5 Most improved performers of the G1 Climax 31

1) Great O-Khan – G1 Climax 31

Despite the list of talent who usually wouldn't be in the tournament, many fans were most upset with the inclusion of Great-O-Khan in the G1 Climax 31. The United Empire member has been a polarizing figure due to his character and ridiculous mannerisms. His style doesn't seem the most appealing to fans either.

Great-O-Khan was seen as the least impressive member of the United Empire, with the "real" IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay and Jeff Cobb by his side. The faction is the newest addition to the litany of stables in NJPW and offers a wide array of talent. O-Khan needed to have a tremendous performance in the G1 Climax 31 to become a standout.

The G1 Climax 31 Night 7 saw a very unique bout with Great-O-Khan facing Zack Sabre Jr. The two men put on a different clash that featured ground-based, amateur wrestling and stiff kicks from both men. Neither competitor even hit the ropes until ten minutes in, and the contest ended out of nowhere with a quick submission by ZSJ.

Following this sublime encounter with Sabre Jr., Great-O-Khan received his biggest opportunity yet when he received three consecutive main events during the G1 Climax 31. On Night 11, he faced Tomohiro Ishii and went toe-to-toe with the most hard-hitting competitor in NJPW. The two men traded stiff strikes and hard kicks. Ishii finished O-Khan off with a vertical drop brainbuster for the win.

On Night 13 of the G1 Climax 31, Great-O-Khan went one-on-one with Kota Ibushi in another terrific clash. This one had minimalist brilliance to it with barely any bumps and a multitude of strikes that stunned fans. Ibushi landed an outstanding knee strike that busted O-Khan's nose open. He then landed the Kamigoye for the win.

Great-O-Khan completed his headline trifecta with the main event against IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Shingo Takagi of Los Ingobernables de Japon on the G1 Climax 31 Night 15. Shingo can pretty much have a great match with anyone on the roster, but O-Khan more than proved himself in this one as well.

Great-O-Khan hit big moves and looked like he pulled out the win on more than one occasion, but Shingo Takagi hit the Last of the Dragon to defeat the United Empire member and officially eliminate him from winning the block. Each match was different and showed the range of ability that O-Khan truly possesses.

The G1 Climax 31 is the toughest competition in professional wrestling. The pain and punishment that the performers put themselves through have made it the premier tournament in the business. Great-O-Khan proved this year that he has the potential to break through and be a top star for NJPW. That's why O-Khan is the most improved performer of the G1 Climax 31.