- Published on
NJPW G1 Climax 33 - Tag 9
- Authors
- Name
- Tails Azimuth
NJPW's G1 Climax 2023 Kicks Off with Thrills and Spills
Ota City General Gymnasium, Tokyo, Japan - July 26, 2023 - The road to the G1 Climax 2023 finale got underway tonight as New Japan Pro Wrestling presented an electrifying TV show from the Ota City General Gymnasium. A sold-out crowd of 2,316 enthusiasts witnessed a plethora of high-stakes matches that set the tone for what promises to be another unforgettable tournament.
In the opening contest, Shota Umino secured a hard-fought victory over Chase Owens in Block A action. The young lion's determination and technical prowess proved too much for the veteran challenger, as he pinned Owens in 9 minutes and 35 seconds. This win puts Umino atop the early standings, but don't count out Owens just yet - he'll be looking to bounce back with a vengeance.
Next up, Taichi pulled off an upset of YOSHI-HASHI's making in Block B. The high-flyer's aerial assault was neutralized by Taichi's cunning and guile, leading to a thrilling submission win at 13 minutes and 13 seconds. This marks Taichi's first G1 victory since 2019 - can he build on this momentum?
In the night's third match, Gabe Kidd and Kaito Kiyomiya engaged in an intense battle that ended in a double count-out. Both competitors left everything they had in the ring, but ultimately failed to secure a decisive win. This result keeps both men in the hunt for now.
Tanga Loa continued his strong form with a victory over Great-O-Khan in Block B. The powerhouse's size and strength proved overwhelming for the O-Khan, who succumbed to Loa's dominant performance at 12 minutes and 41 seconds. Loa is looking like a dark horse contender at this early stage.
Hikuleo asserted his dominance with a convincing win over Yota Tsuji in Block A. The veteran's experience and cunning outmaneuvered the young lion, as he submitted Tsuji in 12 minutes and 12 seconds. This marks Hikuleo's third consecutive G1 victory - will this trend continue?
In one of the night's most shocking results, El Phantasmo pulled off an incredible upset over KENTA in Block B. The high-flying phenom caught KENTA with a devastating roll-up just 19 seconds into their match, sending the crowd into raptures. This stunning turn of events has opened up new possibilities for El Phantasmo's G1 prospects.
SANADA and Ren Narita put on a technical masterclass in Block A, but it was SANADA who emerged victorious after a grueling 16 minutes and 30 seconds. The veteran's submission expertise proved too much for the talented young challenger, as he secured the win with his signature Skull Crunching Saber Atomic Drop.
The main event saw Will Ospreay put on a showstopping performance to defeat Kazuchika Okada in Block B. The "Ace" of New Japan proved too quick and agile for the two-time G1 winner, as he submitted Okada at 17 minutes and 21 seconds. This marks Ospreay's first G1 win over Okada - can he build on this momentum?
As we look ahead to the next TV show, the picture is starting to take shape in both Block A and Block B. Umino and Hikuleo have set the early pace, while Loa and Phantasmo are looking to capitalize on their victories. Meanwhile, Okada's defeat has sent shockwaves through the locker room - will he bounce back with a vengeance?
The G1 Climax 2023 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and thrilling tournaments in NJPW history. Stay tuned for more updates from the Ota City General Gymnasium as this story continues to unfold!
Card Details
- Promotion: New Japan Pro Wrestling
- Arena: Ota City General Gymnasium
- Attendance: 2316
- Type: TV-Show
- Broadcast Type: Live
- Broadcast Date: 26 Jul 2023
Matches
Shota Umino defeat Chase Owens in a G1 Climax 2023 Block A Match
Match Time: 09:35Taichi defeat YOSHI-HASHI in a G1 Climax 2023 Block B Match
Match Time: 13:13Gabe Kidd Double Count Out Kaito Kiyomiya in a G1 Climax 2023 Block A Match
Match Time: 11:44Tanga Loa defeat Great-O-Khan in a G1 Climax 2023 Block B Match
Match Time: 12:41Hikuleo defeat Yota Tsuji in a G1 Climax 2023 Block A Match
Match Time: 12:12El Phantasmo defeat KENTA in a G1 Climax 2023 Block B Match
Match Time: 00:19SANADA defeat Ren Narita in a G1 Climax 2023 Block A Match
Match Time: 16:30Will Ospreay defeat Kazuchika Okada in a G1 Climax 2023 Block B Match
Match Time: 17:21