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Hiroshi Tanahashi (2-2) vs. KENTA (2-2) (G1 Climax 30 B Block Match)
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Our main event of the evening was The Ace Hiroshi Tanahashi battling KENTA. Both men came in at 2-2 with Tana beating YOSHI-HASHI and KENTA losing to EVIL on G1 Climax 30 Night 8. KENTA was victorious in their previous meeting in last year's G1.
KENTA got into Tanahashi's face until he responded with strikes. KENTA hung Tana up on the top rope, while on the apron and started to attack his bad knee. The focus on KENTA's offense in this G1 Climax 30 match was on the knee of his opponent, using the ring post to his advantage. He even mocked Tana's air guitar pose.
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KENTA caused further damage to the knee on the outside while using the guardrail. Tana got the upper hand by hitting the dragon screw. He followed with running forearms, a slam and second rope senton for a two count. KENTA regained control hitting a powerslam and attacking the knee again.
KENTA followed up with his Tornado DDT, dropping Tana's neck on the top rope and a flying clothesline for two. He then applied the Figure 4, but Tana got to the ropes. After a strike exchange led to both men on the floor with Tanahashi barely making it in for the twenty count, KENTA took control of this G1 Climax 30 encounter. He hit a corner dropkick followed by the double stomp from the top for a near fall.
Tana looked for the dragon suplex, but KENTA kicked the knee and reapplied the Figure 4 Leglock. Tana fought to the ropes and got to his feet. Tanahashi then hit a Sling Blade. The two men traded strikes, which ended with Tana hitting two Dragon screws. He followed with the Texas Cloverleaf. However KENTA made it to the ropes.
Tana took a page out of KENTA's book with the corner dropkick. KENTA evaded the Sling Blade and pushed Tanahashi into the referee. With the ref down in this G1 Climax 30 contest, KENTA used the New Japan Cup USA briefcase. He then hit a penalty kick and followed with the running knee strike for a near fall.
Tana reversed the Go To Sleep with Twist and Shout. He then followed with two more and a Sling Blade for a near fall. Tanahashi hit High Fly Flow to a standing KENTA and reapplied the Texas Cloverleaf. KENTA fought to the ropes, but Tanahashi made it more high angle to get the submission win in twenty-three and a half minutes. Hiroshi Tanahashi got his third win and two more points in the G1 Climax 30.
That was a great main event with excellent selling from Tanahashi. There was expert in-ring psychology with both men working the knee. It made for a compelling finishing sequence to this G1 Climax 30 main event.
Results: Hiroshi Tanahashi (6) defeats KENTA (4) via submission
Star Rating: ****1/4
