NJPW G1 Climax 2018, THE FINAL WEEK: Every Match Ranked From Worst To Best
7. Tomohiro Ishii Vs. SANADA (August 11)
Rating: ****
Predictably, the work between G1 anchors SANADA and Tomohiro Ishii was excellent throughout, but a lack of stakes slightly hurt what was otherwise on its way to becoming an understated classic.
Ishii's been in such magnificent form this year. His incredible struggles with Hirooki Goto, Kota Ibushi and especially Kenny Omega will linger in end-of-year lists from sites such as this, whilst SANADA has continued his slow road to the NJPW main event picture with yet more tantalising teases of his potential topline brilliance. A greatest hits package from both, the contest never quite reached those aforementioned climbs, but there's no shame in falling just slightly short of that high standard.