NJPW G1 Climax 2018, THE FINAL WEEK: Every Match Ranked From Worst To Best
Lovers and Fighters
Reviewing the 2018 G1 Climax week-by-week has roughly afforded the same attention to all 20 wrestlers entered into it, rather than offering undue profile to those stealing headlines elsewhere. This is in essence what makes the tournament so tantalising - everybody has the same number of opportunities to shine even if some take far more than others.
Indeed, the Tomohiro Ishiis and Kenny Omegas of the (New Japan) world have likely clogged up the latter stages of these lists in place of the Tama Tongas and Bad Luck Fales, but the surprise moments of magic from Hangman Page, Hirooki Goto et al have acted as reminders of how organic excitement emerges unexpectedly.
Hiroshi Tanahashi's eventual outright victory was a fine example. Only after the first few days did whispers begin of his possible re-ascension, with NJPW's topline field perhaps never more clogged. For the 'Ace Of The Universe' to turn a difficult year into one of his most rewarding was particularly sweet considering the major stories being told by Kazuchika Okada, Omega, Kota Ibushi and others. Tanahashi's not a 'Best Bout Machine' or a 'Golden Star', but he's still New Japan's best star - one that belongs in the Wrestle Kingdom main event he's now guaranteed himself a place in.
16. Tama Tonga Vs. Toru Yano (August 11)
Rating: *
Toru Yano's comedic formula had peaked three nights before his sluggish effort against tournament spoiler Tama Tonga - something Haku's son knew all too well thanks to his placement at ringside for the bulk of the 'Sublime Master Thief's outing with 'The Best Bout Machine'.
Yano's banter felt as tired as Tama's troublemaking as the B Block concluded in Budokan, even if the angle at least served a purpose this time - the 'BC OG's were kicked out completely, justifying why they'd play no part in the Kenny Omega/Kota Ibushi main event later in the show.