10 must watch G1 Climax 31 matches

9) Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Great-O-Khan - NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night 7

Great-O-Khan was considered by many NJPW fans to be one of the most divisive participants in the G1 Climax 31. The United Empire member has been polarizing among the fanbase due to his eccentric style and character. Despite bouts against Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tetsuya Naito, he hadn't delivered any showstealers since returning from excursion.

On the G1 Climax 31 Night 7, the fans witnessed one of the most unique bouts of the entire tournament with Zack Sabre Jr. vs. Great-O-Khan. The two men had a grappling contest that had them mat wrestling and trading off submissions. Both competitors only hit the ropes once and never went to the floor. ZSJ pulled out an out-of-nowhere arm and head submission to get the win here.

---

8) Kazuchika Okada vs. SANADA - NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night 10

Kazuchika Okada and SANADA had the longest G1 Climax match with a decision in the history of the tournament back in 2019. They have been on an ongoing rivalry that has seen The Rainmaker dominate for the most part. The G1 Climax 31 contest was another battle that nearly reached the 30-minute time limit draw.

SANADA came close to victory on several occasions with the O'Connor roll and the Skull End, but Okada escaped the submission, hit the Landslide and finally the Rainmaker to win. The G1 Climax 31 match was the second longest of the tournament at just over 29 minutes and showed Okada was back at his A-game.