10 Best Matches From The G1 Climax 30

10. SANADA Vs. EVIL (G1 Night 18)

While many have complained about the prevalence of outside interference in this match, it perfectly fit the story that SANADA and EVIL were telling and the overall narrative of the last few months. It wouldn't have made any sense for EVIL to go full main event Okada as a heel when his reign has been defined by his dastardly behaviour.

SANADA and EVIL were one of the most popular tag teams in New Japan Pro Wrestling for years before the infamous EVIL heel turn of 2020. On his path to true cruelty, he cheated and broke down his friend SANADA in the New Japan Cup, scars that haven't faded for the Cold Skull. Now, after months of them being separated, these former friends square off with the entire tournament on the line and it feels so investing from the second the bell rings.

The two have always had good chemistry and the extra anger makes the work even more compelling, but where it truly sings is the narrative catharsis of watching SANADA utilise EVIL's interference against him, using Dick Togo's botched assistance to get a perfect O'Connor Roll pinfall over the King of Darkness and plant himself in the G1 Finals.