10 Best Matches From The NJPW G1 Climax 2018

10. Tetsuya Naito Vs. Tomohiro Ishii (19 July)

Rating: ****3/4

Tetsuya Naito's G1 Climax was the most rewarding period of his entire 2018 following a series of destabilising losses he's since gamely attempted to no sell.

Small gains getting hampered by significant defeats had become something of a pattern for the LIJ leader, to the point where even exceptional contests such as the Wrestle Kingdom clash with Kazuchika Okada battle or his G1 opener with fellow 2017 finalist Kenny Omega (more on that later) both ended in crushing disappointment. A Dominion Intercontinental Title loss to Chris Jericho has gone forgiven but not forgotten too, looming over the 'Tranquilo' star since the sweary 'Y2J' stormed out of Osaka with his strap.

Victory over Tomohiro Ishii during the G1 was, in every sense, sweet vindication. Naito got his first points on the board, earned unrequested sympathy as a gutsy warrior in the face of the 'Stone Pitbull's rock hard attacks, and even stole the show out from under the 'Best Bout Machine' that had to follow him on the night.