- Published on
NJPW G1 Climax 33 - Tag 1
- Authors
- Name
- Tails Azimuth
NJPW's Sapporo Spectacle: G1 Climax 2023 Delivers Thrills and Spills
Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan - The Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center played host to a pulsating evening of professional wrestling as New Japan Pro Wrestling presented the latest installment of their prestigious G1 Climax tournament. A packed crowd of 3145 fans, supplemented by thousands more tuning in from around the world via online stream, were treated to an action-packed card that showcased the very best of NJPW's talent.
The night kicked off with a frenetic opener as YOSHI-HASHI and El Phantasmo clashed in Block B. The charismatic "EVP" looked to use his aerial assault to catch Hashi off guard, but the veteran competitor had other plans. A series of swift strikes and a picture-perfect bridging German suplex saw Hashi emerge victorious, setting the tone for an evening that would be marked by high-flying drama and hard-hitting action.
Chase Owens made a statement in Block A with a swift defeat of Gabe Kidd, dispatching his opponent with a thunderous top-rope clothesline. The win propelled Owens into the thick of the title hunt, and his confidence was palpable as he celebrated in the ring.
Tanga Loa's unrelenting power proved too much for KENTA in their Block B encounter. Loa's combination of slams and shoulder blocks left the "Black Mass" reeling before a crushing Samoan Drop sealed the deal. A momentary lapse in focus from Loa, however, allowed KENTA to almost snatch victory - a tantalizing glimpse into what could have been.
The main event of Block A saw Ren Narita's technical wizardry pushed to its limits by Shota Umino. The pair battled through a series of grueling exchanges, neither able to gain a decisive advantage. As the clock struck 20:00, the referee was left with no choice but to declare a time limit draw - an outcome that will surely leave both men questioning their strategy.
Kazuchika Okada's Block B showdown with Great-O-Khan was another story altogether. The "Rainmaker" demonstrated his mastery of the ring, using a series of swift armdrags and a picture-perfect dropkick to keep the monstrous Khan at bay. A beautifully executed Rainmaker kick ended the affair in 15:23.
The Block A competition saw Kaito Kiyomiya notch a hard-fought victory over Yota Tsuji, utilizing a combination of mat-based grappling and high-impact strikes to outmaneuver his opponent. The result cemented Kiyomiya's position as a dark horse contender in the tournament.
Taichi's Block B encounter with Will Ospreay was an instant classic. The "Funky Monkey" employed his trademark blend of acrobatic agility and submission expertise, only for Ospreay to respond with his own aerial assault. In the end, Taichi's cunning outwitted the "Great-O-Khan," as he submitted Ospreay to a thrilling 17:43 victory.
The evening concluded with SANADA and Hikuleo clashing in Block A. The "Machine Gun" SANADA proved too slick for his opponent, using his quickness and cunning to evade Hikuleo's powerful attacks before securing the win via pinfall in 10:16.
As NJPW's G1 Climax 2023 enters its next phase, one thing is clear: the competition has never been fiercer. With so many talented competitors still vying for supremacy, the road ahead promises to be filled with twists, turns, and unforgettable moments. One thing is certain - fans will be eagerly awaiting the next installment of this thrilling tournament.
Card Details
- Promotion: New Japan Pro Wrestling
- Arena: Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center
- Attendance: 3145
- Type: Online Stream
- Broadcast Type: Live
- Broadcast Date: 14 Jul 2023
Matches
YOSHI-HASHI defeat El Phantasmo in a G1 Climax 2023 Block B Match
Match Time: 10:56Chase Owens defeat Gabe Kidd in a G1 Climax 2023 Block A Match
Match Time: 02:55Tanga Loa defeat KENTA in a G1 Climax 2023 Block B Match
Match Time: 12:46Ren Narita Time Limit Draw Shota Umino in a G1 Climax 2023 Block A Match
Match Time: 20:00Kazuchika Okada defeat Great-O-Khan in a G1 Climax 2023 Block B Match
Match Time: 15:23Kaito Kiyomiya defeat Yota Tsuji in a G1 Climax 2023 Block A Match
Match Time: 14:48Taichi defeat Will Ospreay in a G1 Climax 2023 Block B Match
Match Time: 17:43SANADA defeat Hikuleo in a G1 Climax 2023 Block A Match
Match Time: 10:16