NJPW G1 Climax 2019 Night 10 (July 28) - B BLOCK: Every Match Ranked From Worst To Best
2. Tetsuya Naito Vs. Jon Moxley
Jon Moxley summed it up best in his latest killer post-match promo; this really was a turning point for a character advancing faster than anybody could predicted - protected by inch-perfect booking as well as his own acute understanding of what makes his character so superb, the 'Purveyor Of Violence' may not win the G1, but his argument is as convincing as anybody else's at this point.
The win was perhaps the most surprising moment from yet another Moxley match overflowing with total gifts. Tetsuya Naito turned the 'Tranquilo' up to rattle his wired opponent early on, taking an ice age to try and extinguish Moxley's fire, but instead incurred the wrath of the less-than-chilled super-drilled United States Champion as a result.
'Mox' has enjoyed scrapping on the floor as and when the match has called for it, and utilised tables and chairs yet again until the referee threatened him with disqualification. He logicially relented - he knew he could beat Naito and wanted the two points.
The LIJ gaffer's late flurry almost undid Moxley's awesome start, but he was wise and wired to take down yet another top New Japan name. Mirroring his debut against Juice Robinson, WWE's Dirty Deeds wasn't enough, but NJPW's Death Rider was.
Something genuinely magic is happening with this man - one can't help mourning that the G1 Climax (and any subsequent rematches/loose ends) may be the beginning and end of a truly special run.