A Block Finals: Intense Competition and Exciting Matches in Osaka
After a month-long struggle, the A Block finals of the G1 Climax 33 took place in Osaka, setting the stage for the quarterfinals. With confirmed block winner SANADA already securing his spot, the battle for second place was intense, with competitors vying for a chance to advance.
One of the main events of the night featured Shota Umino (2-2-2) facing off against Hikuleo (3-3). Umino had previously defeated Hikuleo in encounters in the UK before the pandemic, but Hikuleo was determined to come out on top this time. With both wrestlers tied in points, the outcome of this match could potentially determine who advances to the Elite Eight.
The eighth match of the night showcased SANADA (6-0) against Chase Owens (2-4). SANADA had already secured the top spot in A Block with an unbeaten record, making him a strong favorite for the elimination phase. However, Owens, who had performed well throughout the tournament, saw this match as an opportunity to make a statement and potentially earn an IWGP World Heavyweight title shot.
Yota Tsuji (2-3-1) and Gabe Kidd (2-3-1) faced off in the seventh match of the night. These two wrestlers had a history of facing each other during the G1 Climax 30, with Tsuji holding the upper hand. However, Kidd had prioritized inflicting punishment over accumulating points throughout the tournament. Despite this, he found himself on the verge of advancing to the next round, while Tsuji aimed to prove himself and secure a spot in the Elite Eight.
In the sixth match, Ren Narita (1-3-2) faced Kaito Kiyomiya (2-2-2). Narita’s G1 Climax debut had not gone as expected, and he had already been mathematically eliminated from contention. However, a victory against Kiyomiya would allow him to restore some pride. On the other hand, Kiyomiya needed a win and some help to maintain a slim chance of advancing to the next round.
Aside from the block matches, the event also featured exciting tag team matches. Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii, and Kazuchika Okada teamed up to face Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa, and Hiroyoshi Tenzan in a non-title six-man tag team match. This match marked the reunion of Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa as a tag team after 16 months, adding an extra layer of excitement to the bout.
Other matches included Togi Makabe and El Phantasmo facing off against Will Ospreay and HENARE from the United Empire, Los Ingobernables De Japon (Shingo Takagi, Tetsuya Naito, and BUSHI) taking on HOUSE OF TORTURE (EVIL, SHO, and Yujiro Takahashi), and CHAOS (YOSHI-HASHI, YOH, and Hirooki Goto) battling BULLET CLUB (David Finlay, Gedo, and KENTA).
The opening match of the night saw Just 5 Guys (DOUKI and Taichi) facing off against the United Empire (Jeff Cobb and Great-O-Khan). Great-O-Khan, despite a weak G1 campaign, aimed to end on a high note by defeating Taichi.
The A Block finals in Osaka showcased intense competition and thrilling matches as the wrestlers fought for their chance to advance to the quarterfinals. With block winner SANADA already securing his spot, the remaining wrestlers gave