NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night 9: Review, Grades and Analysis

Michael Elgin vs Minoru Suzuki:

Both were on 4 points before heading into this match, so both are still in with a shout of winning block A with a win here. The match begins with both superstars working to their strengths, with Elgin using his power, and Suzuki going for limb manipulation. It was Elgin who gained the advantage. As the match progresses, Suzuki gets a chair while referee was distracted to gain advantage as they also fight amongst the crowd.

As Elgin crawls his way to the ring, Suzuki begins to dominate proceedings with more limb manipulation, targeting the arm, and more specifically, the bicep region. As the match approaches the finish, Elgin begins to fight back to make it a even contest once again. Match continues with Elgin connecting a Buckle Bomb, but Suzuki turns it into a sleeper hold. Elgin quickly escapes. A Tiger Bomb then by Elgin STILL doesn’t do the trick, and this match continues as the crowd is lighting up from the action. The closing moments, Elgin escapes the sleeper again but this time, Suzuki keeps a hold of Elgin and connects the Gotch Neutraliser to pick up the victory, and putting Suzuki on 6 points in the G1.

RESULT: Minoru Suzuki

RATING: 3.5 Stars

EVIL vs Hangman Page

Heading into the match, EVIL is on 6 points and a win here would put him in the lead. Hangman Page is on 2 points so if he’s to stand a chance, a win here was crucial.

The match begins, and it’s a stalemate with neither picking up any sort of advantage. However the power game becomes too much for Hangman Page to deal with, as EVIL picks up the advantage. However, Page makes it all even, as he resorts to the barricade to inflict some damage.

As we head to the conclusion of the match, EVIL connects Darkness Falls, but Page kicks out of it. Page connects the Slingshot Lariat but that didn’t get the job done either. Page sets up for the rights of passage, before EVIL reverses it into the Everything Is Evil to pick up the victory, and now be the first superstar in the A block to be on 8 points.

RESULT: EVIL

RATING: 3.75 stars