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The G1 Climax has begun and it is off to a strong, unrelenting start, with the likes of Suzuki destroying Tanahashi's leg again, Ibushi showing his injured fingers and Juice Robinson with the cast on his hand.
With the matches that have set the bar for fans expectations (Jay vs Okada, Naito vs Omega, Tanahashi vs Suzuki, SANADA vs Goto etc.) the round robin is already looking to be one of the strongest in the history.
Day 5 is the A-Block, and with tag team matches happening before the block matches themselves, everyone's in on the action, so all the competitors will be wrestling over the 18 days in singles and tag matches.
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But we are not looking at the tag matches. We are here to analyse the block matches, see who's going to win each one and collect 2 points on their way to the finals.
Match 1- Michael Elgin Vs Jay White
A first-time encounter between the two, and Elgin in his fourth G1 and Jay in his 1st G1. With the New Zealander having already caused a huge upset on the first day by defeating Kazuchika Okada via underhanded tactics, Jay is already proving why his inclusion in the tournament was necessary, to keep everyone on their toes.
However, Michael Elgin is not to be trifled with. With Elgin having beaten EVIL, the two are currently level on points, 2 a piece. With Elgin out-powering Jay and having more experience, Elgin is in a prime position, however defeating Okada is no easy feat, so Elgin must tread carefully in this encounter.
Prediction-Elgin. Jay White has already achieved a huge victory, but he needs to be brought down from his perch and Elgin is the man to do it. Always having a strong showing in the round robin, averaging 9 points, Elgin's strength should topple White and Elgin won't be breathing with the 'Switchblade'.
Match 2- YOSHI-HASHI vs Minoru Suzuki
A match that took place last year for the NEVER Openweight Title at KIZUNA ROAD 2017, Suzuki's 2018 has been such an incredible story. Even though he lost to Tanahashi on Day 1, Suzuki's mystique is still there and his deadly repertoire of strikes and submissions, make him easily the most dangerous opponent in the G1 whoever he is facing. Years of experience and wisdom and him being the leader of Suzuki-Gun make him a fierce competitor and favorite.
YOSHI-HASHI, however, has had a lackluster few years and this year even though he has new attire, he still comes off as a failed version of Tanahashi. With the new attire, it even seems he's drawn inspiration from Shinsuke Nakamura. It's not bad to draw inspiration, but Hashi seems to be a mix-match who doesn't know what he's trying to be in terms of character. In the ring, though he is very solid, having a good opening bout with Togi Makabe.
Prediction- Suzuki. YOSHI-HASHI lost to Makabe and he will lose to Suzuki. Suzuki lost to Tanahashi and losing to Hashi will weaken him a bit so I believe Suzuki will come out on the winning end of this match.
Match 3- Togi Makabe Vs EVIL
A clash between two hard hitters, EVIL and Makabe will be a test of endurance between the twos striking ability. With both being former IWGP Tag Team Champions and winners of World Tag League, and EVIL being a former NEVER Openweight Champion, the two hold similar accolades.
However, Makabe has years of experience to his advantage and has won the G1 Climax before in 2009. Makabe is a veteran and is purely there to give wrestlers such as Hangman Page and Jay White vital points and tutelage.
Their styles should blend well and I reckon that by the end, only one will be left standing.
Prediction- EVIL. Makabe beat YOSHI-HASHI and EVIL lost to Elgin, so EVIL beating Makabe to claim 2 points makes logical sense. EVIL beat Okada last year so they don't want to make him look weak. EVIL is winning this and taking Makabe to the 'Darkness World'.
Match 4- Hiroshi Tanahashi Vs Bad Luck Fale
The two are adding a sixth chapter to their story, and each chapter before has been quite good in the ring and in terms of psychology.
Tanahashi usually brings the best out of his opponents and Fale is no exception. They have traded wins with one another and usually, Tanahashi outsmarts the big man by getting the count out victory.
With Fale now being apart of the BC Firing Squad and losing via disqualification to Hangman Page, he is currently standing on 0 points while Tanahashi has 2 points. With Tanahashi making a statement by beating Suzuki and challenging Okada at Wrestling Dontaku earlier in the year, he is going for the Heavyweight Title. Also, this is Tanahashi's 17th G1 Climax so he is a veteran in the round robin.
Prediction - Bad Luck Fale. With Fale having lost to Tanahashi last year in the G1 and this year in the New Japan Cup, Fale needs a win back and here is where it is suitable. Fale beating Tanahashi in G1 makes him a credible threat in the tournament, so the 'Underboss' is winning this round.
Match 5- Kazuchika Okada Vs Hangman Page
A first-time encounter between these two should be exciting. Page has already impressed over the year in matches with Kenny Omega and Jay White, along with tag matches with Cody against the Golden Lovers, and Okada is the 720-day reign, 13 defenses former IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
With Okada having lost to Jay White first and losing to Zack Sabre Jr, Kenny Omega and drawing with Suzuki, Okada has been on a downward spiral since losing his prize, but this is all apart of building him back up to prominence when he challenges for the title again down the line.
However both are looking to claim points and with both being young and hungry for the opportunity, the win could go to either man, but the fans should expect an athletic spectacle from the 'Rain-Maker' and Page.
Prediction-Okada. After losing to Jay White, if Okada loses to another wrestler par-taking in their first G1 it will in someways damage his reputation in a way. Beating Hangman will be fine as Page's reputation will be intact. Okada will be picking up 2 points.
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