10 Absolute Worst Matches From The NJPW G1 Climax 2018
1. Hirooki Goto Vs. Tama Tonga (4 August)
Rating: DUD
Tama Tonga hit rock bottom in an awful match epitomising everything wrong with the ongoing Firing Squad angle that threatens to pollute New Japan Pro Wrestling even in the aftermath of the G1. Interference, a referee bump, a terrible Tanga Loa pre-match promo: mark all three off on your bingo cards.
These bouts would be fine if the action leading up to the shenanigans had at least delivered. It didn't, though. Instead, Tonga is continually exposing himself as a bland, unimaginative worker before the inevitable schmoz. His character is toe-curlingly bad, particularly when he opens his mouth, and while his Gun Stun finisher always looks good, it's the only part of his arsenal that does.
'The Bad Boy' is, in the words of Jim Cornette, "a preliminary f*cking wrestler," and he was badly exposed in this particular tournament.