Hiromu Takahashi injured his neck during the G1 Special in San Francisco.
The injury occurred during a Phoenix-plex gone wrong from Dragon Lee and NJPW’s website reports Hiromu was taken to the hospital after the match.
The Los Ingobernables de Japon stable member continued to wrestle after hitting the top of his head and reportedly may have collapsed when he walked backstage.
According to NJPW, Takahashi is “in a state that can sit and talk with consciousness” — which sounds like a step in the right direction — while undergoing examinations.
– Post-match, The Young Bucks and Brandi check on both wrestlers. Omega helps Cody up. Cody heads out of the ring, looks at the ring for a moment and continues to walk to the back. Omega gets on the mic and says “This is my first title defense as IWGP Heavyweight Champion.” He was happy to do it in front of these fans. Omega says everyone deserves a second chance, even Cody. He continues no matter who the person is, we should stand behind good people and he will continue to give his very best. He thanks everyone for coming tonight and does his usual sign off.
From the back come Haku, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa, initially things look fine, but the three attack Kenny and The Young Bucks from behind. They beat up all three guys in the ring and having “Fire Squad” shirts on. Adam Page runs out and gets dropped. Marty Scurll tries to help out and doesn’t do much better. Tama yells “You did this!” at Kenny Omega. Loa now attacks Takahashi and Owens now! Tama brings in a chair and swings away on a couple people. Cody stumbles out from the back, Tama hands him a chair, Cody then smacks Tanga and Loa, but Haku stops him, they end up dropping Cody now. After the trio leaves, Cody helps Omega up and it looks like things are better between the two of them as the group gathers together. (transcript via WrestlingINC)
You can check out videos of the match and what happened afterwards below:
A WWE vs. NJPW event sounds like an impossible pipe dream, but Kenny Omega says he’d love to see a working relationship form between the two companies so it could happen.
Omega took part in a media call to promote NJPW‘s upcoming live G1 Special in San Francisco on AXS TV and at one point said he believes now is the time to ease up on “us vs. them” mentality.
As you may have seen, Triple H recently said WWE was open to the idea of forming working relationships with other organizations … which naturally got people talking about an NJPW alliance.
When asked about the WWE exec’s comments, Omega was on the exact same page.
“I definitely would want to see that,” he answered. “I think that nowadays, with the popularity and respect level of other sports — for example basketball, or baseball or soccer — I feel that it wouldn’t be out of place for pro wrestling to stand at the same level as those sports. And I think the only way we stand a chance at doing that is if we really band together and give them the best of the best.”
The Cleaner went on to say most “dream matches” currently on fan wishlists are, for the most part, people who compete in different promotions. This includes matches like The Elite vs. New Day or Tommaso Ciampa vs. Kenny Omega.
“I think that now is a very good opportunity to cash in on that. And I believe that both parties benefit.”
The G1 Climax is a 20-man round robin styled tournament that is considered NJPW’s most prestigious tournament of the year. The winner will receive an opportunity to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 13. Once the G1 ends on August 12, the winner does have to defend their title opportunity until next January, so winning the G1 doesn’t necessarily guarantee a future title shot.
Over the last couple days NJPW has announced the participants, blocks, and now the full cards for the tournament. You can see when every match takes place by clicking here.
Here are some of the key match-ups to look out for in the tournament:
* Kazuchika Okada vs. Jay White (July 14)
* Kenny Omega vs. Tetsuya Naito (July 15)
* Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Jay White (July 16)
* Hirooki Goto vs. Kenny Omega (July 19)
* Kazuchika Okada vs. Hangman Page (July 20)
* Hirooki Goto vs. Tomohiro Ishii (July 21)
* Togi Makabe vs. Kazuchika Okada (July 22)
* SANADA vs. Kota Ibushi (July 26)
* Kazuchika Okada vs. YOSHI-HASHI (July 27)
* Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kota Ibushi (July 28)
* Michael Elgin vs. Kazuchika Okada (July 30)
* Hirooki Goto vs. Kota Ibushi (August 1)
* Kazuchika Okada vs. Minoru Suzuki (August 2)
* Tomohiro Ishii vs. Kenny Omega (August 4)
* Kazuchika Okada vs. EVIL (August 5)
* Tetsuya Naito vs. SANADA (August 8)
* Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada (August 10)
* Kenny Omega vs. Kota Ibushi (August 11)
* A Block vs. B Block winners (August 12)
A Block
* Hiroshi Tanahashi (17 time entrant, 17th consecutive entry)
* Togi Makabe (15 time entrant, 15th consecutive entry)
* Michael Elgin (4 time entrant, 4th consecutive entry)
* Kazuchika Okada (7 time entrant, 7th consecutive entry)
* Jay White (G1 Debut)
* YOSHI-HASHI (3 time entrant, 3rd consecutive entry)
* Bad Luck Fale (5 time entrant, 5th consecutive entry)
* Hangman Page (G1 Debut)
* EVIL (3 time entrant, 3rd consecutive entry)
* Minoru Suzuki (8 time entrant, 2nd consecutive entry)
B Block
* Juice Robinson (2 time entrant, 2nd consecutive entry)
* Hirooki Goto (11 time entrant, 11th consecutive entry)
* Tomohiro Ishii (6 time entrant, 6th consecutive entry)
* Toru Yano (13 time entrant, 12th consecutive entry)
* Kenny Omega (3 time entrant, 3rd consecutive entry)
* Kota Ibushi (4 time entrant, 2nd consecutive entry)
* Tama Tonga (3 time entrant, 3rd consecutive entry)
* Tetsuya Naito (9 time entrant, 9th consecutive entry)
* SANADA (3 time entrant, 3rd consecutive entry)
* Zack Sabre Jr. (2 time entrant, 2nd consecutive entry)
WWE’s The New Day appeared alongside Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks in the latest episode of Being The Elite … but if that wasn’t enough to work you into a frenzy, a potential wrestling match between the two teams was also teased.
Kofi Kingston, Big E, and Xavier Woods are involved in a standoff with Omega and The Bucks ahead of their Street Fighter V showdown at EC3 at the top of this week’s show.
The most interesting moment happens at the end of the video, however, as Omega touts his victory over New Day and Nick Jackson questions if there’s something “better” they can defeat them at.
“The fans want it. I know I want it,” Nick tells Kenny and Matt. “We’re three athletes: think about it. We can beat them at something else.”
“It would have to be neutral ground,” Kenny responds.
Matt mentions a wrestling match … but the video ends and we’re left hanging!
It’s worth noting Triple H said last week that WWE would be open to inter-promotional opportunities with other companies. WWE also hyped The Bucks and Omega on their social channels last week. Is this impossible dream match becoming more probable?
Watch the latest episode of Being The Elite below. The match tease happens in the last minute or so.
The G1 Climax is a 20-man round robin styled tournament that is considered NJPW’s most prestigious tournament of the year. The winner will receive an opportunity to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 13. Once the G1 ends on August 12, the winner does have to defend their title opportunity until next January, so winning the G1 doesn’t necessarily guarantee a future title shot.
Over the weekend, the G1 participants were announced and here’s what this year’s blocks look like:
A Block
* Hiroshi Tanahashi (17 time entrant, 17th consecutive entry)
* Togi Makabe (15 time entrant, 15th consecutive entry)
* Michael Elgin (4 time entrant, 4th consecutive entry)
* Kazuchika Okada (7 time entrant, 7th consecutive entry)
* Jay White (G1 Debut)
* YOSHI-HASHI (3 time entrant, 3rd consecutive entry)
* Bad Luck Fale (5 time entrant, 5th consecutive entry)
* Hangman Page (G1 Debut)
* EVIL (3 time entrant, 3rd consecutive entry)
* Minoru Suzuki (8 time entrant, 2nd consecutive entry)
B Block
* Juice Robinson (2 time entrant, 2nd consecutive entry)
* Hirooki Goto (11 time entrant, 11th consecutive entry)
* Tomohiro Ishii (6 time entrant, 6th consecutive entry)
* Toru Yano (13 time entrant, 12th consecutive entry)
* Kenny Omega (3 time entrant, 3rd consecutive entry)
* Kota Ibushi (4 time entrant, 2nd consecutive entry)
* Tama Tonga (3 time entrant, 3rd consecutive entry)
* Tetsuya Naito (9 time entrant, 9th consecutive entry)
* SANADA (3 time entrant, 3rd consecutive entry)
* Zack Sabre Jr. (2 time entrant, 2nd consecutive entry)
All 19 G1 shows will be live and feature English commentary, which can be seen on NJPW World (about $9 a month to sign up).
The G1 Climax is a 20-man round robin styled tournament that is considered NJPW’s most prestigious tournament of the year. The winner will receive an opportunity to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 13. Once the G1 ends on August 12, the winner does have to defend their title opportunity until next January, so winning the G1 doesn’t necessarily guarantee a future title shot.
Earlier today, the participants were announced and included current IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega. If Omega loses any match, that typically sets up future matches and it’s rare for the champion to win the tournament, but would solidified his dominance over the division. Those making their debuts in this year’s tournament are Hangman Page and Jay White.
Here is the full list:
* Kenny Omega
* Michael Elgin
* Jay White
* Hiroshi Tanahashi
* Togi Makabe
* Juice Robinson
* Kazuchika Okada
* Hirooki Goto
* Tomohiro Ishii
* Toru Yano
* YOSHI-HASHI
* Bad Luck Fale
* Tama Tonga
* Hangman Page
* Tetsuya Naito
* EVIL
* SANADA
* Minoru Suzuki
* Zack Sabre Jr.
* Kota Ibushi
NJPW will be announcing blocks and key match-ups in the next couple days.
Also, NJPW Lead Announcer Kevin Kelly tweeted out that all 19 G1 shows will be live and include English Commentary on NJPW World (about $9 a month to sign up).
AXS TV announced on Wednesday that they will be airing a “Bullet Club is Fine” marathon that will be hosted by Cody and the Young Bucks. The eight-hour marathon will air July 7 beginning at 12:00pm ET as a lead-in to the “G1 Special” which will air live on AXS TV later that night from the Cow Palace in San Francisco, CA beginning at 8:00pm ET.
The preview video courtesy of AXS TV can be seen above and the official announcement from AXS TV which includes the marathon schedule is below:
JOIN NEW JAPAN PRO WRESTLING STARS THE YOUNG BUCKS AND CODY AS THEY ASSURE VIEWERS ‘THE BULLET CLUB IS FINE’ WITH AN EIGHT-HOUR MARATHON OF BULLET CLUB ACTION ON SATURDAY, JULY 7 AT 12pE/9aP ON AXS TV
‘The Bullet Club Is Fine Marathon’ Leads Into AXS TV’s LIVE Broadcast of NJPW’s ‘G1 SPECIAL IN SAN FRANCISCO’ on July 7 at 8pE/5pP
Cody Faces IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega and The Young Bucks Defend the IWGP Tag Team Title in a Rematch Against EVIL andANADA
Los Angeles (June 13, 2018) – New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) superstars and leaders of the Bullet Club—The Young Bucks (brothers Matt & Nick Jackson) and Cody are teaming up to host an eight-hour marathon celebrating some of The Bullet Club’s greatest matches this year on Saturday, July 7 at 12pE/9aP. “The Bullet Club is Fine Marathon” will feature eight of the group’s best matches from this year leading into AXS TV’s live broadcast of NJPW’s biggest U.S. event ever – the G1 SPECIAL IN SAN FRANCISCO at 8pE/5pP from the Cow Palace in Daly City, California.
The rivalry between Cody and fellow Bullet Club member and newly crowned IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega comes to a head at the G1 SPECIAL IN SAN FRANCISCO as the two face off in the main event. Other matches announced so far include IWGP Tag Team Champions The Young Bucks in a rematch against former title holders EVIL & SANADA, IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion Jay White vs. Juice Robinson, and a special tag team match pitting Kazuchika Okada & Will Ospreay vs. Tetsuya Naito & BUSHI.
“The Bullet Club is Fine Marathon” is as follows (subject to change):
12pE – Kenny Omega vs. Jay White (New Beginning in Sapporo)
1pE – The Golden Lovers (Kenny Omega & Kota Ibushi) vs. Cody & Marty Scurll (Honor Rising 2018)
2pE – The Golden Lovers vs. The Young Bucks (Strong Style Evolved)
3pE – The Golden Lovers vs. Cody & Hangman Page (Sakura Genesis)
4pE – Cody vs. Kota Ibushi and Kenny Omega vs. Hangman Page (Wrestling Dontaku)
5pE – The Young Bucks vs. SANADA & EVIL (Dominion)
6pE (two hours) – Kenny Omega vs. Kazuchika Okada (Dominion)
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championship: (C) El Desperado & Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Roppongi 3K – Winners: El Desperado & Yoshinobu Desperado
David Finlay & Juice Robinson vs. YOSHI-HASHI & Jay White – Winner: Juice Robinson & David Finlay
Toru Yano & Tomohiro Ishii vs. Zack Sabre Jr. & Minoru Suzuki – Winners: Zack Sabre Jr. & Minoru Suzuki
NEVER Openweight Championship: (C) Hirooki Goto vs. Michael Elgin vs. Taichi – Winner: Michael Elgin via Pinfall to win the NEVER Openweight Championship
IWGP Tag Team Championship: (C) EVIL and SANADA vs. The Young Bucks – Winners: The Young Bucks via Pinfall to win the IWGP Tag Team Championship
IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship: (C) Will Ospreay vs. Hiromu Takahashi – Winner: Hiromu Takahashi via Pinfall to win the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship
IWGP Intercontinental Championship: (C) Tetsuya Naito vs. Chris Jericho – Winner: Chris Jericho via Pinfall to win the IWGP Intercontinental Championship
IWGP Heavyweight Championship (No Time Limit/2 of 3 Falls): (C) Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega – Winner: Kenny Omega via 2 falls to 1 to win the IWGP Heavyweight Championship
Post-match, Omega hugs the Young Bucks who are now in the ring and also Ibushi. Omega thanks the fans and wants to take NJPW to the next level. Omega says people told him to be different, take the pay check, be “tranquilo” (crowd pops for that), but he’s here to change the world with his best friends. He says goodbye and good night, but out comes Cody for a moment. Crowd boos. Cody heads towards the ring, turns around, and then heads to the back. Bucks lift Omega on their shoulders and Omega goes around to shake hands with some of the fans.
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