Who will grab the last tickets to the G1?

The Road to G1 Climax 36 is almost over, and that means finally filling both blocks! Oskar or Yujiro, ELP or Oiwa, who will reach the Climax?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• 8 Man Tag: Yuya Uemura, Taichi, El Desperado & Masatora Yasuda VS Ren Narita, SANADA, SHO & DOUKI; Ren, Sanada, Sho & Douki win.
• 8 Man Tag: Boltin Oleg, Aaron Wolf, Hirooki Goto & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Yota Tsuji, Shingo Takagi, Yuto-Ice & Daiki Nagai; Oleg, Wolf, Goto & Matsumoto win.
• Triple Threat Tag: Tiger Mask & Jado VS Taiji Ishimori & Gedo VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Dick Togo; Kanemaru & Dick win.
• G1 Climax 36 B Block Qualifier: OSKAR VS Yujiro Takahashi; Oskar wins and advances.
• G1 Climax 36 A Block Qualifier: El Phantasmo VS Ryohei Oiwa; Oiwa wins and advances.
• IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Shota Umino VS Gabe Kidd; Gabe wins and becomes the new IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: YOH VS Francesco Akira; Yoh wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

After Triple Threat Tag: Tiger Mask & Jado VS Taiji Ishimori & Gedo VS Yoshinobu Kanemaru & Dick Togo…

To be fair, this match started turning into a 4v2 against the House of Torture, but even then, Dick knocking the ref down and choking Jado out gave Kanemaru the opening to use WHISKEY MIST! A roll up and cover, the House of Torture wins! The fans boo but the Heel Master & Spoiler indeed had to spoil Tiger Mask’s final tag match. But even so, Tiger Mask takes the mic to say, “Thank you, everyone, for coming out tonight. Last year, I announced my retirement. And now, finally, tomorrow, will be my last matches. Dynamite Kid, Tommy Billington, and Black Tiger.

“I will do my absolute best and show you the bets Tiger Mask I can tomorrow night. Until the very end, I’ll give it my all. I look forward to having your support.” The fans cheer as Tiger Mask prepares for the final battles of his career. Can this living legend ride off into the sunset one last time?

G1 Climax 36 B Block Qualifier: OSKAR VS Yujiro Takahashi w/ The House of Torture!

Yuto-Ice is already through to the Climax, having overcome Taichi in a very powerful match. But the German Giant might have the bigger challenge because The House of Torture never rolls alone. Will Oskar be able to join his Knock Out Brother in the tournament? Or will Tokyo Pimp lie, cheat, and steal his golden ticket to the top?

The bell rings and Oskar BOOTS Yujiro right down! Then NIGHTMARE SLEEPER!! Yujiro flails but he’s turning red already! But SHO rings the bell! Oskar lets go, having fallen for the trick! The fans boo but Sho plays dumb. Oskar is pissed, but then Yujiro CHOP BLOCKS Oskar’s leg! The fans boo but Yujiro drags Oskar up and TOSSES him out. Then Yujiro distracts the ref so the House can mug Oskar! The fans boo, but then Sho & Douki DOUBLE KNEE SMASH on the floor! Then they drag Oskar up, hold the leg out, and Ren JAMS it up with a chair! The fans boo but The House scurries away like the rats they are.

Yujiro goes out to fetch Oskar, put him in the ring, and stalk him. Oskar tries to stand but that bad leg won’t let him! Yujiro grabs that leg, puts it on the ropes, then stands on it! The ref counts, so Yujiro HIP DROPS the leg! Yujiro drags Oskar up, bumps him off buckles, then puts the bad leg through ropes. Oskar CLUBS away on Yujiro, but Yujiro still BOOTS the bad leg! Yujiro BOOTS it again, then brings Oskar around to snapmare. Yujiro isolates the bad leg so he can SPLASH down on it! Oskar clutches the leg, but Yujiro grabs the other, steps through, and has the FIGURE FOUR KNEEBAR! Then he reaches out to grab the ropes for leverage!

The fans boo as Oskar endures, and the ref finally notices! Yujiro lets go of the ropes but he still has Oskar tied up. Oskar fights around, Yujiro grabs ropes again, and the ref counts! Yujiro lets Oskar go this time, and the fans rally as Oskar crawls. Yujiro stalks Oskar, taunts him, then kicks the bad leg. Oskar manages to CHOP! The fans cheer as Oskar ROCKS and CHOPS Yujiro, then reels him in. But Yujiro BITES Oskar’s hand! The ref counts, Yujiro lets Oskar go, but then he blocks a kick! Yujiro CLAWS Oskar’s face, throws him down, then runs to basement DROPKICK! The fans rally for Oskar while he’s down, but Yujiro is right on him.

Yujiro drags Oskar up, reels him in, but now Oskar BITES Yujiro’s hand! the fans cheer the payback, and Oskar lets go so he can RUN Yujiro over! The fans fire up while Oskar hobbles around. Oskar runs up on Yujiro but Yujiro dodges in the corner! Yujiro kicks, whips, but Oskar reverses! Oskar runs up again and ELBOWS Yujiro! Oskar shoves Yujiro down, then slaps his bad leg into working. Oskar manages to run and drop the leg, brother! Cover, TWO! Yujiro survives but the fans continue to rally for Oskar. Oskar rises up, hobbles his way back over, and he brings Yujiro up for a scoop! But Yujiro pulls hair and CLAWS Oskar’s eyes!

Yujiro THROWS Oskar out, and The House is after him! But Oskar guzels Sho, and guzels Douki! Oskar gives them a meeting of the minds before he kicks and CLUBS Ren! Oskar POSTS Ren, but Yujiro hurries after him! Oskar CHOPS Yujiro first! The fans fire up as Oskar storms after Yujiro and CHOPS! And then he puts Yujiro in the ring. Oskar hobbles his way back into the ring, fires himself back up, but Yujiro kicks the leg! Yujiro runs, but into a scoop and SLAM! The fans fire up with Oskar as he stands Yujiro back up, for the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER! And then a SLEEPER SLAM! Cover, BUT REN YANKS THE REF OUT!

The fans boo, and now Oskar’s mad! Oskar storms out after Ren but he lures Oskar into a trap! SANADA attacks! The fans boo as the Cold-Blooded Snake helps mug Oskar now! They get Oskar back in the ring and Yujiro has his pimp cane! The fans boo as the House all stands Oskar up for Yujiro to CANE SHOT back down! Yujiro then drags Oskar back up, reels him in, and PIMP JUICE! Cover, but YUTO YANKS THE REF OUT! The fans cheer as The House feels the sting of karma! Yuto apologizes, but then explains about the House’s sins. But then they attack Yuto! The fans boo as Sho & Douki kick and whip Yuto, but Yuto grabs ropes!

Yuto BOOTS Douki, ROUNDHOUSES Sho, then intercepts Ren with a THROW! Sanada runs in but gets a POP-UP KNEE! Yujiro kicks Yuto, then runs, but into a BOOT! The fans are fired up now as Yuto feeds Yujiro to the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER, and then into AMBITION! And then a scoop for the K O B DRIVER!! The fans are thunderous, Yuto hurries to fetch the ref, and now we get the cover, OSKAR WINS!

Winner: Oskar, by pinfall (advances to G1 Climax 36)

With a little help from his Knock Out Brother, Oskar brings down the House, and now he is in the G1! Will KOB be able to meet at the Climax and get everyone high?

G1 Climax 36 A Block Qualifier: El Phantasmo w/ Jado VS Ryohei Oiwa!

The Headbanga has been fighting hard and falling short lately, but he’s not giving up! The same can be said for The Mullet as he also continues to grind. Will ELP be able to #TurnItAllAround? Or will Oiwa prove that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. ELP offer a handshake, Oiwa accepts, and the fans cheer. The two circle, and the fans cheer on “E L P! E L P!” ELP nods, but then Oiwa gets the fans cheering him on. The two tie up, ELP headlocks, but Oiwa wrenches free. ELP wrenches back to hammerlock, half nelson, spin and snapmare, then ghost pin! TWO, and the two back away. The fans applaud as the two reset, then tie up. Oiwa wrenches to wristlock but ELP uses the ropes to flip through. ELP wrenches back, but Oiwa rolls to wrench again. ELP rolls, trips Oiwa, then ties up the legs! ELP hooks Oiwa up, for the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! But Oiwa pops free to a cover, TWO!

The fans applaud the standoff, and the two take their time resetting. The fans duel as the two reset and tie up again. Oiwa headlocks, ELP powers up but can’t power out. ELP goes to the ropes, powers free this time, only for Oiwa to run him over! Oiwa runs to SENTON! Cover, TWO! Oiwa headlocks again but ELP endures the grind. ELP fights up and fires body shots. ELP powers up and out, then drops down to DROPKICK! Oiwa bails out while ELP kips up, and the fans fire up as ELP builds speed. But Oiwa catches ELP to a headlock! Only for ELP to POST Oiwa! Oiwa falls to the floor, and ELP PLANCHAS him back down!

The fans cheer as ELP stands, and then ELP points to the corner. ELP climbs, the fans rally, and they join in with “E! L! P!” ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes Oiwa and the fans fire up again! ELP pushes the Young Lions aside so he can stand, and he brings Oiwa back up. ELP puts Oiwa in the ring, then aims from the apron! Springboard SWANTON, then the LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives but ELP stays focused. The fans rally as ELP slashes his throat. ELP reels Oiwa in, tucks the arms, but Oiwa powers up and BACKDROPS free! The fans cheer as ELP sputters. ELP still gets up and runs up, but Oiwa arm-drags to the armlock!

ELP fights up, whips Oiwa to ropes, but Oiwa RUNS him over! Things keep moving, and Oiwa counters hip toss with HIP TOSS! Then another arm-drag, back to the armlock! Oiwa wrenches and whips ELP to a corner, but only to YANK the arm and DEATH ROLL! ELP clutches the arm but Oiwa vows to end it now! Oiwa clamps on for the ARC CLUTCH! But ELP has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Oiwa lets go. Oiwa then drags ELP up, puts him in a corner, and CHOPS! ELP staggers to another corner, Oiwa stalks him, and he winds up to CHOP again! Oiwa wraps the bad arm around ropes, pulls on it, but lets go as the ref counts 4.

Oiwa runs in, but ELP dodges! ELP GAMANGIRIS, then goes up to TORNADO DDT! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! ELP kips up and the fans cheer! ELP goes to the corner, tunes up, and he waits on Oiwa. Oiwa stands, into SUDDEN DEATH! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives but ELP is right on him! ELP tucks the arms, lifts, but Oiwa fights free! Oiwa wrenches the arm, YANKS it, but ELP ROCKS Oiwa! Oiwa UPPERCUTS ELP! ELP mule kicks! Oiwa spins, ELP blocks, but then Oiwa comes in with the DISCUS LARIAT! The fans rally up again and Oiwa nods. Oiwa rises, he brings ELP back up, and he gut wrenches! But ELP RANAS to a cover, TWO!!

Oiwa stands, sunset flips, then stacks! TWO, into a deadlift POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! ELP survives and the fans fire up! Oiwa rises again, and he powers up the arm. The fans duel again as Oiwa spins, but ELP ducks The Grip! ENZIGIRI! ELP goes to run, but Oiwa reels him in for a GERMAN SUPLEX! ELP is right up, and he reels Oiwa in for a GERMAN SUPLEX! But then Oiwa is up to O’Conner and CHAOS THEORY! The fans fire up as ELP rises again, he runs up on Oiwa, they collide, but Oiwa hurries to whip! And THE GRIP!! Cover, Oiwa wins!!

Winner: Ryohei Oiwa, by pinfall (advances to G1 Climax 36)

ELP tried, but once again fell short of the goal! How much harder must he fight to finally reach the top? As for Oiwa, he hurries to get the mic to say, “The G1 Climax is now complete with Ryohei Oiwa! I won the play-in to the tournament, I will go to the finals and be the big name of the summer! The G1 Climax is now within my grip!” The Mullet moves on, but will he have a mighty run at the trophy?

IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship: Shota Umino VS Gabe Kidd!

Just as the Roughneck finally had his moment, the Mad Man came outta nowhere to ruin it! Gabe has betrayed NJPW all to be All Elite, but will he also take this title? Or will Shota’s Second Chapter stay golden?

OH NO, Gabe SHOTGUNS the ref, Marty Asami! Then he gets up in President Tanahashi’s face! The fans boo but here comes Shota! They brawl and Shota KNEES low! Shota TOSSES Gabe out, throws his jacket off, then hurries to put his title belt and other entrance gear aside. Shota then storms after Gabe, eggs him on, and they start throwing hands! The fans rally for Shota as the shots go fast ‘n’ furious, but then Gabe sends Shota into the metal barriers! Gabe drags Shota up, they go into the orange seats, and through a row! The fans move aside as best they can as Shota hits back! Shota ROCKS Gabe, ROCKS him again, and again!

Shota and Gabe go up the narrow middle aisle, go to the iconic gap, and the fans rally up as the shots keep going! Shota gets the edge, but Gabe ROCKS him! Gabe gets in Shota’s face, eggs him on, then ROCKS him again! Shota DECKS Gabe in return! The fans cheer while Gabe sputters. Shota snarls, then stands Gabe up, but Gabe SMACKS Shota in return! Gabe then SMACKS Shota off the stairwell wall! The fans boo but Gabe soaks up the heat. Gabe finally takes off his sweatpants, but the ankle cuffs aren’t agreeing with his boots. Gabe finally gets free, then storms back over to Shota. Shota is busted open from hitting the edge of the solid wall!

Gabe says zoom in, and then he HAMMERS away on the bloody forehead! The fans boo but Gabe BITES Shota’s forehead! Gabe shoves Shota down, talks trash, then soaks up the heat. Gabe mocks the fans cheering Shota on, then he drags Shota up, just to CHOP him back down! Gabe sees Shota’s blood on his chest and just shrugs. Gabe CHOPS Shota, stalks him along the way, then ROCKS him! Shota staggers around, but he comes back to ROCK Gabe! Gabe eggs Shota on so Shota ROCKS him! Gabe eggs Shota on, telling him to protect NJPW from Gabe, the AEW wrestler! Shota ROCKS Gabe again, but Gabe ROCKS him right back!

Gabe shoves Shota along, then storms down the stands to intimidate fans. The fans boo but Gabe goes back to Shota. Finally, a new ref arrives so there can be order, and Gabe CHOPS Shota! Shota staggers along, but now Gabe goes up a few rows to snatch a fan’s towel! The fans boo but Gabe uses that Shota Umino merch to CHOKE Shota! Gabe mocks the fans, then soaks up the heat. Gabe goes back to Shota, drags him up and brings him along with a headlock. Gabe CHOPS Shota, and Shota tumbles down the steps! The fans rally for Shota, even as he tumbles all the way to ground level. Gabe drags Shota up again, just to DECK him!

Gabe snarls, then he drags Shota up. Gabe whips Shota into a POST! Shota tumbles, Gabe flexes, and the fans boo. Gabe taunts Tanahashi before he brings Shota into the ring. Gabe says just give him the belt already, but then he snatches it off the table! Gabe THROWS the belt away, then he SPITS on Tanahashi! The fans boo but Gabe says The Ace is gutless! Gabe goes to the ring, but Shota LARIATS! The fans fire up, and we finally get the bell to ring! The fans fire up as Shota runs, and he LARIATS Gabe again! Shota hauls Gabe up, SECOND- NO, Gabe fights free and bails out of the ring! Shota pursues, catches Gabe’s lariat, to then suplex and BRAINBUSTER on the floor!

The fans rally as Shota smiles through the crimson mask. Shota flops over but the fans still cheer him on. Shota and Gabe stir, and Shota sits back up. The ring count starts, Shota stands at 4 of 20, and he takes a moment to fire up! The fans are with him as he drags Gabe up and puts him in the ring. Gabe flounders but Shota stalks him to a corner. Shota ROCKS and CHOPS Gabe on repeat! But Gabe turns things around to fire SLAP after SLAP! Shota turns it around again to CHOP and ROCK! Gabe shouts, “C’MON, P*SSY!” so Shota DECKS him! The fans cheer, and Shota runs corner to corner, SHINING WIZARD!

Shota lets Gabe fall, then watches him crawl. Gabe sits up, into the STRIKE KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Gabe survives but Shota just brings him up and around. The fans rally as Shota reels Gabe in, scoops, and SECOND- NO, Gabe slips free to GERMASN SUPLEX! Then LARIAT! Gabe doesn’t stop, he hauls Shota up for a BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans fire up! Gabe seethes as he sits back up while the fans continue to cheer Shota on. Gabe drags Shota up, puts him in the corner, and then SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS! Gabe HAMMERS and stomps Shota down, the ref counts, and the fans boo. Gabe tells them all off!

Gabe CHOPS Shota on the back, so Shota UPPERCUTS Gabe down! The fans rally again, and Shota roars as he rises up! Shota storms over to Gabe, drags him up, but Gabe fires more palm strikes! So Shota fires them back! They go SLAP for SLAP, again and again, fast ‘n’ furious! Shota ROCKS Gabe with one, but Gabe just fires a flurry! Then he bobs ‘n’ weaves, SMACKS Shota, and again! And again! STRAIGHT RIGHT! The ref reprimands but Gabe stumbles away to the ropes. Gabe flips everyone off, but the fans boo and cheer Shota on again. Gabe stomps Shota, taunts him, then sits him up. “Is this your hero? This your boy? This your boy, Tanahashi? F YOU!”

Gabe stands Shota up, SPITS in his face, but Shota ROCKS Gabe! And ROCKS him again! Then SWATS the lariat! Gabe staggers, falls, and Shota goes to run, but the ref checks on Gabe. Gabe clutches his arm, the same arm that’s given him problems before, but Shota wants Gabe to bring the fight! Gabe is pissed, but then wait! IT’S A LIE! He LARIATS Shota down!! The fans boo, but then Gabe lifts Shota for a PILEDRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Shota survives and the fans fire up again! Gabe kicks Shota out of the ring, reels him in, and he stares Tanahashi right in the eye as he hits a PILEDRIVER on the floor! Then Gabe SPITS on Tanahashi!

Gabe puts Shota in the ring, drags him back up, and hooks a leg, LEG TRAP PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!? Shota survives and the fans are thunderous again! Gabe is frustrated but the fans are still cheering Shota on. Gabe drags Shota up, brings him around, and underhooks the arms. DEATH RIDER DRIVER!! Cover, GABE WINS!!!

Winner: Gabe Kidd, by pinfall (NEW IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion)

Shota tried, but he could not stop this Mad Man, this man full of hate and violence, from taking away the title! Tanahashi must reluctantly hand the belt over to Gabe, and Gabe just THROWS it down anyway! Gabe then tells Tanahashi to put the belt on him. Tanahashi reluctantly does as told, putting the belt around Gabe’s waist. Gabe then SLAPS Tanahashi down! And he throws the belt on the floor! The fans boo but Gabe just soaks up the heat. For the first time in wrestling history, a man owns a championship in a company he hates. Will nothing stop this Dog from doing whatever he wants?

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship: YOH VS Francesco Akira w/ The United Empire!

Yoh finally proved he was the Best of the Super Juniors, and he finally took this title off the false god that was Douki, only to have challengers come out the woodwork. A Fatal 4 Way was held, and when the smoke cleared, it was the Nova Fireball standing tall. Will Akira conquer the Junior Heavyweights for the United Empire? Or will Direct Drive still be in the driver’s seat?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly the Best of the Super Juniors!

The bell rings and the fans rally up for Yoh. Akira is annoyed already, but he does have his fans cheering him on out there. The two circle, Akira says that title will be his, and the two tie up. Akira goes for an arm, wrenches and wristlocks, but Yoh rolls, kips up, wrenches back and hammerlocks. Akira drops down, rolls, wrenches and hammerlocks in return. Akira then shifts to a headlock, hits the takeover, but Yoh headscissors. Akira kips free and the fans cheer the standoff. They circle again, tie up again, but Akira pulls hair! Red Shoes reprimands as Akira puts Yoh on the ropes. Yoh turns things around, but lets off slowly.

Yoh then winds up, fakes the chop, and then fakes it again! Akira says c’mon, stop it! Yoh CHOPS Akira for real! Akira storms up to headlock, but Yoh powers up and out. Akira RUNS Yoh over, SPITS on him, then runs. Yoh stays low, then sidesteps, drop toeholds, and runs to basement DROPKICK! Akira bails out, Yoh copies the “A! KI-RA!” rhythm, maybe for “Y! O H!” Yoh then aims and PLAN- NO, Akira trips Yoh up, drags him out, and SMACKS him off the apron! Akira slides in, aims, and PLANCHAS but onto a Young Lion! Akira is upset but Yoh kicks him low. Yoh checks on Tatsuya Matsumoto, then SMACKS Akira off the apron.

Yoh gets the clapping going again, then takes aim. PLANCHA but back onto Tatsuya! Akira uses the same trick, and he RAMS Yoh down! Akira says, “Baka ne!” The fans cheer that, and Akira brings Yoh around to CHOP! Akira then brings Yoh around with a headlock, and SMACKS him off the timekeeper’s table! Akira smiles at the title, picks it up, and takes aim at Yoh! Red Shoes reprimands, then he and Akira fight over the belt. Akira SHOVES Red Shoes down, but Yoh kicks Akira! Yoh POSTS Akira, then helps Tatsuya to his feet. But then he brings Tatsuya over to whip him into Akira! The fans applaud as Yoh raises Tatsuya’s hand in victory!

Yoh then stalks Akira, but the Empire is there. They stay back, and Akira SMACKS Yoh with a serving tray! It literally has Yoh’s name on it! Then Akira SMACKS Tatsuya with it! Akira mocks Yoh with the tray, then drums his head with it. The fans are torn but Akira brings Yoh up and reels him in. Snap suplex to the floor! Akira then goes looking under the ring, and he brings out a TABLE! The fans are again torn, but Akira sets that table up nearby. Red Shoes reprimands but Akira brings Yoh over. Akira drags Yoh up, reels him in, and lifts, but Yoh fights with fists! Yoh slips down, Akira CLUBS him, and then Akira RAMS Yoh into the apron!

Akira puts Yoh in the ring, kneels for the cover, but Red Shoes says no! Akira argues with Red Shoes, but Red Shoes says there were too many shenanigans on the outside. Akira storms over to Yoh for a CHOP! Akira whips Yoh corner to corner, but Yoh reverses. Yoh runs up, but Akira goes up and catches him into the TARANTULA! The fans cheer the Tajiri special, and Akira lets go of Yoh. Akira struts around like Tajiri, then he taunts Yoh. Yoh rises up to BODY SHOT! Yoh fires forearms, Akira fires back, and Akira DECKS Yoh! Akira then snapmares Yoh, steps over, and traps one arm in a hammerlock while he clamps on with a chinlock!

The fans rally for Yoh as he endures, and Yoh kicks his way around. Yoh almost gets his arms free, but then Akira has a dragon sleeper! Yoh still kicks his way to the ROPEBREAK! Akira lets go and looms over Yoh as he talks some trash. Akira stands Yoh up, CHOPS him, but Yoh eggs Akira on. Akira CHOPS again, but Yoh wants more. Akira CHOPS again and Yoh falls to his knees! Akira soaks up the cheers and jeers, then he talks more trash on Yoh. Yoh stands to ROCK Akira! Akira and Yoh go forearm for forearm, but then Akira throat chops! Akira whips but Yoh FLYING FOREARMS! The fans fire up while both men are down!

The fans rally as Yoh sits up, and he runs up to CLOBBER Akira! And CLOBBER him again! And turn for the NECKBREAKER! Akira flounders away but Yoh runs up. Yoh blocks a boot, then trips Akira! Yoh ties Akira up in Paradise! The fans cheer as Yoh then sits on Akira to mock Great-O-Khan’s throne! Khan gets on the apron but Red Shoes has him stay back. Yoh mocks Khan again, “HMPH!” Khan has no choice but to stand down as Yoh goes for a third, with a smug smile. Then Yoh runs to DROPKICK Akira out of Paradise! Cover, TWO! The fans rally but Khan tells Akira to kill Yoh for making fun of him!

Yoh looks to the table Akira set up, and he gets an idea. Yoh brings Akira up, reels him in, and calls his shot! Yoh suplexes, but Akira fights free! Akira runs up, but Yoh dumps him out! Akira tumbles to the apron, Yoh fires forearms, and Akira holds onto the ropes! Yoh runs, but Akira slingshots for the CUTTER! Akira then dragon sleepers for the FINAL CUT! Cover, TWO! Akira clamps right on for the roll and GROUND TARANTULA! Yoh scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Akira lets go. Akira brings Yoh up, reels him in for a facelock, but Yoh fights the lift. Yoh fires a body shot, then another.

Akira pie faces Yoh and eggs him on. Yoh fires a forearm, but Akira fires back! Yoh fires another, so Akira fires back! The fans rally as the forearms keep going, faster ‘n’ faster, then Akira fires a flurry! Akira runs, but Yoh UPPERCUTS! Yoh runs but Akira LARIATS at the ropes! Akira then feints the run to tabletop and DROPKICK! Akira runs, but into a scoop! FALCON GOROSHI! And then the ANACONDA VICE! Akira endures, fights around, but Yoh swings him through to suplex and FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Akira survives and the fans applaud. Yoh shakes out his arms while we pass 15 minutes on this one hour time limit.

Yoh goes to ropes, drags himself up, and he tunes up! The fans rally behind him, but Akira drops back down! Yoh is annoyed, but he brings Akira up. Akira rolls Yoh up, with tights! TWO, but Akira victory rolls to STOMP 182! Yoh writhes while Akira goes to ropes. Akira drags himself to a corner, he takes aim, but Yoh ducks the Fireball! Yoh waistlocks, Akira elbows free, but Yoh ROCKS Akira! Akira BOOTS Yoh! Yoh ROLLING ELBOWS! Akira ENZIGIRIS! Yoh rewinds, I’LL BE BACK SUPERKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down. The fans rally as Yoh pushes Akira to the apron, near the table…

The Empire protests but Akira is the one who brought the table out. Yoh drags Akira up, reels him in, and the Empire tries to warn Akira. Akira fights the suplex, then fireman’s carries! Yoh fights free with elbows, but Akira fires a forearm! Yoh fires back! They brawl on the edge while the fans rally up again. Akira ROCKS Yoh, POSTS him, then gets under him! Akira brings Yoh over, POWERBOMB onto the table! It mostly breaks, but it doesn’t fall! Red Shoes hurries to check Yoh while The Empire checks on Akira. Yoh has a bloody cut on his back now, but he seems otherwise able to continue. Akira rolls into the ring and a ring count starts.

The fans rally for Yoh while he’s still down. The count is 10 of 20, then 12! Yoh stirs at 13, crawls around at 14, but is still down at 15! Yoh reaches up at 17, rises at 18, and LUNGES in at 19! But Akira LIONSAULTS onto Yoh! Then he reels Yoh in for a POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! But Akira reels Yoh back in, SPEEDFIRE! Cover, TWO!! Yoh survives and the fans are thunderous! Akira is stunned, but he refocuses and drags Yoh back up. Akira reels Yoh in, hooks a leg, and- NO, Yoh fights the lift! The fans rally as the two fight for control, and Akira lets go to KNEE down low! Akira grins while Yoh sputters on the mat.

Akira tells Yoh he’s gonna finish this! But Yoh anchors a foot to keep Akira from running ropes. Akira ROCKS Yoh, goes to run again, but Yoh again anchors a leg! Akira is annoyed, and he sits Yoh up to ROCK him again! But again, Yoh anchors a foot! Yoh eggs Akira on, again saying he’s not even using full power! Akira DRIBBLES Yoh off the mat! Akira taunts the fans even, then he runs the ropes, but Yoh springs up and waistlocks! O’Conner Roll, FIVE STAR- NO, Akira slips free! But runs into a SNAP DRAGON! Akira is up, but Yoh LARIATS!! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! Akira stirs but Yoh roars as he rises up.

Yoh brings Akira up and suplexes, FALCON GOROSHI again! Cover, TWO! Akira is tougher than that, but Yoh just fires up again. The fans rally as Yoh stands back up. Yoh slashes his throat, vowing to end this. Yoh underhooks, but Akira fights the lift! Akira wrenches but Yoh full nelsons! Akira reaches out for ropes, but Yoh spins him around! DIRECT- NO, Akira fights the lift, fireman’s carry takeover, GROUND TARANTULA!! Yoh kicks and flails while the fans rally as hard as they can! But Yoh is still so far away! Akira bends the arms, but Yoh refuses to let this stop him! Yoh kicks, and kicks, and kicks, but Akira puts on more pressure!

Red Shoes checks with Yoh, but he still has fight in him! Yoh shifts around, slips his arm free, and he has a ghost pin! TWO!! Akira gets free, goes to a corner, and Yoh runs up! Akira dodges, backslides, but roll through! FIREBALL!! Cover, TWO!! Yoh survives, but Akira reloads! NOVA FIREBALL!! Cover, TWO?!?! Yoh survives and Akira is shocked! The fans are electric as we pass 25 minutes, and Akira roars! Akira brings Yoh up, vows to end it now, and he hooks a leg! CROWN- NO, Yoh tries to cradle counter, but Akira stops the counter! Akira suplexes through, but Yoh slips free! Ripcord and- NO, Akira blocks the knee!

Akira swings, but into a clinch! Akira throws Yoh away, but Yoh ducks the Buzzsaw! Ripcord and JUMP KNEE! Then STANDING ANACONDA VICE!! Akira endures, reaches out, but Yoh keeps him from the ropes! Yoh hits the ANACONDA STO! Then ANACONDA VICE!! But Akira makes it a cradle! TWO, and they roll through! DIRECT DRIVE!!! Cover, YOH WINS!!

Winner: Yoh, by pinfall (still IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)

Akira burned bright tonight, but he could not take the crown! How much harder must he fight to become the best?

As for Yoh, he grabs the mic, and he rests on the mat as he says, “Oi, Akira. It feels like you were only at 99% today. You need to be 100% if you wanna beat me.” Yoh then holds up the title as he says, “Me and this belt, how far are we gonna go together? I’ve already decided. And you (belt) know it, as well. We’re gonna light it up together!” The fans cheer that. The 100th IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion continues to roll on, what more history will he make from here on out?

My Thoughts:

A great finale to the Road to G1 Climax, and we even got some good build going into Tiger Mask’s final event. A little surprised he lost his last tag match, and that it was a Triple Threat in the first place, but in a roundabout way, that is also part of tradition. With that, I’m not sure if Tiger Mask is losing both of his final matches, or if he’s going 1-1 where he can get one last win before his true, final match. Great G1 qualifiers tonight, and I figured Oskar would find a way. Naturally, Yuto had Oskar’s back, and needing only Yuto shows the power level of the Knock Out Brothers. I was a little surprised it was Oiwa over ELP, but I wonder if ELP’s time in NJPW is coming to an end, with him going to AEW as literally just “ELP.”

Another surprise would have to be Gabe Kidd winning the Global title off Shota. Great showing for Shota, including getting busted open, but I wonder where we go from here with Gabe as Global Heavyweight Champion again. Will he come up with his own design for the belt since he literally left the current one behind? It’s a white strap right now, does he make it a black strap with a grittier looking face plate? And then great main event from Yoh VS Akira, including getting Tatsuya Matsumoto in on it as a human weapon. But I had a feeling that the 100th champion of this belt’s history would not lose it so soon. Yoh probably goes all the way to WrestleKingdom 21, and even then he might make it through that.

My Score: 8.8/10

Who wins there way into the Climax?

Before the G1 Climax can heat up the summer, NJPW holds “play-in” matches to fill the blocks! Tonight: Yoshi-Hashi VS Aaron Wolf, Taichi VS Yuto-Ice!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: Yuya Uemura, El Desperado & Masatora Yasuda VS Togi Makabe, Toru Yano & Taisei Nakahara; Yuya, Desperado & Yasuda win.
• 8 Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, YOH, Ryusuke Taguchi & Tatsuya Matsumoto VS The United Empire; The Empire wins.
• Shota Umino & Satoshi Kojima VS Ryohei Oiwa & Hartley Jackson; Shota & Kojima win.
• 8 Man Tag: The Unbound Company VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Kosei Fujita VS Master Wato VS SHO VS Francesco Akira; Akira wins and will challenge for the title.
• G1 Climax 36 B Block Qualifier: YOSHI-HASHI VS Aaron Wolf; Wolf wins and advances.
• G1 Climax 36 A Block Qualifier: Yuto-Ice VS Taichi; Yuto wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Kosei Fujita VS Master Wato VS SHO VS Francesco Akira!

The moment Yoh won the title off Douki, challengers came out the woodwork! The Japanese Young Punk wants his rematch from Best of the Super Juniors, but so does the Way to the Grandmaster. The Murder Machine wants to stick it to his former friend, and The Crown of Fire wants a belt of gold! Whose hunger and determination sees them through this “Yoh Game?”

As such, Yoh is on commentary, right as Sho grabs a mic because he insists on talking. Sho tells all these “country hicks” that he’s stuck facing the Osakan hick (Wato), the Italian hick (Akira), or the Ehime SUPER hick (Fujita), all because Yoh insists on putting him in this stupid situation for an opportunity he deserves! Sho is going to do whatever he wants however he wants, and he’ll beat them all up! But then Akira trips Sho, drags him out of the ring, and throws him into railing! The fans cheer, the bell rings, and Akira interrupts the trash talk between Fujita and Wato by attacking them! Akira runs, but into DOUBLE KICKS!

The fans rally as Wato and Fujita talk more trash, then fire forearms! They go back and forth while the fans rally up more! Wato gets the edge, but Fujita winds up to CHOP! Fujita runs, but Sho trips him up! Wato BOOTS Sho down, then Wato builds speed. But Fujita GAMANGIRIS Wato! The fans fire up again while Fujita grins. Fujita brings Wato up, cravats, and snapmares to KICK him in the back! Kneeling cover, TWO! Wato’s tougher than that, but Fujita stands him up to CHOP again! Fujita whips Wato corner to corner, Wato reverses, but then Fujita puts Wato on the apron. Wato blocks a shot, ROCKS Fujita, but then Sho YANKS Wato down!

The fans boo, but then Akira CLOBBERS Fujita! Sho steps into the ring, Akira says, “Gomenasai,” and he suggests they gang up on Fujita. Sho agrees and they both stomp away! Wato gets up but Sho and Akira BLAST him back down! Then they agree to go after Wato! They double whip Wato hard into railing! Wato slumps down, Akira high-fives Sho and Sho puts up the crown! Akira “smokes the cigar!” Sho and Akira return to the ring, shake hands, and the fans are torn. Akira says this is real collaboration! Akira and Sho then double whip Fujita, DOUBLE ELBOW him, but Sho covers! Akira breaks it! The fans laugh as Sho apologizes.

Akira says look out for Wato! Sho turns around, Akira covers Fujita, but then Sho breaks it up! Sho is upset with Akira now but Akira apologizes. Akira “smokes the cigar,” so Sho high-fives him again. Akira turns Fujita over for a HALF CRAB, then Sho grabs the other leg, DOUBLE HALF CRAB! But then they argue over who gets credit for the submission! The fans rally as Fujita endures, fights around, and reaches out! ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Sho and Akira let go, but then Sho gets both legs! Akira tells Sho no, they break! Akira and Sho argue, but Wato DOUBLE BULLDOGS them! The fans fire up as Wato mocks Akira.

Wato then brings Sho up for a flurry of forearms. Wato whips, Sho reverses, but Wato CLOBBERS Sho! The fans cheer and Wato runs corner to corner to ELBOW Sho again! Then he hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Sho toughs it out but the fans rally with Wato. Wato drags Sho up, wrenches and clinches, but Sho fights the lift. Akira returns to BOOT Wato down! Sho KNEES Akira, Fujita CHOPS Sho! Wato CHOPS Fujita, then CHOPS again! Wato whips Fujita but Fujita reverses, only for Wato to FLY out onto Sho and Akira! The fans fire up, and then Fujita goes to the apron. Wato stands Akira and Sho up, Fujita springboards to CANNONBALL onto them!

The fans fire up for Fujita as he and Wato now stare down. They talk a little smack, then they get in the ring. The fans rally as Fujita eggs Wato on. Wato fires a forearm, Fujita fire back, and the fans rally as the shots keep going! Wato fires a flurry, ROCKS Fujita, but Fujita rebounds to CHOP! Wato rebounds, Fujita slips around, and GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up while Fujita vows to end it. Fujita brings Wato up, reels him in, and hooks a leg. Fujita fisherman’s Wato into the torture rack, but Wato slips free! Wato waistlocks, Fujita fights with elbows! Wato ducks one, scoops Fujita, and T T D! Cover, TWO!!

The fans cheer as Fujita survives, and Wato fires up as he points to the corner. Wato goes up, but Sho ROCKS him first! Sho climbs up after Wato, but Akira YANKS Sho down! Akira says HE’S getting Wato! Sho climbs up again, so they work together, only for Fujita to get under them all! TOWER OF DOOM!! The fans fire up while Fujita covers Akira. TWO, so Fujita covers Sho! TWO, so Fujita covers Wato, TWO! But then Fujita clamps onto Wato for his Clarky Cat Remix! Wato endures, even as Fujita pulls the arm back! But Akira CLOBBERS Fujita! The fans rally as all four men are down. All four crawl to center, watching each other.

They all sit up, and Fujita ROCKS Wato! Akira ROCKS Sho! Wato ROCKS Fujita, Fujita hits back! Fujita hits Akira, Wato hits Sho, so they hit back! The forearms keep going as the four men stand up, and the fans rally. Sho stomps Wato’s foot, ROCKS him again, then again! Akira CLUBS Fujita, then he and Sho argue about who’s getting that title. Akira ROCKS Sho, so Sho ROCKS Akira! They throw shots back and forth, Akira fires a flurry, but Sho CLAWS Akira’s eyes! Fujita and Wato step in, but Akira CLAWS Fujita’s eyes while Sho CLAWS Wato’s eyes! Akira and Sho run, but Wato dodges while Fujita snatches Akira!

Wato sunset flips but then shifts through, VENDEVAL! Fujita has Akira in CLARKY CAT! The fans rally for the dueling submissions! Sho and Akira endure, but then Fujita decides to let Akira go so he can step over Wato and SLAP him! That breaks the hold, and Fujita grins as he eggs Wato on. Wato stands back up and ROCKS Fujita! Fujita SLAPS, Wato SLAPS, it is a SLAP fight! They throw palm strikes fast ‘n’ furious as the fans fire up! Both men wobble, but then Wato SMACKS Fujita down! And he winds up, DREAMCAST- SMACK from Fujita! Fujita then whips Wato, pops him up to the waistlock, but Wato resists the lift!

Akira runs up, Wato slips free, the CALF KICK hits Fujita! Wato runs back up to SLINGBLADE! But Sho SPEARS Wato! Sho roars, reels Wato in and tucks the arms, STRAITJACKET PILEDRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!? Wato survives and the fans are thunderous! But Sho wants to make sure Yoh is watching this! Sho drags Wato up and aims his bow right at Yoh! Sho tucks the arms, SHOCK- NO, Wato fights free, wrenches, and RECI- NO, Sho fights the lift, bends fingers, then fires boxing elbows! Sho runs, but Wato slips through, crucifix takedown into RECIENTEMENTE!! Cover, NOVA FIREBALL!! Cover, but Fujita deadlifts Akira! GERMAN SUPLEX and the bridge! TWO?!?

The fans are thunderous as all four men are down! Fujita brings Akira up, suplexes, but Akira fights that to wrench free. Akira ducks the chop, but Fujita ducks the Poison-Rana! But then Akira ducks to SNAP HALF ‘N’ HALF! But Fujita is back up to SNAP GERMAN! But Akira is back up! Akira runs in, Fujita slips around to waistlock, but Wato runs up! Akira ducks, the LARIAT hits Fujita! Akira ENZIGIRIS Wato! Akira roars, runs, but into a LARIAT from Wato!! The fans are thunderous again and Yoh cheers Wato on as he waistlocks Akira! TSUTENKAKU!! Bridging cover, but Sho YANKS the ref out!

The fans boo, but now DOUKI rushes out here! Douki stomps away on Wato, Sho joins in, but Yoh gets off commentary! BLACK MIRROR on Yoh!! Sho & Douki get Wato up while the fans boo! Sho winds up, but Fujita snatches the mirror! Fujita SMACKS Sho with it! And then he winds up to SMACK Wato! Douki likes that, at least. But then Fujita SMACKS Douki! Duh! Akira returns, Fujita kicks him first! Fujita winds up, but Akira LOW BLOWS Fujita! Akira takes the mirror and grins as he winds up. Akira SMACKS Fujita with the mirror! Akira calls for the ref, then goes over to help him back into the ring.

Akira vows to end this, and he brings Wato up. Akira hooks a leg, CROWN- NO, Wato cradle counters! TWO!! Akira blocks a kick, then FIREBALL to the face!! Cover, TWO?!?! Wato survives and the fans are thunderous again! Akira is furious but he winds up to BUZZSAW! Wato sputters, Akira brings him up, CROWN FALL!! Cover, AKIRA WINS!

Winner: Francesco Akira, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship)

The odds have been defied, the smoke has cleared, and it is the Crown of Fire burning bright! Akira grabs the mic to speak, but Yoh is still out cold on the floor. Akira tells the Young Lions to get Yoh into the ring for him. Yoh is helped into the ring, icepack on his head. Akira tells Yoh that they’ve still got two matches to go tonight. Akira says he has won the Yoh Game, so what’s he gotta say about that? Akira gives Yoh the mic, and Yoh is helped to his feet. Yoh manages to say, “Akira… Congratulations… As the 100th IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, I accept your challenge. And I will crush you. Akira, gimme 100% of what you’ve got.”

Akira is pissed and he fires off on Yoh! Akira THROWS the Young Lions out, then grabs the belt! BELT SHOT! Akira takes the mic back to say Yoh should be grateful. He tells Yoh he will speak in Japanese for his benefit as he says that Yoh finally made it to the top of the mountain, but his time is already up! The fans cheer but Akira tells them to shut up! Akira vows to take everything from Yoh, and he will make Yoh and all his fans feel the peak of despair. Akira holds up the belt as he stands on Yoh. Will he conquer the Junior Heavyweight Division for The United Empire? Or will Yoh prove he’s the Best of the Super Juniors for a reason?

G1 Climax 36 B Block Qualifier: YOSHI-HASHI VS Aaron Wolf!

The Road to G1 truly begins as the Headhunter and Olympian battle for a spot in the tournament! Will Hashi #TurnItAllAround and head for the Climax? Or will the NEW NEVER Openweight Champion be on the hunt for more gold?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. The two circle, feel things out, then Wolf wrenches. Hashi wrenches but Wolf easily sweeps the leg. Hashi scrambles to ropes, and the two reset. They circle again, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Wolf powers Hashi to the ropes, the ref counts, and Wolf lets go. But Hashi turns things around! The ref counts the break again, Hashi pats Wolf on the shoulder, and the fans applaud. But then Hashi CHOPS! And kicks low! Hashi headlocks but Wolf powers up, only for Hashi to hold on tight. Wolf fires body shots, powers up again to lift Hashi, but Hashi still holds on. Wolf powers out this time, and they RAM shoulders!

Wolf rebounds, but Hashi CHOPS! The fans fire up while Wolf is stinging. Hashi whips but Wolf reverses to SAYANAGI! Wolf then ELBOW DROPS, covers, TWO! Wolf clamps on with the TRIANGLE HOLD! Hashi scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Wolf lets go. Wolf is still stinging but he stalks Hashi to a corner. Wolf stands Hashi up, fires forearm after forearm, but the ref counts. Wolf stops, then drags Hashi back to his feet. Wolf whips Hashi corner to corner, but Hashi reverses! Hashi then runs in, but he slides under Wolf’s boot! Hashi then trips Wolf, yanks him into the corner, and he SLAMS Wolf’s leg against the post!

The fans fire up as Wolf slumps to the floor. The ref checks on Wolf while he clutches the knee, but he’s able to continue. Hashi brings Wolf up and the ref wants this back in the ring. But Hashi takes the leg, puts it over the railing, and then through the gap! The fans rally up as Hashi runs in, and he DROPKICKS the railing to jam up that leg! Wolf falls over, the ref reprimands Hashi, but Hashi simply walks over and brings Wolf up. Hashi puts Wolf in the ring and the fans applaud. Hashi grabs the bad leg, stomps it, then stomps it again. Hashi turns Wolf over and SMASHES the knee off the mat! Wolf flounders but the fans applaud.

Hashi slowly sits Wolf up, and CHOPS him! And CHOPS again! Wolf is stinging but he isn’t backing down, so Hashi stands him up. Wolf CHOPS in return! The fans cheer as Wolf CHOPS again! Hashi CHOPS again! And again! But Wolf RUNS Hashi over! The fans fire up with Wolf, but his chest is turning red. Wolf whips Hashi to ropes, but Hashi DROPKICKS the leg out! Hashi hurries to clamp on with a HEEL HOOK! Wolf scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer, Hashi lets go, and he backs away while Wolf clutches the knee. Hashi stomps the leg, then stands Wolf up. Wolf fires a flurry of forearms, but Hashi CHOPS! And DOUBLE CHOPS!

Hashi runs, but Wolf catches him for a SNAP POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while both men are down! Hashi crawls to ropes while the fans cheer him on! Hashi rises, Wolf is in the opposite corner, and he slaps his leg into working. Wolf runs up to LARIAT Hashi! Wolf reels Hashi in, snap suplexes, then runs the ropes for an ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer again while Wolf shakes out the bad leg. Wolf scoops Hashi, SLAMS him, then shouts, “IKUZO~!” Wolf goes up the corner while the fans rally up, and HIGH WOLF FLOP! Hashi avoids the splash and now Wolf’s leg hurts more! Wolf clutches the knee while Hashi goes to the corner.

The fans rally and duel while Hashi lines up a shot. Hashi runs in, and he DROPKICKS the bad leg! Hashi steps through, but Wolf cradle counters! TWO!! Hashi escapes, runs up, but Wolf avoids the dropkick! STANDING SPLASH! But Wolf can’t keep the cover from the pain in his leg! Wolf slaps the leg into working, then he drags Hashi up. Wolf clinches for a short BELLY2BELLY! Wolf hurries up the corner, and he aims again! HIGH WOLF FLOW!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Hashi survives, but then Wolf bum-rushes him into the reverse crossface! And then he pushes to a cover, ONE, but Wolf floats around!

Wolf smothers Hashi into the KATAGATAME!! The fans rally harder and harder as Hashi endures, but Wolf rolls him away from the ropes! Hashi is caught in a TOP WRISTLOCK KATAGATAME! Hashi kicks, kicks, but Wolf pulls on the hold! Hashi keeps fighting, keeps kicking, keeps crawling, but Wolf PULLS! Hashi is fading! The hand drops once! The hand drops twice! But then Hashi lurches to the ROPEBREAK! Wolf lets go in frustration, but the fans continue to cheer Hashi on. Wolf drags Hashi up, dares him to fight, and the fans rally even harder now. Hashi manages to stand, and he fires a forearm!

Wolf shakes his head, and ROCKS Hashi! Hashi sits down but Wolf keeps him up by holding onto his arm. Hashi stands again, so Wolf torture racks! But Hashi slips free, spins Wolf, and pump handles for the GOAL CRADLE! TWO!! Wolf escapes, both men hurry to their feet, and both men roar! They run up to DOUBLE LARIAT! Hashi staggers away to the ropes while Wolf stays standing! The fans are thunderous as Hashi rises again. Hashi roars, runs up, but Wolf LARIATS him down!! Wolf drags Hashi up, wrenches, and fireman’s carries! But Hashi makes it a REVERSE DDT! The fans fire up while both men are down!

The fans rally as Hashi stirs. Hashi brings Wolf up, he fires up, and the fans are with him! Hashi reels Wolf in, hooks a leg, but Wolf fights the lift! Wolf wrenches, but Hashi ROCKS Wolf! Hashi roars, runs, and LARIATS! Wolf rebounds, but into a SUPERKICK! Hashi brings Wolf back in, hooks the leg, and KUMAGOROSHI! Hashi brings Wolf around to the cover, TWO!! Wolf survives, but is in the KNEEBAR!! Wolf endures as Hashi bends the leg! The fans rally as Wolf kicks and stomps at Hashi, but Hashi just puts on the pressure! Wolf claws his way over, drags Hashi along, and they roll towards ropes! Only for Hashi to roll it away!

Wolf sits up, claws at Hashi, but Hashi HEEL HOOKS on top of the kneebar! Wolf endures, reaches out, but Hashi puts on the pressure! The fans rally harder and harder as Wolf drags Hashi along with him! Wolf fights forward, but Hashi puts as much as he can into the kneebar! Wolf still makes the ROPEBREAK!! The fans are thunderous as Hashi lets go. Hashi drags Wolf from the ropes, to GROUND DRAGON SCREW! Hashi then goes to the corner and fires up again! The fans are with Hashi as he climbs, SWANTON BOMB!! Cover, TWO?!?! Wolf survives and Hashi cannot believe it! But the fans are electric as Hashi rises again!

Hashi brings Wolf around, full nelsons, then pump handles, but Wolf fights with elbow after elbow! Hashi still tries but Wolf still fights! Wolf is free of Karma and both men stagger to corners. Hashi and Wolf run in again, but Hashi DROPKICKS the leg! Then SUPERKICKS! Hashi runs again, LARIAT!! Cover, TWO?!!? Wolf survives again and the fans are thunderous! Hashi hurries to haul Wolf up, full nelson, and- SAYANAGI!! Then the REVERSE TRIANGLE HOLD!! Wolf HAMMERS Hashi at the same time, SQUEEZES with the legs, then rolls Hashi away from the ropes! Hashi reaches out, but Wolf grabs the free arm! Wolf PULLS, Hashi QUITS! WOLF WINS!!

Winner: Aaron Wolf, by submission (advances to the G1 Climax)

We may be on the Road to G1, but this felt like a G1 match in itself! Wolf never gave up, and he shows respect to Yoshi-Hashi. Will Wolf be sure to carry the #GetBackUp spirit all the way through the tournament?

G1 Climax 36 A Block Qualifier: Yuto-Ice VS Taichi!

While the Knock Out Brothers lost their IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships, there is still an opportunity to bounce back. But the same goes for the Holy Emperor, who has been fighting against the progression of time to show he’s still got it! But who will have their ticket to the tournament?

The bell rings and the fans are dueling already. It’s hard to tell if “TAICHI! TAICHI!” or “AISU! AISU!” is stronger, but Yuto says yeah, let’s get high! The two circle, then Yuto steps to Taichi. Yuto pulls Taichi’s hair, Taichi pulls Yuto’s hair, and Red Shoes reprimands them both. Yuto fires a forearm, then eggs Taichi on, so Taichi fires a ridge hand. Yuto fires another forearm, so Taichi fires another ridge hand! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Yuto ROCKS Taichi, but he shakes that off to KICK Yuto’s leg! Yuto KICKS Taichi’s leg in return! The fans applaud while Taichi shakes that off.

Taichi KICKS Yuto, Yuto walks it off, and he KICKS again! The fans rally as the two KICK back and forth, faster and faster, harder and harder! Taichi KICKS, KICKS, KICKS, but then Yuto kicks low and snapmares Taichi for a KICK to the back! Taichi just stands right up! The fans cheer, and Yuto storms up. Taichi kicks low, snapmares, and KICKS Yuto in the back! Yuto stands right up and the fans cheer again. Yuto storms up Taichi kicks Yuto first! Taichi then fires Kawada Kicks! Yuto BODY BLOWS in return, then fires his own Kawada Kicks! Taichi just stands back up to get in Yuto’s face. Yuto BODY BLOWS, KNEES low, then BOOTS Taichi to a corner!

Yuto stomps Taichi down but Red Shoes counts. Yuto digs his knee in, taunts Taichi, but stops as Red Shoes counts 4. Yuto gets upset with Red Shoes but Red Shoes warns him. Yuto goes to the opposite corner, and the fans cheer as he gets gangsta. “BOMBACLAT!” Yuto runs up, but Taichi ROUNDHOUSES Yuto down! Yuto writhes while clutching that side of his face! Taichi storms up but Yuto bails out. Red Shoes checks on Yuto but he seems alright to continue. Taichi CLUBS Yuto, then whips him hard into railing, right in front of Japanese commentary! Taichi then brings Yuto around, whips him into more railing, and Yuto slumps down!

The fans rally, Taichi opens the gate, and he kicks Yuto through. Taichi brings Yuto up and KNEES him low! The fans get ready to move aside, and Taichi brings Yuto up into the orange seats! The fans cheer as Taichi brings Yuto to the aisle, snapmares him down, and KICKS him in the back! Taichi then stands Yuto up, but Yuto fires hands! Yuto ROCKS Taichi, but Taichi RIDGE HANDS Yuto! Taichi brings Yuto around, reels him in, but Yuto fights the saido! Yuto fires body shots and a knee, to then KICK Taichi down! And he KICKS Taichi in the chest! Taichi tumbles down a couple steps while the fans duel again.

Yuto follows Taichi down while the ring count finally begins. Yuto drags Taichi up with a headlock and they return to ground level at 8 of 20. Yuto POSTS Taichi at 12, then takes a moment before putting Taichi in at 17. The fans applaud as Yuto then steps in and stalks Taichi to a corner. Yuto stomps away on Taichi, rains down some forearms, and it’s time to get gangsta again. “BOMBACLAT!” RUNNING KNEE! Direct hit this time, and Yuto drags Taichi to a cover, ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud as Taichi survives by fingertips. Yuto drags Taichi up, but Taichi RIDGE HANDS! And RIDGE HANDS! And KICKS the leg! Yuto DECKS Taichi, then BUZZSAWS!

The fans fire up again, Yuto covers, TWO!! Taichi survives again, but Yuto drags him up. Taichi is a ragdoll so Yuto has Red Shoes check. The fans rally as Taichi slowly sits up on his own, but Yuto stomps him around. The fans rally for Taichi more, and Yuto eggs Taichi on. Yuto SLAPS Taichi, then BUZZ- NO, Taichi blocks! Taichi THROWS Yuto down, then storms up to him. Yuto fires a forearm, Taichi gets in Yuto’s face, so Yuto fires more forearms. Taichi BOOTS Yuto down! The fans fire up as Yuto tumbles to the corner. Taichi storms up to Yuto again, Yuto fires more forearms, but Taichi eggs him on! Yuto fires shots but Taichi leans into them!

Taichi corners Yuto like that, a very Tomohiro Ishii tactic. Yuto fires more shots, but Taichi does not budge! Then Taichi DECKS Yuto! The fans fire up as Taichi does indeed bring the fighting spirit of the Stone Pitbull with him! Taichi storms back up to Yuto, stands him up, and SPINNING RIDGE HANDS! And SPINNING RIDGE HANDS! And SPINNING RIDGE HANDS again! The fans fire up as Taichi drags Yuto out of the corner. Taichi kicks Yuto around, eggs him on, then KICKS him in the chest! The fans cheer while Yuto sputters, but Yuto eggs Taichi on now. Taichi KICKS Yuto in the chest, then KICKS Yuto in the back! Yuto just stands up!

The fans fire up as Taichi now eggs Yuto on. Yuto KICKS Taichi in the chest, but Taichi walks it off. Yuto eggs Taichi on, so Taichi KICKS Yuto in the chest! The fans cheer again as Yuto walks it off. Yuto KICKS Taichi, Taichi walks it off, and he comes back to KICK! Yuto staggers but Taichi eggs him on. Yuto winds up to KICK! Taichi takes a breath, then KICKS! Yuto sputters, but he comes back to KICK! The fans rally as Taichi winds up, but then he winces! Yuto gloats a bit, then stands Taichi up to KICK! But then Taichi ducks the roundhouse to ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up while both men are down! Taichi roars as he rises, and the fans rally up.

Taichi goes to a corner, and THE PANTS COME OFF! Taichi aims as Yuto rises, TENSHO- NO, Yuto dodges! Yuto then swings, but Taichi slips around to clinch! But Yuto stops the saido with a short arm LARIAT! But Taichi rises up, only for Yuto to ROUNDHOUSE Taichi down! The fans fire up with Yuto as he runs, ICE HIGH! Cover, TWO!! Taichi survives, but Yuto aims from a corner! Yuto runs up, but Taichi dodges Cruella! But Yuto dodges the sliding lariat! They both stand, Taichi BOOTS Yuto’s lariat away! But Yuto blocks the Ax Bomber! The RIDGE HAND hits, then Taichi slips around, DANGEROUS SAIDO!! Yuto gets folded up!!

The fans are thunderous again as Taichi rises, and he stands Yuto up. But Yuto ducks the Ax Bomber to fire palm strikes! Taichi ROCKS Yuto, Yuto SMACKS Taichi! Then AMBITION! The fans fire up but Red Shoes reprimands about the closed fist! Yuto still aims, runs up, and CRU- YOKOZUNA ELBOW!! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Taichi goes to a corner, he headbutts the buckles, and again powers up like Ishii would! Taichi runs the ropes, AX BOMBER!! The fans fire up with Taichi while he paces around. Taichi drags Yuto up, and calls his shot! But Yuto fights the suplex to suplex and GOURD BUSTER! Then BUZZSAW!

Yuto staggers over to a corner, but he still takes aim, BLINDSIDE CRUELLA!! Cover, ONE?!?!? Yuto doesn’t question it, he just swings! But Taichi catches him for the BRAINBUSTER!! The fans are thunderous again while both men are down! Red Shoes goes with a standing count while the fans rally up. Both men are down at 5 of 10, but they are stirring. They’re still down at 7, but then sit up at 8! They both have Red Shoes stop the count, and the fans applaud. Yuto and Taichi go to ropes, stand up, and they hobble up. Taichi BOOTS Yuto, but Yuto stays on his feet. Yuto BOOTS Taichi, but Taichi stays up.

Taichi BOOTS Yuto again, Yuto stumbles to the ropes, but Taichi eggs him on. Yuto BOOTS Taichi again, but Taichi comes back to BOOT Yuto! The fans rally and duel as Yuto shakes it off. Yuto BOOTS Taichi, Taichi BOOTS Yuto, and both men fire up! Yuto runs up, but his neck bothers him! Taichi looms over Yuto, Yuto drags himself up, and Taichi BUZZSAWS! Cover, ONE!?!?! Yuto staggers, into a ROLLING ELBOW! Taichi roars, winds up, and SHORT ARM AX BOMBERS! But Taichi isn’t done, he fires up with an “OSU!” DANGEROUS SAIDO DRIVER!! Bridging cover, TWO!?!?!? How is Yuto still in this after landing so hard on his head and neck?!?

The fans rally as hard as they have all night, and Taichi roars! Taichi brings Yuto up, reels him in, and Alabama Lifts! But Yuto fights it off! Now Taichi fights off the lift, CLUBS away on Taichi’s back, and BITES Taichi’s side!? Then he KNEES Taichi, reels him back in, and lifts him to put on the corner. Yuto fires forearms into Taichi’s back! Yuto then runs up, ONE MAN KOB!! Cover, TWO?!?!?! Taichi survives again but Yuto hobbles around to a corner. Yuto runs up, but Taichi Alabama Lifts! Yuto sunset flips but Taichi sits on the cover! TWO!! ICE HIGH!! Cover, TWO!!! Taichi survives again but Yuto just fires back up!

Yuto goes to another corner, takes aim again, and he waits on Taichi. Taichi sits up, CRU- NO! Taichi blocks the kick, and SLIDING AX BOMBERS!! Cover, TWO!! Yuto stands, but into the GAMANGIRI!! Yuto staggers to the ropes, then the corner! Yuto stumbles about as he heads for Taichi, but then Taichi copies AMBITION!! The fans are thunderous as Taichi aims, TENSHO- NO!! Yuto BLOCKS it! Yuto pushes the foot down, then HEADBUTTS away on Taichi! Taichi HEADBUTTS in return! Yuto HEADBUTTS Taichi right in the forehead!! Then he DECKS Taichi with a forearm! Yuto goes to a corner, takes aim, and the fans rally harder than ever before!

Yuto runs up, CRUELLA!! Cover, YUTO WINS!

Winner: Yuto-Ice, by pinfall (advances to the G1 Climax)

Taichi has just been put on ice! He falls short of making the G1 this year, must he accept that his time is behind him?

As for Yuto, he gets the mic and says, “There are a lot of people in pro-wrestling who are fakers, walking around for no real reason with a smile on their face. And now, I feel I have a reason to smile! I’m damn happy to be a pro-wrestler! Taichi… I haven’t ever really spoken to you, even as a Young Lion in black tights. I never had the chance to say this, but I really like you. All that you do is straightforward and earnest, from everything you do in the ring to your attitude towards the fans. Taichi, you might put yourself down, asking if you still have a place in NJPW, but you have a place! NJPW needs you!” The fans cheer that!

The fans cheer Taichi on, and Taichi is clearly emotional. Yuto tells Taichi that he and his generation have a strength the new guys don’t. They feel that spirit in what Taichi does, and with the pain he feels. Yuto assures Taichi that for him, to keep fighting in NJPW, and to keep making Yuto stronger, he thanks Taichi for that. Yuto then sets down the mic as he and Taichi exchange things in semi-private. Yuto then continues by saying on mic that if Taichi would like, if it wouldn’t hurt, please keep an eye on him in the G1 Climax. And Korakuen, did you get that pro-wrestling high? The fans cheer that they sure did!

Yuto says whether you’re here or watching through the screen, what a cool way to spend your time. Yuto hopes they have the energy to get through and do whatever you gotta do tomorrow. If you feel it, that grind every day, just know there are plenty of people who have that same solace in pro-wrestling. From the fans to the staff to the wrestlers here, we all share that feeling. This is the reason for everyone to live life to the fullest! Keep fighting forward! They’ll keep proving that high to you! This is Yuto’s first G1, and he has that Korakuen high. Time to share the G1 high with everyone! And so, just for y’all, LET’S GET HIGH! Tch tch, BIG UP!

The fans cheer as Ice is fired up going into the G1! But will he reach the highest of highs and have his Climax?

My Thoughts:

A great night for this Road to G1 series, and honestly, that Fatal 4 Way could’ve main evented it’s own night if they wanted. Great win for Akira, he has kinda been on the outside of the title picture, so he and Yoh will have a great match on July 6th. Great win for Wolf over Hashi and for Yuto over Taichi, really establishing this newest generation in NJPW. Yuto also had a great promo to still put Taichi over for being such a great pillar of NJPW. Wolf and Yuto will have great showings in the G1, but hard to say they’ll win out. Oskar is also in the qualifying matches, and it’d be cool if he qualified to represent Knock Out Brothers in B Block while Yuto is in A Block.

My Score: 8.9/10