G1 End Run II: B Block

Having listed the remaining A Block shows, things to consider, and what to expect, let’s do it again for the B Block. Below are the matches on the next and final two G1 B Block shows before the finals on the 16^th. Next to each name is the competitor’s point total current as of this writing:

8/12 

Kazuchika Okada (12) VS Yuji Nagata (4)

Hiroki Goto (10) VS Michael Elgin (8)

Shinsuke  Nakamura (10) VS Satoshi Kojima (4)

Tomoaki Honma VS Tomohiro Ishii

Karl Anderson (10) VS Takashi Yujiro (4)

8/15   

Kazuchika Okada (12) VS Shinsuke Nakamura (10)

Tomohiro Ishii (8) VS Michael Elgin (8)

Karl Anderson (10) VS Satoshi Kojima (4)

Hiroki Goto (10) VS Yuji Nagata (4)

Tomoaki Honma  (0) VS Takashi Yujiro (4)

As the B Block tends to be a bit more well rounded than the A Block, and got off to a somewhat slower start, the two remaining shows hold a bit more in the way of potentially great matches. While Okada and Shinsuke Nakamura are the topmost wrestlers, Goto Hiroki has shown to be himself in arguably the same league or close as he boasts possession of the Intercontinental Championship. On August 12, Okada and Nagata should have a great match. Even if Okada is extremely likely to win – he’s dispensed with nearly all of his opponents thus far using the Rainmaker lariat – Nagata is an expert in ring story teller, able to adjust to his opponent and put on dramatic displays in all situations. Goto VS Elgin should be a great match. Both make use of a lot of power moves and Lariats, they have never faced each other before, and while Goto has the IC title, Elgin’s matches have been getting better and better as the G1 progresses. A match between the two has in fact already been scheduled for the Ring Of Honor Field of Honor show at MCU Stadium in Brooklyn. Honma and Ishii should also be fantastic. While Honma’s time in this year’s G1 hasn’t been as stellar as his rocket-fueled surprise entry in last year’s tournament, he can hit a switch and hit warp speed when needed. Ishii and Honma had a grueling match of unmatched intensity already this year, so the rematch comes with a lot of anticipation. Anderson and Yujiro holds that curiosity factor of Biz Cliz VS Biz CLiz. With less representation in the B Block, this is the only time such a confrontation happens on this side of the tournament. Considering their oily mannerisms, they will probably try to cheat and gain unfair advantages before having a decent match, which Anderson ought to win.

On the 15^th, of course the main event of Okada VS Nakamura will be a barnburner. It will very likely hold the key to the B Block finalist in its results (which I am calling will be Nakamura). It is also the same match that occurred in last year’s G1 Climax Finals, so it will be extremely competitive. Ishii VS Elgin should also be interesting. Both are heavy hitters, making use of Lariats and Powerbombs throughout their attacks. Goto and Nagata should have a great match as well, considering their versatility. In the match between Honma and Yujiro is a smaller story within the tournament of  Honma vying to achieve his first G1 win. While he impressed last year, he never won a match. Yujiro is the perfect opponent for him to beat. Such a victory over the more sneaky than powerful competitor in Yujiro is far from unthinkable, and it could give the crowd a huge surge of energy.

A situation parallel to that of the A Block seems to have formed where the fate of finals will come down to the main event of the B Block. With Okada and Nakamura being so important, it makes sense that the loser of the match will go on to the second to last match on the card and face the A Block runner up; the winner of the match will finish in third place.  I’m still expecting Nakamura and Tanahashi to be in the finals in a match that would hold a lot of consequence: Who will face Okada (unless someone defeats him in the months in between??) at Wrestle Kingdom for the Heavyweight title. Look out for these two upcoming shows to be peppered with upset victories to avoid ties at the second place level, for instance Anderson being leveled by crowd favorite veteran Kojima.

Let me know what you think. Comment or twitter: @mondocurrymark