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KENTA (4-4) vs. Tetsuya Naito (6-2) (G1 Climax 30 B-Block Match)
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The semi-main event for G1 Climax 30 Night 18 was KENTA against Tetsuya Naito. KENTA was already eliminated, while Naito needed a win to keep himself alive. These two feuded earlier in the year after KENTA attacked Naito, following his win to become the first IWGP double champion at WrestleKingdom 14. Naito defeated KENTA in their previous meeting at New Beginning in Osaka.
Kevin Kelly informed the fans that Naito will hold the record for the most match time in G1 history with this match. KENTA stalling at the bell to start this G1 Climax 30 encounter. KENTA did a small package for a two-count to kick things off. After Naito took a break on the floor, both men start tentatively trying to work the arm.
See who is stunned by Hulk Hogan's words HERE
KENTA started to play a cat and mouse game with Naito, leading to him cracking Naito over the head with the New Japan Cup USA briefcase. He then worked over Naito on the outside, running him into the guardrail.
Back in the ring, KENTA controlled the pace in this G1 Climax 30 contest. Naito blocked a big boot and hit an atomic drop-neckbreaker combo. He then hit a back elbow and sliding dropkick. Naito hit his combination carbon for a two count. KENTA regained control and hit a tornado DDT on the top rope. He followed up with a flying clothesline. KENTA hit some strikes and fisherman's buster for two. KENTA reversed a tornado DDT into a falcon arrow for a near fall.
Naito hit an inverted frankensteiner. He then worked over KENTA's neck with elbows. Naito followed with an avalanche frankensteiner. He then hit Gloria for two in this G1 Climax 30 battle. KENTA caught a charging Naito with the Hangman's DDT for a near fall. KENTA hit a series of slaps, but Naito reversed the Go To Sleep into Destino for a two count.
KENTA elbowed out of Destino and followed with spinning back fists. Naito hit Valentia and looked for the Destino, but KENTA scored with an inside cradle for the win in 21 minutes. KENTA pinned the IWGP Heavyweight and Intercontinental Champion and got his fourth win. Naito was eliminated from the G1 Climax 30. That was a hard-hitting, entertaining contest. It was definitely a competitive and intense match with KENTA barely pulling out the win.
Results: KENTA (10) defeats Tetsuya Naito (12) via pinfall
Star Rating: ***1/2
