After New Japan Pro Wrestling announced the line-up for this year’s G1 Climax 30, everyone started looking at the potential matches we’d see. Between the two blocks and 20 participants, it was full of potential dream matches.
Each night, the wrestlers put their blood, sweat and tears into every match they had. Because of this, fans have been treated to some stand-out matches throughout ranging from high-flying masterpieces to technical masterclasses.
Here is a look at the top 10 matches from this year’s G1 Climax 30 tournament.
10. SANADA vs. Zack Sabre Jr. – Night 10
In the past, fans have seen some unique matches between SANADA and Zack Sabre Jr. during previous New Japan Cups and also Wrestle Kingdom. As expected, these two put on yet another fantastic match showcasing not only their chemistry in the ring but also their long-term rivalry.
As soon as the bell rang, the match started with a series of roll-up attempts to get a quick finish reminiscent of the previous bout between Goto and Yano.
After the two got that out of their system and realised it would not be an easy ride, it was a match intertwining two very unique styles. There were transitions, counters and even a few more roll-ups here and there. It was all because the two men know each other so well and were on an even-footing throughout. Because of this, you could see Zack getting frustrated. Yet, SANADA kept his cool which might have given him that much-needed advantage.
Despite this match being mat-based, SANADA got to show his flare with a final moonsault to get the win.
All in all, the match itself seemed like a very British-style affair. Many of the moves have been classed as traditional ‘British Strong Style’. It was slick, clean and full of action but in such a different way to many of the other stand out G1 matches.
9. Minoru Suzuki vs. TAICHI – Night 3
Inter-faction matches are always a crowd favourite in New Japan tournaments. This Suzuki-Gun bout was no different. You knew straight away as Suzuki made his way to the ring and squared up with the Holy Emperor before the bell even rang. Within the first 30 seconds, the rules were ignored. From strangling each other, brawling on the mat and using chairs, it was chaos.
However, that were shades of a traditional wrestling match. Both men refused to go down as they threw forearms and elbows in the centre of the ring. We also saw a mixture of Suzuki’s submission style and TAICHI’s more hybrid offence based on speed, strength and power.
For the majority of the match, Suzuki seemed to be in firm control. At one point, TAICHI was lying on the floor after a huge knockout blow from the King of Pro-Wrestling. However, as always, never discount TAICHI. When it seemed as if Suzuki was going for a finisher, the Black Sheep of Suzuki Gun quickly countered the move and turned it into a Black Mephisto for the win.
It was one of the most brutal matches of the tournament with two wrestlers not letting any loyalties get in the way. This match will prove interesting in the long run. It will be interesting to see where Suzuki-Gun goes from here.
8. TAICHI vs. Tomohiro Ishii – Night 9
It is no secret that whenever TAICHI and Tomohiro Ishii get in the ring together, they bring out both the best and worst in each other. This match was no different.
For the first few minutes, both men were just stood in the centre of the ring kicking each other. It was not flashy, but you could see it hurt as both men struggled to stay on their feet and the sounds echoed throughout the venue.
After that exchange, both men seemed more determined and motivated as ever. The match seemed to be a perfect blend of both men’s style which although seems different, stems from the same focus on strength, speed and agility. Due to this, it was a match that was fast, hard-hitting and dynamic that never seemed to let up from the second the bell rang.
It meant that both men had their routes to try and get the advantage over their opponent. TAICHI seemed to do this by going after Ishii’s arm. However, as always, it looked as if Ishii could not feel any pain and found more energy to fight back. What was also impressive was that, for TAICHI, it was quite a clean match with only a few attempts at foul play which seemed to do no real damage.
However, as the clock hit the 18-minute mark, Ishii managed to hit one last running forearm and a brainbuster for the win. Despite TAICHI claiming that he does not want another match with Ishii for a few years, fans would happily watch these two in the ring again and again.
7. Jay White vs. Kota Ibushi – Night 3
After their matches at last year’s G1 Climax tournament final and Wrestle Kingdom, many expected another stand out performance between Kota Ibushi and Jay White. However, fans were surprised at just how excellent this rematch was. It started with Jay and his mind games. Knowing fully well that the crowds cannot cheer for their favourite Golden Star, the Switchblade goaded the crowd.
From there, it was a match mixing wrestling and storytelling. At first, it seemed as if Jay White was going for the smart plan of targeting Ibushi’s leg which is one of his strongest weapons. Jay did this with several painful-looking submissions and even a Dragon Screw through the ropes. However, despite this, Kota did not stay down.
At one point, both men treated the crowd to stunning suplexes which left fans across the world in awe. In particular, there was a perfectly executed and effortless snap suplex from White which echoed through the venue. Both White and Ibushi were out to show just how talented they are and get the advantage
Yet, despite the heart of the Golden Star, the finish of the match came down to one of Jay White’s strengths: his mind. After another distraction from Gedo on the outside, Ibushi tried to compose himself to hit his Kamigoye finisher. Unfortunately, as he went for the move, White transitioned it into his Blade Runner to put an end to a great match.
6. Tetsuya Naito vs. Zack Sabre Jr. – Night 4
Tetsuya Naito and Zack Sabre Jr. are two men that have always brought out the best in each other despite their differences. This main event match on the fourth night was no exception.
The pace seemed to be dictated by ZSJ with both men focusing on submissions. For many, it was different seeing Naito on the mat for so long. However, this just showed how versatile a wrestler the Ungovernable One is.
Luckily, the match soon quickened. Both men seemed to be flying around the ring. It was not surprising to see Naito execute some high-flying moves. However, crowds saw a different size to the Vegan Hydra who was adapting his style and produced a beautiful swinging DDT and something that resembled a Reverse Frankensteiner.
As the clock kept on ticking and the 30-minute time limit drew nearer, both men were giving it their all. At one point, Zack even managed to hit a perfect Zack Driver but, because of the intensity of the match, was unable to capitalise and get the win. Yet, when many expected to see the first draw of the tournament, Naito managed to hit a final Destino for the win.
Many have called this one of the matches of the tournament. It was because of the change in speed, style and pace throughout. It was dynamic, exciting and kept the crowds on the edges of their seats.
5. Tetsuya Naito vs. SANADA – Night 8
For many New Japan fans, this was the match that they were most looking forward too. It was a battle between two fan favourites and also two members of Los Ingobernables de Japon. If that was not exciting enough, going into the match, there was a lot at stake. Naito had been on an undefeated run. SANADA was yet to pick up a win.
The match began slow and methodical. It was like a feeling out process between two men more suited to be partners than opponents. It quickly changed pace with both men moving outside of the ring and causing some chaos. For most of the match, Naito was in firm control. It almost felt as if he was mocking SANADA. Luckily, this seemed to be the motivation the Cold Skull needed and, with one dropkick, the tide of the matches flipped.
It was a bout that combined two very similar wrestling styles that is a mixture of high-flying but also a solid mat game. It was style, flash and substance mixed into one. Also, you could see that both men know each other so well because they found counters out of nowhere. We even saw SANADA attempt to hit a Destino.
Even as the match passed the 25-minute mark, neither man seemed to let up for a second. Desperation started to kick in. Fans suddenly saw a change where both men just seemed to do anything to try and get the advantage. SANADA managed to pull off another upset and beat the champion for the second year running with two moonsaults.
After Naito threw up the LIJ fist bump and the lights of the venue dimmed and the fans torches lit up, it was the perfect ending for Los Ingobernables de Japon fans.
4. Kota Ibushi vs. SANADA – Final Night
Going into the final of the G1, nobody knew what to expect from Kota Ibushi and SANADA. They had a stand-out tournament match in 2018, but many saw their G1 29 bout as average due to the injuries sustained by the Golden Star. Luckily, they had no reason to worry as their match was probably the best.
The match itself started quite slowly and cautiously. It almost felt as if both men were feeling each other out again. They focused on using a more simple and traditional wrestling offence compared to what we usually see from the two. After the first few minutes, this slow and methodical pace seemed to continue with both men targeting a specific body part of their opponent.
This pace was perfect and reflected the longevity of the tournament. This match was not about being flashy and trying to shine. It was about winning the tournament and doing it in the best and safest way. However, what was also great about this match is that they did change pace. Fans did get to see some high-flying and risk-taking from the two both inside and outside the ring.
For most of the match, both men were on an equal footing both having the advantage at different times. There were near falls that had fans on the edge of their seats and biting their nails. After two extremely close calls, Ibushi managed to hit two Kamigoyes to get his second consecutive G1 victory.
In the end, this match had so many layers intertwining different paces, different styles and different combinations. It was the perfect babyface vs. babyface match that had crowds hooked from the second the bell rang.
3. Shingo Takagi vs. Tomohiro Ishii – Night 7
In the past, we have seen bouts between Shingo Takagi and Tomohiro Ishii that have been 5 star quality. Luckily for New Japan fans, their match during this G1 was as good, if not better producing a stellar main event.
The match itself started with a series of forearms in the centre of the ring where Ishii seemed to have the advantage. However, from there, the duo seemed to be on an equal footing for most of the match. They went back and forth beating the hell out of each other. Even as it went to the outside, it was just as brutal a fight. Ishii and Takagi both using the ring and barriers to their advantage.
There were a series of lariats which seemed to go on forever. Neither man stayed down for long. It seemed as if they absorbed their opponent’s power and used it as retaliation. After this, Takagi had the advantage for most of the match hitting his big moves from Made in Japan, Noshagami and pumping bomber. It was non-stop and full of action.
Despite the timer hitting the 25-minute mark, neither seemed to be slowing down or showing any sign of fatigue. However, after the announcement, Ishii had a new lease on life. With one final vertical drop brainbuster, the Stone Pitbull got the 1, 2, 3 and his first two points.
It was a fast-paced and brutal slugfest between two of the strongest and most determined men in New Japan.
2. Will Ospreay vs. Shingo Takagi – Night 5
After last year’s Best of the Super Jr. final match between Shingo Takagi and Will Ospreay, fans saw another 5* between the former Jr Heavyweights. It was this added history which made this match even more exciting with both men having varying success rates since joining the Heavyweight division.
Since the two have moved divisions, there have been changes in both me. Shingo has had to adapt his wrestling offence. However, the change in Ospreay was more evident. He has gained size during the past year and also adapted his style to include more heavy-hitting moves. It was one of the changes fans saw during this match.
However, despite both men’s size, they still showed off elements of high-flying and agility which is unrivalled by many in the business. Fans got to see Ospreay flying over the top-rope and Shingo using his speed to gain momentum when hitting those clubbing lariats.
As the clock went over the 22-minute mark, Shingo finally managed to hit Ospreay with the Last of the Dragon for his first win of the tournament. Not only was this retribution for Shingo after losing to Will during the BoSJ, but it also qualifies him for a future RevPro Heavyweight title shot.
In a match that was fast, brutal and exciting, was it any surprise that it’s received rave reviews from fans across the world?
1. Kota Ibushi vs. Minoru Suzuki – Night 13
When this match came out of the block matches, it was always going to be interesting. Neither man has been in the ring with each other much. Their last singles match was over seven years ago. This match has made many fans want to see this match again and again.
Surprisingly, it was a match which was mainly based on the mat. From the very beginning, it was full action without even a second to breathe. We all know that Suzuki is one of the best submission wrestling in the game. However, what was scary was for every move Suzuki had, Ibushi managed to find a way to counter. When the two were not on the mat grappling, they were throwing strikes and kicks.
What was interesting was that Ibushi did not even attempt to change the pace or execute any high-flying moves. The one time he looked like he was going to fly, Suzuki moved to the rampway and sat crossed leg goading Ibushi to come outside. Of course, he did.
The two then squared up and threw forearms until Suzuki got Ibushi down with kicks. Each time Ibushi fell or got hit, he got back up and wanted more and gave more. It was the same with Suzuki, both took and gave out so much.
It was beautifully brutal.
In the end, Ibushi got the win a Kamigoye but, despite losing, Suzuki had a smile on his face which showed just how good a match it was. It might have been one of the best matches the two have had in the tournament because it was so different and both men are as crazy as each other.
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