NJPW G1 Climax Night 7 results: The Rainmaker stands tall

Kota Ibushi (2) vs. SANADA (2)

G1 CLIMAX 29 後楽園大会！第8試合Aブロック公式戦 @ibushi_kota VS @seiyasanada！後楽園大熱狂！リング上では目まぐるしい攻防を展開！この天才対決を制するのは!?登録＆視聴▷https://t.co/mrSrQHMayg#njpw #njpwworld #G1Climax #G129 pic.twitter.com/NRkLpmHmIB

— njpwworld (@njpwworld) July 20, 2019

SANADA’s supporters were loud and proud before Ibushi entered the ring, golden and heroic, with his own audience contingent. Red Shoes Unno refereed.

The two honourable fighters locked up in wrist and waist holds, leading to Ibushi’s effective holds. Acrobatics from both men followed, highlighting their versatile styles and stamina. They decided to listen to the crowd for a little while, weighing their popularity by audience cheers, grappling once they were satisfied.

Ibushi failed to complete a paradise lock, but he rallied with a top rope dropkick and moonsault. A rapid kick combo lead to the men trading roll up attempts and a dropkick of SANADA’s own. A second didn’t connect, leaving him on the mat with Ibushi climbing to his knees.

Trading exhausted blows as they stood, Ibushi’s kicks and SANADA’s stiff elbows kept the audience invested. Ibushi’s powerbomb left SANADA with just enough energy to kick out at 2. He fought his way out of Ibushi’s Kamigoye to deliver his own.

Ibushi’s left knee and ankle continued to give him trouble as he found his feet first. They countered each other’s finishers over and over until Ibushi threw SANADA into the turnbuckle.

It was SANADA though who nearly locked in his Skull End finisher and still had enough energy to kick out of Ibushi’s Kamigoye once. Twice, however, was too much, and Ibushi pinned SANADA for the 3-count.

Results: Kota Ibushi (4) def. SANADA (2) via pinfall