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KENTA (2) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (0)
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KENTA’s simple entrance was all he needed to bring the crowd’s interest to the Day 3 main event. He was a grumpy guy for the duration of the match, and it added a lot of flavours. Multiple-time G1 Climax winner Tanahashi came to the ring with fewer points, far more G1 experience, and a coat with more embellishments than could ever be tasteful. He was magnificent.
Unno was the referee. The men sized each other up extensively, grappling for short periods as well. KENTA slapped Tanahashi, ready to humiliate him. Tanahashi’s elbow took the wind out of KENTA, who soon found himself hurled into the barricade.
That woke KENTA up enough to return the favour with interest in the form of a DDT outside the ring. KENTA nearly threw Tanahashi into the Japanese announce table but wasn’t able to keep him down for the full 3-count once they were back in the ring. That inspired KENTA to get serious and beat Tanahashi down with kicks, holds, and stiff knees.
Tanahashi’s ability to take damage gave him an opening to Dragon Screw KENTA. Kenta’s signature kicks lead to and aerial assault soaring dropkick and double stomp, nearly gaining him the win. Tanahashi’s Dragon screw leg whip and the same, inverted, were textbook perfection.
He put KENTA in a Texas cloverleaf hold, dragging him away from the ropes. That energy burst left an opening for KENTA to DDT Tanahashi. Tanahashi stopped any momentum KENTA got after that though with a painful-looking slingblade.
A lariat from KENTA didn’t stop Tanahashi from another slingblade, but KENTA got his knees up to foil Tanahashi’s aerial finishing move. His own finisher, GTS, ended the match and garnered KENTA 2 more points to finish the Night 3 event.
KENTA offered Tanahashi a sporting handshake, and Tanahashi didn't accept it. One day, their hands might meet in respect.
Result: KENTA (4) def. Hiroshi Tanahashi (0)
