With the scintillating finish to the A Block, the guys in the B Block had a lot to live up to, and boy did they ever, here is all the happenings in the B Block Final! B Block Final - Night 18Going into Night 18, 4 men were still in contention. Shibata, Michael Elgin, and Kenny Omega all sit on 10 points, while Naito led the pack with 12 points. Opening the B Block matches saw Tomoaki Honma vs Yugi Nagata. Neither man could win and were both beat up going into the final night, but they still put on a great contest. Nagata fought hard against the head heavy attack of Honma, however it proved too much for the NJPW legend, when Honma leveled Nagata with a Owen Hart style Piledriver and the Kokeshi from the top for the win, meaning he doesnt finish last in the group. Next was Master Thief Toru Yano vs Chaos Stablemate YOSHI-HASHI. This was probably the longest Yano match of the tournament that saw him use all the usual shenanigans that have helped him steal points thoughout the G1, leading to the ref distraction/low blow combo for the win, giving him 10 POINTS! While the match was fun, it was a shame for YOSHI-HASHI who has had a great G1. Next was Katsuyori Shibata vs EVIL in a great contest. Shibata needed a win here, and then needed Elgin to lose, and Omega to win to put him in the final against Hirooki Goto. Shibata started off strong but soon EVIL targeted the heavily taped shoulder with some brutal chair shots. the closing exchanges saw the two trade concussive blows, but Shibata's injuries were too much for him and EVIL hit the STO and got the win, ending Shibata's chance at winning the G1. With one man out of contention, Michael Elgin now had a clear path to the final (should Omega win), but first he would have to get by Katsuhiko Nakajima. This match was phenomenal, So much happened I could write a full article on just this match, so I beg you to go watch this back on NJPW world. Elgin looked to be in control near the end, hitting lots of big power moves despite his injured pecks, but in the end it was Nakajima, following EVIL's lead and playing spoiler, hitting a big delay brainbuster for a win over the IWGP Intercontinental Champ and putting him out of contention. NJPW NEEDS to bring Nakajima back. So, it was main event time. Kenny Omega vs Tetsuya Naito. Kenny needed a win, Naito needed to avoid defeat, what we got was a MOTY contender. Naito worked over Omega's knee throughout the match, few people sell injured limbs as well as Omega, who in the past has hit one armed powerbombs to sell an injured arm, as well as his finish, the one winged angel, was born from a similar scenario. Later, Omega would take over, powerbombing Naito over the guard rail into a table at ringside, and then hitting a huge dive from the ring to the outside, but the tenacious Naito would not give up, going counter for counter with Omega sending the crowd into fever pitch. Finally, with the announcement of only 1 minute remaining, Omega hit a huge knee and finally hit the One Winged Angel for the 3, Winning the B Block and heading to the final against Goto. After the match, Omega took to the mic and tore down the crowd for not supporting him, reaching the final in his first G1. Video game villain to the end. So, after all this, the B Block looked like this. So, after all that, its time for the B Block awards! B Block - Best Match Award3rd Place - Kenny Omega vs Michael Elgin - Night 8 The third match between the two in as many months, both men pulled it out of the bag again in a great contest. 2nd Place - Michael Elgin vs Tetsuya Naito - Night 4 An early match in the tournament where both men were looking to rebound from opening night loses, It was Naito who pulled out the win in an instant classic that sadly may get lost in the shuffle with all the G1 action over the last 4 weeks, but really it should be in the discussion for match of the year. 1st Place - Tetsuya Naito vs Kenny Omega - Night 18 The best was saved till last. This had a lot to live up-to with the A Block final match the night previous, but in 29 minutes, these two had an outstanding contest that had you on the edge of your seat the entire match. B Block MVP award.3rd Place - Tetsuya Naito Naito was a strong favourite going in, and came across as the star through the entire tournament. 2nd Place - Katsuhiko Nakajima If, like me, you were unfamiliar with Nakajima before this tournament, by the end of the B Block you knew just what he was about. The Genesis of the Kick had an outstanding tournament including sensational matches against Michael Elgin and Shibata. Bring him back NJPW! 1st Place - 'Unbreakable' Michael Elgin If last years G1 was the Elgin coming out party, this years was the star making party. Big Mike stole the show nearly every night. One more night to go!. You can watch the final of the G1 Climax(with English commentary courtesy of Kevin Kelly, Steve Corino and Rocky Romero) on NJPWWorld.com, and the sign up instructions can be found here.
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