Former NEVER Openweight Champions Jeff Cobb and Taichi met in the third match of the G1 Climax 30 Night One event. Coming into the match, the two had one win apiece against one another in singles competition.
Cobb defeated Taichi during last years’ G1 Climax 29 tournament, while Taichi defeated Cobb earlier in 2019 to capture his first singles title with New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) the NEVER Openweight Championship.
Taichi, current IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champion with Dangerous Tekkers teammate Zack Sabre Jr, has improved his stock as a singles competitor over the past 30 months.
Jeff Cobb who has been a fixture on New Japan Strong programming, and has become one of the best well-known talents regularly associated with New Japan of America (NJoA).
The match brought out the best of both Cobb and Taichi, as the Taichi attempted to break down Cobb’s leg, while Cobb focused his offense on his Greco Roman wrestling background.
The suplexes from Cobb were effective throughout against Taichi, who had to rely on the determination he’s developed over the past 30 months to hang in there against his technically superior opponent.
Cobb would also show his fighting spirit as he attempted to start his second G1 Climax on the right foot. However, Taichi was able to take the fall at the 12 minute and 47-second mark with the Black Mephisto technique.
Despite the loss, Cobb looked in proper form and could present himself as a sleeper within Block A, while Taichi will have to fight and scrap for every point if he is to become a factor in the upper half of the standings.
Of note, both wrestlers deserve credit for the work they’ve put in over the past year to make sure they are in the best position to make a mark within the singles ranks in NJPW.
