Who will be the Strongest of the Summer?

NJPW is in Chicago, and the winds of change are blowing hot and heavy as G1 Climax 36 opening night is in the NOW Arena!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• G1 Climax 36 B Block: Aaron Wolf VS HENARE; Wolf wins.
• G1 Climax 36 A Block: Shingo Takagi VS Jake Lee; Jake wins.
• G1 Climax 36 B Block: OSKAR VS Ren Narita; Oskar wins.
• G1 Climax 36 A Block: Yuto-Ice VS Great-O-Khan; Yuto wins.
• G1 Climax 36 B Block: Shota Umino VS Zack Sabre Jr; ZSJ wins.
• G1 Climax 36 A Block: Hirooki Goto VS SANADA; Goto wins.
• G1 Climax 36 B Block: Yuya Uemura VS Callum Newman; Callum wins.
• G1 Climax 36 A Block: Boltin Oleg VS Ryohei Oiwa; Oiwa wins.
• G1 Climax 36 A Block: Yota Tsuji VS Konosuke Takeshita; Yota wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

G1 Climax 36 B Block: Aaron Wolf VS HENARE!

He may be the NEVER Openweight Champion, but the Olympic judoka is still on the hunt for more gold. However, he’s starting off his G1 run against The Mauler, who is himself adding to his collection! Will Henare conquer opening night for The United Empire? Or will the big bad Wolf blow Henare down?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for Wolf already as he circles with Henare. The two feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. They break, reset, and the fans chant “G1! G1!” The two tie up again, Wolf headlocks, but Henare powers up and fires body shots. Henare powers out, but Wolf RAMS him! The fans cheer the standoff, and Henare runs. Henare RAMS Wolf, Wolf runs, and they RAM again! The fans cheer “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” as the two RAM again and again! Wolf runs but Henare follows and CLOBBERS Wolf at the ropes! Wolf tumbles out of the ring while the fans fire up. Henare then goes out, drags Wolf up, and fires forearms!

Henare stands Wolf up but Wolf CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” as Wolf stalks Henare. Henare eggs Wolf on so Wolf CHOPS again! Henare CHOPS back! The fans rally, Wolf CHOPS again, but Henare fires body shots! Henare POSTS Wolf and Wolf falls in a heap! The fans fire up but the ref wants this back in the ring, so Henare puts Wolf in. Henare then runs to RUN Wolf over! Henare fires up for the SENTON! Cover, TWO! Wolf is tougher than that, and the fans rally up while Henare storms around. Henare drags Wolf up, then LARIATS! Wolf stays standing, and he gets in Henare’s face! So Henare LARIATS again!

Wolf is still standing, so Henare runs, only for Wolf to block the lariat! And block another! Then URENAGE! The fans fire up while both men are down! Wolf rises, the fans rally, and he fires a flurry of forearms on Henare. Wolf whips corner to corner, then runs in, and LARIATS! Then Wolf reels Henare in for a snap suplex! Wolf runs the ropes to ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Henare survives but the fans rally behind Wolf as he stands again. Wolf drags Henare back up, he fireman’s carries, but Henare fights free! Henare waistlocks but Wolf throws elbows. Wolf is free and he runs the ropes, but into a WHEEL KICK! The fans cheer while both men are down again!

Henare sits up first, and he shakes it off. The fans rally and howl for Wolf, but Henare aims from the corner! Wolf stands, Henare runs up, RAMPAGE- NO, Wolf throws down elbows! But Henare just growls! Wolf gives the growl back, and they start throwing forearms! Henare likes the fighting spirit, and the forearms keep going! The shots go faster and faster, the fans rally for “MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Wolf gets the edge, Henare drops to a knee, but then he BODY BLOWS! And he reels Wolf into the full nelson! Wolf fights off the Ultima Nelson, powers up, and he SAYANAGIS! Then he clinches, BELLY2BELLY! Wolf keeps going, SAYANAGI again!

The fans fire up with Wolf and he brings Henare back up. Wolf reels Henare in, ANGLE- NO, Henare slips free, ULTIMA NELSON! Wolf powers up again, clasps hands to relieve some pressure, and the fans rally up! Wolf fights forward, and he falls onto the ROPEBREAK! Henare holds on even as the ref counts, and he finally throws Wolf down at 4. The fans boo but Henare reloads in the corner. RAMP- NO, Wolf scoops to POWERSLAM! The fans fire up again as both men are back down! Henare and Wolf stir, and Wolf drags Henare up. Henare slips free of the torture rack, but Wolf CHOPS! Henare CHOPS in return!

Wolf CHOPS again, so Henare CHOPS again! Henare eggs Wolf on, but Wolf comes back to CHOP! The CHOPS go back and forth, and Wolf is stinging! Henare fires fast hands from all sides, but Wolf just roars! So Henare HEEL KICKS him down! Henare roars, reels Wolf in, fisherman, but Wolf slips free! HEADBUTT!?! Henare just eats it for dinner! LARIAT!! The fans fire up as Henare runs, but Wolf dodges the lariat! Henare dodges back, but then leaps into a fireman’s carry! ANGLE SLAM!! The fans fire up again as Wolf roars! Wolf reels Henare into the torture rack, REVERSE ANGLE SLAM!! Cover, Wolf wins!

Winner: Aaron Wolf, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Henare earns 0)

Now that’s a way to debut in the G1! The Wolf is already proving to be a formidable foe, will he become the hunter with B Block as his prey?

G1 Climax 36 A Block: Shingo Takagi VS Jake Lee!

The Rampaging Dragon has been fighting to climb back to the mountaintop, but that’s a steep slope. The Silent Jester is himself seeking another shot at that Japan Grand Slam, but that means being able to step to the plate. Will Takagi’s time come again? Or will the United Empire conquer NJPW once more?

The bell rings and the fans rally up for Takagi. Jake dances along with the chanting as he and Takagi circle. They tie up, Takagi puts Jake on the ropes, but Jake turns things around. The ref counts, Jake dusts Takagi off, and he “presents” Takagi. The fans are torn as Jake takes a bow, but Takagi storms up. They tie up, go around, and now Takagi has Jake on the ropes. The ref counts, Takagi lets off, but Jake kicks low! Jake CLUBS and whips, Takagi reverses, and Takagi RUNS Jake over! The fans cheer as Takagi fires up! Jake bails out, Takagi pursues, and Jake CHOPS! The fans “WOO~,” then Takagi puts Jake in the ring.

Jake bails out the other side and the fans are torn. Takagi storms over but Jake kicks low! Jake then whips, but Takagi reverses! Jake hits railing hard, and the fans cheer Takagi as he storms over. Takagi drags Jake up, SMACKS him off the apron, then SMACKS him off it again! The fans cheer as Takagi then puts Jake in the ring. Takagi storms up to the apron but Jake BOOTS him down! The fans boo Jake but he just does his jester dance. Jake smiles even as the fans boo, but Jake shrugs. Takagi rolls into the ring, the fans rally behind him, but Jake kicks Takagi around. Kneeling cover, TWO! Jake hurries to hoist Takagi up for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Takagi toughs it out, and Jake pretends to be upset. Jake kicks at Takagi, eggs him on, then mocks the chants of “Shingo! Shingo!” The fans rally for Takagi as he rises up, but Jake kicks at him again and again. Takagi headbutts buckles to fire up! The fans cheer as Takagi comes back to fire forearms! Jake ROCKS Takagi, but Takagi ELBOWS, JABS, and YUKON- NO, Jake blocks the lariat, KNEES low, then reels Takagi into the GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! The fans rally as Takagi endures, stays up, but he’s fading already! The ref checks, and the arm drops once! The arm drops twice! And then Takagi gets new life! Takagi suplexes Jake up and over!

The fans fire up again as Jake crawls away. Takagi rises, runs up, and LARIATS in the corner! Takagi fires the fans up, then JABS! CHOPS! And repeat! Then JAB, JAB, JAB! Jake roars, Takagi PALM STRIKES! At least, he claims that’s what it was. Takagi reels Jake in but Jake fights the suplex! Jake turns it around, hoists Takagi up and hangs him out to dry. Then Jake KNEES Takagi down! Takagi goes to the floor, but he blocks the Penalty Kick to trip Jake up! Jake hits the apron, and Takagi fireman’s carries to DEATH VALLEY DRIVER to the floor! The fans fire up while Jake writhes! The ref checks, and both men are able to continue.

The fans cheer as Takagi rises first. Takagi brings Jake up and in, then hoists him up top. Takagi climbs up to the very top, for a SUPER DUPER PLEX! The fans fire up for the big crash landing! Takagi then hurries to cover, TWO! Jake survives, but Takagi stays fired up! The fans are with him, and Takagi says “TOKI GA KITA!” Yes, his time is here! The fans join in on “OI! OI! OI!” and Takagi pump handles Jake. Jake fights the lift so Takagi KNEES low! Takagi whips, Jake reverses to KNEE low! Jake snapmares and PENALTY KICK! The fans boo while Jake leans on the ropes. Jake goes back to Takagi, guzels, but Takagi fights the lift!

Takagi fires elbows, runs the ropes, but runs into another KNEE! Takagi gasps and sputters to a corner, and Jake takes aim! FACE BREAK- NO! Takagi blocks and KNEE BREAKERS! Then he DRAGON SCREWS the leg! The fans cheer as Takagi rises, and he runs back in, only for Jake to dodge! Jake SNAP GERMANS, then he runs in! But Takagi PUMPING BOMBER TAKEODNW! Cover, TWO!! Jake escapes but Takagi is after him! Jake BOOTS the lariat, ROUNDHOUSES Takagi, but Takagi rebounds to PUMPING BOMBER! The fans fire up with Takagi as he drags Jake up again! Pump handle and torture rack! BURNING DRAGON! Cover, TWO!!

Jake survives but the fans rally up again. Takagi pounds the mat in frustration, but he rises again. Takagi brings Jake up, around, and pump handles again. Torture rack, but Jake slips free to SLEEPER! Takagi snapmares free, blocks a kick, and fires boxing elbows! Takagi winds up, but Jake asks to wait! Jake’s eye poke is blocked! Jake shrugs, but Takagi JABS, HEADBUTTS, then winds up- but Jake CLAWS the eyes! The fans boo, the ref counts, but Jake stops at 4. Jake runs, but Takagi LARIATS at the ropes! Takagi runs, Jake follows, but Takagi avoids Face Break Shot! SNAP GERMAN! Jake stumbles, but he comes in to FACE BREAK SHOT!! Cover, JAKE WINS!

Winner: Jake Lee, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Takagi earns 0)

In the blink of an eye, The Silent Jester slays the Dragon! But this is just the first round, will Takagi be able to rebound? Will Jake dominate the block?

G1 Climax 36 B Block: OSKAR VS Ren Narita!

The German Giant overcame the House of Torture just to get into this tournament, and now he must do it all again to have his first win! Can he do it? Or will this Souled Out Son of Strong Style steal the victory?

Oskar puts his jacket aside, and Ren DROPKICKS Oskar’s legs from behind! The bell rings and Ren keeps after Oskar’s legs in the corner! The fans boo as Ren stomps away, but the ref counts. Oskar ROCKS Ren, but Ren comes back to DROPKICK the leg again! Ren goes out and drags Oskar to the corner to bend the leg against the post! The fans boo, the ref counts, and Oskar grabs at Ren, but Ren lets go at 4. Ren then SLAMS the leg against the post! The fans boo more but Ren stalks Oskar to another corner. Ren kicks the bad leg, kicks it again, and Oskar leans against the ropes. Ren runs, but Oskar RUNS him over!

The fans fire up with Oskar while Ren tumbles out of the ring. Ren crawls underneath but Oskar is after him! Oskar drags Ren back out, stomps him down, and the fans applaud. Oskar CHOPS Ren, the fans fire up, and Oskar follows Ren around the way. Oskar brings Ren around to SMACK off the apron, then stalks him to the railing. The fans cheer as Oskar CHOPS! Ren sputters, the fans cheer more, and Oskar gest space. Oskar runs up, but Ren avoids the boot! Oskar stumbles over the railing, and Ren HOTSHOTS the leg off the steel! Then Ren grabs a chair! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Ren lets the ref have the chair. Only to bring out another!

The fans boo as Ren SMASHES the knee with the chair! Oskar flops to the floor while the fans boo. Ren drops the second chair and goes back to the ring. The fans boo but Ren soaks up the heat. The ring count starts as Oskar slowly rises up. Oskar hobbles at 7 of 20 but rolls in at 8. Ren stomps Oskar around, then grabs the bad leg to put it on the ropes. The ref counts, the fans boo, but Ren HIP DROPS the leg! Oskar staggers, falls, and clutches the knee, but Ren goes after the leg. Ren drags Oskar to center, stomps the leg, then steps over for the toehold and KNEEBAR! Oskar scrambles to the ROPEBREAK and the fans cheer.

The ref counts, Ren lets go at 4, but then pulls on the leg! The ref counts again, Ren lets go for real this time, and he soaks up the heat as the fans boo. Ren storms back up to Oskar, but Oskar fires body shots and forearms! The fans rally, but then Ren uses the ref as a shield! Ren DROPKICKS the legs out! The fans boo more, but Ren runs, into a BACKDROP! The fans fire up while Ren flounders around! Oskar leans on the ropes as he stands, and the fans rally behind him. Oskar slaps the bad leg into working, then he drags Ren up. Oskar scoops, Ren slips free because the knee buckles! Oskar goes to a corner, Ren runs up, but into a BOOT!

Ren tumbles, Oskar hobbles, and he scoops to SLAM! The fans fire up again, and Oskar slaps the bad leg into working. Oskar manages to run and LEG DROP FLOP as Ren moves! KNEEBAR!! Ren pulls on the leg, but Oskar backstrokes his way around. Ren lets go to turn Oskar over and KNEE- NO, Oskar mule kicks while upside-down! Ren staggers, but he dodges Oskar to CHOP BLOCK! The fans boo while Oskar is down! Ren grins as he asks the ref to check Oskar. Oskar is not out of this yet, but Ren kicks and scuffs him. Ren mocks Yuto-Ice, then throws hands. Oskar stands as Ren fires more hands, then he soaks up heat.

But Oskar guzels! And CHOPS! The fans fire up with Oskar, but Ren kicks a leg out! Ren catches Oskar into the FACELOCK GUILLOTINE! But Oskar fights up to his feet again, and lifts! But Ren squeezes tight! The fans rally for Oskar as he endures, and he powers up and out of the hold! Oskar then ROCKS Ren, and clamps on the NIGHTMARE SLEEPER!! Ren reaches out but he’s already fading! The ref checks on Ren, but Ren mule kicks the bad leg! The fans boo, but Ren runs up, into both hands! But then Ren body scissor rolls and has the KNEEBAR!! The fans boo but Oskar still fights! Only for Ren to tie up the legs, CROSS KNEEBAR!!

Oskar crawls, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Ren lets go in frustration. Oskar clutches his knee, and he shoves the ref away, he’s not letting this stop him. Ren climbs a corner and the fans boo. Oskar manages to stand, Ren takes aim, HELL’S GUILLO- NO! Oskar catches Ren! But Ren kicks the knee again! DOUBLE CROSSER fails because Oskar’s just too tall! And he BOOTS Ren! NIGHTMARE SLEEPER!! Ren endures, reaches out, but Oskar SWINGS him around! Then Oskar sits down with Ren! REN IS OUT, OSKAR WINS!!

Winner: Oskar, by submission (gains 2 points; Ren earns 0)

The Giant German gets a huge win as he puts Ren to bed! Will Oskar makes this the KOB Block soon enough? Can the Souled Out Son of Strong Style still steal away the G1?

G1 Climax 36 A Block: Yuto-Ice VS Great-O-Khan!

We just saw Oskar do it, now it’s time to see if the other Knock Out Brother can score an opening round win. However, he’s up against one of the men who took those IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships from KOB. Will Yuto’s Ambition see him through? Or will the United Empire finally get on the board?

Yuto gets in Khan’s face over said title, but the ref has the two back up. The fans cheer “Let’s Get High! Let’s Get High!” The bell rings and Khan eggs Yuto on. Then Khan dodges Yuto to bail out! The fans boo but Khan just flips them and Yuto off. Yuto storms outside, but Khan slides inside, and the fans boo again. Yuto slides back in, but Khan stomps away! Khan stands Yuto up for Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian Chops! And then a feint, and he stomps Yuto’s foot! Khan says he’s too smart, then he runs, but Yuto ROCKS him! Yuto runs to KNEE LIFT Khan down! the fans fire up with Yuto while Khan goes to a corner.

Yuto stomps Khan, then gets gangsta! But Khan bails out again! The fans boo, but Yuto goes out after Khan again. Khan kicks Yuto and POSTS him this time! They go around the way and Khan SMACKS Yuto off the apron! The fans boo but then Khan goes looking under the ring. Khan really digs deep, and he brings out a chair! The ref reprimands, but Khan still JAMS Yuto up! And SMACKS him on the back! The fans boo and the ref reprimands again, but Khan just goes and snatches as fan’s chair! Khan SMACKS Yuto off the seat, then grabs the other chair again! The fans boo but Khan GOLF SWINGS Yuto down! Khan then takes a seat while he soaks up the heat.

Yuto sputters, Khan pretends he can’t hear the fans, then he flips them off anyway. Khan drags Yuto up, puts him in the ring, then soaks up more heat. The fans continue to chant “Let’s Get High!” for Yuto, but Khan eggs them and Yuto on. Khan scuffs Yuto, kicks him around, but Yuto rises up. Yuto fires a body shot, but there’s not much there. Yuto rises, fires another body shot, but Khan eggs him on. Yuto stands to fire another shot, but still not enough. Khan Mongolian Chops Yuto down! The ref checks on Yuto while the fans boo Khan, but Khan drags Yuto up. Khan mocks Yuto, SPITS on him, then looms over him.

Yuto fires up and the fans cheer! Khan dares Yuto to take his shot, so Yuto grabs Khan by the beard! But Khan slips free before Yuto can hit him! Khan laughs at Yuto while the fans boo. Khan flips the fans off, mocks Yuto getting gangsta, and he goes back to Yuto to drag him up. Khan slashes Yuto’s throat, then runs, but into a kick! Yuto THROWS Khan down by his hair! The fans fire up while Khan writhes! Yuto goes to a corner, then storms over to Khan. Yuto stands Khan up to ROCK, KICK, KICK, and ROCK! But Khan BITES Yuto’s forehead! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Khan stops to then whip. Yuto reverses and KICKS Khan down!

The fans fire up while Khan writhes and coughs! Yuto stands Khan up to KICK, KICK, KICK, then stomp away in the corner! The fans fire up as Yuto gets gangsta again! “BOMBACLAT!” RUNNING KNEE! The fans cheer while Yuto drags Khan to a cover, TWO! Khan survives, but Yuto stays focused. Yuto KICKS Khan, then sits him up for ICE- NO, Khan blocks the kick, and he BITES Yuto’s forehead again! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Yuto shoves Khan away. Yuto ROCKS Khan, then dodges the boot. Khan blocks the kick to BOOT! But then Yuto ROUNDHOUSES! Khan falls, Yuto snarls, and the fans fire up again!

Yuto sits Khan up, runs the ropes, and ICE HIGH! Cover, TWO! Khan survives, but the fans still cheer Yuto as he goes to the corner. Yuto tunes up, takes aim, and Khan sits up. Yuto runs up, but Khan scrambles away! Khan makes it to the ropes, but Yuto keeps Khan from crawling out of the ring! Yuto drags Khan up by his hair, but Khan breaks free! Khan swings, but Yuto bobs ‘n’ weaves to ROCK Khan! Yuto bobs ‘n’ weaves again to ROCK KHAN! Yuto winds up, but Khan ducks the Buzzsaw! Khan shoves Yuto at the ref! LOW BLOW!! The fans boo but Khan then clamps on the IRON CLAW SLEEPER, and then the GURREN LAGANN SLAM! Cover, TWO?!?

The fans are thunderous as Yuto survives, and Khan cannot believe it! Khan pleads with the ref, but the ref’s count was fair. Khan clamps on the IRON CLAW again, drags Yuto up, but Yuto CLUBS away on the arm! Yuto is free, but then the IRON RIGHT hits! The fans boo but Khan pushes Yuto over. IRON CLAW, and Khan DRIBBLES Yuto off the mat! The fans boo again but Khan gives one last SLAM! Khan then snarls, drags Yuto up with the Iron Claw, and vows to end this! ELMIN- NO, Yuto KNEES free! And AMBITION RIGHT! Yuto goes to the corner, reloads, and CRUELLA!! Cover, YUTO WINS!

Winner: Yuto-Ice, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Khan earns 0)

Both Knock Out Brothers get the win to open the G1! Will that wrestling high take Yuto all the way to the top? Can Khan still conquer the Climax?

G1 Climax 36 B Block: Shota Umino VS Zack Sabre Jr!

The former IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion is up against a former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, but these two are no strangers. Will the Roughneck rebound and turn his Second Chapter back around? Or will he #JustTapOut?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. They sing for “OH~ Zack Sabre Junior~!” as the two feel things out. They knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder, then ZSJ rolls, wrenches, and top wristlocks. Shota spins, wrenches, and wristlocks back. ZSJ spins, slips through, and wrenches to wrangle Shota. Shota kips up, wrenches and WRINGS ZSJ out, but ZSJ UP KICKS! The fans cheer the standoff, and the two reset. Shota and ZSJ circle again, feel things out, and knuckle lock. ZSJ spins to wrench Shota into the straitjacket stretch. Shota endures while ZSJ eggs him on, and Shota arm-drags free. ZSJ headlocks, Shota powers up and out, but ZSJ avoids the dropkick!

ZSJ runs up but Shota avoids the Penalty Kick, arm-drags, but ZSJ headscissors. Shota kicks free of the neck twist, dodges ZSJ, then dodges again, to DROPKICK the leg! The fans cheer while ZSJ drops to the mat. Shota stomps ZSJ, then follows him to the corner. Shota CLUBS ZSJ, paces, then brings ZSJ up. The fans duel as Shota wrenches and CLUBS ZSJ. Shota then whips ZSJ to ropes, but ZSJ turns hip toss into COBRA TWIST! Shota HIP TOSSES free, but ZSJ bridges up to snapmare, and NECK TWIST! The fans cheer while Shota writhes. ZSJ rests for just a moment before he goes back to Shota and brings him up.

ZSJ UPPERCUTS Shota, taunts the fans that taunt him, then UPPERCUTS again! And again! Shota sputters in the corner but ZSJ brings him out to then step over and trap an arm. ZSJ digs his elbow in and puts Shota on the mat. ZSJ then ties up the legs, twists the foot, and he hooks Shota into the BOW ‘N’ ARROW! Shota endures, so ZSJ FLINGS him away! The fans are torn but ZSJ paces while Shota is down. ZSJ taunts Shota, scuffs him, then KICKS him! Shota gets mad but ZSJ KICKS, and KICKS, and KICKS! Shota stands up, the fans cheer, and ZSJ pats Shota on the cheek. Shota ROCKS ZSJ, but ZSJ UPPERCUTS Shota!

ZSJ taunts the fans to kiss this, then he goes back to Shota. ZSJ stands Shota up but Shota fires forearm after forearm! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, runs, but into a DROPKICK! The fans cheer while both men are down again! Shota rises, the fans rally behind him, and Shota storms over to ZSJ in the corner. Shota ROCKS and CHOPS on repeat! The ref counts, but Shota CHOPS again! The fans rally but the ref has Shota back off. Shota whips ZSJ corner to corner, runs up, and UPPERCUTS! Shota then hooks a leg, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect but the fans still cheer Shota on.

Shota brings ZSJ up, reels him in, but ZSJ fights the lift. ZSJ BACKDROPS, Shota sunset flips it, TWO! Both men hurry to their feet, and ZSJ runs up. Shota drop toeholds ZSJ onto ropes, then slingshots to APRON DDT! ZSJ is stuck upside-down while the fans cheer. The ref helps ZSJ get free, but then ZSJ just flops to the floor. The fans cheer Shota again as he goes back for ZSJ. Shota puts ZSJ in the ring and hurries to bring him up. Shota reels ZSJ in, lifts, and POWERBOMBS him right down! High stack, TWO! ZSJ survives but the fans still cheer Shota on. Shota stalks ZSJ to a corner and points up top.

Shota hoists ZSJ to the top rope, climbs up to join him, then brings ZSJ to the very top. ZSJ fights the lift, wrenches the arm, then slips through to have an ELEVATED OCTOPUS! The ref counts, ZSJ lets go, but Shota fires forearms in return. ZSJ HEADBUTTS Shota, then SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMBS! The fans fire up while both men are down again! ZSJ rises and now the fans cheer him on. ZSJ hobbles, then he waits on Shota. Shota stirs, and ZSJ eggs him on. Shota rises, the fans rally, and ZSJ runs up, PENALTY- NO! Shota blocks, but ZSJ SLAPS him around! Shota scowls, and he ROCKS ZSJ! ZSJ wobbles, staggers, but come back.

Shota ELBOWS ZSJ, ENZIGIRIS, but ZSJ rebounds to PENALTY KICK! ZSJ whips, Shota reverses and TORNADO DDTS! The fans fire up and Shota hurries to scoop and SECOND- NO, ZSJ wrenches through! ZSJ drags Shota down, DISARMER! Shota endures as ZSJ bends the arm! ZSJ shifts, traps that arm, then grabs the other into the CLARKY CAT! The fans rally as Shota endures, but ZSJ bends the far arm, even to the fingers! Shota endures, even as ZSJ twists the wrist! ZSJ shifts around, CLARKY CAT REMIX! Shota fights around, but ZSJ just keeps changing up the grip! Shota fights to the ROPEBREAK!

The fans are torn as ZSJ lets go in frustration. ZSJ isolates the arm to STOMP it! Shota clutches the elbow but ZSJ sits him up. ZSJ KICKS and KICKS and KICKS, but Shota blocks one! ZSJ fires forearms, then runs, but Shota scoops! MICHINOKU DRIVER! The fans fire up while both men are down again! “This is Awesome!” as both men stir. ZSJ rolls away to a corner, Shota rises up, and Shota eggs ZSJ on now. ZSJ stands, Shota runs up, SHINING WIZARD in the corner! Shota pushes ZSJ down, then aims again, STRIKE KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! ZSJ survives and the fans fire up again! Shota grits his teeth as he rises up again.

The fans hope these tow “Fight Forever!” but there are time limits in NJPW. Shota runs, ZSJ BOOTS the lariat! Then he catches the other to wrench and PELE the arm! ZSJ UPPERCUTS, then snapmares so he can PENALTY KICK! But Shota is right up! Shota stumbles, ZSJ eggs him on, but Shota falls over! ZSJ soaks up cheers and jeers as he paces around. ZSJ drags Shota back up, fires forearms, then runs. Shota LARIATS ZSJ down! ZSJ sputters, Shota brings him in, but ZSJ scoops! SABRE DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! Shota survives and no one can believe it! We pass 15 minutes as the fans are thunderous again!

ZSJ drags Shota up, scoops, but Shota slips free! Shota O’Conner Rolls, but ZSJ pops him into the REAR NAKED CHOKE! Shota endures, even as ZSJ has the body scissors on tight! Shota pries at the hold, turns over, but ZSJ just keeps on the SLEEPER! Shota fires shots but ZSJ spins him to scoop him, and ZACK DRIVER!! Cover, ZSJ wins!!

Winner: Zack Sabre Jr, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Khan earns 0)

Shota put up a fight, but he forgot that The Mighty Don’t Kneel! Will The Front Man fight his way back to that world title? Can Shota’s Second Chapter still have a happy ending?

G1 Climax 36 A Block: Hirooki Goto VS SANADA!

The Fierce Warrior and the Cold-Blooded Snake are each former IWGP World Heavyweight Champions, fighting up from the bottom in hopes of returning to the top. But will it be Goto’s time to #GetBackUp? Or will he simply meet a Skull End?

The bell rings, the two circle, and the fans rally behind Goto. The two tie up, Goto powers Sanada to ropes, but Sanada turns things around. Goto turns things back around, but he backs off as the ref counts. The fans cheer, and then Sanada offers a handshake. Goto is wary, but he accepts, and of course Sanada kicks low! The fans boo, Sanada headlocks, but Goto powers out. They RAM shoulders, Goto rebounds, and he RUNS Sanada over! Things speed up, Goto counters the hip toss to HIP TOSS! Goto keeps moving, but Sanada DROPKICKS the leg out! Goto tumbles out of the ring but Sanada pursues.

The fans rally but Sanada stands Goto up. Sanada wraps Goto’s leg around the railing! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Sanada stops at 4 to then BOOT the leg! Sanada drags Goto up, puts him in the ring, then paces around Goto. Sanada stands Goto up, but Goto CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Goto kicks but Sanada blocks, and Sanada CLUBS the leg! He trips Goto and ties him up in Paradise! The fans still cheer that, and Sanada pats Goto. Sanada runs to DROPKICK Goto out of Paradise! Cover, ONE!! Goto is tougher than that, but Sanada stays focused. Sanada drags Goto up, but Goto CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS!

Sanada kicks the leg, runs the ropes, but Goto follows to LARIAT! The fans cheer while both men are down. Goto rises, Sanada rolls to a corner, and the fans rally behind Goto. Goto is after Sanada with a whip corner to corner. Goto runs corner to corner, MURAMASA! And SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Sanada is tougher than that, but Goto drags Sanada up. Goto goes to fireman’s carry but Sanada CLUBS away on him! Sanada waistlocks, Goto fires elbows, then Goto runs. But Sanada DROPKICKS the leg out! Sanada fireman’s carries, and USHIGOROSHI!? Sanada uses one of Goto’s signatures against him and Goto tumbles back out of the ring.

Sanada steps out as the ring count starts, and he stands Goto up to APRON BACK SUPLEX! Sanada shoves Goto in at 8 of 20, then drags him back out to dangle off the apron! MAGIC SCREW to the floor! Sanada leaves Goto behind to a fresh ring count while the fans are torn. The count climbs to 5 of 20 while Goto is still down. Goto is still down at 10, then 15! Goto drags himself up at 17 and lunges in at 19! The fans cheer but Sanada is annoyed. Sanada drags Goto up, puts him on ropes, MAGIC SCREW! Cover, TWO! Goto survives but Sanada goes up! ROUNDING BODY- NO, Sanada rolls through! Goto runs up, fireman’s carries, and USHIGOROSHI!

The fans cheer as Goto hits his signature move, and then he drags Sanada back up. Fireman’s carry, but Sanada slips free! Dragon Sleeper and- NO, Goto arm-drags free! But Sanada SHINING WIZARDS in return! Sanada drags Goto up, clinches, but Goto slips through! Goto shoves Sanada away, then catches him on return! URA GTR! Then the LARIAT! Both men are down again and the fans fire back up! Goto drags Sanada up, dragon sleepers again, but Sanada spins that around to dragon sleeper! Goto powers free, arm-drags again, but Sanada goes to a corner. Goto runs up, but into a BOOT! Then Sanada Quebrada into the dragon sleeper!

Sanada drops back, SKULL END!! Goto endures, reaches out, but Sanada has the body scissors on! The fans rally for Goto but he’s still so far away from ropes! Goto kicks, flails, reaches out, but he’s fading! Fading! Goto comes back to life, but Sanada just squeezes tighter! Goto still reaches out but he’s fading again! But then Goto gets a third wind, if you will! But Sanada just keeps on the pressure!! The ref wants to check again but Sanada lets go! Sanada goes up, ROUNDING BODY PRESS!! Cover, TWO?!? Sanada can’t believe it but Goto survives! Sanada vows to finish it now, and he drags Goto up. DEAD- NO, Goto slips through!

Goto waistlocks, Sanada fights the lift, and Sanada ELBOWS Goto right down! Sanada storms up on Goto, brings him around, and he CLUBS Goto down! Sanada stands Goto up again just to CLUB him back down. Sanada then whips corner to corner, but Goto reverses to fireman’s carry and G T W! Both men are down but the fans fire back up! Goto crawls, then goes to the ropes. Goto powers up, takes aim, and BUZZSAW! Goto hurries to bring Sanada up, dragon sleeper, and G T- NO, Sanada backslides, then SHINING WIZARDS! Sanada hurries to drag Goto back up, but Goto HEADBUTTS! And CLUB Sanada on the back!

The fans fire up as Goto brings Sanada in, suplex and- NO, Sanada slips free, O’Conner Rolls, and deep! TWO!! Goto escapes, blocks a boot, but Sanada dodges the lariat! Only to run into the fireman’s carry! USHI- NO, Sanada lands out, fires hands, but Goto blocks! Goto traps the arm for the G T R KAI!! Cover, Goto wins!

Winner: Hirooki Goto, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Sanada earns 0)

It was rather fast ‘n’ furious, but the Fierce Warrior comes out on top! Will this win be just what Goto needs to #TurnItAllAround? Can Sanada still find what it takes to be champion again?

G1 Climax 36 B Block: Yuya Uemura VS Callum Newman!

This Summer is hot, but the Heat Storm wants to make it hotter! Meanwhile, the United Empire’s night has been up and down already in this opening round. Will the Prince make Yuya #KissTheCrown? Or will Callum start to melt under the bright lights?

The fans cheer while Yuya and Callum stare down. The ref has them step back, and Callum calms Chicago down, before he SPITS on Yuya! Yuya scowls while the fans boo. The jackets are put aside, and the bell rings! The two run up, and Callum BOOTS Yuya! Yuya ROCKS Callum in return! Callum fires back and the forearms go back and forth. The fans rally as Yuya gets the edge, then he whips. Callum reverses, kicks low, and winds up, but Yuya dodges the lariat to knee low! Yuya runs, Callum follows, but Yuya arm-drags! And arm-drags! Then Yuya dodges, but Callum avoids the arm-drag! Yuya avoids the stomps, and he arm-drags after all!

The fans cheer while Yuya grinds the armlock. Callum endures as Yuya puts on the pressure, then he fights over to the ROPEBREAK! Yuya lets go, Callum bails out, and the fans duel, with the majority in favor of Yuya. Callum rolls in, Yuya is right on him with another armlock! Callum fights up, fights around, but Yuya CLUBS the arm. Callum still fights up to whip, but Yuya reverses to wrangle Callum. The fans applaud, and Callum fights up again. Callum pulls hair, whips, but Yuya reverses again. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges to BOOT Yuya down! The fans are torn but Yuya goes to ropes. Callum kicks Yuya out to the floor.

Callum goes out, THROWS Yuya over the railing, then hops over to join him. Callum has fans move aside, then he brings Yuya into the row. Callum HEADBUTTS Yuya into taking a seat, then he gets space. Fans stay clear as Callum runs back in, and he FLYING DROPKICKS Yuya! The fans fire up but the ref hurries to check both men. Callum is alright, and he says crowns up for the Empire. Yuya is also able to continue, but Callum leaves him behind for the ring count to handle. Yuya is still down at 5 of 20, but he slowly sits up. The count is 10 of 20 before Yuya stands, and he hobbles his way back to ringside. Yuya makes it over the railing at 15, and in at 17!

Callum PUNTS Yuya in the FACE! Cover, TWO! Yuya survives but Callum stays cool. Callum shakes out his arm, drags Yuya up, then kisses the crown tattoo. But Yuya ducks the lariat, waistlocks, only for Callum to fight free. Callum whips, Yuya goes up and up and CROSSBODIES! Both men are down, but Callum hurries to a corner. The fans rally as Yuya grits his teeth. Yuya runs up, fires forearms, then whips corner to corner. Callum reverses, Yuya goes up and over this time, and then arm-drags! And DROPKICKS! Yuya stands tall, the fans cheer, and Yuya strikes his “sun pose!” Callum goes to a corner, Yuya runs in, and Yuya CHOPS!

The fans cheer as Yuya HALF HATCH PLEXES, then covers, TWO! But into the DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Callum hurries to clasp hands and scramble around, finding the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer as Yuya lets go, and Yuya brings Callum back up. Yuya reels Callum in but Callum fights the lift. Callum fights free, but he still clutches the bad arm. Yuya goes after that arm, wrenches it, but Callum CHOPS free! But Yuya waistlocks to keep Callum from running! Callum fires a forearm, but Yuya wrenches to ELBOW BREAKER! Yuya runs, but into a SLINGBLADE takedown into the REAR NAKED CHOKE!

The fans rally as Yuya endures, fights the body scissors, and rolls back to a cover, TWO! Callum SWATS the lariat, fires forearms, then ROLLING ELBOWS! Callum kicks, Yuya ducks, and Yuya SNAP GERMANS! But Callum’s right up to BOOT Yuya! Callum runs, only for Yuya to DROPKICK! Both men stagger back up but then flop back over! The fans fire up as both men are down! Yuya rolls towards a corner while Callum sits at center. “This is Awesome!” as Yuya rises first. Yuya storms over to Callum, drags him up, but Callum SOBATS! And CHOPS! Then he reels Yuya into a fireman’s carry, for the F- NO, Yuya lands out of the F5!

Yuya snap suplexes Callum, then floats to the ARMBAR! The fans fire up while Callum hurries to clasp hands again! Callum fights up, around, but Yuya wrangles him back down, ARMBAR!! Callum bridges, turns, stacks, TWO! And into the DISARMER! Callum endures again as Yuya pulls on the arm! Callum claws his way around, reaches out, and he manages the ROPEBREAK! Yuya lets go in frustration but Callum’s long legs save him again. The fans rally back up as Yuya waits on Callum. The ref checks Callum as he clutches the arm. Yuya tells Callum to get up but Callum SPITS at him! The fans boo, Yuya runs up and he DROPKICKS Callum!

Yuya wrenches, ELBOW BREAKERS again and again and again, then cording holds! But Callum slips through to spin Yuya, PRINCE’S CURSE!! Callum crawls to the cover, TWO!! Yuya survives but Callum shakes his head. Callum takes off the wrist tape, shows off the tattoo, and he drags Yuya up. KISS THE CROWN misses as Yuya runs, but then the LARIAT finds him after all! Callum storms around, drags Yuya up, and he fireman’s carries for the MAKE- NO, Yuya slips down into the DEADBOLT SUPLEX! Yuya fires up and goes to the corner! Yuya climbs, but Callum rises up! So Yuya HIGH FLY ATTACKS! AKA “Lion’s Shine!” Cover, TWO!!

Callum survives but Yuya is not deterred! He just goes right back up, takes aim again, and Callum slowly stands back up. LION’S SHINE FLOPS! EXCALIBUR STOMP!! Cover, TWO!! Yuya survives and the fans are thunderous! Both men are down as the fans rally up again. Callum drags Yuya up, soaks up the heat, then insults the Chicago fans. Callum then drags Yuya up, winds up, but Yuya ducks the lariat! And the elbow! SAI- NO, Callum KNEES Yuya! But Yuya fights the Prince’s Curse, only for Callum to ROUNDHOSUE! Yuya PELES! Then he RANAS! Cover, TWO!! Callum escapes, but swings into the DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!!

The fans are electric as Yuya rises up! Yuya hauls Callum up, clamps onto the bad arm, but Callum fires forearms! Yuya HEADBUTTS in return! And now he clamps on, only for Callum to roll through! KISS THE CROWN!! Cover, TWO?!?! Yuya survives, but Callum fireman’s carries! MAKE WAY!! Cover, Callum wins!

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

These two certainly turned up the heat, but it was Callum who weathered the storm! Will everyone have to Make Way for the Prince as he goes for the historic double trophy year? Or can Yuya stay hot and shine bright?

G1 Climax 36 A Block: Boltin Oleg VS Ryohei Oiwa!

The big man from Kazakhstan is strong, but The Mullet wants to prove he’s just as Mighty! Will Oiwa get a grip on his first two points? Or is he going to be left behind BARS?

The bell rings and the fans rally up as the two circle. The fans cheer for “Red Shoes! Red Shoes!” and he takes a bow in thanks. Oleg and Oiwa feel things out, and Oiwa avoids takedown after takedown, but still ends up cornered. The fans applaud as Oleg backs away. Oleg and Oiwa reset, feel things out, and Oleg waistlocks. Oiwa wrenches free to hammerlock, but Oleg switches the hammerlock. Oleg then headlocks, wrenches, then hits a fireman’s carry takeover. Oiwa headscissors, Oleg kips free, and the two stand off. The fans cheer as they reset and circle again. They feel out a knuckle lock, then go shoulder to shoulder in a Test of Strength!

The fans rally as Oiwa steps over and bends Oleg back! But Oleg powers up and now he bends Oiwa back! The fans cheer as Oiwa bridges, then powers back up! The two fight for control, and Oleg RAMS Oiwa into a corner! Oleg RAMS again and again and again, then clinches for a BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up as Oleg runs, BOLTIN PRESS! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives and the fans rally back up. Oleg brings Oiwa up but Oiwa CHOPS! And CHOPS! Oleg CHOPS in return! Oiwa drops to his knees while the fans cheer again. Oleg brings Oiwa around, CHOPS again, and Oiwa goes to a corner. Oiwa comes back to CHOP, and CHOP, but Oleg CHOPS!

Oleg CHOPS Oiwa again, then fires a forearm in the corner. Then another CHOP! Oiwa sits down, the fans rally up, and Oleg brings Oiwa up to whip corner to corner. Oleg runs in but Oiwa RUNS Oleg over first! Oiwa SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Oleg is up, but Oiwa arm-drags him into the armlock! Oleg endures, even as Oiwa steps over. The fans rally and duel as Oleg rises, and Oleg ROCKS Oiwa. Oleg whips, HIP TOSSES, but Oiwa UP KICKS! Oiwa arm-drags, then has the armlock again! The fans applaud the technical exchange, and Oiwa steps over to LEG DROP the arm! Oiwa has the arm in a scissor but Oleg endures.

Oleg fights around, reaches out, but his shoulders are down! ONE, but Oiwa shifts back to the armlock. The fans rally and duel again as Oleg rises, but Oiwa wrenches and YANKS the arm! Oleg ROCKS Oiwa back, but Oiwa YANKS the arm! Oleg ROCKS, Oiwa YANKS, repeat! Oleg ROCKS Oiwa again and again, but Oiwa UPPERCUTS the arm! Oiwa whips, Oleg reverses, and Oleg CLOBBERS Oiwa with the front chop block! The fans continue to duel while Oleg shakes out his arm. Oleg drags Oiwa up, whips him to a corner, then runs in for a SPLASH! Oleg reels Oiwa in for a gut wrench and Shake- NO, Oiwa wrenches free! But Oleg still gut wrenches!

Oleg shakes, shakes, shakes, and THROWS! And kips up! The fans fire up for Oleg, he runs corner to corner, then VADER BOMBS! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives again but Oleg shakes out the arm. Oleg drags Oiwa up, the fans rally, and Oleg fireman’s carries! Oiwa grabs the ropes, so Oleg dumps him to the apron. But Oiwa HOTSHOTS Oleg’s arm! Oleg falls over while the fans rally again. Oiwa brings Oleg to the apron, stands him up, and TENZAN- NO! Oleg grabs the ropes, CLUBS Oiwa, then CHOPS! Oiwa staggers back, Oleg brings him around to fireman’s carry! But Oiwa slips free to POST Oleg! Oleg falls to the floor and clutches the arm!

Oiwa catches his breath before he goes after Oleg. Oiwa wrenches the arm, hammerlocks it, then POSTS Oleg again! Oleg falls over and clutches the arm again while the fans cheer. Oiwa leaves Oleg to the mercy of the ring count, and the fans rally for Oleg. Oleg stands at 8 of 20, rolls in at 10, but Oiwa DROPKICKS the arm! Oiwa drags Oleg up, puts him in a corner, then whips just to YANK the arm! Oiwa pushes on the arm, going after a double wristlock, but Oleg powers up to scoop! Oiwa cranks the arm to fight the lift, but Oleg still tries! Oiwa hits an arm-drag then the clinch, TENZAN PLEX! Cover, TWO! But it’s back to the DOUBLE WRISTLOCK!

The fans rally as Oleg endures, fights up, but Oiwa headscissors for the takedown! Oiwa still has a top wristlock, but Oleg fights his way up to fireman’s carry! And DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! The fans fire back up while both men are down! Oleg shakes out the bad arm, stands back up, and he brings Oiwa around. The fans rally as Oiwa fireman’s carries, and swings for the VERDICT! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives again but the fans continue to rally. Oleg huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Oiwa up. Oleg torture racks for the ARGENTINE BACKBREAKER! Oiwa endures being thrashed around, but then he grabs the arm! DOUBLE WRISTLOCK!

Oleg drops to a knee as Oiwa pulls on the arm, but then Oleg fireman’s carries! POINT-BLANK KAMIKAZE!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives yet again and the fans fire back up! Oleg rises, roars, and the fans are with him! Oleg fireman’s carries again, but Oiwa slips free to RAM Oleg into a corner, and CHAOS- NO, Oleg fights the suplex to switch and GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! And Oiwa has the wristlock! Oiwa shifts around, drags Oleg up, and DEATH ROLLS the arm! Then DEATH ROLLS again! Oleg clutches his elbow while the fans fire up with Oiwa! Oiwa hurries to grab the arm for the top wristlock!

Oleg fights up to avoid the Arc Clutch, then he snapmares, only for Oiwa to wrangle him back down! Oiwa still pulls on the arm, but Oleg still fights over, ROPEBREAK! Oiwa jumps on for a SLEEPER! Red Shoes reprimands, but Oiwa holds on, even as Oleg climbs the corner! The fans fire up already as Oleg goes up, for a SUPER BACKPACK SENTON! Oleg is free, but not for long! SLEEPER!! Oiwa has the body scissors on, too! Oleg fights up, but Oiwa wants the arm! ARC CLUTCH!! Oleg endures, fights, but he TAPS!! Oiwa wins!

Winner: Ryohei Oiwa, by submission (gains 2 points; Oleg earns 0)

Oleg may be the NJPW Strong Champion, but Oiwa proved he was that much stronger! Will The Mullet continue until he gets a grip on the trophy? Can Oleg learn from his senpai in Hontai and #TurnItAllAround?

G1 Climax 36 A Block: Yota Tsuji VS Konosuke Takeshita!

Naturally, the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion himself gets the main event, and what a main event this is as he battles the NJPW World Television and former AEW International Champion! But will Konosuke prove he’s still The Alpha of all wrestling? Or will the Gene Blast send him tumbling down the block?

The bell rings and the fans are fired up already! The fans cheer for “G1! G1” as Konosuke and Yota circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, but Konosuke has enough height for leverage to push Yota to the ropes. Konosuke backs off, the fans applaud, and the two reset. They circle, tie up again, and Yota wrenches to a wristlock. Konosuke spins, slips through, and wrenches to wristlock. Yota rolls, wrenches back, and hammerlocks. The fans rally again, Konosuke reaches back to headlock, then changes sides, only for Yota to wrench free. Konosuke arm-drags, but Yota wrangles Konosuke into a headlock. The fans cheer this technical exchange.

Konosuke fights up, powers up, and powers out, just to reel Yota into the headlock. The fans duel as Yota powers up, pries at the hold, but Konosuke holds on tight. Yota fires body shots, powers free after all, but Konosuke BOOTS him! Konosuke whips, Yota reverses, but Konosuke ducks ‘n’ dodges. But Yota dodges the Takeshita Line to RANA! Takeshita tumbles out, the fans fire up, and Yota gets them cheering even more. Yota builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Konosuke hits railing! The fans fire up again while Konosuke slumps down. Yota brings Konosuke up, puts him in the ring, and smiles as he slingshots back inside.

The fans are torn as Yota brings Konosuke up, and he reels Konosuke in, but Konosuke fights the suplex! Yota powers through to suplex high and hard! Cover, TWO! Konosuke is tougher than that, but Yota stays calm. The fans rally and duel as Yota stands over Konosuke. Konosuke stands to fire a flurry of forearms! But Yota clinches for the FLATLINER! Then a CAMEL CLUTCH! The fans duel as Konosuke endures, and he powers one arm free to pry at the hold. Konosuke pulls Yota’s arm away, but Yota turns that into a hybrid Camel Clutch and chinlock! Konosuke still fights so Yota shifts to a full chinlock.

Konosuke fights up, fires body shots, and is free. The fans rally as Konosuke goes to a corner, and Yota stomps him. Yota hushes the crowd, and winds up to CHOP! The fans fire up while Konosuke is stinging! Yota shakes out his hand, and he smiles as he stalks Konosuke to the ropes. Yota stands Konosuke up, winds up again, and CHOPS! The fans cheer as Konosuke staggers away to another corner. Yota is right on Konosuke, climbs up, and he rains down elbows! The fans count along all the way to TEN! Yota whips Konosuke corner to corner, Konosuke bounces off buckles, and Yota scoops him for a BACKBREAKER!

The fans rally while Konosuke crawls back to a corner. Yota runs in and STINGER SPLASHES! Yota whips corner to corner again, tunes up then runs up, but into a FLYING KNEE! The fans fire up while Yota bails out, and Konosuke builds speed! Konosuke FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up again! Konosuke rises, the fans cheer, and Konosuke brings Yota up. Konosuke puts Yota in the ring, then winds up to fire haymakers! Red Shoes reprimands but Konosuke whips. Yota reverses, but the TAKESHITA LINE finds him! The fans cheer, and Konosuke brings Yota up and around to clinch. Yota fights the suplex with elbows, then clinches back!

Yota BACKBREAKERS, FLATLINERS, but Konosuke avoids the stomp! Konsouke waistlocks, Yota ELBOWS Konosuke and runs, but into an EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally and Konosuke eggs Yota on. Yota rises, the fans rally up, and Konosuke brings Yota around to clinch. But Yota makes it his clinch! BACKBREAKER! FLATLINER! CURB STOMP! The Gene Combination completes, and Yota pump handles Konosuke for the- NO, Konosuke fights the suplex with elbows! Yota goes to a corner, Konosuke runs up, and Konosuke blocks a boot. But Yota uses the British reel to STOMP Konosuke down!

The fans fire up with Yota as he deadlifts, but Konosuke switches! Yota switches, Konosuke switches! Yota fights the German Suplex, but ends up in the BASTARD DRIVER! And then the WHEELBARROW GERMAN! The fans are thunderous as Konosuke stands Yota up, runs the ropes, but Yota GENE TRIGGERS! Yota runs, but Konosuke dodges and BLUE THUNDER BOMBS! Cover, TWO! Yota survives and Konosuke is shocked but the fans fire back up! The fans duel as Konosuke goes to the corner, takes aim, and WAGA- NO, Yota catches the leg and rolls through to BOSTON CRAB! The fans fire up as Konosuke endures the hold!

Konosuke fights, Yota drags him back, and Yota sits deep! Konosuke still endures, still fights, and the fans continue to rally! But Yota changes the angle, then he hooks the legs and tucks the arms! SIT OUT CLASH!? Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives whatever that was, and “This is Awesome!” Yota crawls back to a corner, aims at Konosuke, and GENE- NO, Konosuke dodges and Yota hits buckles! Yota staggers back, Konosuke hops up, POISON-RANA! But Yota’s right back up?! And GENE- BUSAIKU KNEE!! Cover, TWO!?! Yota survives and shocks everyone! The fans are thunderous again as Konosuke rises up and vows to end this!

Konosuke drags Yota up, reels him in, but Yota cradles! TWO!! Konosuke escapes, catches Yota and spins him, RAGING- NO, Yota lands out! Yota hooks the arms but Konosuke fights the backslide! Konosuke swings Yota around, but Yota again fights the suplex! Yota ROCKS Konosuke! The fans fire up while Konosuke wobbles, and then Yota HEADBUTTS! Konosuke roars, winds up, but Yota ducks to pump handle! SILVER LINING! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives and the fans fire up again! They cheer the “G1! G1!” for giving us this match. Yota grins as he stands back up, and the fans cheer as he and Konosuke go to corners.

Yota runs up and GENE TRIGGERS again! The fans fire up, Yota brings Konosuke around, and MARLOWE- NO, Konosuke trips Yota up! Yota is on the top rope, Konosuke climbs up after him! Yota fights the lift with elbows, but Konosuke hits back. Konosuke HEADBUTTS Yota again and again, then he goes to the very top! The fans go nuts already as Konosuke hits the SUPER RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP!! Both men are down but the fans fire up! A standing count begins, and the fans rally. We hit 5 of 10, then 6! Then 7! Then 8! Both men spring to life at 9! The fans cheer Red Shoes as the match continues!

Konosuke and Yota sit up, and Konosuke fires a forearm! The fans cheer, and Yota fires in return! Konosuke winds up to fire another! Yota winds up to fire another! The fans duel as the shots go back and forth! Konosuke ROCKS Yota and Yota drops to a knee. Yota rises back up, and he ROCKS Konosuke again and again! Konosuke ROCKS Yota, Yota SUPERKICKS back! Yota eggs Konosuke on, and Konosuke slaps himself back into the fight! Konosuke roars, and he fires boxing elbows! Konosuke is slowing down, but then he winds up, only for Yota to CHOP! The ALPHA ELBOW still hits! Yota falls and the fans fire up again!

Konosuke throws off the elbow pads, winds up again, but he manages to block the Gene Trigger! ALPHA ELBOW! Yota falls again, and Konosuke aims from a corner. Yota sits up, WAGA- GENE BLASTER!! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives and the fans fire up again! The fans hope these two “Fight Forever!” but there is still a time limit here. Yota winds up and runs up, and steals WAGAMAMA KNEE?! Cover, ONE?!?!? The fans erupt as Konosuke survives! Yota isn’t even sure what to make of that, but Konosuke fires more boxing elbows! Yota dodges a shot to GENE BLASTER!! Cover, TWO?!!? Konosuke survives again but Yota fires up!

Yota reloads, GENE FIRE BLAST!! Cover, Yota wins!!

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

Konosuke put up a fight worthy of the G1, but that new and quite literal twist Yota put on the Gene Blaster was enough to end it! Can Konosuke prove he’s still The Alpha before the end of the Climax?

As for Yota, he grabs the mic to say, in English, “Oi, Chicago! The G1 Climax 36 is coming! Thank you for coming to NJPW’s big opening.” The fans cheer that! Yota continues by saying this summer is the most hottest summer for NJPW. And sorry about grammar, that was a hard knee strike… Anyway, Yota vows to take the G1 as the IWGP Heavyweight Champion! The fans cheer that, too, and Yota asks Chicago, are you ready?! The fans cheer that, and Yota says ok, DJ, play that Wildfire! The fans cheer and Yota’s newest theme song plays. Will Yota dominate the G1 and control his own fate? Or will someone catch even the IWGP Heavyweight Champion slipping?

Here are the A Block standings!

Yota Tsuji: 1-0, 2 points
Jake Lee: 1-0, 2 points
Yuto-Ice: 1-0, 2 points
Hirooki Goto: 1-0, 2 points
Ryohei Oiwa: 1-0, 2 points
Konosuke Takeshita: 0-1, 0 points
Boltin Oleg: 0-1, 0 points
Great-O-Khan: 0-1, 0 points
Shingo Takagi: 0-1, 0 points
SANADA: 0-1, 0 points

Here are the B Block standings!

Aaron Wolf: 1-0, 2 points
OSKAR: 1-0, 2 points
Zack Sabre Jr: 1-0, 2 points
Callum Newman: 1-0, 2 points
HENARE: 0-1, 0 points
Ren Narita: 0-1, 0 points
Shota Umino: 0-1, 0 points
Yuya Uemura: 0-1, 0 points
Gabe Kidd: [Did Not Compete]
“Drilla” Moloney: [Did Not Compete]

My Thoughts:

A great opening night for the G1, and it wasn’t even a full first round because perhaps still the US Visa issue for Gabe Kidd. Otherwise, he and Drilla would’ve had a match tonight. NJPW returns to Japan on Saturday the 18th, so that’s where Gabe and Drilla will have their first match, and then we go into round two. That aside, not too many surprises in the results, other than maybe how the House of Torture didn’t try to cheat things. Maybe most of the House didn’t make the trip? Also, I really liked Sanada’s gold outfit he wore for his entrance, I kinda hoped he had that for his tights, too.

Good stuff for both Knock Out Brothers to win their matches, they’ll each have strong showings since they’re in opposite blocks. Oiwa over Oleg might be just a little surprising, but it shows Oiwa’s skill and his grit fighting someone so much bigger and stronger. And of course, an awesome main event from Tsuji VS Takeshita. Naturally, Yota won, NJPW needs their top champion to look strong, especially against someone who is only partly in NJPW and mostly in AEW. I would think Yota, like IWGP Heavyweight Champions of years past, will have a very strong run, but likely falls short of winning the whole thing.

It’d be very fitting if Callum made it to the finals, going for the historic feat Yota himself fell short of, i.e. winning the New Japan Cup and the G1 Climax in the same year. Then Callum can taunt Yota with that feat before getting his rematch with Yota, meaning their tiebreaker would be set for either Destruction or King of Pro-Wrestling.

My Score: 9/10