NJPW G1 Climax 2018, Week 3: Every Match Ranked From Worst To Best
6. Jay White Vs. Hangman Page (30 July)
Rating: ****
Extensive and aggressive work on Hangman Page's back by an in-form Jay White ultimately led to the former's elimination from the entire G1, but their contest itself was a perfect counter to their limp Long Beach effort earlier this year and any lingering criticism that either aren't worthy of the profile currently being afforded to them by NJPW bookers.
Page's pained expression as he failed to deliver his Buckshot Lariat was perfectly pitched, before 'Switchblade' pounced with vicious spots designed to heighten the tension around his opponent's plight. White left Page for dead after pushing him back-first on to the apron then walloping him with a chair, and still felt it necessary to cheat to win. Both will emerge from the G1 exactly as they needed to, in spite of their differing points performance.