New Japan Pro Wrestling began the 31st G1 Climax on Saturday. A block took center stage in a night of surprises. By the end of the main event, Shingo Takagi stood tall in the ring and made it clear, this year’s competition is not to be taken lightly.
The biggest shock of the night was Yujiro Takahashi sneaking out a win against two-time G1 Climax Winner Kota Ibushi. Ibushi came into this year’s tournament hoping to regain momentum after some high-profile losses over the summer, but it was nit to be.
Takahashi used every bit of shenanigans he could, and overcame the former-World Champion. A big win for Yujiro, and his House of Torture faction. Earlier in the night, HoT member SHO got a dominant win over new Young Lion Ryohei Oiwa.
Great-O-Khan got a win in his G1 Climax debut. It was a Tale of Two Cities, as he bested fellow debutante Tanga Loa. The brawling battle was a test of both men’s meddle, as they usually find themselves in tag competition.
KENTA and Toru Yano continued their rivalry, with Yano getting a very Yano-esque victory, after KENTA’s attempts to hogtie Yano backfired. Zack Sabre Jr. then outwrestled Tetsuya Naito in a thrilling semi-main event.
The main event saw tournament legend Tomohiro Ishii battle against IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Shingo Takagi. Takagi, desperate to prove himself in this year’s tournament, took Ishii to the limit and let it go by. Nearing the 30min Time Limit, Takagi lifted Ishii for Last of the Dragon and ended the night with a big victory against a tough opponent.
Here’s the full results from Night 1:
9/18
NJPW G1 Climax 31- Night 1
Available on NJPWWorld.com
- Non-Tournament Match: SHO def. Ryohei Oiwa by submission via Snake Bite. (6:08)
- A Block: Yujiro Takahashi (2) def. Kota Ibushi (0) by pinfall via Pimp Juice. (11:31)
- A Block: Great-O-Khan (2) def. Tanga Loa (0) by pinfall via Eliminator. (17:45)
- A Block: Toru Yano (2) def. KENTA (0) by pinfall via Whole Roast KENTA (Hand-tied Clutch Pin). (11:07)
- A Block: Zack Sabre Jr. (2) def. Tetsuya Naito (0) by submission via YES I’M A LONG WAY FROM HOME. (27:05)
- A Block: Shingo Takagi (2) def. Tomohiro Ishii (0) by pinfall via Last of the Dragon. (27:56)
The G1 Climax will continue on Sept. 19th at 1am ET on NJPWWorld.com
