Whose bubble will burst?

B Block reaches round 8 of the G1 Climax, and three men lead at 5-2 with 10 points! But will those three still be leading after tonight?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

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

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current B Block standings!

Ren Narita: 5-2, 10 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 5-2, 10 points
Konosuke Takeshita: 5-2, 10 points
Yoshi-Hashi: 4-3, 8 points
Drilla Moloney: 4-3, 8 points
Great-O-Khan: 4-4, 8 points
Shota Umino: 4-3, 8 points
Shingo Takagi: 3-4, 6 points
El Phantasmo: 3-5, 4 points [ELIMINATED]
Gabe Kidd: 0 points [WITHDRAWN]

G1 Climax 35 B Block: YOSHI-HASHI VS El Phantasmo w/ Jado!

The Headhunter has an outside shot, but the Headbanga has fallen too far behind in the race. Could The ELP Show give spoilers on how the G1 goes? Or will Yoshi-Hashi #TurnItAllAround in these late rounds?

The bell rings and the fans duel, “YO-SHI-H’SHI! YO-SHI-H’SHI!” “E L P! E L P!” ELP offers a handshake, Hashi is wary of it, and the two circle. They tie up, Hashi headlocks, but ELP powers up and out. Hashi RAMS ELP, ELP flexes, and the fans applaud. ELP runs, Hashi ELBOWS him, then Hashi runs, and he RUNS ELP over! But ELP kips up! ELP kicks low, whips Hashi to a corner, but Hashi comes back to ELBOW ELP down! The fans cheer, and Hashi brings ELP up. Hashi CLUBS ELP, suplexes, but ELP fights it! ELP fires a body shot, tries to suplex, but Hashi blocks! Hashi suplexes, ELP slips out and waistlocks.

Hashi switches, ELP fights the lift and fires elbows! ELP is free, he runs to the ropes, but Hashi follows him! Hashi trips ELP up! But ELP BOOTS Hashi into the railing! The fans fire up as ELP aims, and PLANCHAS! Down goes Hashi and the fans cheer! The fans rally again and ELP brings Hashi up. ELP whips Hashi into railing! ELP then storms over and CHOPS Hashi down. ELP stomps Hashi, goes up the corner, and the fans fire up again! They join in with “E! L! P!” and ELP MOONSAULTS, but Hashi dodges! ELP hobbles, rolls into the ring, and his foot is okay. ELP drags Hashi into the ring to CHOP!

ELP drags Hashi up, Hashi fires body shots, and Hashi CHOPS! The fans cheer and Hashi has ELP in the corner. Hashi whips corner to corner, runs in, but ELP goes up and over! ELP ducks ‘n’ dodges, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Then somersault to the LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Hashi stays in this, but ELP stays cool. ELP wraps Hashi in the straitjacket but Hashi fights the lift. ELP KNEES low, reels Hashi in, and he calls his shot! But Hashi suplexes first! The fans cheer while both men are down. The fans then rally up while ELP rolls away to a corner. Hashi rises and runs in, and he ELBOWS ELP!

Hashi whips, ELP blocks, but Hashi ROCKS, CHOPS, mule kicks and NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up with Hashi as we reach five minutes. Hashi runs in and CHOPS ELP at the ropes! ELP sputters, the fans rally, and Hashi hangs ELP out to dry! Hashi runs and DROPKICKS ELP down! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as ELP is still in this and Hashi stays cool. Hashi drags ELP up, but ELP wrenches and straitjackets! Torture rack, BRAIN- NO, Hashi lands out! ELP ROCKS Hashi, CHOPS him, then runs, but Hashi dropkicks the legs out! Hashi keeps moving, BLOCKBUSTER! The fans rally up while both men are down!

Hashi rises, he brings ELP up, and he hooks a leg for the KUMA- NO, ELP fights with body shots! Hashi ROCKS ELP, ELP ROCKS Hashi, and repeat! The fans rally, ELP CHOPS, but Hashi CHOPS back! ELP CHOPS, Hashi CHOPS, and ELP is stinging! Hashi CHOPS again, and again! ELP goes to a corner, Hashi runs in, and Hashi CHOPS! The fans fire up, Hashi runs corner to corner, but ELP follows to ROLLING CHOP! ELP runs but Hashi follows, only for ELP to BOOT him back! ELP goes up to FLYING TORNADO DDT! Hashi bails out, ELP builds speed, and ELP DIVES! Direct hit into railing and ELP puts Hashi in!

ELP goes up the ropes to SWANTON BOMB! Then LIONSAULT, onto knees! Hashi cradles ELP, TWO! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Hashi sits up first and he crawls to ELP. Hashi stands, eggs ELP on, then runs. ELP BOOTS the lariat away, but swings into a SNAP DRAGON! Hashi keeps moving and he LARIATS ELP down! Cover, TWO! ELP survives but Hashi drags ELP up, KUMAGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up again! Hashi rises up, waits on ELP, and then SUPERKICKS! Hashi roars, waistlocks, and full nelsons! But ELP fights the pump handle! ELP throws elbows and is free!

ELP fires a forearm, but ELP drops to his knees! Hashi ROCKS ELP and ELP falls over! Hashi stalks ELP to the ropes, ELP drags himself up, and ELP fires forearm after forearm! ELP eggs Hashi on, so Hashi fires forearm after forearm in return! Then he CHOPS ELP down! The fans rally as Hashi looms over ELP. Hashi drags ELP up, but ELP breaks free to SUPERKICK! Both men fall and the fans fire back up! ELP pounds the mat, the fans rally behind him, and ELP storms back over to Hashi. ELP reels Hashi in, but Hashi trips him! Jackknife bridge, TWO!! Hashi SUPERKICKS! And full nelson, KARMA CRADLE! TWO!!

ELP is up but Hashi backslides! ELIP rolls through, he tucks Hashi in, C R 2!! Cover, TWO!! Hashi survives and the fans are thunderous! ELP feeds off that energy to fire back up! ELP straitjackets and torture racks, for BRAIN SALAD! ELP hurries to the apron, he goes up the ropes, and THUNDERKISS 86!! Cover, ELP WINS!

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

What a way for ELP to end his G1 run! He was meant to face Gabe Kidd in the end, but Gabe’s injury and withdrawal means ELP will be watching the ninth round from the sidelines. Will he see Hashi still #GetBackUp and head for the playoffs? Or did this defeat already doom Hashi’s chances?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: Zack Sabre Jr. VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!

As of this moment, The Front Man has one of those coveted top three spots in the block, but this War Dog is nipping at his heels! Will ZSJ be shot down by the 44 Caliber? Or will Drilla have no choice but to #JustTapOut?

The bell rings and the two stare down. They step up, feel things out, and tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. ZSJ goes for an arm, wrenches to a wristlock, but Drilla stays on his feet. Drilla then rolls, cartwheels, and wrenches back to WRING ZSJ! ZSJ kips up, bridges, and wrenches again to WRING Drilla! The fans applaud this exchange while Drilla fights up. Drilla handsprings, gets under, and BACKDROPS ZSJ for the wristlock! But ZSJ headscissors! Drilla moves around, ZSJ holds tight, so Drilla headstands! Drilla pops free, the fans applaud, and the two reset. They circle again and feel things out. ZSJ and Drilla slap at each other’s hands, then get forehead to forehead.

Drilla shoves ZSJ, they knuckle lock, and then ZSJ drags Drilla down to wrench the arms! ZSJ has the motorcycle stretch, then wrenches Drilla again for knuckle locks. Drilla powers ZSJ back but ZSJ rolls and puts on more pressure! Drilla endures, the fans rally, and Drilla powers up to turn things around. ZSJ turns them back, they go shoulder to shoulder, and ZSJ hooks a leg. ZSJ uses his whole body to wrangle Drilla, but Drilla bridges! ZSJ sweeps the legs to a cover, TWO as Drilla gets an arm up! ZSJ pushes that arm down for the cover, TWO as Drilla gets the other arm up! ZSJ pushes that down, but Drilla bridges again!

ZSJ jumps on but Drilla stays up! The fans cheer, ZSJ jumps again, but Drilla uses that to stand right back up! They go shoulder to shoulder, but then ZSJ kicks one knuckle lock and steps over the other to cravat, headlock, and takeover! But Drilla headscissors! Drilla pushes up for pressure, fights off ZSJ’s headscissors, so ZSJ kicks around. ZSJ moves around, pops free, and he goes from Indian Deathlock to headlock! But Drilla headscissors right back! The fans cheer as Drilla puts on the pressure. ZSJ moves around, headstands, but Drilla DRIVES ZSJ into the mat! The fans are torn while ZSJ checks his neck.

Drilla storms up on ZSJ, whips him to a corner, but ZSJ goes up and around, only for Drilla to snapmare and SHOULDER TACKLE! Drilla runs, blocks the hip toss, and he spins ZSJ to a backslide! TWO, but Drilla picks a leg! ZSJ sits down on the cover, Drilla sunset flips, but ZSJ rolls through to stack! Drilla sits on the cover but ZSJ sunset flips, only for Drilla to roll through and stack! ZSJ headscissors but Drilla pushes him down! ZSJ gets up, headlocks, but Drilla powers up and out! Then Drilla HIP TOSSES to a cover! ONE and ZSJ bails out! The fans cheer as Drilla shows he isn’t just size and strength!

The ring count starts as ZSJ catches his breath. ZSJ stands at 5 of 20, takes a moment to stretch out his back, then steps into the ring at 12. The fans rally as ZSJ and Drilla reset. The two step up, tie up, then ZSJ UPPERCUTS! Drilla gets in ZSJ’s face, they tie up, and ZSJ UPPERCUTS again! Drilla is getting mad as ZSJ UPPERCUTS again and again! Drilla ROCKS ZSJ and ZSJ sits right down! The fans fire up while the ref checks ZSJ, but Drilla just brushes himself off. ZSJ goes to ropes, Drilla stomps him again and again, but the ref has him back off. ZSJ stands but Drilla CHOPS! ZSJ goes to a corner but Drilla is on him.

Drilla UPPERCUTS ZSJ, UPPERCUTS again, then eggs him on. Drilla whips ZSJ corner to corner, ZSJ reverses, and ZSJ runs up, but into an ELBOW! Drilla runs, but into a scoop! But Drilla drops down, victory rolls, but ZSJ rolls it back, for a NECK TWIST! The fans cheer while ZSJ again catches his breath. ZSJ sits Drilla up, digs his elbow into Drilla’s neck, then grabs an arm. ZSJ has half the straitjacket, Drilla resists the rest, but ZSJ again digs his elbow in, and even fishhooks Drilla! The ref reprimands but ZSJ gets the other arm for the full Straitjacket Stretch! Drilla endures, the fans rally, but ZSJ pulls on the arms.

Drilla kicks, but ZSJ pushes him down for another NECK TWIST! The fans rally while the ref checks Drilla. Drilla is still able to continue so ZSJ talks some smack. ZSJ kicks at Drilla, then he KICKS Drilla! Drilla eggs ZSJ on, so ZSJ KICKS him again! Drilla grits his teeth as he doubles over, but ZSJ eggs him on. ZSJ KICKS but Drilla blocks! Drilla slips around to GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans rally while both men rise, and Drilla CHOPS ZSJ! And CHOPS! ZSJ wobbles, but Drilla CHOPS again, only for ZSJ to block! ZSJ UPPERCUTS the arm, but Drilla spins to CHOP again! ZSJ falls and Drilla fires up! The fans are with Drilla as he suplexes ZSJ.

ZSJ slips free to SLEEPER, but Drilla snapmares! SUPERKICK! ZSJ falls over, but Drilla drags him back up, ripcord and- NO, ZSJ trips Drilla to a jackknife bridge! TWO as Drilla bridges up! Drilla spins ZSJ, gut wrenches, and- NO, ZSJ fights free! They fight for the arm hooks, Drilla backslides, but ZSJ rolls through, only for Drilla to reel him in! PILEDRIVER! The fans fire up and Drilla feeds off the energy! Drilla runs to GORE! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again. Drilla goes to the ropes, the fans rally up, and Drilla storms over to ZSJ. Drilla reels ZSJ in but ZSJ slips under to then BOOTS Drilla!

The fans rally, Drilla CHOPS, and ZSJ drops to his knees! ZSJ stands back up and eggs Drilla on. Drilla CHOPS again, but ZSJ still eggs him on. ZSJ pie faces Drilla, pie faces him again, but Drilla CHOPS! The fans rally and duel as ZSJ comes back to UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT! And UPPERCUT! But then Drilla UPPERCUTS! Drilla runs, but into a hook, spin, and scoop! ZACK DRIVER! Cover, TWO! But into a CROSSFACE! Drilla fights it so ZSJ grabs the other arm, RINGS OF SATURN! Then a DISARMER! Drilla fights up to torture rack ZSJ! And then he turns ZSJ around, DRILLA- NO, ZSJ lands out! PENALTY- NO, Drilla blocks the kick!

The fans fire up as Drilla rises, and ZSJ fires SLAP after SLAP! Drilla ducks down, ZSJ SLAPS away on Drilla’s back. Drilla snarls as he stands up again, and ZSJ SLAPS him across the face! Drilla gets up and under ZSJ to POWERBOMB! Drilla high stacks, TWO!! ZSJ survives but Drilla roars! The fans fire up as Drilla runs, GORE into a GUILLOTINE! Then ZSJ drops to have the arm! Drilla fights around but ends up in a TRIANGLE HOLD! Drilla CHOPS and SLAPS at ZSJ! Drilla deadlifts ZSJ, but ZSJ PULLS on the arm! DRILLA TAPS, ZSJ WINS!

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

And it ends just like that! Drilla is tough but ZSJ knows how to apply just the right pressure! Will THE IWGP World Heavyweight Champion be number one going into the playoffs?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: Shingo Takagi VS Ren Narita!

The Rampaging Dragon is on the hot seat, but he’s also facing one of the top three! Will Takagi keep things tranquilo for one more round? Or will this Souled Out Son of Strong Style steal yet another victory?

Ren crowd the ropes as Takagi wants to enter, and the ref tells Ren to back up. But this is all so Kanemaru can attack! The fans boo as Kanemaru CLUBS away on Takagi! Kanemaru ELBOWS Takagi into the railing, then Ren goes out to POST Takagi! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Ren puts Takagi in the ring. The bell rings, and Ren TOSSES Takagi back out! Ren then goes out and whips Takagi into railing! And then into more railing! Takagi slumps down, the fans rally up, but Ren drags Takagi up. Ren kicks low, puts Takagi in the ring, then stomps away on Takagi. Ren stands Takagi up, whips him and ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO!

The fans cheer as Takagi grits his teeth. Ren drags Takagi up, bumps him off buckles, but Takagi eggs Ren on. Ren fires forearms, Takagi still eggs him on, so Ren fires more forearms! Takagi headbutts the buckles to fire up! Ren CLAWS Takagi’s eyes, runs, but Takagi redirects to CLOBBER Ren! The fans cheer and Takagi pushes Ren around. Takagi drops an ELBOW, then a SENTON! Takagi then clamps on with body scissors! Narita endures, digs his elbows into Takagi’s knee, but Takagi adds a chinlock! Ren endures, fights free off the body scissors, and kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! Takagi lets go and the fans rally up.

Takagi brings Ren up to KNEE low against the ropes. Ren sputters, Takagi KNEES low again, then whips Ren to KNEE again! Takagi runs, Ren distracts the ref, and Kanemaru trips Takagi! The fans boo but Kanemaru drags Takagi out to RAM into railing! Kanemaru stomps Ren then hurries away before the ref sees him. Ren goes out and CLAWS Takagi’s eyes! Ren then headlocks Takagi and brings him out into the crowd! Fans hurry out of the way and Ren BOWLS Takagi into chairs! STRIKE! Ren leaves Takagi behind to then take the chairs from the timekeeper’s area! The fans boo but Ren JAMS Takagi up!

Ren puts the chair on Takagi’s leg, picks up the other chair, CON-CHAIR-TO! The fans boo and Takagi writhes but Ren goes back to the ring. The ref reprimands but Ren is looking for something else now. Ren doesn’t find what he wants so he rolls into the ring. The count begins, and Takagi crawls his way back to ringside. Kanemaru stands in his way but Takagi pushes past him. So Kanemaru uses a chair to JAM Takagi up! The fans boo but Ren kept the ref from seeing that! Ren goes out to then put Takagi in the ring. Ren pushes Takagi down to drop an AX HANDLE! Cover, TWO! Ren drags Takagi to a corner and pulls the bad leg around the post!

The ref reprimands and counts, Ren stops at 4, but then pulls the leg again! The ref counts again, Ren stops at 4, but he SLAMS Takagi’s leg into the post! Takagi writhes but Ren drags him from the corner. Ren stomps away on the leg, drops an elbow on the knee, then pulls on the toehold. Takagi endures, reaches out, and he has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer but Ren holds on! The ref counts, Ren stops at 4, and he drags Takagi up. Ren grabs the leg but Takagi fires elbows! Takagi then ROCKS Ren, ROCKS him again, and HEADBUTTS! Takagi runs, but Kanemaru is there! Takagi stops short, but then Ren CHOKES Takagi!

The ref counts, Ren stops at 4, and Ren runs, but DAIKI anchors him at the ropes! The fans cheer as the Young Lion stands up for “the unaffiliated!” Takagi runs and he LARIATS Ren up and out! The fans cheer more and Takagi goes out to drag Ren up. Takagi whips Ren into railing now! The fans cheer as Takagi whips Ren into more railing! Then Takagi snap suplexes Ren to the floor! The fans fire up with Takagi and he drags Ren back up. Takagi puts Ren in the ring, the fans cheer, and Takagi warns Kanemaru. But Kanemaru grabs Takagi’s foot! Takagi BOOTS Kanemaru into railing, but Ren kicks the bad leg.

Ren runs, but into the ELBOW! JAB! YUKON- Ren ducks! So Takagi stands him back up to JAB and YUKON LARIAT! The fans cheer and Takagi watches Ren go to a corner. Takagi runs in, he blocks a boot, and he LARIATS through after all! The fans rally as Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, JABS, then CHOPS! Takagi hits a high and hard suplex, then covers, TWO! Takagi tells the fans, “TOKI GA KITA!” But Ren shoves the ref into Takagi! It isn’t really Takagi’s time yet, but Takagi gets up to HEADBUTT Ren! Takagi whips, Ren reverses, and Kanemaru CHAIRSHOTS Takagi! Cover, TWO!! But into the SLEEPER!!

Takagi endures but Ren squeezes tight! Takagi reaches out, but Ren CLAWS Takagi’s eyes! GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Takagi stays in this and the fans rally up. Ren snarls, drags Takagi around, and has the KNEEBAR! Takagi endures and claws at Ren’s arms, but Ren pulls harder! Takagi kicks around, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! Ren lets go and the fans rally up. Ren drags Takagi around, stomps away on the leg, then steps through, but Takagi brings him into a cradle! TWO! Takagi blocks a lariat, spins Ren around, but Ren fights the Twist ‘n’ Shout! Takagi suplexes but Ren fights it, so Takagi TWIST ‘N’ SHOUTS!

The fans fire up as Takagi hobbles and Ren goes to a corner. Takagi runs in and LARIATS! The fans fire up with Takagi again and he puts Ren up top! Takagi throws RIDGE HANDS, then climbs up the corner. Takagi brings Ren to the very top, for a SUPER DUPER PLEX! The fans fire up while both men are down! Takagi shouts, “OI! OI! OI!” and the fans join in. Takagi rises, drags Ren up, pump handles, but Ren fights the lift. So Takagi fires boxing elbows! Takagi ROCKS Ren, pump handles, but Ren drop toeholds! KNEEBAR! Takagi rolls, reaches out, but Ren pulls on the leg! REVERSE FIGURE FOUR!!

Takagi flails, rolls, and fights his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Ren lets go in frustration. Ren goes to a corner, “puts one out,” and climbs up the corner. HELL’S- NO, Takagi avoids the flying knee to ELBOW! JAB! YUKON- NO, Ren ducks the lariat, only to run into a POP-UP POWERBOMB! The fans fire up and Takagi runs, but Ren kicks the bad leg! Ren then CHOP BLOCKS the leg, kicks low, DOUBLE- NO! Takagi slips free of the Double Crosser to SLIDING LARIAT! Takagi then rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! And SLIDING FOREARM! Takagi hauls Ren around into the REAR NAKED CHOKE!

Ren endures as he is stuck in the body scissors! He already has a bloody nose, but now he can’t breathe! Takagi then shifts to a GROUND COBRA! Ren endures, but KANEMARU rings the bell! He keeps doing this!! Daiki rushes over, Kanemaru kicks him first then whips. But Daiki reverses to send Kanemaru into railing! The fans cheer as the Young Lion comes in clutch again! Takagi and the ref still reason out what happened, but Ren shoves Takagi at the ref! Takagi stops short, and then Takagi blocks the low blow! The fans cheer as Takagi spins Ren around. Takagi shoves Ren at the ref!? Ren stops short, and Takagi LOW BLOWS Ren!!

The fans cheer as Ren tastes his own medicine! Takagi then pump handles, MADE IN JAPAN!! Cover, KANEMARU YANKS THE REF OUT! The fans boo but then Kanemaru gets in the ring with the whiskey bottle! BOTTLE SHOT to the leg! DOUBLE CROSSER from Ren! The fans boo but The House isn’t done! Kanemaru takes a swig while Ren grabs his pushup bar. Kanemaru stands Takagi up, but Takagi JABS the whiskey out! YUKON LARIAT! Ren winds up, but Daiki grabs the pushup bar! The fans cheer as Ren and Daiki tug-o-war! Daiki lets go, Ren takes a swing, but Takagi dodges! Takagi then returns to PUMPING BOMBER!!

The fans are thunderous and they join Takagi with the “OI! OI! OI!” Takagi pump handles, torture racks, and LAST OF THE DRAGON!! Cover, Takagi wins!!

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

One of the top three just fell! Could this loss change the whole dynamic of the playoffs? Can Takagi still claim a spot this close to the end?

G1 Climax 35 B Block: Shota Umino VS Konosuke Takeshita w/ Rocky Romero!

The Roughneck has been working on his Second Chapter, and wants it to be his best one yet. However, The Alpha stands in his way as the third of the top three in the block. Will Konosuke make the G1 elite? Or can Shota bring about that Paradigm Shift?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. Rocky gets a “TA-KE-SH’TA!” chant going but it isn’t very strong. Shota and Konosuke circle, tie up, and Shota wrenches an arm to a wristlock. Konosuke powers through to wrench in return, then hammerlocks. Shota reaches down, trips Konosuke, and has a toehold. Shota ties the legs up for an Indian Deathlock! Shota puts on the pressure but Konosuke endures. Konosuke reaches back, Shota floats to a headlock, but Konosuke rolls to a cover, then right to his own headlock! Shota fights up, fires body shots, and powers out. Konosuke RUNS Shota over and the fans applaud.

Things keep moving, Shota drops down, hurdles, but Konosuke avoids the dropkick! Konosuke stands Shota up to whip but Shota reverses, only for Konosuke to TAKESHITA LINE! The fans cheer and Konosuke nods as he stands back up. Konosuke stalks Shota to the corner, drags him up, then ROCKS him with a right. And another right! Red Shoes reprimands but Konosuke digs his knee into Shota. Konosuke snapmares Shota for HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! Konosuke shouts out the American Dragon like Takagi did, then he clamps on a chinlock. Konosuke also traps an arm before he twists Shota into a chinlock stretch!

Shota endures, even as Konosuke bends him back! The fans rally, Konosuke pulls even harder, then he shoves Shota down to stomp him! The fans rally more while Shota goes to ropes. Konosuke drags Shota up, turns him, and hits a NECKBREAKER! Konosuke drags Shota up, turns him again, and hits a HANGING NECKBREAKER! Shota flounders to ropes while Konosuke grins. Konosuke stands Shota up again, but Shota slips free to shove Konosuke! Konosuke comes back but Shota dropkicks the legs out! Both men are down and the fans rally up again. Shota sits up but Konosuke already stands. Shota storms over to Konosuke in the corner to ROCK and CHOP!

The fans rally as Shota ROCKS and CHOPS Konosuke on repeat! Shota CHOPS one more time, then he whips corner to corner. Shota runs in, UPPERCUTS, then he brings Konosuke out to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, but Shota can’t maintain it! The damage to his neck is already affecting him but he refuses to stop here. Shota drags Konosuke up, grabs the leg, but Konosuke CLUBS Shota. Shota slips around to drop toehold and KNEEBAR, then he steps through to have the STF! Konosuke resists, pries at the hold, then fights his way forward! ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer and Shota lets go. Konosuke goes to a corner but Shota takes aim.

Shota runs in, blocks a boot, and then DRAGON SCREWS the leg! Konosuke hobbles, the fans rally, and Shota DRAGON SCREWS again! Konosuke is down but Shota fires up, and the fans are with Shota! Shota stomps Konosuke, kicks the bad leg, and Konosuke goes to a corner. Shota stomps Konosuke more, but Konosuke manages to stand. Shota UPPERCUTS, then whips corner to corner. Konosuke hobbles and stops short. Konosuke is frustrated with himself and forces himself to stand, only for Shota to DROPKICK the legs out! Then STF! Konosuke endures again and the fans rally up.

Konosuke crawls, brings Shota along, but then Shtoa drags Konosuke back! Shota SMASHES the knee on the mat, then has the STF again! Konosuke endures again, crawls forward, and he drags Shota along to the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud but Shota is frustrated. Shota pounds the mat, the fans rally up, and Shota waits on Konosuke. Konosuke rises, Shota runs, but Konosuke pops Shota up for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO! But now Konosuke has the STF! The fans fire up as Shota endures! Shota reaches out, but Konosuke switches sides, DRAGON SLEEPER STF! Shota still endures, powers his way through, and has the ROPEBREAK!

The fans applaud and Konosuke lets go in frustration. Shota rolls to the apron but Konosuke steps out to join him. Konosuke drags Shota up, reels him in, but Shota blocks the suplex! The fans rally, Shota fires body shots, but Konosuke fires body shots in return! APRON DDT! Shota flops to the floor! Konosuke catches his breath before he stands Shota back up. Konosuke suplexes, but Shota fights it! The fans rally, Shota wrenches and hammerlocks, to then have a leg! KNEE CRUSHER Then Shota LARIATS Konosuke over the railing! The fans fire up as Konosuke is in No Man’s Land now! Shota fires up and the fans are with him!

Shota goes out to No Man’s Land to drag Konosuke up. Shota then reels Konosuke in, but Konosuke fights the suplex! The fans rally, Konosuke turns things around, and he suplexes Shota, BRAINBUSTER to the floor!! The fans fire up while both men are down! Red Shoes checks on both men and the fans rally up again. Shota is somehow okay, so the ring count begins. Konosuke leaves Shota behind and rolls into the ring at 8 of 20. Shota crawls and reaches the gate by 13. Shota hurries to stand at 16, but then he flops back! Shota springs in at 19! The fans fire up and Konosuke runs in, LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! The fans cheer as Shota survives!

Konosuke frowns and he stands back up. Konosuke looms over Shota, drags him up, but Shota is a ragdoll. Rocky talks some smack but Shota still crawls his way over to ropes. Konosuke brings Shota up, stands him up against the ropes, and ROCKS him with a forearm! Konosuke winds up to ROCK Shota again! And UPPERCUT! Konosuke then CLUBS Shota on the neck! Shota eggs Konosuke on so Konosuke CLUBS him again! Shota flounders against the ropes, Konosuke CLUBS him again, and the fans rally. Konosuke has Shota in a corner, wags his fingers at the fans cheering for Shota, and ROCKS Shota with forearm after forearm!

Shota sits down in the corner, but he shakes his head. Shota snarls as he drags himself up, and Konosuke eggs him on. Konosuke ROCKS Shota again and again, even as Shota sits down! Red Shoes reprimands, Konosuke stops, and Shota rises up. Konosuke fires even more forearms! Red Shoes reprimands, but Konosuke hammers away until Shota’s back down! Shota sputters, Rocky says call it! Red Shoes backs Konosuke off, Konosuke shoves him aside, but Shota runs up to SHOTGUN! The fans fire up, Konosuke comes right back, but Shota catches him to a SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! But Konosuke is right up to GERMAN SUPLEX!

Shota staggers around, Konosuke BOOTS him, but Shota ROCKS Konosuke! Konosuke ALPHA ELBOWS then whips, but Shota reverses to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Konosuke sputters at the ropes while Shota stirs at center. They both grit their teeth and rise up. They meet at center, and Shota fires a forearm! Konosuke fires back! Shota snarls again, winds up, and he fires another forearm! Konosuke fires another forearm! The forearms keep going, and they pick up speed! Shota fires shot after shot, the fans rally, and Rocky coaches Konosuke. Konosuke stands upright to fire forearm after forearm!

Shota paces, then he fires back up! The fans cheer as Shota fires boxing elbows! Shota winds up to ROCK Konosuke again! Konosuke wobbles but he shakes it off. Konosuke comes back to fire boxing elbows of his own, and even ROCKS Shota! Then both men DOUBLE FOREARM! Shota goes to a corner, Konosuke runs in, HELLUVA KICK!! The fans fire up, Konosuke puts Shota up top, and Konosuke climbs to SUPERPLEX! Konosuke isn’t done there, he goes up the other corner! But Shota UPPERCUTS first! Shota climbs up to get Konosuke, and he SUPERPLEXES! The fans fire up while Konosuke rolls away to the far side.

Shota rises, he runs up, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Shota SWATS a lariat, HEADBUTTS, but Konosuke fires up! Shota ENZIGIRIS! Then Shota aims from a corner, runs in, STRIKE KNEE! Cover, TWO! Konosuke survives but Shota hurries to stand him up! Hook and SECOND- NO, Konosuke slips free, O’Conner Roll, DREAM SMASHER ELBOW! HEAD TWIST! REAR NAKED CHOKE!! The fans fire up as Konosuke goes #PlusUltra! Shota endures, reaches out, and fights the body scissors, but Konosuke’s got such long legs! Shota flails, reaches out for anything, but he’s starting to fade!

Red Shoes checks Shota, but Konosuke lets Shota go to cover, TWO!!! Shota barely gets his shoulder up! Konosuke throws off his wrist tape and vows to end it now. Konosuke hauls Shota up, reels him, BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO!!! Shota survives again and the fans fire up! Konosuke is beside himself, but he goes to the corner. Konosuke watches Shota sit up, then he runs in, POWER DRIVE- NO! Shota blocks the knee!! Shota stands but Konosuke fires forearms! Shota LARIATS Konosuke down!! The fans fire up while Shota leans on the ropes. Konosuke is dazed and Shota sputters.

Shota throws off his elbow pads and brings Konosuke up. Hook and SECOND- NO, Konosuke slips free to reverse suplex! Then he tucks Shota in! BASTARD DRIVER! Then Konosuke runs to LARIAT! But Shota stays up and rebounds! LARIAT!! The fans are thunderous and Shota wants Konosuke to get back up! Konosuke stands, Shota runs, and LARIATS!! Cover, TWO!!! Shota roars, hauls Konosuke up, and SECOND CHAP- NO, Konosuke fights it to suplex! BRAINBUSTER!! But Konosuke can’t make the cover! We pass 20 minutes so time is of the essence! Konosuke roars, gator rolls Shota, and suplexes again! RAGING- CRADLE!! Cover, TWO!!!

Konosuke escapes and ALPHA ELBOWS!! Then he suplexes again, RAGING- NO, Shota suplexes for a BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, SHOTA WINS!!

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

The Alpha tried but he could not bring down this Roughneck! Now things get interesting! Can Konosuke still make it to the G1 playoffs? Or will this loss be the one that bursts his bubble?

As for Shota, “NJPW has returned to Yokohama!” The fans cheer Shota’s Tanahashi imitation there. Shota then paraphrases Okada by thanking everyone here for their hot, passionate support. The fans again cheer, and even chant
“SHOTA! SHOTA!” Shota admits that before the G1 started, he was told it would be “on a small scale.” The thing Shota loves the most in the world IS NJPW, so he and everyone else knew that they had to fight so that the fans in Yokohama and the fans watching on NJPW World would all smile and enjoy themselves, so that the fans would be inspired to try their hardest again tomorrow.

The fans applaud, and Shota continues by saying that he loves pro-wrestling, so it doesn’t matter if it’s big or small, he wants everyone to do their best again tomorrow. “Even when things are tough, or when I feel down, watching pro-wrestling energizes me and helps me take a step forward. That is why I’m fighting!” The fans applaud that, and Shota admits, Takeshita is certainly strong. Perhaps the strongest in the world. He’s like a monster! Shota indeed thinks Takeshita is amazing. But no other company, not even AEW, is the real deal like NJPW! The fans cheer that! Then will Shota prove he is the best of the best by taking over the G1?

Here are the NEW B Block standings!

Zack Sabre Jr: 6-2, 12 points
Shota Umino: 5-3, 10 points
Ren Narita: 5-3, 10 points
Konosuke Takeshita: 5-3, 10 points
Drilla Moloney: 4-4, 8 points
Great-O-Khan: 4-4, 8 points
Shingo Takagi: 4-4, 6 points
Yoshi-Hashi: 4-4, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
El Phantasmo: 4-5, 8 points [ELIMINATED]
Gabe Kidd: 0 points [WITHDRAWN]

My Thoughts:

A great round for B Block, and ZSJ pulling ahead to be 6-2 with 12 points makes sense as the champ really should be in the running for the playoffs. Drilla looked great in that match for showing he can be a technical wrestler on top of a powerhouse. Tapping out to the triangle hold like that was a bit surprising. Maybe they’re just that good giving ZSJ these “outta nowhere” wins, because his win over Takagi last round also felt sudden. Great to see ELP get the last win of his G1 run, which in turn eliminates Hashi from the running. Takagi overcoming Ren with help from Daiki was good stuff, it helps Daiki move up to be more than just a Young Lion.

And Shota VS Konosuke was a great main event, great win for Shota, and I actually like Shota using signature lines from the previous “top guys,” Tanahashi and Okada. It shows Shota does want to stand out as the next top guy, but I wonder if there’s a hint of it being an act. That is to say, a “Homelander” Cody Rhodes in AEW or even when Hulk Hogan became Hollywood Hogan to “show his true colors.” Could Shota be putting on the act, knowing all the right things to do and say, but he really has this inner pride and selfishness? I guess time will tell.

My Score: 9/10