NJPW G1 Climax 2019 Night 5 (July 18) - A BLOCK: Every Match Ranked From Worst To Best
My neck, my back. Get concuss-y 'till I crack...
Korakuen Hall was the historic site picked to host the fifth, sixth and seventh shows of this year's G1 Climax tour, offering huge prestige to many of the tournament first-timers and the fresh combinations offered by the blocks. Fan energy was subsequently in high supply; the card was tasked with giving just as much back.
With just under a month until its conclusion, the point permutations shouldn't yet steer any of the entrants towards death or glory, but already as result of the contests below there are those now way out in front as well as others struggling for air at the bottom of the Block. And it's f*cking captivating.
Comparisons have been made between this year and last - there hasn't been a rush to dish out a vaunted five star rating yet (despite this event's headliner offering subjective opportunity), whilst experimental newcomers to the field have been a mixed bag in terms of quality.
Like every G1 2019 card so far though, this had heat. When not blowing away the critics, the wrestlers were still wowing the fans, no matter how discerning they may appear to be.
5. Kazuchika Okada Vs. Bad Luck Fale
A half-decent attempt at a half-baked idea, Bad Luck Fale’s loss against IWGP Champion Kazuchika Okada had echoes of last year’s atrocious BC OGs G1 arc rather then the surprisingly enjoyable title clash they contested for the top title at Wrestling Dontaku 2017.
The story was simple enough - Fale and Bullet Club cronies Chase Owens and Jado cheated relentlessly in order to try and close the gulf in quality between the ‘Rogue General’ and the ‘Rainmaker’. To this end, the trio decked him before the bell, consistently distracted the official to allow for double-teams and weapon shots, and even hit the ring the second referee Red Shoes was indisposed.
None of it worked of course - as an evil scheme or as a smoke and mirrors exercise in trying to make the match entertaining - but it was easier to view this match through the prism of reality rather than kayfabe. It was a rest for Okada's body ahead of a bruising follow up against Chaos apprentice Will Ospreay on Saturday. He'll go into that end-of-the-world war in better shape than his opponent.