Will The Ace stay high?

After closing out opening night, Hiroshi Tanahashi opens night two! But can he keep the momentum going from his huge main event win? Or will the Prince of Pace trump The Ace?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current 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 current 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

Gabe Kidd walks out on crutches!

The fans are a bit somber, but they encourage The Mad Man as he makes his way to the ring. Gabe rolls in but he does it all himself as he stands in front of the fans. Gabe has the mic, and Chris Charlton joins as translator, as Gabe tells us this is not at all the G1 he pictured. The match he was looking forward to the most was tonight’s, two English champions going out there in the name of Japanese wrestling, and putting on a performance. Gabe woke up, he hyperextended his knee last night and he didn’t feel right trying to do this at less than 100% for the people who gave their hard earned money over. Gabe has no choice but to pull out of tonight’s show.

The fans applaud Gabe’s candor, and even chant his name. Gabe takes a moment and says he knows one thing: When he can walk again, when he can fight again, it’s over for every single one of them left! He isn’t out of the G1, he plans on coming back the moment he’s cleared! So listen: This is everything to him! Performing for the fans here, for those at home, this is his LIFE! This is everything to him! And when he’s back to even just 90%, he’ll be back! The fans applaud that, and he thanks them all for coming. The fans cheer Gabe’s commitment, can Gabe make it back with rounds left to fight?

G1 Climax 35 A Block: Callum Newman VS Hiroshi Tanahashi!

The Prince of Pace might have one of the tougher schedules as he goes from facing the King of Darkness to facing President Ace! But if anyone can bounce back from losing to Evil, is it Callum Newman? Or will it be another High Fly Flow for the win?

As usual, the fans applaud as Tanahashi shows off the abs. The bell rings and the fans rally up for “TA-NA-HASHI!” as he and Callum circle. They feel things out, then tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. They’re in a deadlock, but then Callum digs his heels in. Callum puts Tanahashi on the ropes, the ref counts, and Callum lets off with pats to the shoulder. But then Callum CHOPS! The fans cheer, Callum eggs Tanahashi on, then he kicks, CLUBS and ROCKS Tanahashi. Callum whips, Tanahashi reverses, Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Tanahashi dropkicks the legs out! Callum goes to the apron, Tanahashi storms over, and he stalks Callum to the corner.

Tanahashi winds up, but then kicks Callum’s leg! Tanahashi wraps the leg around ropes, pulls on it, but stops as the ref counts. Tanahashi backs away, promising to take it easy, but then he DROPKICKS Callum’s leg! Callum falls while Tanahashi air guitars and the fans cheer. Callum rises but he falls as he tries to walk. Tanahashi stomps Callum’s bad leg, clamps on a toehold, but Callum fights back with a chinlock. Tanahashi shakes that off, and he shifts into an INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Callum endures and the fans rally up again. Tanahashi puts on the pressure, but Callum sits up to fire forearms! Tanahashi ROCKS Callum in return!

Tanahashi puts on more pressure but Callum reaches out. Callum manages the ROPEBREAK and Tanahashi lets him go. The fans rally but Tanahashi brings Callum up. Callum fires forearms but Tanahashi eggs him on! The fans fire up as Callum fires a flurry! Tanahashi kicks Callum’s leg! Callum goes to the corner, Tanahashi stomps, and Tanahashi whips. Callum reverses, runs in, but Tanahashi puts him on the apron. Callum still ROUNDHOUSES and sweeps the leg! KNEE-BOARD SENTON! The fans fire up but Callum still hobbles. Callum hurries and he basement DROPKICKS Tanahashi! The fans rally while Callum clutches his leg.

Callum rises, he storms up on Tanahashi, and he KICKS! And KICKS! Tanahashi eggs Callum on, and Callum KICKS him down! The fans rally as Callum aims from a corner. Tanahashi sits up, Callum runs in, PENALTY- NO! Tanahashi blocks the kick! Tanahashi rises, Callum fires palm strikes from all sides! Tanahashi DRAGON SCREWS him back down! The fans fire up and Tanahashi waits on Callum. Callum rises, Tanahashi runs, but Callum ROUNDHOUSES! Callum runs, but into a SLINGBLADE! Both men are up, Tanahashi runs to SLINGBLADE again! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and the fans fire up more!

Tanahashi also fires up, and he goes to a corner! Tanahashi climbs, but Callum GAMANGIRIS! Callum drags Tanahashi down, goes to the corner, but the bad leg slows down his ascent. Callum still makes it to the top, and he DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO!! Tanahashi survives that coup de grace and the fans fire up again! Callum rises, shakes his head and shakes out the bad leg. The fans rally as Callum storms up on Tanahashi. Tanahashi fights the Prince’s Curse but Callum fires a forearm! Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS! Callum BACK ELBOWS! Tanahashi DRAGON PALMS! Callum ROUNDHOUSES!

Both men fall but Callum hurries to his feet! The fans fire up as Callum runs, KNEE STRIKE!! Cover, TWO!! PRINCE’S CURSE!! Cover, CALLUM WINS!!

Winner: Callum Newman, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Tanahashi earns 0)

The Prince may have lost to a King but he stands tall over a President! But will Callum be able to keep this up? Will Tanahashi get back on track for his final G1?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: Shota Umino VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!

The Roughneck added to his Second Chapter with a win over El Phantasmo while 44 Caliber was able to shoot down The Dominator. Will Shota continue the Paradigm Shift? Or will there be nothing but Gore in the second round?

The bell rings and both men run up! They RAM shoulders, then fire forearms back and forth! Shota eggs Drilla on so Drilla ROCKS and CHOPS him! Shota ROCKS and CHOPS Drilla in return! Shota headlocks, Drilla powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders again! Shota runs, RAMS Drilla, then dodges Drilla’s boot to RUN Drilla over! The fans cheer while Drilla sits up and seethes. Shota storms over to Drilla, brings him up, and CLUBS him on the neck. Drilla goes to the ropes, seethes more, but Shota storms up to UPPERCUT! Drilla falls back, Shota kicks at him, then Shota stands Drilla up. Shota cravats for the neck wrench but Drilla endures.

Shota snapmares and runs to basement DROPKICK Drilla in the back! Cover, ONE! Drilla is tougher than that and the fans rally up. Shota brings Drilla around, reels him in, but Drilla fights the suplex! Shota still tires but Drilla still blocks! The fans rally, and Drilla suplexes Shota for a BRAINBUSTER! Shota writhes while the fans cheer. Drilla storms up on Shota to stomp him. Drilla stomps Shota to the ropes, then eggs him on. Drilla drags Shota up, UPPERCUTS him, and Shota goes to the corner. Drilla CHOPS Shota, Shota snarls as he goes to another corner, and the fans rally. Drilla storms up to CHOP again!

Shota hobbles to another corner while the fans cheer. Drilla storms up yet again, and he fires the fans up before he CHOPS! Shota sits down in the corner while the fans cheer more. Drilla stomps a mudhole in but the ref reprimands. Drilla digs his boots in, the ref counts, and Drilla steps off. Shota kicks at Drilla but Drilla stomps him back down! The fans rally, Shota blocks a stomp and holds on! Shota rises up, but Drilla fires a forearm! Shota just stares Drilla down. Drilla fires forearms and CHOPS, but Shota puts Drilla in the corner! Shota fires a flurry of forearms! Drilla turns things around to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP!

Shota turns things around to ROCK and CHOP Drilla on repeat! Then he DECKS Drilla! The fans fire up for that very Stone Pitbull style attack. Shota whips, Drilla reverses, and Drilla DROPKICKS! Shota rebounds to CLOBBER Drilla! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Shota roars and rises up as the fans rally. Shota brings Drilla around to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Drilla sputters, Shota whips him to the corner, then SHINING WIZARDS! Drilla slumps down, Shota runs corner to corner, BLINDSIDE KNEE! Then a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but Shota shrugs that off.

The fans rally as Shota stalks Drilla to the ropes. Shota whips but Drilla blocks by holding those ropes! Shota fires a forearm, whips, but Drilla reverses to waistlock. Shota fires elbows but Drilla still lifts him, for a GERMAN SUPLEX! But Shota’s right up! Only for Drilla to SPINEBUSTER! Drilla stands Shota up, runs, GORE!! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans fire up again! The ref checks while both men are down, and Drilla rises up. Shota follows as the fans rally, and they go forehead to forehead. Drilla fires a forearm! Shota sits up to fire back! Drilla fires another forearm, and Shota snarls. Both men stand, and Shota fires another forearm!

Drilla huffs ‘n’ puffs and the fans rally up. Drilla SLAPS Shota, so Shota SLAPS back! The fans fire up for this SLAP fight! They SLAP back and forth, then Drilla SLAPS, SLAPS, and SLAPS! Shota just stares him down! Shota puts his hands back and gives Drilla a free shot! Drilla fires off a flurry of SLAPS from all sides! Shota wobbles but he stays on his feet! Shota then grins and nods as he comes back. Drilla crosses his arms and dares Shota to get him back. Shota SLAPS away, but Drilla SLAPS right back! Drilla makes Shota stand, Shota fires more SLAPS! Now Drilla wobbles! Shota runs, but Drilla swings! Shota ducks, but then Drilla ducks, but a JUMP KNEE finds Drilla!

Shota goes from the corner and runs back in, BUSAIKU KNEE! Cover, TWO! Drilla survives and the fans fire up again. Shota roars as he rises up, and the fans are with him. Shota hooks a leg, SECOND- NO, Drilla fights free, slips around, but Shota bucks the O’Conner Roll! But Drilla blocks the knee! Drilla marches around with Shota, but Shota ducks the enzigiri! Shota reaches down to waistlock but Drilla slips out the back! Drilla waistlocks, ripcords and CHOPS! Then SUPERKICKS! Shota drops to his knees and the fans bark with Drilla! Drilla slaps some fire back into himself, then he drags Shota up for the DRILLA-

NO, Shota slips down! Shota HEADBUTTS Drilla, and then he fires up! Shota runs, but Drilla slips around the lariat to wrangle Shota, reels him in, and PILEDRIVER!! But Shota rises up!? Drilla can’t believe it, and Shota BARRELS into Drilla! The fans fire up with Shota as he rises again! Shota waits on Drilla, he runs the ropes, but Drilla dodges! DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shota comes back to LARIAT right back! Shota then hooks a leg, SECOND- NO, Drilla slips free, inverted suplexes, and then he pops Shota around! DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, DRILLA WINS!

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

Shota survived the Gore but not the rest, and now he’s 1-1. Will he turn things around in the third round? Will Drilla be unstoppable as the rounds keep going?

G1 Climax 35 A Block: Boltin Oleg VS Ryohei Oiwa!

BARS could not hold back the Heat Storm while The Mullet was able to rock The Rebel. Will the NEVER Openweight Champion bounce back? Or will Oiwa get a grip on a golden ticket?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two feel things out. Oleg pushes past the hands to fireman’s carry takeover! Then he fireman’s carries for another takeover! Oiwa gives one back, but Oleg hits another! Oiwa headscissors, Oleg kips free, and the fans cheer this opening exchange. The two reset, tie up again, and are in a deadlock. Oleg headlocks, Oiwa powers to his own headlock, but Oleg powers out. They RAM shoulders and the fans cheer. Oleg and Oiwa egg each other on, then Oiwa runs. Oiwa RAMS Oleg, Oleg roars, but Oiwa kicks low. Oiwa whips, Oleg blows through the elbow to CLOBBER Oiwa!

The fans fire up and Oleg storms up on Oiwa. Oleg lifts Oiwa to RAM him into the corner! Oleg RAMS Oiwa again, then CHOPS! Oiwa staggers, Oleg brings him up again, but Oiwa fights free! DDT! Both men are down and the fans rally up. Oiwa stands, he stalks Oleg, and he brings Oleg up to CHOP! Oleg goes to a corner but Oiwa whips him, just to YANK the arm! Oiwa CHOPS again, then wrenches Oleg’s arm to YANK it again! And again! Oiwa wrenches again to RAM the shoulder, then he wrangles Oleg with a top wristlock. Oiwa STOMPS the arm! The fans rally while Oleg writhes, and Oiwa brings Oleg up again.

Oiwa scoops and SLAMS Oleg, then SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Oiwa clamps onto Oleg’s arm while the fans rally. Oleg fights up, powers up, and he whips Oiwa away. But Oiwa catches Oleg to an inside cradle! TWO, and Oiwa arm-drags Oleg down! Oiwa grinds the arm but Oleg endures. The fans rally, Oleg rises up, but Oiwa wrenches him again. Oiwa hammerlocks the arm, RAMS Oleg into buckles, then CHOPS! The fans rally as Oiwa wraps the bad arm around ropes and pulls! The ref reprimands, Oiwa stops, and he whips Oleg corner to corner. Oleg comes back and SHOTGUNS! Not the bet shot but he still has Oiwa in a corner.

Oleg stands Oiwa up, whips, and DROPKICKS again! The fans rally while both men are down. Oiwa goes to the corner, Oleg storms up on him and Oleg scoops to SLAM! Oiwa is in the drop zone, Oleg goes up, up, and VADER BOMBS! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives and the fans rally up again. Oleg stands Oiwa up, gut wrenches, and Shake, Shake, Shake! THROW! Oleg kips up and the fans fire up! Oleg then brings Oiwa back up and fireman’s carries! But Oiwa slips free, gets under, but Oleg CLUBS away on Oiwa’s neck! Oleg blocks Oiwa’s lariat to then clinch and BELLY2BELLY SUPLEX! But Oiwa is right up to DROPKICK!

The fans fire up, Oleg runs in, but Oiwa gets around and has the lift! TENZAN PLEX! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Oleg shakes out his arms but Oiwa brings him up. Oiwa fires a forearm, but Oleg fires back! Oiwa drops to a knee, but he rises to fire another forearm! Oiwa and Oleg go back and forth, forearm for forearm, then Oleg gets the edge! Oleg ROCKS Oiwa, but Oiwa wrenches the arm! Oiwa UPPERCUTS the arm, but Oleg CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS! Oiwa staggers to a corner, Oleg runs in, but Oiwa dodges! Arm-drag! ARM SCREW! The fans rally, Oiwa brings Oleg up and takes the elbow pad away! SPLASH DOWN on the arm!

Oiwa shows no mercy as he grinds Oleg’s arm! Oleg endures, fights the turnover, and Oleg fireman’s carries! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans fire up and Oleg roars! Oleg fireman’s carries again, goes to a corner, and KAMI- NO, Oiwa grabs the ropes! The ref reprimands, but then Oiwa slips down to have the SLEEPER! Oleg is fading already! The fans rally and Oleg gets that second wind! But Oiwa spins him, only for Oleg to duck the Grip! Oleg waistlocks but then Oiwa switches, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Oleg escapes and the fans fire up! Oiwa huffs ‘n’ puffs and roars! The fans fire up with Oiwa as he brings Oleg up!

Oiwa reels Oleg in, lifts, and SIT OUT POWERBOMBS! Then he rolls Oleg to his feet, for THE- FOREARM from Oleg! Oleg trophy lifts Oiwa, then fireman’s carries for the KAMIKAZE!! Cover, OLEG WINS!

Winner: Boltin Oleg, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Oiwa earns 0)

The NEVER Champion never gave up, and now he is on top! Will the rest of the block end up behind BARS? Even after a loss, can Oiwa still prove that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS Ren Narita!

The Headhunter was able to slay the Rampaging Dragon fair and square, but the Souled Out Son of Strong Style needed to cheat against the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. Will Ren stoop to new lows just to bring Hashi down? Or will it be Easy Pickings two rounds in a row?

But of course Ren attacks Hashi during his entrance! The fans boo but Ren uses Hashi’s own bo staff to choke him! The ref reprimands, Ren throws the staff aside, and he headlocks Hashi to bring him into the crowd! This isn’t even a match yet so there’s no stopping Ren from BOWLING Hashi into open chairs! STRIKE! The ref reprimands but Ren drags him away. They go to the ring while Hashi flounders in the chairs. Ren goes looking for things under the ring, but the ref gives Hashi time to get back to ringside. So Ren just JAMS Hashi up with a chair! The ref confiscates that while the fans boo, but Ren whips Hashi hard into railing!

Hashi falls in a heap but Ren hauls him right back up, and whips him into more railing! Hashi falls again, the ref reprimands, but as far as anyone can tell, this still isn’t on the record. Ren puts Hashi in the ring, then follows, and now the bell rings. Ren covers, but the ref takes a lesson from Red Shoes and says no on the grounds of shenanigans. Ren drops an AX HANDLE, then covers, so now it counts. TWO and the fans cheer! Ren is annoyed but he gave himself a big advantage. Ren grabs the pushup bar? The ref stops that, but Ren pushes the ref aside! Hashi dodges to SUPERKICK! And then half nelson, but Ren fights Karma!

Ren grabs the ref, shoves him away, and he LOW BLOWS Hashi! The fans boo but Ren just soaks up that heat. Ren grins as he goes outside, climbs up the corner, and HELL’S- NO, Hashi dodges! Hashi runs back in, Ren sends him at the ref! Hashi stops short, and he blocks the low blow! Roll and cradle, HASHI WINS!!

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

The fans are electric and Ren is shocked! Hashi snatched this one from him in record time, only because Ren wasted time with all that extracurricular activity! Ren is furious with the ref, then he grabs Hashi’s staff! Ren CHOKES Hashi again! Young Lions rush in, Ren fights them off, and he aims from the corner! Ren winds up, but Hashi DROPKICKS a leg out! And then LOW BLOWS Ren! The fans cheer again as Ren tastes more of his own medicine! Ren scurries away into the night, will he learn that crime never pays? Will Hashi continue to amaze us round after round?

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

Now this is a fight that’s been a long time coming! Just as The Rebel started trusting this Cold-Blooded Snake, that’s when Sanada struck. Sanada is now on the side of Evil, but will Finlay have his revenge? Or will it be a Skull End for round two?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Finlay and Sanada circle, feel things out, then tie up. Finlay powers Sanada back, puts him on the ropes, but Sanada turns things around. The ref counts, Sanada lets off, but then takes a swing! Finlay avoids the cheap shot and the fans applaud. The two reset, feel things out again, and tie up. Finlay powers Sanada back, but Sanada pulls hair! The ref reprimands but Sanada puts Finlay on the ropes first. Sanada lets off slowly, but Finlay ROCKS him! Finlay headlocks, Sanada powers out and pulls hair to reel Finlay in for a headlock. Finlay powers out, drops down, then HIP TOSS, but Sanada handsprings through!

Finlay hits a headlock takeover, Sanada headscissors, and Finlay kips free. Sanada headlocks but Finlay blocks the takeover! Finlay lifts for a BACKBREAKER! The fans bark with Finlay and he goes to a corner. Sanada rises, Finlay runs in, but Sanada BOOTS him! Sanada goes up, QUEBRADA but Finlay gets under! Sanada clutches his leg as he falls back! The ref checks Sanada and keeps Finlay back. Finlay is annoyed, but then Sanada gets up and CLOBBERS him! Sanada was faking all along! Sanada TOSSES Finlay up and out! Finlay hits railing, Sanada goes out after him, and whips him into more railing!

Finlay slumps down in front of English commentary but Sanada stands him up. Sanada whips Finlay back the other way and Finlay hits railing again! Sanada storms up, he brings Finlay around, and he whips again, only for Finlay to reverse! Sanada stops himself, Finlay runs in, and Sanada dodges! Finlay CRASHES into railing! Sanada says he’s too smart for that. The ref checks Finlay while he writhes, and Finlay clutches his arm. Sanada scowls at Milano Collection AT, brings Finlay up, and then aims for the desk! But then he APRON BACK SUPLEXES instead! The fans applaud as Milano fell for the trick.

Sanada puts Finlay in the ring, bumps him off buckles, but Finlay kicks back. Sanada blocks a kick, to then CLAW Finlay’s face! The ref reprimands but Sanada brings Finlay out to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! The fans applaud and Sanada paces. Finlay CHOPS Sanada! Finlay fires forearm after forearm, but Sanada dropkicks the legs! Sanada whips, Finlay reverses, but Sanada dropkicks the legs again! Sanada runs up, but into a clinch! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! A little double-edged given the banged up leg but the fans and Gedo fire up behind Finlay. Finlay hobbles over to Sanada, and BITES his forehead!

The ref reprimands and counts but Finlay stops. Finlay barks, the fans join in, and Finlay fires off LARIAT after LARIAT in the corner! Finlay goes to TEN, then runs corner to corner to UPPERCUT! Finlay suplexes for the BROKEN ARROW! The fans fire up while Sanada writhes! Finlay storms up on Sanada, covers, TWO! Finlay stays focused and he drags Sanada up. Finlay reels Sanada in, hoists him up, but Sanada fights free! Finlay throat chops, whips, but Sanada goes up, out, and springboards back in! MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans rally up while both men are down! Sanada stands up first and he brings Finlay around.

Sanada fireman’s carries but Finlay fights free. Finlay ducks ‘n’ dodges but Sanada dropkicks the leg! Then he DROPKICKS Finlay down! Sanada dragon sleepers for SKULL END, but Finlay rolls through! Finlay inverted suplexes, has Sanada on his shoulder, but Sanada slips free! Finlay runs up on Sanada in the corner, but Sanada BOOTS him! SANADA QUEBRADA, into SKULL END! The body scissors are on tight! Finlay flails, reaches out, but Sanada squeezes the air out of him! The fans rally harder, Finlay fades, but he manages the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Sanada lets go at 4, maybe 4.5.

Sanada goes out to pull Gedo’s beard?! Sanada pushes Gedo into the ring! The ref reprimands but Sanada has Gedo’s legs! Sanada ties Gedo up in Paradise in the corner! The fans cheer, the ref tries to free Gedo, but Sanada grabs his guitar! The fans are a bit torn now, but Sanada aims! Finlay stands, dodges the Smash Hit, and he SPEARS Sanada! Finlay pops Gedo free of Paradise, drags Sanada up, and INTO O- NO, Sanada slips free to SKULL- NO, Finlay snapmares free! SHINING WIZARD! Sanada has Finlay down but he isn’t done yet! Clinch and DEAD- NO, Finlay slips around, but Sanada suplexes! OVER- NO, Finlay stops Sanada from stealing his move!

And then Finlay clinches Sanada to try the same! DEAD- NO, Sanada slips out, but Finlay suplexes! OVERKILL!! Cover, Finlay wins!

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

The Cold-Blooded Snake tried his tricks, but this War Dog just took a bite out of him! Will NJPW be reminded that they need The Rebel? Can Sanada find a way to get points on the board?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: Great-O-Khan VS Shingo Takagi!

The Dominator and Rampaging Dragon know each other well from their days feuding over the KOPW Championship, and now they fight for a bigger prize. Both men lost in the opening round, so who will redeem themselves while leaving the other at the bottom of the block?

The bell rings and the fans duel already. The two feel things out, clinch, go around, and Khan puts Takagi on the ropes. The ref counts, Khan lets off slowly, but then takes a swing! Takagi dodges, knees low, then headlocks. Khan powers up and out, but Takagi RAMS him! Khan stays up and grins as he puts his hands behind his back. Takagi fires forearms but Khan eggs him on. Takagi CHOPS, runs, then RAMS Khan! Khan rebounds but Takagi blocks the boot to DRAGON SCREW! The fans cheer and Takagi runs in at the corner. Takagi blocks a boot and LARIATS through! Takagi rallies the fans as he JABS and CHOPS away on Khan!

Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS and CHOPS, then runs. Khan takes a swing, Takagi ducks it, but he runs into a scoop! SWINGING BACKBREAKER! Takagi rolls away to the apron but Khan kicks him to the floor. Khan goes out after Takagi and whips him into railing! The railing is sure getting a workout tonight… Khan puts Takagi through the gap and bends Takagi back! The ref counts, Khan lets go, and he KICKS the railing to jam Takagi up! Khan ROCKS Takagi, CLUBS him on the neck, and Takagi goes down in a heap! The fans rally up as Khan stands Takagi up, and SLAMS him on to the apron! Takagi rolls away, Khan slides in and covers, TWO!

KATAGATAME! Khan squeezes Takagi with the Head ‘n’ Arm Triangle but Takagi endures. The fans rally but Khan puts on the pressure! Takagi kicks around, but Khan digs his knee into Takagi’s side. Takagi still makes the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, the ref counts, and Khan lets go at 4. Khan scuffs Takagi, brings him up, and SAYA- NO, Takagi blocks the throw! So Khan Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian- NO, Takagi blocks those, and he Mongolian Chops in return! The fans fire up, but then Khan UPPERCUTS! Takagi goes to the corner, Khan storms up, and Khan sits on his throne! But Takagi slips right out!

The fans boo but Takagi runs back in. Khan dodges, LARIATS, and then SAYA- NO, Takagi fights the throw again and BLINDSIDE LARIATS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Takagi and Khan stir, and Takagi rises first. Takagi runs up to RUN Khan over, then SENTONS! The fans applaud while Khan sputters and writhes. Takagi brings Khan back up, then catches a lariat to spin Khan and suplex high and hard! The fans fire up, Takagi covers, TWO! The fans applaud, and Takagi builds up his energy, but Khan clamps on a SLEEPER! Everyone knows the catchphrase and that they need to stop it to stop Takagi!

The fans rally as Takagi endures the squeeze! Takagi rises up, reaches out, but Khan keeps him from the ropes. Takagi is fading, but he BACKPACK SENTONS! But Khan sits up and clamps back on! IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Takagi rises, Khan hooks a leg and brings Takagi into the IRON COBRA TWIST! Takagi still endures, but Khan shifts to the Bow ‘n’ Arrow Rack! IRON CLAW RACK! Khan puts on the pressure and the fans rally, for the SWINGING SLAM! Cover, TWO! Takagi stays in this and the fans rally back up. The fans duel and Khan rises up. Khan brings Takagi up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Takagi slips free.

Takagi waistlocks, Khan fires elbows, and Khan runs. But Takagi follows to LARIAT at the ropes! SAIDO! But Khan is right up! Khan BOOTS Takagi, runs, but Takagi SWATS the lariat to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Khan LARIATS right back! Khan hurries and he reels Takagi in, scoop and T T D!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives the Tenzan Tombstone Driver but Khan roars! The fans fire up with the Monster Rage and Khan brings Takagi up! IRON CLAW, into the ELIMI- DDT from Takagi!! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Takagi rises and the fans join in with “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi has Khan in the corner and hoists him up top.

Takagi climbs, and he SUPERPLEXES! The fans fire up with how fast that was! Takagi then runs, SLIDING BOMBER! Takagi roars, brings Khan back up, and he pump handles for SNAP MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!??! Khan survives and the fans fire up again! Takagi brings Khan up, fires boxing elbows, then ROCKS Khan! Khan staggers, but he comes back to ROCK Takagi! Takagi JABS, HEADBUTTS, but Khan has the HITSUJIGOROSHI! And FLATLINER! Then Khan drags Takagi up with the IRON CLAW! ELIMI- NO, Takagi slips free to SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Both men are down and the fans fire up again!

Takagi rises while Khan goes to the ropes. The fans duel even harder now, and Khan runs up to BOOT! Takagi rebounds to YUKON LARIAT! The fans fire up and Takagi powers up again. Takagi runs, Khan stands, PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!?!? Khan survives again, so Takagi SLIDING FOREARMS! Takagi roars, the fans fire up, and Takagi brings Khan around. Takagi pump handles, torture racks, but Khan slips free! IRON CLAW SLEEPER! Ripcord, but Takagi breaks free! Takagi dodges, but Khan SUPERMAN PUNCHES! Takagi comes back, but into an IRON RIGHT!! IRON CLAW, ELIMINATOR!! Cover, KHAN WINS!

Winner: Great-O-Khan, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Takagi earns 0)

The Dragon has been slain again, and he is now 0-2! What must Takagi do to get on the board? As for Khan, will he rise up and conquer the block in the name of the United Empire?

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

The Gene Blast took down the Cold-Blooded Snake, Sanada, while the King of Darkness cheated the Prince of Pace. Los Ingobernables de Japon may be no more, but will Yota keep things tranquilo? Or will Evil just stack the deck again?

Yota grins, he isn’t pulling in his brother to trick Evil here. But then Evil attacks Yota on the corner! The fans boo but Evil strips Yota’s jacket off him, and then CHOKES him with it! The bell rings, the ref reprimands, but Evil SHOVES the ref down! Evil CLUBS Yota’s arm, CLAWS Yota’s eyes, then whips Yota at the ref! Yota stops short but Evil SHOVES Yota into the ref! The ref is down, and now Don Fale gets in the ring! Fale & Evil stomp away on Yota while the fans boo. Fale drags Yota up, puts him in a corner, and then the House double whips Yota corner to corner. Evil runs in, blocks a boot, but Yota reel shim in for a DOUBLE STOMP!

Yota runs up on Fale, BODY BLOWS, then tries to scoop, but he can’t lift someone that big! Fale runs up but Yota DUMPS him out! Dick kicks Yota and runs, but Daiki Nagai trips him! The “unaffiliated” watch out for each other! Evil runs up, but Yota gets him for a COMPLETE SHOT and STOMP! Yota goes to the corner but Evil bails out. The fans boo as Evil & Dick regroup. Yota thanks Daiki, then waits on Evil. The House regroups with Fale, and Yota DIVES! Fale takes the hit to CATCH Yota! They still hit railing and just about knock Abe-san down, but then Fale POSTS Yota! The fans boo but Evil storms over to fetch Yota.

Evil steps on Yota’s head, drags him up, then RAMS him into the timekeeper! Now Abe-san falls! The fans boo again but Evil leaves Yota behind. There can’t be a ring count without the timekeeper, though! The fans rally, Yota rises up, but Evil soaks up heat by mocking Yota’s pose. Yota rolls in, Evil drags him around, and Evil turns Yota over for a HALF CRAB! Evil steps on Yota’s head, then finishes the hold! Yota endures, reaches out, and he crawls forward to the ROPEBREAK! Evil holds until the ref counts 4. Evil looms over Yota, brings him up, then wrenches to whip. Evil is sent into the corner, Yota runs in, but Evil BOOTS him away!

Evil and Dick secretly untie the buckle pad. Yota rises up, runs back in, and SURPRISE! Bare buckles! The fans boo and the ref reprimands but nothing can be done about it now. Evil TOSSES Yota, argues with the ref, and Fale RAMS Yta into the railing! Dick hopes onto Fale’s back, and they step on Yota’s back! The fans boo but Dick drags Yota up and puts him in the ring. Evil drags Yota up to FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Yota survives all that extra damage and the fans applaud. Evil grows frustrated but he paces around Yota while talking trash. Evil steps on Yota’s face, scuffs him, then tells fans to shut up.

The fans rally for Yota as Evil brings him up. Yota ROCKS Evil! And ROCKS him again! And again! Evil CLAWS Yota’s eyes! Yota kicks, only for Evil to block! Evil gives the foot to the ref to mule kick Yota! Evil TOSSES Yota back out and they go to the ramp now! The fans rally for Yota as Evil brings him further long. Evil grins as he suplexes, but Yota fights it! Yota suplexes, but Evil fights that to snap suplex Yota on the ramp! The fans boo but Evil talks more trash. Evil steps through, he turns Yota over, SCORPION DEATHLOCK! The ring count starts while Yota endures! Dick keeps Daiki from Yota, too! Evil leaves Yota behind at 7 of 20 to return to the ring at 10!

Yota rises at 11, hobbles his way back to ringside, but Fale stands in his way! The fans boo as Fale knocks Yota down! Yota hurries to his feet, dodges Fale, and then dodges Dick to slide in at 18! The fans cheer, but Evil runs up! Into a BACKBREAKER, FLATLINER and STOMP! Then the ORANGE CRUSH! Cover, TWO! Evil survives but the fans rally as hard as they can behind Yota! Yota rises, he brings Evil around, and Yota CLUBS Evil to the corner. But Evil shoves the ref! Yota goes up, Dick SHOVES Yota off the top! Yota HOTSHOTS off ropes, then Fale grabs Yota! But Yota HOTSHOTS Fale! Dick storms up but Yota blocks his Three Stooges eye poke!

Yota wags his finger, then DECKS Dick! Fale catches Dick, but Yota DIVES onto them both! Down go Dick & Fale! The fans fire up as Yota hurries back in, but Evil sends Daiki into Yota! The fans boo as Evil weaponizes a Young Lion! Evil then waits on Yota to stand up, he runs in at the corner, and he LARIATS! Then fireman’s carry for DARKNESS- NO, Yota slips free, shoves Evil, and GENE TRIGGER in he corner! Then the MARLOWE CRUSH!! The fans fire up as Yota aims from the corner! GENE- NO, Evil sends him into bare buckles! LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives and the fans fire up again!

Evil snarls, he drags Yota up, fireman’s carry and DARKNESS FALLS!! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives again and the fans rally even harder! Evil is frustrated but he vows to end it now! Evil drags Yota up, spins him, EVERYTHING- NO, Yota slips out and GENE TRIGGERS! Evil FOREARMS, ROLLING- NO, Yota steals– NO, Evil powers out of the STO, but the GENE BLASTER hits point-blank! And now, GENE- NO, Evil snatches Yota into DIRTY DEEDS!! Cover, EVIL WINS!!

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

Once again, it took every trick Evil had, but he still takes the win! Will nothing be able to stop The House of Torture from rising back to the top? Will Yota still find a way to make this the GENE1?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS Konosuke Takeshita w/ Rocky Romero!

The Headbanga lost to the Roughneck while The Alpha clearly pushed Gabe Kidd past his limits. Will the NJPW World TV Champion owe another golden ticket? Or will Konosuke stand tall over another champion?

The bell rings and the fans duel already. Red Shoes assesses it is certainly more in favor of ELP than Konosuke. The two tie up, Konosuke wrenches, and he wrenches again to a wristlock. ELP reaches back to wrench and headlock, but Konosuke spins through to wrench back. ELP hammerlocks, then half nelsons to a cravat. Konosuke endures the neck wrench, slips through and wrenches to another wristlock. Konosuke powers his way to a headlock, then back to a wristlock, but ELP rolls and trips Konosuke. ELP ties the legs up, BOW ‘N’ ARROW, but Konosuke pops out to a cover! ONE and the fans cheer the opening exchange.

The fans applaud, Jado coaches ELP up while Rocky does the same for Konosuke. They reset and the fans rally up again. ELP and Konosuke circle, tie up, and Konosuke headlocks. ELP powers up and out, but Konosuke RUNS him over! Things keep moving, ELP drops down, but Konosuke avoids the dropkick! Konosuke waistlocks, ELP elbows free, but Konosuke BOOTS him! KOnosuke whips, ELP reverses, and ELP avoids the Takeshita Line! Konosuke applauds, but then SUDDEN DEATH! Roll up, TWO! ELP hurries to step over, LA MAGISTROL! TWO, but ELP is right on Konosuke for a backslide! TWO!! Konosuke escapes but ELP isn’t slowing down!

ELP tucks the arms, C R 2!! And then he goes to the apron! Konosuke scrambles out to the apron! The fans rally up as ELP watches Konosuke go around the outside. ELP builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and Konosuke goes over railing, and even over the commentary desk! The fans fire up and ELP resets the railing. ELP goes into the ring, the fans rally up as he climbs, and “E! L! P” springboards for SUPER THUNDERKISS, into an ALPHA ELBOW!! The fans go wild for that antiair! Konosuke shakes out his arm, it took a lot to hit that shot! Konosuke rises, the fans cheer, and Konosuke headlocks ELP to bring him back to ringside.

Konosuke switches to a facelock, but ELP fights the suplex! ELP tries to suplex but his back won’t let him! Konosuke suplexes, BRAINBUSTER to the floor! Konosuke leaves ELP behind, we’re only five minutes into this! The ring count starts, Jado coaches ELP and the fans rally, but ELP still struggles to sit up. We pass 10 of 20 and Rocky gloats like Konosuke’s already won. ELP stands at 14, staggers around, and he rolls in at 16! The fans applaud but Rocky says that was a bad move. Konosuke looms over ELP, then ROCKS him with a right! Konosuke CHOKES ELP on the ropes! Red Shoes counts, Konosuke steps off at 4, and ELP goes to a corner.

Konosuke storms up on ELP, stands him up, and wrenches an arm. Konosuke whips corner to corner hard and ELP falls in a heap! Konosuke brings ELP up, but ELP breaks free to CHOP! Konosuke is just annoyed, but ELP CHOPS again! Jado coaches ELP, the fans rally, but Konosuke DECKS ELP with a forearm! Konosuke looms over ELP again, stands him back up, and wrenches the arm again. Konosuke whips corner to corner hard and ELP again falls in a heap! Konosuke climbs the corner, shouts, “C’MON~!” and the fans fire up. Konosuke SUPER SENTONS but onto knees! ELP saves himself, albeit double-edged!

The fans rally up as ELP stands. ELP ROCKS and CHOPS away on Konosuke at the ropes! ELP whips, Konosuke reverses, but ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard and CROSSBODY! Then somersault, LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Konosuke toughs it out and the fans rally up again. ELP fires himself up, brings Konosuke to his feet, and scoops to SLAM! ELP goes to the corner, AX HANDLE! The fans rally and ELP goes to the other corner. ELP tunes up the band, the fans clap along, and Konosuke HELLUVA KICKS first! Then BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans cheer again.

ELP and Konosuke stare down as they rise back up. Konosuke fires a forearm first! ELP grins and fires a forearm back! Konosuke fires another forearm! ELP fires another forearm! Konosuke grits his teeth, stands up with ELP, and fires another forearm! ELP staggers, goes to ropes, and he fires himself up! The fans rally as ELP fires a flurry of forearms! Konosuke fires boxing elbows, then a ROLLING- ENZIGIRI! ELP runs, but Konosuke LARIATS him inside-out! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Konosuke storms up on ELP, brings him around, and scoops to SLAM in the drop zone! The fans applaud as Konosuke goes up the corner again.

Konosuke reaches the top, but ELP GAMANGIRIS first! ELP climbs up after Konosuke, brings him up, and tucks the arms?! The fans fire up already, but Konosuke fights free of the CR2! Konosuke fires a forearm, ELP fires a forearm, repeat! ELP fires a flurry, and he ROCKS Konosuke! ELP stands Konosuke up on the very top, for a SUPER DUPER STEINER! The fans fire up as ELP goes right up top! Konosuke stands, THUNDERKISS ATTACK! Then ELP hurries outside, goes up the ropes again, THUNDERKISS 86 onto knees! Roll-through and SPINNING BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!??! ELP survives and the fans fire up again!

The fans rally as hard as they can as both men go to corners. Jado and Rocky each lead the fans, but Konosuke takes aim! POWER DRIVE KNEE!! Cover, TWO?!?! ELP survives and shocks Konosuke! But then Konosuke just gets mad and vows to end this! Konosuke drags ELP up, RAGING- CRADLE COUNTER!! TWO!! ELP swings, misses, and Konosuke O’Conner Rolls for DREAM- NO, ELP ducks the blindside elbow! ELP hurries to his feet, wheelbarrow and victory roll, TWO! Konosuke escapes, rolls this back, deadlift WHEELBARROW GERMAN!! But ELP’s right up>! And he LARIATS!! Cover, ONE?!?!?

ELP doesn’t bother questioning it, he just tucks Konosuke in! But Konosuke powers up, spins ELP around, BASTARD DRIVER!! And another WHEELBARROW- NO! ELP lands out! ELP jumps up, POISON-RANA!! ELP runs to hop on, DESTROYER!! And then he tucks the arms! C R 2!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! ELP just resets, another C R 2!!! And then another tuck, for C R 3!!!!! Cover, ELP WINS!!

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

An epic tiebreaker between these two, and it favors the NJPW World TV Champion! Will the G1 soon become The ELP Show? Or can Konosuke still establish himself as The Alpha of all wrestling?

G1 Climax 35 A Block: Yuya Uemura VS Taichi!

The Heat Storm was brought into Just5Guys by the Holy Emperor, and even as member after member left the team, Yuya’s stuck by Taichi ever since. They are both Hontai now, and there is great respect here besides. But who shows the greatest respect by giving it their all and winning this match?

Zack Sabre Jr. makes his way out to ringside, no music or fanfare. He didn’t get to have his main event match with Gabe but he’ll join English commentary to watch his old friend, Taichi, fight in the new main event. The bell rings and the fans rally up, “YU~YA! YU~YA!” “LET’S GO, TAICHI!” Taichi and Yuya stare down, then slowly circle. They step up, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Taichi’s height gives him some leverage but Yuya digs in his heels. Taichi still pushes Yuya back, but Yuya turns it around. Yuya has Taichi on the ropes, lets off, but then CHOPS! Yuya eggs Taichi on, so Taichi storms up! They tie up, but Yuya CHOPS! CHOPS! And CHOPS!

Taichi fires up to CHOP in return! The fans cheer, Yuya takes a second, and he CHOPS again! Taichi CHOPS again! Yuya CHOPS again, but now Taichi KICKS in return! Yuya CHOPS again, but Taichi still KICKS! CHOP! CHOP! CHOP! Yuya CHOPS Taichi against the ropes! The fans fire up and Yuya whips, only for Taichi to BOOT him down! Taichi shakes out the leg, still feeling the damage Tanahashi did to him last night. Taichi goes back to Yuya, snapmares and KICKS! Yuya grits his teeth, pounds the mat, and he stands up to CHOP! Taichi grits his teeth but Yuta CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Taichi CHOPS in return!

Taichi whips but Yuya reverses to SAYANAGI, then step over and SNAP LOCK! The fans applaud while Yuya goes to a corner. Yuya runs up to basement dropkick the arm! Taichi clutches the elbow but Yuya pushes him to a cover, ONE! Yuya keeps Taichi down by holding onto the arm. Yuya double wristlocks, perhaps hammerlocks, but Taichi fights around. Yuya keeps on the arm and keeps Taichi down, but Taichi keeps fighting. Yuya SNAP LOCKS the arm, then rolls Taichi over for another hammerlock. Taichi stands, throws elbows, but Yuya ducks to scoop and SLAM Taichi on the hammerlock! The fans applaud while Taichi writhes.

Yuya paces, then he looms over Taichi. Yuya drags Taichi up, keeps on the armlock, but Taichi eggs Yuya on. Yuya adds pressure to the armlock but Taichi stands. Yuya pushes the elbow but Taichi RIDGE HANDS again and again! Yuya lets go, but he dodges the Ax Bomber to ARM-DRAG! The fans cheer as Yuya grinds Taichi down again. Taichi still endures, fights back up, but Yuya has the cording hold! Taichi goes to the corner for the ROPEBREAK! Red Shoes counts, but Yuya whips corner to corner. Yuya runs in, blocks a boot, and CHOPS! Yuya CHOPS again, but Taichi leans into them! A very Tomohiro Ishii move, but Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS Taichi down!

The fans rally as Yuya stands Taichi up again, and he wrenches, wrenches, and ELBOW BREAKERS! Yuya then whips corner to corner, runs in, but into a ROUNDHOUSE! The fans fire up as Yuya falls! Taichi shakes out the bad arm and he fires up! OFF COME THE PANTS! Taichi aims from the corner, but is Yuya even still in this? Taichi shouts at Yuya to get up, but Yuya barely even stirs. Red Shoes is unsure what to do but Taichi storms up to tell Yuya to get up! Taichi drags Yuya up, the fans applaud, and then Taichi scuffs Yuya. Taichi eggs Yuya on, sits him up, and gives him a Kawada Kick! Yuya flops over and the fans rally up.

Taichi makes Yuya sit up for another Kawada Kick! And then a PUNT! Yuya falls over and the fans fire up! Taichi paces while he asks Yuya what’s wrong. Yuya rises up, Taichi nods, and Taichi aims. But Yuya fires a forearm first! And another! Taichi eggs Yuya on, so Yuya fires another forearm! Taichi SOBATS! The fans rally as Taichi KICKS, but Yuya blocks it! Yuya CLUBS the leg, but then Taichi ducks the double chop! DANGEROUS- NO, Yuya slips out, ARMBAR DDT! And then he traps the arm to TWEAK it! Then he dropkicks Taichi’s legs out! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Taichi clutches an arm and a leg while Yuya slaps some fire back into himself.

Yuya storms over to Taichi, fires up, and the fans fire up with him. Yuya drags Taichi up, DANGER- NO, Taichi fights the lift with elbows. Yuya has the leg, SHIN BREAKER! GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Inverted CALF KILLER!! Taichi endures as Yuya traps his leg and puts on the pressure! Taichi crawls, reaches out, but Yuya drags him back! Yuya steps through, INDIAN DEATHLOCK! Taichi reaches up but Yuya has the KIMURA! Taichi endures this chimera of holds and the fans rally up! Taichi fights with his one free arm, but Yuya puts on the pressure! Taichi still endures, still crawls with his one arm, but Yuya uses his leg to hook Taichi’s head!

Taichi fights, flails, and he finally makes the ROPEBREAK! Yuya lets go, stands Taichi up, and he cording holds! Yuya roars, swings Taichi, but Taichi uses that to DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Taichi and Yuya go to corners, drag themselves up with the ropes, and Taichi eggs Yuya on. Taichi and Yuya run in, but Taichi’s BOOT hits first! Yuya CHOPS, Taichi RIDGE HANDS, Yuya DOUBLE CHOPS, and Taichi ELBOWS! Yuya ENZIGIRIS! But Taichi ENZIGIRIS right back! Both men are down and the fans fire back up! Taichi shakes out his bad arm and rises to his feet.

Taichi roars, runs, and AX- DROPKICK from Yuya! Yuya roars, he runs, but Taichi DROPKICKS back! The fans fire up again as both men are down! The chant of “LET’S GO TAICHI!” is louder than ever, and Taichi feeds off that energy to rise up! Taichi brings Yuya around, he pumps up, and POINT-BLANK AX BOMBERS!! “OSU!!” The fans are with Taichi as he drags Yuya up and brings him around, but Yuya traps the arms! DEADBOLT PLEX!! But Yuya couldn’t hold on! Yuya crawls over to Taichi, makes his way to the corner, and fires himself up again! The fans rally as Yuya climbs, CROSSBODY into TENSHO JUJIHO!

Taichi hurries to pick Yuya up, POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Yuya survives because Taichi couldn’t quite get all the lift he wanted in that bomb. The fans still rally for Taichi as hard as they can and Taichi fires back up. Taichi brings Yuya up, Alabama Lifts, and BLACK ME- NO, Yuya fights out, backslides, TWO!!! Taichi escapes, but now the arms are caught! Taichi flails to fight off the Deadbolt! The fans are thunderous as Taichi fights to get the waistband! Taichi makes this a sumo match as he THROWS Yuya! YOKOZUNA ELBOW! But Yuya’s right up! TENSHO JUJIHO!! Taichi roars, the fans are thunderous, Alabama Lift for BLACK MEPHISTO!! Cover, TAICHI WINS!!

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

It was an epic battle only possible because these two have great respect for each other! But in the end, the Heat Storm was down for the count! Will Yuya be able to rise to the occasion in the following rounds?

As for Taichi, he puts the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship on his shoulder while he grabs the mic. The fans cheer Taichi on, and he thanks them for that. Taichi says, “Thanks for these two main events in two days.” The fans applaud, and Taichi says today’s match against Yuya was originally the second-to-last of the night. Somehow, Taichi stands here now as the main event winner. HE won today! “And just like that, I’m rolling in this G1 Climax now, huh?” The fans cheer that! Taichi continues, “I lost two qualifying tournaments. What about it? All I have to do now is win from here on out! If I can be the last one standing, I’ll be the first from Hokkaido to conquer the G1!”

The fans cheer that, and Taichi says, “A dream G1 scenario for a previous loser. This is my revival to win! Follow me!” Sapporo is ready to support their hometown hero! But Taichi says hold on, that’s not all. “Yuya, are you alright?” True, he is still down. Taichi apologizes if he went too far. But Yuya really is awesome, y’know? Yuya is definitely the future “sun” of NJPW. But before that day comes, Taichi is the wall Yuya must overcome. Count on that. Taichi is pleased he and Yuya were able to deliver a passionate match. They were Just5Guys, Just4Guys, but it wasn’t in vain. From now on, they will keep fighting as part of Hontai! They’ll make NJPW more exciting than ever!

The fans cheer, and Taichi says he’ll leave with a callback to Just5Guys. Please, allow them to close with the old theme song. One last time, and then they move on! Expect more great things from them in the future. Taichi thanks Sapporo for this great weekend, and the song indeed plays! Now that they are no longer just guys, will Taichi and Yuya become great leaders of NJPW?

Here are the NEW A Block standings!

Evil: 2-0, 4 points
Yota Tsuji: 1-1, 2 points
David Finlay: 1-1, 2 points
Boltin Oleg: 1-1, 2 points
Callum: 1-1, 2 points
Ryohei Oiwa: 1-1, 2 points
Hiroshi Tanahashi: 1-1, 2 points
Taichi: 1-1, 2 points
Yuya Uemura: 1-1, 2 points
Sanada: 0-2, 0 points

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Yoshi-Hashi: 2-0, 4 points
Drilla Moloney: 2-0, 4 points
Ren Narita: 1-1, 2 points
Shota Umino: 1-1, 2 points
El Phantasmo: 1-1, 2 points
Konosuke Takeshita: 1-1, 2 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 1-1, 2 points
Great-O-Khan: 1-1, 2 points
Shingo Takagi: 0-2, 0 points
Gabe Kidd: 0-2, 0 points

My Thoughts:

A great second round for the G1, but a definite shame about Gabe Kid. He should hopefully be okay before the G1 is over, but he’s going to be forfeiting points each night until then. And as we saw as recently as the Best of the Super Juniors, this early in the rounds, the blocks are still pretty congested with all the 1-1 records. Gabe ends up 0-2 because of the forfeit, but Takagi is surprisingly the other 0-2. Hashi and Drilla being 2-0 is awesome stuff, but of course Evil gets there with all the cheating he can get. Taichi VS Yuya was a great main event, and I do appreciate Taichi gets a chance to address the Just5Guys dissolution with his promo.

My Score: 9/10