10 Best Matches From The NJPW G1 Climax 2018
3. Hiroshi Tanahashi Vs. Kota Ibushi (12 August)
Rating: *****
A beautiful, beautiful match, the G1 Climax finale between Kota Ibushi and Hiroshi Tanahashi was in structure and stature immaculately assembled for maximum evocative impact.
A babyface battle rapidly morphed into 'The Golden Star' attempting to prove that 'The Ace Of The Universe' really was no longer worthy of the pedestal he still sat upon. It was a position Kazuchika Okada took when he robbed Tanahashi of an IWGP Title defences record in a heartbreaking one-sided affair earlier this year. And for the longest time, it looked it was going to work just as well.
Ibushi's assaults became crueler and seemingly more deadly; a Kami Goye attempt following a blind Boma Ye as the pair succumbed to exhaustion appeared the gut-wrenching end of Tanahashi's redemptive quest. For Tanahashi not only to survive but also out-fight his foe with such determination was an emotional sight to behold. Kenny Omega's cold post-match stare betrayed what had to be quiet fear - the iconic saviour of NJPW isn't ready to hang up his blood, sweat and tear-stained white boots just yet.