Csonka’s NJPW G1 Climax (Night 5) Review 7.25.16

Csonka’s NJPW G1 Climax (Night 5) Review 7.25.16

OFFICIAL RESULTS
– Block A Match: Tomohiro Ishii defeated Bad Luck Fale @ 9:35 via pin [***¼]
– Block A Match: Togi Makabe defeated SANADA @ 12:25 via pin [**½]
– Block A Match: Naomichi Marufuji defeated Hiroyoshi Tenzan @ 12:29 via pin [****]
– Block A Match: Tama Tonga defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi @ 11:10 via pin [**½]
– Block A Match: Kazuchika Okada defeated Hirooki Goto @ 16:11 via pin [**¾]

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– NOTE: Like last year, I will be focusing on the tournament matches during my reviews.

Tomohiro Ishii vs. Bad Luck Fale: This was a good match to kick off this set for block A. Ishii usually comes cross as such a brute in his work and how he destroys people, so it was kind of wild to see him on the other end of things. Fale was in full bully mode here, and it worked well as Ishii would simple bounce off of him as the giant laughed. This worked because Ishii sold his ass off and Fale just came off like the biggest asshole in his mannerisms and looks towards Ishii. Ishii managed to outlast Fale, and then herc’d him up and hit the brainbuster for the win. This was a good wrestling match that featured a good layout; a good story and everything maximized the strengths of both men.

Togi Makabe vs. SANADA: Togi Makabe vs. SANADA felt like a solid, but unspectacular outing overall. They brawled into the crowd, they used some weapons and it was just fine. While SANADA sold well and continued looking good (he’s really stood out so far) Makabe controlled way too much. He just worked his bruiser offence, which stayed at one speed and I waited and waited and waited for the action to pick up, to switch gears or do something to make me care and it never happened. Instead, Makabe got his spider suplex and king kong knee drop to go 3-0, for reasons I guess. I wouldn’t’ call it bad, but average and pretty flat. I would love to understand the rationale of SANADA beating Tanahashi clean in an awesome match and then having him lose two in a row. Makabe felt lethargic and lazy here, when Fale is out efforting you, you need to re-evaluate things.

Hiroyoshi Tenzan vs. Naomichi Marufuji: We finally got some fire here, and it was courtesy of the old warhorse Tenzan. The Tenzan story has been great for the G1, as the fans have bought into the angle of his last G1 and run for the win. These two beat the holy hell out of each other, using a ton of chops, which came across brutally as the match went on. Tenzan is really working hard in his matches, and with the crowd buying into it; his matches have an atmosphere that many are lacking. Marufuji has been great, and feels revitalized here as opposed to his usual NOAH outings, which has been a great thing to see. Tenzan took a beating, but seemingly was able to stay a step ahead and was constantly frustrating Marufuji. Tenzan went for the trademark moonsault, but he missed and that was his end. Marufuji lit him up with kicks and finally put him away with the Shiranui. This was the best match on the show, with a great story, stiff work and the crowd making this feel special. I had my doubts about Tenzan in the G1, but he’s delivered thus far.

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Tama Tonga: I have repeatedly said that Tama Tonga desperately needed some great performances in this G1 to get the stank off of him following his tag run with his brother, who is not good. Well thus far he has failed, because when you have a bland match with Tanahashi during the G1, you’re doing it wrong. Tonga picked up the huge upset here, which falls in line with the story that Tanahashi is still not 100% and is fighting with all he has just to stay competitive. The lay out I felt was a success, as they did not play this to where Tanahashi’s injury was an excuse, Tonga was the smarter performer and was able to stay a step ahead. It’s just that his work was uninspired and lacked the energy he needed to come off like a star. Tonga countered the high fly flow, and then busted out the gun stun in homage to Karl Anderson to pick up the win. The reaction from the crowd was amazing as they went silent in shock, and Tanahashi basically broke down, almost crying because he once again failed. Had Tonga actually stepped up his game, this would have been really big, but he never really brought it. Much like Ospreay in the BOTSJ, Tanahashi will likely start the comeback story on night 7 against Fale.

Kazuchika Okada vs. Hirooki Goto: If you follow G1 coverage anywhere over the last few years, you will hear reviewers discussing guys taking a night off. This is usually in reference to the G1 guys working the undercard tags, and is completely understandable. There is no need to go all out in those matches, and they should take it easy. Bt when it comes to a tournament match, especially a main event match, I find it insulting. This Kazuchika Okada vs. Hirooki Goto was the definition of disappointment, as I felt as if I was watching an hour two Raw match. It felt lazy, uninspired and never once felt like a main event attraction. If not for the final few minutes ad great closing stretch, I would have hated this. The best way to describe this was this: it was a match, they did things, the end was cool and Okada won. This was not the main event I was looking for.

BLOCK A STANDINGS
* Togi Makabe (3-0)
* Hiroyoshi Tenzan (2-1)
* Hirooki Goto (2-1)
* Naomichi Marufuji (2-1)
* Kazuchika Okada (2-1)
* SANADA (1-2)
* Bad Luck Fale (1-2)
* Tomohiro Ishii (1-2)
* Tama Tonga (1-2)
* Hiroshi Tanahashi (0-3)

– End scene.

– Thanks for reading.

“Byyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyye Felicia!”

6.5

The final score: review Average

The 411

While not a bad show, night five was the weakest effort in the G1 so far. Between some uninspired performances and questionable booking choices, this came off as ”just a show” to me. If you’re cherry picking, catch the Tenzan match, otherwise the night is one you can skip.