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#9 Taichi's evolution
Taichi was another performer whose fans didn't appreciate coming into the G1 Climax 30. As one half of the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, he has been a divisive competitor in NJPW for years. Although his singing persona makes him stand out as a character, he has been hit or miss in the ring. However, this year's tournament showed his continued evolution.
Taichi went toe-to-toe with the leader of Suzuki-gun, Minoru Suzuki on Night 3 of the G1 Climax 30. Even as the King of Pro Wrestling came at him with ferocity, Taichi didn't back down, hit Suzuki as hard as he hit him, and won in the end. He also had one of the most underrated encounters of the tournament in his battle against Tomohiro Ishii. This, along with his victory over Shingo Takagi and war of strikes against Kota Ibushi, allowed him to stand out, unlike other years.
This was a year in which Taichi performed at a high level and stood among the highest in-ring competitors in the G1 Climax 30. Many have even pinpointed him as one of the MVPs of the entire tournament. We will have and see if NJPW will allow his success to develop into a bigger push as a heavyweight singles wrestler.
