NJPW G1 Climax 2018, THE FINAL WEEK: Every Match Ranked From Worst To Best

3. Kenny Omega Vs. Kota Ibushi (August 11)

Kenny Omega Kota Ibushi
NJPW

Rating: *****

Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi make it look so easy.

The pair clearly left so much on the table for future rematches, which not only served as a tantalising tease for a Wrestle Kingdom 13 clash never meant to be, but also their potential IWGP Heavyweight Title clash now Ibushi had a shot in his back pocket.

Neither played their best hands physically nor emotionally - love was stifled in the face (and head...and neck) of battle as the two parked one of the greatest storylines in professional wrestling history in a battle to be the best for one night. This particular battle was won by Ibushi, but like their blossoming renewed love, the war has barely even begun.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation over 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. Within the podcasting space, he also co-hosts Benno & Hamflett, In Your House! and Podcast Horseman: The BoJack Horseman Podcast. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett