NJPW G1 Climax 2019 Night 7 (July 20) - A BLOCK: Every Match Ranked From Worst To Best
2. Hiroshi Tanahashi Vs. Lance Archer
Another night, another stellar Lance Archer display and another reminder that Hiroshi Tanahashi can never ever be counted out.
Playing to a crowd frothing for both men, Archer and 'The Ace' entered in a sensational display rich on broad messaging centred around the massive stature if the Texan and massive heart of last year's winner. Wrestling again like a man with a f*cking big point to prove, Archer literally threw himself into the challenge with yet more boy-popping and rope-topping. His extended walk across the strand was exquisite, his cannonball tope was again outstanding, and a corner splash using the top turnbuckle to rotate and elevate himself was a thing of brutal beauty.
He lacked only his opponent's guille, but fortunately that was just enough for the legend to eek out yet another stirring win. Surviving the EBD Claw (and holy sh*t has Archer got that over), Tanahashi trapped Archer's legs from a victory roll attempt - his brains for a split three seconds holding power over Archer's body.
Something for both men to hang their hats on, this was perhaps the best match either will have with men not named Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay. And speak of them...