10 Incredible Dream Matches NJPW Will Give Away In The 2018 G1 Climax
5. Kota Ibushi Vs. Zack Sabre Jr
Kota Ibushi will wrestle in his fourth G1 Climax this year, potentially even facing an unlikely return to the building he was banned from should he make the Budokan Hall-based final in August.
To do that, he'll need to kick down physical and emotional (more on that later) barriers, having struggled in prior tournaments to finish beyond mid-table in his block. Buoyed by the recent success (that he helped drive) of his Golden Lover Kenny Omega, Ibushi will look to build on dynamite displays over the past few years - particularly in this return battle with well-travelled rival Zack Sabre Jr.
The pair fought in tag and singles clashes in 2017, and have both shared spots on cards ranging from DDT to WWE. The 2018 G1 will be by far their most spotlighted clash since their battle in the tournament last year. That contest was wrapped up by Ibushi in 15 minutes, but Sabre's hunt for revenge could see 'The Golden Star' brought back down to earth in painfully clinical fashion.