The G1 Climax kicked off today with a full slate of A Block contests, as well as the B Block participants competing in tag-matches to open up the show.
Here is a run down of the talking points coming out of the first night of G1 action Marafuji defeats the IWGP Heavyweight Champion! In an inter-promotional dream match of sorts, former GHC champion Naomichi Marufuji defeated reigning IWGP champion Kazuchika Okada in a thrilling contest that was worthy of the main event slot on night 1. With the victory, not only does Marufuji get himself 2 points on the board, but he most likely will receive an IWGP Heavyweight title shot in the fall. Sanada upsets the Ace! In another star making performance, Sanada defeated the returning Tanahashi in an outstanding contest. This was Tanahashi’s return following a shoulder injury, and in this match he threw everything he could at Sanada, however after 2 dragon sleeper attempts and 3 moonsaults, Sanada finally forced the ace to tap to the Dragon sleeper picking up a stunning win for the relative new-comer over a former multi time IWGP champion. Goto takes down the Underboss. Hirooki Goto picked up 2 points in a tough contest against the Bullet Clubs Underboss, Bad Luck Fale. Before the match, Goto had a short video showing him reaching the finals of the G1 and New Japan Cup, and ultimately falling to the winners who both went on to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, Okada and Naito. The match was a typical Bad Luck Fale match with him taking control and beating down Goto. When the momentum finally swung back in Gotos favour, he managed to use headbutts, a rear naked choke, and then his GTO finish to get the victory and his first 2 points. The Guerilla of Destiny falls to Makabe Makabe got a measure of revenge against one half of the team who defeated him and Homna for the IWGP tag titles earlier in the year, while getting an important victory in the first round. The match started hot with Tonga attacking Makabe and throwing him to the outside. The brawl continued for much of the match before Makabe came out on top in a brawl on the top rope, eventually hitting Tonga with the knee drop for the win. One last G1 In the opening match of this year’s G1, Tomohiro Ishii was taken out by Hiroyoshi Tenzan. A Former 3 time G1 winner, Tenzan was vocal about his upset at not been included in this years tournament. Eventually his former tag-partner Kojima stepped aside and gave his spot to Tenzan, allowing him one last chance at glory. This match was everything you would want for an opening contest, with Tenzan showing the strength and tenacity of his younger years while going after the Stone Pitbull. After exchanging forearms and stiff head-butts, Tenzan hit is Original TTD and then a moonsault for the victory. The crowd was on their feet for Tenzan, who’s story will be one of the most intriguing at the tournament progresses. The B Block competitors were also in Tag action, teaming with juniors in 4 great contests.
Coming up next! The B Block begins on the 22nd with Yugi Nagata vs Naito, a rematch of Shibata vs Homna, as well as the rest of the B Block in tournament action. We at the Royal Grumble will be covering all the G1 action, You can also watch the whole G1 (with English commentary on the final 3 nights courtesy of Kevin Kelly and Steve Corino) on NJPWWorld.com, and the sign up instructions can be found here. Also, leave a comment on our Facebook/Twitter (links in the bar to your right). and as always, listen to the Royal Grumble every Sunday, straight to your podcast listening app via the links in the bar on the right, and on iTunes. Dan
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