10 Biggest Stories From New Japan's G1 Climax 28 And What They Mean Going Forward

Hiroshi Tanahashi held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship a record seven times between 2006 and 2014. However, much of that dominance came before NJPW’s recent expansion to the United States. While he remained a fixture following his world title runs - even holding the Intercontinental title as recently as last year - Tanahashi’s status as the top star had since been stolen by longtime rival Kazuchika Okada and the elite Kenny Omega.

With this year’s incarnation of the annual G1 Climax, however, the air-guitar strumming star looked stronger than ever throughout his series of matches. He won all but two of his A Block bouts before heading to the tournament’s finals against Kota Ibushi. A thirty-plus minute spectacle ensued that saw Tanahashi vanquish Ibushi after three consecutive High Fly Flows.

With his G1 Climax win, Hiroshi Tanahashi has secured the briefcase which guarantees him a main event spot at 2019’s Wrestle Kingdom 13. While he will probably have to defend that briefcase against possibly Jay White and also Okada, he is unlikely to falter before 4 January as he has again found his footing. If he can make it to the Tokyo Dome's main event, Hiroshi Tanahashi will attempt to secure a record eighth reign as IWGP Heavyweight Champion — and with it reclaim his position atop New Japan as the company’s undisputed Ace.