Yesterday we saw the start of A-Block action in the 2021 G1 Climax, but tonight brings the start of the B-Block. While it has less major stars, it’s got some of the most consistent names in the business today, and are kicking off with their biggest match of Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi. A win tonight kicks you off on the right foot, and could lead to glory.
EVIL Reigns Supreme – Provided He Has Backup
The opening match of the card was another SHO vs. Young Lion match. SHO is working on his new heel persona within The House of Torture, and beating up young lions is a great way to do that. SHO once again looked confident, and The Snake Bite is a good submission finisher which could be big in Best of The Super Juniors. Kosei Fujita looked great here, showing lots of intensity and heart.
First glimpse of A-Block action saw EVIL take on YOSHI-HASHI. YOSHI-HASHI has been on the run of his career since becoming one third of the NEVER Openweight Tag Team Champions, but has issues with singles success. EVIL needed very heavy help from Dick Togo to beat him tonight, which bodes well for his tournament. A very standard EVIL match.
Chase Owens is new into the G1, but has always been scouting. All the scouting in the world can’t help you with Jeff Cobb, who has been arguably as good as anyone in NJPW this year. Owens held his own for a while, and looked legit but easily fell to Cobb in the end. Don’t be shocked when Cobb reaches the finals.
Kazuchika Okada Brings Back The Rainmaker Era
Tama Tonga is back in the G1 after a few years focusing on tag team success, likely to one up Karl Anderson. SANADA made the finals in 2020, and is looking to make this the year he wins. It’s almost a mirror match with these two, both being very defense and counter heavy. Slick grappling from bell to bell finally ended when SANADA got an O’Connor Roll. Tama belongs in this spot, unlike his brother.
Hirooki Goto & Taichi are rivals who bring out the absolute best in each other, and always bring the fire in a hard hitting classic. Goto would push into a more sadistic side here, really working the style of Taichi. Lots of hard strikes, choking and head drops here, which was a mistake. Goto got many good blows in, but in the end Taichi would drop him for the win.
The main event saw one of wrestling’s best rivalries be renewed as Tanahashi took on Okada. First 15 minutes was battling for some control, next ten were big blows from both sides, and the final five minutes as they flirted with a time limit draw were professional wrestling perfected. These two have unmatched chemistry, and the old Okada was here for a nail biting final sequence ending in the rainmaker. He’s done playing around, and is coming for his top spot.
Just The Numbers
If you’re just here for the raw data, here it is. EVIL, Jeff Cobb, SANADA, Taichi and Kazuchika Okada are at two points. YOSHI-HASHI, Chase Owens, Tama Tonga, Hirooki Goto & Hiroshi Tanahashi are all stuck at zero points. Each man still has 8 matches ahead, meaning it’s anyones game.
Who will win the B-Block? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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