NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night 6: Results, Review, Standings, Grades

Toru Yano vs Kota Ibushi

Yano started off with some pinning combinations on his opponent. Ibushi barely kicked out of each of them, then responded with some high flying offense. The Golden Star seemed to be running away with the match, but Yano raked his eyes to get back the momentum.

At some point all of the turnbuckle pads came off. Probably magic or something. Ibushi tried to hit Yano with one, but he dodged and returned the favor. After, Yano taped Ibushi’s wrists together in a callback to last year’s match with Omega. Unsurprisingly, Ibushi was still amazing with his arms out of commission. However, he was at too much of a disadvantage to get to 3-0. Yano won with a crafty low blow/roll up combination.

This was a fun match. I figured Ibushi would take the L here, since it makes sense for him to be susceptible to Yano’s shenanigans. And the shenanigans were abundant. It seems Yano has pretty much completely abandoned his plan to wrestle clean and fair. This just seemed like regular old Sublime Master Thief.

Rating: ***1/2

SANADA vs Zack Sabre Jr

They went back and forth for the first few minutes with some fast paced technical work. Neither man was able to get an advantage. Counter after counter after counter. It was a joy to watch. So smooth.

After a while, they started trading strikes. When ZSJ realized he couldn’t hang with SANADA in that department, he turned it back into a technical match. A PK finally gave the Technical wizard the clear advantage. The final minutes of the match were completely grounded, but SANADA was able to beat Sabre at his own game, getting the pinfall with ZSJ’s signature European clutch.

I loved this match. My only complaint is that I wish it would’ve gone on longer. I was so captivated by their work that the already quick match seemed to fly by even faster. It was better than their NJC match while it lasted, but didn’t feel quite as epic. ZSJ is every bit as good as everyone says he is, and SANADA will surely be known as one of the world’s finest wrestlers in the coming years. Hopefully these guys will go at it many more times. Great stuff.

Rating: ****

Juice Robinson vs Tetsuya Naito

English commentary laid out their history before the match started, which was a nice touch. Juice started out with the momentum, but Naito quickly stopped him in his tracks by attacking the injured hand. This was the story of the entire match: Juice would run off some big moves only for Naito to go back to the injury. The corner slingshot dropkick to Robinson’s hand was a spot that especially exemplified Naito’s masterful in-ring work and storytelling. (1:17 in the following clip)

The finishing sequence was absolutely jaw dropping. Each man went for their finisher multiple times, but neither was able to connect for a long while. Juice was resilient, but Naito was determined as ever and would not be denied. Two destinos finally kept the IWGP US Champion down for the three count. Juice falls to 0-3, but look for him to go on a winning streak soon. I expect him to finish with at least 8 points.

The bout these guys had last year for the IC Title was one of the most underrated, overlooked matches of 2017. Hopefully, with Juice getting more credit for his work as of late, this match will get the spotlight it deserves from the wrestling community. Robinson continues to be one of the best babyfaces in all of wrestling, and Naito somehow just gets better and better.

Rating: ****1/2