NJPW G1 Climax 2019 Night 1 (July 6): Every Match Ranked From Worst To Best
1. Will Ospreay Vs. Lance Archer
A stunning opener for both the G1 Climax and pre-tournament standout Will Ospreay, this was a three-pronged statement of intent from wrestlers and company alike that topped a loaded main event in artistic endeavour and wicked athletic execution.
A "best in the world" label was already attached to Ospreay's chest ahead of his recent Twitter back-and-forth with Seth Rollins, but the 'Aerial Assassin's involvement in the G1 so soon after so stylishly scooping glory in the the prestigious Best Of The Super Juniors Tournament (and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship in his subsequent title shot) brought with it the pressure of maintaining his burgeoning reputation as Western Ace and confident Kenny Omega replacement.
To this and every end, his failed killing of the giant Lance Archer was a standout success.
Reinvigorated by a new look and recent return to the singles ranks, the 42-year-old Archer performed in front of his home state with the youthful exuberance of the megastar he may have once become in a fledgling TNA. Meeting Ospreay's high-flying game with powerful precision, his constant control over the young Brit mirrored his canny clasping of the crowd.
Extracting a scintillating table spot from a Space Flying Tiger Drop before pinning Ospreay with the EBD Claw after a Super Blackout, Archer got on the board with what will surely be his best match of the tournament. It speaks to the reputation of his mercurial opponent that the same appraisal at this stage would be absurd.