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NJPW G1 Special In USA - Tag 2

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NJPW G1 Climax Kickoff Report: A Thrilling Start to the Tournament

Los Angeles, California - The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center played host to New Japan Pro Wrestling's (NJPW) latest offering, a stacked card featuring the opening matches of the IWGP United States Heavyweight Title Tournament. The sold-out crowd of 2,305 was treated to an electrifying evening of professional wrestling, with several standout performances that hinted at what's to come in the coming weeks.

Match 1: Six-Man Tag Team Match - David Finlay, Jushin Thunder Liger & KUSHIDA vs. Tempura Boyz & Yoshitatsu

The show opened with a thrilling six-man tag team match featuring some of NJPW's top talent. The trio of Finlay, Liger, and KUSHIDA proved to be too much for their opponents, with the high-flying KUSHIDA delivering a picture-perfect shooting star press to secure the win. A solid opener that set the tone for the evening.

Match 2: IWGP United States Heavyweight Title Tournament Semi-Final - Kenny Omega vs. Jay Lethal

In what was arguably the match of the night, Kenny Omega put on a showstopping performance against Jay Lethal. The two competitors traded near-falls and high-impact moves, with Omega ultimately emerging victorious in 12:56. A strong showing from both men that has many fans eagerly anticipating their next encounters.

Match 3: IWGP United States Heavyweight Title Tournament Semi-Final - Tomohiro Ishii vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

Tomohiro Ishii continued his impressive form with a hard-fought victory over Zack Sabre Jr. The two competitors engaged in a technical grappling clinic, with Ishii eventually securing the win via a roll-up in 11:42. A great match that showcased both men's skills.

Match 4: Ten-Man Tag Team Match - Dragon Lee, Jay White, Juice Robinson, Titan & Volador Jr. vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon

The evening's first major team effort saw the "Lucha Bros" and their allies take on the formidable Los Ingobernables de Japon. The match was a wild ride from start to finish, with plenty of high-impact moves and near-falls. In the end, it was Dragon Lee who delivered a devastating dropkick to seal the win for his team in 12:28.

Match 5: Six-Man Tag Team Match - BULLET CLUB vs. War Machine & Michael Elgin

The BULLET CLUB (Hangman Page, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Loa) flexed their muscles against War Machine and Michael Elgin. The match was a hard-hitting affair that saw the BULLET CLUB ultimately emerge victorious in 11:17.

Match 6: IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match - Young Bucks vs. Roppongi Vice

In what was arguably the most anticipated match of the evening, the Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) successfully defended their IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Titles against Roppongi Vice (Beretta and Rocky Romero). The match was a thrilling affair that saw the Young Bucks ultimately secure the win in 22:41.

Match 7: Eight-Man Tag Team Match - BULLET CLUB vs. CHAOS & Briscoe Brothers

The evening's penultimate match saw the BULLET CLUB (Bad Luck Fale, Cody, Marty Scurll, and Yujiro Takahashi) take on a trio of opponents in a high-energy eight-man tag team match. The BULLET CLUB ultimately emerged victorious in 16:00.

Match 8: IWGP Intercontinental Title Match - Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Billy Gunn

The main event saw Hiroshi Tanahashi put his IWGP Intercontinental Title on the line against Billy Gunn. The match was a hard-hitting affair that saw Tanahashi ultimately retain his title in 14:25.

Main Event: IWGP United States Heavyweight Title Tournament Final - Kenny Omega vs. Tomohiro Ishii

In what was arguably the best match of the evening, Kenny Omega defeated Tomohiro Ishii to claim the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship. The two competitors put on a showstopping performance that will be remembered for years to come.

Final Thoughts

NJPW's G1 Climax Kickoff event was an absolute thrill ride from start to finish. With several standout performances and competitive matches, it's clear that the coming weeks are going to be must-see viewing for fans of professional wrestling. The tournament is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable and exciting in recent memory.

Rating: 4.5/5

Recommendation: If you're a fan of professional wrestling, do yourself a favor and seek out this event. It's an absolute must-watch.

Card Details

  • Date: 02 Jul 2017
  • Promotion: New Japan Pro Wrestling
  • Arena: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
  • Attendance: 2305
  • Type: TV-Show
  • Broadcast Type: Live
  • Broadcast Date: 02 Jul 2017

Matches

  1. David Finlay, Jushin Thunder Liger and KUSHIDA defeat Tempura Boyz and Yoshitatsu in a Six Man Tag Team Match
    Match Time: 08:52

  2. Kenny Omega(C) defeat Jay Lethal in a IWGP United States Heavyweight Title Tournament Semi Final Match
    Match Time: 12:56

  3. Tomohiro Ishii(C) defeat Zack Sabre Jr. in a IWGP United States Heavyweight Title Tournament Semi Final Match
    Match Time: 11:42

  4. Dragon Lee, Jay White, Juice Robinson, Titan and Volador Jr. defeat Los Ingobernables de Japon (BUSHI, EVIL, Hiromu Takahashi, SANADA and Tetsuya Naito) in a Ten Man Tag Team Match
    Match Time: 12:28

  5. BULLET CLUB (Hangman Page, Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa) defeat War Machine and Michael Elgin in a Six Man Tag Team Match
    Match Time: 11:17

  6. Young Bucks (Matt Jackson and Nick Jackson)(C) defeat Roppongi Vice (Beretta and Rocky Romero) in a IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Title Match
    Match Time: 22:41

  7. BULLET CLUB (Bad Luck Fale, Cody, Marty Scurll and Yujiro Takahashi) defeat CHAOS and Briscoe Brothers (Kazuchika Okada and Will Ospreay) in a Eight Man Tag Team Match
    Match Time: 16:00

  8. Hiroshi Tanahashi(C) defeat Billy Gunn in a IWGP Intercontinental Title Match
    Match Time: 14:25

  9. Kenny Omega(C) defeat Tomohiro Ishii in a IWGP United States Heavyweight Title Tournament Final Match

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