NJPW G1 Climax Night 1 Results (July 6, 2019): The Rainmaker Comes to Dallas

Match 4: Kota Ibushi vs. KENTA

いよいよ『G1 CLIMAX 29』がダラスで開幕！第8試合Aブロック公式戦！@ibushi_kota VS @KENTAG2S！技の応酬！リング激しいどつきあいを繰り広げる両者！最後までリングに立っているのは!?登録＆視聴▷https://t.co/l84SLxjlSz#njpw #njpwworld #G1Climax #G129 pic.twitter.com/HCAVFbz7Ot

— njpwworld (@njpwworld) July 7, 2019

Ibushi, the Golden Star, and KENTA, fka Hideo Itami wrestled the penultimate match of the night, and the crowd was enthused to see it. KENTA held the match low and strong from the bell, and Ibushi showed superior speed until KENTA beat it out of him.

A barrage of stiff strikes from both men made the action feel rough and relentless. Ibushi’s striking knee, Kamagoye, found KENTA after his attempted finish was countered. The two men trading forearms, a series of spin kicks, and a near-fall set the stage for KENTA’s victory via the move he invented, a fireman's carry with a front drop onto KENTA's left knee called Go 2 Sleep.

After the temper tantrums following earlier matches, KENTA’s respectful treatment of Ibushi was soul-cleansing. He offered Ibushi a hand up, and the heroic Ibushi accepted. The exhausted and joyful embrace between the men spoke volumes.

Result: KENTA def. Ibushi va pinfall