Who Won This Year’s New Japan G1 Climax Tournament?

Go Tournament Ace! One of the most interesting stories that can be told in wrestling is the story of the former star who is trying to have one last run at the top. It can create a great moment if they can reach the mountaintop one more time but even if they lose, the road back is often amazing to see. There are very few promotions ever at the level of the current New Japan product and that means they could pull off this story again. They’re taking a shot.

Earlier this morning, Hiroshi Tanahashi won his third G1 Climax Tournament by defeating Kota Ibushi, earning the right to challenge for the IWGP World Title at the January 4, 2019 Wrestle Kingdom 13. Tanahashi will have to defend the title shot until then and could lose the shot on the way. This is Tanahashi’s third win, with his previous victories coming in 2007 and 2015. He also set a record for the most points in a 20 man tournament with 15 (seven wins and one draw).

This is always worth a listen.

NJPW: Hiroshi Tanahashi Theme "High Energy"

Opinion: Tanahashi is one of the more interesting choices for this year’s victory as it seemed that his final run at the top came over the summer. However, there is something to be said about giving him one more run towards the main event. If nothing else, Tanahashi is almost a guaranteed great match, despite his recent injury issues. Tanahashi may be going out, but going out at Wrestle Kingdom is the only way to go.

Do you like Tanahashi winning? Will he win the title again? Let us know in the comments below.

Thomas Hall has been a wrestling fan for over thirty years and has seen over 50,000 wrestling matches. He has also been a wrestling reviewer since 2009 with over 5,000 full shows covered. You can find his work at kbwrestlingreviews.com, or check out his Amazon author page with 28 wrestling books. His latest book is the the Complete 2003 Monday Night Raw Reviews.

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