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G1 Climax 30 B Block Match: YOSHI-HASHI (1-6) vs. KENTA (3-4)
The B Block opener for this show was YOSHI-HASHI facing KENTA. HASHI stood at 1-6 following a loss to Goto, while KENTA came in at 3-4 following a win over Yano on G1 Climax 30 Night 14. KENTA won their previous meeting for the NEVER Openweight Title last year at Fighting Spirit Unleashed in New York. Both men were pretty much eliminated from winning the block at this point.
KENTA seemed mesmerized by HASHI's stick before the bell. We got a fast start to this G1 Climax 30 encounter with YOSHI-HASHI getting control with a running blockbuster. KENTA grabbed HASHI's stick, which caused him to come to the outside, where KENTA took over.
Back in the ring, KENTA worked over HASHI's arm. The two men traded strikes until KENTA attacked the arm. HASHI regained the advantage until KENTA once again cut him off with a powerslam. He then hit his tornado DDT onto the top rope and followed with the flying clothesline.
We got another strike exchange in this G1 Climax 30 contest, which ended with KENTA hitting his corner dropkick. He quickly followed with the top rope double stomp. HASHI reversed a strike into a side kick. He followed with a running Liger Bomb for a near fall. HASHI then applied the Butterfly Lock. He transitioned into a sleeper hold and then a backcracker. KENTA avoided the running Meteora and looked for Game Over, but HASHI made it to the ropes.
We got another strike exchange until KENTA went for the Go To Sleep, but HASHI reversed into a DDT. HASHI followed with a dragon suplex and lariat combo for a near fall. He then hit a Kumagoroshi for a two count. The two men traded strikes again until KENTA reversed Kharma into Game Over. After some resistance, HASHI finally submitted to give KENTA the win in nearly 18 minutes. KENTA got his fourth win and two more points in the G1 Climax 30.
That was a very good contest that was highly competitive and entertaining throughout. HASHI has had an impressive run of matches in the G1 Climax 30, in which he has really raised his stock.
Results: KENTA (8) defeats YOSHI-HASHI (2) via submission
Star Rating: ***1/2
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
