Top 5 NJPW Matches of July: Tomohiro Ishii Is On Another Tear

4) SANADA vs Kota Ibushi (G1 28 Night 8)

Year in and year out the G1 Climax features many of the greatest athletes in pro wrestling. Because of this, many of the tournament’s matches turn into awe-inspiring games of one-ups-man-ship. No bout from this year’s edition so far fits this description better than SANADA vs Ibushi. It was truly a spectacle, with both guys stepping up the intensity of their incredible feats of athleticism with every passing sequence. By the time the finish came, it was impossible not to be amazed.

One of the most impressive things about these two performers is how they’re able to move with speed and elegance without their matches ever feeling too much like choreographed dance. They fly high without ever losing that real fight feel. They demonstrated that here, and it was an absolute joy to watch.

SANADA is going to rise to the top of the card very soon, and Ibushi’s time may be upon us, so hopefully these two will meet again down the road on an even bigger stage.

Rating: ****1/2

Credit: NJPW World

3) Kenny Omega vs Tetsuya Naito (G1 28 Night 2)

El Ingobernable and The Best Bout Machine have put together a triumvirate of remarkable matches across three consecutive G1s. Each has played off what’s come before, yet all three matches have still managed to feel unique. While the first two chapters of the series came late in the tournament, this came early, allowing the pair to go on fresh legs and work a quicker, more explosive match.

Personally I slightly prefer their first two matches. Still, this was fantastic from bell to bell. From the selling to the striking to the high flying to the character work, everything was on point. And that finishing sequence. OH BOY that finishing sequence. Just absolutely epic stuff. If you missed it, watch it. If you already watched, watch it again.

Rating: ****3/4