The G1 Climax 30 is officially underway as the best two weeks in wrestling are upon us. This year’s tournament will be one for the ages as the field is comprised of all former G1 participants. With no rookies its anyone’s guess who might emerge from the crowded blocks in order to claim the briefcase.
Kazuchika Okada vs Kota Ibushi
Keep an eye on this huge matchup as might one’s main event could very well set the stage for how this tournament plays out. A huge rematch of last year’s G1 Climax, this is a meeting between former winners, Kazuchika Okada and Kota Ibushi. Two of the favorites to win the stacked A Block, this two will definitely put on a match worth watching. It’s only fitting this headlines the night one action.
Shingo Takagi vs Jay White
Jay White and Shingo Takagi head into this tournament forging slightly different paths. Due to the pandemic, White has largely been isolated from NJPW this year, appearing on just a handful of shows. Takagi on the other hand, has been a focal point. Having won the NEVER Openweight Championship in February, Takagi held the title until just recently, dropping it to someone he’ll meet in the A Block, Minoru Suzuki.
Tomohiro Ishii vs Minoru Suzuki
This will be an absolute brutal strong style affair as the hard-hitting Tomohiro Ishii meets Minoru Suzuki in day one action. Expect a chop off when these two bruisers get down to business. Both Suzuki and Ishii have forged tremendous careers in Japan but for all of their successes, neither has been able to win the G1 Climax. Could this be the year? It will be tough to get out of the A Block, but the winner of this match will certainly be considered a top candidate to advance to the finals.
Jeff Cobb vs Taichi
Another match that has eyes on it, especially with the recent announcement of his signing with NJPW, is Jeff Cobb vs Taichi. Two wrestlers who bring similar skillsets to the table, this tournament could very well mark Cobb’s coming out party. A strong showing would no doubt put the new signee off to a good start. Especially against a longtime NJPW veteran like Taichi.
Will Ospreay vs Yujiro Takahashi
Speaking of coming out parties, it wouldn’t be surprising to see NJPW book Will Ospreay as this year’s G1 Climax winner. One of the top gaijins in the company, Ospreay has seemingly had the rocket strapped to him for a while now. It’s only a matter of time until the former top junior champion breaks through to win his first briefcase and chance at the heavyweight championship. Yujiro Takahashi meanwhile, is kinda the fall guy. This one is Ospreay’s to win as he’ll start his journey toward G1 success.
Stay tuned to Last Word on Pro Wrestling for more on this and other stories from around the world of wrestling, as they develop. You can always count on LWOPW to be on top of the major news in the wrestling world, as well as to provide you with analysis, previews, videos, interviews, and editorials on the wrestling world. Make sure to watch New Japan Pro Wrestling on NJPW WORLD. Check back at LWOPW throughout the tournament for previews of each day’s card. You can view our full tournament coverage here.
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