#9 Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. SANADA (G1 Climax 30 Day 16)
The B Block of the G1 Climax 30 could not quite live up to the extremely high quality of the A Block throughout this tournament. If there was one performer who delivered night in and night out for the B Block, it was The Ace Hiroshi Tanahashi. From his facial expressions and body language to his ability to sell and deliver a compelling comeback, Tanahashi once again proved himself as one of the best in the business. This entry was one of his best matches of the tournament against SANADA on Day 16.
Coming in to this G1 Climax 30 main event, SANADA needed a victory to keep pace to take the block. However, Tanahashi was pretty much mathematically eliminated at this point. Both men worked with a purpose and delivered an entertaining main event on this evening.
A top AEW star just called one of his colleagues 'spoiled' and 'narcissistic' HERE.
The chemistry between these two men shined through with unique counters and impressive technical wrestling. In the end, SANADA finished Tanahashi with two straight Muta-saults to defeat The Ace. The Cold Skull received the big push all the way to the G1 Climax 30 Finals. This encounter was arguably his best match of the tournament.