Changing things up in the seventh!

As the G1 Climax enters round seven, blocks get individual nights! And of course, first up is A Block! Sanada’s a quarterfinalist, but will he be spotless?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Taichi & Douki VS Jeff Cobb & Great-O-Khan; Cobb & Khan win.
• Six Man Tag: Chaos VS Bullet Club; Chaos wins.
• Six Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
• El Phantasmo & Togi Makabe VS Will Ospreay & HENARE; Ospreay & Henare win.
• Six Man Tag: Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi & Tomohiro Ishii VS Hiroyoshi Tenzan & The Guerillas of Destiny; Okada, Tanahashi & Ishii win.
• G1 Climax 33, A Block: Yota Tsuji VS Gabe Kidd; Tsuji wins.
• G1 Climax 33, A Block: Ren Narita VS Kaito Kiyomiya; Narita wins.
• G1 Climax 33, A Block: SANADA VS Chase Owens; Sanada wins.
• G1 Climax 33, A Block: Shota Umino VS Hikuleo; Hikuleo wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current A Block standings.

Sanada: 6-0, 12 points [QUALIFIED, A1]
Hikuleo: 3-3, 6 points
Kaito Kiyomiya: 2-2-2, 6 points
Yota Tsuji: 2-2-2, 6 points
Shota Umino: 2-2-2, 6 points
Gabe Kidd: 2-3-1, 5 points
Chase Owens: 2-4, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Ren Narita: 1-3-2, 4 points [ELIMINATED]

G1 Climax 33, A Block: Yota Tsuji VS Gabe Kidd!

Somehow, someway, the Gene Blast and #WarReady War Dog both have a chance. But on top of winning here, both men need Ren Narita to come through for them! Who wins here, just to have their fingers crossed that Kaito Kiyomiya falls?

But of course Gabe attacks Tsuji at the ramp! Fans boo as Gabe attacks from behind, then fires off forearms! Tsuji gets up and he shoves Gabe. Gabe throws hands, CLUBS Tsuji down, but wait, that WASN’T Tsuji!? The REAL Tsuji storms up from behind as Gabe keeps beating up on the doppelganger! Gabe turns around, and Tsuji KNEES him down! Fans fire up as Tsuji gets the better of Gabe. How’d he find someone who looks so much like him, though? Oh, that’s Yota’s BROTHER? Hopefully his brother is getting something in return for taking those shots. Yota Tsuji gets in the ring and the match begins!

Tsuji hits Gabe with a BACKBREAKER and SLAM to a STOMP! Fans fire up as Tsuji aims from the corner. Gabe staggers up, but then he runs away to avoid the spear. Fans boo but Tsuji just builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit into the railing! Fans fire up with Tsuji and he encourages them to get louder. The fans oblige, and Tsuji storms up on Gabe. Tsuji kicks Gabe, whips him into railing, and then has everyone clear out of the way. Tsuji whips Gabe into more railing! Gabe staggers, runs at Tsuji but Tsuji spins him around to scoop! Gabe slips off, and hits a SAIDO to the floor! Fans boo while both men are down.

The ref checks both men, Tsuji is okay to continue. The ring count starts, Gabe storms up and he fires off on the other Tsuji! Fans boo, Gabe gets in the ring and then says F U! He goes back out to CLUB Yota, then he grabs the brother! Gabe scoop SLAMS the brother onto Yota! Gabe talks trash and gets the mic. “F you, Tsuji! And F you, Tsuji!” Fans boo as Gabe tells off both brothers then puts Yota in the ring. Gable SPITS at the brother, then storms up on Yota. Gabe puts Tsuji in the corner to CHOP! And HEADBUTT! And CHOP! And HEADBUTT again! Gabe CHOPS, HEADBUTTS, is a little dizzy, but he rolls back and runs in to RAM Tsuji!

Gabe then clinches Tsuji for an OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Fans do cheer the show of strength but Gabe flips them off. Gabe covers, TWO! Fans rally and Gabe has a sarcastic grin to mock Tsuji’s. Gabe kicks Tsuji around, says he used to beat Tsuji in the dojo and now he’ll beat him here. Gabe scrapes his boot off Tsuji but Tsuji grins. Gabe stands Tsuji up to CHOP! Tsuji paces around, so Gabe CHOPS again! Gabe eggs Tsuji on and Tsuji CHOPS! Gabe shakes his head and CHOPS! Tsuji is stinging, but he comes back to CHOP! Gabe brushes himself off, CHOPS, and we pass five minutes.

Gabe eggs Tsuji on so Tsuji CHOPS! Gabe CHOPS, Tsuji CHOPS, repeat! Fans fire up with every CHOP as they go back and forth! Tsuji fires up and the fans are with him! Tsuji CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS as Gabe eggs him on. Then Gabe CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS in return! Tsuji CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Fans rally as Gabe says he’s a mad man! Gabe CHOPS, and he eggs the fans on to get louder. Tsuji grins and he CHOPS! Gabe sputters and drops to his knees! Gabe gets to his feet and he CHOPS back! Tsuji drops to a knee, but comes back to CHOP! Gabe laughs and then SLAPS Tsuji!

Gabe CHOPS, Tsuji CHOPS, fans rally as they go back and forth again! Tsuji DOUBLE CHOPS! Fans fire up again as Gabe goes to a corner. Tsuji runs in but Gabe BOOTS him away! Gabe runs in but into a scoop and BACKBREAKER! Fans rally up while both men are down! Tsuji sits up first and he smiles again. Gabe sits up and he also smiles. He mocks Tsuji with laughter, then asks what’s so funny. They both stand up and now they throw forearms back and forth! Fans rally but Gabe gets the edge. Gabe ROCKS Tsuji, then eggs him on. Tsuji says hold on. Tsuji checks with a Young Lion, and takes Nakashima’s hair pin? Tsuji puts his own hair back and fans applaud.

Gabe says hurry up, they’re on the clock. Tsuji dares Gabe to take a shot. Gabe throws a forearm! Tsuji throws it right back! Gabe throws another, so Tsuji throws another. They go back and forth, hitting harder and harder! Tsuji ROCKS Gabe and fires off more shots! Gabe CHOPS in return! Tsuji KNEES Gabe! And SUPERKICKS! But Gabe CHOPS! And JABS! And JABS! Tsuji fires up but Gabe DECKS him!! Fans fire up for how impressive that was! Fans rally for Tsuji and we pass ten minutes. Gabe storms back over to Tsuji, drags him up, and reels him in. Tsuji fights the lift, so Gabe CLUBS him on the back!

Gabe tries again, but Tsuji still fights the lift! Tsuji back drops free! Fans rally, Gabe runs up and UPPERCUTS Tsuji! Gabe grins, runs, but Tsuji BOOTS him! Tsuji runs but Gabe BOOTS him! Gabe runs but Tsuji dodges. Gabe dodges, to COMEBACKER LARIAT! Cover, ONE?!?! Gabe hurries to suplex, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!! Tsuji survives and fans fire up again! Gabe drags Tsuji to a drop zone, goes up top, MOONSAULT FLOPS as Tsuji moves! Fans rally up for Tsuji as he goes to the corner. Tsuji pushes himself up and he smiles again. Tsuji storms over to Gabe, drags him up, and reels him in, but Gabe blocks the suplex!

Fans rally as Tsuji tries to power through! Tsuji suplexes to GOURD BUSTER! And then he gut wrenches to SLAM Gabe! Tsuji puts Gabe in a drop zone, and Tsuji goes up a corner! MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives but Tsuji hurries to suplex, FALCON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Gabe survives but Tsuji CURB STOMPS him down! Tsuji goes to the corner, but then runs the ropes, only for Gabe to DROPKICK him down! Gabe drags Tsuji up, reels him in, but Tsuji wrenches free! Tsuji ducks the haymaker to SLAP Gabe! Gabe glares at Tsuji, and SLAPS him back! Tsuji SLAPS, Gabe SLAPS, fans fire up as this becomes a SLAP fight!

Tsuji smiles as he and Gabe just keep throwing big SLAPS! Tsuji gets the edge but Gabe gives some back! Tsuji just keeps going and he DECKS Gabe! Fans fire up as Gabe gets up, Tsuji HEADBUTTS! Gabe returns, Tsuji ducks ‘n’ dodges to SPEAR!! Cover, Tsuji wins!!

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

Gabe may have been #WarReady, but he could not win this war! Gabe is OUT, and now Tsuji will have to watch and wait on this very next match. Will the GENE1 survive into the quarterfinals? Or is this where it ends?

G1 Climax 33, A Block: Ren Narita VS Kaito Kiyomiya!

The Son of Strong Style is out of the running, but he can be a strong spoiler if he defeats the Supernova! Will Narita end the GREEN1? Or will Kaito fight to stay alive for a little longer?

The bell rings and fans rally up as the two circle. They approach, feel things out, and then Kaito goes for a leg. Narita stays back and the two reset. They circle, feel out another grapple, and this time Kaito avoids Narita going for a leg. They hand fight, Kaito catches Narita to a facelock, and then shifts around to get an arm. Narita moves around, brings Kaito down and has Kaito with a facelock. Narita throws Kaito down but Kaito headscissors. Narita slips free, Kaito sits up and Narita backs off. Fans applaud as the two reset again. They circle, tie up, and Kaito waistlocks. Narita wrenches out to have a wristlock.

Kaito rolls, cartwheels, slips through and wristlocks. Fans rally again as Narita rolls, wrenches and wristlocks. Kaito rolls, kips up, breaks free and gets a leg, DRAGON SCREW! Narita goes to ropes but Kaito drags him back up. Narita CLUBS away on Kaito but Kaito still DRAGON SCREWS the leg! And then steps through to FIGURE FOUR! Narita fights that off with his own head! Narita pushes the leg away, moves around, and gets the ROPEBREAK! Kaito needs help so the ref undoes the hold. Narita bails out and Kaito waits on him. Fans rally for Narita and he hobbles. The ring count starts but Narita slides in at 8 of 20.

Fans applaud as the two reset. Narita and Kaito approach, Kaito kick but Narita blocks! Narita fires shots, Kaito shields himself from some of them but Narita CLUBS away on him! Kaito throws body shots but Narita ROCKS him! Narita fires off more shots, ROCKS Kaito again, then whips for a NECKBREAKER DROP! Cover, TWO! Fans rally and Narita brings Kaito around to a chinlock, digging his knee into Kaito’s back. We pass five minutes as Kaito endures. Kaito fights up, but Narita shifts to a cravat. Kaito endures the neck wrench then throws body shots. But Narita CLUBS Kaito on the neck! Narita runs, but Kaito dropkicks the legs out!

Fans rally and Kaito gets Narita’s leg. Kaito stomps the leg, turns Narita over, then drags him to center to SMASH the knee on the mat! Narita goes to ropes, Kaito puts the leg on the rope, then runs to FLYING HIP DROP the leg! Kaito then drags Narita around, brings him up in a waistlock, but Narita fights the lift. Narita throws elbows, but Kaito dropkicks the legs again! Kaito runs, but into a WHEEL KICK! A bit double-edged given the damage to his knee, but Narita still stands up in a corner. Kaito goes to the opposite, and Narita runs in to BACK ELBOW! And then HALF HATCH! Cover, TWO!

Narita clamps on with a SLEEPER! Kaito endures, fights up, throws body shots then arm-drags, but Narita holds on with the sleeper! Kaito endures again, and he reaches out for ropes. Narita keeps him back so Kaito fights up, and he RAMS Narita into a corner! Narita lets go, but then clamps back on! Fans fire up as Narita squeezes tight! Kaito’s getting red in the face but he throws body shots. Kaito then powers out, and DROPKICKS Narita down! Fans rally up and Kaito brings Narita around, to a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! And Narita gets the SLEEPER again! Fans fire up as Narita leans his weight on Kaito!

Kaito endures, but he’s fading! The ref checks him, the arm drops once. But then Kaito gets his second wind! Kaito fights up, throws elbows, but Narita shifts to a GUILLOTINE! Kaito reaches out but Narita keeps him from ropes! Fans fire up as Kaito is fading again! But then he suplexes Narita! Narita slips free, SLEEPER, to COBRA TWIST! Fans fire up as Kaito endures all over again! Kaito pries at the grip, we pass 10 minutes, and Kaito works to stomp his way toward ropes! ROPEBREAK! Narita lets go, but then drags Kaito from ropes, to KNEE low, and GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!

Fans rally up with Narita as he fires up! Narita drags Kaito up, reels him in, but Kaito breaks the clinch to DRAGON SCREW! Both men are down and fans continue to rally. Kaito goes to the apron, climbs up a corner, and then MISSILE DROPKICKS the legs! Narita writhes but Kaito gets his leg again, DRAGON SCREW! And then FIGURE FOUR!! Narita is caught and fans are thunderous! Narita grabs at the ref, shakes his head, and refuses to give up! Narita eggs Kaito on so Kaito THRASHES the hold around! Narita fights his way around, reaches out, but Kaito drags him back! Narita fights and fights, to the ROPEBREAK!

Fans fire up and Kaito lets the hold go reluctantly. Narita clutches his legs, but Kaito storms up on him. Kaito drags Narita up, chicken wings, TIGER- NO, Narita fights it! Narita slips around but Kaito fights the Cobra Twist! Kaito CLUBS the bad leg! Kaito grabs a leg but Narita ROCKS Kaito with a forearm! But Kaito UPPERCUTS! Kaito runs, ROLLING- CROSS COUNTER! But Kaito CROSS COUNTERS back! ROLLING ELBOW! Narita ENZIGURIS! And BOOTS, to clinch, but Kaito ELBOWS free! And then RANAS! Cover, TWO!!! Narita escapes and fans are thunderous! Kaito hurries and runs in, but Narita dodges!

Kaito fights the Cobra Twist! TIGER PLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Narita survives and fans are thunderous! Kaito fires up and he drags Narita into the chicken wings, TIGER DRIVER 23!! Cover, TWO?!?! Narita survives and fans are thunderous again! Kaito roars as he rises back up, and we hit 15 minutes! Kaito wants Narita to stand, and he aims from the corner! EVOLVED SHINING- NORTHERN LIGHTS!! Bridging cover, NARITA WINS!!!

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

The Son of Strong Style comes through for Tsuji! The GREEN1 is DONE as Kaito falls! Tsuji’s hopes are alive for a little longer, will even the main event go Tsuji’s way?

G1 Climax 33, A Block: SANADA VS Chase Owens!

The Cold Skull has nothing to worry about, he is guaranteed the top spot in the block! However, there’s no stress on the Crown Jewel, either, as he is out of the running. Then, with nothing to lose, will Chase pull off the upset of the G1? Or will he run into a Skull End?

The bell rings and fans rally up. Chase says if he wins, he should get a title shot. Sanada understands, and the two tie up. They’re in a deadlock but Chase gets around to a waistlock. Sanada switches, Chase reaches around and headlocks, but Sanada puts Chase on ropes. Red Shoes calls for the break, as does Chase, and Sanada lets off with pats on the shoulders. Fans applaud the sportsmanship, and so does Chase. Chase offers a handshake, and he shakes hands with Red Shoes. Sanada doesn’t trust it, so Chase does the thumbs up like Just5Guys. Fans rally and Sanada nods. They shake hands after all, but they both block the other’s cheap shot!

Fans cheer while the two argue about who lets go first. Chase says champions go first. Sanada says same time then. They both set the other’s foot down, but then Chase holds on! Chase trips Sanada and attempts the Paradise Lock! But he still can’t figure it out! Sanada boots Chase away, but Chase kicks low. Chase whips, Sanada sunset flips but Chase rolls through, and he tries again! He has it now! Chase puts Sanada in the Paradise Lock!! Fans fire up and Chase takes a moment to copy Sanada by going out and encouraging them to get louder. The fans cheer more and more, and then Chase returns to the ring.

Chase takes aim, and he dropkicks Sanada out of Paradise! Chase celebrates, he finally did it! He even goes out to tell English commentary that he finally did it! Chase gets approval from Milano Collection AT, too, then goes in. Sanada stares Chase down and Chase wants a timeout. Fans cheer “Let’s Go, Owens!” But then Sanada CLUBS Chase and kicks him down! Sanada shows Chase how it’s done, ROPE PARADISE! Chase apologizes but fans cheer as Sanada encourages them now. Sanada runs in to kick Chase out of Paradise! Chase tumbles to the floor and clutches a hip. Sanada waits, to then PLANCH, but Chase moves!

Chase RAMS Sanada into railing! Chase then whips Sanada into more railing! And then whips him into even more railing! Sanada falls over in a heap, but Chase pulls up floor mats! Red Shoes reprimands but Chase just ignores him. We pass five minutes as Chase clears of quite a bit of space. Chase drags Sanada up, ROCKS him with a right, and the ring count starts. Chase brings Sanada around, tucks him, but Sanada fights off the driver! Sanada spins Chase around, puts him on the apron but Chase pushes off that! Chase RAMS Sanada into railing, then DDTs him to the floor!! Chase then gets in the ring as we pass 15 of 20!

The count is 18, then 19! Sanada springs up and into the ring, but into a C-TRIGGER! Chase then tucks Sanada in, for the PACKAGE- NO, Sanada fights that to Alabama Lift! Chase fights that to get Sanada up, BOMB into roll and body scissors, SKULL END?! Chase keeps copying Sanada, and Sanada claws at the hold! Chase shifts to have a deeper Dragon Sleeper! Sanada still endures, reaches around, but Chase is holding on tight! Fans rally up, Sanada is fading, and Chase wants Red Shoes to check! Sanada is holding on, but Chase leans his weight on the hold! Sanada gets a second wind and makes a lunge to the ROPEBREAK!

Fans rally as Sanada is still in this. Chase takes off his knee brace? He hides it behind his back? Sanada stands, Chase runs in but Sanada dodges to DROPKCIK! Sanada goes up top, ROUNDING BODY- NO, he lands out as Chase moves! Chase uses Red Shoes as a shield, Sanada pushes Red Shoes aside, KNEE BRACE SHOT!! Chase gets the evidence out of the ring and covers, TWO!! Sanada survives and fans rally up again! Chase storms around, he sits Sanada up, C-TRIGGER! C-TRIGGER! And then the tuck, for- RANA! Sanada has the cover, TWO!! Chase escapes, but the SHINING WIZARD hits!

Sanada hurries to get Chase up, DEAD FALL!! Cover, Sanada wins!

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

And the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion is a SPOTLESS 7-0 in the round robin! Is there no stopping the Cold Skull from being both world champion and G1 Climax Champion?

G1 Climax 33, A Block: Shota Umino VS Hikuleo w/ Jado!

It all comes down to this! The Roughneck and the Young Guerrilla both know Sanada is the first seed, so this is all about being second! It’s win and you’re in, BUT if it’s a draw, then Tsuji gets his shot! Who will, and won’t, be going to the quarterfinals with the Cold Skull?

The bell rings and fans rally up as the two stare down. Shota and Hiku circle slowly, tie up, and Hiku SHOVES Shota down! Fans applaud, and Shota gets back up. The two circle again, and then Shota kicks low! Shota headlocks, and holds on as Hiku tries to power out. Hiku throws body shots, powers out and they RAM shoulders! Neither falls, so Shota runs again. Shota RAMS Hiku then eggs him on. Hiku dares Shota to go again but Shota says the same back. Hiku runs, and Shota dropkicks the leg! Shota tries to scoop but Hiku’s too big! Hiku then scoops and SLAMS Shota! Fans fire up as Shota writhes.

Hiku drags Shota up, scoops and carries Shota around, then SLAMS him again! Shota writhes and goes to ropes, but Hiku storms over to him. Hiku stomps Shota around, Shota goes to other ropes, but Hiku stands on Shota! Red Shoes counts, Hiku steps off, and then he drags Shota up. Hiku swings, Shota dodges and fires forearms! Hiku swings, Shota dodges again and he dropkicks the leg! Fans rally as Shota tries to scoop again, but Hiku is still too big! Shota CLUBS away on Hiku, scoops again, but falls over under Hiku’s weight! Cover, TWO! Shota is frustrated, but Hiku brings him up and whips him to a corner.

Shota bounces off buckles, and Hiku TOSSES him across the way! Cover, TWO! Fans rally again and Hiku stomps Shota around. Hiku kicks Shota around, almost toying with him. Hiku drags Shota up, whips but Shota reverses, kicks a leg out, and runs to UPPERCUT Hiku down! Fans fire up for “SHO~TA! SHO~TA!” as he goes to the corner. Shota runs corner to corner to UPPERCUT again! Shota then goes for another scoop! Hiku CLUBS Shota, scoops him, but Shota slips free and shoves! Shota dodges Hiku’s boot and mule kicks! Shota then runs to SHOTGUN! Hiku stays up so Shota SCOOPS AND SLAMS!

Fans fire up as Shota manages the power move! Jado coaches Hiku while fans rally up. Shota goes to the corner and climbs, to MISSILE DROPKICK Hiku down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up as we pass five minutes. Shota drags Hiku up in a dragon sleeper but Hiku CLUBS away on him! Shota lets go, and Hiku CHOPS! And CHOPS! And SLAPS! Shota goes to a corner, Hiku runs in to SPLASH! Hiku then scoops to SNAKE EYES and LARIAT! Fans fire up and Hiku storms up on Shota. Hiku suplexes high and HARD! Cover, TWO! Shota is still in this but Hiku keeps his cool. Fans rally and Hiku drags Shota up.

Hiku scoops Shota, but Shota fights free! Shota waistlocks but Hiku elbows free! Hiku CHOPS, and he whips Shota to ropes. Shota DOUBLE STOMPS the powerslam down! Fans fire up with Shota and he rises up. Jado coaches Hiku but Shota aims from a corner. Shota runs in, but Hiku dodges Ignition! Shota blocks a boot, ANKLE LOCK! Step over, into STF!! Hiku endures, Jado coaches him, and Hiku reaches out! Hiku claws his way forward even as Shota pulls way back! Shota then lets go, and he drags Hiku back, back into the STF!! Hiku still fights his way forward, but Shota gets that arm! Hiku uses the other arm for the ROPEBREAK!

Shota lets go quickly, and he stomps away on Hiku. Then DOUBLE STOMPS! Shota goes out, fans rally up, and Shota opens the gate? Shota runs in from No Man’s Land for a DRIVE-BY DROPKICK! Hiku staggers up, into a SLINGSHOT DDT! Fans fire up as Shota isn’t done there! Shota waits on Hiku to get up, and he kicks low! Hiku fights the underhooks to scoop, POWERSLAM! Fans fire up while both men are down! Shota and Hiku stir, and Hiku rises first. We pass 10 minutes as Hiku brings Shota up to ROCK with a forearm! Shota shakes his head, and he comes back with a forearm of his own!

Hiku ROCKS Shota again, but Shota comes back with another forearm! Hiku ROCKS Shota, stands, and then he stands Shota back up. But Shota fires a forearm! Hiku eggs him on so Shota fires more forearms! Hiku DECKS Shota! But Shota’s right back up! Fans fire up as Shota fires more forearms! Hiku just DECKS Shota again! But Shota stands up again, and fires more forearms! Hiku DECKS Shota a third time! So Shota rises a third time! Only to stagger and fall over again! Fans rally up, Hiku brings Shota in, but Shota kicks low, and UPPERCUTS! Shota whips but Hiku blocks to reverse!

Shota avoids the powerslam, ROCKS Hiku, but Hiku UPPERCUTS! Then choke grips! GOD- NO, Shota slips free to waistlock! Shota avoids the elbow to ROLLING ELBOW, JUMP KNEE, and then GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Hiku survives and fans fire up again! Shota goes to a corner, he aims at Hiku and runs in, but into a BOOT! Hiku drags Shota right up, to POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Shota survives and fans are thunderous! Hiku is stunned, but he clamps the claw on! GODSE- SATELLITE DDT!! Fans are thunderous again as both men are down! Jado coaches Hiku while he and Shota stir.

Hiku and Shota slowly stand up, and Shota runs in to SHOTGUN! Hiku ends up in a corner, and Shota puts him up top! Fans rally, Shota climbs, but Hiku fights the superplex! Shota fires forearms, brings Hiku up, but Hiku still fights it! Shota throws more forearms, tries yet again, but Hiku DECKS him! Hiku adjusts but Shota SHORYUKENS! Shota then hurries back up after Hiku and we hit 15 minutes! Shota gets Hiku to the very top, for a SUPERPLEX!! Fans are thunderous again and Shota crawls to the cover, TWO!!! Hiku survives and Shota pounds the mat in frustration. But fans fire up as he aims from a corner!

Hiku rises, Shota runs, IGNITION!! Cover, TWO!?! Hiku survives but Shota won’t stop there! Shota drags Hiku up and brings him in, to lift, only for Hiku to power out! Hiku shoves Shota away, but Shota blocks a shot, ROCKS Hiku, and SPINNING ENZIGURIS! Fans fire up with Shota and he brings Hiku back into the underhooks! But Hiku wrenches out to LARIAT!! Fans are thunderous as Hiku drags Shota up again, to GOD- NO, Shota sunset flips!! TWO!!! But Shota hurries to wrap up an arm, but Hiku turns La Magistrol into his own cover! TWO!! Hiku and Shota both get up, and Hiku clamps on the claw!

But Shota spins it to arm hooks! Hiku fights the backslide and spins Shota around! Shota dodges, but runs into the POWERSLAM!! Three minute warning, and Shota fights the choke slam again! Hiku powers through, GODSEND!!! Cover, HIKULEO WINS!!!

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

The Young Guerrilla pulls it out! The Roughneck is OUT, and so is Gene Blast! The supposed New Three Musketeers are all missing out on the G1 Climax Quarterfinals, will they just have to try harder next time?

As for Hikuleo, he shows Shota respect by helping him up and shaking his hand. Fans cheer the sportsmanship, and then Shota takes his leave. Jado gets the mic for Hikuleo and fans cheer “HIKU-LEO! HIKU-LEO!” Jado whispers something to Hiku, then hands over the mic. Hikuleo tells Shota, “Me and you, many more times in the future, one on one.” Fans applaud the sound of that. Hiku says arigatogozaimasu, and then fist bumps Shota. And then Hiku addresses “OSAKAAA~! This G1 is mine! This is my fate. This is my destiny.” Fans applaud that, and Hiku says in Japanese, “Osaka, you know I love ya!” Fans cheer for that, but will this Guerrilla of Destiny achieve his destiny?

Here are the FINAL A Block standings!

Sanada: 7-0, 14 points [QUALIFIED, A1]
Hikuleo: 4-3, 8 points [QUALIFIED, A2]
Yota Tsuji: 3-2-2, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Shota Umino: 2-3-2, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Ren Narita: 2-3-2, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Kaito Kiyomiya: 2-3-2, 6 points [ELIMINATED]
Gabe Kidd: 2-4-1, 5 points [ELIMINATED]
Chase Owens: 2-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]

My Thoughts:

A great seventh round for this block, though yes, I skipped the tune-up tag matches. They all had good stuff but don’t worry about them in the go-home math, it is still anyone’s guess in the following days. Anyway, the G1 matches themselves were in the perfect order for maximum drama. Tsuji had a great little swerve on Gabe using his real-life brother, who really does have an uncanny resemblance for them not being twins, and a great win for Tsuji. Narita getting the win on Kaito was great for Narita, though it is a shame Kaito won’t be moving on to give us Okada VS Kaito here.

It was very clever for Chase to try and copy Sanada’s most iconic moves. Great little moment for him finally getting the Paradise Lock right. But c’mon, we all knew Sanada was winning this one. Sanada goes in 7-0, a clean run, a very rare thing to happen I believe. That in itself is a great honor, so I don’t think Sanada wins the whole thing. Shota VS Hikuleo was also great stuff, and what a great moment for Hikuleo to win a main event and get to talk. Hikuleo kept it short and sweet, but I don’t think he makes it to the finals. But this is a sign Hiku is moving up in the world, he might move up to the NEVER Openweight or KOPW Championship after this.

My Score: 8.8/10