All Things G1

[Bort]

****3/4, mos def.

Legit match, and there were clear "AJ, AJ" chants.

 

[Bort]

Fuck it, I'm going full boat on THAT MATCH after a rewatch.

G1 Climax 24

(2014/8/1)


1. Block A: Shelton Benjamin vs. Satoshi Kojima

Fun opener that didn’t overstay its welcome, the beginning and the finishing run were a nice back-and-forth, while the middle was Benjamin on offense. Good match.

***


2. Block B: Lance Archer vs. Toru Yano

Typically fun Yano match, of course it was short and dramatic, and of course Korakuen was hot for it. Really fine dynamics with Yano trying to materialize his shtick against much stronger gaijin villain, and the climax was fun, as in most YTR matches. Archer is ready to go places. IMO.

**3/4


3. Block B: Karl Anderson vs. Yujiro Takahashi

Well, very similar to Gallows/Fale from the previous show, it’s a heel/heel match between the two hated Bullet Club members, and the crowd just didn’t care, and this is Korakuen we’re talking about here. Korakuen didn’t care, which is remarkable, and it showed in the wrestlers’ work, totally uninspiring stuff, although I remember thinking “this is decent” during the match, but once it ended, I couldn’t remember a goddamn thing other than the finish. Okay, the earlier part about the crowd not caring was not a complete truth, they did react during the climax. All in all, this was a very skippable match.

bad


4. Block A: Doc Gallows vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr.

Nice little powerhouse match between the two heel gaijin wallopers, I really dug it, they were both about big power moves, so the key was what else they had up their sleeves, and Davey Boy’s ground-based stuff overbid Doc’s brawling stuff. Also, unlike the earlier gaijin/gaijin heel matches, they made the crowd care, swell stuff.

***1/4


5. Block B: Hirooki Goto vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan

Tenzan’s biggest moment of the tournament, he can ride off into the sunset like a fucking boss he is. Here he is, the same story as always, the broken down veteran trying to hang with a younger and physically more dominant wrestler, trying to fight like there’s no tomorrow, only this time it’s in the motherfucking KORAKUEN, where everyone’s rooting for him. Such a smart, well structured match, with the biggest feelgood moment of the toruanament, maybe even the whole year. Pro-wrestling is glorious, and this match is why.

****


6. Block A: Bad Luck Fale vs. Tomoaki Honma

Just when you think it’s impossible to top the Tenzan support, here comes the underdog of the year, Tomoaki Honma, and makes the place fucking explode! That moment when he finally brings Fale down is pure magic. The match was only 6-7 minutes long, but boy, oh boy… Madness!

***3/4


7. Block B: Tetsuya Naito vs. Togi Makabe

Naito’s scored some big wins in the tournament, against Styles and Okada, but can he survive the roughhouse Makabe? Because, his style is an entirely different story, very similar to Ishii’s, and we all know how that ended earlier this year. Twice. Another smashing match with a superb finishing run. Do I even need to say the crowd rocked?

****


8. Block B: AJ Styles vs. Minoru Suzuki



*****


9. Block A: Katsuyori Shibata vs. Yuji Nagata

Hopefully this slugfest doesn’t get overlooked due to Styles/Suzuki. These two had a beef coming off the tag team match from a month + ago, and they sure as hell made sure it translates into this match properly. Stiff shots and brutality everywhere, and the finish was just fabulous. Nagata’s powerful year continues.

****1/4


10. Block A: Tomohiro Ishii vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

CHAOS Invincible collides! Another fantastic battle that MUST NOT be overlooked due to previous matches from the show, this was a wonderful mayhem and clash of styles, as well as personalities, Ishii’s no-nonsense mantra versus Shinsuke’s swag philosophy and mental games. The peak of the match was something else.

****1/2


One of the greatest events I’ve seen, and trust me, there are tons and tons of them under my belt.
​

 

[Stopspot]

Really dug day 7. Didn't expect this relatively weak card in name value to become such a stellar night.

 

[leojay]

What did you guys think of the Styles/MiSu finish though? It kinda ended on a flat note to me, especially after the amazing spot before it with Styles powering out of MiSu's submission and doing a Styles Clash and then not being able to go for the pin because of his arm.

Day 7 has been my favorite day so far regardless, I was completely lost during the Styles/MiSu match and the two Main Events after delivered nearly as well as it (dat Nakamura/Ishii finishing sequence). And the majority of the undercard was good too, with a huge surprise from Tenzan in that Tenzan/Goto match (at least to me, I've only been watching since last years G1 and I had completely ruled him out as old and useless until this years G1).

Who's had the most consistent matches this G1 for you guys so far? I say it's a tossup between Styles, Nakamura, Naito and Homna, their matches have stood out the most to me.

 

[Bort]

I think the finish ruled. They were throwing some really hard smacks at each other up until Minoru had enough of it and simply decided to just OBLITERATE Styles with the closed fist punch, only for Styles to strike back immediately with the vicious Pele, and fight through the pain to hit another Styles Clash. Such a struggle, it felt raw and gritty, the crowd was hot for it, and the post-match selling from both guys was a pinnacle.

Though it would be impossible to come near (or top) Virus/Titan (CMLL 1/28) and Nak/Tana (Inv. Attack), but this match did it.

 

[Bort]

G1 Climax 24

(2014/8/3)


1. Block A: Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Tomohiro Ishii

The winning crowd pleasing Gedo & Jado formula of booking Ishii in opening matches to warm up the crowds is fruitful, as this was another damn good opener. An Ishii sprint, through and through. Oh, and Davey Boy wasn’t bad either, credit where credit is due. Unfortunately, Ishii dislocated his shoulder here, hopefully he’s okay.

***3/4


2. Block B: Toru Yano vs. vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan

Similar to Yano/Archer, where Yano’s cheating tactics backfired in a fun fashion. Not as good, but still passable, and Tenzan winning by submission made me a very happy camper. Go Tenzan!

**


3. Block B: Shelton Benjamin vs. Yuji Nagata

These two had a borderline great match last year, and this one was no exception. Awesome mixture of heavy smacking and gnarly holds, I really dug it, not to mention this was a second match in a row ending by submission, fuck yes. That poor commentator (Iizuka’s regular victim) went nuts on commentary, by the way.

***3/4


4. Block A: Doc Gallows vs. Satoshi Kojima

Basic, simple, fast, good, with a cool finish… joy everywhere. From what I see around the web, I’m one of the rare people liking Doc’s G1 work. What’s wrong with everyone? Dude’s good, he was also really good here, I’m very into his rough traditional American brawling style. Check this match.

***1/2


5. Block B: Tetsuya Naito vs. Hirooki Goto

Very good match, worked mostly in back-and-forth pace, everything was smooth and slick except for that one clunky Goto moment (hey, what else is new?), the crowd was into the match, with a split support, but only until Naito decided to enter the Tanahashi mode by not giving Goto a clean break and heeling up for awhile. Sweet stuff all around.

***1/2


6. Block A: AJ Styles vs. Lance Archer

AJ’s glorious G1 run continues with this very good match. What was so good about this is that they never abandoned the big guy vs. small guy story, you could feel throughout entire match you’re watching power vs. speed, and it was so sweet. Nice legwork by AJ, his strategy was to ground Archer, because there’s no way he hits him with the Styles Clash, and it had a nice, effective payoff at the very end. I really dug this.

***3/4


7. Block B: Minoru Suzuki vs. Togi Makabe

I’ll be honest here, I didn’t really feel or get the match on the first viewing, but then I decided to give it some fresh eyes, and it’s bloody great. It starts off as a solid brawl, but then it goes in the limbwork zone down the road, and gets better, and better, and better. Watching Makabe kneading Suzuki’s leg was kind of surreal, such an interesting twist that was, and it led to yet another excellent finishing stretch by MiSu, fuck yes, this was great.

****


8. Block B: Katsuyori Shibata vs. Tomoaki Honma

Eh, you know it already, fantastic match, yada-yada-yada… rough as fuck, etc. Not as high-end as Shibata/Ishii, but close enough. Honma’s babyface/underdog aura is just majestic, and Shibata was knocking the shit out of him, smashing stuff. Seriously though, he was basically throwing kitchen sinks at him for 10+ minutes.

****1/2


9. Block B: Yujiro Takahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada

Yujiro is the guy who betrayed Okada, CHAOS and entire puroresu in Fukuoka three months ago when he cost Okada the title and joined Bullet Club, he also interfered into his matches few more times. Naturally, this was supposed to be a heated, full throttle war, but it wasn’t. I mean, it was, by not on the epic scale I was expecting. Okada got his partial revenge, he beat Yujiro, but I don’t know… I guess I wanted more mayhem and punishment. Don’t get me wrong, the match was good, but needed to be better. Funny thing about Yujiro, he seems to be better in matches against wrestlers with whom he has no direct beef with, huh.

***1/4


10. Block A: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Hot crowd, nice callbacks to the previous matches, teases, taunts, tremendous pacing, natural and organic flow, charisma galore, clever finish… Just another day in office for these two, they make it seem so easy, it was a beautiful match.

****1/2


It has become a very redundant and repetitive thing to say, but this was another really fun show.
​

 

[Bort]

G1 Climax 24

(2014/8/4)


1. Block A: Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Tomoaki Honma

Honma’s “weakest” match of the tournament, and it was still good. Nothing essential or mindblowing, just a good continuation of Honma’s big underdog story, hopefully he scores that one W.

***1/4


2. Block B: Yujiro Takahashi vs. Lance Archer

So, Yujiro used the tactics of Styles and Suzuki here, he attacked the leg of the big guy, and it was nice, nothing particularly wrong, it just wasn’t that exciting, and the finishing run was kind of too much of a protection for Archer, I mean, what’s the deal with all those low-blows, his leg was already in big pain. Would’ve been better without it, but eh, waddya gonna go…

**3/4


3. Block A: Doc Gallows vs. Yuji Nagata

One hella brawl, and let me tell you something, I’m enjoying every single moment of every single Doc Gallows match in this tournament. Well, except for that trash with Fale from the other day, obviously. So yeah, this was very good, and the finish was more than satisfying. Doc’s really grown on me this year.

***1/2


4. Block B: Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Togi Makabe

Solid match made good by the excellent finish. Tenzan’s road of redemption is awe inspiring, and Makabe’s improving his game as the G1 rolls on. Makabe/Styles is something I’m really looking forward to.

***


5. Block B: Minoru Suzuki vs. Tetsuya Naito

Fucking Naito, man… He’s the contender for MVP of the tournament, and then this happens, such a horrendous performance right here, he shat all over Suzuki’s hard work with his complete lack of physical selling. He came across like a goddamn rookie or something, all he did was hitting his spots and jumping around like an idiot. But, why is this match not a total DUD then? Well, that’s because MiSu was freakin’ amazing once again, too shame Naito failed miserably, because this could’ve been a classic. Smh…

**3/4


6. Block A: Bad Luck Fale vs. Katsuyori Shibata

If you went into this match expecting to see Shibata murdering people again, then you’ll be disappointed. He could not run over the big man like he could with others. An interesting clash of styles, with a fun finish that’s pretty much gone from modern New Japan, solid stuff overall.

**3/4


7. Block A: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Satoshi Kojima

Very good match with an awesome second half, sweet back-and-forth action done right. Nothing special I could write about, just a rock solid pro-wrestling match between two great pro-wrestlers.

***3/4


8. Block B: Karl Anderson vs. AJ Styles

I loved this, they worked some charming comedy in the opening portions to keep the crowd interested for the rest, and it bloody worked. This was a well paced and layered match between the two Bullet Club mates, I was entertained very much. AJ’s such a boss, it’s a huge FUCK YOU TNA already.

***3/4


9. Block A: Shelton Benjamin vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

This is how a Tanahashi-on-autopilot match looks like, it’s all just basic moves, sequences and story, and yet - it’s still good stuff. Granted, could’ve been much better if Shelton stayed more focused with his offense, and Tanahashi’s midsection selling was kind of weak as well, so there you go. Good match, but needed to be better. But, good nevertheless. Get it?

***


10. Block B: Kazuchika Okada vs. Hirooki Goto

This was just fucking immense, I almost lost my shit during the climax, and the finish caught me off guard, totally. They played off their previous meetings in such a tremendous fashion. There were intelligent twists, cool counters, and some of those superb elements Okada likes to bust out sometimes, such as Kawada-esque dramatic selling, and a huge smirk on his face when he realized Goto’s doom is near. Smashing, smashing stuff, I’m such a happy fucking camper right now, I’m telling you. Honestly, just as good as their February title match.

****1/2


A one match show, obviously, but that’d be totally unfair to Karl/AJ, Doc/Nagata and Shinsuke/Kojima. Main event ruled, I can’t stress that enough.
​

 

[Bort]

G1 Climax 24

(2014/8/6)


1. Block A: Tomoaki Honma vs. Satoshi Kojima

This could’ve been a bust, but some stories never get old, and Honma did try to refresh things, so kudos there, good opener. That lariat at the end was absolutely devastating.

***1/4


2. Block A: Bad Luck Fale vs. Davey Boy Smith Jr.

Unlike Gallows/Fale, this was a totally decent big man clash. Nice pacing, timing and all that stuff, solid match overall.

**3/4


3. Block B: Tetsuya Naito vs. Hiroyoshi Tenzan

Tenzan’s final match of the tournament, and maybe even the final G1 match ever, so he’s ready to put up a fight, he’s not going down easily. Very good match, borderline great even, MOTN. Tenzan’s road of redemption might be the nicest story of this year’s G1.

***3/4


4. Block B: Karl Anderson vs. Minoru Suzuki

In the end, this turned out to be a good match, but like with few other MiSu matches from this G1 (Archer, Naito…), could’ve been way better if MiSu faced a more inspired wrestler with a better sense for physical selling, a la AJ Styles. Here, Karl did a solid job in that department, but not solid enough. MiSu was awesome yet again, but you already knew that, obviously.

***


5. Block B: Toru Yano vs. Togi Makabe

Sure, it was very short, and worked in the typical YTR fashion, but somehow I didn’t enjoy this. Plus, that roll-up did not look compelling. Nothing to see here.

bad


6. Block B: Yujiro Takahashi vs. AJ Styles

The first half with Yujiro on offense, controlling pace and stuff, was very mediocre. Eventually, things got better when AJ took charge with his blistering offense and big pro-wrestling IQ. The final chapter was very good, and all things considered, the match was satisfying.

***1/4


7. Block B: Lance Archer vs. Kazuchika Okada

A clunky moment here and there, but overall, good match, with Archer being really rough on offense, and Okada working from beneath was compelling and logical, both dudes sold very well, but I wasn’t a big fan of how the match ended, it was kind of too formulaic, but that’s just a small gripe.

***1/4


8. Block A: Yuji Nagata vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Really fine match, and I’d rate it higher, but man, I just can’t go over Nagata’s total lack of struggle during that match-ending cradle from Tanahashi, I just can’t. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it most certainly didn’t help what was otherwise quite a smart way to end the match. Before the finish, things were mostly really good.

***


9. Block A: Katsuyori Shibata vs. Tomohiro Ishii

These two bruisers met twice last year, first time during the G1 when they created that five star cult classic, and then in a rematch two months later, which wasn’t as good as the original, but still great. Obviously, you can only work a match like the original one once, so they had a massive chip on their shoulders. They did some things here that would totally suck in every other match, but considering their mutual past, it worked here, to some degree at least. Callbacks are always appreciated. Coming into this match, Ishii’s shoulder was heavily taped, but Shibata kind of didn’t was to be a huge dick and smash it in pieces. I wish he did, though, would’ve made for a lot better slugfest. Good match, with few insane gifworthy moments, but not even close to the first two, obviously.

***1/4


10. Block A: Doc Gallows vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

The same story like in Doc’s main event against Tanahashi, which means the big, evil gaijin brawler taking on one of dem homeboys, controlling the most of the match, with Nakamura working from behind and hitting hope spots in order to tame the beast. One of the oldest pro-wrestling stories, and it always works if you have a good ass-kicking aggressor, and a babyface willing to sell for him. Very good main event.

***3/4


Here we go, the first show with no great matches on it, but still, there was a plethora of solid/good wrestling.​

 

[Shadie T]

Styles/Tanahashi could be ****3/4+

Okada/Nakamura could go really well or fall flat. Dont see anything in the middle.

 

[THG?]

Is it just me who enjoyed Okada/Suzuki more than AJ/Suzuki? Just loved the drama and emotion to it.

 

[Rogue]

Splitters/ReDragon though, damn.hew:

 

[Stopspot]

Just got back from working this weekend to catch the main event - the first five minutes. Gonna catch it all on the rewind.

Caught this on twitter though, has to be pic of the tour:

 

[Rogue]

Lot of ass shots from Maria, and Captain New Japan got lucky.

 

[Rogue]

Spoiler

Ishiizilla is unstoppable, he was busted open in the first 5 minutes and still kicked ass.

Goto/Shibata was a good psychical back and forth match.

I didn't think Okada was going to win the climax a second time, but the match was awesome nonetheless. Three freaking Rainmakers, Nakamura looked so done.

Never trust double J, I wouldn't be surprised if he, or AJ were GFW's first world champion.:dawg:

All in all it was definitely a great event. I'll update this and add my match scores later.

 

[Bort]

Just got back from working this weekend to catch the main event - the first five minutes. Gonna catch it all on the rewind.

Caught this on twitter though, has to be pic of the tour:

Is it just me who enjoyed Okada/Suzuki more than AJ/Suzuki? Just loved the drama and emotion to it.

I enjoyed Styles/Suzuki more, but not by much. Okada and Suzuki came close, very freakin' close. Too bad no one's gonna talk about it in five days since it was on the penultimate show.

Splitters/ReDragon though, damn.hew:

I didn't care for that match. I'm gonna rewatch it tomorrow, but as of now, I found it mediocre. Kyle is just horrendous and both guys looked out of place.




Anyway, here's the delayed review for the 8/8 show:

G1 Climax 24

(2014/8/8)


1. Block A: Shelton Benjamin vs. Tomoaki Honma

Honma is 0-9, and Benjamin is on the five match losing streak, so both guys want that W, desperately. Can Honma finally score the big one? Good match, but the weakest for Honma thus far, things are getting repetitive at some points, and it just shows what a tremendous wrestler Honma is, when he’s still able to extract good stuff out of such a limited and pre-predetermined situation.

***


2. Block B: Yujiro Takahashi vs. Toru Yano

I get it, you’re both cheaters, smashing. Next, please!

bad


3. Block B: Lance Archer vs. Hirooki Goto

Good little match with Archer being a solid aggressor, and Goto doing what he does good lately – working from beneath.

***1/4


4. Block B: Karl Anderson vs. Tetsuya Naito

Very good match, almost borderline great, swell back-and-forth stuff with the KILLER finish. I’m not a fan of a result here, but waddaya gonna do.

***3/4


5. Block A: Tomohiro Ishii vs. Yuji Nagata

Ishii’s working with a separated and heavily taped shoulder here. Now, Nagata is not a dick, he doesn’t really want to exploit it, but he’s also old school, and just can’t resist it sometimes. Ishii sells it like he’s been ripped apart by lions, obviously, dude’s presentation is just fucking sublime. These two bruisers had some really good and insanely stiff matches in the past, but that was mostly Nagata raping poor Ishii, but it’s different now, Ishii’s developed into a reliable and super tough upper midcarder, while Nagata’s working as a veteran. The story writes itself, basically, there are many ubercool moments in this one, highlighted by Nagata’s “motherfucker, I fucking INVENTED slaps!” moment. Fantastic match.

****1/2


6. Block A: Doc Gallows vs. Katsuyori Shibata

Short and sweet brawl, yet another Doc Gallows match I enjoyed. Plus, he went over, so you can imagine my joys. Doc might be the most underappreciated wrestler of the tournament, honestly. Looks like gaijin villains are Shibata’s kryptonite.

***1/2


7. Block A: Bad Luck Fale vs. vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

Not as good as their Dominion title match, and definitely not as good as their New Japan Cup match. Now, for the last third or so, shit was tight there, but the opening portions were kind of mediocre, and the middle dragged at times. Still, there were some really cool, exciting things out there that made for a good match overall.

***1/4


8. Block B: AJ Styles vs. Togi Makabe

Extremely basic and very disappointing, tbf, and I expected many big things from this one. Good thing was Styles working on Makabe’s injured jaw, hell Styles was good in general, it’s just that they didn’t really click, plus Makabe’s execution was heavily flawed at times, and could lead to heavy injuries on AJ. Solid match, but nothing more, the weakest for AJ in this G1, and it was none of his fault.

**3/4


9. Block A: Davey Boy Smith Jr. vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Such a fine match right here, excellent pace and timing throughout it, nice matwork at the beginning, cool counters and transition later, and because Tanahashi won the previous two matches with roll-up variations, there were two nifty false finishes in the climax. The finish was very surprising, probably the biggest win for DBSJ.

***3/4


10. Block B: Minoru Suzuki vs. Kazuchika Okada

I’m tired right now, as we speak. Just look at that rating, I hope it tells the entire story. And I feel as if writing anything more than “what a phenomenal match” would make me sound like a pretentious hippie. Excellent pro-wrestling contest, tons of merriment everywhere.

****3/4


Two bloody excellent matches and many good ones, it was a lot of fun. The show had a very tough crowd, though, but that’s always the case with Yokohama people.​