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

2. Hiroshi Tanahashi Vs. Kota Ibushi (August 12)

Kenny Omega Kota Ibushi
NJPW

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 no longer worthy of the pedestal he still sat upon. His assaults became crueller and seemingly more deadly; a Kami Goye attempt following a blind Boma Ye as the pair succumbed to exhaustion appeared the heartbreaking 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.

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