NJPW G1 Climax 2019 Night 3 (July 14) - A BLOCK: Every Match Ranked From Worst To Best
1. Hiroshi Tanahashi Vs. KENTA
KENTA went two for two in stellar G1 Climax displays, spending the better part of 20 minutes kicking the f*ck out of the heroic Hiroshi Tanahashi to keep his maximum points tally in tact. 'The Ace' was of course magnificent on the sell, expressing as much physical pain during the match as there was emotional in a wonderfully awkward post-mach exchange.
A Go2Sleep was again the killshot for KENTA, but he'll not be permitted to simply win his way to respect from his NJPW peers. In much the same way current mentor Katsuyori Shibata had to earn the respect of 'The Ace' upon his New Japan return earlier in the decade, the former Hideo Itami must continue to battle back from the worst period of his career and this surprising promotional switch before he earns the handshake or hug of the man who wears the branding of the organisation on his soul.
In the meantime, he'll take his perfect record on to the next round of matches against fellow unbeaten star Lance Archer. It's a fascinating arc where further proving grounds await.