10 Biggest Stories From New Japan's G1 Climax 28 And What They Mean Going Forward
Hiroshi Tanahashi triumphs, challengers emerge, and the Bullet Club OGs run amok.
New Japan Pro Wrestling's 2018 edition of their annual G1 Climax tournament ran from 14 July to 12 August. The nearly month-long series of shows proved to be yet another showcase of the company's penchant for unmatched in-ring product. Over the course of 19 separate nights of action fans were treated to impactful manoeuvres, high-flying thrills, shocking upsets, and the inevitable return to the top of the promotion's once wayward Ace.
However, unlike years past, this year's G1 was awash with controversy due to the rebellious antics of the recently formed Bullet Club OGs. Still, the near-nightly interference took a backseat to the acclaimed spectacles inside the ring. Champions were defeated, challengers manifested, and an acclaimed journalist's rating scale was once again shattered. Up-and-comers Zack Sabre Jr. and Jay White were solidified as stars, and even storied friends Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi were forced to battle for supremacy.
Where New Japan and its stars are headed from here has already begun to take shape as the 28th annual G1 Climax reached a close. With that, let's take a look at the tournament's most significant matches and stories which have captured the attention of both new and faithful fans.
10. Jay White Defeats Kazuchika Okada And Hiroshi Tanahashi
While Jay White has seemed a bit aimless since losing his United States Championship, the so-called 'Switchblade' seemed more focused than ever during the G1 Climax. White unfortunately didn't reach the tournament’s final, but his ruthless attitude and wrestling style were as prevalent as ever. Securing twelve points as an A Block combatant, he finished the tournament behind only Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi.
Ultimately, Tanahashi would eventually claim the G1 as a whole, but White's victory over the proverbial Ace after a hard-fought near twenty-five minute contest was a sure sign of his ever-increasing skill. Furthermore, he was also able to conquer former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada in another bout. Frankly, they may represent the two greatest and most significant victories of Jay White’s career.
With his win over the G1 crown winner, it has since been announced that White will challenge Tanahashi before the year’s end in an attempt to steal away the coveted briefcase for a guaranteed Wrestle Kingdom main event slot. Perhaps Jay White can continue this recent trend of huge upsets to usurp the Ace as the rightful main eventer of NJPW’s biggest event of the year.