G1 Climax 30 Night 3 saw an extremely interesting match between Suzuki-Gun leader and current NEVER Openweight Champion Minoru Suzuki and Suzuki-Gun member Taichi.
The Suzuki-Gun members had never competed against one another in singles competition coming into the match. With Tachi’s rise to respectability as a competitor within the heavyweight division over the past several years, and recently winning the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championship with his Dangerous Tekkers teammate Zack Sabre Jr., a level of intrigue surrounded the match.
G1 Climax 30: Suzuki v Taichi
Suzuki has been on a roll the past month, capped off with his championship victory over Shingo Takagi to begin his second NEVER Openweight Championship reign during Summer Struggle in Jingu. Prior, his victory over career rival and former two-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yuji Nagata set him on his current path.
Taichi was able to defeat former NEVER Openweight Champion Jeff Cobb during G1 Climax 30 Night 1, in what was a highly competitive match between veterans attempting to prove themselves within New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).
Taichi didn’t back down from Suzuki, despite knowing he was going to take a beating from the well trained Catch Wrestling veteran. However, Taichi was able to stay within the match, using whatever tactics he could to compete against the more technically skilled Suzuki.
To the surprise of many NJPW fans in the west, Taichi was able to defeat Suzuki with his Black Mephisto technique at the 12 minute and 11-second mark to begin his G1 Climax 30 campaign at 2-0.
The upset victory may play into Suzuki-Gun dynamics in the future, but it will also boost Tachi’s confidence as G1 Climax 30 continues. While the loss will not sink Suzuki, it could stick in the back of his mind during his next few matches.
If Taichi can continue at this pace, he’ll surprise many fans, commentators, and journalists when the A Block table is official.
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