NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night 2: Results, Grades, and Analysis

Hirooki Goto (CHAOS) vs. SANADA (Los Ingobernables de Japon)

This was a very pro LIJ crowd, as they chanted SANADA’s name when the match started. Goto wanted to turn this into a brawl, but SANADA wanted to play the counter game. Goto hit a spinning wheel kick in the corner, and drove SANADA into the corner. Both men exchanged a series of forearms, and it ended with a Ushigoroshi.

Goto went for a GTR, but SANADA countered and went for Skull End. After a few more counters, SANADA hit a Ushigoroshi of his own. SANADA then locked in Skull End, but Goto didn’t give up. He let go and went for a moonsault, but Goto dodged. They tried to suplex each other, but Goto hit a big headbutt.

Goto hit a reverse GTR, and went for a GTR, but SANADA cradled him and Goto kicked out. SANADA went for a moonsault and caught Goto in a Skull End! Goto reversed and put SANADA on the top rope in a slingshot position. He hit a GTR and followed up with a GTR again for the pinfall.

Result: Hirooki Goto

Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5

This was an excellent match from the start. This is one of the must see matches so far. Goto is very underrated and people tend to underestimate his ability to have a good match. SANADA showed some great athleticism as well. Both men got lots of chances to shine, and Goto started off strong. The NEVER Openweight Champion will be looking to pick up a series of big wins. NJPW always does a good job elevating guys in losing, and SANADA was an example here.

Goto deserves far more credit than he gets, as he always seems to have an excellent match. Don Callis and Kevin Kelly told the story well here: Goto wants the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. It’s the one title he’s never been able to win, and a strong win here is a good start towards that.