Kazuchika Okada Wins NJPW G1 Climax 31
An injury to Kota Ibushi overshadowed events
Oct 21, 2021
Kazuchika Okada and Kota Ibushi went one on one today in the G1 Climax 31 Final inside the famous Nippon Budokan.
Both men fought back and forth for over 20 minutes and Okada won the match by referee stoppage following a missed Phoenix Splash from Ibushi.
Ibushi went for the Phoenix Splash and landed awkwardly on his right arm after Okada rolled out of the way. The former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion immediately grabbed his right wrist following the move and referee Red Shoes Uno called for the bell after checking on The Golden Star, announcing Okada as the winner by referee stoppage.
NJPW doctors and young lions then flooded the ring and Ibushi received treatement for several minutes before he left the squared circle holding his elbow. Okada was then awarded the G1 flag and trophy.
With his victory today, Okada wins his third G1 Climax and his first since 2014. As has become customary, he will also be in possession of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship Right To Challenge Contract for Wrestle Kingdom 16.
Okada earned a spot in the G1 Climax 31 Final after topping the B Block with 16 points, having defeated Jeff Cobb, Hiroshi Tanahashi, EVIL, YOSHI-HASHI, Hirooki Goto, SANADA, Taichi and Chase Owens.
