Who is the Strongest of the Summer?

As NJPW begins its 35th G1 Climax, 20 men battle to prove they’re the best of the best! But will Hiroshi Tanahashi start off strong in his FINAL G1 ever?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• G1 Climax 35 B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS Shingo Takagi; Hashi wins.
• G1 Climax 35 A Block: Callum Newman VS EVIL; Evil wins.
• G1 Climax 35 B Block: Great-O-Khan VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins.
• G1 Climax 35 A Block: Yuya Uemura VS Boltin Oleg; Yuya wins.
• G1 Climax 35 B Block: Shota Umino VS El Phantasmo; Shota wins.
• G1 Climax 35 A Block: Ryohei Oiwa VS David Finlay; Oiwa wins.
• G1 Climax 35 B Block: Gabe Kidd VS Konosuke Takeshita; Konosuke wins.
• G1 Climax 35 A Block: Yota Tsuji VS SANADA; Yota wins.
• G1 Climax 35 B Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Ren Narita; Ren wins.
• G1 Climax 35 A Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Taichi; Tanahashi wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

G1 Climax 35 B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS Shingo Takagi!

As the round robin begins, it is the Headhunter and the Rampaging Dragon that kick things off! With Hirooki Goto out of action, will Hashi be the one to #TurnItAllAround? Or will the “unaffiliated” still keep things tranquilo?

The bell rings and the fans rally up already. The dueling is strong from the fans and the two step up. They tie up, Takagi headlocks, but Hashi powers up and out. They RAM shoulders, Hashi rebounds to RAM Takagi again! The fans cheer as the two men stand tall. The forearms start flying, then Takagi runs up. Hashi CHOPS but Takagi doesn’t budge! Takagi DOUBLE CHOPS Hashi off his feet! But Hashi’s right up to RUN Takagi over! The fans fire up, Hashi storms up on Takagi in the corner, and CHOPS again! Hashi whips corner to corner, runs in, but Takagi BOOTS him away! Takagi runs, but Hashi ducks the lariat!

Hashi storms up but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON feint and DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi stands, he brings Hashi up, and he suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud while Hashi crawls. Takagi fires up, but Hashi DROPKICKS him before his catchphrase can get going! Hashi then says, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as Hashi says HIS time has come! He ROCKS and CHOPS Takagi on repeat! Hashi runs, Takagi follows to LARIAT and SAIDO! But Hashi’s right up?! He gets around Takagi to SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Takagi rises, both men run in, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide!

Hashi and Takagi stay up so they DOUBLE LARIAT again! Takagi then SWATS a lariat, BLINDSIDE LARIATS, but Hashi SUPERKICKS! And YUKON LARIATS! The fans fire up as Hashi brings Takagi back up, full nelson to pump handle, but Takagi fights free. But Hashi hits a CODE BREAKER! Takagi rebounds to SLIDING LARIAT! Hashi is up to SUPERKICK! The fans fire up and Hashi runs, and LARIATS! Hashi hurries to full nelson, pump handle, but Takagi slips free! GROUND COBRA CRADLE, TWO! SLIDING FOREARM! Takagi fires up with “OI! OI! OI!” and the fans join in! Takagi rises and he brings Hashi up.

Takagi fires boxing elbows, “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi ROCKS Hashi, but Hashi spins through to CHOP! Takagi JABS, HEADBUTTS, but Hashi SUPERKICKS! Takagi PUMPING BOMBERS! The fans fire up and Takagi builds speed, PUMPING BOMBER!! The fans fire up even more as Takagi stands Hashi up! Pump handle, fireman’s carry, but Hashi fights it! ITADAKIWARI!! Cover, Hashi wins!!

Winner: Yoshi-Hashi, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Takagi earns 0)

Hashi snatches victory from the jaws of defeat as he makes “easy pickings” out of the Dragon! But will Hashi be able to do this again next round? Will Takagi be able to redeem himself from getting caught?

G1 Climax 35 A Block: Callum Newman VS EVIL w/ Dick Togo & Don Fale!

The Prince of Pace is ready to prove he is NJPW’s future, but his G1 starts against the King of Darkness. And when you face one part of the House of Torture, you basically fight them all, as The Spoiler & The Rogue General are already ringside. Can Callum overcome the odds? Or will it be another stacked deck as Darkness Falls?

Fale distracts Callum already, and Evil CLOBBERS Callum from behind! The fans boo, the bell rings, and Evil stomps away. Evil TOSSES Callum out, then goes out to whip him into railing! Callum falls in a heap, but Evil stands him up to whip hard into the other side! Evil grabs the mic from the timekeeper to mock Callum and laugh at him. Evil then leaves Callum behind to soak up the heat in the ring. Dick slips something to Evil and he hides it behind his back. Callum storms into the ring, Evil kicks Callum and CLUBS away! Then he goes to choke Callum with the T-shirt! The ref stops Evil, takes the shirt away, but then Evil uses a tag rope to CHOKE Callum!

The fans boo as Evil still gets away with a crime! Evil laughs, then he pushes Callum down for a cover, TWO! Callum toughs it out and the fans applaud. Evil drags Callum up but Callum fires a forearm! And another forearm! And another! Evil CLAWS Callum’s face! Evil whips Callum hard into a corner, and Callum tumbles up and out of the ring! Evil distracts the ref, Fale drags Callum up, then holds him up with both hands! Dick has the chair and he SMACKS Callum on the back! The fans boo more but then Fale stands ON Callum! Fale steps off, Dick puts Callum back in, and Evil grins as he taunts Callum.

Callum stands, Evil runs in, and Evil LARIATS Callum in the corner! Then FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Callum stays in this, but Evil stands on Callum. The ref reprimands, Evil steps off and he taunts the fans. But Callum CHOPS! The fans cheer but Evil CHOPS back! Callum goes to ropes, catches his breath, but Evil CHOPS again! Callum eggs Evil on so Evil CHOPS again! The fans rally behind Callum and he puts his hands behind his back! Evil says bet, but fakes the chop to CLAW Callum’s face! Evil CHOPS Callum down, but Callum kips up and CHOPS back! Evil falls and the fans fire up!

Callum fires up and he storms up on Evil. Callum fires forearms, then whips corner to corner. Evil reverses, runs in, but blocks Callum’s boot! Callum ENZIGIRIS, runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and he builds up speed to BOOT! And PENALTY KICK! And then PLANCHA onto Fale! The fans fire up as Callum hurries back in! Dick is on the apron but Callum DECKS him! Callum then PLANCHAS to take Dick down! Callum hurries back in, dodges Evil and sends him out! And then PLANCHA! Direct hit and the fans fire up for the hattrick! Callum takes a moment, then he fires up, “IKU ZO!” The fans cheer as Callum puts Evil in.

Callum climbs the corner, aims, and DIVING- NO, Evil avoids the stomp! Callum hobbles, and Evil CHOP BLOCKS the leg out! Both men are down but the fans rally up. Evil rises, he stomps away on Callum’s leg, then drops an elbow on the knee! Evil steps through but Callum fires haymakers! Evil staggers away, comes back to fireman’s carry, but Callum slips free! Callum shoves, runs, ducks the lariat, but sees Evil going to the corner! Callum trips Evil up, then SLIDING KNEE! Then he SUPERKICKS Evil down! Callum drags Evil into the drop zone, and the fans rally up as Callum climbs. DIVING DOUBLE STOMP! Cover, TWO!

Callum hurries to hook the leg, FIREBOLT!! Cover, TWO!! Evil survives but the fans rally behind Callum even harder! Callum rises, fires up again, and the fans cheer as he drags Evil back up. Callum reels Evil in but Evil wrenches and choke grips! But Callum breaks free! And KICKS! BUZZSAWS! Callum roars, hooks the arm, but Evil fights out of Prince’s Curse to send Callum into the ref! Dick storms in and has the SPOILER CHOKER on Callum! The fans boo, but Callum pries the weapon away! Only for Fale to BODY BLOW! And then GRENADE!! Fale & Dick bail out, Evil drags Callum around, SCORPION DEATHLOCK!!

The fans boo as Callum endures being bent back! Evil sits deep, Callum TAPS! Evil wins!

Winner: Evil, by submission (gains 2 points; Callum earns 0)

The deck was indeed stacked, and Callum could not overcome. Will this opening speedbump throw Callum completely offtrack? Will the House of Torture always cheat their way to the top?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: Great-O-Khan VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!

The Dominator wants to reign again after losing the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, but he’s up against a War Dog with a lot to prove. Will Khan show the power of the United Empire? Or will he be shot down by 44 Caliber?

Khan takes off his elaborate entrance attire, but Drilla attacks from behind! The bell rings as Drilla stomps away! Drilla then hauls Khan up but Khan BACKDROPS him away! Khan stands Drilla up, the forearms fly, and the fans rally up! Khan ROCKS Drilla but Drilla CHOPS Khan! Khan goes to a corner, Drilla runs in, but Khan dodges to LARIAT! Khan then hops up to sit on his throne, only for Drilla to slip out! Khan BOOTS Drilla, leaps, but into an atomic drop! Drilla DROPKICKS and Khan tumbles out! Drilla builds speed to WRECK Khan with a dropkick! The fans fire up and Drilla CHOPS Khan against ralling!

Drilla brings Khan around, HEADBUTTS him, then puts him against more railing. Drilla ties Khan’s ponytail to the railing! Drilla CHOPS Khan then leaves him behind! The ring count begins but Khan is anchored to the railing! The fans rally and Khan tries to figure out the knot. Khan unties the hair, gets in the ring, and the fans applaud. But then Drilla DOUBLE STOMPS Khan! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up for Khan but Drilla looms over him. Drilla drags Khan up, reels him in, and he suplexes, only for Khan to fight it! PANCAKE PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Drilla kicks low, runs, but into a lift! BACKBREAKER!

Both men are down and the fans rally up. Khan sits up first and he brings Drilla up. Khan reels Drilla in for a facelock, then CLUBS away on him! Khan underhooks to BUTTERFLY SUPLEX Drilla into the corner! Drilla writhes and clutches a leg, but Khan drags Drilla into a cover, TWO! Drilla toughs it out but the fans rally up for Khan. Khan ROCKS Drilla in the back! And then ROCKS him again! Drilla drops to his knees, but Khan shakes his head. Khan stands Drilla up again for another forearm to the back! Khan then hits an atomic drop, a trip, and the QUEEN ANGELITO STRETCH! Drilla endures as Khan bends him back!

Drilla fights forward, claws at the mat, but Khan pulls him into a full CAMEL CLUTCH! Drilla still endures, still fights, and he has an arm free! Khan shifts to a neck wrench! Drilla continues to endure, even as Khan twists his head! Drilla pushes forward to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Khan lets go, and Khan stomps Drilla. Khan drags Drilla up, snapmares, then KICKS him in the back! Drilla gets up in a huff to fire forearms in return! Drilla runs, but Khan clamps on the IRON CLAW! But Drilla powers it back! The fans rally and Drilla ripcords Khan to CHOP! But Khan Mongolian Chops! Khan runs, but into a spin and suplex!

The fans fire up while both men are down! Khan and Drilla stir, and Drilla sits up first. Drilla rolls his way to the corner, the fans rally up, and Drilla waits on Khan. Khan stands, Drilla runs in, but Khan intercepts Gore with another IRON CLAW! BACKBREAKER then ELIMI- NO, Drilla fights free with elbows! Drilla CHOPS Khan, but Khan Mongolian Chops! Drilla CHOPS again, so Khan Mongolian Chops again! And Mongolian Chops again! Drilla blocks the next one to HEADBUTT! Drilla runs, but into a SAYANAGI!

Drilla is right up! But Khan BOOTS him! Khan runs, into a SPINEBUSTER! The fans fire up, Drilla covers, ONE?!? Khan is still in this and the fans fire up! Drilla snarls and pounds the mat. The fans rally up, Drilla goes to the corner, and Drilla runs in, but into a HAYMAKER! Khan scoops for the T T D!! Cover, TWO!! Drilla survives the Tenzan Tombstone Driver, but Khan has the fans with him! Khan clamps on the IRON CLAW, and then ELIMIN- NO, Drilla slips free, rolls Khan up, TWO! Drilla runs up, Khan scoops, but Drilla slips free! Drilla gets running again, GORE!! Cover, TWO?!? Khan survives again but Drilla fires up!

The fans rally, Drilla calls his shot and he drags Khan up. Gut wrench and DRILLA- NO, Khan IRON CLAWS free of the Drilla Killer to have an IRON COBRA TWIST! Then he bow ‘n’ arrow racks, but Drilla slips free! GORE!! And then the gut wrench! DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, Drila wins!!

Winner: “Drilla” Moloney, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Khan earns 0)

Khan and Drilla pushed each other there, but it was Drilla who got the last shot in! Will this hybrid be unstoppable in his rise to the top? Can Khan recover and do better in the next round?

G1 Climax 35 A Block: Yuya Uemura VS Boltin Oleg!

From Just5Guys to Just4Guys to only three, that faction has folded into the main unit, making this a Hontai VS Hontai showdown! Will the Heat Storm fire back up? Or will the NEVER Openweight Champion put Yuya behind BARS?

The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. They feel things out, Yuya rolls but Oleg keeps his distance. They tie up, fight for control, break for a moment, then tie up again. They both go for legs, then Oleg waistlocks. Yuya switches, Oleg switches back, and they go around. Oleg waistlocks but Yuya drops to break free, and the fans cheer the exchange. Oleg and Yuya reset, tie up, and Yuya wrenches an arm. Oleg wrenches in return and has the wristlock. Yuya powers up but Oleg holds on tight. Oleg keeps Yuya from the ropes, pushes on the wristlock, but Yuya rolls, wrenches, and wrenches again. Yuya hammerlocks, headlocks, hammerlocks, then snapmares for the armlock!

The fans applaud while Oleg fights up. Oleg powers up and out to whip Yuya away, and they RAM shoulders! They go forehead to forehead, then Yuya runs, but into a scoop! Yuya slips free, but Oleg blocks the arm-drag! Oleg whips, Yuya reverses, but Oleg RUNS Yuya over! The fans fire up and Olega brings Yuya up. Oleg RAMS Yuya into the corner, then RAMS him again and again! Oleg CHOPS, the fans cheer, and Oleg whips corner to corner. Yuya reverses to WRING Oleg, then hooks the arm to SNAP LOCK it! The fans rally while Oleg writhes. Oleg shakes the arm out, but Yuya dropkicks him to the corner!

The fans rally and Yuya storms over to Oleg. Yuya wrangles Oleg, drops elbow after elbow on the arm, then traps the arm in a top wristlock. Oleg endures, keeps his shoulders up, but Yuya headstands to put on the pressure! Yuya then bridges the armlock! Oleg flails, Yuya moves around, and he shirts his angle on the arm. Oleg rises up, fires a forearm, and he’s free! Yuya dodges the next shot, and the next, to then arm-drag! Yuya has the armlock again and the fans applaud! Oleg endures, rises up, but Yuya hooks a leg! Yuya has the standing armlock, but Oleg scoops! The fans cheer, but then Yuya wrangles Oleg into an ARMBAR!

Oleg endures, the fans rally, and Oleg clasps hands to fight off the hold. Oleg kicks his way around, fights to a stack cover, TWO! Yuya has a TRIANGLE HOLD, but Oleg deadlifts and POWERBOMBS! Both men are down but the fans fire up! Oleg goes to the ropes, Yuya goes to the opposite end. Both men stand, and Oleg runs in at the corner! SPLASH and scoop for a THROW! Yuya sputters, Oleg runs, SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Yuya is still in this but Oleg storms up on him. Oleg gut wrenches for the Shake, Shake, Shake, GUT WRENCH PLEX! Then a kip up! The fans fire up with Oleg as he storms upon Yuya again.

Oleg fireman’s carries, runs, but Yuya slips free! Yuya waistlocks but Oleg ELBOWS free! Oleg ROCKS Yuya, runs, but into a DROPKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Yuya goes to the ropes and stands back up. Yuya roars, the fans rally, and Yuya drags Oleg up. Yuya reels Oleg in, but Oleg fights the back suplex! Yuya powers up to still hit a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! ARMBAR! Oleg flails, clasps hands, and he fights around again! But Yuya breaks the grip to have the ARMBAR!! Oleg fights and fights, gets a hold of one finger, but Yuya breaks the grip again! ARBMAR! Oleg kicks to the ROPEBREAK!

Yuya lets go in frustration but the fans rally up. Oleg stands, Yuya CHOPS him in the corner! And CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Yuya wrenches Oleg’s arm, whips him corner to corner, then runs in, only for Oleg to pick Yuya up in a BEARHUG! Yuya fights against it, and he traps the arms! Oleg now fights the Deadbolt Suplex! The fans rally as the two fight for control, bearhug against cording hold! Oleg BEARHUG BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! The fans fire up as both men are down again! Oleg rises, he storms over to Yuya, but Yuya fires forearms! Oleg ROCKS Yuya right back! Yuya fires more forearms, but Oleg ROCKS him again!

Yuya drops to a knee, the fans fire up, and Oleg gets his arms to work. But Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS again and again! Oleg CHOPS with just one and Yuya falls to his knees! Oleg hauls Yuya up, but Yuya ENZIGIRIS! Yuya drags Oleg up but Oleg SHOTGUNS! Yuya goes to a corner, Oleg runs in, and Yuya dodges! GERMAN SUPLEX! Oleg rises up to LARIAT!! The fans fire up and Oleg roars! Oleg drags Yuya up, fireman’s carries, and KAMI- NO, Yuya slips down to roll Oleg up, TWO!! Oleg rises again, but Yuya swings around to crucifix takedown! TWO and Oleg fireman’s carries! F5- NO, Yuya lands out to have the arms! DEADBOLT PLEX!! Bridging cover, YUYA WINS!!

Winner: Yuya Uemura, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Oleg earns 0)

Yuya caught Oleg by surprise and now he has the win! The two points aside, will Yuya hold onto the golden ticket to the NEVER Openweight Championship? Will Oleg be careful not to underestimate his opponents again?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: Shota Umino VS El Phantasmo w/ Jado!

Another Hontai VS Hontai as the Roughneck and the Headbanga meet in their opening round match. They’ve teamed together quite a lot lately, but will that familiarity favor Shota? Or will ELP show the power of the NJPW World TV Champion and deliver in 15 minutes or less?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. ELP wants the secret handshake, so Shota steps up and gives it. They circle, tie up, and Shota puts ELP on the ropes. The ref counts the break, Shota lets off with pats on the shoulder, and the fans applaud. They go again, and Shota again puts ELP on ropes, only for ELP to turn things around. The ref counts, ELP lets off with a little pinch, and then backs away. The fans applaud and Shota brushes himself off. Shota and ELP reset, circle, and they tie up. ELP waistlocks, half nelsons, then slips around to hit the takeover. Shota headscissors, ELP kips free, and Shota hits the takeover.

ELP headscissors, Shota kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. The two run in, ELP sunset flips, TWO and Shota sits on the cover! TWO and ELP has the sunset, TWO! Shota jackknife bridges, TWO as ELP bridges up! ELP spins Shota around, hooks the arms, but Shota fights! Shota flips ELP, but ELP lands to hook the arms! Shota wrenches out to scoop, but ELP slips out! ELP dodges the lariat, but Shota avoids Sudden Death, and the fans applaud the standoff. Shota and ELP reset, and they both say how close that was. ELP says it was like Shota’s little glowstick. Shota shoves ELP, ELP shoves back, and ELP says it’s a joke, bro.

Shota CHOPS ELP, so ELP CHOPS back. Shota fires a forearm, so ELP fires a forearm. ELP eggs Shota on, Shota winds up, and he ROCKS ELP with that shot! ELP goes to the ropes, the fans rally up, and now Shota eggs ELP on. ELP comes back, winds up, and mule kicks! ELP kicks Shota around, eggs him on and SLAPS him on the back! ELP slaps Shota around some more, but Shota glares at ELP. ELP slaps Shota some more, but Shota fires a forearm! ELP wobbles, Shota fires another forearm! And another forearm! Shota runs, but ELP drops down, then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up, ELP handsprings and LARIATS Shota up and out!

The fans rally as ELP builds speed, and ELP DIVES! Direct hit and Shota hits railing, right in front of commentary! ELP hops up onto the table so the fans can join in on “E! L! P!” ELP goes back to Shota, brings him up, CHOPS him, then CHOPS again! ELP hushes the crowd, winds up, and CHOPS! Shota stumbles into No Man’s Land but ELP pursues. The fans rally, ELP teases the Shota fans, and ELP brings Shota up. We pass five minutes and ELP puts Shota in the ring. ELP goes up the ropes, and springboards to SWANTON BOMB! Then he LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Shota survives and the fans rally as ELP clamps on with a neck wrench.

ELP ELBOW Shota’s shoulder, pushes on the neck wrench, and repeat! ELP then digs a shoulder in before he JAMS it! Shota goes to the ropes, the fans rally, and ELP sits Shota up. Shota eggs ELP on but ELP eggs Shota on in return. ELP BOOTS Shota, Shota snarls, but ELP BOOTS him again! Shota stands, ELP fires forearms but Shota leans into them! PURPLE NURPLES~! ELP makes Shota suffer, but stops as the ref counts 4! ELP whips, Shota dropkicks the legs out! Then Shota turns ELP to NECKBREAKER! The fans rally up while both men are down. Shota nods as he rises up, and he brings ELP to his feet for an UPPERCUT!

Shota UPPERCUTS again, and again, then he whips ELP to a corner. Shota runs in, UPPERCUTS, and then FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO as ELP slaps free! The fans fire up while Shota snarls. Shota storms over to ELP, stands him up for a half nelson, but ELP elbows free. Shota ducks an elbow, ELP ducks a lariat, but Shota blocks the boot to full nelson. ELP breaks it but ends up in a waistlock. They go to ropes, ELP bucks the O’Conner, but Shota ELBOWS him! And PELES! The fans fire up as ELP wobbles! Shota winds up, but ELP ducks the lariat to straitjacket and torture rack! BRAIN SALAD! The fans fire up while both men are down!

Shota and ELP stir, and ELP kips up! The fans rally and ELP tunes up the band! Shota rises, and he blocks Sudden Death! ELP fires a forearm! Shota fires back! They go back and forth, then Shota ROLLING ELBOWS! ELP BOOTS Shota, but Shota HEADBUTTS back! Shota staggers over to a corner while ELP sputters. Shota runs up, but into SUDDEN DEATH! He stays up!? SUDDEN DEATH AGAIN!! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives but ELP fires up! The fans are with ELP and he reels Shota in! ELP hooks the arms, but Shota fights the lift! Shota BACKDROPS ELP away! Shota goes back to the corner, runs back up on ELP, but ELP slips around!

Shota blocks the crucifix so ELP sunset flips! ELP rolls Shota through to hook the arms, C R 2!! Cover, TWO?!? Shota survives and shocks ELP! We hit 10 minutes and ELP goes to the apron. ELP springboards, THUNDERKISS FLOPS as Shota moves! ELP sits up, into a BUSAIKU KNEE!! Cover, TWO!!! ELP survives and the fans fire up! Shota roars as he rises up, and he brings ELP in. The fans rally as Shota hooks the leg! SECOND- NO, ELP slips free to GERMAN SUPLEX! But Shota’s right up! SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! But ELP is up! ELP dodges, Shota dodges, then they both run up, Shota LARIATS through!! Cover, TWO!!

The fans are thunderous as both men stand! Shota has ELP first, hook and SECOND CHAPTER!! Cover, Shota wins!

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

It was still under 15 minutes, but it was the Roughneck that pinned the Headbanga! Will Shota’s Second Chapter bring him to the Climax? Or will he fall back to the golden ticket for the NJPW World TV Championship?

G1 Climax 35 A Block: Ryohei Oiwa VS David Finlay w/ Gedo!

The Mullet is looking to have a mighty start to the G1, but The Rebel is looking to take it all. Finlay won the New Japan Cup earlier this year, will he be on track to take the Climax? Or will Oiwa get a Grip?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two stare down. They circle, feel things out, then tie up. Oiwa powers Finlay back, Finlay powers Oiwa back, and they end up on the ropes. They go around, Finlay pulls hair, but the ref counts. Finlay grinds his forearm in Oiwa’s face as he lets off, but then takes a swing! Oiwa dodges to arm-drag! Finlay headscissors, Oiwa kips free, and he RUNS Finlay over! Oiwa arm-drags again and has the armlock! Finlay fights up, Oiwa wrenches and hammerlocks to RAM Finlay into a corner! The fans cheer and Oiwa fires forearms in the corner. Finlay turns that around to fire back, but then Oiwa turns things back around!

Oiwa fires forearms, Finlay turns it back again, but Oiwa ROCKS Finlay! Oiwa fires shots, Finlay throat chops! Finlay reels Oiwa in, but Oiwa BACKDROPS free! Oiwa DECKS Finlay, ELBOWS him, then whips. Finlay avoids the dropkick, ELBOWS back, then FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS Oiwa! Finlay clinches to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! The fans fire up while both men are down. Finlay stands, stalks Oiwa, then brings him up to UPPERCUT! Oiwa falls to ropes, Finlay storms up on him, and Finlay kicks Oiwa around. The ref reprimands but Finlay stands Oiwa up to UPPERCUT! Then Finlay scoops to BACKBREAKER!

Oiwa writhes and flounders to a corner but Finlay drags him to a cover, TWO! Oiwa is still in this and the fans rally up. Finlay barks, the fans bark with him, and Finlay runs corner to corner to UPPERCUT! Then he reels Oiwa in for a FALCON ARROW! The fans cheer as Oiwa flounders and Finlay flexes. Finlay has a cocky cover, TWO! The fans rally up while Finlay lets Oiwa flounder a bit more. Finlay storms over to Oiwa, drags him up, but Oiwa fires a forearm! Finlay eggs Oiwa on so Oiwa fires another forearm! And another! Finlay throat chops Oiwa in return! Finlay whips, but Oiwa DECKS Finlay! And ELBOWS him! And DROPKICKS!

The fans fire up while both men are down again. Oiwa rises up while Finlay goes to ropes. Oiwa storms up on Finlay, brings him around, but Finlay fights the Tenzan Plex! Finlay reels Oiwa in, Canadian Racks, but Oiwa slips free! TENZAN PLEX! Cover, TWO! Finlay stays in this and the fans rally up. Oiwa hobbles over to bring Finlay up at the ropes. Finlay blocks the whip, even as Oiwa keeps trying. Oiwa CHOPS Finlay, but Finlay still blocks the whip! Oiwa fires forearms, Finlay shoves Oiwa and flips him off. Finlay then dodges Oiwa to LARIAT Oiwa and himself up and out of the ring! Both men hit the floor and the fans fire up again!

The fans rally and Finlay sits up. Finlay drags Oiwa up, whips him, but Oiwa avoids hitting railing! Only for Finlay to POUNCE him through the gate! Oiwa falls in a heap and Finlay soaks up the cheers and jeers. Finlay says it’s too easy! Finlay brings Oiwa back up, brings him around, and puts him in the ring. Finlay reels Oiwa in, Canadian Racks, and CANADIAN HAMMERS! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives and the fans fire up! Finlay is annoyed but he stalks Oiwa. Finlay reels Oiwa in but Oiwa trips him to a jackknife bridge! TWO, Finlay runs up but Oiwa slips around to O’Conner Roll and deep tuck! TWO!!

Finlay escapes, the fans fire up, and Oiwa spins Finlay to DDT! Both men are down again and the fans rally. Oiwa rises, he hobbles over to Finlay and stands him up. Oiwa wrenches and whips, to then YANK the arm! Finlay clutches the elbow, but Oiwa is on the arm again. Oiwa WRINGS Finlay out, then WRINGS the arm again! Top wristlock for the SHANKLY GATES! Finlay endures, slips out the back, and he has a SLEEPER! Oiwa endures, fights up, and slips out the back to SLEEPER! But Finlay hits a BIG back suplex BACKBREAKER! Both men are down as Oiwa writhes and Finlay catches his breath, and the fans rally up.

Finlay rises first, he fires a forearm, but Oiwa gives it back! Finlay fires another forearm, so Oiwa gives it back! Finlay staggers away to the ropes and shakes his head. Finlay comes back to fire another forearm! Oiwa fires another forearm! Finlay staggers around, Oiwa eggs him on, and Finlay returns. Finlay ROCKS Oiwa, Oiwa ROCKS Finlay, then Oiwa fires a string of forearms! And a ROLLING ELBOW! Oiwa runs, but Finlay catches him for the IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Finlay hurries to haul Oiwa up, BUCKLE BOMB! Then a suplex INTO OBLIVION! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives and the fans fire up!

Gedo protests the count but the ref defends it. The fans rally and duel while Finlay goes to the ropes. Finlay rises, slashes his throat, and he drags Oiwa up, only for Oiwa to cradle! TWO!! Finlay escapes, ROLLING ELBOW! Oiwa wobbles, Finlay brings him around, ROLLING ELBOW again! Oiwa falls, the ref checks on him, but Oiwa rises up. Finlay is on him, ROLLING- NO, Oiwa gets around, uses the corner, O’Conner for CHAOS THEORY! Bridging cover, TWO!! Finlay survives but Oiwa holds on! Oiwa drags Finlay up, then spins him, THE- NO, Finlay ducks The Grip to backslide, and then suplex for OVER-

NO, Oiwa blocks the knee! Gut wrench for the DOCTOR BOMB! But Oiwa isn’t done, he stands Finlay up! Finlay blocks The Grip! But then Oiwa catches Finlay’s rolling lariat and spins him, for THE GRIP!! Cover, OIWA WINS!!

Winner: Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Finlay earns 0)

It’s round one, and Oiwa might’ve just pulled off the shocker of the whole G1 already! Oiwa pins a former IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, a former NEVER Openweight Champion, and the man who won the 2025 New Japan Cup! Does this mean Oiwa is the real deal? Will Finlay find a way to redeem himself in the next round?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: Gabe Kidd VS Konosuke Takeshita w/ Rocky Romero!

The Mad Man was just in AEW helping The Death Riders as best he could, and now both he and the Alpha of the Don Callis Family have returned to Japan. Will Gabe show Konosuke that he’s not #WarReady? Or will Konosuke show Gabe he’s not All Elite?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Gabe steps to center, dares Konosuke to do the same, so Konosuke steps up. Konosuke points out how he’s taller, but Gabe just SLAPS him! Gabe headlocks, Konosuke powers out, and they RAM shoulders! Konosuke rebounds, RUNS Gabe over, but Gabe’s right up! Gabe dodges, kicks low, then reels Konosuke in! But Konosuke BACKDROPS, only for Gabe to sunset flip! Konosuke stays up but Gabe avoids the fist drop! Gabe then waistlocks, but Konosuke switches and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Gabe lands out!? The fans fire up, Gabe runs up, but Konosuke sidesteps! Gabe ducks an elbow, whips, but TAKESHITA LINE!

The fans fire up while Konosuke rises up. Gabe flounders to a corner but Konosuke is on him. Gabe shakes out the bad leg, there’s a reason it is taped up. Konosuke still stands Gabe up, snapmares, and he clamps on a chinlock. Gabe endures, but Konosuke brings him down to grind into the mat. Gabe fights up, fires body shots, but Konosuke ROCKS him! Konosuke runs, but Gabe follows to then CLOBBER him! The fans fire up while both men are down! Gabe shakes out the bad leg again while Konosuke bails to the outside. Gabe pursues, but that leg really bothers him. Gabe uses that to get mad, and he runs up to LARIAT Konosuke down!

The fans fire up with Gabe and he brings Konosuke back up. Gabe whips Konosuke hard into railing, then he leaves Konosuke behind to sit cross-legged a la Shibata. The ring count starts, Konosuke is still down at 7 of 20 but rising. Konosuke stands at 11, hobbles over, and he roll sin at 13. Gabe KICKS Konosuke, then suplexes him up and out to the floor! Wait, they both land on their feet! So Gabe suplexes again, but Konosuke fights it! Konosuke suplexes, BRAINBUSTER to the floor! The fans fire up and the ref checks both men. Gabe got the worst of it yet he’s able to continue, so the fans rally up and a ring count starts.

Konosuke stands and he puts Gabe in at 4 of 20. The fans applaud and Konosuke runs corner to corner to HELLUVA KICK! Then GERMAN SUPLEX! But Gabe rises!? Konosuke boots one lariat away, ducks the other, BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO! Gabe survives and the fans rally while Konosuke rises. Konosuke waits in the corner as Gabe sits up, and Konosuke runs up! Gabe blocks the knee to KICK Konosuke! Gabe runs, COMEBACKER- NO, Konosuke ducks, tries it himself, but Gabe ducks the Comebacker to spin and RIGHT HAND! Then SAIDO! Konosuke rises but he staggers around! Gabe swings, but into an EXPLODER!

Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Konosuke snarls as he rises, then he goes to a corner. Gabe stands and he eggs Konosuke on. They both run in, DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but neither falls! DOUBLE LARIATS again, but neither falls! They both shout “KOI YO! <BRING IT!>” and they both run, but Konosuke’s LARIAT hits first! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Konosuke rolls to the ropes, Gabe sputters at center, and Konosuke rises. Konosuke vows to end it, and he reels Gabe in. But Gabe fights the suplex! And fights it again! Gabe suplexes to BRAINBUSTER! Payback for earlier! Gabe crawls, covers, TWO!

The fans fire up as Konosuke stays in this. Gabe seethes, and the fans join in as he barks. Gabe gut wrenches Konosuke, but Konosuke fights to turn it around! And he tucks Gabe in, BASTARD DRIVER! To the wheelbarrow GERMAN SUPLEX! Gabe flounders away from that impact and the fans fire up! Konosuke aims, runs in, but Gabe LARIATS!! Gabe crawls to the cover, TWO!! The fans fire up and Gabe seethes again. Gabe rises, roars, and the fans are with him! Gabe drags Konosuke up, reels him in, but then Konosuke falls back down? The ref checks Konosuke, Gabe eggs Konosukeon, and the fans rally up again.

Gabe drags Konosuke up, “apologizes,” but Konosuke now fights the lift! Gabe SLAPS Konosuke on the back! Konosuke stands up to glare at Gabe, but Gabe ROCKS him with another right hand! Konosuke wobbles, Gabe reels him in, and he fires PALM STRIKES from all sides! Konosuke drops to his knees, Rocky coaches him, and Gabe eggs him on again. The ref checks, Konosuke is still conscious, so Gabe ROCKS him with a forearm! Gabe runs for the COMEBACK- NO, Konosuke dodges! But then Gabe dodges to COMEBACK- ALPHA ELBOW!! Gabe falls and Konosuke crawls to a cover, ROPEBREAK!! Gabe survives by a literal foot and the fans fire up again! Gabe rolls to the outside and flops to the floor.

Konosuke drags himself to the apron so he can pursue, but he flops to the floor right next to Gabe. The ref wants this in the ring, and he starts the count. Both men slowly rise, spot each other at 5 of 20 and head that way. They fire forearms as the count climbs to 10 of 20! The fans rally, the shots keep going, but then Konosuke kicks to RAGING- NO, Gabe slips free! Gabe ROCKMS Konosuke, lifts, but Konosuke powers out! ALPHA ELBOW!! Konosuke is in at 18, Gabe is still down! Gabe springs back in at 19.99! POWER DRIVE KNEE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Gabe survives and the fans fire up! Konosuke reels Gabe in, lifts, and- NO, Gabe slips free! PILEDRIVER!!! Cover, TWO?!!?

The fans are thunderous and Gabe is furious that Konsouke is still in this! The fans rally up, “GABU! GABU!” Gabe brings down his kneepad and the tape to show that tattoo! O-KNEE!! Then “I’m a MAD MAN!” But Konosuke fights the driver! Konosuke wrenches, Gabe UPPERCUTS, Konosuke FOREARMS, Gabe CHOPS, Konosuke FOREARMS again, then DOUBLE HEADBUTTS! POINT-BLANK O-KNEE!! Konosuek rises, Gabe runs, COMEBACK- NO, Konosuke ducks, waistlocks, O’Conner and DREAM SMASHER ELBOW!! Then NECK TWISTER!! And then a CROSSFACE CHICKEN WING!!! Konosuke squeezes tight, Gabe is OUT! KONOSUKE WINS!!

Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by submission (gains 2 points; Gabe earns 0)

Since when did Konosuke have a submission hold in his arsenal? And certainly one as good as that! Gabe sputters awake and learns of his defeat. And now he’s mad! Gabe goes back for more and they brawl! The ref and Young Lions separate these two, the round is over for them. Will Gabe make sure to be much more menacing next time? Or will Konosuke make himself the Alpha of AEW and NJPW this summer?

G1 Climax 35 A Block: Yota Tsuji VS SANADA!

Los Ingobernables de Japon may be no more, but the Gene Blaste still carries on the tranquilo spirit. However, the Cold-Blooded Snake left that life behind a long time ago. Will Sanada use all the tricks the House of Torture has to offer? Or will Yota still be smiling through it all?

The bell rings and the fans fire up as the two stare down. Yota smiles as the fans cheer him, but there are a handful of Sanada fans. Sanada offers a handshake? Yota takes it, but Sanada whips! Yota ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Sanada tumbles out, the fans fire up, and Yota builds speed! But Sanada has his guitar! Yota stops in his tracks and the ref reprimands. The ref goes out to confiscate the guitar, Yota goes out after Sanada, but Sanada rolls into the ring. Yota is annoyed but he storms back into the ring. But Sanada KICKS the ropes to jam Yota up! Then Sanada goes out, whips Yota into railing, and storms up to bring him into No Man’s Land!

The fans fire up as Sanada runs with Yota, but he avoids commentary this time, much to Milano Collection AT’s relief. Sanada rips at the railing to try and find an opening! The Young Lions hurry to keep fans safe, and Sanada SMACKS Yota off a chair! Sanada takes a water bottle from a fan, and SMACKS Yota with the bottle! Sanada then runs Yota through the aisle, SMACKS him off more chairs, but the ring count is climbing! Sanada just keeps bringing Yota around the way, and BOWLS him into some chairs! Not the best throw but Sanada is going back for the ring anyway! We hit 15 of 20 and Yota is so far away!

Sanada is safe but Yota rises at 18! He runs for it, and he slides in safe at 19.5! But Sanada DROPKCIKS Yota down! And then uses the ropes for MAGIC SCREW! Sanada lines up another shot, SHINING WIZARD! But he isn’t done there! DEAD- NO, Yota powers out and shoves Sanada to a corner! Yota runs up, Sanada BOOTS him and QUEBRADAS into SKULL END! But Yota powers out to suplex, ORANGE CRUSH! Both men are down and the fans fire up! The fans rally, Yota and Sanada rise up, and they go to corners. Yota runs in and GENE TRIGGERS! Then he roars, goes up the corner, MARLOWE- LOW BLOW!?!?

The ref checks with Yota and while Sanada got him down low, it wasn’t that low! Yota sputters, and Sanada BLINDSIDE SHINING WIZARDS!! Then Sanada drags Yota back up, reels him in, DEAD- NO, Yota cartwheels through! Yota runs up but Sanada BOOTS Yota, dropkicks the legs out, and runs up again, SHINING WIZARD from the front! A third shot and Sanada puts Yota in the drop zone! ROUNDING BODY- NO, Yota dodges, and GENE BLASTER!! Cover, Yota wins!!

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

Sanada tried to cheat his way to one, but Yota shuts him right down! Will Yota

G1 Climax 35 B Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Ren Narita!

It was quite the surprise at Tanahashi Jam when TMDK’s Front Man took the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship back from Hirooki Goto. But now, that makes ZSJ the number one target in B Block! Will the Souled Out Son of Strong Style steal a golden ticket to the top? Or will he #JustTapOut?

Ren runs up on ZSJ, but ZSJ BOOTS him first! The bell rings, ZSJ BOOTS Ren again! Ren fires a forearm, but ZSJ rebounds, only for Ren to block the boot! Ren clinches then throws ZSJ for an ARMBAR! ZSJ clasps hands, powers his way around, and he goes for the armbar! Ren clasps hands, fights around, and fights off a triangle hold to have a KNEEBAR! ZSJ counters with his own HEEL HOOK! The fans rally as the two fight for control, and Ren stands to have the KNEEBAR again! ZSJ pushes back, pushes through, and has a facelock for the GUILLOTINE! Ren powers out and steps over to ARMBAR!

ZSJ bridges, rolls, and pops free, but Ren avoids the Penalty Kick! Ren bails out while the fans cheer. ZSJ waits on Ren but Ren wants ZSJ to come after him. ZSJ says no thanks, but Ren even sits down. ZSJ sits down and dares Ren to come get him. Ren storms up to the apron but wants ZSJ to give him space. ZSJ steps back, Ren steps through, but ZSJ runs up! Ren avoids the boot and he CHOKES ZSJ! Red Shoes reprimands, Ren CLAWS ZSJ’s eyes, and Ren runs, but into a SHOTGUN BOOT! ZSJ gets the better of Ren again and Ren goes to the apron. ZSJ storms over that way, drags Ren up by an ear, but Ren swings! Right into a HANGING ARMBAR!

The fans cheer, Red Shoes counts, and ZSJ lets Ren go at 4. Ren falls to the floor, ZSJ goes out after him, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS the bad arm! ZSJ stalks Ren around the way, KICKS him against railing, and then UPPERCUTS! ZSJ whips Ren, Ren reverses, and ZSJ hits railing! But ZSJ comes back to BOOT Ren down! The fans fire up with ZSJ, and then ZSJ complains about that eye clawing. ZSJ whips Ren into railing! ZSJ runs up, Ren dodges, and ZSJ’s boot gets caught in the railing! Ren BOOTS the railing to jam ZSJ up! ZSJ falls, but Ren grabs the leg to SMASH it off the floor! ZSJ hobbles away fast but Ren goes looking under the ring.

Ren brings out a chair, but he also brings his pushup bar. Red Shoes stops Ren, Ren gives up the chair, but he uses the pushup bar to CLUB ZSJ in the leg! The fans boo while ZSJ goes down in a heap. Ren stomps ZSJ, Red Shoes starts the ring count, and Ren drags ZSJ up. Ren puts ZSJ in at 9 of 20, but then drags him to a corner! Ren wraps the bad leg around the post! ZSJ fights back with a chinlock but it isn’t enough to get Ren to stop! Red Shoes reprimands, Ren stops at 4, but then he SLAMS the bad leg against the post! ZSJ falls to the floor and fans rally up. The ring count starts again and Ren leaves ZSJ behind.

ZSJ sits up at 7 of 20, scoots his way around, and he stands at 11. ZSJ shakes out the bad leg, hobbles over and rolls in at 14, only for Ren to stomp him! Ren has ZSJ in the corner, wraps the leg around the ropes, but ZSJ again fights back with a chinlock. Red Shoes reprimands them both, Ren lets go, but then he dropkicks the good leg! ZSJ is stuck in the ropes! Ren pushes him down to HIP DROP the legs! The fans boo but Ren stalks ZSJ. Ren stands ZSJ up, but ZSJ still KICKS! The fans fire up as ZSJ KICKS again! And again, but Ren blocks! Ren CLUBS the good leg to then dropkick the bad leg! Then he hits a SHIN BREAKER!

Ren drags ZSJ up for another SHIN BREAKER! Ren drops an AX HANDLE, then covers, TWO! The fans cheer as ZSJ stays in this. Ren paces, then he brings ZSJ up to SHIN- NO, ZSJ hits a headlock takeover and NECK TWIST! Ren writhes and the fans cheer! ZSJ goes to a corner, stands up, then storms over to Ren. ZSJ UPPERCUTS, and UPPERCUTS, then UPPERCUTS again! And again! Ren staggers but ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ UPPER- NO, Ren blocks that shot to hook the arms, but ZSJ wrenches through! PELE to Ren’s arm! Then a basement DROPKICK to Ren’s back! The fans fire up while both men are down!

ZSJ rises, he drags Ren up, but Ren fights the scoop! Ren kicks low, jumps, but ZSJ slips free of the Double Crosser! Ren avoids the Penalty Kick, ZSJ bucks the O’Conner, and ZSJ runs up, but Ren deflects the boot! SLEEPER! ZSJ slips around to SLEEPER in return! Ren slips around, SLEEPER! ZSJ slips out the back to step over, IRON OCTOPUS! Ren endures as ZSJ bends him around! The fans rally, Ren pulls on the bad leg! Ren rolls ZSJ, hooks the legs, and has the CROSS HEEL HOOK! ZSJ endures, claws at Ren’s grip, but Ren just pulls on the legs! ZSJ grabs Ren’s leg for a toehold! ZSJ twists until Ren rolls!

They roll and roll, CROSS HEEL HOOK! ZSJ endures, pries at the grip again, but Ren THRASHES! ZSJ pulls on an ear, tries the grip again, but Ren is locked on tight! ZSJ instead gets the ROPEBREAK! Ren lets go and the fans rally up. Ren hobbles away to go outside, and he fetches his pushup bar! The fans boo as Ren brings that into the ring. Red Shoes tells Ren to put it away. Ren and Red Shoes argue, but Ren lets Red Shoes have the bar. Ren runs up to LOW- NO! ZSJ traps the arm between his legs, and TWISTS! The fans cheer and ZSJ PENALTY KICKS! Ren flounders away and ZSJ has to sit back to rest his legs.

ZSJ stands and he hobbles his way over to Ren. The fans rally and ZSJ brings Ren up. ZSJ KICKS Ren again, and Ren flops over! ZSJ eggs Ren on, kicks at him, then KICKS him in the chest! ZSJ can’t run but he says, “Mada mada mada! <It’s not over yet!>” ZSJ storms up on Ren, KICKS him, but Ren snarls. ZSJ SLAPS Ren! And SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS! ZSJ eggs Ren on but Ren just grins. Ren CHOKES ZSJ! Red Shoes reprimands, but ZSJ pulls Ren’s hair! HEADBUTT! And SLAP!! Ren falls in a heap and the fans fire up! ZSJ storms up, but Ren KICKS the legs out! ZSJ falls into Ren’s GUILLOTINE! Ren even has body scissors in!

ZSJ fights, and he pries the scissors open to push and jackknife bridge! TWO, and Ren runs up, only for ZSJ to scoop and ZACK DRIVER!! But ZSJ can’t make the cover! The fans rally while ZSJ crawls to a corner. ZSJ rises while Ren sputters. ZSJ taunts Ren as Ren sits up, and ZSJ runs in! But Ren KICKS the bad leg! And CHOP BLOCKS it! ZSJ hobbles, Ren runs in, but ZSJ snatches him into a FUJIWARA ARMBAR! Ren flails, ZSJ reaches back, and he pulls Ren’s free arm! Ren endures the double armbar, powers up to reach out, but ZSJ bends fingers! And he rolls Ren to a ghost pin, TWO!! But now ZSJ gets a headscissors and armbar!

Ren BITES ZSJ’s leg!! Red Shoes reprimands, but then Ren SMASHES the knee! Ren grins as he steps over, but ZSJ pushes him down into a REAR NAKED CHOKE! Ren fights around but ZSJ is a backpack! SLEEPER! Ren fights up, reaches out, but ZSJ keeps him from the ropes! Ren is fading, but then he mule kicks the knee! Ren gets in Red Shoes’ face, and keeps him trapped in a corner. ZSJ runs up, Ren blocks the boot, and he LOW BLOWS ZSJ!! The fans boo but Ren hits the DOUBLE CROSSER!! Ren isn’t done there, he goes up the corner! Ren vows to end it here, with HELL’S GUILLOTINE KNEE DROP!! Cover, REN WINS?!?

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

It was in the dirtiest, grimiest, sneakiest way possible, but Ren Narita just pinned the G1 Climax 34 winner, a two-time New Japan Cup winner, the inaugural NJPW World TV Champion, and THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion! Is this an ill omen of what’s to come? Or can ZSJ rebound and still go for that G1 repeat?

G1 Climax 35 A Block: Hiroshi Tanahashi VS Taichi!

As The Ace’s Final Road enters the second half, it now merges with the epic summer tradition for one last run at the top. His opponent is a man who wasn’t in this tournament until Hirooki Goto’s unfortunate injury gave way to a last chance. Will the Holy Emperor make the most of this moment by taking down President Tanahashi? Or will everything come up Aces in the Climax?

As always, the fans cheer as Tanahashi shows off the abs. The coats are put aside and the bell rings. The fans rally and duel, just as much “TAICHI!” as “TANA-HASHI!” Red Shoes assesses it might lean towards Taichi, 51-49. The two circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Taichi digs his heels in and puts Tanahashi on the ropes. Red Shoes calls the break, Taichi lets off slowly, and he pats Tanahashi on the shoulder. The fans applaud as the two reset. They circle again, tie up, and Tanahashi headlocks. Taichi powers up but Tanahashi hurries to the ropes! Red Shoes calls the break, Taichi RIDGE HANDS! And RIDGE HANDS again! And again!

Taichi whips, Tanahashi ROCKS Taichi! Tanahashi fires fast hands, then whips, but Taichi reverses to wrench and HOOK KICK! Tanahashi falls and the fans fire up with “Let’s Go, Taichi!” Taichi KICKS Tanahashi, KICKS him again, then gives him Kawada Kicks! Tanahashi sputters, Taichi scuffs him, and Tanahashi stands. Taichi KICKS Tanahashi in the chest! Tanahashi stays up, eggs Taichi on, and the fans fire up as Taichi KICKS again! And KICKS again! Tanahashi blocks! Tanahashi CLUBS the leg and Taichi hobbles away. Tanahashi runs corner to corner, blocks a boot, and he puts that leg in the ropes! Tanahashi grabs the other leg, DRAGON SCREW!

The fans fire up while Taichi falls out to the floor. Tanahashi goes out and stomps Taichi’s leg. Tanahashi drags Taichi up, kicks the leg, then puts the leg around the railing! Taichi pulls Tanahashi’s hair, Tanahashi lets go of the leg, and Tanahashi DROPKICKS railing to jam up the leg! Tanahashi goes to the ring, and the fans cheer as he air guitars. Taichi clutches his leg but he says he’s able to continue. Red Shoes starts the ring count and Tanahashi waits. Taichi is still down at 5 of 20, drags himself up with the railing to stand at 10, but he still hobbles at 14. Taichi slides in at 15 and the fans applaud, but Tanahashi stomps away!

Tanahashi kicks Taichi’s leg, drags him around by it, then stomps the leg more. Tanahashi then YANKS the leg! Taichi clutches the knee but Tanahashi drops an ELBOW! Tanahashi clamps onto the leg with a toehold but Taichi throws more ridge hands! The fans rally as Tanahashi slips around, ties the legs up, and he has the INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Taichi endures, sits up, and he eggs Tanahashi on! Tanahashi puts on the pressure, Taichi CHOPS and CHOPS, but Tanahashi just stares him down! Then Tanahashi SLAPS Taichi down! Taichi reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud as Tanahashi slowly undoes the hold.

Tanahashi stomps Taichi, the fans rally and duel again, and Tanahashi grabs at Taichi. Taichi kicks at Tanahashi from below! Tanahashi staggers away, Taichi rises, and Taichi fires more RIDGE HANDS! And a KICK! And a KICK, but Tanahashi blocks it again! DRAGON SCREW! The fans fire up while Taichi writhes. Taichi goes to a corner, Tanahashi runs in, but Taichi dodges! GAMANGIRI! Tanahashi falls but Taichi has to sit back from the pain in his leg. The fans rally up and Taichi slaps his leg. Taichi stands, hobbles over, and he aims to BUZZ- NO, Tanahashi blocks! But Taichi fires RIDGE HANDS! Tanahashi UPPERCUTS!

Taichi RIDGE HANDS again! Tanahashi UPPERCUTS again! Taichi GAMANGIRIS again! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Taichi rises, and he TAKES OFF THE PANTS! The fans fire up as Taichi aims from the corner. Tanahashi rises, and he avoids Tensho Jujiho! But Taichi avoids the basement dropkick! BUZZSAW! Tanahashi falls over and Taichi roars! The fans fire up and Taichi aims again! Tanahashi rises again, into the TENSHO JUJI- NO!! Tanahashi blocks and he DROPKICKS the legs out! The fans rally and Tanahashi has the legs! Taichi endures but Tanahashi steps over, TEXAS CLOVERHOLD!!

Taichi endures, reaches out, and he claws his way forward to a ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets go as the fans cheer, and Tanahashi stomps away! Taichi crawls to the ropes, Tanahashi runs, but Taichi sidesteps the slingblade! DANGER- NO, Tanahashi fights free of the saido to kick the leg! Taichi still ENZIGIRIS! But Tanahashi brushes it off?! Tanahashi grabs the leg to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! And then TEXAS CLOVERHOLD!! Tanahashi sits deep on the hold, but Taichi endures! The fans rally up as hard as they can as Taichi pries at one of Tanahashi’s legs! Taichi can’t turn over so he crawls forward!

Tanahashi sits deeper on the hold! Taichi still fights, still reaches out, ROPEBREAK! Tanahashi lets go and the fans applaud. The fans rally as Tanahashi watches Taichi rise. Tanahshi runs, Taichi ducks the slingblade! Tanahashi comes back but into a BOOT! BLINDSIDE AX BOMBER! GAMANGIRI!! Tanahashi falls and the fans fire up! Taichi huffs ‘n’ puffs and rises up again. The fans fire up as Taichi calls his shot! Taichi whips, Tanahashi SLINGBLADES! But Taichi is right up! But Tanahashi dodges the Ax Bomber to ACE BOMBER! The fans fire up and Tanahashi runs again! SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!!

Taichi survives and the fans fire up, but Tanahashi goes right to the corner! Tanahashi climbs to the top, Taichi stands, HIGH FLY ATTACK FLOPS as Taichi moves! Taichi uses the GEDO CLUTCH!! TWO!?!? Tanahashi escapes with nanoseconds to spare and the fans are thunderous! Taichi pleads with Red Shoes but the count was fair. Tanahashi runs up, Taichi stuffs the Slingblade and powers free. Taichi comes back, but Tanahashi grabs the leg! DRAGON SCREW! But Taichi’s right up! TENSHO JUJIHO!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Taichi crawls over to cover, TWO! Tanahashi survives thanks to the delay!

The fans rally up even more, and Taichi roars! Taichi drags Tanahashi up, Alabama Lifts, but the bad leg holds him back! Tanahashi slips down to DRAGON SCREW! But Taichi is up to AX BOMBER!! Both men are down again! Taichi stands, he brings Tanahashi to his feet, POINT-BLANK AX BOMBER!! Taichi isn’t done, he drags Tanahashi up to DANGEROUS SAIDO bridge!! TWO!!!! Taichi’s bad leg weakened the bridge and Tanahashi survives again! Taichi slaps his bad leg into working and the fans rally as hard as they can! Taichi rises, Tanahashi sits up, and Taichi brings Tanahashi around to put in the corner.

Taichi hoists Tanahashi up top, then climbs up to join him! The fans rally again, but the bad leg won’t let Taichi climb! Taichi grits his teeth and stands back up to try again. Taichi fights through the pain, the fans rally behind him, and Taichi RIDGE HANDS Tanahashi. Taichi then brings Tanahashi to the very top! SUPER DANGEROUS- HIGH FLY ATTACK!! Tanahashi turns things around and covers, TWO!! Taichi survives but Tanahashi goes right back up! HIGH FLY ATTACK again!! Taichi is down but Tanahashi goes up again! Taichi stands again, roars, but Tanahashi HIGH FLY ATTACKS!! Cover, TWO?!?! The fans are shocked but Tanahashi won’t stop!

Tanahashi climbs up, Taichi sits up, and HIGH FLY FLOW!!! Cover, TANAHASHI WINS!

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

A true battle for the main event, and this is only the first round! Taichi pushed himself past his limits but still fell short. Will he live up to this second chance in the second round?

As for Tanahashi, he grabs the mic to say, “NJPW has returned to Sapporo!” The fans cheer that! Tanahashi says, “You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to come back here. The food here is awesome! So many sights worth seeing. And above all… The women here are gorgeous!” The fans cheer that! Tanahashi admits, it’s 90% the food. But to be serious now, “We’ve kicked off the G1 Climax. I won the opener today.” The fans cheer, and Tanahashi asks what they think? What should he do? This year’s G1 Climax, “I will win this thing handedly.” The fans cheer the old school confidence. Tanahashi thanks the fans for giving him that energy.

But wait, he’s not done, is he? The fans cheer him on, and he looks for the mic. Tanahashi picks it up, and says, “Yes, each and every single match is very precious to me. And finally, everyone here in Sapporo… AISHITEMAAASU~!” The fans cheer as now Tanahashi is done! But will he be able to turn back time to the 2000s and truly be The Ace?

Here are the A Block standings!

Hiroshi Tanahashi: 1-0, 2 points
Evil: 1-0, 2 points
Yuya Uemura: 1-0, 2 points
Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Taichi: 0-1, 0 points
Sanada: 0-1, 0 points
David Finlay: 0-1, 0 points
Boltin Oleg: 0-1, 0 points
Callum: 0-1, 0 points

Here are the B Block standings!

Ren Narita: 1-0, 2 points
Yoshi-Hashi: 1-0, 2 points
Drilla Moloney: 1-0, 2 points
Shota Umino: 1-0, 2 points
Konosuke Takeshita: 1-0, 2 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 0-1, 0 points
Gabe Kidd: 0-1, 0 points
El Phantasmo: 0-1, 0 points
Great-O-Khan: 0-1, 0 points
Shingo Takagi: 0-1, 0 points

My Thoughts:

A great opening night for the G1 Climax, with some rather surprising results. I didn’t see Hashi beating Takagi, and then all the singles champions lost tonight. Great wins for Yuya, Shota and Konosuke for that, and of course Ren cheated for his. All of those make for great title match stories after the G1. Tanahashi VS Taichi was awesome stuff, too, with a great showing for Taichi in the loss and great win for Tanahashi to start off his last G1. As I said in the lead up, Tanahashi going for the finals is a great story, I hope he at least gets that much.

My Score: 8.9/10