NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night 5: Review, Grades, and Analysis

EVIL (1-1) vs Togi Makabe (2-0)

It was a very physical start to the match, and was back and forth until a chair shot from EVIL gains him the advantage. The referee takes a lenient view on this and allows the match to continue.

Crowd are firmly behind Makabe, as they make their way into the ring. As the match continues, the Thrust Kick to the mid-section was the momentum changer for EVIL. Darkness Falls connects but didn’t quite get the job done. It’s one beautiful move however! Towards the end of the match, both are showing their power through Lariats, but EVIL reverses one into the STO for the victory.

RESULT: EVIL (2-1) defeated Togi Makabe (2-1)

RATING: 3.5 stars

Bad Luck Fale (1-1) vs Hiroshi Tanahashi (1-1)

Tanahashi comes right out of the gates with a dropkick to Fale to gain the advantage. As the match goes on, Fale uses his power to get some momentum back on his side, and driving Tanahashi into the barricade.

As the match is nearing the end, lots of back and forth action begins. Tanahashi goes for the High Fly Flow, but doesn’t connect. Fale goes for a Chokeslam, but Tanahashi kicks out. Sling Blade by Tanahashi then connects the High Fly Flow. However Tanga Loa at Ringside pulled Red Shoes (the referee) out of the ring. Pretty epic spot!

As the ref is down, Tama Tonga tries to help Fale by connecting a Gun Stun to Tanahashi. In the funniest moment of the night, the referee flips off (middle fingers) to Guerrillas Of Destiny and call disqualification on Fale. It’s what I needed to see today!

RESULT: Hiroshi Tanahashi (2-1) defeated Bad Luck Fale (1-2)

RATING: 3.5 stars