G1 Climax 31 continues to roll on, and things start to become more clear. New Japan Pro Wrestling is back in Korakuen Hall for another night of action. Tonight’s card is without its original semi-main event. Fans were originally set for the first clash in seven years between the former NO LIMIT, Yujiro Takahashi and Tetsuya Naito. Now ‘The Tokyo Pimp’ will battle BUSHI and look to get an easy win before his next block match. The IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Shingo Takagi battles KENTA in the main eventer.
Tomohiro Ishii [2] vs Tanga Loa [2]
Tanga Loa managed to get a singles win over Yuji Nagata after the canceled match with Tetsuya Naito. Hopefully, that gives him a little boost heading into his match with Tomohiro Ishii. ‘The Stone Pitbull’ is most dangerous in G1s when he has his back against the wall. Failing to win in his first three matches can only be a signal that Ishii is about to go on a tear. Both men have yet to physically win tournament matches, as they’ve only received the Naito points. One thing is for sure whoever loses here might be out of any contention to win the tournament.
Zack Sabre Jr [6] vs Great-O-Khan [8]
These two men have completely lapped this tournament thus far, and now they meet in singles action. Zack Sabre Jr has all the momentum after taking out Tetsuya Naito then beating both Kota Ibushi and Shingo Takagi. However, he does not lead the block. His opponent, Great-O-Khan leads the A Block with 8 points. A win for O-Khan could all but secure the block for him, while a win by Sabre Jr ties him with O-Khan and gives him the decider in case they tie. Which would allow him to advance to the finals. Both men have been dominant, but only one can remain undefeated.
Toru Yano [6] vs Kota Ibushi [4]
Next up is a match where anything can happen. As Toru Yano battles Kota Ibushi. Not only for the fact that Toru Yano can beat any and everyone on any given night but one must also take into consideration this hasn’t been the best G1 for Ibushi so far. Ibushi lost to Yujiro Takahashi on opening night and was beaten by Zack Sabre Jr on night five. Something feels off, and his ability to make it to the finals for a fourth straight year is in question. Yet, in this match, he has a chance. If anyone can match Toru Yano’s games it is the DDT alumni Ibushi. Will the KOPW Champion steal another win, or will Ibushi hit a reset and climb upwards?
Shingo Takagi [4] vs KENTA [6]
In the main event, it’s a New Japan Cup rematch. The IWGP World Champion, Shingo Takagi takes on KENTA. Takagi is coming off his battle with Yuji Nagata after a loss in block action to ZSJ. While KENTA has two straight wins over Yujiro Takahashi and Tomohiro Ishii. In their NJC match, Takagi got the win. However, things are a lot different now. At the time Shingo wasn’t world champion, nor did he have a hurt arm. With KENTA’s GAME OVER submission to worry about, Shingo might be in for a rough night in Korakuen. KENTA must remember even with the injury he is facing a man with a victory over him. More importantly, he is facing The IWGP World Champion, and Shingo will definitely look for any opening that presents itself. Have a feeling this match will have future implications going past G1.
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