The G1 Climax heats back up!

G1 Climax 36 (mostly) moves into round two, and IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Yota Tsuji, is looking to keep his lead going, even against Hirooki Goto!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Toru Yano & Taisei Nakahara VS Aaron Wolf & Tatsuya Matsumoto; Wolf & Matsumoto win.
• Callum Newman & Zane Jay VS Ren Narita & Dick Togo; Narita & Togo win.
• Yuya Uemura & Masatora Yasuda VS Zack Sabre Jr. & Hartley Jackson; ZSJ & Hartley win.
• G1 Climax 36 B Block: Gabe Kidd VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins.
• G1 Climax 36 A Block: Great-O-Khan VS SANADA; Khan wins.
• G1 Climax 36 A Block: Konosuke Takeshita VS Jake Lee; Konosuke wins.
• G1 Climax 36 A Block: Boltin Oleg VS Yuto-Ice; Oleg wins.
• G1 Climax 36 A Block: Shingo Takagi VS Ryohei Oiwa; Takagi wins.
• G1 Climax 36 A Block: Yota Tsuji VS Hirooki Goto; Goto wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Here are the current 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 current 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]

G1 Climax 36 B Block: Gabe Kidd VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!

Visa issues what they are, The Mad Man could not be there for opening night in Chicago, so neither could his opponent. But now these former War Dogs, these former tag partners, these former friends, finally get to fight it out in the ring! Will Gabe prove he’s All Elite now? Or will 44 Caliber take his shot and hit the mark?

Just to rub it in, the NEW IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion grabs the mic to add, “A E W, ICHIBAN!” The fans boo, Gabe soaks it up, and he takes his time with his entrance gear. The fans cheer Moloney on and Gabe tells them to shut up! The bell rings, the two step right up and get face to face. The fans are all on Drilla’s side, and Drilla tells Gabe they used to be on Gabe’s side, same as Gabe used to be on NJPW’s side. Gabe shoves Drilla and says F Drilla, F the fans, and F NJPW! Gabe flips everyone off, but Drilla grabs that middle finger! Drilla stares Gabe down, Gabe SLAPS Drilla! Drilla SLAPS back!

Gabe SLAPS again, then headlocks. Drilla powers up and out, Gabe RUNS him over, then flexes as he says he’s the man! But Drilla is right up and he DECKS Gabe! Gabe bails out, then he trips Drilla up. Gabe drags Drilla out to CHOP! Drilla CHOPS back! Gabe staggers away but Drilla pursues him into the crowd. Drilla CHOPS, CHOPS, but Gabe CHOPS back! Drilla CHOPS again, but Gabe BITES Drilla’s forehead! Fans move aside but Gabe SMACKS Drilla off the chair! Gabe then BOWLS Drilla into the chairs! STRIKE! Gabe leaves Drilla behind to grab a mic, but the ring staffer takes too long to turn it on. Gabe grabs Abe-san’s mic to again say, “A E W, Ichiban!”

Drilla is back, he and Gabe fire forearms, then Drilla ROCKS and CHOPS Gabe down! The fans cheer Drilla and says this is EFFIN’ NJPW! Gabe CHOPS Drilla, Drilla SPITS at Gabe! Then Drilla CHOPS Gabe down! The fans cheer as Drilla stands on business for NJPW. Gabe goes out to another part of the crowd, but Drilla follows to BOOT and CHOP him! The fans clear out as Gabe takes a seat, and Drilla CHOPS him over! The chairs almost tip over, then more fans clear out. Drilla CHOPS Gabe down and this time, the chairs tip over. Drilla then drags Gabe up, brings him around, but Gabe throws body shots.

Gabe CHOPS Drilla into sitting down in a chair, then CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Drilla gets mad and CHOPS in return! The fans cheer as things keep moving around the crowd, and Drilla CHOPS Gabe! And SLAPS, SLAPS, SLAPS! Gabe snarls and swipes at Drilla but he drags Gabe up to SNAKE EYES off the railing! Gabe falls over and the fans fire up. Drilla stalks Gabe, drags him up, and whips him into railing! Gabe tumbles up and over into No Man’s Land! The fans cheer while Drilla storms his way over. Drilla drags Gabe up, brings him around, and SMACKS him off the timekeeper’s table. Drilla SLAPS Gabe, then goes back to ringside.

Gabe sputters, but Drilla eggs him on. Gabe CHUCKS a chair! The fans boo but Drilla is down! Gabe snarls, snatches the Global Championship from Abe-san, then THROWS the belt down! The fans boo Gabe, he flips them off, then Gabe goes back to Drilla. Gabe CHOPS Drilla, CHOPS, and CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Gabe BITES Drilla’s forehead! The fans boo but Gabe POSTS Drilla! Gabe brings Drilla around to put him in the ring, and the fans continue to rally for Drilla. Gabe does jumping jacks just to taunt Drilla, then he plays rope-a-dope as he eggs Drilla on. Drilla swings, misses, falls over, repeat. Gabe DROPKICKS Drilla down, covers, ONE!!

The fans cheer as Drilla shows there’s more gas in the tank, but we can see he’s bleeding. Gabe SMACKS Drilla off buckles, then makes sure everyone can see the bloody forehead. Gabe CHOPS Drilla, HEADBUTTS him, then CHOPS again! HEADBUTT! CHOP! Then HEADBUTT, HEADBUTT, HEADBUTT! Gabe rolls back, but Drilla SUPERKICKS him! The fans fire up while both men are down! Gabe goes to a corner but Drilla storms his way over. The fans rally behind Drilla as he stands Gabe up to ROCK again and again and again! The ref counts as Drilla HAMMERS away, but then Drilla shoves the ref! Drilla drags Gabe up to HEADBUTT again and again!

Drilla ROCKS Gabe again and again, then stomps a mudhole until the ref is back up. The ref has Drilla back down, and he warns Drilla about the closed fists. Drilla snarls as he goes back to Gabe, drags him from the corner, and eggs him on. Drilla sees Gabe’s bloody now, but Gabe gets up to SMACK Drilla! The fans rally up as Gabe eggs Drilla on. Drilla ROCKS Gabe, Gabe staggers to the ropes, but Gabe nods. Gabe laughs like the Mad Man he is before he SLAPS Drilla! Gabe eggs Drilla on, Drilla CHOPS! Gabe CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Gabe ROCKS Drilla, Drilla DROPKICKS Gabe! The fans cheer, but then Gabe STRAIGHT RIGHTS!

Drilla stays up, so Gabe STRAIGHT RIGHTS again! And again! Drilla falls, the ref reprimands, but Gabe just brings down the kneepad! But then Gabe flips the fans off, they don’t get to see the tattoo! Gabe turns back around, into the GORE! The fans fire up as both men are down again! The ref checks, and the fans rally up as Drilla rises. Gabe sputters, his own crimson mask forming. Drilla rises, slashes his throat, and the fans fire up! Drilla drags Gabe up, lifts, but Gabe slips free to GERMAN SUPLEX! Gabe holds on, drags Drilla up again, but Drilla fires elbows! Drilla RAMS Gabe into buckles, fires more elbows, and from all sides!

Drilla ELBOWS Gabe, runs the ropes, but Gabe hurdles! Drilla comes back, Gabe CHOPS! But then Drilla CHOPS! Gabe swings, Drilla slips around, ripcord and CHOP! But Gabe with the COMEBACKER! Gabe hurries to suplex Drilla, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Drilla survives and the fans fire up, but Gabe suplexes to BRAINBUSTER again! Cover, TWO!! Drilla survives again, but Gabe shakes his head! Gabe drags Drilla up, reels him in, and suplexes, STALLING BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Drilla survives once more and the fans are fired up! Gabe snarls, drags Drilla up, and he puts Drilla up top.

Gabe calls his shot, then SPITS at the fans! Gabe goes to the very top, but Drilla fires body shots! Gabe CLUBS Drilla, Drilla fires more shots, and Gabe steps down a level. Gabe HEADBUTTS Drilla, but Drilla HEADBUTTS again and again and again! Gabe falls back, Drilla takes aim, and the fans fire up! MACHO ELBOW DROP! The fans are thunderous as Drilla fires up! Drilla whips Gabe, pops him up, POWERBOMB! Drilla then aims from a corner, runs up on Gabe, and GORE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Gabe survives and Drilla is beside himself! The fans rally up while both men are down, and Drilla rises again.

Drilla drags Gabe up, reels Gabe in, but Gabe BACKDROPS! Drilla sunset flips, Gabe sits on it, TWO! Gabe swings, Drilla ducks! Drilla ripcords, but Gabe ducks the swing! Drilla ducks ‘n’ dodges, steals COMEBACKER, but Gabe steals the GORE!! The fans can’t believe it as Gabe then reels Drilla in, Canadian Racks, and- NO, Drilla slips free! And SAIDOS! The fans are thunderous as both men use each other’s moves! Drilla takes it another step and brings down his kneepad! O-KNEE!! The fans fire up and Drilla brings Gabe around! But Gabe fights the lift! Drilla just hooks a leg, LEG TRAP DRIVER!! Drilla hurries to hoist Gabe back up, DRILLA KILLA!! Cover, DRILLA WINS!

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

Drilla not only defends NJPW’s honor against the Mad Man, he gets a win over the IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion! Is this proof that 44 Caliber is number one with a bullet? Or will this Dog still have his day?

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

The United Empire has conquered the Heavyweight Tag Division and the Openweight Six Man Division, but the G1 has already been a mixed bag in just the first round. Will the Dominator start doing just that here in the second? Or can the Cold-Blooded Snake get his own redemption from last week?

Khan says to check Sanada, the ref does as asked, but Sanada says there’s nothing to check. Khan then sucker punches Sanada! The bell rings and Khan ROCKS Sanada in the corner again and again! Khan stomps Sanada, drags him up, then winds up to Mongolian Chop! And Mongolian Chop! And Mongolian feint and a stomp to the foot! Khan runs, but Sanada dodges the boot to DROPKICK the legs out! The fans applaud while Sanada stalks Khan. Sanada drags Khan up by the beard! The ref reprimands but Sanada wrenches the beard and CLUBS it! Khan clutches his chin but Sanada drags him up by the ponytail!

The ref reprimands, Khan stands and has the ROPEBREAK! Sanada whips but Khan holds onto the ropes to block. The ref counts, Sanada tries to whip again but Khan still holds onto the ropes. Sanada CLUBS Khan’s arm, then DROPKICKS the legs out again! Khan clutches his knee while the fans rally and duel. Sanada drags Khan up, whips him to ropes, but Khan grabs ropes to stop himself. Khan then bails out of the ring, and the ref has Sanada stay back. Khan stands, he eggs Sanada on, and Sanada goes after him. Khan kicks low! And whips Sanada into the railing! Sanada staggers, Khan brings him around, and Khan whips him into more railing!

Khan goes to the corner, and he unties a tag rope. Khan uses the tag rope to CHOKE Sanada! The fans boo, the ref counts, and Khan lets go at 4. Sanada coughs and sputters but Khan goes looking under the ring. Khan brings out a couple chairs, but the ref is busy with the tag rope! Khan JAMS Sanada up! And SMACKS him on the back! The ref reprimands and Khan “apologizes” before he brings Sanada up. Khan stomps Sanada, puts him in the ring, then pushes him to a cover, TWO! Sanada is tougher than that and the fans applaud. Khan storms around, then scuffs Khan. Khan eggs Sanada on, then scuffs him again.

Khan stands with arms behind his back as he dares Sanada to try something. Sanada stands, winds up, and Mongolian- NO, Khan sweeps the legs! Khan laughs at Sanada quite literally falling for that, then he sits Sanada up. Khan slashes his throat, runs the ropes, but Sanada DROPKICKS the legs! And then DROPKICKS Khan down! The fans fire up, and Sanada unties a buckle pad! A very Toru Yano level move, and he whips Khan at the corner! Khan hits bare steel, then staggers and falls! Sanada drags Khan up to whip him back into the buckles! The ref reprimands but Sanada ties Khan up in Paradise! The fans applaud as Sanada then goes to untie the blue buckle pad.

The ref reprimands, they argue over the pad, and Sanada lets the ref have that one. Then Sanada hurries to grab the other and he SMACKS Khan out of Paradise! The fans cheer but the ref reprimands! Sanada drags Khan to a cover, TWO! Khan’s tougher than that, but the fans rally as Sanada goes up a corner. Khan hurries away, so Sanada hops down. Sanada storms over to the far side, brings Khan up, but Khan RAMS low! Khan steps in, but Sanada DROPKICKS the leg! Then DRAPING DRAGON SCREWS! The fans cheer while Khan falls to the floor. Sanada waits, then aims, PLANCHA but Khan dodges! Sanada tumbles and Khan says he’s still too smart.

Khan drags Sanada up, puts him in the ring, and hurries to clamp on the IRON CLAW! Sanada endures, keeps his shoulders up, but Khan puts on the pressure! The ref makes sure there’s no eye gouging as part of it, but then Khan DRIBBLES Sanada off the mat again and again! The fans duel but Khan SLAMS Sanada off the mat again! Khan then clamps the IRON CLAW back on, drags Sanada up, and ELIMIN- NO, Sanada flips through, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then tilt-o-whirls to dragon sleeper! SKULL END! The fans cheer as Khan endures, reaches out, but starts to fade! Sanada drops Khan, goes up, but Khan shoves the ref into the ropes, tripping up Sanada!

The fans are torn, but Khan hurries after Sanada. Khan drags Sanada into the Tree of Woe and CHOPS away on his chest! Then Khan scoops Sanada out o the Tree for the T T- NO, Sanada slips free and dragon sleepers! Khan pulls on an ear! Khan snapmares, but Sanada SHINING WIZARDS! The fans fire up as Sanada aims again, BLINDSIDE WIZARD! Then Sanada aims from another corner, shouts at Khan, and he runs up to SHINING WIZARD again! Khan flounders, Sanada covers, TWO!! Khan survives the trio of wizards but Sanada drags him to the drop zone! Up, up, and ROUDNING BODY PRESS! But Sanada’s not done!

Sanada clinches, but Khan BITES Sanada’s hand! Khan gets away, spitting out the taste in hsi mouth. Khan then sneaks a chair from under the ring! Sanada storms out, but he dodges the chair shot! Sanada takes the chair, JAMS Khan up, and the ring count starts already. Sanada lifts Khan, MAGIC SCREW off the apron and to the floor! Sanada then brings Khan around, goes up the ramp, but we’re already at 10 of 20! Sanada makes Khan takes a seat, then SHINING- NO, Khan kicks the legs out! Sanada smacks off the chair, then Khan CHUCKS the chair at his face! Scoop, but Sanada slips free! But Khan scoops again! FULL METAL T T D!!

Khan hurries away as the count is 18! Khan rolls in, Sanada is down, Khan wins!!

Winner: Great-O-Khan, by count out (gains 2 points; Sanada earns 0)

Sanada’s last ditch plan backfires and Khan snatches the win away! Will Khan truly be the Dominator of A Block? Can Sanada get on the board before it’s too late?

Wait, Khan isn’t done with Sanada! He stomps Sanada, drags him into the ring, and has the chairs! The ref reprimands, the bell rings more and more, but Khan DRIBBLES Sanada off a chair! Then he sets Sanada in place, and the fans boo as he winds up! GOLF SWING! The fans boo but Khan laughs at the pan he’s caused! Khan sits over Sanada with both belts in hand. He insults the “pigs” in Hokkaido, and he even taunts Tenzan on commentary! Will this be how Khan conducts business the entire G1?

G1 Climax 36 A Block: Konosuke Takeshita VS Jake Lee!

The Alpha lost the AEW International Championship to Kyle Fletcher, he lost the opening night main event to Yota Tsuji, but that doesn’t mean he’s lost his fighting spirit. Will Konosuke prove he is still the Alpha? Or will the Silent Jester have the last laugh?

During Konosuke’s entrance, Jake mocks Konosuke by sitting in the front row as if he’s a fan. Jake then takes his time getting up like he’s an old man before stepping back into the ring. The bell rings and the fans rally up. Jake waves, the fans cheer him on, but then he says no, no, cheer for Konosuke. The fans do chant for “TA-KE-SH’TA! TA-KE-SH’TA!” The two circle as Jake conducts the choir, then they tie up. Konosuke powers Jake to ropes, the ref calls for the break, but Jake turns things around. Jake dusts Konosuke off before he backs up. The fans applaud, but Konosuke kicks low! Konosuke whips, Jake reverses, and he ducks the Takeshita Line with a bow!

Jake has a laugh, but then Konosuke runs up! Jake DUMPS Konosuke out, then PENALTY KICKS from the apron! Jake leaves Konosuke on the floor so he can do his jester dance. The fans do applaud, then the ring count starts. Konosuke hurries into the ring, Jake waves at him and eggs him on. Konosuke stands, winds up, and he ROCKS Jake again and again! Jake wobbles, but he kicks low. Jake whips and KNEES Konosuke at the ropes, then whips and KNEES him again! Jake whips, Konosuke reverses, then ducks ‘n’ dodges! TAKESHITA LINE finds Jake after all! The fans cheer while Konosuke stands tall.

Konosuke whips Jake to a corner, runs up, and he ROCKS Jake! Then he clinches for the EXPLODER! The fans cheer while Jake tumbles out. Jake leans against railing, but Konosuke builds speed! But Jake gets away before Konosuke can fly. Konosuke slides out, but Jake kicks low! Jake reels Konosuke in but Konosuke wrenches free, kicks low, and DDTS on the floor! The fans cheer while both men are down. Konosuke goes after Jake, brings him up, and puts him in the ring. Konosuke then goes looking under the ring, and way under the ring. Jake coughs and sputters, but Konosuke pops back out with a towel. Konosuke storms up on Jake, and he wipes away the jester face paint!

The fans cheer but the ref reprimands as Konosuke cleans Jake up. Konosuke tells the ref to shut up and leave him alone. Konosuke then rains down a few fists, and Jake’s face is clean! The fans rally as Konosuke eggs Jake on. Jake is mad, and he fires off forearms with Konosuke! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth, and Konosuke ROCKS Jake again and again! Konosuke winds up, but Jake catches the Alpha Elbow to KNEE low! Jake eggs Konosuke on, now made serious by the fact he isn’t hiding behind the paint. Konosuke fires himself up and fires boxing elbows! Konosuke whips Jake, Jake reverses and KNEES low!

Jake runs to KITCHEN SINK KNEE Konosuke down! The fans are torn but Jake huffs ‘n’ puffs as he goes back to Konosuke. Jake brings Konosuke up, turns him around, and hits a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Konosuke survives and the fans applaud. Jake stays cool while Konosuke crawls. Jake aims from the opposite corner, then runs in, FACE BREAK- NO, Konosuke dodges! Konosuke then hoists Jake up to the top rope, carries him out, and RUNNING POWERBOMBS! A rough landing for Jake but the fans cheer Konosuke on. Konosuke aims from the corner now, and runs up to WAGA- NO, Jake blocks the knee!

Jake CLUBS the leg, KNEES Konosuke, but Konosuke ALPHA ELBOWS! Jake BODY BLOWS, then ROUNDHOUSES! Konosuke roars, but Jake ROUNDHOUSES him back down! And then GIANT SLAYER KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Jake clamps onto Konosuke to guzel and CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Konosuke survives again and the fans fire up! Jake goes to a corner and he waits on Konosuke. Konosuke stands in a corner, FACE BREAK- JUMP KNEE! Konosuke aims again, WAGAMAMA KNEE!! Cover, TWO?!?! Jake survives, but Konosuke vows to end it now! Konosuke reels Jake in, but Jake suplexes first! BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!!

But Jake hurries to clamp on a GUILLOTINE FACELOCK! Konosuke endures, reaches out, but Jake keeps him from the ropes with another KNEE! Jake fires elbows, but the ALPHA ELBOW finds him! Jake roars, Konosuke BUSAIKU KNEES him down! Konosuke hurries to haul Jake up, suplexes, RAGING FIRE!! Cover, Konosuke wins!

Winner: Konosuke Takeshita, by pinfall (gains 2 points; Jake earns 0)

This may be the G1, but Konosuke got this done like it was a NJPW World Television Championship match! Will The Alpha make himself the star of the summer? Or can Jake still conquer this block for the United Empire?

G1 Climax 36 A Block: Boltin Oleg VS Yuto-Ice!

The NJPW Strong Champion was not quite mighty enough to win in the first round, but this Knock Out Brother’s Ambition saw him through. Will Yuto help Hokkaido get high? Or will he be put behind BARS?

Oleg and Yuto get face to face but the ref has them back up. The fans rally up already, then the two run up at the bell! Yuto BOOTS Oleg, but Oleg shoots back in. Yuto holds off the takedown, Oleg slips around to waistlock, and the two switch and switch and switch. Oleg has the top mount, Yuto holds off the cover, and Yuto goes to facelock. Oleg moves around, wrenches through, and the two back off. The fans cheer the technical exchange while the two reset. Yuto and Oleg test the waters, then Yuto KICKS! Oleg tries to shoot in but his ribs hurt! Yuto KICKS and CLUBS Oleg, then facelocks. But Oleg RAMS Yuto into a corner!

The fans rally as Oleg snarls, but Yuto fires forearms first. Yuto then bobs ‘n’ weaves, ROCKS Oleg, but Oleg DECKS Yuto in return! The fans applaud while Oleg shakes out the bad arm. Yuto goes to a corner, drags himself back up, and Oleg runs in! Yuto BOOTS Oleg, then runs up, but into a lift! Oleg RAMS Yuto into the corner, then carries him corner to corner to RAM him in again! And then Oleg SLAMS Yuto down! The fans fire up with Oleg, and he brings Yuto around by a leg. Yuto kicks free, hurries to his feet, and he fires forearms. Yuto ROCKS Oleg, but Oleg kicks low! Yuto fights the scoop with elbows, but Oleg scoops and SLAMS after all!

Oleg runs to BOLTIN SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Yuto is tougher than that, but Oleg huffs ‘n’ puffs. Oleg grabs a leg, then the other, and he turns Yuto over for a BOSTON CRAB! The fans cheer while Yuto endures! Yuto powers up, reaches out, and he fights his way forward, only for Oleg to sit deep on the hold! Yuto still fights his way to the ROPEBREAK! The fans applaud while Oleg lets go. Oleg goes back to Yuto, stomps him around, then drags him back up. Oleg ROCKS Yuto, has him in the corner, then whips corner to corner. Oleg runs up but Yuto dodges the splash! Yuto mule kicks, KNEE LIFTS, then winds up to BUZZSAW! The fans fire up while both men are down!

Yuto crawls while the fans duel. Oleg rises, but Yuto brings him around. Yuto fires a flurry but Oleg kicks low. Oleg whips, Yuto grabs ropes to stop himself, then Yuto KICKS! And he KICKS a leg out! The fans fire up while Yuto huffs ‘n’ puffs back over to Oleg. Yuto drags Oleg up, KNEES him, KICKS him, and KNEES again and again and again in the corner! The ref counts, Yuto backs off at 4, and Yuto gets gangsta! “BOMBACLAT!” Yuto runs up and KNEES Oleg down! Cover, TWO! Oleg survives and the fans applaud, but Yuto just keeps on Oleg. Yuto drags Oleg up, runs the ropes, and PENALTY- NO, Oleg blocks the kick!

Oleg swings, Yuto dodges and KICKS the bad leg! then Yuto BOOTS Oleg down! Oleg sits up, but into a KNEE! The fans fire up while Yuto nods and signals this is big money. Yuto scuffs Oleg, eggs him on, then SLAPS him again and again! The fans rally while Oleg sputters. Yuto sits Oleg up, runs the ropes, and ICE HIGH! But Oleg just stands up!? The fans fire up and Yuto is amused. Oleg eggs Yuto on, so Yuto SLAPS him! Oleg ROCKS Yuto! Yuto staggers, Oleg ROCKS him again! And ROCKS him again! Yuto almost falls, but he’s back up, only for Oleg to CHOP him down! Oleg fires up again, and he brings Yuto back up.

Oleg SMACKS Yuto off buckles again and again! The ref reprimands but Oleg shoves him down! Oleg dribbles Yuto off the buckles, then stomps him down! The ref reprimands and backs Oleg off, but Oleg shoves him away! Oleg drags Yuto up while the ref reprimands again. Oleg backs off this time while the ref checks Yuto. Yuto’s able to continue so Oleg drags him up. Oleg THROWS Yuto, then eggs him on. Yuto rises up, Oleg runs in, and Oleg SHOTGUNS Yuto down! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Oleg is frustrated, he miscalculated the high stack. Oleg drags Yuto back to center by his arms, then rains down CHOP after CHOP!

The fans rally for Yuto but Oleg brings him up. Oleg winds up, but Yuto CLAWS the eyes! The fans are torn but the ref reprimands him! Yuto stops and gives a thumbs up. Oleg staggers, blinking his eyes, but he comes back for Yuto. Oleg drags Yuto up but Yuto KICKS, KICKS, and KICKS! Yuto winds up to KICK Oleg down! The fans rally up while Yuto stands tall. Yuto brings Oleg up, fires forearms, but Oleg is feeding off them! Yuto bobs ‘n’ weaves, SLAPS, SLAPS, and repeat! Then a ROUNDHOUSE! But Oleg’s still on his feet?! AMBITION and BUZZSAW knock Oleg down! Cover, TWO!?! And with power!

The fans fire up as Oleg has new life! And Yuto actually likes it! But then Oleg LARIATS him down! Yuto is up, but Oleg ROCKS him! Yuto staggers, comes back, and both men roar! The fans fire up as Yuto fires SLAP after SLAP, bobs ‘n’ weaves, and repeat! Oleg wobbles, Yuto SLAPS him again and again! Oleg rebounds, but into a BOOT! Oleg spins through to CHOP! Yuto sputters, Oleg winds up, but Yuto ducks that chop! But Oleg blocks the kick! Yuto fights the lift! Yuto KICKS, KICKS, then winds up and KICKS! And KICK, KICK, KICK! Oleg blocks one, CLUBS the leg, then DOUBLE CHOPS! Both men wobble, but they roar again! Yuto KICKS Oleg down!!

The fans fire up for “AISU! AISU!” Yuto brings Oleg up, around, but Oleg POP-UP FOREARMS! Oleg keeps Yuto from falling, then hits a BELLY2BELLY! Cover, TWO! Yuto survives but Oleg is snarling! Oleg drags Yuto up, fireman’s carries, but Yuto slips free! And KICKS! BUZZSAW! Yuto goes to a corner, takes aim, and BLINDSIDE CRUELLA!! Yuto isn’t done yet as he goes to the other corner! Oleg sputters, sits up, and Yuto winds up! CRUEL- NO, Oleg fireman’s carries! POINT-BLANK KAMIKAZE!! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous as Yuto survives! But Oleg reels Yuto in, lifts, and POWER- NO, Yuto fights free!

Yuto fires fast hands, but Oleg BLOCKS Ambition! And he CRUSHES Yuto’s hand! Then a fireman’s carry and VERDICT!! Oleg roars, he isn’t done yet, either! The fans fire up as Oleg brings Yuto back up! And then the BOLTIN BOMB!! High stack, TWO?!?! Yuto gets that arm up just in time! The fans are electric and Oleg isn’t sure what to think! But then he high stacks, deadlifts, and BOLTIN BOMBS again! And BOLTIN BOMBS again!! And BOLTIN BOMBS AGAIN!! The ref calls it, Yuto is OUT! Oleg wins!!

Winner: Boltin Oleg, by referee stoppage (gains 2 points; Yuto earns 0)

The inner “kaiju” was just unleashed, and Boltin Oleg demolished Yuto-Ice! But he at least shows some respect to Yuto by shaking his hand. Is this just a glimpse at Oleg’s true power? Can Yuto still get high being knocked out like this?

G1 Climax 36 A Block: Shingo Takagi VS Ryohei Oiwa!

On opening night, The Rampaging Dragon could not best the Silent Jester, but The Mullet was able to grind down BARS. However, we know fortunes can change in an instant, so will Takagi be unbound on his way to the top? Or will Oiwa prove that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?

The bell rings and the fans duel already, “TA-KA-GI!” “OI-WA!” The two feel out the knuckle lock, then go shoulder to shoulder for a Test of Strength. Oiwa powers up to put pressure on the knuckle locks, then he knees one loose to arm-drag and armlock. Takagi endures, fights up, and powers Oiwa to ropes. Takagi whips Oiwa, Oiwa RAMS Takagi, but Takagi rebounds to RAM Oiwa in return! Oiwa flexes, then he runs, and he RAMS Takagi again! Takagi fires up and eggs Oiwa on. Oiwa eggs Takagi on, then kicks low. Oiwa whips, Takagi reverses, but Oiwa breaks through the lariat to RUN Takagi over!

Oiwa SENTON FLOPS and Takagi RUNS Oiwa over! Things keep moving, Oiwa drops down to arm-drag! Oiwa armlocks, then he drags Takagi up to wrench. Oiwa YANKS the arm, RAMS the shoulder, and repeat! Then he wrangles Takagi with a top wristlock. Oiwa shifts into a short arm scissor but Takagi endures. Takagi rolls things to a cover, ONE, and Oiwa holds onto the arm scissor. Takagi moves around and reaches out with a foot for the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Oiwa lets go. Oiwa then goes right back after the arm, and he grinds the shoulder. Takagi whips Oiwa away, but Oiwa RUNS Takagi over, then SENTONS! Cover, TWO!

The fans applaud as Takagi toughs it out, but Oiwa arm-drags him back down for another armlock! Takagi endures, fights up, and puts Oiwa on the ropes. Red Shoes counts, Oiwa and Takagi let go slowly, promising a clean break. But then Takagi JABS, JABS, JABS, and CHOPS! Takagi whips, Oiwa reverses, but Takagi grabs ropes. Takagi BOOTS Oiwa, fakes out the arm-drag, then flips Oiwa over so he can SENTON! The fans applaud while Oiwa sputters. Takagi then ELBOWS Oiwa, JABS, and YUKON feints to the DDT! The fans cheer Takagi and he waits on Oiwa. Oiwa is in the corner, Takagi runs up, and he LARIATS!

Takagi fires up, the fans are with him, and Takagi hoists Oiwa to the top rope. Takagi climbs up, but Oiwa goes after the arm! Takagi fires forearms and a HEADBUTT, then he brings Oiwa up. The fans rally as Takagi goes to the very top, for a SUPER DUPER PLEX! The fans fire up as Takagi then rolls through, and he suplexes for the TAKAGI TWIST! Cover, TWO! Oiwa survives those big impact moves and the fans applaud. Takagi fires up, he gets the fans into it, and he says “TOKI GA KITA!” The fans fire up for Takagi, and he brings Oiwa up. Takagi pump handles, but Oiwa fights the lift! Oiwa slips through, shoves Takagi to a corner, but Takagi ELBOWS him!

Takagi SMACKS Oiwa off the buckles, but Oiwa catches his arm into the wristlock! Oiwa tries to power Takagi down but Takagi rolls, only for Oiwa to catch him into a TENZAN PLEX! Tenzan is indeed impressed, and Oiwa covers, TWO! Takagi survives and the fans rally up again. Oiwa scoops Takagi, SLAMS him down, then goes up the corner! The fans fire up with Oiwa, and he DIVING BODY PRESS! Cover, TWO! But Oiwa hurries to clamp onto an arm! Takagi clasps hands to fight back, then he moves around. Oiwa wrenches, CLUBS the arm again and again, then wrenches to an ELBOW BREAKER! And another ELBOW BREAKER!

Takagi manages the ROPEBREAK, and Red Shoes counts, but Oiwa slowly lets go. Then Takagi takes a swing, but into Oiwa’s GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! And now Takagi has the DOUBLE WRISTLOCK! Takagi shows he has technical skills, too, and shifts into an ARMBAR! Oiwa clasps hands but Takagi CLUBS at the arms! Takagi pulls the grip apart, then YANKS the arm! Takagi knew he didn’t have the best technical skill so he went for the next best thing! The fans rally for Takagi as he KICKS Oiwa. Takagi stands Oiwa up to RAM the arm again and again! Oiwa winds up to ROCK Takagi! But Takagi Mongolian Chops!

The fans cheer, and Takagi does Tenzan’s pose as he UPPERCUTS! And Mongolian Chops again! The fans fire up for Takagi, and he kicks Oiwa around. Takagi wrenches, but Oiwa wrenches back. Oiwa CLUBS the bad arm, then runs, but Takagi blocks The Grip! Oiwa LAIRATS from the other side, but Takagi brushes that off. Takagi LARIATS but Oiwa stays up! Oiwa Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian Chops again! Then LARIATS! Takagi rebounds to LARIAT! Oiwa stays up, the fans rally, and both men get forehead to forehead, They both run, and DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Oiwa ROLLING ELBOWS!

Oiwa runs, but into a SAIDO! But Oiwa’s right up! But into the ELBOW! JAB! Oiwa ducks again but it was still a feint! Takagi JABS again, then winds up, but Oiwa LARIATS Takagi down! But then Takagi’s up! PUMPING BOMBER! The fans are thunderous while both men are down! Takagi roars as he rises up, then pump handles and MADE IN JAPAN! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives and the fans fire up again! Takagi shouts, “OI! OI! OI!” and the fans join in! Takagi brings Oiwa back up, fires boxing elbows, but the bad arm holds him back. He ELBOWS, BACKHANDS, JABS, then brings Oiwea back around.

Takagi swings, Oiwa ducks and slips around, CHAOS THEORY! Bridging cover, TWO!! Takagi survives but Oiwa roars! The fans continue to duel as Oiwa hits the DEATH ROLL! And then the DEATH ROLL! And then a DEATH ROLL PLEX! Oiwa has the arm, ARC CLUTCH!! Takagi turns to his side to relieve some of the pressure, but Oiwa keeps on pulling! Then he drags Takagi around! The fans rally harder as Takagi endures, but Oiwa puts on more pressure! Takagi reaches out, and he finds the ROPEBREAK! The fans cheer while Oiwa lets go in frustration. Oiwa drags Takagi up, DOCTOR BOMB! Cover, TWO!

Takagi hurries away to the ropes but Oiwa fires up again! The fans cheer as Oiwa whips, but Takagi blocks! Oiwa tries again, Takagi still holds the ropes, so Oiwa BODY BLOWS! Oiwa whips, then THE- PUMPING BOMBER TAKEDOWN!! Cover, TWO!! Oiwa survives that sudden turnaround, but Takagi brings him up! But Oiwa WRINGS the arm out! Oiwa wrenches again, keeps Takagi from the ropes, but Takagi LARIATS! Oiwa holds on, wrenches and wrangles, then STOMPS the arm! And then the SLEEPER! The fans rally again as Takagi endures. Takagi fights up, but Oiwa spins him! But Takagi drops, victory rolls, TWO!! SLIDING FOREARM!

The fans fire up as both men are down again! Takagi brings Oiwa up, torture racks, and LAST OF THE DRAGON! Takagi fires up, runs, and PUMPING BOMBER!! Cover, TWO?!? Oiwa survives and the fans are thunderous again! Takagi roars, the fans are with him, and Takagi drags Oiwa up. Takagi HEADBUTTS again and again, then pump handles before the torture rack! BURNING DRAGON!! Cover, Takagi wins!

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

The Mighty Don’t Kneel, but they can be beaten! Will Oiwa have to work harder on that grip of his? Will Takagi fight his way until he’s back at the top of the mountain again?

G1 Climax 36 A Block: Yota Tsuji VS Hirooki Goto!

THE IWGP Heavyweight Champion is coming off a spectacular main event win from opening night, but the Fierce Warrior wasn’t too shabby that night, either. Only one man walks away undefeated, but will the champion stay strong? Or will Goto prove he can still #GetBackUp?

The fans are already dueling here, too, and Yota smiles. The bell rings, the two circle, and they feel things out. They back away, reset, and tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but Goto finds a point of leverage. Goto puts Yota on the ropes, but pats his shoulders and backs off. The fans applaud, and Yota resets with Goto again. They tie up again, and Goto puts Yota back on the ropes. Yota turns things around, then pats Goto on the shoulder. Then Yota CHOPS! The fans fire up, Yota headlocks, but Goto endures the grind. Goto pries at the hold, but Yota grinds the hold again. Goto powers up and out but Yota RUNS him over!

The fans cheer Yota while he paces around. Yota stomps Goto, stomps him again, and again! Yota then drags Goto up, whips him to ropes, but Goto reverses. Yota counters the hip toss but Goto blocks the counter to THROW Yota down and KICK him in the back! Goto drags Yota up, bumps him off buckles, then stomps away. The fans rally, Red Shoes reprimands, but Goto stops at 4. Goto whips, runs up, and blocks a boot! But Yota reels Goto in for the STOMP! Goto rolls out, but Yota runs to BASEBALL SLIDE DROPKICK him off the apron! The fans rally and duel again, and Yota builds speed! Yota DIVES, and direct hit into the railing!

The fans cheer while Yota walks it off, then he goes back to Goto. Yota smiles as he drags Goto up, then he puts Goto in. Yota pushes Goto to a cover, ONE!! Goto is tougher than that, but Yota still smiles. The fans rally, Yota drags Goto up, and Yota fires a forearm! Yota whips, KITCHEN SINK KNEES Goto down, then covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Goto is still in this but Yota stays cool. Yota drags Goto around by his legs, but Goto fights his way to the ROPEBREAK! Yota lets go, then he drags Goto up. Goto clamps onto Yota’s leg but Yota cravats and snapmares him down. Then Yota NECK SNAPPERS!

The fans rally and duel, Yota smiles, and he stomps Goto down. Goto eggs Yota on so Yota stomps him again. Goto rises up, Yota brings him around, and Yota winds up to CHOP! Goto drops to his knees while Yota shakes out that hand. Goto stands to CHOP, CHOP, and CHOP! Yota winds up, only to KNEE low! Yota whips corner to corner, but Goto reverses. Goto runs up, but into a BOOT! Yota runs, Goto follows and he LARIATS! Goto drags Yota up, fires forearms, then whips him corner to corner. Goto runs in, MURAMASA! And then SAIDO! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Yota toughs it out now, and the dueling continues.

Goto drags Yota up, but Yota fights off the fireman’s carry! Goto ROCKS Yota, runs, but Yota clinches! FLATLINER! And then deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans fire up again while Goto flounders away. Goto crawls to the corner, Yota lines up a shot and runs in, STINGER SPLASH! The fans fire up with Yota, and he goes up the corner, MARLOWE- NO, Goto dodges the crush! Goto runs up, DOUBLE LARIATS collide! And DOUBLE LARIATS collide again! Yota roars, runs, but Goto catches him for the URA G T R! Goto runs, but into a clinch! BACKBREAKER, FLATLINER, and CURB STOMP! The fans fire up for the Gene Combination!

Yoto catches his breath while Goto is down, and the fans rally again. Yota smiles as the fans duel, but the “GO-TO-O!” side is growing stronger. Yota drags Goto around and has the legs! Goto fights the turnover, but Yota powers him the other way! BOSTON CRAB! Goto endures as Yota sits deep! Goto powers up, but Yota drags him back! Yota sits deep again! The fans rally harder and harder but Goto still fights! Yota puts on as much pressure as he can, but Goto refuses to give in! Goto powers up again, only for Yota to drag him back to center! Red Shoes checks on Goto, but he’s still fighting! The fans rally as hard as they can, and Goto powers up again!

Yota pulls back on the hold, almost getting a Walls of Jericho angle on it, but Goto fights forward again, and he has the ROPEBREAK! Yota lets go, perhaps as much from exhaustion as anything, but he shakes his own legs out so he can stand again. Yota hobbles, and he eggs Goto on. Goto sits up, but he clutches his back. Goto fires a body shot, but then he falls over! Red Shoes has Yota hold on, and Yota wants to either call it or start a count. The fans rally up for Goto as he pushes back up off the mat. Yota smiles as Goto stands, but Goto fires a forearm! Yota DECKS Goto in return! The fans still rally, and Goto rises again.

Goto fires a shot, but Yota winds up and DECKS Goto again! Goto sputters, snarls, and he rises again. Goto fires a forearm, Yota fires back, and repeat! The fans rally as the shots go back and forth, faster and faster! Goto fires a flurry, but Yota CHOPS! Goto drops to his knees again while the fans fire up! Yota eggs Goto on, and Goto rises back up, only for Yota to BOOT him down! Goto sits up, huffs ‘n’ puffs as he rises up, and he roars! Goto swings, but Yota DECKS him again! Yota then drags Goto up, but Goto’s a ragdoll! Red Shoes checks, Goto is somehow still in this, so Yota runs to CURB STOMP! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Goto survives!

Yota is a bit surprised, but he vows to end it now! Yota aims from a corner, and he smiles as Goto rises up. GENE- NO, Goto fireman’s carries and USHIGOROSHIS! The fans rally as hard as they can as Goto now has control! Goto fires a flurry of forearms, then he reels Yota in. But Yota suplexes first, ORANGE CRUSH! Cover, TWO!! Yota whips Goto to a corner, runs up, and GENE TRIGGERS! The fans fire up again while Yota hoists Goto up top. Yota climbs, goes to the very top, but Goto fires body shots! Goto CLUBS Yota, Yota fires forearms in return! Goto fires another shot, Yota fires another shot, and repeat!

The fans rally, and Yota CHOPS! Goto wobbles, but he SLAPS back! Goto then tucks Yota in, goes up, and SUPER CODE RED!! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives the classic “Kaiten (Return to Heaven),” but the fans rally as hard as they can behind Goto. Goto powers up, aims, and BUZZSAW! But Yota’s right up! Only for Goto to LARIAT him back down! The fans are thunderous as Goto hauls Yota up, fireman’s carries, and G T W!! Cover, TWO!! Yota survives but the fans continue to rally up. Goto drags Yota up, dragon sleepers, and- NO, Yota slips through to backslide! Goto roll s through, blocks a knee, but Yota ROCKS, KNEES, then SUPERKICKS!

Goto fires up, but Yota HEADBUTTS! Yota fires up, reels Goto in, and pump handles for the SILVER LINING!! Cover, TWO!??! The fans are thunderous as Goto survives! Yota crawls back to a corner, he takes aim again, and Goto rises up. GENE- NO, Goto stops the blaster! And he suplexes for SHOTEN KAI!! But Goto can’t make the cover! Both men are down while the fans rally up! Goto rises first and the fans are with him! Goto drags Yota up, dragon sleepers, but Yota fires shots. Goto grabs that arm, traps Yota, but Yota powers up! Goto spins Yota to HEADBUTT! Yota drops to his knees, but Goto HEADBUTTS again and again and again!

Yota roars as he rises again! But Goto HEADBUTTS once more! Then RIDGE HANDS Yota down! The fans fire up with Goto as he calls his shot! Goto runs, but into a GENE BLASTER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Goto survives and the fans are electric! Yota hurries to stand Goto up, reloads, and- MURAMASA!! G0to hurries to dragon sleeper, G T R!!! And then he reels Yota in, GOTO KAKUMEI!! Cover, GOTO WINS!!

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

Incredible! In a battle of current and former champions, this isn’t an upset, but it certainly feels like a shocker! Will Yota have to be careful he doesn’t underestimate the rest of his opponents this summer?

As for Goto, he hurries to grab the mic and tell Yota, “Don’t go away thinking you’re the only one carrying NJPW. I carry it, too!” The fans cheer that! Goto continues by saying he will win this G1 and stand opposite Yota again! Yota manages to smile as Goto asks him, “Are you ready?” Yota heads out, and the fans cheer Goto on. Goto tells the fans, “Thank you for coming today! I can become the oldest-ever winner of the G1 this year. Only I can!” The fans like the sound of that! Goto says, “You know why? That’s right. The G in G1 stands for GOTO!” The fans cheer, and the Goto Revolution is back on track! But will he truly make history as he returns to the mountaintop?

Here are the NEW A Block standings!

Hirooki Goto: 2-0, 4 points
Yota Tsuji: 1-1, 2 points
Konosuke Takeshita: 1-1, 0 points
Jake Lee: 1-1, 2 points
Boltin Oleg: 1-1, 2 points
Yuto-Ice: 1-1, 2 points
Great-O-Khan: 1-1, 2 points
Shingo Takagi: 1-1, 2 points
Ryohei Oiwa: 1-1, 2 points
SANADA: 0-2, 0 points

Here are the NEW 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
“Drilla” Moloney: 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: 0-1, 0 points

My Thoughts:

A great second night for G1 Climax 36, and what a great match from Gabe VS Drilla. Great win for Drilla because it wasn’t just a win for him but for NJPW over AEW. It really is wild that the story of the Bullet Club continues to be affected by the story of pro-wrestling business, and now Gabe is almost inexplicably all about AEW over NJPW. Though, maybe I just missed a promo somewhere that explained something about contracts and feeling abandoned by NJPW, who knows. Some great surprises in the mix here, too, as I did not see a referee stoppage coming, but way to power Oleg up by giving him that one over Yuto-Ice, like wow.

And of course, awesome main event from Yota VS Goto, with Goto winning as quite the surprise. Maybe Goto does become the oldest-ever G1 winner, maybe he falls short in the finals, but he’s gonna have a great run going like this.

My Score: 9/10