PREVIEW: G1 Special in San Francisco

The G1 Special marks the second time in 2018 that NJPW are holding a show in the USA.
The G1 Special marks the second time in 2018 that NJPW
are
holding a show in the USA.

Match 4- Jeff Cobb VS Hirooki Goto(C) for the NEVER OPENWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

This match looks to be a hard hitting clash between two big guys. With Goto recently regaining the title from Michael Elgin at Kizuna Road and Cobb being his first defence, Goto looks to be winning this.

However, Jeff Cobb has had strong showings for NJPW, as he competed in the 2017 World Tag League with Elgin as his partner, and at Kizuna Road, he proved himself once again through multiple tag matches. With Cobbs strength and aptitude for suplexs, and Goto's striking ability, this match is sure to be a great hidden gem amongst a stacked card.

Prediction- Hirooki Goto. I reckon Goto is going to retain the title. If Cobb wins it makes the title look weak and as if it's been hot potato-ed around the division. Cobb will definitely have a strong showing, but he is unfortunately going to be losing this.


Match 5- The Young Bucks (Nick & Matt Jackson) (C) Vs LOS INGOBERNABLES DE JAPON (EVIL & SANADA) for the IWGP TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Young Bucks have had tremendous few years since Kenny Omega took leadership of Bullet Club.
The Young Bucks have had tremendous few years since Kenny Omega took leadership of Bullet Club.

This is another rematch from Dominion 6.9. The Young Bucks have had such a fascinating 2018 with them announcing they were going heavyweight at February's ROH/NJPW collabrated show Honor Rising.

Even though they suffered a loss to the Golden Lovers, the loss did not effect their status that much as they challenged and successfully gained the titles. With this being their first defence and them being globally popular, I believe that they will retain and have a lengthy reign.

Prediction- Young Bucks. With EVIL & SANADA returning to singles competition in the G1 Climax, I reckon that they will lose this match, signaling the end of the tag team for a while. They may return together in this year's World Tag League, but they are losing this match and the Bucks are retaining.

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