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New Japan Pro Wrestling's annual G1 Climax tournament is, arguably, the best tournament in professional wrestling. Having more than 90 matches in less than 30 days, this event is jam-packed with action!
The tournament plays out in a round-robin fashion which demands the best out of each competitor. This year's event was one of the best of all time with many highs and only a few lows, putting on amazing matches and furthering storylines with utmost efficiency.
Even though only one man can attain the glory of winning the G1 Climax, many rookies solidify their positions on the roster while the veterans keep proving their worth.
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All these matches can be seen on NJPW's streaming platform- New Japan World
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To choose the Top 5 matches from the countless spectacles was a difficult task and needed several revisions, so here are top 5 matches from G1 Climax 2018 that you must see!
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Honorable Mentions
Tomohiro Ishii vs Hirooki Goto
If you are a fan of hard-hitting action, this is the match for you!
The two brawlers battle with stiff forearm strikes, headbutts and incapacitating clotheslines. This has to be Goto's best match since his 'Hair vs Hair' match against Suzuki at WrestleKingdom and Ishii is undoubtedly the most underrated talent in the company.
Tomohiro Ishii vs Kota Ibushi
A clash of styles! The high flying Golden Star going against the Stone Pitbull had Moonsaults off the balcony, chops to the throat and dramatic one-count kick outs!
This match proved that Ibushi is certainly on par with his best friend- the best bout machine- Kenny Omega.
Kenny Omega vs Tetsuya Naito
The winners of the two previous editions of G1 Climax never disappoint and this was the third classic match between them in three years. Though this was not as good as their encounter in the finals of last year, this match is certainly another must-see!
#5- Tetsuya Naito vs Zack Sabre Jr.
Just before the highly anticipated match between Ibushi and Omega came this classic that broke the hearts of the Budokan crowd.
When ZSJ won this match, silence fell over the crowd, as the fan-favourite leader of Los Ingobernables de Japon was eliminated from the tournament.
The most memorable moment of this match was Zack latching on to Naito's arm mid-pose which was a unique and logical move. This win also put him at par with Ibushi on the points table further proving the trust of New Japan in this young technical wizard.
This match also increased the stakes of the impending main event between the Golden Lovers- Ibushi and Omega. Speaking of which...
#4- Kota Ibushi vs Kenny Omega
After Naito lost his match against ZSJ, this match became a virtual semi-final. The two amazing athletes, tag team and best friends poured their hearts out to beat each other up while keeping their friendship intact.
They made everything look easier and teased a potential match for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleKingdom. Even though Ibushi did not win the final, he has a rightful title opportunity after defeating the current champion.
A nod of the head was the only moment of regret or remorse from Omega over what he had done. This match potentially sets up the groundwork for a long feud in the future.
It was obvious that the two had not performed to their full potential, saving many things for a future encounter.
#3- Kazuchika Okada vs Hiroshi Tanahashi
Okada has developed a crazy avatar after he lost his IWGP Heavyweight to Omega. This is a thrilling phase for the Rainmaker and many memorable matches took place in this year's G1.
And the most memorable Okada match in this year's tournament was his A Block Final against the 'Ace' Hiroshi Tanahashi.
It was a surprise that this was the only time limit draw in the whole tournament, which also helped it become more grander. The two top guys of the company went back and forth with perfectly executed moves.
One could notice the difference in the mannerisms of the competitors from their match back at Wrestling Dontaku earlier this year and little gems like this keep the fans engaged and thrilled for any potential encounters in the future.
#2- Kota Ibushi vs Hiroshi Tanahashi
The all-important finale!
It was a close call between the finals and Okada-Tanahashi draw, but due to its significance, this match edged out the latter. The creative team had done a wonderful job of keeping the powerhouses -Okada, Omega and Naito- out of the finals without compromising their status.
This resulted in an exciting clash between a star with a golden future and the face of the company probably past his prime. The match that started out as a classic babyface battle slowly turned with the surprising arrogance and brutality of Inushi.
It was like he was trying to prove that Tanahashi is no longer the Ace of the company, and Tanahashi fought bravely to prove that he still was!
This engaging in-ring psychology coupled with the match being the prestigious finals makes this one a must-see match.
#1- Kenny Omega vs Tomohiro Ishii
Who could deliver a match even better than the finals? The Best Bout Machine of course!
On every Match-of-the-year list, there has to be an Omega-Ishii encounter. That's how good their in-ring chemistry is! This year's encounter, like many before, was a violent, engaging encounter that proves the worth of both men involved.
Ishii always proves his amazing skill at the G1 but always ends up short someway or another. He has a mixed record with Omega, both having wins and losses against each other but this time, surprisingly, the stone pitbull came through to become the victor.
This was the first loss for Omega in this year's tournament which eventually led to his collapse in the end against Yano and Ibushi, thereby ruling him out of the finals.
This match had everything, mocking slaps on the head, stiff strikes and one-count kick outs at the perfect moment. This effort of Ishii has led to him becoming the next challenger to the newly crowned IWGP Champion and we can't wait to see them fight again!
So, that's it for the list, what other matches did you like?
