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As day 4 commences, the trend for this day seems to be old rivalries reignited. The B-block was already the block to keep n eye on due to fan favorites all being together, however, the stakes are higher due to new developments and feud possibilities.
The G1 has always been front and center when it comes to deciding the second half of the year, and with everyone in the blocks seemingly tied together in a way or have feuded before, or faced before, the matchups could be boring. However, the wrestlers are that talented that they'll keep you engaged no matter how many times they clash.
Let's see how day 2 of the B-Block is looking, along with predicting each outcome of the bouts taking place.
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Match 1 - Juice Robinson Vs Kota Ibushi
A fun match-up should set the tone for this day. Juice Robinson's style is very flamboyant and sporadic, but his character and mannerisms make him very popular with crowds around the globe. With his recent retrieval of the IWGP US Championship, and being the first American to hold the belt, he has got a lot of momentum heading into the round-robin. However, a broken hand could be serious and prove to be a heavy weakness.
Ibushi is the current favorite to win the whole G1 Climax, in order to set up a match with Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 13, despite the two meeting on the final day of the G1 in the Nippon Budokan, the place the two last faced each other, 6 years ago. Ibushi's highflying, striking ability and speed, mixed with Juices more brawler, high impact style it should be sure to be great.
Prediction- Kota Ibushi. 'The Golden Star' should win this and collect 2 points. A loss for Juice from Ibushi won't affect his standings and if Ibushi does fail in winning the G1, he at least could have an opportunity at facing the US Champion at Power Struggle or Destruction.
Match 2- Hirooki Goto Vs Kenny Omega
The last time this match happened was in 2016, in the G1 Finals, where Kenny Omega won and became the first Gaijin(Foreigner) to win the tournament in its current format (In the old format it was Andre the Giant).
This time, however, the two men are both champions. Goto is the NEVER Openweight Champion in his 3rd reign, whereas Kenny Omega is the IWGP Heavyweight Champion in his first reign after ending the momentous 720-day reign of Kazuchika Okada.
The last time the two faced, they'd gone through hell, especially Omega as it was his first G1 last time the 2 met. Kenny and Goto have both developed in the 2 years, Omega more than Goto, but Goto is still a veteran who is not to be taken for granted.
Prediction-Kenny Omega. Omega is winning again against the man who always fails to win the big one. Omega is on an elevated level now and with recent reconciliation with Cody, Hangman and Marty Scurll, he is now greater than before and can only be beaten by someone worthy and without a title. Unfortunately, Goto holds a title and is not worthy at the moment. I could potentially see him winning the New Japan Cup again in order to challenge but I doubt it.
Match 3- Tomohiro Ishii Vs Tetsuya Naito
These two bitter rivals have faced each other a total of 7 times since 2014, and they are about to add another chapter to their story.
The two's chemistry is uncanny and cannot be missed. Ishii's prowess and presence, put together with Naito's Tranquillo attitude and speed, and going off their past bouts, it should be good and with the 30 minute time limit every G1 Match has, the two competitors will have plenty of time to tell a good story.
Last time, Ishii was the victor, and challenging Naito for the G1 briefcase after the tournament unsuccessfully, so the two are at each other's throats in terms of record and backstage.
Prediction- Tetsuya Naito. Naito will be victorious in this anticipated classic. Naito needs to gain victories and find himself after losing to Jericho at Dominion 6.9. As much as I enjoy watching Tomohiro Ishii, he is losing this match.
Match 4-Toru Yano Vs Zack Sabre Jr
A comedic, torturous match for the fans will follow a bitter rivalry. The pairing has faced a few times now in tag matches, and the two have a odd chemistry that works.
Zack Sabre Jr is a technical human torture device, and with his alliance with Suzuki-Gun, he's become even more dangerous. I reckon that Zack will use a few submissions to ground his opponent, however, I believe he will be taken off guard at times, due to Yano being conniving, cunning and clever.
With Yano, hopefully sticking to his word and being honorable, the bout could all in all be very entertaining and surprisingly technical, where Zack outclasses Yano in both prowess and experience.
Prediction- Zack Sabre Jr. Yano will have an upset victory, no doubt about it, but Zack isn't the man for it. Zack is very serious and with him having won the New Japan Cup and beating Okada on July 1st in Manchester, he is undoubtedly the dark horse again in the tournament.
Match 5- SANADA Vs Tama Tonga
The two underrated members of their respective factions (at the time of this writing Tama Tonga is Bullet Club Firing Squad Leader, but he was the most underrated guy in Bullet Club and in New Japan.) have fought twice in the past and once in a tag team format in the finals of 2017 World Tag League.
The two almost share a very similar style and from their past bouts, the matches are quick-paced, slick and like them, underrated. Their styles compliment one another and the two should have a great opportunity to showcase and stun the fans once again, hopefully, this time though, there's no funny paradise lock spot and the match remains serious throughout and competitive, but almost to the point where you can feel a mutual respect between the two competitors.
The two are in almost the same predicament where they need to prove themselves. Not to the crowd, Not to the fans. Not to New Japan. To their leaders/former leaders. SANADA is looking to prove that he is not in Naito's shadow and is his own, whereas Tama is focused on beating Kenny Omega to prove he is ready and should not be forgotten or taken for granted again.
Prediction- Tama Tonga. Tama has created his own factions with the Tongans, and to make him and the faction look legitimate, him and Fale will have to pick up victories on the 3-week tour. Tama winning this, even though he won last time makes logical sense due to his shift and ongoing feud, however, SANADA could pick up the win, but my pick is Tama Tonga as, after the G1 Special, he is now a favorite.
What do you predict at the event? Let us know in the comments below!
