10 Biggest Stories From New Japan's G1 Special And What They Mean Going Forward

10. Toru Yano Gets The Last Laugh

It was just one week again that Zack Sabre Jr. scored an upset victory over former heavyweight champ, Kazuchika Okada. While his shocking win in the UK was arguably the height of Sabre’s heavyweight tenure, his loss in tag team action at the Cow Palace may have been his lowest.

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With Minoru Suzuki by his side, the two men did battle with the tandem of Tomohoro Ishii and Toru Yano. While Suzuki slugged it out with the Stone Pitbull, ZSJ was left to deal with the oft-comical and devious Yano. Unfortunately, Sabre succumbed to a rollup by Yano -- following an assist from Ishii -- and was left staring up at the lights as the referee counted three.

Zack will have his chance to atone for his loss, however, as the G1 Climax tournament kicks off in Japan later this week. In just his second match of the prestigious annual event, Sabre will stand across the ring from Yano -- who will undoubtedly be looking for another laugh at ZSJ’s expense. While Yano’s comical and frequently illegal ways have often defined his character, his in-ring skills are not to be scoffed at -- a hard lesson learned by Sabre in San Francisco. The question remains, however, will the rising British superstar be able to return the favor come 19 July when he meets Toru Yano again?

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