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

Kazuchika Okada vs Hiroshi Tanahashi

Result: Time limit draw

Per Okada/Tanahashi tradition, they start with a test of strength. It evolves into a sequence of attempted sentons and elbow drops. Nothing connects, as these legends just know each other too well. Tanahashi begins targeting Okada’s leg, but the (not quite) Rainmaker responds with a dragonscrew of his own. They continue to attack each other’s foundation for the majority of the match.

About 15 minutes in, Okada realizes that playing a chess game of limbwork against The Ace is an awful thing to do. He was outclassed every step of the way. He starts going for his more traditional offense, but the leg is just too damaged to mount anything significant.

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A deluge of dragonscrews, tombstones, slingblades, dropkicks, High Fly Flows, and Rainmaker attempts take up the last 10 minutes of the match. As the clock runs, each man becomes more desperate to hit a decisive move.

Okada musters enough gumption to hit a tombstone and dropkick. He goes for the Rainmaker multiple times but is only met with counters and reversals. Tana hits a dragon suplex and HFF, but Okada kicks out. Time expires as The Ace is about to go for a final splash. Kazu goes to 13, and Tana wins the block at 15.

The least surprising development of the entire tournament: Okada and Tanahashi had an outstanding wrestling match. Duh. The chemistry and history between these two is unmatched and invaluable. It’s hard to encapsulate with words how legendary it feels every time they share the squared circle.

Although not quite as incredible as their match at Wrestling Dontaku, this was a worthy addition to the saga of Rainmaker vs Ace. They told a great, simple story that built to a breathtaking conclusion. The tension was palpable, the drama was heavy, and the ending was perfect.

Rating: ****3/4

In conclusion, this was mostly a one match show. Hashi vs Page and EVIL vs White were solid, but completely dwarfed by the EPIC main event.

Show Rating: 7.5