Will The Alpha #JustTapOut?

The G1 Climax wraps round five, and it sees Konosuke Takeshita VS IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Zack Sabre Jr, as the main event!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current 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Gabe Kidd: 0 points [WITHDRAWN]

G1 Climax 35 B Block: El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS Great-O-Khan!

The Headbanga had an epic battle with THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, but he lost. Meanwhile, the Dominator was able to serve the Headhunter his first loss of the run. Will Khan continue to conquer the block for the United Empire? Or will the NJPW World TV Champion make this the ELP Show?

Khan attacks ELP the moment ELP’s big fur jacket is put aside! The bell rings, Khan stomps away on ELP, but the ref reprimands as they’re in the ropes. Khan stands ELP up to CHOP, then whip. ELP reverses, ROCKS Khan, then CHOPS him. ELP whips, Khan reverses, but ELP grabs ropes. Khan runs up, ELP DUMPS him out, and the fans rally up! ELP PLANCHAS! Down goes Khan and the fans cheer more. ELP rolls into the ring, builds speed, and ELP DIVES! Direct hit and Khan hits railing! Khan goes up and over! Young Lions hurry to move fans back while ELP storms up on Khan. ELP stands Khan up to CHOP him!

ELP headlocks Khan, brings him around, and CHOPS Khan! Khan falls against chairs, ELP keeps after him, and things move to the back rows! Khan fires body shots, then he sends ELP at a wall! ELP stops himself, mule kicks Khan, then sends Khan into the wall! ELP then goes into the bleachers, and those fans are excited that the action is right in front of them! ELP goes up onto the railing! The fans join him in saying “E! L! P!” before the THUNDERKISS ATTACK! Down goes Khan and the fans fire up with ELP! ELP takes a fan’s ELP banner to show it off, then he drags Khan up. ELP drags Khan back to ringside with a headlock while the fans cheer.

ELP SMACKS Khan off an open chair, then continues on to ringside. The fans cheer as ELP headlock punches Khan, then gives Desperado a kiss on the head before moving on. ELP headlock punches Khan more, then reels Khan in. But Khan fights the suplex! Khan scoops ELP, and RAMS him into railing! ELP falls into the ringside area! Khan leaves No Man’s Land to storm up on ELP. The fans rally as Khan RAMS ELP into railing again! ELP falls in a heap, the ring count starts, but Khan takes his time dragging ELP back up. Khan lifts ELP to SLAM him onto the apron! ELP is in the ring at 11 of 20 and Khan pushes him to a cover, TWO!

The fans rally as ELP stays in this. Khan paces around, drags ELP up, and ROCKS him in the back! ELP goes to the ropes but Khan drags him back up. Khan ROCKS ELP in the back again! ELP drops to the mat but Khan stands on ELP’s back! The ref reprimands, Khan steps off, and ELP drags himself to a corner. Khan storms up to Mongolian Chop! ELP stumbles, Khan Mongolian Chops again! ELP gets fired up now and the fans are with him! Khan winds up, Mongolian feint and he UPPERCUTS ELP to the corner! Khan then turns ELP around so he can sit on his throne! The fans applaud but the ref reprimands.

The ref counts, Khan hops down at 4, then he fireman’s carries for a fast takeover! Cover, TWO! Khan ties the legs up, then has the chinlock! ELP endures the Queen Angelito, so Khan shifts to a CAMEL CLUTCH! ELP endures again and the fans rally up. ELP gets an arm free for the ROPEBREAK! Khan lets go, Jado coaches ELP up, but Khan scuffs ELP. Khan stomps ELP, talks trash, but ELP sits up to CHOP! Khan shakes his head but ELP stands. ELP fires forearm after forearm, but Khan kicks low! Khan CLUBS ELP, then runs, but ELP dodges and springboards, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! ELP rolls and LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally up while both men are down. ELP rocks back and forth, then kips up! The fans cheer and ELP straitjackets Khan! ELP tries to torture rack but his back is bothering him! Khan eggs ELP on, then IRON CLAW BACKBREAKER! Then IRON CLAW COBRA TWIST! ELP endures, fights around, reaches out, but Khan shifts to the back rack! ELP endures being bent, so Khan spins for the SLAM! Cover, TWO! ELP stays in this and the fans rally up. Khan watches ELP rise, then runs up to- NO, ELP dodges the boot! ELP waistlocks, but his back won’t let him lift! Khan switches, GERMAN SUPLEX, but ELP lands out! LARIAT!

ELP roars, but Khan rises! GERMAN SUPLEX! ELP is back up! DOUBLE LARIATS! Both men stay up, and they DOUBLE LARIAT! They both stay up! ELP dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS take both men down! The fans rally up as ELP and Khan stir. ELP and Khan both sit up, and Khan fires a forearm first. ELP winds up to fire a forearm back. Khan fires another, both men stand, and ELP comes back to fire another! And another! And another! Khan comes back to Mongolian Chop! And Mongolian Chop! And Mongolian Chop! ELP falls and crawls away to the ropes. Khan puts his hands back, daring ELP to bring the fight!

ELP storms up to mule kick! And front kick! But Khan UPPERCUTS! ELP ENZIGIRIS! ELP straitjackets, and he powers through to lift Khan into the torture rack! SPINNING NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! ELP is frustrated, but he vows to end this! ELP tucks Khan’s arms in, lifts, but again the back bothers him! Khan wrenches out, IPPON! Cover, TWO! ELP has the ghost pin, TWO! Khan gets up, and he BOOTS ELP! ELP roars, but runs into Khan’s IRON RIGHT! Khan’s Monster Rage boils over, and he clamps on with the IRON CLAW! ELIMI- NO, ELP flips through! ELP dodges and goes up the corner, FLYING TORNADO DDT!

ELP aims, Khan stands, SUDDEN DEATH! ELP crawls his way to the cover, TWO!?! Khan survives and the fans fire up again! ELP goes back to the corner, and the fans rally as he climbs! ELP reaches the top, but Khan ROCKS him first! Khan positions ELP just right on the corner, CLUBS him to the apron, then climbs up. Khan drags ELP back up to join him, and he scoops ELP!? But ELP slips free to GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up as Khan wobbles! ELP climbs up after Khan, but Khan BODY BLOWS! And IRON CLAWS! SUPER ELIMINATOR!! Cover, Khan wins!

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

It was a powerful fight from ELP, but Khan conquers again! Will the NJPW World TV Champion owe Khan a golden ticket? Or will the Dominator be primed for even greater glory?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: Ren Narita VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!

The Souled Out Son of Strong Style stole another one, this time from his heated rival, “Roughneck” Shota Umino. However, this War Dog is right on his heels. Will 44 Caliber be enough to bring Ren down a notch? Or will there be one too many tricks up Ren’s proverbial sleeve?

The ref keeps Ren in the ring so he can’t attack Drilla. But turns out, that’s a feint, YOSHINOBU KANEMARU attacks Drilla from outta the crowd! The fans boo but Ren keeps the ref from seeing this. Kanemaru whips Drilla into railing, then out into the crowd to BOWL into chairs! STRIKE! The fans boo more but now Ren goes after Drilla with a chair! HEADSHOT! Down goes Drilla and the fans boo even more. Ren leaves Drilla behind and just expects the ref to call this. The fans bark for Drilla but Ren storms back up on Drilla. Ren rains down fists, the ref backs him off, and Drilla tries to stand. Drilla falls back over, and Ren CLAWS at Drilla’s forehead!

Drilla is busted open, and Ren brings him over to POST him! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Ren leaves Drilla behind just to get more chairs. Ren storms up on Drilla, CLAWS at the bloody forehead, but the ref backs Ren off. Drilla stumbles and leans against the railing. Ren talks trash as he puts Drilla in the ring. The ref checks on Drilla again but Ren says start already! The bell rings, Ren covers, TWO! The fans cheer but Ren is already annoyed. Ren drags Drilla up, CLUBS him on the neck, then he SCRAPES Drilla’s face off ropes. The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Ren stops at 4. Ren then brings Drilla around to bump off bare buckles!

The ref reprimands, but obviously Kanemaru took the buckle pad away. But Drilla throws hands on Ren! Ren BITES Drilla’s forehead! The ref counts, Ren stops and he spits on Drilla. Ren then whips Drilla to ropes, just to catch him in a SLEEPER! The fans rally for Drilla as he reaches out, but Ren brings him away from the ropes. Ren CLAWS Drilla’s face, whips him to ropes, and hits the NECKBREAKER DROP! Cover, TWO! Ren drops an ax handle! The fans rally for Drilla but Ren drags him up. Ren bumps Drilla off the bare buckles again! Ren then distracts the ref, and Kanemaru sets Drilla up for a DRIVE-BY DROPKICK!

Ren grabs Drilla’s legs, ROPE GUILLOTINE CATAPULT! The fans boo while Drilla falls out of the ring. Ren distracts the ref while Kanemaru stomps away on Drilla! The fans boo more, Kanemaru hurries away before he’s caught, and Ren puts Drilla in the ring. Ren covers, TWO! Ren argues the count, but the fans cheer Drilla on. Drilla snarls and rises up. Drilla ROCKS and CHOPS and kicks and CHOPS, but Ren CLAWS Drilla’s eyes! Ren whips Drilla, Drilla reverses, and Ren hits bare buckles! Then Drilla suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Drilla hears the barking and he storms up on Ren!

Drilla RAMS Ren into a corner to ROCK and CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! The ref reprimands but Drilla SHOVES him away! Drilla CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, then DECKS Ren! The fans fire up, Drilla drags Ren up and reels him in, DRILLA- NO, Ren slips free and LOW- NO! Drilla blocks the low blow! The fans cheer as Drilla takes a swing, but Ren dodge! Ren runs, but into the SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans bark even more and Drilla storms up on Ren. Drilla drags Ren up, reels him in, but Ren fights the lift! Ren wrenches out, CLUBS the arm, but Drilla SWATS the lariat to DROPKICK! Ren goes to ropes and Drilla fires up!

Drilla runs, but Ren distracts the ref! Kanemaru trips Drilla up! Drilla storms upon Kanemaru, but Kanemaru SMACKS him with a chair!! Ren rolls Drilla up, TWO!! Drilla survives but Ren has the SLEEPER! The fans rally as Drilla endures! Drilla fights up, reaches out, and makes the ROPEBREAK, only for Ren to CLAW his eyes! GERMAN SUPLEX, bridging cover! TWO! But Ren’s right back on Drilla with the SLEEPER! Drilla reaches for ropes again as the fans rally up. Drilla rises to his feet, but Ren squeezes tight! Ren drags Drilla back down and has the body scissors! Drilla endures, but he’s fading! Drilla reaches out again, ROPEBREAK!

The fans cheer and the ref tells Ren to break. The ref counts, Ren lets go at 4, and the fans bark for Drilla. Ren stands Drilla up, Drilla breaks free, but Ren kicks low! DOUBLE CROSS- NO, Drilla powers out! Drilla kicks, but Ren blocks! Ren spins Drilla, shoves him at the ref, then LOW BLOWS!! DOUBLE CROSSER!! The fans boo but Ren grins as he vows to end this. Ren goes up the corner, takes aim as Drilla rises, HELL’S- POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Drilla and Ren are both down! Drilla sits up, crawls to the ropes, and he roars as he rises up! The fans are with Drilla as he drags Ren right up! DRILLA-

NO, Ren slips free, shoves Drilla into the ref, and then Kanemaru attacks again! The fans boo, but Kanemaru has the whiskey bottle ready! But Drilla dodges the bottle smash to GORE!! Then he SUPERKICKS Ren! Ren stumbles around, Drilla puts him in the drop zone, and Drilla vows to end this! The fans fire up as Drilla climbs up the corner! Drilla goes to the top, MACHO ELBOW!! The fans are thunderous for Drilla as he drags Ren back up! Drilla reels Ren in, but Ren breaks free! Drilla avoids a low blow to give a LOW BLOW! And then GORE!! Then the DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, Drilla wins!

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

The House of Torture tried to put this dog down, but they underestimated the size of the fight in this dog! Will 44 Caliber be number one with a bullet for Bullet Club? Will Ren just shuffle the stacked deck and try again next round?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: Shota Umino VS Shingo Takagi!

Both men are coming off losses from last round, and only one of them can recover from it. Will Shota’s Second Chapter include slaying a Rampaging Dragon? Or will the Roughneck have to tranquilo a bit?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Red Shoes assesses the dueling between “SHO~TA!” and “TA-KA-GI!” is rather equal. They circle, feel things out, then back away. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, and Shota pushes Takagi to the ropes. Red Shoes calls the break, Shota lets off slowly, and he pats Takagi on the shoulders. The fans applaud and the two reset. Takagi and Shota circle, tie up, and Takagi pushes Shota back. Shota turns things around, but Takagi turns things back around, and they end up in a corner. Red Shoes counts the break, but Takagi CHOPS! Takagi ROCKS, HEADBUTTAS, then whips Shota. Takagi runs in, but into a BOOT!

Shota runs, RAMS Takagi, but Takagi rebounds to RAM Shota! Shota comes back, they RAM shoulders again, and the fans fire up! Shota fires a forearm, Takagi fires back, and repeat! The fans rally and then Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS! Takagi whips, Shota reverses, and Shota arm-drags to DROPKICK! Takagi rebounds and builds speed to CLOBBER Shota! The fans cheer while Shota is down. Takagi runs to KNEE DROP! Takagi clamps on with a chinlock and he grinds Shota down. Shota endures so Takagi BELL CLAPS, and ELBOW DROPS! Cover, ONE, but Takagi SENTONS! The fans applaud while Shota grits his teeth.

Takagi drags Shota up, has him on the ropes, and KNEES him low! And KNEES him again! And again! Takagi whips but Shota blocks the knee! Shota puts Takagi’s leg in the ropes and DROPKICKS the leg! Takagi is stuck and Shota runs to DROPKICK the other leg! The fans cheer while Takagi bails out of the ring. Takagi hobbles, shakes out the legs, but Shota pursues. Shota storms up on Takagi, but Takagi RAMS Shota into the apron! Takagi CLUBS Shota, fires the fans up, then kicks Shota. Takagi whips, Shota reverses, and Takagi hits railing! Shota runs up, blocks Takagi’s boot, and puts it around the railing!

Red Shoes reprimands as Shota pulls on the leg! Shota lets go at 4, Takagi gets free of the railing, but Shota puts him in the ring. The fans rally, Shota storms up and he stomps Takagi’s legs. Shota then stands Takagi up, but Takagi fights the waistlock. Takagi fires elbows but Shota drop toeholds and turns Takagi over to have the KNEEBAR! Takagi endures, the fans rally up, but Shota pulls on the leg! Takagi still endures and he fights his way over to the ROPEBREAK! Shota lets go and Takagi rolls away to a corner. Shota storms up on Takagi, whips corner to corner, then runs in, UPPERCUT! FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!

Takagi stays in this and the fans rally up. Shota stays focused and he stalks Takagi to the ropes. Shota stomps Takagi’s leg, then stomps it more. Takagi rolls away to a corner but Shota digs his boots in. Red Shoes reprimands, but Shota stomps Takagi’s leg. Shota digs his boot in again, but Takagi gets mad and stands up! The fans rally, but Shota fires forearms on Takagi! Shota then blocks Takagi’s kick, and DRAGON- NO, Takagi slips free of the dragon screw! Takagi blocks Shota’s kick and DRAGON SCREWS in return! The fans cheer while both men are down! Takagi watches Shota go to a corner, then runs in, but he blocks a boot!

Takagi CLUBS the leg, LARIATS Shota, and fires the fans up again! Takagi JABS and CHOPS on repeat, but Takagi’s hand wears out! Shota turns things around to ROCK and CHOP Takagi! Takagi turns things back around to “Takagi Hammer” away! Then he JABS, JABS, JABS, and DECKS Shota! The fans fire up while Shota sits up in the corner. Takagi drags Shota up, suplexes and FALCON ARROW, to then SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Shota stays in this, but Takagi builds up that energy! Takagi tells Osaka, “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up as Takagi’s time has come! Takagi storms back over to Shota and brings him up.

Takagi pump handles but Shota fights the lift! Takagi fires knees, tries again, but Shota arm-drags free! Shota runs up, blocks a boot, and he DRAGON SCREWS! Then he gets the leg again for another DRAGON SCREW! Shota drags Takagi around to then STF! Takagi endures and the fans rally behind him! Shota pulls on the hold, then he drags Takagi away from the ropes! STF at center! The fans rally more and Takagi still fights his way around! ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Shota lets go. Takagi shakes out the bad leg but Shota stomps him. Takagi eggs Shota on so Shota stomps him more! Takagi stands, Shota goes for the leg, but Takagi fights the lift.

Takagi CLUBS Shota, but Shota comes back to fire a forearm! Takagi hobbles but he comes back to fire a forearm! Shota fires a forearm, so Takagi ROCKS Shota! Shota wobbles but he stands back up. Shota fires another forearm, Takagi fires back, then Takagi fires RIDGE HAND CHOPS! Shota kicks low, runs, but Takagi follows! LARIAT and SAIDO! Shota is up and Takagi runs in, but into a clinch! EXPLODER! Shota runs in, but Takagi gets around to SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! But Shota’s up and he hits a SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! The fans fire up while both men are down! The dueling is strong as before while both men stir.

Shota and Takagi go to corners, then they run back in! They DOUBLE LARIAT, but neither falls! They DOUBLE LARIAT again, and still neither falls! Shota swings, Takagi SWATS it to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Takagi whips but Shota reverses to TORNADO- NO, Takagi denies the DDT! Takagi goes back to the corner, Shota runs in, but Takagi ELBOWS him! Takagi goes up, reels Shota in, and TORNADO DDTS! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi and Shota rise as the fans rally, and Takagi storms over to Shota. Takagi puts Shota up top, then he fires RIDGE HANDS! Takagi climbs up, and goes to the very top!

The fans fire up for the SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both men writhe but Takagi crawls his way to a cover, TWO!! Shota survives and we pass 15 minutes. Takagi fires up with “OI! OI! OI!” and the fans join in. Takagi brings Shota up, the fans rally more, and Takagi pump handles. Shota fights with elbows, but Takagi ducks the Pele! BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Takagi pump handles, lifts, MADE IN JAPAN! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives again and the fans fire up! Takagi rises and he brings Shota back up. Takagi POINT-BLANK LARIATS! Shota stays up and he grits his teeth. Takagi POINT-BLANK LARIATS again, then runs up! But Shota dodges, TORNADO DDT!

The fans fire up while both men are down again! Shota goes to a corner and he snarls as he rises up. Takagi is in the opposite corner, and Shota runs in for a STRIKE KNEE! Then he runs to LAR- NO, Takagi blocks the lariat to ELBOW! JAB! But Shota LARIATS first! The fans fire up again and Shota brings Takagi up! But Takagi turns the hook into a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Both men are down and the fans rally up again! The two sit up, and they junkyard dog headbutt! Shota fires a forearm, Takagi fires up, and both men talk trash as they keep going! Takagi fires up, the fans cheer, and Takagi ROCKS Shota! Shota doubles over but the fans fire up more!

Takagi waits on Shota as Shota staggers back to the ropes. Shota shakes his head, refusing to let this stop him! Shota slaps himself to fires back up! The forearms and the trash talk go back and forth again, and the fans rally up! Shota gets the edge, gives some boxing elbows in there, but Takagi just gets mad! Takagi fires boxing elbows in return! But then Shota ROCKS and ENZIGIRIS Takagi! Shota goes to a corner, then runs in, STRIKE KNEE! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous and Shota hurries back to his feet! Shota runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and LARIATS Takagi down! Shota hurries to bring Takagi up, hooks a leg, but Takagi suplexes first! BRAINBSUTER! Cover, ONE?!?!

Shota is up and he LARIATS Takagi down! Cover, ONE!?!? The fans are thunderous as both men stand! DOUBLE LARIATS collide, but they lean on each other to stay up! Takagi drops to a knee first, but Shota brings him up. Takagi JABS! And HEADBUTTS! Shota HEADBUTTS back! Takagi drops to his knees, Shota eggs him on, and Takagi manages to stand. Takagi BLOCKS the knee, and he puts Shota in the ropes! DRAPING GTR!! And then the pump handle, torture rack, and LAST OF THE DRAGONS!! But Takagi’s leg won’t let him make the cover! Takagi has to drop back and shake out the leg.

The fans rally even harder as Takagi waits on Shota. Takagi runs to PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO?!!? Shota survives and shocks everyone! The fans are thunderous and Takagi roars! Takagi rises up and the fans are electric! Takagi pump handles, lifts, and BURNING DRAGONS!! Cover, TAKAGI WINS!

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

Another wild battle, but Takagi is the victor! But even as he rises up, Takagi still has an uphill battle ahead of him. Will the Rampaging Dragon still make the playoffs? Will Shota’s Second Chapter still have more to give?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS Konosuke Takeshita w/ Rocky Romero!

The Mighty Front Man won the epic encounter with ELP, but The Alpha is coming off his massive main event win over Shingo Takagi. Will Konosuke score an even bigger victory against THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion? Or is he going to #JustTapOut?

There’s an intense stare down as ZSJ gets his introductions, and he holds up the title to show Konosuke who he’s up against. The two then go to their corners, the bell rings, and the fans rally up already. There’s an even split between “ZAKU! ZAKU!” and “TA-KE-SH’TA! TA-KE-SH’TA!” The two circle, feel things out, then tie up. They go around, ZSJ headlocks, and he shifts to a cravat. Konosuke slips through to wrench and wristlock, but ZSJ facelocks. Konosuke wrenches out but ZSJ rolls away. The fans cheer as the two reset. They feel things out again, Konosuke shoots in for a leg, but ZSJ fights off the trip! Konosuke still manages, but ZSJ rolls away again.

The fans applaud the exchange as the two reset again. They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, but ZSJ manages to tie Konosuke up in a straitjacket! ZSJ sits Konosuke down, the fans rally, and Konosuke fights up. Konosuke snapmares and puts the straitjacket on ZSJ. ZSJ fights up, powers out of the straitjacket, but Konosuke turns that right back around onto ZSJ. The fans applaud as Konosuke leans on ZSJ. ZSJ fights up, bridges, and spins to put the straitjacket on Konosuke, only for Konosuke to snapmare free and put it back on ZSJ! The fans applaud again, but ZSJ fights back up. ZSJ bridges, and then slides under Konosuke to get free.

The fans applaud as the two circle again and feel things out. They knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder, and Konosuke puts on the pressure. ZSJ rolls back, and he puts the pressure on Konosuke! Konosuke fights up, gets under ZSJ, and BACKDROPS him away! The fans applaud while ZSJ is down. Konosuke storms over that way, traps an arm, and drops a KNEE on the elbow! Konosuke clamps onto ZSJ and wrangles him down with a cobra clutch. ZSJ endures, fights against the hold, but Konosuke moves to an armbar! ZSJ clasps hands, so Konosuke shifts to headscissors. ZSJ bridges back but Konosuke holds on tight.

ZSJ kicks and kicks and kicks, and makes his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Konosuke lets go, but then he ELBOWS ZSJ in the neck! Konosuke CHOKES ZSJ on the ropes with headscissors but Red shoes calls the break. Konosuke lets off, brings ZSJ up, and fires forearms. ALPHA- NO, ZSJ catches the arm! Konosuke fights the takedown and rolls free. Konosuke then BOOTS ZSJ from the corner! Konosuke fires the fans up as he goes to the apron, and he jumps right up top! But ZSJ DROPKICKS Konosuke’s legs out from under him! Konosuke hotshots off the ropes and the fans fire up!

ZSJ goes to the outside and has Konosuke on the apron. ZSJ wrenches the leg for a toehold against the apron! Red Shoes reprimands but ZSJ ties up the legs against the ropes! ZSJ pulls on the rope-assisted deathlock, but Red Shoes counts! ZSJ lets go, Konosuke bails out, and the fans rally up. ZSJ waits in the ring as the ring count starts. Konosuke stands at 9 of 20, walks off the pain, and then rolls back in at 15. ZSJ is right on Konosuke’s leg! ZSJ ties Konosuke up in a modified deathlock and he twists the ankle! Then he adds Konosuke’s arm to the mix? The fans rally as ZSJ makes Konosuke into a pretzel! Then he SNAPS Konosuke’s fingers!

Konosuke clutches his right hand while ZSJ backs off. ZSJ kicks Konosuke, then KICKS him in the corner! Konosuke grits his teeth, the fans rally up, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Konosuke leans into the UPPERCUTS and backs ZSJ down that way! Then Konosuke fires a forearm! But that was double-edged given the bad hand! ZSJ grabs that arm and bends it around into a double wristlock! Konosuke endures, fights up, and powers his way to a waistlock! ZSJ fights the lift, but Konosuke still GERMAN SUPLEXES! The fans fire up while ZSJ tumbles out of the ring. Konosuke shakes out his arm and goes after ZSJ.

Konosuke stands ZSJ up, whips him hard into railing, and ZSJ falls in a heap! Konosuke then drags ZSJ up to CLUB him down. Konosuke whips ZSJ but ZSJ stops himself, and comes back to GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! But Konosuke powers up to suplex and BRAINBUSTER to the floor! The fans fire up while both ZSJ and Konosuke are on the floor! Konosuke drags ZSJ up, puts him in the ring, and the fans applaud. Konosuke goes to a corner, runs corner to corner, HELLUVA KICK! GERMAN SUPLEX! ZSJ staggers to his feet but Konosuke runs to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! ZSJ survives and the fans fire back up.

Konosuke stays focused as he brings ZSJ around. Konosuke hoists ZSJ up top, then climbs up to join him. The fans rally as Konosuke lifts, but ZSJ fights the suplex! ZSJ has the DOUBLE WRISTLOCK on the left arm! But Konosuke powers up! SUPER- NO, ZSJ slips down, fires forearms, but Konosuke takes a swing! ZSJ catches Konosuke to a HANGING ARMBAR! Red Shoes reprimands and counts but ZSJ says make him break it! Red Shoes gets in there, ZSJ lets go, and Konosuke falls back. ZSJ rolls back in, grabs the arm, and has a DISARMER! Konosuke endures, so ZSJ traps the arm to TWIST! The fans fire up while Konosuke writhes!

Red Shoes checks on Konosuke while he clutches the elbow and hand. ZSJ runs up to BOOT Konosuke, but Konosuke stays up. ZSJ runs and BOOTS again, but Konosuke fires up! The fans rally, Konosuke blocks a boot, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS! ZSJ takes another swing, but Konosuke clinches for an EXPLODER! The fans fire up, both men stand, and ZSJ BOOTS away the Alpha Elbow! And BOOTS away the Southpaw Lariat! ZSJ SLEEPERS, but Konosuke slips around to SAIDO! ZSJ is up to ROUND KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! The two stir while the fans rally, and ZSJ brings Konosuke up first.

Konosuke fights the scoop, then scoops ZSJ! But ZSJ slips free and hooks Konosuke up in an IRON OCTOPUS! But Konosuke powers out to gut wrench! And tuck! BASTARD DRIVER!! And wheelbarrow GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans fire up again as Konosuke aims from a corner. ZSJ slowly rises, Konosuke runs in, POWER- NO, ZSJ blocks the knee and has the grapevine! ANKLE LOCK! Konosuke stays on his feet, pries ZSJ off his leg, and has the wheelbarrow again! ZSJ rolls through, EURO- NO, Konosuke rolls through through and chicken wings for the CROSSFACE! ZSJ rolls through, EURO CLUTCH! TWO!!

The fans fire up again as Konosuke escapes! ZSJ goes to ropes while Konosuke sits up. Both men rise, and Konosuke BOOTS! ZSJ drops to his knees, Konosuke POWER- NO, ZSJ grabs the leg! Konosuke sits on the cover, ZSJ sunset flips, but Konosuke rolls through! Konosuke stacks ZSJ, only for ZSJ to wrangle Konosuke to the sitting cover! Now Konosuke sunset flips, only for ZSJ to roll through and high stack! Konosuke wrangles ZSJ, ZSJ sunset flips, but Konosuke rolls through again, high stack! TWO!! POWER DRIVE KNEE!! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Konosuke rises and he brings ZSJ around, ALPHA- NO, ARMBAR TAKEDOWN!

Konosuke clasps hands fast, fights around, but ZSJ pulls on the arm. Konosuke fights his way to a stack, then he turns ZSJ over to waistlock, BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again! The fans rally as Konosuke brings ZSJ up! RAGIN- NO, ZSJ lands out to scoop and spin! SABRE DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives and ZSJ is beside himself! The fans duel even harder, it blends into “ZAKESHITA!” Both men sit up and stare down. ZSJ scoots closer to kick at Konosuke. Konosuke stares ZSJ down, eggs him on, and ZSJ stands. Konosuke then ROCKS ZSJ with a forearm!

ZSJ drops to a knee, but he stands back up and UPPERCUTS! Konosuke flops right against the ropes! The fans fire up and Konosuke sits back up. ZSJ waits on Konosuke, and Konosuke comes back to ROCK ZSJ! ZSJ staggers to a corner but stays on his feet. ZSJ comes back to UPPERCUT again! Konosuke snarls and fires a forearm! ZSJ fires a forearm, but Konosuke fires right back! ZSJ has to back off again, but the fans rally up. Now Konosuke waits, and ZSJ returns to fire a flurry! Then an UPPERCUT! ALPHA ELBOW! Konosuke drags ZSJ up at the 20 minute mark to fire boxing elbows! ROLLING- ZSJ SMACKS Konosuke first!!

Konosuke staggers, ZSJ roars, and the fans fire up! ZSJ runs up, into a KNEE!! ZSJ slumps against Konosuke as Konosuke sits back. Red Shoes checks, and somehow ZSJ is still in this! Konosuke brings ZSJ up to suplex, RAGING- NO, ZSJ slips free to have a SLEEPER!! ZSJ is a backpack, and he holds on tight, even as Konosuke rolls! That only hurts Konosuke as ZSJ has the body scissors! Konosuke fights up and BACKPACK SENTONS! But ZSJ still holds on tight! The fans fire up, Konosuke rises up, ROPEBREAK! But then Konosuke climbs up!? The fans fire up already for the SUPER BACKPACK SENTON!! But ZSJ still holds on!!

Konosuke fights, reaches out, but ZSJ drags him back down! The fans rally harder and harder as Konosuke rises again! ZSJ traps the arms! Konosuke pops ZSJ up to an Electric Chair! HIGH ANGLE- NO, ZSJ wrangles Konosuke to get back to the SLEEPER!! Konosuke is caught again! The fans are thunderous as ZSJ and Konosuke struggle on the mat, but Konosuke has to TAP! ZSJ WINS!

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

An epic battle closes out the round, and The Mighty Don’t Kneel! Will the Alpha have to dig deep to avoid the hot seat? Or will the G1 only get tougher for him in the second half?

As for ZSJ, he grabs the mic to say, in Japanese, “Take-chan, hold on a moment. Like you said, you are The Alpha, aren’t you? However…” And he says he’ll do this part in English since Konosuke does understand, “I’m the effin’ World Heavyweight Champion, d*ck head!” ZSJ throws the mic down because he said all he needed to say! Then will Z S F’N J make this HIS G1, two years in a row?

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

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

My Thoughts:

A great round here for B Block in the fifth. Great win for Khan over ELP, making ELP the de facto last place entrant in the block. Great stuff from Ren VS Drilla with Drilla getting busted open but overcoming that and the usual House of Torture antics. Yoshi-Hashi getting the round bye, he stays near the front but Drilla is right with him. Shota VS Takagi was awesome, and Shota losing was a little surprising. I suppose Shota already got his big win over ZSJ, he probably doesn’t need to be a top seed or even second seed, so he can sneak into the playoff round as third seed.

And then ZSJ VS Konosuke was also awesome, could’ve been a title match itself. Great win for ZSJ, it keeps him from dropping too far in the block, and also from owing more golden tickets. Konosuke can still be a top three seed, but I like that ZSJ had a short-but-sweet promo to put The Alpha in his place.

My Score: 9.1/10