Welcome, wrestling fans, to our in-depth review of the NJPW G1 Climax 35, the premier round-robin tournament that’s setting Japan’s wrestling scene ablaze! Running from July 19 to August 17, 2025, this 35th edition of the G1 Climax is delivering high-octane action, shocking upsets, and unforgettable moments. With 20 of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s top stars split into two blocks (A and B), the stakes couldn’t be higher: the winner earns a coveted IWGP World Heavyweight Championship shot at Wrestle Kingdom in January. Let’s dive into the action up to Night 6 (July 26, 2025), breaking down key matches, standout performers, and the current state of the tournament.
Night 1 (July 19, 2025 – Hokkaido): A Night of Upsets and LegendsThe G1 Climax 35 kicked off at the Hokkaido Prefectural Sports Center in Sapporo with a card that set the tone for the tournament’s unpredictability. Here are the standout matches:
- YOSHI-HASHI vs. Shingo Takagi (B Block): The opener saw YOSHI-HASHI pull off a stunning upset against former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Shingo Takagi. In a brisk 4:45, YOSHI-HASHI countered Takagi’s Last of the Dragon (or possibly Made in Japan) with a Crucifix Pin to secure 2 points. Commentary noted Takagi’s prior singles win over YOSHI-HASHI in 2022, making this victory a significant moment for YOSHI-HASHI, who’s chasing his first IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. However, the match felt underwhelming due to its short length and a lackluster crowd response, missing the high-energy sprint fans expected. Still, YOSHI-HASHI’s desperation to prove himself shone through.
- Shota Umino vs. El Phantasmo (B Block): In a clash of allies, Shota Umino faced NJPW World Television Champion El Phantasmo (ELP). The two have developed a friendship, but that was set aside for 11:29 of solid action. ELP unloaded his arsenal with moves like the UFO, Sudden Death Superkicks, and an attempted Thunder Kiss ‘86, but Umino dodged the latter, hitting a big lariat and the Second Chapter to earn 2 points. The match was described as perfectly solid but not particularly memorable, with the second half showcasing good back-and-forth action. Umino’s victory marked a strong start for the young star.
- Konosuke Takeshita vs. Gabe Kidd (B Block): AEW’s Konosuke Takeshita delivered a standout performance against Global Champion Gabe Kidd in a 13:15 bout that had the crowd buzzing. The match featured a jaw-dropping spot where both men executed a Davey Richards/Eddie Edwards-style suplex over the ropes, landing on their feet, followed by Takeshita’s brainbuster. Kidd fought back with a Drill-A-Hole Piledriver and a brutal knee strike, but Takeshita sealed the win with a Crossface Chicken Wing via referee stoppage. This match was a highlight, showcasing Takeshita’s international flair and Kidd’s intensity, though Kidd’s knee injury from this bout would impact his tournament run.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Taichi (A Block): The main event featured NJPW President and wrestling legend Hiroshi Tanahashi, in his final G1 before retiring after Wrestle Kingdom, against Taichi. Tanahashi targeted Taichi’s knee relentlessly, preventing a superplex and setting up three High Fly Flows for the pinfall victory at 20:21. The Ace’s performance was a testament to his enduring skill, though the match’s pacing was methodical, emphasizing Tanahashi’s strategic approach. This win gave Tanahashi a strong start in A Block.
Night 1 Takeaways: The opening night was solid, with Takeshita vs. Kidd stealing the show and YOSHI-HASHI’s upset over Takagi raising eyebrows. The crowd’s lack of energy slightly dampened the atmosphere, but the upsets and Tanahashi’s victory set a high bar for drama.
Night 2 (July 20, 2025 – Hokkaido): Takeshita Shines, ELP Breaks ThroughNight 2 at Hokkai Kitayell continued the momentum with both blocks in action. Key matches included:
- El Phantasmo vs. Konosuke Takeshita (B Block): Takeshita was back in the spotlight, facing ELP in a rematch of their 2024 classic at Korakuen Hall. ELP, who had yet to beat Takeshita in prior encounters, finally got his win after 20 minutes of intense action, hitting two CR2s and a CR3 (arm-trap piledriver) for the pinfall. While not as iconic as their 2024 bout, this match was the best of the tournament so far, with both men delivering high-energy offense and storytelling rooted in their rivalry. ELP’s victory was a significant moment, boosting his B Block standing.
- Taichi vs. Yuya Uemura (A Block): The main event saw Taichi rebound from his Night 1 loss, facing former Just 5 Guys stablemate Yuya Uemura. The match went 19:02, with Taichi delivering a devastating head kick that appeared to knock Uemura out cold, prompting a hilarious commentary line from Zack Sabre Jr.: “Red Shoes, he’s snoring, you moron!” Uemura recovered, targeting Taichi’s leg, but Taichi’s Black Mephisto secured the win. This hard-hitting bout showcased Taichi’s veteran savvy and Uemura’s resilience, making it a standout.
Night 2 Takeaways: Takeshita continued to impress, but ELP’s victory was the night’s big story, proving he could hang with the tournament’s heavy hitters. Taichi’s main event win kept A Block competitive, while Gabe Kidd’s injury announcement (hyperextended knee from Night 1) led to a forfeit win for Zack Sabre Jr., shaking up B Block early.
Night 3 (July 22, 2025 – Sendai): A Block DeliversNight 3 at Sendai Sunplaza Hall was the first single-block show, focusing on A Block. With 1,714 fans in attendance, the smaller venue created a hot atmosphere.
- Yota Tsuji vs. Yuya Uemura (A Block): The main event pitted two young stars against each other, repeating their 2024 Sendai clash. Tsuji won via Gene Blaster in 16:56, delivering a high-energy match that lived up to their previous encounter. The crowd was fully invested, and the match was praised for its intensity and storytelling, with Tsuji’s victory solidifying his status as an A Block frontrunner.
- Taichi vs. David Finlay (A Block): Another highlight, Taichi and Finlay put on an “amazing” match, with Taichi’s veteran tactics clashing with Finlay’s aggressive style. The match was a critical win for Taichi, keeping him in contention.
Night 3 Takeaways: A Block shone with Tsuji vs. Uemura and Taichi vs. Finlay delivering top-tier action. The smaller crowd size didn’t detract from the electric atmosphere, and NJPW’s decision to use Sendai Sunplaza Hall paid off.
Night 4 (July 23, 2025 – Nagaoka): B Block Battles IntensifyNight 4 at Aore Nagaoka focused on B Block, with YOSHI-HASHI continuing his surprising run.
- Shota Umino vs. Zack Sabre Jr. (B Block): Umino pulled off a major upset, defeating IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr. via Second Chapter in 22:10. This match was a technical masterclass, with Sabre’s submission game countered by Umino’s explosive offense. The win propelled Umino up the B Block standings, while Sabre’s loss was a rare stumble for the champion.
- YOSHI-HASHI vs. Drilla Moloney (B Block): YOSHI-HASHI faced Bullet Club’s Drilla Moloney, but Moloney secured the win via Drilla Killa in 9:08, halting YOSHI-HASHI’s momentum. The match was competitive, with YOSHI-HASHI’s desperation to win the title adding drama, but Moloney’s upset victory showcased his potential as a dark horse.
Night 4 Takeaways: Umino’s victory over Sabre was the night’s biggest talking point, while Moloney’s win over YOSHI-HASHI added intrigue to B Block. Takeshita also faced Great-O-Khan, surviving a tough battle to maintain his strong start.Night 5 (July 25, 2025 – Tokyo): A Block Heats UpNight 5 at Ota City General Gymnasium saw A Block action, with key matches shaping the block’s hierarchy.
- Callum Newman vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi (A Block): The young United Empire star Callum Newman upset Tanahashi, marking a significant moment in his career. Specific move details weren’t provided, but Newman’s speed and agility likely overwhelmed the veteran, who’s been pacing himself in his final G1.
Night 5 Takeaways: Newman’s win over Tanahashi was a shocker, highlighting NJPW’s push for younger talent. The card also set up future A Block clashes, keeping the block unpredictable.
Night 6 (July 26, 2025 – Tokyo): B Block’s Heavy HittersNight 6 at Ota City General Gymnasium drew 2,250 fans and featured four B Block matches, capped by a potential match-of-the-tournament contender.
- Konosuke Takeshita vs. Shingo Takagi (B Block): The main event was a 23:56 epic, with Takeshita defeating Takagi via Crossface Chicken Wing. This highly anticipated matchup lived up to the hype, with both men trading hard strikes and big moves. Takeshita’s resilience and technical prowess shone, cementing his status as a B Block favorite.
- Ren Narita vs. Shota Umino (B Block): Narita defeated Umino via Hell’s Guillotine in 17:45, a hard-fought match that showcased Narita’s cunning and Umino’s heart. The loss was a setback for Umino after his Night 4 win over Sabre.
- Zack Sabre Jr. vs. El Phantasmo (B Block): Sabre bounced back from his Night 4 loss, defeating ELP via Modified Dragon Sleeper in 19:20. The match was a technical showcase, with Sabre’s submission expertise overpowering ELP’s high-flying offense.
- Great-O-Khan vs. YOSHI-HASHI (B Block): Great-O-Khan defeated YOSHI-HASHI via The Eliminator in 12:27, further complicating YOSHI-HASHI’s path to the top. The match highlighted Khan’s strength, though YOSHI-HASHI’s resilience kept the crowd engaged.
Night 6 Takeaways: Takeshita vs. Takagi was the night’s crown jewel, potentially the best match of the tournament so far. Narita and YOSHI-HASHI’s losses tightened the B Block race, while Sabre’s win kept him in contention.
Current Standings (as of Night 6)Based on available results, here are the updated standings for G1 Climax 35:A Block:
- Yota Tsuji: 4 points (2-0, wins over SANADA, Uemura)
- Hiroshi Tanahashi: 2 points (1-1, win over Taichi, loss to Newman)
- Yuya Uemura: 2 points (1-1, win over Oleg, loss to Tsuji)
- Ryohei Oiwa: 2 points (1-0, win over Finlay)
- Taichi: 2 points (1-1, win over Uemura, loss to Tanahashi)
- EVIL: 2 points (1-0, win over Newman)
- Callum Newman: 2 points (1-0, win over Tanahashi)
- Boltin Oleg, SANADA, David Finlay: 0 points (based on reported losses)
B Block:
- Ren Narita: 8 points (4-0, wins over Sabre, Umino, others not specified)
- YOSHI-HASHI: 8 points (3-2, wins over Takagi, others; losses to Moloney, Khan)
- Konosuke Takeshita: 6 points (3-1, wins over Kidd, Takagi, Khan; loss to ELP)
- Drilla Moloney: 6 points (3-1, wins over Khan, Kidd via forfeit, YOSHI-HASHI)
- Shota Umino: 6 points (3-2, wins over ELP, Sabre; loss to Narita)
- Great-O-Khan: 6 points (3-2, win over YOSHI-HASHI; losses to Moloney, Takeshita)
- Zack Sabre Jr.: 4 points (2-2, wins over Kidd via forfeit, ELP; losses to Narita, Umino)
- El Phantasmo: 4 points (2-2, win over Takeshita; losses to Umino, Sabre)
- Shingo Takagi: 2 points (1-3, win via forfeit; losses to YOSHI-HASHI, Takeshita)
- Gabe Kidd: 0 points (0-4, losses to Takeshita, Sabre via forfeit, Moloney via forfeit)
Note: Standings are partial based on reported results. Gabe Kidd’s injury has led to multiple forfeits, impacting B Block.
Storylines and Performers to Watch
- YOSHI-HASHI’s Cinderella Run: YOSHI-HASHI’s early upset over Takagi and strong point total make him a surprising B Block leader, but recent losses to Moloney and Khan show his path is fraught with challenges. His narrative of chasing the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship adds emotional weight.
- Konosuke Takeshita’s Dominance: The AEW star is proving he’s a top contender, with wins over Kidd and Takagi showcasing his versatility. His loss to ELP adds intrigue to his B Block journey.
- Young Lions Rising: Yota Tsuji and Yuya Uemura are carrying A Block’s future, with Tsuji’s undefeated start and Uemura’s resilience making them must-watch talents.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi’s Farewell: The Ace’s final G1 is a mix of nostalgia and grit, with his Night 1 win over Taichi showing he’s still a force, though Newman’s upset highlights his vulnerability.
- Gabe Kidd’s Injury: Kidd’s knee injury has derailed his tournament, with forfeits to Sabre and Moloney hurting his chances. His day-to-day status leaves B Block unpredictable.
Current Standings Snapshot
| Block A Leaders | Points |
|---|---|
| Yota Tsuji | 8 |
| Boltin Oleg | 6 |
| EVIL | 6 |
| Block B Leaders | Points |
|---|---|
| YOSHI-HASHI | 8 |
| Takeshita | 6 |
| Ren Narita | 6 |
Looking Ahead
With the tournament moving to Yamato Arena in Osaka for Night 8 on July 30, the action is only heating up. A Block and B Block will continue to alternate, with key matches like Boltin Oleg vs. SANADA and Shota Umino vs. Ren Narita set to shape the standings. The smaller crowds (e.g., 1,714 in Sendai, 2,250 in Tokyo) reflect a slight attendance dip, but the in-ring quality remains top-notch.
Final Thoughts
The NJPW G1 Climax 35 is off to a roaring start, blending veteran performances, young talent breakouts, and international flair. Konosuke Takeshita is stealing the show, YOSHI-HASHI’s underdog story is captivating, and Yota Tsuji is proving he’s a future ace. While Gabe Kidd’s injury and slightly quieter crowds are minor hiccups, the in-ring action is delivering. Stay tuned to NJPW World for live coverage, and check back here for updates as we head toward the playoffs
Watch the G1 Climax 35 on NJPW World: watch.njpwworld.com
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