NJPW G1 Climax 2018, Week 4: Every Match Ranked From Worst To Best

2. Tetsuya Naito Vs. Kota Ibushi (4 August)

Kenny Omega Tomohiro Ishii
NJPW1972.com

Rating: ****½

Naito in Osaka is always magic. His connection to the city is unique, as these fans were amongst the first to tire of his failed 'Stardust Genius,' and the first to embrace his Ingobernable side. They are now eternally in the palm of his hand. Even when they drown him and bile and venom, Osaka does so in Naito's merch, with his mere presence in the city enough to guarantee an incredible atmosphere.

This was the case when he faced Kota Ibushi in night 14, churning out a memorably dangerous main event rife with borderline disgusting head and neck bumps

The pops for Ibushi's many comebacks were eardrum-bursting. He was over as hell, and after a Kenny Omega loss earlier in the evening, the fact that both were still in contention amplified things further. As for that closing stretch? Absolutely breathtaking.

A must-watch.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.