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1) Shingo Takagi vs. Tomohiro Ishii - NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night 1
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Night 1 of the G1 Climax sets the tone for the entire tournament and usually offers tantalazing matchups that fans are looking forward to. This year was no exception. Not only were fans gifted the aforementioned Tetsuya Naito vs. Zack Sabre Jr. clash in the semi main event spot, but they got the usual monster mash of Shingo Takagi vs. Tomohiro Ishii of CHAOS.
The two men have met in the G1 Climax tournament before in the last two years with each being a classic. Their 2019 contest was considered one of the best matches of the year. Fans expect Takagi and Ishii to deliver a quality NJPW main event whenever given the opportunity.
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This year's bout was a little different from their past G1 Climax battles with Shingo Takagi coming in as IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. Tomohiro Ishii would not only want to get his first win of the tournament, but a win would guarantee him a shot at the top prize that has alluded him for much of his New Japan Pro Wrestling career.
The G1 Climax 31 bout started out hot immediately with both men starting out like bulls. They traded shoulder blocks and elbows for the first minute, which allowed the fans to get even more invested into the contagious chemistry these two men had. They fought at ringside with Ishii hitting a sick powerslam on the floor. Back in the ring, Shingo and Ishii traded overhand chops.
The two men were in a battle of who could withstand the most amount of punishment and deliver even more. They traded suplexes, lariats and superplexes. Ishii hit a crucifix bomb, enziguri and a powerbomb for a nearfall. Shingo followed with a pop-up Death Valley driver and a Pumping Bomber lariat for a nearfall of his own.
The final five minutes were fast and furious with each man trying to put the other away before the 30-minute time limit draw of this G1 Climax 31 contest. Ishii and Takagi traded headbutts from the mat to a standing position. However, Shingo quickly lifted Ishii for the Last of the Dragon to get the win with just two and half minutes to spare.
This was every bit the banger that many fans expected. Tomohiro Ishii proved once again why he has been the MVP of the G1 Climax tournament for so many years, while Shingo Takagi showed why he is considered the best wrestler in the world. It was an incredible battle that showcased the brilliant chemistry these two had and clearly the best match of Week 1 in the G1 Climax 31 tournament.
