NJPW G1 Climax 33 - Tag 3

Sakata Showdown: New Japan's G1 Climax 2023 Kicks Off with Thrills and Spills

In front of a lively crowd at the Yamagata Sports Center, New Japan Pro Wrestling's highly anticipated G1 Climax 2023 kicked off in spectacular fashion. The online stream was abuzz with excitement as eight top-notch wrestlers battled it out in a series of matches that showcased their skills, cunning, and sheer physicality.

The evening commenced with Kaito Kiyomiya securing an impressive victory over Chase Owens in Block A action. The 23-year-old phenom demonstrated his growth as a competitor, besting the seasoned veteran via pinfall in 8 minutes and 28 seconds. This was no fluke, folks – Kiyomiya's explosive offense and adaptability left Owens reeling.

Next up, KENTA made short work of Great-OKhan in Block B, taking just 11 minutes and 40 seconds to dispatch the behemoth. The "King of Strong Style" showcased his signature brutality, overpowering the imposing Khan with a series of high-impact strikes and slams.

Hikuleo's Block A matchup against Gabe Kidd was an absolute barnburner. The powerhouse O-Khan protégé showed flashes of brilliance, but ultimately fell to Kidd in 3 minutes and 29 seconds. This was no flash in the pan – Kidd's impressive showing marks him as a force to be reckoned with.

The first half concluded with Ren Narita and Yota Tsuji engaging in an epic Time Limit Draw in Block A. The two young stars clashed for 20 minutes, trading holds and near-falls in a thrilling contest that left both men battered but unbroken.

As the night wore on, Will Ospreay continued his ascension up the New Japan pecking order with a convincing victory over YOSHI-HASHI in Block B. The "Great O-Khan" – yes, you read that right – put on a showstopping display of aerial wizardry and technical grappling, besting Hashi in 13 minutes and 4 seconds.

Next up, SANADA claimed a hard-fought win over Shota Umino in Block A, showcasing his cunning and resilience. The "Man Behind the Mask" worked Umino like a puppet on strings, ultimately securing the pinfall victory after 18 minutes and 48 seconds of grueling action.

Finally, Kazuchika Okada capped off an unforgettable evening with a dominant display against El Phantasmo in Block B. The two-time G1 Climax winner flexed his muscles, overpowering the flashy underdog in 16 minutes and 21 seconds.

As we head into the second half of the tournament, questions abound. Who will emerge victorious from the blocks? Will Kiyomiya's impressive start be a harbinger of things to come for this young phenom? Only time (and plenty of physical punishment) will tell. Until next week, fans – stay tuned!

Card Details

• Promotion: New Japan Pro Wrestling
• Arena: Yamagata Sports Center
• Attendance: 1239
• Type: Online Stream
• Broadcast Type: Live
• Broadcast Date: 17 Jul 2023

Matches

1. Kaito Kiyomiya defeat Chase Owens in a G1 Climax 2023 Block A Match
   Match Time: 08:28

2. KENTA defeat Great-O-Khan in a G1 Climax 2023 Block B Match
   Match Time: 11:40

3. Gabe Kidd defeat Hikuleo in a G1 Climax 2023 Block A Match
   Match Time: 03:29

4. Taichi defeat Tanga Loa in a G1 Climax 2023 Block B Match
   Match Time: 12:34

5. Ren Narita Time Limit Draw Yota Tsuji in a G1 Climax 2023 Block A Match
   Match Time: 20:00

6. Will Ospreay defeat YOSHI-HASHI in a G1 Climax 2023 Block B Match
   Match Time: 13:04

7. SANADA defeat Shota Umino in a G1 Climax 2023 Block A Match
   Match Time: 18:48

8. Kazuchika Okada defeat El Phantasmo in a G1 Climax 2023 Block B Match
   Match Time: 16:21