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Match 5: Kazuchika Okada vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi
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These long-time rivals are known for their flamboyant entrances and they delivered in Dallas. Tanahashi, a three-time G1 winner thrilled in Texas red, white, and blue, but two-time winner, Okada, looked like royalty in an insane jacket and IWGP Heavyweight Championship gold. If past performance is an indicator of future behaviour, this match would end in a draw, as the last three times these men have battled each other in the G1 they fought until the 30-minute mark.
Because the crowd was so invested, every minute felt important. Every time Okada would effortlessly play the crowd, Tanahashi would inject more personality into his counters and character pieces. Red Shoes Unno, perhaps the most famous Japanese referee to date, was happy to mock Okada when he got cocky.
Look who just shut down all of Tony Khan's critics! More HERE.
I look forward to seeing more of Red Shoes’ honourable sense of humour throughout the tournament. Tanahashi’s dragon screw leg whip was particularly painful looking. Okada used multiple DDTs to wear down Tanahashi, but the match never seemed a sure thing for either man. Tanahashi fought back dominantly, foiling Okada’s first two attempts at the Rainmaker and taking the next two directly.
At the 20-minute mark. one more Rainmaker was all it took, and Okada won the match. “This is the first time G1 is in America, and it won’t be the last. I am coming back to Dallas to make it rain money!” He exclaimed in-ring after the match.
During the post-event press conference, Okada was kind enough to let everyone in the West know that he hopes they follow the G1 Climax to the end, even though the match times mean fans outside of Japan won’t get much sleep.
Result: Okada def. Tanahashi via pinfall
