7 Shortest Matches In G1 Climax History

4. Genichiro Tenryu vs. Masahiro Chono – 2004 Day 5 – 38 seconds

In 2004, the G1 saw an increased number of participants. For the first time, there was a format where the second and third runners-up from each block in a four-person tournament.

The two finalists advanced to a second four-man tournament also featuring each block winner where the winner was decided.

The company also decided that any double count-out or DQs would result in zero points for both competitors.

Yet, it also held the record for one of the shortest matches in G1 history between two legends. During this tournament, Masahiro Chono battled Genchiro Tenryu.

Although many fans probably expected a world-class bout, they only saw a match lasting 38 seconds, which was almost unheard of. Tenryu got the win in record time.

Although neither man made it all the way, they both took part in the first four-person tournament.

Yet, Masahiro Chono fell to the future King of Strong Style Shinsuke Nakamura and Tenryu lost to the future Ace of New Japan in Hiroshi Tanahashi.

It was a tournament that saw legends and wrestlers who would soon take over Japanese wrestling.

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3. Tadao Yasuda vs. Kenzo Suzuki – 2002 Day 1 – 37 seconds

The line-up for the G1 Climax in 2002 was full of wrestlers that can be called nothing less than veterans now.

Like with the previous match, the bout between Tadao Yasuda and Kenzo Suzuki was also extremely short, which seemed to be the trend in these sorts of tournaments. Yet, it didn’t always seem as if the match would be so short.

As the bell rang, Yasuda was in the ring, waiting for Suzuki to start. With this, the referee started the count and the crowds were shocked as Hiroshi Tanahashi came out for the distraction.

As this is happening, Suzuki comes out from the crowd and hits his patented finisher to get the win.

Although it might have seemed normal at the time, it seems impossible to believe that The Ace would do something like that.

It was long before the days of pure babyface fans love, but it was proof that wrestling has always been a game of intelligence. With the help of Tanahashi, Suzuki got an easy win.

• Toru Yano
• new japan pro wrestling
• G1 Climax
• NJPW

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