Hiku hits railing and fans fire up with Tsuji! Tsuji has Jado stay back, and then he drags Hiku up. Hiku pushes Tsuji away to Tsuji stomps him down! We pass five minutes, Tsuji drags Hiku up, and Tsuji puts Hiku in. Fans cheer and Tsuji smiles at Jado.

Tsuji steps into the ring, covers, ONE! Hiku is tougher than that but Tsuji keeps cool. Jado coaches Hiku but Tsuji brings him up. Hiku swings but Tsuji BODY SHOTS! Tsuji KNEES low, too! Tsuji whips but Hiku blocks and reverses! Hiku runs, but Tsuji RAMS into his stomach! Tsuji hops up to STOMP Hiku down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Tsuji smiles as Hiku stays in this. Tsuji eggs Hiku on, scuffs him, but Hiku eggs Tsuji on. Tsuji ROCKS Hiku! Fans rally, Tsuji brings Hiku back up and reels him in. Fans rally up more as Tsuji tries to suplex. Hiku blocks that, to suplex Tsuji! But Tsuji slips free!

Tsuji waistlocks, but he ducks Hiku’s back elbow! Tsuji ducks the haymaker and clinches, JAWBREAKER! Hiku staggers, and Tsuji kicks him! And kicks him again! Hiku gets mad, and he resists the stomp to buck Tsuji away! Tsuji comes back to CHOP! Hiku choke grips, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! And UPPERCUTS! Hiku runs to SPLASH in the corner! And then SNAKE EYES! And LARIAT! Fans fire up with Hiku and he drags Tsuji up, but Tsuji suplexes first!! Fans fire up while both big men are down! Tsuji rises but Jado coaches Hiku. Hiku goes to a corner, Tsuji fires up and the fans are with him!

Tsuji runs corner to corner to STINGER SPLASH! Tsuji keeps moving, to LARIAT! Hiku stays up! But Tsuji spins him around, only for Hiku to scoop and POWERSLAM! Tsuji rises?! Fans fire up and Tsuji runs in, into a BOOT! Fans rally up and Hiku storms back over to Tsuji. Tsuji rises, Hiku choke grips, but Tsuji fights free! BODY SHOT! Tsuji runs, and KNEES the powerslam down! Fans fire up as we pass 10 minutes! Tsuji goes up the ropes to JUMP STOMP Hiku down! Fans fire up as Tsuji drags Hiku back up! Tsuji suplexes but Hiku fights free! Tsuji V-TRIGGERS! Hiku ROCKS Tsuji!

Hiku choke grips, CHOKE- VICTORY ROLL!! TWO!! Hiku boots but Tsuji blocks to KNEE BREAKER! Tsuji kicks the leg and then HEADBUTTS! Hiku wobbles, Tsuji reels him in, FALCON ARROW!! Cover, TWO!! Fans are thunderous as Hiku survives! Tsuji rises, he runs, and CURB STOMPS!! Tsuji roars and he powers up! Fans fire up and Tsuji aims from the corner! Hiku slowly rises, turns around, and Tsuji runs in, into a BOOT!!! That spear collided with the boot and now Hiku looks to end this! Hiku choke grips, drags Tsuji up, CHOKE- NO, Tsuji flips through! And doges, but runs into the POWERSLAM!!

Hiku choke grips to GODSEND!!! Cover, HIKULEO WINS!

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

The former roommates battled it out, and the winner was the bigger man! Literally! Will this mean big things in the future for the Young Guerrilla?

G1 Climax 33, B Block: El Phantasmo VS KENTA!

The Headbanga’s grudge against Bullet Club isn’t just with The Rebel, David Finlay! The Fang Revived was an accomplice in the hostile takeover that would expel ELP from the group, but will justice be served? Or will ELP just Go To Sleep?

The fans rally for ELP and he thanks them with heart hands. Kenta takes his time on the outside, but the ref tells him to get in the ring. Kenta paces, slides in, but then slides right out. Fans boo as Kenta stalls. Kenta taunts ELP with a stare down, and ELP rushes out! Kenta slides in and waits on ELP now. ELP slides in, but Kenta slides back out! ELP eggs Kenta on but Kenta says okay hold on. ELP gets the fans to chant for “KEN~TA! KEN~TA!” but that makes Kenta hop the railing into No Man’s Land. The ref tells Kenta to hurry up already and fans boo, but Kenta just takes his time shining his Defy Championship.

The ref demands Kenta already get in the ring so the match can start. Kenta wants to ring the bell himself but the ref tells him no. Fans boo as Kenta continues to stall, but then ELP goes up a corner! SUPER CROSSBODY! Direct hit and fans fire up! ELP rains down fists and fans cheer! The ref reprimands, ELP has him go to the ring, and then he closes the gate! ELP stomps away on Kenta as the fans cheer, but the ref returns. They end up going up the ramp, and ELP CHOPS! Fans cheer, and ELP CHOPS again! “WOO~!” echoes out, and ELP brings Kenta up. ELP whips, Kenta reverses, but ELP stops from hitting the railing!

ELP mule kicks, then goes up, QUEBRADA! Direct hit and both men go down! Fans are thunderous for “E L P! E L P!” as he rises up. ELP fetches Kenta, whips him an bowls him through the railing! Fans fire up as ELP stands on Kenta’s arm, and mocks him with the Too Sweet. Fans rally up and ELP brings Kenta to the bleachers! They go up and up, and ELP throws hands! Kenta wobbles as ELP hits him more! ELP DECKS Kenta, then drags him along the way. ELP tucks the arms, but Kenta fights the CR2 and back drops ELP onto the wood bleachers! ELP writhes while he ends up stuck between rows!

The ref reprimands but Kenta drags ELP up. Kenta drags ELP up with a facelock, to DDT to the wood bleacher! Fans rally and Kenta soaks up the cheers and jeers! Kenta tells the ref to hold on, he’ll get ELP up. Kenta stomps ELP, but he has to be careful on these narrow bleachers. Kenta ROCKS ELP and ELP falls back. ELP sits up and we see he’s busted open! Kenta brings ELP back down the bleachers, punches the bloody forehead, then stalks ELP back to ground level. ELP flops against the back of chairs, but Kenta brings him up and around. Fans cheer as Kenta brings ELP to the entryway. But ELP sends Kenta into the wall first!

Fans cheer LEP on as he rises back up. ELP sees the trusses, and he climbs!? But Kenta CLUBS him down first! Kenta ROCKS ELP, and DDTS to the floor! Kenta then goes backstage? ELP crawls to the rampway, but Kenta returns with a KENDO STICK! The ref says no but Kenta shoves him down, and SMACKS away on ELP! He even SMACKS ELP in the forehead! Fans boo but Kenta flips them off, and SMACKS ELP in the ribs! They go back to No Man’s Land, and Kenta SMACKS ELP while he’s down! Kenta mocks the fans cheering ELP but that makes them cheer even harder! But Kenta SMACKS and SMACKS and SMACKS ELP more!

ELP sits in an open chair, and Kenta SMACKS him! Fans move aside as Kenta drags ELP back to ringside. The ref grabs at the kendo stick but it’s breaking so the bamboo hurts the ref a bit. Kenta POSTS ELP, then SMACKS him down! Fans boo, the ref tells Kenta to let go of the stick but Kenta tells the ref to leave him alone. And then he SMACKS ELP again anyway! The ref insists this time but Kenta keeps hold of the stick. Kenta mocks the fans booing him, which makes them boo more. But then Kenta goes looking for something else, and ELP snatches the stick! Now Kenta wants ELP to listen to the ref!

ELP pushes past the ref and he SMACKS Kenta! And SMACKS him again! And HEADSHOTS him! Fans fire up as Kenta goes down! The stick is broken and ELP is all fired up! ELP drags Kenta up, and ROCKS him! And again! Kenta SLAPS back! ELP scowls, and he SLAPS Kenta! They SLAP and SLAP and SLAP! ELP fires off a flurry, and CHOPS! Kenta CROSS COUNTERS! Then DECKS ELP! Then stands ELP up to DECK him again! Kenta fires off, and he DECKS ELP a third time! But Kenta won’t stop there, he stands ELP up, gets some space, but SUDDEN DEATH hits! Fans fire up for ELP as he staggers around and clears off the timekeeper’s desk!

ELP fetches Kenta and brings him over. ELP puts Kenta on the table, slaps some sense into himself, and fans rally up again. ELP gets up on the table with Kenta, and fans fire up as ELP says he’s gonna end this! But Kenta LOW BLOWS!! And DDTS to the table!! The table doesn’t break but ELP might just have! Fans rally behind ELP but Kenta drags ELP around and puts him in the ring! This match can finally begin!! The bell rings, Kenta BOOTS ELP down in the corner! Then runs to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Kenta drags ELP up, fireman’s carries, GO TO- NO, CRADLE!! ELP WINS!!!

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

All that fighting on the outside, and the record will say this match only lasted NINETEEN SECONDS!! And Kenta is PISSED! Kenta fires off on ELP, fans boo, and Young Lions rush in! The Young Lions drag Kenta away from ELP, and Kenta now has to accept he lost the shortest match all tournament! But then Kenta goes back in to fire off more hands! Fans boo again, more Young Lions drag Kenta away, and that is the end of the brawl. Will ELP show Bullet Club that he will not be stopped?

G1 Climax 33, A Block: SANADA VS Ren Narita!

The Cold Skull is on a roll this G1, as expected of the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. But will the Son of Strong Style change all that? Or will Narita run into a Skull End?

The bell rings and fans duel, “SA-NA-DA!” “NA-RI-TA!” The two circle, feel things out, and Narita shoots in and around, but Sanada spins to fight off the waistlock. Sanada hammerlocks, Narita waistlocks and he drags Sanada down. Narita shifts to a facelock, but Sanada wrenches out to wristlock. Narita gets around to waistlock, and he holds on as Sanada moves around. Sanada pushes back to a headlock but Narita headscissors, and Sanada kips free! Fans cheer as the two stand off. Narita and Sanada reset, tie up, and Narita headlocks. Sanada throws body shots, powers out, but Narita BOOTS him down!

Fans fire up while Sanada bails out. Narita pursues, and he whips Sanada hard into railing! Sanada tumbles up and over into No Man’s Land! Narita hurries to fetch Sanada, bring him back, and whip him the other way! But Sanada reverses and sends Narita into railing! Narita comes back to BOOT Sanada down! Fans fire up and Narita storms over to Sanada. Narita drags him up, and puts him in the ring. Fans cheer, Narita drags Sanada up, and HALF HATCH suplexes! Cover, ONE!! Narita keeps on Sanada by getting a leg, for a SHIN BREAKER! Narita runs and NECKBREAKER DROPS! Cover, ONE!!

Narita keeps on the leg with a standing toehold! Sanada endures, Narita steps over and has a deeper toehold! Narita then sits down to have maximum toehold, and he ties up the legs for a BUTTERFLY DEATHLOCK! Narita learned this from Desperado! Sanada keeps his shoulders up, but Narita pushes the knees! Sanada falls back to a cover, TWO! Sanada CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Narita puts on the pressure! Sanada falls back but keeps a shoulder up! Sanada drags himself and Narita back, reaches out, but Narita keeps on the pressure! Sanada still fights his way over, ROPEBREAK! Fans cheer and Narita lets off of the hold.

Narita stomps the knee, we pass five minutes, and Narita kicks Sanada to a corner to fire off more stomps! Narita even stands on Sanada’s shoulders to dig his boots in! Red Shoes counts and Narita lets off. Narita runs corner to corner, but into a BOOT! Narita comes back, into another BOOT! Narita tries again but only gets buckles! Sanada reels Narita in and hits a BIG back suplex! Fans fire up while both men are down. Sanada stands first and he brings Narita up. Sanada whips, Narita reverses but Sanada blows past the boot to dropkick the legs! And then he DROPKICKS Narita down!

Fans fire up while Narita bails out. Sanada hurries over, and he PLANCHAS! Direct hit and down goes Narita! Fans rally up and Sanada encourages them to get louder. The fans rally more and Sanada is pleased. Sanada does a lap around the ring before he fetches Narita, and he puts Narita in. Cover, TWO! Sanada brings Narita up, fireman’s carries, but Narita fights free! Narita waisltocks, Sanada elbows free, and Sanada runs, but into a WHEEL KICK! Fans fire up and both men go to corners. Narita runs in corner to corner, to BACK ELBOW! And then HALF HATCH BRIDGE! TWO, but Narita clamps on with a SLEEPER!

Sanada claws at the arms, fights up to his feet, but Narita hooks a leg! Sanada fights the Cobra Twist, and he HIP TOSSES free! But Narita grabs a leg! Takedown and KNEEBAR! Sanada endures again, but Narita drags him from ropes, SPINNING TOEHOLD into KNEEBAR! Sanada still endures, drags Narita along as he heads for ropes, but Narita pulls on the leg! Narita shifts his grip for different Heel Hooks, then he switches legs! Narita gator rolls Sanada but Sanada gets up! Sanada suplexes Narita, MAGIC SCREW! Fans rally up as Sanada turns things around. We hit 10 minutes as Sanada brings Narita up.

Sanada fireman’s carries, Narita slips off, and he waistlocks! Sanada switches, shoves Narita to a corner, and runs in. Narita dodges but Sanada tumbles up and out to springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans fire up and Sanada hurries to bring Narita up. Fireman’s carry, T K O! Cover, TWO! Narita is still in this but Sanada has the fans fire up again. Sanada then goes up top, ROUNDING BODY- NO, he has to land out as Narita moves! Narita storms up, Sanada RANAS, but Narita blocks! Narita gator rolls Sanada into the DOUBLE ANKLE HOLD! Sanada endures this Half Crab/Cloverleaf hybrid as fans rally up!

Sanada powers up, crawls his way toward ropes, but Narita sits deep! Sanada grits his teeth, claws at the mat, and fans continue to rally! Sanada powers up again, for the ROPEBREAK! Narita lets go quickly, drags Sanada up, and clinches, only for Sanada to fight it! Sanada throws elbows, but Narita fires off forearms! Narita hammers Sanada and fans fire up! Narita brings Sanada up, Sanada goes to fight back but Narita DECKS him! Narita then drags Sanada back up, but Sanada UPPERCUTS! Narita ENZIGURIS! Sanada SHINING WIZARDS!! And then Sanada stands Narita up, clinches, but Narita slips around! COBRA TWIST!!

Fans fire up as Sanada endures again! Sanada does his best to step forward, but Narita pulls on the hold! Sanada keeps fighting, but Narita shifts, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Sanada is still in this but Narita roars! Fans fire up, Narita wristlocks to DOUBLE ARM SAULT! And then Narita drags Sanada up, but Sanada manages a POP-UP CUTTER! Sanada then drags Narita up and fireman’s carries, for a T K O!! Fans fire up as Sanada puts Narita int he drop zone and goes up! ROUNDING BODY PRESS onto knees!! Narita O’Conner Rolls and COBRA CRADLES! TWO!!! And we’re at 15 minutes!

Sanada O’Conner Rolls, dragon sleepers, and he smothers Narita with SKULL END! Narita fights up, clinches Sanada, and manages the SLEEPER! But Sanada fights up, so Narita squeezes tight! Sanada is turning red! Narita drags Sanada up but Sanada arm-drags free! Sanada swings, into another SLEEPER! But then he fights out, clinches, but Narita breaks free to ENZIGURI! Sanada ENZIGURIS back! Narita roars, but Sanada ROCKS him! And ROLLING- PALM STRIKE from Narita!! Narita BOOTS Sanada and Sanada rebounds, into a clinch! But Sanada turns that into DEAD FALL!! Cover, Sanada wins!!

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

The Son of Strong Style could not bring down the world champion, and is now mathematically eliminated! Will nothing stop the Cold Skull from adding the G1 Climax Championship to his collection?

G1 Climax 33, B Block: Kazuchika Okada VS Will Ospreay!

The Rainmaker, the leader of Chaos, used to have the Aerial Assassin by his side, but also in his shadow. Since striking out on his own, Ospreay has built a United Empire, and has held even the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. But now as the IWGP United States Champion, can Ospreay take over the block? Or will Okada continue to make it rain in the G1?

The bell rings and fans rally up as the two stare down. Red Shoes assesses the cheering and it seems pretty equal. The two circle, tie up, and Ospreay wrenches. Ospreay wristlocks the arm, but Okada rolls, trips Ospreay, and has a toehold. Ospreay hooks Okada with a leg to go for an armbar but Okada stacks Ospreay. Ospreay lets go, Okada facelocks but then Ospreay switches that onto Okada. Okada powers through to wrench the arm, hammerlock it, then headlock for the takeover. Ospreay headscissors, Okada kips up, and roles reverses as Ospreay headlocks for the takeover! Fans cheer this opening exchange!

Okada fights up, powers Ospreay to ropes, and Red Shoes calls for the break. Ospreay lets go and Okada lets off slowly. Okada knows Ospreay knows the tricks, so he hesitates, but he still swings! Ospreay dodges and CHOPS! Ospreay headlocks, Okada powers out but Ospreay BOOTS Okada out! Then immediately PLANCHAS! Direct hit and fans fire up with Ospreay! Ospreay gets back in the ring, he builds speed, but Okada gets in to FLAPJACK! Ospreay writhes and Okada glares at him. Okada storms over, kicks Ospreay to the floor, then goes out after him. Okada CLUBS Ospreay, then brings him out to No Man’s Land! DDT to the floor!

Ospreay writhes right by the railing but Okada paces. Fans rally up, Okada drags Ospreay up and brings him back to ringside, to DDT him to the floor again! Red Shoes reprimands but Okada leaves Ospreay behind to go into the ring. Fans rally up while Ospreay clutches his arm. Red Shoes checks but Ospreay says he can continue, so the ring count starts. Ospreay stands as the count reaches 6, and he slides in at 8. Okada DDTS him again!! Cover, TWO! Ospreay hangs tough and Okada glares at Ospreay as he goes to a corner. Okada storms over, kicks at him, and then brings Ospreay up to ROCK with a forearm!

Ospreay staggers to another corner as fans rally. Okada throws a back elbow! Ospreay sits down, we pass five minutes, and Okada stands Ospreay up. Ospreay fires forearms! But Okada eggs him on! Ospreay fires more shots, Okada UPPERCUTS in return! And again! Okada whips, Ospreay reverses but Okada ducks ‘n’ dodges but then Ospreay dodges the elbow to handspring and NEURALIZER KICK! Fans fire up while both men are down! Okada goes to a corner, Ospreay runs in, and Ospreay BOOTS! Ospreay pushes Okada down, goes out and springboards, PIP PIP CHEERIO! Cover, TWO!

Fans fire up as Ospreay drags Okada up. Ospreay scoops and SLAMS him into the drop zone! Ospreay fires up and fans fire up with him, but Okada anchors Ospreay on the corner! Ospreay throws hands and Okada staggers away. Ospreay storms up but Okada UPPERCUTS back! Okada whips corner to corner and ELBOWS Ospreay! Then kick and- FALCON ARROW from Ospreay! Ospreay knows the standard formula, too! Cover, TWO! Ospreay keeps cool and stretches out his neck before he drags Okada up. But Okada fights the lift! Ospreay fires Kawada Kicks! And then winds up to CHOP! Fans fire up while Okada drops to his knees!

Ospreay drags Okada back up, reels him in, but Okada slips out of the bomb to Alabama Lift! And REVERSE NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up while both men are down! Okada crawls over to Ospreay, brings him up, but Ospreay pushes him. Okada ROCKS Ospreay, so Ospreay ROCKS Okada back! Okada and Ospreay go back and forth with forearm after forearm! Ospreay ROCKS Okada, then eggs Okada on. Okada BOOTS Ospreay and Ospreay fires up! Ospreay boots but Okada blocks! So Ospreay ROCKS him! Okada SHOTGUNS! Ospreay ROLLING ELBOWS! And ROLLING- GERMAN SUPLEX from Okada! But Ospreay lands on his feet! HOOK KICK!!

Ospreay runs, springboards, OS- NO, Okada blocks the cutter to backslide! Ospreay rolls through, Okada short arm LARIATS! Fans fire up as Okada drags Ospreay up again. But then Ospreay dodges, springboards, into a DROPKICK! Okada drags Ospreay up to ripcord, but Ospreay POP-UP SITOUT POWERBOMBS!! Fans fire up again while both men are down! We pass 10 minutes and fans rally up again. Okada and Ospreay stir, and Ospreay stands first. Ospreay storms over to Okada, puts him up top, and Ospreay throws haymakers! Ospreay climbs up to the top rope, brings Okada up, but Okada CLUBS Ospreay down!

Ospreay lands on the apron, to SUPERKICK! Ospreay then cravats and drags Okada out, APRON CUTTER!!! Both men fall to the floor and fans are thunderous! Ospreay stirs while Red Shoes checks Okada. Okada reaches out so he’s still in this somehow. A ring count starts and fans rally up again. Ospreay stands at 9 and leaves Okada behind. The count is 13 as Okada sits up! Okada reaches for the apron, drags himself up at 17, and he rolls in at 19.5! But Ospreay springboards to COAST2COAST! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up again and Ospreay calls his shot, but Okada ripcords! Ospreay dodges the Rainmaker to OSCUTTER!! Cover, TWO!!!

Ospreay is surprised, but he just goes to plan B! Ospreay climbs up the corner, to LEAP OF FLOP!! Okada moves, and clamps on a MONEY CLIP!! Ospreay endures but Okada squeezes tight! Fans rally up and Ospreay reaches out, but he’s sputtering! Ospreay kicks and flails and gets his second wind! Ospreay stands, but Okada hits a BACK2BACKBREAKER! MONEY CLIP!! Okada drags Ospreay from ropes to lean on the hold! Ospreay flails, sputters, is foaming at the mouth, but he refuses to give up! Fans are thunderous as Ospreay fights back up! Okada DISCUS LARIATS!! And back to the MONEY CLIP!!

We hit 15 minutes but Ospreay is still conscious! Ospreay grabs at Red Shoes, fights up and he puts Okada in a corner! Ospreay is free, runs back in, but only gets buckles! Okada puts him up top to DROPKICK Ospreay to the floor! Okada then hurries to fetch Ospreay and put him in the ring. Okada runs up, into a SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Okada is still in this but Ospreay still has cards to play! Ospreay aims from the corner, powers up the arm, and Okada sits up. HIDDEN- Gut wrench! But Ospreay slips free, HIDDEN BLADE!!! But Ospreay isn’t done there! Underhooks, and- NO, Okada back drops, then sits on the cover! TWO!!!

Fans are thunderous as Ospreay escapes! Ospreay kicks but Okada ducks it, to DROPKICK back! Ospreay stays up so Okada gut wrenches, LANDSLIDE!! Fans are thunderous again as Okada drags Ospreay up and reels him in! Ripcord, RAIN- NO, Okada dodges, to ripcord, HIDDEN BLADE!!! We hit the three minute warning but Ospreay underhooks! Canadian rack and STORMBREAKER!!! Cover, OSPREAY WINS!!!

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

And with those three minutes to spare, the Commonwealth Kingpin brings down the Rainmaker! Okada is no longer the top of the block, so is he no longer the best in NJPW? Or can he still recover in the last two rounds?

As for Ospreay, he takes a moment to refresh with water, and he kneels over Okada to silently communicate the change in the power dynamic. Then as Okada is helped away, Ospreay gets the mic. “Okada. Arigatogozaimasu. <Thank you very much.>” Fans cheer the show of respect, and Ospreay continues to say that usually, in such a big singles match, he’d have Cobb, Henare and/or Khan in his corner. Tonight, he chose to have no seconds. Ospreay wanted the fans to be his seconds, so he thanks them for that. The fans cheer in thanks back, and Ospreay then says, “I love G1 season.” Fans love it, too!

Ospreay says the “G1 means the best of the best. And we are in a new era of NJPW.” Fans cheer that in agreement. Ospreay says that everyone is relying on the NEW Three Musketeers! And he knows they don’t want that, they don’t want “Three Musketeers,” when it should be a badge of honor! He knows why those three in particular don’t want that responsibility of getting NJPW back to the Promised Land! Because they can’t live up to Shibata, Nakamura, Tanahashi, Hashimoto, Chono, Mutoh! “You don’t need Three Musketeers! You need ONE Assassin!!” Fans cheer for that, too!

Ospreay says this tournament is for the best of the BEST! And he has a question for everyone. Who IS the best wrestler in the world!? They cheer “OSPREAY! OSPREAY!” Ospreay says he will win the G1 Climax because he is on another level! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! Will Ospreay is all fired up, but will Ospreay lead the charge to the mountaintop?

Here are the NEW A Block standings!

Sanada: 5-0, 10 points [QUALIFIED, A1]
Kaito Kiyomiya: 2-1-2, 6 points
Shota Umino: 2-1-2, 6 points
Gabe Kidd: 2-2-1, 5 points
Chase Owens: 2-3, 4 points
Hikuleo: 2-3, 4 points
Yota Tsuji: 1-3-1, 3 points
Ren Narita: 0-3-2, 2 points [ELIMINATED]

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

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

My Thoughts:

Another awesome round, even with this being a three-day, midweek blitz of G1 from NJPW. And if my math is right, we are definitely chipping away at who can make a run at the semifinals. Khan had a great match with Loa, and just a bit surprisingly, Loa wins out. Loa keeps in this for at least one more round, but at 1-4 with 2 points, and having lost to Ospreay already, Khan is out in the fifth. Likewise, Narita has 2 points but no wins, and he just lost to Sanada tonight, he’s out. Tsuji losing to Hikuleo was a big surprise to me personally, but I suppose Hikuleo has had more screen time, he deserves to have this win. Tsuji can still finish strong in the last two rounds, and come out of this still primed for a story in the Fall.

I am loving how close they push the time limit, and that they gave us another draw, just on count-out, not the time limit. Gabe and Kaito wanted after each other, but it feels like backwards booking for the Young Lions to drag Kaito away and let Gabe get that Face pop from the fans when he’s supposed to be among the nastiest Heels in NJPW right now. And awesome matches in the penultimate and main event. Narita looked awesome even in losing to Sanada, but now he’s out of the running.

And Ospreay winning is a great surprise, as it changes the top of the block. Ospreay also had a great promo to close. For those wondering, NJPW itself designated Shota, Narita & Tsuji the “Reiwa Three Musketeers” but going by the records, it seems even then, NJPW is putting them through the wringer first. Ospreay does have a point that you don’t need to designate chosen ones, you shouldn’t designate chosen ones, you wait and see who steps up to be the proven ones, and Ospreay is definitely one of those.

My Score: 9/10