NJPW G1 Climax 2019 Night 1 (July 6): Every Match Ranked From Worst To Best

1. Will Ospreay Vs. Lance Archer

Kota Ibushi KENTA
njpw1972.com

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.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 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. 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