NJPW G1 Climax 2018, Week 1: Every Match Ranked From Worst To Best
10. Michael Elgin Vs EVIL (July 14th)
Rating: ***1/4
A slow starter, Michael Elgin and EVIL's understated effort was by the end at least generating some of the loudest reactions from Night 1's Ota General Gymnasium faithful.
Elgin's task in this year's tournament seems to be as much about finding renewed emotional investment in his matches after outside-the-ring controversies dented his prior aura. He's admittedly achieving just that if responses from the live crowds are to be believed.
The back-and-forth stretch towards the end of his match with the Los Ingobernables de Japon member was red hot, though not quite on par with what was yet to come for the stocky Canadian. He'll struggle for plaudits but not points, should this rich vein of form persist.