New Japan Pro Wrestling just finished its annual G1 Climax tournament and, as always, it was full of top competitors and spectacular matches.
With a mixture of new faces, veterans and rising stars, there was a range of styles and personalities shown in the matches.
Despite the lack of international stars and several unfortunate incidents, it was another fantastic tournament.
With a number of excellent matches throughout, here is a look at the top 7 matches from this year’s G1 Climax 31.
7. Tomohiro Ishii vs. Great O-Khan – G1 Climax Night 11
Considering it was his first G1 tournament, Great O-Khan proved himself in several matches.
In particular, fans loved his main event match against Tomohiro Ishii! Both wrestlers are known for their size and power but, despite being at different stages of their career, were determined as ever to gain a much-needed two points.
When the bell rang, both men focused on their shared power offence trying everything to get the upper hand over their opponent.
The two brought the fight both in and out of the ring from strikes, tackles, and chops. In particular, the chops were so loud that they echoed around the venue and showcased the strength of Ishii and O-Khan.
Yet, it wasn’t just basic offence shown. With tombstone drivers, suplexes and lariats, there was something for everyone.
As the clock went past the 25-minute mark, both men were as determined as ever. Yet, after a near fall with an enziguri, Ishii finally hit the vertical drop brainbuster for the two points.
Although Ishii got the win, it was an excellent showing for O-Khan. With more experience through every match, he has shown that the future of New Japan will definitely shine with him at the helm.
Also, he proved his chemistry with Ishii, and fans will happily watch them wrestle in the future.
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. TAICHI – G1 Climax Night 18
Going into this match, both Hiroshi Tanahashi and TAICHI had a less than favourable tournament.
Yet, this match was going to be unpredictable with two wrestlers with entirely different styles and personalities. Yet, it was one that surprised fans with its passion, diversity and storytelling.
With damaged ribs, TAICHI went in as the underdog and gained fans’ love throughout the tournament.
Knowing this, Tanahashi changed roles and exploited this injury and, at one point, was admonished by the referee after refusing to release his hold.
By wearing TAICHI down with his injury, fans thought it was an easy result. Yet, with this newfound passion and determination, TAICHi managed to fight until the end and win with a Gedo Clutch.
For many, it was the role reversals and development of TAICHI’s character that struck a chord. A few years ago, fans would boo the Emperor at any opportunity he was given.
In 2021, he was put in the babyface role against the Ace and had fans willing him to do well. Tanahashi also showcased his veteran role by being able to showcase TAICHI in a different light and make fans cheer for him.
With incredible chemistry between the two, a US title match will be welcomed by fans.
5. Kazuchika Okada vs. Tama Tonga – G1 Climax Night 16
In the lead-up to this match, most fans thought the outcome would be simple. Okada was on an undefeated streak and Tama Tonga had a mixed tournament so far.
Yet, with more history than most fans remember, it wasn’t one that either was going to take lightly. It was also one that almost changed the complexion of the whole G1.
The match itself started quite methodically with a solid few minutes of chain wrestling. For many fans, Okada and Tama are two of the most athletic wrestlers in New Japan and this match was the perfect example of that.
As the speed of the match increased, so did the men’s determination. From DDTs, dropkicks and suplexes, both men put in their all.
In particular, fans praised the wrestler’s ability to avoid their opponent’s finishers in the closing stretch.
When it seemed like neither man was going to get the win any time soon, Tama hit a final Gun Stun with a double underhook piledriver to get the win.
As Kazuchika Okada’s only loss of the entire tournament, the fact that it was Tama Tonga took many by surprise.
After years of cementing himself at the top of the tag division with his brother, this could be the start of a successful singles run for Tama Tonga.
It also showcased that as much as Bullet Club likes to cheat, their members can win clean.
4. KENTA vs. Zack Sabre Jr. – G1 Climax Night 13
Out of all the competitors in the A Block, Zack Sabre Jr and KENTA probably had the most in common. Known for their smaller size, they are two of the best submission wrestlers in the game.
After their previous G1 match, many were looking forward to seeing the two battle again. With ZSJ on a hot streak, KENTA was also out to ruin his opponent’s G1.
The match itself started pretty slowly, with both men showcasing their submission and striking talent.
Yet, with KENTA showcasing his Bullet Club side, it quickly became a true babyface versus heel bout with ZSJ being the crowd favourite.
Yet, being a Suzuki Gun member, ZSJ had a counter for this and used his own sneaky style to keep his advantage. The match started to pick up in the final part with a series of flawless offence.
Towards the end, the personality of both men took centre and created an environment where anyone could win.
Yet, by countering ZSJ’s anklelock and sending him into the exposed buckled, KENTA hit his GTR to win.
Not only was it pure heelwork, but it also created the environment which led to Zack being unable to win the tournament. Once again, the two produced a seamless match.
3. Zack Sabre Jr vs. Tetsuya Naito – G1 Climax Night 1
For many fans, the first night of the G1 provided some of the tournament’s best matches, and Zack Sabre Jr versus Tetsuya Naito was no different.
Going into the match, the rivalry between the two was intense as ever, especially after their fight for the tag titles.
With two styles that couldn’t be more different, it was always going to be an exciting match with two men who got on each other’s nerves.
Rather than the usual unpredictability of Naito, the match started in a more subdued way. Both men attempted to wear their opponent down quickly.
In their previous bouts, it has been clear that Naito and ZSJ’s familiarity with each other has led to them adapting their own styles.
Naito showcased a more submission style and Zack showed off more athleticism. As expected with Zack and his submissions, he quickly spotted a weakness in Naito’s knee and continued to target it.
This approach led to a beautiful top rope Rana to Octopus hold, which further damaged Naito’s knee.
With this slower pace, fans knew that it would get close to the time limit. As the match hit the 27-minute mark, Zack finally managed to submit Naito with his “Yes! I am a long way from home!” submission.
Despite the unfortunate injury sustained by Naito, the result of this match helped cement ZSJ’s dominance throughout the tournament.
2. Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi – G1 Climax Night 2
There is no denying that if New Japan wants a match that will deliver to fans, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada in the main event will always do that.
It was no exception during the first night of Block B action in the G1 this year. Going into the match, Okada was in the lead with six wins. Despite a level of respect, this match showed that the rivalry was still intense.
At the start of the match, the two seemed to have this feeling out period trying to get the advantage very early.
Yet, with their history and knowledge of each other, it didn’t last long. However, when the Dragon Screws and dropkicks came out, fans knew that both men were serious.
With two styles based on athleticism, speed and style, the crowd was on the edge of their seats the entire time.
As expected, the match went very close to the time limit and many thought it would end with a draw. Yet, with only 30 seconds to go, Okada hit a dropkick, stunning Michinoku Driver and a final Rainmaker to get the win.
Although the US championship didn’t seem to be a priority for Okada, this match was a massive hurdle that he overcame.
Despite losing, Tanahashi proved he is still one of the best in the company. The two men added another spectacular chapter to their story.
1. Shingo Takagi vs. Tomohiro Ishii – G1 Climax Night 1
In the first main event of the first night of G1 action, fans were treated to a match between the two workhorses of New Japan.
Since their first meeting in 2019, Tomohiro Ishii and Shingo Takagi have had an intense rivalry. It has been based on an equal passion for wrestling and a similar strength and speed-based offence.
Yet, with Shingo holding the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, it seemed as if the stakes were higher than ever.
From the minute the bell rang, both men started the power battle with proper intensity. From shoulder tackles to exchanging elbows, it quickly became a brawl both in and out of the ring.
Yet, each move seemed to make the other stronger. This power was always mixed in with immense speed and athleticism, which two men of that size shouldn’t have.
From lariats, enziguris and suplexes, both men were both worn out and more determined.
Many hoped that Ishii would finally break through and succeed in the G1. Yet, a Last of the Dragon was enough to put a halt to those chances very early in the tournament.
However, despite the loss, it was a match that fans couldn’t get enough of. If Takagi gets to pick an opponent in the future, hopefully, Ishii is at the top of the list.
This match once again showcased why fans love them so much and the reason that they’re known as the MVPs of New Japan.
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