G1 Climax 30 Night 9 saw former IWGP Heavyweight, IWGP Intercontinental, and IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion and Bullet Club member “Switchblade” Jay White face former NEVER Openweight Champion Jeff Cobb.
Switchblade came into the match with 6 points within the A Block and coming off a loss to CHAOS member Will Ospreay on G1 Climax 30 Night 7. A win against Cobb would put him atop of the A Block, giving him a measure of flexibility in the second half of bracket action.
Cobb came into the match with 2 points and a loss to “Golden Star” Kota Ibushi. However, he was on his best form within the tournament against Ibushi. Coming off his G1 Climax 29 loss to Jay White, he was in the perfect position to deliver a perfect challenge to Switchblade.
Switchblade began the match with his typical Great Muta esq style tactics that he and Kenta draw from within Bullet Club. However, Cobb didn’t allow the mind games to throw him off his tactics, yet he was presented with a number of challenges from Switchblade and his manager Gedo.
Despite having to overcome Gedo, Cobb put his best foot forward and battered White with his Greco Roman inspired slams.
Cobb was able to gain the fall at the 12 minutes and 24 seconds mark with his Tour of the Islands technique to move him to 4 points. Yet, he continues to behind the pace with the A Block, but the victory gives him a fighting chance going forward.
The loss gives Switchblade his second straight loss and means he has to quickly get back on form in order to make his way to his second straight G1 Climax Finals.
With Suzuki-Gun member Taichi (October 7th) and fellow Bullet Club member Yujiro (October 10th) his next two opponents, he will be the favorite and will need to cash in victories over both.
