Recap: Top 5 G1 28 Matches

Hi guys,

With the 2019 G1 tournament starting in a mere few days, I was wondering what the best way would be to really get you ready for the busy Summer season of NJPW. Whilst strolling through the NJPW archives, I stumbled upon a match that inspired me to do this match. Last year, I watched my first ever G1 and it was one of the best experiences ever because every match was so different and unique. So, here are my top 5 matches from last years G1.

Kenny Omega v Yano Toru (Night 16 - 8/8/18)

This was the match that inspired me to do this post, because it made me realise how diverse last year was. For anyone who hasn’t watched it, Tama and the BC attacked Kenny before the match and Yano came running down trying to capitalise and, after a second attack from the BC, picked up the win. However, it was the match itself that made it so memorable and one of the best. Obviously Yano took off all the turnbuckles, but we had best friend Chase Owens making sure that Kenny was protected from the turn buckle. Yano suplexed Kenny onto the turnbuckle pads and expected it to hurt, when I think it did more for Kenny and then in return, Yano low blowed both Kenny and Red Shoes Unno at once. However, my highlight had to be when Yano taped Omega to young lion Ren Narita which seemed initially like a handicap. Yet, in the end, after a double clothesline, it turned out to be for the best. It wasn’t the best technically, but it was a whole lot of fun.

Yano Toru v Sanada (Night 14 - 4/8/18)
do I have so many Yano matches here? I know he’s not technically the best wrestler but he puts on a great show and isn’t that what wrestling is all about? This match was another amazing showcase of the wonderful and weird with Sanada who isn’t really known for his comedy but his amazing athleticism. However, this match actually had three men making it as good as it was. We all know that Sanada’s go to move is the Paradise Lock and we know that Yano has tape. Well, after trying to tape Sanada, the Cold Skull got his own back. Getting Yano in a Paradise Lock in the barricade, Sanada taped him up. Cue Rocky Romero run from commentary to try and help his Chaos faction member. However, this didn’t go to plan. Let’s just say that Rocky also ended up taped to the barricade in a Paradise Lock screaming for Milano Collection A.T to help him. It was another Toru Yano classic. 

Hangman Page v Hiroshi Tanahashi (Night 7 - 22/7/18)

I have always had a soft spot for Hangman Page and I really had high hopes for him in this tournament. Even though it may not have gone his way, he really put on an amazing show in every match and none so more than his bout with the Ace of New Japan Hiroshi Tanahashi. Walking into the match, Tanahashi tried to call a truce letting Page hold his infamous air guitar, but Hangman wasn’t going to let Tana’s charm suck him in. it was all go from that moment with a perfect combination from the two of strength and agility with shooting star press’s, high fly flow’s and just some pure brutal strong style. In the end, Tanahashi got the win but it was the aftermath that really hit me. The crowd were on their feet for Page and, even though he acted like it didn’t mean anything, it obviously did. It seemed like Tana also saw his potential and wanted to cleanse him of the Bullet Club poison. If Page comes back to NJPW, I’d love to see him tag with Tanahashi or even have another singles match.

Kota Ibushi v Kenny Omega (Night 18 - 11/8/18)

Going into the G1, this was probably one of the matches people were most looking forward too. After recently reconnecting and reforming the Golden Lovers, it seemed as if nothing could tear the duo apart… well maybe except the title that Kenny was now holding after being Okada at Dominion. Apart from the amazing story telling throughout, as expected, it was a wrestling masterpiece. Both guys have this perfect chemistry whether as best friends or as opponents. They have this high flying style, combined with a sense of danger which basically means that they’re willing to put their careers on the line to win. Yet, a Kamigoye managed to get the win for Ibushi on the night before the final and secure his spot in the final. It is matches like this that remind you just how special professional wrestling is and how much of a spectacle it can be.

Jay White v Minoru Suzuki (Night 7 - 22/7/18)

Jay spent the entire tournament using any means he could to get the win, whether it was a chair or a low blow. However, we all knew that this was not going to work against the King Minoru Suzuki, because no one is as ruthless as the Suzuki Gun leader. The lead up to this match was really good with Suzuki chasing White across the floor and then White calling him, an old f***’ (and you know the whole wank maggot debacle) which is dangerous. This meant that the match itself was really intense and, of course White tried to use every trick in the book to beat Minoru, from using the ring banner and an attempted low blow, but Suzuki had an answer for all of them. The funny thing is that I spent the entire tournament wanting Jay to win, however this was the one match where my head was turned. Suzuki and White are two of the best heels in the company and this was the perfect example of that. In the end, a gotch style pile driver put the Switchblade down.

If this doesn’t get you excited for this year’s tournament, then I don’t know what will. All these matches are available to watch on NJPW World and I definitely recommend it if you’ve got spare time. This year has the potential to even beat last year’s calibre and I’m excited to see what matches the competitors have up their sleeves. 

So, like always, keep up to date with all things wrestling and be first to know when I post something new on here or a new podcast (or even when if you just want to chat), follow me on social media (@Wrestling_Chat on Twitter and Wrestling Chatter on FB and WrestlingChatter96 on IG)!

Until next time,

Bye