NJPW G1 Climax 28 Night 17: Results, Grades from A Block Final

Minoru Suzuki vs Bad Luck Fale

Result: Minoru Suzuki defeated Bad Luck Fale via disqualification

This immediately breaks down into a chaotic brawl. They fight outside, then into the ring, then back out. Suzuki introduces a chair and absolutely beats the living daylights out of the big man. They fight into the ring once more, where Suzuki locks in a deep armbar.

Loa immediately pulls the ref out of the ring and jumps Suzuki. Despy evens the odds and Suzuki is on his way to picking up the victory, but Tama shows up and hits the gun stun. DQ. Ya’ll know how this goes. Firing Squad stands tall in the ring after the bell, but Suzuki and company chase them to the back.

This was a match. It pretty much went exactly how you probably expected it to. Brawl. Weapons. Interference. It makes sense and I appreciate the consistency, but it just isn’t entertaining at this point in such a lengthy tournament. Fun fact, though: Fale made it through the whole tournament without getting pinned, which is fun?

Rating: **1/4

Jay White vs EVIL

Result: EVIL defeated Jay White

White starts off with some good ol’ trash talking and a slap to the face of Evil. Brave man, that Switchblade. EVIL fires back. They trade strikes for a while with neither man gaining a clear advantage. The fights ends up at ringside, and White takes the opportunity to execute one of his patented “throw opponent very hard into the barricade” spots. EVIL recovers and gets back into it.

Eventually Switchblade connects with a flatliner combo and lowblow. He sets up for the Bladerunner, but The King of Darkness reverses it into Darkness Falls. Though he can’t make the cover due to pain in his no nos. They both recover to their feet and desperately try to get ahead, but neither can. The ref takes a bump and White goes for a chairshot to the face of EVIL, but it’s reversed into EVERYTHING. 1 2 3. Jay White is eliminated.

This was pretty good. The finishing sequence was extremely tense and well executed, and the crescendo to it held my attention enough. I would’ve liked five more minutes and some added drama, but I get why they hurried through it with the marathon they were preceding. Excellent tournament all around from both guys.

Rating: ***1/2