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Taichi (3-0) vs. Kazuchika Okada (2-1) (G1 Climax 30 A Block Match)
A Block competition resumed with Kazuchika Okada facing one half of the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Champions, Taichi. Okada came in at 1-2 following a main event loss against Jay White on G1 Climax 30 Night 5. Taichi came in as one of our leaders with a 3-0 record. Taichi has never beaten Okada in two previous matches, including earlier this year at New Beginning.
Taichi attacked Okada before the bell to start this G1 Climax 30 match. He took Rainmaker to the floor and threw him into the guardrails. He took advantage of a distraction from El Desperado on commentary to use a chair on Okada as well. Back in the ring, Taichi then focused on the injured back of his opponent. Okada blocked a corner attack and got his first advantage. He followed up by hitting a DDT for a two-count.
Taichi avoided a missile dropkick, which hurt Okada's back again. He then followed a tilt twirl neckbreaker and a high-angle half crab. Okada reached the ropes. Rainmaker blocked a powerbomb and hits an air raid neckbreaker.
Taichi avoided the dropkick and hit a buzzsaw kick. He removed the tights and looked for a Superkick, but Okada hit a dropkick instead. He then looked for the Money Clip, but Taichi hits a backdrop suplex. Taichi then tried for Black Mephisto, but Okada reversed into the tombstone piledriver.
Okada finally locked in the Money Clip for the first time in this G1 Climax 30 encounter, but Taichi choked him. Okada then backslided into a lariat, holding onto the arm to attempt to hit the Rainmaker. However, Taichi pushed the ref and landed a low blow. He followed with the Gedo Clutch for a close near fall.
Taichi reversed the Rainmaker and hit one of his own for another two count. He then set up for Black Mephisto, but Okada reversed into the Money Clip. Taichi fought out twice, but Okada hit a neckbreaker from the Cobra Clutch position and reapplied the Money Clip with Taichi passing out for the win in 17 minutes. Kazuchika Okada earned another two points in the G1 Climax 30.
This was a solid, psychology-based battle with an enthralling finish. It was also a strong showing by Taichi, despite marking his first loss of the G1 Climax 30.
Results: Kazuchika Okada (6) defeats Taichi (6) via submission
Star Rating: ***1/2
