Can the Headhunter stay spotless?

The G1 Climax has one standalone undefeated man, and shockingly, it’s YOSHI-HASHI! But can he keep this up going into round 4?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Boltin Oleg & Toru Yano VS Yota Tsuji & Daiki Nagai; Oleg & Yano win.
• Callum Newman & Jakob Austin Young VS David Finlay & Gedo; Callum & Jakob win.
• Taichi & Masatora Yasuda VS SANADA & Yoshinobu Kanemaru; Sanada & Kanemaru win.
• Yuya Uemura & Tomoaki Honma VS EVIL & Dick Togo; Evil & Dick win.
• Hiroshi Tanahashi & Katsuya Murashima VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson; Oiwa & Hartley win.
• G1 Climax 35 B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS Great-O-Khan; Khan wins.
• G1 Climax 35 B Block: El Phantasmo VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins.
• G1 Climax 35 B Block: Shota Umino VS Ren Narita; Ren wins.
• G1 Climax 35 B Block: Shingo Takagi VS Konosuke Takeshita; Takeshita wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current B Block standings!

Yoshi-Hashi: 4-0, 8 points
Drilla Moloney: 3-1, 6 points
Ren Narita: 3-1, 6 points
Shota Umino: 3-1, 6 points
Konosuke Takeshita: 2-1, 4 points
El Phantasmo: 2-2, 4 points
Great-O-Khan: 2-2, 4 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 1-2, 2 points
Shingo Takagi: 1-2, 2 points
Gabe Kidd: 0 points [WITHDRAWN]

NJPW mourns the loss of Hulk Hogan.

Perhaps a lesser known part of his career, Hulkamania did in fact run wild in Japan from 1980 to 1985 while still part of WWF/WWE, and was even the winner of the original International Wrestling Grand Prix, defeating Antonio Inoki by knockout in the finals. As his song plays, the procession walks out to the ring, President Hiroshi Tanahashi at the front with Hontai and the Young Lions following. Standing with a classic picture of “Ichiban” Hulk Hogan is retired referee, Tiger Hattori, who was there for that run by the Hulkster. Slowly but surely, the group is also joined by Konosuke Takeshita, Rocky Romero, and even the “unaffiliated” Yota Tsuji and Shingo Takagi.

With everyone gathered, they honor Hogan with a moment of silence and ten rings of the bell. And after that, he gets one last introduction before the song plays again. #ThankYouHogan, may you rest in peace.

G1 Climax 35 B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS Great-O-Khan!

The Headhunter is rolling through these rounds, but that can change at a moment’s notice. Will Hashi still have the lead going into halftime? Or will the Dominator conquer him for The United Empire?

The bell rings and the fans duel as the two circle. They tie up, Khan grabs a leg and trips Hashi up. Khan then floats to a waistlock and rolls Hashi, but Hashi rolls free right away. The fans cheer the opening exchange and the two go again. They tie up, Khan clinches but Hashi fights off the throw. They end up on the ropes, the ref calls the break, and Khan pats Hashi on the shoulders. The fans applaud as Khan puts his arms behind his back, but then Khan rushes up! Hashi kicks low, fires a forearm, but Khan Monoglian Chops! Hashi CHOPS, Khan UPPERCUTS, and Khan runs, but into a CHOP! The fans fire up with Hashi while Khan sputters.

Hashi drags Khan up, but Khan fights the scoop. Khan clinches, goes for a leg, and he hits the IPPON! Hashi tumbles out of the ring, Khan pursues and pushes Hashi onto the railing. Khan uses the IRON CLAW to push Hashi’s head into the railing! The ref reprimands, Khan stops, and the fans rally up again. Khan brings Hashi around to whip hard into more railing! Khan then hammerlocks Hashi and RAMS him into the apron! The fans rally while Khan drags Hashi back up, lifts him, and SLAMS him on the apron! Khan then pushes Hashi into the ring, covers, TWO! A little cocky on the cover but Khan scuffs Hashi with his heel.

Khan stands Hashi up, bumps him off buckles, and then CLUBS him on the back! Khan hops up, and the fans cheer as Khan sits on his throne! The ref reprimands but Khan pulls Hashi’s arms back! Khan then hops down as the ref counts 4. Khan drags Hashi around with a facelock, then fires knees before the BUTTERFLY SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Hashi toughs it out but Khan goes right to a corner. Khan watches as Hashi stirs, then runs up as Hashi stands! But Hashi dropkicks the legs out! The fans cheer while both men are down! Khan shakes out the bad leg while Hashi slowly sits up. Hashi goes to ropes and stands himself up.

Hashi roars and runs in, and he RAMS shoulders with Khan! Hashi then runs to BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up again while Khan scrambles to a corner. Hashi runs in and ELBOWS Khan, to then whip and ROCK with a forearm! Then Hashi CHOPS, mule kicks, and turns Khan for the NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Khan is tougher than that but Hashi stays focused. The fans rally up, Hashi brings Khan to his feet. Hashi whips, Khan blocks, so Hashi ROCKS him with an elbow! Hashi whips again but Khan still blocks! Hashi CHOPS Khan this time! Hashi whips a third time, but Khan reverses to SAYANAGI!

The fans rally while both men are down again, and Khan catches his breath. Khan scowls as he stands, and he hobbles his way over to Hashi. Khan drags Hashi up and CHOPS! The fans cheer and Khan dares Hashi to bring it. Hashi CHOPS and the fans cheer! Hashi CHOPS again, but Khan stays standing! Hashi winds up to CHOP again! Khan almost drops to a knee with that one! Khan rises to Mongolian Chop! And Mongolian Chop! And then Mongolian- NO, Hashi blocks, but Khan BODY BLOWS! Khan runs, Hashi blocks the boot, and Hashi spins Khan for a SNAP DRAGON SUPLEX! Khan goes to a corner, Hashi runs in, and Hashi LARIATS!

Hashi reels Khan in and hooks a leg, FISHERMAN- NO, Khan fights that to scoop and T T D! Cover, TWO! Khan clamps right on with the KATAGATAME! Hashi endures the Head ‘n’ Arm Triangle as Khan squeezes tight! The fans rally, Hashi fights his way up, and Hashi fires elbows. Hashi pump handles, but Khan slips free! IRON CLAW and RACK, but Hashi slips free! Khan deflects the superkick to REVERSE STO! Then IRON CLAW and ELIMI- NO, Hashi DDT counters! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Hashi rises up, roars, and the fans cheer him on. Hashi fires forearms on Khan, then short arm LARIATS!

The fans fire up and Hashi brings Khan back around. Hashi hooks the leg KUMAGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Khan survives and the fans fire up again! The dueling is strong as Khan sits up and Hashi stands. Hashi roars, runs, and LARIATS! But Khan stays on his feet! Hashi SUPERKICKS, runs, and LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Khan survives and the fans fire up more! Hashi aims as Khan sits up, SUPERKICK! Hashi roars, pump handles, and KAR- NO, Khan slips free and he shoves Hashi away! Khan wobbles on noodle legs and Hashi comes back! But Khan manages a POP-UP ELIMINATOR?! Khan crawls to the cover, TWO!!

The fans rally even harder as Khan snarls and stands back up. Khan’s Monster Rage boils over and the fans cheer! IRON CLAW, and Khan drags Hashi to his feet! ELIMI- CODE BREAKER! Roll up, bridge, TWO!! Hashi hurries to SUPERKICK! Khan wobbles, Hashi runs up, ITADAKI- DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Khan roars and waits on Hashi to stand! IRON- SAYANAGI from Hashi!? Hashi roars and runs up, and he ROCKS Khan! Then ROLLING- IRON RIGHT from Khan!! Khan brings Hashi around, ELIMINATOR!! Iron Claw Cover, KHAN WINS!

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

It took a lot to keep Hashi down, but Khan was able to do it! Will the Dominator be able to conquer B Block after all? Or will Hashi #GetBackUp and #TurnItAllAround like he has in the past?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS Zack Sabre Jr!

It’s a Champion VS Champion showdown as the NJPW World Television Champion collides with THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. But will The Headbanga or The Front Man be the one to win a golden ticket?

The bell rings and ELP offers a handshake. ZSJ declines, so ELP resets and the two circle. ELP goes for a leg, ZSJ counters with a facelock then floats around to get the arm. ELP fights that so ZSJ facelocks, then double wristlocks. ELP pushes forward, ZSJ rolls and wrenches, but ELP rolls and handsprings. ELP wrenches to WRING ZSJ, but ZSJ UP KICKS him away. ELP goes to a corner and the fans cheer the standoff. ELP and ZSJ reset, knuckle lock, and then ZSJ wrenches to wrangle ELP. ZSJ double knuckle locks and puts on the pressure. ELP endures, stands up, and he sweeps the legs to a cover! TWO as ZSJ gets an arm up!

ELP pushes the arm down, ONE as ZSJ gets the other arm up. ELP pushes that arm down, TWO as ZSJ bridges! ELP kicks the legs out, TWO as ZSJ bridges again! ELP hops on but ZSJ uses that to MONKEY FLIP! ZSJ rolls back but ELP counters with his own MONKEY FLIP! Double cover, TWO as both men get an arm up! They rest, but that’s another double cover, TWO as both men get the other arm up! Another double cover, DOUBLE BRIDGE! The fans cheer as the two stare down upside-down, ZSJ pats ELP on the cheek, ELP SLAPS him! ZSJ SLAPS back, and it is a SLAP fight while they bridge!

The fans fire up, ELP gets annoyed and stands up. ELP slaps ZSJ around, but ZSJ SLAPS ELP down! The fans fire up while ZSJ stalks ELP. ZSJ stands ELP up to whip, but ELP goes up, under, then feints to trip ZSJ. ZSJ kicks ELP away, they clinch, and ELP snapmares to then reverse wheelbarrow! ZSJ drops ELP to BOSTON- NO, ELP rolls through to cover, ONE as ZSJ sunset flips! ELIP rolls through to jackknife bridge, TWO!! ZSJ escapes in time and the fans cheer while ELP points out how close it was. ELP again offers the handshake, but ZSJ still declines. ELP shakes hands with Jado instead, and the fans applaud.

ELP steps up to ZSJ and CHOPS! Then ELP snapmares, but ZSJ bridges up to snapmare! ELP bridges up to snapmare! ZSJ bridges up to snapmare, then denies ELP with a NECK TWIST! The fans cheer while ELP writhes and ZSJ catches his breath. ELP checks his neck while he sits up, and ZSJ storms over. ZSJ UPPERCUTS ELP, ELP goes to a corner, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! ZSJ cravats for the neck wrench, then hooks a leg. ZSJ grabs an arm, and he pulls ELP into a modified abdominal stretch. But ELP arm-drags free! ZSJ is right back up to cravat! ZSJ puts pressure on the neck but ELP fights up.

ELP fires body shots, ZSJ snapmares, but ELP handsprings through! ZSJ runs up, ELP DUMPS him out, and then ELP DROPKICKS ZSJ down! The fans cheer while ZSJ hits the floor! ELP aims, PLANCHAS, but ZSJ catches him to a neck wrench! ZSJ puts ELP on the apron, then hops up to- NO, ELP UP KICKS ZSJ down! ZSJ is back on the floor, ELP aims again, and the fans rally as ELP PLANCHAS! Direct hit this time and down goes ZSJ! The fans rally as ELP rises up, and he rolls back into the ring. ZSJ stands, the fans rally as ELP builds speed, and ELP DIVES! Direct hit and ZSJ is sent over railing! The fans cheer as ZSJ is at their feet!

Wait, ELP goes back to the ring. The fans rally but some have to move aside! ELP goes up the ropes, and the fans join him in saying, “E! L! P!” SUPER THUNDERKISS!! Down goes ZSJ into the chairs! The fans are thunderous but the ref checks both men after that crash landing! ELP sits up and crawls away while ZSJ is still down in the wreckage. The ring count starts, ELP takes a quick water break, and then he goes back for ZSJ. The count is 9 of 20 but ELP dump ZSJ back to ringside. ELP then drags ZSJ up at 15 to put him in at 16. The fans cheer and ELP climbs the corner. The fans rally but ZSJ hits a RISING HEADBUTT!

ZSJ climbs up after ELP, and has a TOP ROPE OCTOPUS! The ref counts, ZSJ lets ELP go, but then he brings ELP up. ELP CLUBS at ZSJ’s legs to fight off the armlock! ELP fires forearms, but ZSJ fires back! ELP HEADBUTTS, and ZSJ falls right down! ELP adjusts up top, ZSJ stands, and ELP FLYING TORNADO DDTS! The fans fire up while ZSJ tumbles! ZSJ dangles out of the ring, then flops to the floor! ELP is frustrated but the ring count begins. ZSJ sits up at 7, reaches up at 9, but doesn’t stand up until 13. ZSJ rolls in but ELP aims! SUDDEN- NO, ZSJ blocks for the ANKLE LOCK! ELP rolls to cover, TWO! ZSJ has the NECK TWIST!

The fans fire up while ELP writhes again. ZSJ drags ELP up, scoops, but ELP slips free! ELP straitjackets, torture racks, but ZJS uses it for a SLEEPER! ELP snapmares free, but ZSJ BOOTS him! ZSJ runs up, ELP dodges, but ZSJ hits a TORNADO DDT, only for ELP to roll through!? ELP scoops, ZACK DRIVER?!? Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives ELP’s take on his move and the fans fire up again! ELP shakes out his arms and checks his neck before he stands. ELP vows to end it and he reels ZSJ in. ELP tucks the arms but ZSJ wrenches free! ZSJ PELES the arm! Then he UPPERCUTS ELP down, and PENALTY KICK!

But ELP is right up!? LARIAT! The fans fire up with ELP and he brings ZSJ up, but ZSJ scoops! ZACK DRIVER!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! The fans rally as ZSJ sits up. A standing count starts, but ELP stirs at 4 of 10. ZSJ has the ref stand down and he eggs ELP on. ELP gives back the trash talk and the two stand. ZSJ slaps ELP, slaps him again, then shoves. ZSJ LARIATS ELP, but ELP shakes that off. ELP steps up but ZSJ LARIATS! ELP stays standing, he eggs ZSJ on, then dodges the lariat to- NO, ZSJ tilt-o-whirls through for an INVERTED OCTOPUS! And then he drags ELP down, TRIPLE LOCK PENSION!?

The fans are thunderous as ELP endures, fights with his free arm and leg, but then ZSJ powers him away from the ropes! ZSJ shifts his grip, but ELP kicks and rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and ZSJ lets ELP go. ZSJ then scoots over to scuff ELP. ZSJ gives kick after kick but ELP just scowls. They both stand, ELP gets in ZSJ’s face, and ELP CHOPS! ZSJ brushes that off to UPPERCUT! ELP drops to his knees but he shakes his head. ELP comes back to wind up and CHOP! ZSJ drops back to ropes and now ELP gives those mocking kicks. ZSJ UPPERCUTS and ELP falls! But ELP gets up i a huff, only for ZSJ to UPPERCUT again!

ELP is getting mad now, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! And again! And again! ELP falls back over, but he rises again! ZSJ runs in, UPPER- NO, ELP catches ZSJ to a backslide! Roll through, tuck, and C R- NO, ZSJ makes it a TRIANGLE HOLD! But ELP deadlifts ZSJ to POWERBOMB! And then he brings ZSJ in, C R 2!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans are thunderous again! ELP thinks on what he has to do in order to win, but ZSJ is IWGP World Heavyweight Champion for a reason! ELP goes to the ropes, rises up, and he goes to the apron! ELP climbs the ropes to THUNDERKISS 86, but onto knees!

ZSJ roars as he aims from the corner. ZSJ runs up, and PENALTY KICKS! The fans rally while ELP sputters. ZSJ brings ELP back up but ELP is a ragdoll. The ref checks ELP and ELP is still conscious, so ZSJ scoops! ELP slips free, waistlocks, and O’Conner Rolls, but ZSJ pops him int a REAR NAKED- NO, ELP rolls back, then EURO CLUTCHES?! TWO!!! ZSJ escapes, runs up, SUDDEN DEATH!! ZSJ is down, ELP crawls to the cover, ROPEBREAK!! ZSJ’s long legs save him! ELP is beside himself but the fans are thunderous again! ELP sits ZSJ up, KICKS him, then KICKS him again! And KICKS him again!

ELP leaves ZSJ in the one corner to run and PENALTY- NO, ZSJ blocks! ZSJ stands but ELP SLAPS, SLAPS, and SLAPS! ZSJ SLAPS ELP down!! ZSJ then hauls ELP up, scoop and spin, SABRE DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!?!? But into a REAR NAKED CHOKE!! ELP rises up but ZSJ is a backpack! So ELP BACKPACK SENTONS! But ZSJ snatches him back into the REAR NAKED CHOKE!! ZSJ traps the arms, then shifts into a DRAGON SLEEPER!! ELP TAPS, ZSJ WINS!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by submission (gains 2 points; ELP earns 0)

From inaugural NJPW World TV Champion to G1 Climax Champion to TWO-TIME IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, there is a reason the Front Man makes everyone #JustTapOut! ZSJ beats ELP, but will he still go for the G1 repeat? Will the Headbanga learn from this and fight even harder next round?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: Shota Umino VS Ren Narita!

The Roughneck and Souled Out Son of Strong Style don’t need a reason to fight being bitter rivals, but they’ll gladly fight if it’s to take the block! But will Shota’s Second Chapter have a happy ending? Or will the House of Torture just cheat another one?

Perhaps surprisingly, Ren leaves Shota alone during his entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally behind Shota as he stares down with Ren. They slowly circle and feel things out. They back away, circle again, but then Ren bails out. The fans applaud the savvy but Shota dares Ren to get back in. Ren takes his time coming back, but he just rolls right back out. The fans boo now, because there’s clever and then there’s just being annoying. Shota rushes out after Ren but Ren rolls back in. Shota goes to the apron, avoids the boot, and he HOTSHOTS Ren’s leg! Shota runs to DROPKICK the leg out! Then SHIN BREAKER!

The fans cheer and Ren tumbles out of the ring. Ren clutches the leg and shakes it out while Shota paces. But then Shota goes out the side to stomp Ren. Shota stands on Ren’s leg, Red Shoes reprimands, but Shota stomps the leg. Shota stands Ren up, whips him, but Ren reverses! Shota hits railing, and Ren BOOTS Shota over the railing! The fans do applaud that, and Ren hobbles his way into No Man’s Land. Ren drags Shota up, whips him into more railing, then hobbles after Shota to hammerlock an arm. Ren POSTS that arm, then stalks Shota around the way. Ren goes looking under the ring, and he brings out two chairs!

Ren slides one chair into the ring, but that’s to distract Red Shoes while he SMACKS Shota with the other chair! Shota hobbles away, clutching his arm, but Ren stalks him. The fans rally, Ren wrenches the bad arm, and hits an ELBOW BREAKER! Shota leans against the apron but Ren brings Shota around to wrap the arm around railing! Red Shoes reprimands, Shota grabs at Ren, but Ren cranks the arm! The ring count starts, Ren holds onto the arm until 8 of 20, and he BOOTS the railing! Shota falls in a heap, Ren rolls in at 11, and the count climbs to 15! Shota rises at 16 and rolls in at 17. The fans cheer, but Ren drops an AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO!

Shota toughs it out but Ren clamps onto him with a double wristlock! Shota endures, even as Ren switches his grip. Ren wrenches to a standard wristlock, then he hammerlocks the arm to RAM it into buckles! Shota slumps against the ropes but Ren stands on him! Red Shoes reprimands, Ren steps off, then he stands Shota up. Ren whips, Ren ELBOWS Shota down, and Ren covers. TWO, but Ren has the straight armbar! Shota kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud but Red holds on. Red Shoes counts, Ren lets go at 4, then Ren drops a KNEE on the arm! The fans rally up for Shota while Ren paces.

Ren drags Shota up but Shota CHOPS! Ren eggs Shota on so Shota CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! The fans rally, Ren comes back, but Shota fires forearm after forearm! Ren CHOKES Shota, puts him on ropes, but Red Shoes reprimands. Ren stops at 4, taunts Shota, then whips, only for Shota to dropkick the legs out! The fans fire up while both men are down. Ren goes to a corner, Shota storms his way over, and Shota fires up! The fans cheer and Shota ROCKS Ren, CHOPS Ren, and repeat! Shota then whips corner to corner, runs in, and UPPERCUTS! FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO, but Shota hurries to STF!

The fans rally, Ren scrambles, ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud and Shota lets go. Shota then drags Ren up, reels him in, but Ren fights the lift! Shota KNEES Ren again and again, then lifts for the POWER- NO, Ren fights his way back down! Shota still tries, powers through, but Ren flails! Ren then hits an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! The fans rally as Shota endures, but Ren shifts to the other arm! Shota hurries to clasp hands, and he stacks Ren, TWO! ARMBAR! Shota flails as Ren pulls on the arm! Shota kicks around, reaches out, ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud but Ren holds on. Red Shoes counts, Ren lets go at 4.

Shota clutches his arm while the fans rally up. Ren brings Shota up, kicks the bad arm, then whips. Shota reverses and TORNADO DDTS! Ren scrambles away while the fans fire up. Shota rises, roars, and runs in at the corner! BLINDSIDE SHINING WIZARD! Ren slumps down, Shota runs corner to corner, and BLINDSIDE STRIKE KNEES! Then he lifts Ren for the JACKKNIFE POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ren survives, but Shota has him for the S T F! The fans rally while Ren endures and claws at the mat! Ren crawls forward, dragging Shota along, but Shota drags him back! STF!! Ren endures again as Shota cranks the crossface!

The fans rally, Ren fights around, and Ren reaches out, only for Shota to drag him back! KNEE SMASH, then STF!! Ren endures all over again as Shota pulls him back! Wait, who rings the bell? KANEMARU!! The Heel Master screws around again and Shota realizes he got tricked! But in the distraction, Ren grabs the pushup bar! Ren runs up, but Shota DROPKICKS him first! The fans cheer while Ren crawls to grab the bar. Shota steps on Ren’s hand! Shota kicks the pushup bar away and Ren scowls. Shota fires forearm after forearm on Ren, but Ren grits his teeth. Ren is mad but Shota fires forearm after forearm!

Ren comes back to CLAW Shota’s eyes! Shota slaps Ren’s hands away to fire more forearms! Shota eggs Ren on, so Ren CHOKES Shota! Shota breaks free to fire even more forearms! Shota DECKS Ren and the fans rally up! Ren kicks Shota’s legs out! Shota falls into the GUILLOTINE! Shota endures, fights up, and wrenches free to fire boxing elbows! Shota fires up, but Ren CROSS COUNTERS! And EXPLODER BRIDGE! Cover, TWO!! Ren clamps onto Shota, returning to his true roots! Shota endures and the fans rally up! Ren holds on but Shota stands up. The fans rally harder as Ren squeezes tighter!

Shota reaches out but Ren CLAWS Shota’s eyes! So much for Strong Style! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Shota survives but Ren grins. Ren slashes his throat as he vows to end this. Ren goes up the corner, watches Shota stand, and then HELL’S- LARIAT?! Shota takes Ren out of the sky with that swing! Ren sits up with a bloody nose and the fans rally up behind Shota. Shota roars and STRIKE KNEES!! Cover, TWO!! Ren survives but Shota fires up again! Kanemaru coaches Ren but Shota wants Ren to get up. Ren rises slowly, Shota runs the ropes, but Kanemaru trips him up! The fans boo and Red Shoes reprimands!

Ren grins as he gets his pushup bar back! Shota dodges and ENZIGIRIS! But Kanemaru keeps Red Shoes distracted! Shota runs, and he LARIATS Ren! Then he BLASTS Kanemaru for good measure! Shota drags Ren up, reels him in, SECOND- NO, Ren slips free, shoves Shota at Red shoes, and then LOW BLOWS! DOUBLE CROSSER!! Cover, TWO?!? Ren is shocked but the fans fire up as Shota survives! Ren hurries to the corner, calls his shot, and climbs back up. Shota stands into HELL’S GUILLOTINE!! Cover, REN WINS!

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

Just when it seemed like Shota got through to the true Son of Strong Style, Ren doubled down on being underhanded. Will nothing stop him from completely selling out? Can Shota still bring about the Paradigm Shift?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: Shingo Takagi VS Konosuke Takeshita w/ Rocky Romero!

The Rampaging Dragon only has points because of Gabe Kidd’s withdrawal, while The Alpha was able to dominate The Dominator. But now these two heavy hitters collide in the main event! Will Takagi keep things tranquilo in Ota City? Or will Konosuke be anything but?

The bell rings and the fans fire up already. The fans duel rather evenly and the two circle. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and go shoulder to shoulder. Takagi slips around but Konosuke wrenches to a hammerlock. Takagi reaches back to headlock and hit the takeover. Konosuke rolls Takagi to a cover, ONE, and Takagi holds on. Konosuke fights up but Takagi pushes him down. Konosuke headscissors, Takagi kips free, and the fans cheer the standoff. Takagi and Konosuke reset, feel things out, and knuckle lock again. They go shoulder to shoulder for a Test of Strength, and Konosuke’s height helps him put on the pressure.

Takagi rises up, Konosuke headlocks, but Takagi powers up and out. They RAM shoulders and neither man falls. The fans applaud and Takagi runs. Takagi RAMS Konosuke, Konosuke rebounds and RAMS Takagi! Takagi rebounds to RAM Konosuke, and the fans cheer. Takagi then fires a forearm, and another, then a CHOP! Konosuke doesn’t budge, he just winds up, only for Takagi to duck! Takagi shoves Konosuke, HIP TOSSES, then runs to RUN Konosuke over! The fans fire up and Takagi drops an ELBOW! Konosuke sputters but Takagi sits him up for a chinlock. Konosuke endures, even as Takagi traps an arm.

Konosuke fights around, but Takagi CLUBS him on the back. Takagi fires RIDGE HAND CHOPS, then runs, but  into a BOOT! Konosuke whips, Takagi reverses, but the TAKESHITA LINE comes through! The fans rally up and Rocky applauds while both men are down. Takagi goes to a corner, Konosuke storms over to ROCK and CHOP on repeat! Takagi sputters, Konosuke grins, and the fans rally up. Konosuke brings Takagi out to DDT! Cover, TWO! Konosuke keeps Takagi down with a chinlock but the fans rally again. Takagi pries at the hold, sits up, then rises to his feet. Takagi fires body shots but Konosuke KNEES low! Konosuke then ROCKS Takagi and has him in the corner.

Konosuke stands Takagi back up to scoop, SLAM, and then climb the corner. Konosuke shouts, “C’MON!” and the fans fire up! SECOND ROPE SENTON! Cover, TWO! Takagi toughs it out but Konosuke stays on him. The fans rally and duel again as Konosuke brings Takagi up. Takagi fights Blue Thunder with elbows, but Konosuke CLUBS him in the back! BLUE- NO, Takagi flying-mares! Takagi then blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW it! The fans rally up while Konosuke goes to a corner. Takagi runs in, blocks a boot, and he CLUBS the leg before he LARIATS through! The fans fire up with Takagi and Takagi JABS and CHOPS on repeat!

Takagi JABS, JABS, then CHOPS! Takagi then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Konosuke is tougher than that but Takagi looks to the cameras. He starts up the catchphrase, Konosuke runs up, but Takagi ducks the blindside attack! Takagi then ELBOWS! JABS! YUKON feint and DDT! The fans fire up as Takagi gets the better of Konosuke there. And now, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans cheer as Takagi’s time has still come! Takagi brings Konosuke up, but Konosuke fights the saido with elbows! Takagi BLINDSIDE LARIATS, runs, but into a RANA! Takagi tumbles to the apron and Konosuke runs up to BOOT him!

Takagi wobbles but stays on the apron, so Konosuke goes out after him! Red Shoes warns Konosuke, but Takagi fights the Blue Thunder by holding ropes. Takagi CLUBS Konosuke, but Konosuke fights the fireman’s carry with elbows! Konosuke hits an APRON DDT! Takagi wobbles again but Konosuke brings him around to suplex, only for Takagi to fight free! Takagi then POP-UP DEATH VALLEY DRIVERS, to the floor! The fans fire up while both men are down! Red Shoes checks and they’re both able to continue, so a ring count begins. Takagi sits up at 6 of 20, stands at 10, and he rolls in at 12. Konosuke rises at 14, shakes out the bad arm, and he rolls in at 17!

The fans cheer as this one continues, and Takagi runs in at the corner for a LARIAT! Takagi hoists Konosuke to the top rope, climbs up to join him, and from the very top, SUPER DUPER PLEX! Then a SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Konosuke survives and the fans fire up again! Takagi huffs ‘n’ puffs, and he fires the fans up with “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi winds up, brings Konosuke up to pump handle, but Konosuke fights the lift with elbows. Takagi throws a knee, then MADE- NO, Konosuke still slips free! Takagi ELBOWS Konosuke away, runs, but into an EXPLODER! The fans fire up again and Konosuke rises up.

Konosuke drags Takagi up, clinches, but Takagi fights that to an EXPLODER of his own! Konosuke’s right up!? GERMAN SUPLEX! Takagi’s right up, he gets around to SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! Konosuke’s right up to POWER DRIVE KNEE! Takagi’s right back up to PUMPING BOMBER!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Konosuke sits up first and is seething, then Takagi follows. They throw forearms, then Takagi fires a HEADBUTT! Konosuke fires another forearm, Takagi another HEADBUTT, and both men stand! Konosuke fires another forearm, but Takagi fires back! And repeat! And repeat!

The fans fire up and Takagi fires boxing elbows! Konosuke fires those in return! Konosuke ROLLING- JAB from Takagi! Both men drop to their knees and the fans fire up again! Red Shoes reprimands about the closed fist, but Takagi sits Konosuke up. Konosuke is dazed but Takagi has Red Shoes step aside. But then Konosuke’s ALPHA ELBOW hits! And then BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Takagi survives and the fans fire up again! Konosuke seethes as he rises back up. Konosuke drags Takagi up, puts him on the top rope, then climbs up. Konosuke goes to the very top, but Takagi fires body shots!

Takagi hops down, trips Konosuke, then LARIATS him into the ring! The fans rally and Takagi pushes Konosuke from the corner. Konosuke rises, into a BLINDSIDE PUMPING BOMBER! Then the pump handle, MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives and the fans fire up! Rocky coaches Konosuke but Takagi is on him first. Takagi brings Konosuke around, pump handles and torture racks, but Konosuke resists the lift. Takagi LARIATS, then tries again. But Konosuke slips free, dragon sleeper! Inverted suplex and TOMBSTONE! But Konosuke holds on and tucks Takagi in! BASTARD DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!!

The fans are thunderous as Takagi survives! Konosuke rises, he brings Takagi up, and he suplexes for RAGIN- NO, Takagi fights that to a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Takagi rises up and he calls for another! Takagi reels Konosuke in, but Konosuke suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER! Both men are down again and the fans rally up! Takagi and Konosuke go to their corners as the fans get louder. Both men run in, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both men drop to their knees, but Konosuke is the first to stand. Konosuke gives Takagi Kawada Kicks, then scuffs him. Konosuke eggs Takagi on with more Kawada Kicks, but Takagi scowls.

The fans rally as Takagi stands up and eggs Konosuke on. Konosuke gives Kawada Kicks, but Takagi gives those back! They go forehead to forehead, then Takagi HEADBUTTS! But Konosuke ELBOWS! JABS!? YUKON feint to a POWER- NO, Takagi slips free! Konosuke ducks a lariat to run, but then Takagi ducks a lariat to run! DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Both men stagger about, but Konosuke runs back in! Takagi SWATS the lariat to SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! And SLIDING FOREARM! The fans fire up and Takagi keeps moving, PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO?!? The fans are thunderous, and Takagi roars as he drags Konosuke up!

Takagi pump handles, torture racks, BURNING DRAGON!! Cover, TWO!?!? Konosuke survives, Takagi is shocked, and the fans are thunderous! Takagi roars, the fans are with him, and he pump handles Konosuke again. But Konosuke fights the lift! Takagi powers through, Konosuke slips free, and Konosuke ducks an elbow to RAGING FIRE!! But he can’t make the cover, and Takagi rolls away to the ropes! The fans cheer as the battle continues! Konosuke grits his teeth as he rises back up. Konosuke storms up on Takagi, sits him up, and then goes to the corner. POWER- NO, Takagi falls before the knee!

Red Shoes checks, Rocky wants this to be called, but Konosuke sits Takagi up to ROCK him with a right! Takagi stays up but he has no response. Konosuke ROCKS him again, and Takagi gives a weak response forearm. Konosuke ROCKS Takagi again, then again! Takagi comes back with HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT! The fans fire up but Konosuke KNEES Takagi! But Takagi scoops!? And tucks?! TAKAGI BASTARD DRIVER!! And then wheelbarrow GERMAN!! Takagi uses Konosuke’s combo, but Konosuke’s right up! Konosuke runs, into PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO!?!?! The fans are electric as Konosuke shocks Takagi!

Takagi hurries to bring Konosuke up, pump handles, but Konosuke slips free!? And steals MADE IN JAPAN!!! Cover, TWO!?!??! Konosuke hurries to a corner and runs back in, POWER DRIVE KNEE!!! Cover, TWO!?!??!! HOW?!?! The fans are electric either way! Konosuke snarls, he throws off his elbow pad, and he winds up the arm. Takagi rises, into the ALPHA- NO, Takagi ROCKS Konosuke first! And ROCKS him again! And JABS! HEADBUTTS! ALPHA ELBOW!! Takagi rebounds to PUMPING BOMBER TAKEDOWN! TWO!!! Konosuke escapes, Takagi roars and the fans are erupting! But Konosuke hits a BLINDSIDE ALPHA ELBOW!!

Konosuke TWISTS Takagi’s neck, then clamps on with a CROSSFACE CHICKEN WING!! Takagi is caught in the body scissors! Takagi flails, the fans are going nuts, but Takagi is fading! He’s turning purple!! TAKAGI IS OUT, KONOSUKE WINS!!

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

The Rampaging Dragon has been slain again! As hard as he fought, he was truly out of breath at the end! Will Takagi be able to rise up and soar again in the next round?

As for Konosuke, he grabs the mic and tells Takagi, “I will never lose to you. I don’t want to lose to you, someone who I respect more than anyone else!” The fans cheer, and Takagi takes his leave. Konosuke continues by saying, “Anyway, you’ll get strong again, right? I’ll get even stronger. So then, I’ll see you later.” The fans again applaud, and Konosuke shifts gears. “Listen up, everyone. That is why pro-wrestling is one hell of a sport. And at the top of pro-wrestling is Konosuke Takeshita. Konosuke Takeshita’s next summit is none other than the G1 Climax! And anyone who wants to complain about it can stand in front of me and see just how tough Takeshita Worldwide is.”

The fans cheer, and Konosuke says his message is strength, for he is THE ALPHA! The fans cheer the mic drop, and Konosuke is picking up speed at the right time. Will Konosuke make the G1 Climax all elite?

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Yoshi-Hashi: 4-1, 8 points
Ren Narita: 4-1, 8 points
Drilla Moloney: 3-1, 6 points
Konosuke Takeshita: 3-1, 6 points
Shota Umino: 3-2, 6 points
Great-O-Khan: 3-2, 6 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 2-2, 4 points
El Phantasmo: 2-3, 4 points
Shingo Takagi: 1-3, 2 points
Gabe Kidd: 0 points [WITHDRAWN]

My Thoughts:

A great round for the B Block, even with one match less with Gabe Kidd out. Everyone’s points are already accounted for, and the win-loss records will even out eventually. Great win for Khan to finally bring Hashi down, and of course Ren cheats Shota to catch up to Hashi. Ren VS Shota was a bit of a slow burn, but it got the fans going by the end. ELP VS ZSJ was awesome, great showing from ELP despite taking the loss, but ZSJ had to get it in gear at some point. And Takagi VS Takeshita was definitely the right call for the main event. Takeshita winning was also the right call, I feel like he could be a strong candidate for the finals.

My Score: 9/10