Top 10 G1 Climax 30 Matches

3. Shingo Takagi vs. Tomohiro Ishii – Night 7

In the past, we have seen bouts between Shingo Takagi and Tomohiro Ishii that have been 5 star quality. Luckily for New Japan fans, their match during this G1 was as good, if not better producing a stellar main event.

The match itself started with a series of forearms in the centre of the ring where Ishii seemed to have the advantage. However, from there, the duo seemed to be on an equal footing for most of the match. They went back and forth beating the hell out of each other. Even as it went to the outside, it was just as brutal a fight. Ishii and Takagi both using the ring and barriers to their advantage.

There were a series of lariats which seemed to go on forever. Neither man stayed down for long. It seemed as if they absorbed their opponent’s power and used it as retaliation. After this, Takagi had the advantage for most of the match hitting his big moves from Made in Japan, Noshagami and pumping bomber. It was non-stop and full of action.

Despite the timer hitting the 25-minute mark, neither seemed to be slowing down or showing any sign of fatigue. However, after the announcement, Ishii had a new lease on life. With one final vertical drop brainbuster, the Stone Pitbull got the 1, 2, 3 and his first two points.

It was a fast-paced and brutal slugfest between two of the strongest and most determined men in New Japan.

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2. Will Ospreay vs. Shingo Takagi – Night 5

After last year’s Best of the Super Jr. final match between Shingo Takagi and Will Ospreay, fans saw another 5* between the former Jr Heavyweights. It was this added history which made this match even more exciting with both men having varying success rates since joining the Heavyweight division.

Since the two have moved divisions, there have been changes in both me. Shingo has had to adapt his wrestling offence. However, the change in Ospreay was more evident. He has gained size during the past year and also adapted his style to include more heavy-hitting moves. It was one of the changes fans saw during this match.

However, despite both men’s size, they still showed off elements of high-flying and agility which is unrivalled by many in the business. Fans got to see Ospreay flying over the top-rope and Shingo using his speed to gain momentum when hitting those clubbing lariats.

As the clock went over the 22-minute mark, Shingo finally managed to hit Ospreay with the Last of the Dragon for his first win of the tournament. Not only was this retribution for Shingo after losing to Will during the BoSJ, but it also qualifies him for a future RevPro Heavyweight title shot.

In a match that was fast, brutal and exciting, was it any surprise that it’s received rave reviews from fans across the world?

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1. Kota Ibushi vs. Minoru Suzuki – Night 13

When this match came out of the block matches, it was always going to be interesting. Neither man has been in the ring with each other much. Their last singles match was over seven years ago. This match has made many fans want to see this match again and again.

Surprisingly, it was a match which was mainly based on the mat. From the very beginning, it was full action without even a second to breathe. We all know that Suzuki is one of the best submission wrestling in the game. However, what was scary was for every move Suzuki had, Ibushi managed to find a way to counter. When the two were not on the mat grappling, they were throwing strikes and kicks.

What was interesting was that Ibushi did not even attempt to change the pace or execute any high-flying moves. The one time he looked like he was going to fly, Suzuki moved to the rampway and sat crossed leg goading Ibushi to come outside. Of course, he did.

The two then squared up and threw forearms until Suzuki got Ibushi down with kicks. Each time Ibushi fell or got hit, he got back up and wanted more and gave more. It was the same with Suzuki, both took and gave out so much.

It was beautifully brutal.

In the end, Ibushi got the win a Kamigoye but, despite losing, Suzuki had a smile on his face which showed just how good a match it was. It might have been one of the best matches the two have had in the tournament because it was so different and both men are as crazy as each other.

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• SANADA
• kota ibushi
• g1 climax 30
• NJPW

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