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NJPW G1 Climax 2011 ~ The Invincible Fighter ~ - Tag 1

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NJPW's G1 Climax 2011 Delivers Thrills and Spills in Fukuoka

By Dave Meltzer, Sports Editor, Zohash.com

The New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) G1 Climax 2011 event was a resounding success at the Fukuoka International Center on August 1st. The sold-out crowd of 4,500 fans witnessed an exciting evening of professional wrestling, with several matches standing out for their quality and intensity.

The card kicked off with La Sombra defeating Wataru Inoue in Block B action (8:41). While not a barnburner, the match saw La Sombra continue to establish himself as a top-tier wrestler in NJPW. His technical grappling skills were on full display, as he successfully navigated the challenges posed by Inoue.

The first major highlight of the evening arrived with Giant Bernard's dominant victory over Hideo Saito in Block A (9:47). This match showcased the power and strength of both competitors, with Bernard ultimately emerging victorious. His performance was a testament to his status as one of the top heavyweights in NJPW.

Next up were Yoshihiro Takayama and Toru Yano, who clashed in Block A action (6:29). This bout was a sprint from start to finish, with Takayama's experience proving too much for Yano. The win kept Takayama in contention for the top spot in his block.

The fourth match saw Hirooki Goto outlast Hiroyoshi Tenzan in Block B (10:37). Both competitors demonstrated their technical prowess, but Goto's superior conditioning allowed him to prevail.

The main event of the first half was the highly anticipated IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title match between Kota Ibushi and Ryusuke Taguchi. This thrilling contest featured a mix of high-flying moves and submission holds, ultimately resulting in Ibushi's successful title defense (16:10).

After intermission, the action picked up right where it left off. Yujiro Takahashi edged out Tetsuya Naito in Block A action (10:52), while Lance Archer's power proved too much for Togi Makabe in another Block A match (8:18). Satoshi Kojima and Minoru Suzuki clashed in Block B, with the former emerging victorious (12:40).

The penultimate match saw MVP outmaneuver Shinsuke Nakamura in a competitive Block B bout (12:02). The victory kept MVP's hopes alive for advancing to the finals.

Finally, Yuji Nagata earned a hard-fought win over Hiroshi Tanahashi in Block A action (18:19). This thrilling match saw both competitors leave everything in the ring, with Nagata ultimately emerging victorious.

Final Thoughts

The G1 Climax 2011 was an outstanding event that showcased NJPW's deep talent pool. The competition was fierce throughout the card, with several matches deserving of attention. La Sombra and Hirooki Goto demonstrated their technical prowess, while Kota Ibushi and Yuji Nagata proved themselves to be top contenders in their respective divisions.

As the road to the finals continues, fans can look forward to an exciting conclusion to this year's G1 Climax. The stakes are high, and the action promises to be intense. For those who missed the event, a replay is a must-see for any professional wrestling enthusiast.

Grade: A-

Recommendation: If you're a fan of NJPW or looking to get into professional wrestling, this event is a great starting point. The mix of technical grappling and high-flying action ensures something for everyone.

Card Details

  • Date: 01 Aug 2011
  • Promotion: New Japan Pro Wrestling
  • Arena: Fukuoka International Center
  • Attendance: 4500
  • Type: Pay Per View
  • Broadcast Type: Live
  • Broadcast Date: 01 Aug 2011

Matches

  1. La Sombra defeat Wataru Inoue in a G1 Climax 2011 Block B Match
    Match Time: 08:41

  2. Giant Bernard defeat Hideo Saito in a G1 Climax 2011 Block A Match
    Match Time: 09:47

  3. Yoshihiro Takayama defeat Toru Yano in a G1 Climax 2011 Block A Match
    Match Time: 06:29

  4. Hirooki Goto defeat Hiroyoshi Tenzan in a G1 Climax 2011 Block B Match
    Match Time: 10:37

  5. Kota Ibushi(C) defeat Ryusuke Taguchi in a IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title Match
    Match Time: 16:10

  6. Yujiro Takahashi defeat Tetsuya Naito in a G1 Climax 2011 Block A Match
    Match Time: 10:52

  7. Lance Archer defeat Togi Makabe in a G1 Climax 2011 Block A Match
    Match Time: 08:18

  8. Satoshi Kojima defeat Minoru Suzuki in a G1 Climax 2011 Block B Match
    Match Time: 12:40

  9. MVP defeat Shinsuke Nakamura in a G1 Climax 2011 Block B Match
    Match Time: 12:02

  10. Yuji Nagata defeat Hiroshi Tanahashi in a G1 Climax 2011 Block A Match
    Match Time: 18:19

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