G1 Climax 31

The 2021 logo of G1 Climax

**B Block:**

* Kazuchika Okada (16 points)

**B Block:**

* Jeff Cobb (16 points)

The **G1 Climax 31** was a professional wrestling tournament promoted by the Japan-based New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). The tournament started on September 18 and was concluded on October 21, 2021. It was the thirtieth-first edition of G1 Climax, and forty-seventh edition of the tournament counting its previous forms under different names.

Considered NJPW's most important tournament, the G1 Climax features twenty wrestlers, divided into two blocks of ten ("A" and "B"). Each participant faces all nine other wrestlers within the same block in singles matches. The winner of each block is determined via a point system, with two points for a win, one point for a draw, and no point for a defeat; each night of the event sees the ten members of one block compete for the tournament, while the members of the non-competing block perform in tag team matches that have no influence of the tournament results. On the final day of the event, the winners of both blocks face each other to determine the winner of the G1 Climax, who would gain a future match for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom, NJPW's biggest yearly event.

As usual, the tournament took place over several cities and locations; the 2021 edition marked the second time that the G1 Climax tournament was taking place in the fall due to the 2021 Summer Olympics. The event was broadcast live on TV Asahi, AbemaTV and Fighting TV Samurai in Japan, and New Japan Pro-Wrestling World worldwide.

The tournament saw the debut of Great-O-Khan, Tanga Loa, and Chase Owens. Tetsuya Naito suffered a legitimate knee injury during his match against Zack Sabre Jr. in the tournament's opening night, forcing him to forfeit the remainder of his matches.

## Background

On July 8, 2021, NJPW announced that the 2021 edition of the G1 Climax would take place from September 18 to October 21, with the final two days being held at the *Nippon Budokan*. This is the second time the tournament would be held in the fall, due to the 2021 Summer Olympics, which is scheduled to be held at the same time as the tournament, due to its postponement last year due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Previously, wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer in the *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* reported that the tournament would be held in September and October, such as the previous year due to the Summer Olympics, Meltzer also reported that he did not know the names involved, and mentioned questions on whether or not unhappy talent are staying, Will Ospreay's return and the quarantine situation in Japan.

#### Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, other wrestling promotions began to cancel or postpone their shows in an attempt to prevent the further spreading of the COVID-19 virus. At the end of February, following recommendations by the Japanese Ministry of Health regarding the coronavirus outbreak, NJPW canceled the events between March 1 and March 15 including the promotion's Anniversary Event and the first and the second round of New Japan Cup.  On March 23, NJPW also canceled the 2020 Sakura Genesis event, which was originally scheduled to take place on March 31. On April 8, NJPW canceled more events from April 11 through May 4, leading to the cancelation of both nights of 2020 Wrestling Dontaku and would also cancel the whole Best of the Super Juniors tournament as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on May 6. Various wrestlers such as David Finlay, El Phantasmo, KENTA, the Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa), Jay White, Juice Robinson, Will Ospreay, Rocky Romero, and Robbie Eagles were unable to work on NJPW events due to travel restrictions because of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, NJPW wrestlers and staff created the *NJPW Together* project to do bring content to NJPW World with interviews and old archived matches. On May 6, NJPW announced that their Wrestle Dynasty event would be postponed to 2021, due to the effects of the 2019-20 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. On June 8, during an online press conference, NJPW Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi announced that the promotion would start to held shows on June 15, starting with the *Together Project Special* and the return of the 2020 New Japan Cup between June 16 and July 11, with all shows being held behind closed doors. It was also that the finals of the New Japan Cup and the Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall would be the first shows to allow fans into the arena, but only a third of the venue's normal capacity, after the Japanese Government lifted some restrictions on many regions in Japan. On August 16, it was announced that the tournament would feature in-person English commentary since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

## Tournament Rules

As per the usual G1 Climax tradition, the tournament features twenty wrestlers, divided into two blocks of ten ("A" and "B"). Each participant faces all nine other wrestlers within the same block in a singles match, with the winner of each block being determined via a point system, gaining two points for a win, one point for a tie, and no point for a defeat; each night of the event sees the ten members of the same block compete for the tournament, while the members of the non-competing block perform in tag team matches that have no influence of the tournament results, typically facing their future tournament opponents. In the case of several wrestlers sharing the top score, the results of the matches those wrestlers had when facing each other in the tournament act as a tiebreaker, with the one having the most wins over the other top-scorers determining the winner of the block.

On the final day of the event, the respective winners of both blocks face each other to determine the winner of the G1 Climax, who would gain a future match for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, NJPW's top championship, at Wrestle Kingdom, NJPW's biggest yearly event; if the IWGP Heavyweight Champion himself wins, he gets to pick his opponent at Wrestle Kingdom. The low-card matches have a twenty-minute time limit, while the matches of the tournament have a 30-minutes time limit (with the time limit being reached resulting in a tie); the final match between the two block winners has no time limit.

## Participants

The twenty participants were officially announced on September 5, 2021. The list included mostly Japanese participants, few participants who were outside Japan due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic were included, most notably the Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa). Many foreign wrestlers were not included in this year's edition of the tournament due to a travel ban made by Japanese government due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Japan. Juice Robinson, Will Ospreay, Jay White, and Minoru Suzuki, were replaced by Great-O-Khan, Chase Owens, Tama Tonga, and Tanga Loa after Robinson, White, and Ospreay reportedly refused to travel to Japan due to the COVID-19 restrictions in Japan. The tournament also included the debut appearances for Loa, Owens, and O-Khan.

On September 21, it was announced that Tetsuya Naito would be forced to forfeit his remainder block matches due to an injury suffered on his opening match against Zack Sabre Jr., therefore, his scheduled opponents earned two points.

## Information

### City

Namba, Osaka, Japan

The first night of the A Block took place on September 18, 2021 at the Edion Arena Osaka in Osaka, Japan. The event was broadcast live on TV Asahi and New Japan Pro Wrestling World.

The show kicked off with a singles match featuring Sho and the debuting Young Lion Ryohei Oiwa. After a back and forth match, Sho won the match after forcing Oiwa to submit with the *Snake Bite*.

The following match featured the first tournament match in the A Block featuring Kota Ibushi taking on Yujiro Takahashi. In the end, Yujiro attempted to hit the *Miami Shine*, only to hit a high kick followed by the *Last Ride Powerbomb* for a near-fall. Ibushi went for the *Kamigoye*, only to Ibushi block it. Yujiro went for the *Pimp Juice*, only to Ibushi block it and hit a bicycle knee strike. Yujiro bumped the referee, only to hit a low blow followed by the *Pimp Juice* for a near-fall. Yujiro hit the *Big Juice* on Ibushi for the win, thus advancing in the tournament.

The third match featured another tournament, featuring Great O-Khan taking on Tanga Loa. The end of the match saw both men trading strikes, O-Khan went for a standing choke, only to Jado interfere and O-Khan taking him out. O-Khan went for the *Eliminator*, only to Loa avoid it and hit a *Powerbomb* for a near-fall. Loa went for the *Apeshit*, only to O-Khan reverse and hit the *Eliminator* for the win to advance in the tournament. The fourth match saw Toru Yano taking on KENTA in a tournament match to advance in the A Block. The end saw,

Yano countering the *Go 2 Sleep*, both men pulled each other's hair. Both men began fighting outside the ring, KENTA bumped Yano into the referee. Yano entered the ring and hit a low blow followed by a *Schoolboy* for a near-fall. Yano hit another low blow and cradled KENTA for the win to advance in the tournament.

The semi-main event featured Tetsuya Naito taking on Zack Sabre Jr. in a tournament match in the A Block. In the end, Naito went for a *Frankensteiner* in the top rope, only to Sabre trap him in an *Octopus Hold* position. Sabre hit a *Sunset Bomb* for a near-fall. Sabre went for a leg hook hold, only to Naito reach the bottom ropes, forcing a break. Sabre then targeted Naito's legs, only to Naito hit the *Destino*. Both men traded strikes, only to Naito counter the *Zack Driver* into a *Valentia*. Naito went for the *Destino*, only to Sabre counter it into *European Clutch* for a near-fall. Sabre hit a dropkick to Naito's legs followed by a leg sweep. Sabre hit a double stomp into Naito's legs. Sabre went for the Zack Driver, only to Naito counter it into another *Destino*. In the end, Sabre trapped Naito into the *Yes, I'm Far Away from Home*, forcing Naito to submit for the win.

The main event featuring a rematch between Shingo Takagi taking on Tomohiro Ishii in a match to advance in the A Block. In the end, Ishii countered the *Last of the Dragon* into a *Crucifix Bomb* for a near-fall. Both men began trading lariats, only to Ishii hit an *Enizugiri* causing Shingo to bump into Red Shoes Unno. Ishii hit a *Powerbomb* for another near-fall, followed by a Lariat, for another near-fall. Ishii went for the *Vertical Drop Brainbuster*, only to Takagi hit the *Death Valley Driver*. Ishii hit a *Suplex* followed by another lariat for a two count. Ishii went for another *Vertical Drop Brainbuster*, only to Takagi hit a *Dragon Suplex*. Takagi hit the *Pumping Bomber* for a near-fall. Both men began trading chops, followed by headbutts. Afterward, Takagi hit a forearm shot and hit Ishii with the *Last of the Dragon* for the win, thus advancing in the tournament. Afterward, Takagi closed the show.

## Information

### City

Namba, Osaka, Japan

The first night of the B Block took place on September 19, 2021 at the Edion Arena Osaka in Osaka, Japan. The event was broadcast live on TV Asahi and New Japan Pro Wrestling World.

The show kicked off with a singles match featuring Sho and the debuting Young Lion Kosei Fujita. After a back and forth match, Sho won the match after forcing Fujita to submit with the *Snake Bite*.

The following match featured the first tournament match in the B Block featuring EVIL taking on Yoshi-Hashi. In the end, Yoshi-Hashi used the *Butterfly Lock* on EVIL, only to EVIL reach the ropes, thus, forcing a break. EVIL would try to bump the referee twice only to the referee fight back and slap him, Yoshi-Hashi would hit a Brainbuster for a near-fall. Yoshi-Hashi would attempt to hit the *Karma* on EVIL only to be blocked. Dick Togo would interfere in the match. Yoshi-Hashi then applied a rolling cradle on EVIL, only to Togo take the referee and EVIL escape. EVIL would hit a low blow followed by the *EVIL* on Yoshi Hashi for the win, thus advancing in the tournament.

The third match featured another tournament, featuring Jeff Cobb taking on Chase Owens. The end of the match saw Cobb clobbering Owens around the ring but Owens would get some hope spots with running knee strike, Owens would hit the *Jewel Heist* for a near-fall. Owens would try to make one last attempt to put Cobb away with running knee strikes only to Cobb block them, then hit the *Tour of the Islands* for the win to advance in the tournament. The fourth match saw SANADA taking on Tama Tonga in a tournament match to advance in the B Block. The end saw, Tonga hit an *Underhook Piledriver* for a near fall. Tonga would try to hit *Gun Stun* only to SANADA reverse into a *Skull End* followed by a moonsault attempt, only to Tonga get into his knees and cradle SANADA for another near fall. Tonga would go for two *Gun Stun* attempts, only to SANADA reverse into an *Japanese leg roll clutch* for the win, thus advancing in the tournament.

The semi-main event featured Taichi taking on Hirooki Goto in a tournament match in the B Block. The end saw Taichi regaining control of the match after hitting Goto with multiple chokes, Taichi would hit a *Chokeslam* for a near-fall. Goto would hit a *Shouten Kai* out of nowhere, but did not follow up with the pin with him coming back with a *Buzzsaw Kick* and the *Gamengiri.* Taichi would go for a Black Mephisto attempt, only to Goto hit him with a headbutt. Goto would go for the GTR, only to Taichi choke him and hit a Chokeslam for another near-fall, Taichi would then hit a forearm out of a three-point stance and hit B*lack Mephisto* for the win to advance in the tournament.

The main event featured a rematch between Kazuchika Okada taking on Hiroshi Tanahashi in a match in the B Block of the tournament. At the end of the match saw Okada hitting a diving elbow drop, followed by his signature *Rainmaker* pose, only to Tanahashi counter with two *Slingblades* followed by an *High Fly Flow* attempt. Okada got into his knees with both men doing a double-down back. With three minutes left, Okada went for a *Spinning Rainmaker*, only to Tanahashi reverses into a cradle for a near-fall. Tanahashi would hit a *German Suplex* followed by *Dragon Suplex* for another big near-fall. Both men traded strikes, only to Okada get the upper hand and hit Tanahashi with the *Dropkick* followed by the *Tombstone Piledriver* and to the end, Okada hit the Rainmaker at approximately twenty-five seconds left to win the match and advance in the tournament. Afterward, Okada would close the show.

## Information

### City

Ōta, Tokyo, Japan

The second night of the A Block took place on September 23, 2021 at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. The event was broadcast live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World.

The opening match of the show saw Tanga Loa taking on Yuji Nagata. The end saw, Tonga hitting a hotshot across the top rope. Loa then hit a Spear followed by a Powerslam for a near-fall. Loa went for a *Ape Sh\*t* attempt, only to Nagata hit a *Backhold Drop*, followed by a kick for a near-fall. Nagata hit an *Enzigiri*, only to Loa hit a *Lariat* followed by the *Ape Sh\*t* for the win.

The second match saw a tournament match between Toru Yano taking on Great-O-Khan. The end saw Yano trying to handcuff O-Khan to the barricade, only to O-Khan handcuffing him instead. Yano would free himself and beat the count. Yano went to two cradle attempts, only to O-Khan hit the *Eliminator* for the win. After the match, Yano hit O-Khan with a low blow and O-Khan chased him with a chair to the backstage area.

The third match saw Bullet Club members KENTA taking on Yujiro Takahashi. The match saw KENTA going for the *Go 2 Sleep*, only to Yujiro reverse into a *Pimp Juice*. Yujiro then hit an *Olympic Slam* for the near-fall, followed by the *Miami Shine* for another near-fall. KENTA went for a *Jackknife pin* followed by a rollup for two big near-falls. KENTA would then hit the *Busaiku Knee Kick*, followed by a *Go 2 Sleep* attempt. Yujiro went for a low blow, only to KENTA pick Yujiro's arm and lock him in the *Game Over*, forcing Yujiro to submit for the win. After the match, both men embraced and hit the Two Sweet gesture.

In the fourth and semi-main event, saw Kota Ibushi taking on Tomohiro Ishii. In the end, Ibushi hit a *Lariat*, only to Ishii hit a clubbing forearm and a *German Suplex* attempt. Ibushi landed on his feet and Ishii hit another *Lariat*. Ishii hit another *Lariat* for another near-fall. Ishii went for the *Vertical Drop Brainbuster*, only to Ibushi hit him with a high kick. Ibushi went for a *Kamigoye* attempt, only to Ishii hit another *Lariat*. Ibushi went for a *Bicycle Knee Strike* attempt, only to Ishii go for a *Lariat* attempt, only to Ibushi hit him with a *Bicycle Knee Strike*. Ibushi then hit two consecutive *Kamigoye*s to score the pin for the win, thus advancing in the tournament.

In the main event, Shingo Takagi took on Zack Sabre Jr.. The end saw, Sabre going for the *Penalty Kick*, only to Takagi counter into a *Made in Japan* for a near-fall. Takagi hit a *Pumping Bomber* but due to the damage inflicted to his arm, Takagi did not make it into the cover. Takagi went for the *Last of the Dragon*, only to Sabre reverse it and Shingo hit with a right hand. Takagi went for another *Last of the Dragon*, only to Sabre catch him with a choke. Sabre then turned the choke into a *Double Armbar Octopus Hold*, only to slip into a modified Arm Lock Cross Hold for the win. After the match, Sabre taunted Takagi's IWGP World Heavyweight Championship title belt and afterward closed the show.

## Information

### City

Ōta, Tokyo, Japan

The second night of the B Block took place on September 24, 2021 at the Ota City General Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan. The event was broadcast live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World and on AbemaTV online linear television service.

In the opening bout, Hirooki Goto took on Hiroshi Tanahashi in a tournament match. The match saw Tanahashi hitting a standing *High Fly Flow*, Tanahashi went for another *High Fly Flow*, only to Goto roll through and hit a *Lariat* to the back of Tanahashi's head. Tanahashi hit a palm strike, only to Goto hit a headbutt followed by an *Ura GTR* for a near-fall. Goto went for the *GTR*, only to Tanahashi counter with an inside cradle for the win, thus advancing in the block.

The second bout saw another tournament match with Bullet Club members Tama Tonga and Chase Owens taking on each other. The end saw, Owens going for a *Tiger Driver* for a near-fall. Tonga blocked a jumping knee strike, only to Owens hit a Bicycle Knee Strike. Owens went for a *Package Driver* attempt, only to Tonga counter into the *Gun Stun* to score the pin for the win. After the match, both men have shown signs of respect and left the arena together.

In the third bout saw Jeff Cobb taking on Yoshi-Hashi. The end saw, Yoshi-Hashi going for the *Butterfly Lock*, only to set up the *Kharma* and Cobb block hit. Cobb hit a *German Suplex*. Both men traded thrust kicks. Cobb went for two *Tour of the Islands* attempts, only to Hashi roll Cobb for a near-fall. Cobb would then hit a *Spear* followed by the *Tour of the Islands* to score the win and advance in the tournament.

In the semi-main event, SANADA took on Taichi. The end saw, SANADA hit the *Rounding Body Press* to set up the *Skull End*, only to Taichi block it. Taichi went for the *Black Mephisto*, only to SANADA block it. Taichi then hit the *Gamengiri* followed by a Backdrop Suplex for a near-fall. SANADA went for the *Japanese leg roll clutch* for another big near-fall. SANADA went for another *Rounding Body Press*, only to Taichi escape and hit a forearm followed by the *Black Mephisto* for the win to advance in the block.

In the main event, EVIL took on Kazuchika Okada. The end saw, Okada going for the *Rainmaker*, only to EVIL pulling Red Shoes Unno and Unno taking a bump. EVIL hit Okada with a low blow and revived the referee. EVIL went for the *Everything is EVIL*, only to Okada go for a *Money Clip* attempt, EVIL bumped the referee and sent Unno to the floor. Dick Togo jumped in and hit Okada with a series of right-hand strikes. EVIL and Togo went for the *Magic Killer* on the exposed turnbuckle. Okada hit a *Dropkick* to Togo to send Togo out of the ring. Red Shoes Unno returned to the ring and EVIL hit the *Darkness Falls* for a near-fall. EVIL went for a *Lariat*, only to Okada hit him with his own finishing maneuver. Okada then hit a *Sit-out Tombstone Piledriver* followed by the *Rainmaker* for the win. Afterward, Okada closed the show.

## Information

### City

Kobe, Hyogo, Japan

The third night of the A Block took place on September 26, 2021 at the Kobe World Memorial Hall in Kobe, Japan. The event was broadcast live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World.

The first match of the night saw Master Wato taking on Kosei Fujita. In the end, Wato would hit a backdrop followed by the *Boston Crab*, forcing Kosei to submit leading the victory to Wato. The second match of the night saw Shingo Takagi taking on Yuji Nagata. The end saw Shingo hitting a *Lariat* attempt, only to Nagata counter with a *Back Suplex*, both men traded blows, only to Nagata hit a *Enzuigiri* followed by Takagi hitting a *Lariat*. Takagi hit the *Pumping Bomber* for a near-fall. Takagi then hit the *Last of the Dragon* for the win. After the match, Takagi cut a promo promising to be against Tetsuya Naito someday.

The third match saw a tournament match featuring Great-O-Khan taking on Yujiro Takahashi. The end saw, Yujiro hitting the *Miami Shine* for a near-fall. Yujiro went for the *Pimp Juice*, only to O-Khan block it and go for an *Eliminator* attempt, Yujiro hit a *Lariat* for a near-fall. Yujiro went for the *Big Juice*, only to O-Khan escape and hit the *Oozora Subaru Sheep Killer* followed by the *Eliminator* to score the win, thus advancing in the tournament. The fourth match saw another tournament match featuring Toru Yano taking on Tanga Loa. At the end of the match saw, Loa bumping into the referee, Jado would interfere and attempt to hit Yano with a kendo stick, Yano caught the kendo stick and threw Loa into the turnbuckle, afterward he threw the kendo stick into Jado. Yano took advantage and hit a low blow followed by the *Schoolboy* for the win.

In the semi-main event, KENTA took on Tomohiro Ishii in a rematch from the 2019 Power Struggle. The end saw, KENTA went for the *Go 2 Sleep*, only to Ishii hit him with a *Lariat*, followed by two consecutive *Busaiku Knee Kick*s for a near-fall. KENTA hit a series of palm strikes to Ishii, only to KENTA go for the *Go 2 Sleep* and Ishii hit him with a headbutt to his chest. Ishii hit a sliding *Lariat* for the near-fall. Ishii went for the *Vertical Drop Brainbuster*, only to KENTA reverse to a *Go 2 Sleep* attempt. Ishii reversed and hit an *Enzuigiri* followed by another *Lariat* for another near-fall. Ishii went for the *Vertical Drop Brainbuster*, only to KENTA throw Ishii into an exposed turnbuckle and pin Ishii with the *Schoolboy* for the win.

In the main event, Zack Sabre Jr. took on Kota Ibushi in the final tournament match of the night. At the end of the match saw Ibushi hitting a *German Suplex* followed by a *Powerslam*. Ibushi tried to go for the *Moonsault*, only to Sabre kick Ibushi's legs, sending Ibushi to the mat. Sabre hit the *Penalty Kick* for a near-fall. Sabre trapped Ibushi in an Ankle Lock, only to Ibushi breaking free by hitting Sabre with a palm strike. Ibushi hit the Bomaye followed by teasing the *Kamigoye*, only to Sabre block it and trapping Ibushi in the *Clarky Cat (Bad Balloon Remix)*, forcing Ibushi to submit for the win.

## Information

### City

Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan

The third night of the B Block took place on September 29, 2021 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The event was broadcasted live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World and in Fighting TV Samurai.

The first match of the night saw EVIL taking on Taichi. The end of the match saw EVIL threw the referee, EVIL went for a low blow, only to Taichi counter and hit a low blow instead. Taichi went for the *Taichi-Style Gedo Clutch*, only to Dick Togo taking out the refere. Taichi sent EVIL into Togo and hit jumping high kick followed by a *Backdrop Suplex* for a near fall. Afterward, Togo grabbed Miho Abe outside of the ring, distracting Taichi and the referee, EVIL took advantage and hit a low blow followed by the *EVIL*. EVIL then locked Taichi in the *Scorpion Deathlock* forcing Taichi to fade, thus forcing the referee to stop the match and award the victory to EVIL.

The second bout of the night saw SANADA taking on Chase Owens. The end saw, as SANADA went for the *Japanese leg roll clutch*, Owens took him down and SANADA went for the pin, only to Owens escape and hit a pump kick, Owens went for the *Package Driver*, only to SANADA escape and go for a *Japanese leg roll clutch* attempt, only to Owens cradle SANADA twice for two big near-falls. SANADA went for the *Skull End*, only to hit Owens with the *Rounding Body Press*, covering him for the win. The third match saw, Hirooki Goto taking on Jeff Cobb. The end of the bout saw Cobb reverting a bulldog attempt into a spin cycle. Cobb hit a *German Suplex* followed by a *Tour of the Islands* attempt, Goto went for a leg sweep for a near-fall. Goto then hit the *GTR* followed by a Lariat for a near-fall. Goto went for another *GTR*, only to Cobb block it, Goto, afterward, hit a headbutt, only to Cobb hit him with one of his own. Cobb then hit Goto with the *Tour of the Islands*, scoring the pin for the win.

In the semi-main event, Hiroshi Tanahashi took on Tama Tonga. The end saw, Tanahashi hit a *Twist and Shout* followed by the *Slingblade*. Tanahashi hit a standing *High Fly Flow*, Tanahashi went for a second, only to Tonga roll through. Tonga then hit the *Gun Stun*, afterward Tonga pinned him for a near-fall, Tanahashi then slid Tonga and went for the *Horizontal Armbar*, causing him to score the win to advance in the tournament. The main event saw CHAOS stablemates, Kazuchika Okada taking on Yoshi-Hashi. At the end of the match saw Yoshi-Hashi going for a *Senton Bomb* attempt, Okada hit a *Dropkick* to Yoshi-Hashi's back, followed by one in the front. Okada went for the *Rainmaker*, only to Hashi cradle Okada for a near-fall. Okada went for another *Rainmaker* attempt, only to Hashi hit a thrust kick. Hashi went for a *Dragon Suplex*, only to Okada slide Hashi and hit the *Rainmaker* to score the pin for the win, thus advancing in the tournament.

## Information

### City

Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan

The fourth night of the A Block took place on September 30, 2021 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The event was broadcasted live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World and Fighting TV Samurai.

The first match of the night saw Yujiro Takahashi taking on BUSHI. The end saw, BUSHI going for the *MX*, only to Yujiro caught him with a *Lariat*. Both men traded forearm strikes. Yujiro hit a *Big Boot* followed by BUSHI with a *Dropkick*. Yujiro hit another *Lariat* followed by an *Olympic Slam* for a near-fall. Yujiro went for a *Pimp Juice* attempt, only to BUSHI cradle him for a near-fall. BUSHI went for the *MX*, only to Yujiro counter, and hit the *Big Juice* for the win.

The next match saw a tournament match with Tomohiro Ishii taking on Tanga Loa. The end saw, Loa going for the *Apesh\*t*, only to Ishii escaping and hit an *Enzuigiri* and *Lariat* for a near-fall. Both men traded *Lariat*s, only to Ishii hit a headbutt followed by a sliding *Lariat* attempt, Loa went for another *Apesh\*t*, only to Ishii escape and hit the *Vertical Drop Brainbuster* for the win.

The third match saw another tournament match with Zack Sabre Jr. taking on Great O-Khan. The end saw, O-Khan going for a *Cobra Twist* while applying an *Iron Claw Hold*, O-Khan then transitioned into the *Oozora Subaru Sheep Killer*, followed by O-Khan transitioning into a *Torture Rack*, only to let Sabre free. O-Khan went for the *Eliminator*, only to Sabre locking the *How about these legs*, forcing O-Khan to submit for the win.

The semi-main event saw another tournament match with Kota Ibushi taking on Toru Yano. The end of the match saw Ibushi hitting a *Dropkick* and a plancha. Yano in the outside tried to tape Ibushi to the apron, but Ibushi turned him away, with Yano almost being counted out. Ibushi went for a move, only to Yano going for an attempted low blow. Yano cradled Ibushi for a near-fall. Afterward, Ibushi hit a *Bicycle Knee Strike* to Yano's back followed by the *Bomaye*. Ibushi then hit the *Kamigoye* for the win at 4 minutes and 3 seconds.

In the main event, Shingo Takagi took on KENTA in a rematch from the 2021 New Japan Cup. The end saw KENTA locking the *Game Over*, only to Takagi get to the bottom ropes, forcing a break. KENTA hit the *Busaiku Knee Kick*. KENTA teased Takagi's *Pumping Bomber*, only to Takagi hit him with the *Pumping Bomber.* KENTA went for a *Go 2 Sleep* attempt, only to Takagi escape and hit a *Dragon Suplex* and a diving forearm strike. Takagi hit the *Pumping Bomber* for a near-fall. Takagi went for the *Last of the Dragon*, only to send Takagi into the exposed turnbuckle, only to Takagi send him instead. Takagi hit the *Last of the Dragon* for the win. Afterward, Takagi closed the show.

## Information

### City

Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan

The fourth night of the B Block took place on October 1, 2021 at the Hamamatsu Arena in Hamamatsu, Japan. The event was broadcasted live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World.

The first match of the night saw Yoshinobu Kanemaru taking on Ryohei Oiwa. The end saw after a back-and-forth match, the finish saw Kanemaru trapping Oiwa in a single-leg *Boston Crab* and afterward transitioned into a *Figure-Four Leglock* forcing Oiwa to submit for the win.

The second match of the night saw a tournament match with Jeff Cobb taking on Tama Tonga. The end saw Cobb going for a *Powerbomb* attempt, only to hit a *Backdrop* followed by a *Dropkick*. Cobb hit the *Gachimuchi-sault*, Cobb went for the *Tour of the Islands*, only to Tonga hit the *Tongan Twist* followed by a *Frog Splash* for a near-fall. Tonga went for the *Gun Stun*, only to Cobb block it. Both men traded *Superkick*s followed by a *Gun Stun* attempt from Tonga, Cobb hit a *German Suplex* followed by the *Tour of the Islands* to score the pin for the win. The third match of the night saw another tournament match with Bullet Club members EVIL taking on Chase Owens. The end saw EVIL taking out the referee and Dick Togo choking Owens, Togo took down the referee again, allowing EVIL to hit a low blow followed by the *EVIL* for the win.

The fourth match of the night saw another tournament match with Yoshi-Hashi taking on Taichi. The end saw Taichi going for the *Black Mephisto*, only to Yoshi-Hashi trap Taichi in the *Butterfly Lock*, Hashi transitioned into a *Sleeper Hold* as Taichi tried to fight to the ropes. Taichi hit a *Backdrop Suplex* followed by the *Gamengiri*. Taichi went for the *Black Mephisto* again, only to hit a Destroyer for a two count. Taichi attempted to hit a high kick, only to Hashi hit a *Lariat*, Hashi then hit the *Kharma* to score the win.

The semi-main event saw another tournament match with Kazuchika Okada taking on Hirooki Goto in a rematch from the 2016 The New Beginning in Osaka. The end saw Okada hitting the *Tombstone Piledriver* followed by a *Rainmaker* attempt, only to Goto hit Okada with a leg sweep for a near-fall. Goto went for an *Ushigoroshi* attempt, only to Okada go to a *Spinning Rainmaker* attempt, only to Goto hit the *Ura-GTR*. Okada hit a *Spinning Rainmaker* followed by a *Backdrop*, Okada then sit and cradled Goto to score the pin for the win. The main event saw another tournament match with Hiroshi Tanahashi taking on SANADA. The end saw Tanahashi hit a *Slingblade* for a two count. Tanahashi hit a *High Fly Flow* followed by another *High Fly Flow* attempt, only to SANADA get into his knees. SANADA went for the *Rounding Body Press* only to Tanahashi get into his knees. Both men traded forearms before Tanahashi slapped SANADA. SANADA then used the *Japanese Leg Roll Clutch* for a near-fall, Tanahashi went for an O'Connor Roll, only to hit SANADA with a *Dragon Suplex* into a bridge for a near-fall. Tanahashi then hit the *High Fly Flow* to score the win for the victory.

## Information

### City

Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan

The fifth night of the A Block took place on October 1, 2021 at the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium in Nagoya, Japan. The event was broadcasted live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World.

The first match of the night saw Yoshinobu Kanemaru taking on Kosei Fujita. After a back-and-forth match, the finish saw Kanemaru trapping Fujita in a single-leg *Boston Crab*, forcing Fujita to submit for the win. The second match of the show saw another non-tournament match with Toru Yano taking on BUSHI. The end saw, Yano blindfolding the referee with BUSHI rolling up for the pin and no one is counting, Yano hit a low blow followed by a *Schoolboy* to score the pin for the win.

The third match of the night saw a tournament match with KENTA taking on Great O-Khan. The finish saw KENTA bringing a baseball bat into the ring and throwing it into O-Khan. With the referee revived and distracted with O-Khan with the bat in his hands, KENTA took advantage and rolled up O-Khan to pin him to score the win. KENTA sat on the chair and demanded him to bow down, O-Khan feign to do it, only to hit KENTA with the *Eliminator*. The next match saw another tournament match with Bullet Club members Tanga Loa taking on Yujiro Takahashi. The end saw, Yujiro hitting the *Incolle Slam* for a near-fall. Loa hit a *Sit-out Powerbomb*. Yujiro hit the *Miami Shine* for another near-fall. Yujiro went for the *Big Juice*, only to Loa counter into the *Apesh\*t* to score the pin for the win.

The semi-main event saw Tomohiro Ishii taking on Zack Sabre Jr. in a rematch from Wrestle Kingdom 13 in Tokyo Dome. The end saw Ishii hitting a *Lariat*, Ishii went for another, only to pin Ishii with the *European Clutch* for a near-fall. Sabre then trapped Ishii in the *Kimura Lock* before transitioning into the *Article 50* before transitioning into a *Triangle Choke*, with Ishii forcing the break with kicks. Sabre went for the *Zack Driver*, only to Ishii escape and hit a headbutt followed by a *Lariat* for a near-fall. Ishii rammed his arm into the corner and ripped the pad, afterwards, Ishii then hit another *Lariat* for a near-fall. Ishii then hit the *Vertical Drop Brainbuster* for the pin to score the win.

The main event saw a match that was originally planned to happen at Wrestle Grand Slam in Tokyo Dome with Kota Ibushi taking on Shingo Takagi. The finish of the match saw Takagi going for the *Pumping Bomber*, only to Ibushi hit Takagi with a high kick. Ibushi hit the *Kamigoye* for a near-fall. Ibushi then pulled down his knee pad and went for another *Kamigoye*, only to Takagi block it and go for a *Last of the Dragon* attempt, Ibushi escaped and hit a *Poison Rana*. Ibushi then hit a *Bicycle Knee Strike* followed by two *Kamigoye*s for the win. After the match, both men taunted each other for a rematch and afterward, Ibushi closed the show.

## Information

### City

Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan

The fifth night of the B Block took place on October 4, 2021 at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. The event was broadcasted live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World and AbemaTV.

The first match of the night saw Hiroshi Tanahashi taking on Chase Owens. The end of the match saw Tanahashi hitting the *High Fly Attack*, Tanahashi went for the *High Fly Flow*, only to Owens get his knees up, Owens went for a *Schoolboy* with his feet on the ropes for a near-fall, Owens went for a *Backslide* for a near-fall. Owens went for a *Bicycle Knee Strike* attempt, only to Tanahashi hit a palm strike, Tanahashi went to the top rope, only to Owens hit two consecutive *Bicycle Knee Strike*s to block him. Owens hit the *Package Driver* to pin Tanahashi to score the win. After the match, Owens picked Tanahashi's IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship belt and drop it into his chest.

The next match saw another tournament match with Bullet Club members EVIL taking on Tama Tonga. Before the match both EVIL and Tonga, and Dick Togo and Jado did the Too Sweet gesture. The finish saw EVIL puling the referee and hitting the *Magic Killer* with the referee assisting for a near-fall. EVIL trapped Tonga in the *Scorpion Deathlock*, only to Tonga gets into the ropes. EVIL went for the *EVIL*, only to Tonga counter and hit the *Tongan Twist* for a two count. Tonga went for the *Gun Stun*, only EVIL block it. EVIL went for a low blow, only to Tonga block it and hit a *Death Valley Driver*, Tonga hit a top rope splash for a two count. Tonga went for the *Gun Stun*, only to the lights go out and when the lights went on, the referee was out and Togo choked Tonga, only to Jado hit Togo with a kendo stick. With the referee revived, EVIL hit Tonga with the *EVIL* for the win. After the match, Sho came out and revealed that he had turned the lights out.

The third match saw Jeff Cobb taking on Taichi. The end saw Taichi going for the *Black Mephisto*, only to Cobb block it and hit strikes into the lower back. Cobb hit Taichi with a forearm strike. Cobb went for the *Tour of the Islands*, only to Taichi reverse and hit the *Axe Bomber*, Taichi went for a *Black Mephisto* and a high kick attempt, and hit a *German Suplex*. Cobb then hit the *Tour of the Islands* for the win to advance in the tournament.

The semi-main event saw CHAOS members, Hirooki Goto taking on Yoshi-Hashi. The end saw Goto hit Yoshi-Hashi with a thrust kick followed by the *Kumagoroshi* for a near-fall. Yoshi-Hashi used a *Sleeper Hold* and went for the *Kharma*, only to Goto counter and hit a headbutt. After both men being down, Goto hit the *GYW* followed by the *GTR* for the pin to score the win.

In the main event, Kazuchika Okada took on SANADA in a rematch from the 2019 King of Pro-Wrestling event. The finish saw both men avoiding a *Magic Screw* and the *Rainmaker*. Okada went for the *Heavy Rain* to use a sit-down cradle for a near fall. Okada hit a *Spinning Tombstone Piledriver*, only to both men being down. Both men traded strikes before Okada hit a *Shotgun Dropkick*, followed by a *German Suplex*. SANADA went for the *Japanese Leg Roll Clutch* for a near-fall. Okada went for the *Landslide*, only to SANADA block it and go for the *Skull End*, only to Okada escape. SANADA countered the *Rainmaker*, only to Okada hit the *Landslide* followed by the *Rainmaker* to score the pin for the win. After the match, both men have shown signs of respect by fist-bumping and afterward, Okada closed the show.

## Information

### City

Nishi-ku, Hiroshima, Japan

The sixth night of the A Block took place on October 7, 2021 at Hiroshima Sun Plaza Hall in Hiroshima, Japan. The event was broadcasted live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World.

The first match of the night saw a non-tournament match between El Desperado and Young Lion Ryohei Oiwa. The end saw Oiwa going for a *Boston Crab*, only to Desperado fought off of it, Desperado then trapped Oiwa in an *Indian Deathlock* for the win. The next match saw another non-tournament match with Hiromu Takahashi taking on KENTA. The finish of the match saw Hiromu going for the *Time Bomb*, only to KENTA escape, Hiromu hit two thrust kicks followed by a *Lariat* for a near-fall. Hiromu hit the *Running Death Valley Driver* onto the turnbuckles. Hiromu went for another *Time Bomb*, only to KENTA escape and send him into an exposed turnbuckle afterwards, KENTA cradled Hiromu for the win.

The third match of the night saw a tournament match with Kota Ibushi taking on Tanga Loa. The end of the match saw Ibushi hitting the *Bomaye* and afterward, Ibushi went on to set up the *Kamigoye*, only to Loa hit a *Spear*. Loa went for the *Apesh\*t*, only to Ibushi escape and hit a *Tombstone Piledriver*, Ibushi then hit the *Kamigoye* for the win to advance in the tournament. The next match saw another tournament match with Zack Sabre Jr. taking on Yujiro Takahashi. The finish of the match saw Yujiro hit the *Incolle Slam*, and both men trading strikes. Sabre then applied the *Octopus Hold*, only to Yujiro escape and hit the *Miami Shine* for a near-fall. Yujiro hit for the *Pimp Juice* for a near-fall. Yujiro went for the *Big Juice*, only to Sabre trap him in the *Tesco Meal Deal*, thus forcing Yujiro to submit for the win to advance in the tournament.

The semi-main event saw another tournament match with Shingo Takagi taking on Toru Yano. The end of the match saw Takagi hitting the *Pumping Bomber*, afterwards he pulled Yano's shirt over his head and hit another *Pumping Bomber* for a near-fall. Takagi then hit the *Last of the Dragon* to score the win to advance in the tournament.

The main event saw the last tournament match of the night with Tomohiro Ishii taking on Great-O-Khan. The finish saw O-Khan going for the *Eliminator*, only to Ishii escape and hit a *German Suplex*.Ishii went for a *Suplex*, only to O-Khan roll through and hit a pump kick, O-Khan then reached the ropes, only to Ishii hit a *Lariat*, only for a one-count. Ishii went for another *Lariat*, only to O-Khan hit a *Clothesline* at the 25 minutes mark. Ishii hit an *Enzuigiri* followed by a *Lariat* for a near-fall. Ishii then hit the *Vertical Drop Brainbuster* to score the pin for the win.

## Information

### City

Kochi City, Kochi, Japan

The sixth night of the B Block took place on October 8, 2021 at Kochi Prefectural Gymnasium in Kochi, Japan. The event was broadcasted live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World.

The first match of the night saw a non-tournament match between El Desperado and Young Lion Kosei Fujita. The end saw Fujita going for a *Boston Crab*, only to Desperado fought off of it, Desperado then trapped Oiwa in an *Indian Deathlock* for the win. The next match saw a tournament match with Yoshi-Hashi taking on Tama Tonga. The finish of the match saw Tonga going for the *Gun Stun*, only Yoshi-Hashi blocked it with a *Backstabber*. Yoshi blocked another *Gun Stun* and hit a *Lariat* and followed by a *Kumagoroshi* for a two count. Yoshi-Hashi blocked another *Gun Stun* attempt and hit a *Lariat*, then hit *Kharma* to score the pin for the win.

The third match of the night saw a tournament match with Hirooki Goto taking on Chase Owens. The end of the match saw Owens hitting the *Jewel Heist* for a two-count. Owens reversed a *GTR* attempt and Goto looked to set up an *Ushigoroshi*, but used the position to hit the *GTR* for the win to advance in the tournament. The next match saw another tournament match with Jeff Cobb taking on SANADA. The finish of the match saw Cobb went for *Tour of the Islands*, but SANADA reversed into *Skull End*. SANADA used a *Japanese Leg Roll Clutch* for a near fall. SANADA rolled through on a *Rounding Body Press* attempt as Cobb rolled out of the way. SANADA tried for a *Rounding Body Press*, but Cobb caught him and planted him with *Tour of the Islands* for the win to advance in the tournament.

The semi-main event saw a tournament match with EVIL taking on Hiroshi Tanahashi. The finish saw Tanahashi reversed an STO into *Twist and Shout*. Tanahashi hit a *High Fly Flow*, followed by Texas Cloverleaf, but Togo pulled the referee out of the ring. Tanahashi then put Togo in the Cloverleaf and hit *Everything is EVIL* on Togo for his troubles. Cloverleaf tried to hit EVIL with his own finish, but EVIL blocked it. Both men traded low blows and the referee was revived as they did a double down after the low blows. Tanahashi went for *Slingblade*, but EVIL threw the referee in his path. EVIL hit *Darkness Falls*, then hit Tanahashi with the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship. EVIL then hit *Everything is EVIL* for the win.

In the main event, Kazuchika Okada took on Taichi in a rematch from the G1 Climax 30 tournament. The finish saw Okada used the *Money Clip*, reapplying the hold twice as Taichi tried to fight the ropes. Taichi fought the hold for a long time, then finally made the ropes. Okada hit a Top Rope Elbow, then hit his Rainmaker pose. Taichi ducked a *Rainmaker* and hit a Thrust Kick. Both men traded strikes and Okada slid out of *Black Mephisto* and sat down into a cradle for a two count. Taichi ducked another *Rainmaker* and hit a Dropkick. Taichi hit a Gamengiri and a Backdrop Suplex for a near fall. Okada hit a Spinning Rainmaker as Taichi stumbled into the ropes and respond with an *Axe Bomber*. Okada hit another dropkick and a *Spinning Tombstone*. Taichi ducked *Rainmaker* for the third time and hit a *Gedo Clutch* for a near fall. Taichi hit a *Buzzsaw Kick* to the head and went for the *Three-Point Stance Forearm* but Okada blocked it then hit the *Landslide* followed by the *Rainmaker* to score the pin for the win. After the match, Okada closed the show.

## Information

### City

Namba, Osaka, Japan

The seven night of the B Block took place on October 9, 2021 at Edion Arena Osaka in Osaka, Japan. The event was broadcasted live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World.

The first match of the night saw a tag team match between El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Young Lions Ryohei Oiwa and Kosei Fujita. The finish of the match saw Desperado hit a backdrop and put the *Indian Deathlock* on Fujita. Oiwa saved Fujita, but Kanemaru tossed Oiwa to the outside. Fujita used an inside cradle for a near fall. Desperado then traps Fujita in the *Numero Dos*, thus forcing Fujita to submit for the win. The next match saw another non-tournament match with Tomohiro Ishii taking on Hiromu Takahashi in a rematch from the 2020 New Japan Cup tournament. The finish of the match saw Hiromu hitting the *Time Bomb*, only to Ishii kick out then Hiromu hit a clothesline for a two count. escape, Ishii went for a Brainbuster, but Hiromu blocked it. Ishii hit a clothesline, an enzuigiri, and another clothesline for a near fall. Hiromu reversed another brainbuster attempt and used a cradle for a two count. Ishii no-sold a superkick and hit a lariat. Ishii then was finally able to hit the *Vertical Drop Brainbuster* for the pin.

The third match of the night saw a tournament match with Zack Sabre Jr. taking on KENTA. At the end of the match saw KENTA went for *Go 2 Sleep*, but Sabre blocked and used a Clutch Hold for a near fall. Both men traded palm strikes, Sabre blocked a *Go 2 Sleep*, and put an *Ankle Lock* on KENTA's left leg. KENTA twisted out of the *Ankle Lock* and hit a drop toe hold on Sabre as Sabre went into an exposed turnbuckle, then caught Sabre on the rebound with a *Go 2 Sleep* for the win to advance in the tournament.

The next match saw another tournament match with Toru Yano taking on Yujiro Takahashi. At the end of the match saw Yujiro tried to handcuff Yano but Yano escaped and crawled under the ring. Yujiro went under the ring after Yano as moments later, Yano emerged and got back in. Yujiro crawled out with his hands cuffed behind his back and could not beat the countout. Because of that, Yano won the match via countout.

The semi-main event saw a tournament match with Shingo Takagi taking on Tanga Loa. The finish saw Takagi blocked *Apesh\*t* and hit a sliding lariat and a superplex. Takagi hit a *Pumping Bomber*, then followed it up with two more *Lariat*s, but Loa blocked the third Lariat with a *Spear*. Takagi blocked a powerbomb from Loa with a hurricanrana and hit a *Lariat*. Takagi blocked *Apesh\*t* again and hit a GTR to Loa on the ropes. Takagi then hit the *Last of the Dragon* to score the win to advance in the tournament.

The main event saw the last tournament match of the night with Kota Ibushi taking on Great-O-Khan. The finish saw O-Khan used a Heel Hook to set up an Ankle Lock, but Ibushi kicked his way free. Ibushi nails multiple palm strikes and hits a big knee. Ibushi went for *Kamigoye*, but O-Khan avoided it. Ibushi avoided the *Iron Claw* and hit a high kick for a near fall. Ibushi went for *Kamigoye*, but O-Khan put the *Iron Claw* on the knee. Ibushi blocked the *Dominator* and hit a *Bicycle Knee Strike*, then hit *Kamigoye* for the win. After the match, Ibushi closed the show.

## Information

### City

Sendai, Miyagi, Japan

The eight night of the B Block took place on October 12, 2021 at Xebio Arena Sendai in Sendai, Japan. The event was broadcasted live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World.

The first match saw a non-tournament match with Hiromu Takahashi taking on Ryohei Oiwa. The end saw, Oiwa going for a *Boston Crab*, only to Hiromu block it and start hitting chops, Hiromu then trapped Oiwa in the *Boston Crab*, forcing him to submit for the win.

The next match saw a tournament match between Tama Tonga and Taichi. The conclusion saw Tonga going for the *Gun Stun*, only to Taichi counter into a *Backdrop Suplex*. Taichi went for the *Black Mephisto*, only to Tonga hit a *Death Valley Bomb*, Tonga then hit a *Frog Splash*, for a near-fall. Tonga then hit the *Gun Stun* for the win. The third match saw another tournament match between SANADA and Yoshi-Hashi. The end saw Yoshi-Hashi hitting the *Meteora* followed by the *Kumagoroshi* for a near-fall. SANADA went for the *Japanese leg roll clutch* for a near-fall, Yoshi-Hashi went for a cradle for another near-fall. Afterward, SANADA hit the *TKO* and then hit the *Rounding Body Press* and afterward trapped Yoshi-Hashi in the *Skull End*, thus forcing him to submit to score the win.

The next match saw another tournament match with Kazuchika Okada taking on Chase Owens. The end saw Okada rolling Owens in the *Backslide* for a *Rainmaker* attempt, Owens hit two kicks followed by a *Bicycle Knee Strike* to escape from the *Rainmaker*, Owens went for the *Package Driver*, only to Okada slid out and go for the *Money Clip* position, only to hit the *Tombstone Piledriver*. Owens escaped the *Rainmaker* and went for the *Backslide* for another *Package Driver* attempt. Both men, traded cradles for a near-fall, only to Okada hit a *Backbreaker* and afterward locking Owens in the *Money Clip* to force him to submit for the win.

The semi-main event saw another tournament match with EVIL taking on Hirooki Goto. The finish saw, Goto cradling EVIL, while Dick Togo took out the referee. Togo entered the ring, only to Goto sent EVIL into Togo. Goto sent EVIL into the exposed turnbuckle and hit the *GTW* for a near-fall. Goto went for the *GTR*, only to EVIL distract the referee while Togo choked Goto with his ligature, EVIL then hit the *Everything is EVIL* to score the pin for the win. The main event saw the final tournament match of the night with Jeff Cobb taking on Hiroshi Tanahashi. The end saw Tanahashi hitting a *High Fly Flow*. Both men traded strikes before Tanahashi countered a *Spin Cycle* into a *Slingblade* for a near-fall. Tanahashi went for another *High Fly Flow*, only to Cobb catch him and hit the *F-5000*. Cobb then went for the *Tour of the Islands*, only to Tanahashi reverse into an *Inside Cradle* for a near-fall. Tanahashi hit a palm strike, only to Cobb hit a *German Suplex*, followed by the *Tour of the Islands* to score the win and continue his streak.

## Information

### City

Sendai, Miyagi, Japan

The eight night of the A Block took place on October 13, 2021 at Xebio Arena Sendai in Sendai, Japan. The event was broadcasted live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World.

The first match saw a non-tournament match with Hiromu Takahashi taking on Kosei Fujita. The end saw Fujita going for a *Small Package* for a near-fall, hit chops before Hiromu then trapping Fujita in the *Boston Crab*, forcing him to submit for the win.

The next match saw another non-tournament match with Kota Ibushi taking on Satoshi Kojima. The finish saw Kojima going for the *Lariat*, only to Ibushi block it, and Kojima hit it with his other arm for a near-fall. Ibushi hit a *Lariat* before both men began trading *Lariat*s, with Ibushi going down. Kojima went for another *Lariat*, only to Ibushi instead hit a *Bicycle Knee Strike*. Ibushi then hit the *Kamigoye* to score the pin for the win.

The third match of the night saw a tournament match with Tomohiro Ishii taking on Yujiro Takahashi in a rematch since Takahashi lost the NEVER Openweight Championship to Ishii at the 2014 King of Pro-Wrestling. The conclusion saw both men trading strikes before Ishii hit an *Enzuigiri* followed by a *Sliding Lariat* for a near-fall. Ishii fired up, hit another *Lariat*. Ishii then went for the *Vertical Drop Brainbuster* before Takahashi reversed into Ishii's finishing move. Takahashi hit the *Pimp Juice* for a near-fall. Takahashi went for the *Big Juice* before Ishii countering, afterward both men began a series of reversals and counters before Ishii hit another *Lariat* for a near-fall. Ishii then hit the *Vertical Drop Brainbuster* to score the pin for the win.

The fourth match saw another tournament match between Bullet Club members KENTA and Tanga Loa. The end saw, KENTA grabbing Jado's kendo stick and throw it into Loa before the referee being revived. As the referee went to get Jado out of the ring Loa hit a low blow on KENTA. Loa went for a *Powerbomb* before KENTA block it. Loa then went for the *Apesh\*t*, before KENTA counter and throw him into the exposed turnbuckle. KENTA then used the *Schoolboy*, with his feet in the middle ropes to score the pin for the win.

In the semi-main event, Zack Sabre Jr. taking on Toru Yano in another tournament match. The end saw Yano bringing a pair of handcuffs, Sabre cuffed himself into Yano. As both men got back in the ring, Yano used a fireman's carry into a cradle. Afterward, both men began cradling before Sabre got into the *How About These Legs*. Yano got the handcuff keys but Sabre kept him from freeing himself before Yano tapping out, thus allowing Sabre to score the win. The main event saw the final tournament match of the night with Shingo Takagi taking on Great O-Khan. The end saw both men trading strikes. O-Khan went for the *Eliminator*, only to Takagi blocks it with a forearm strike. Takagi went for the *Last of the Dragon*, only to O-Khan block it, followed by a *Pumping Bomber* attempt, only to O-Khan block it with a *Lariat* for a near-fall. O-Khan went for the *Eliminator*, only to Takagi hit a *Dragon Suplex*, followed by a sliding forearm. Takagi hit a *Pumping Bomber* for a near-fall. Takagi then hit *Last of the Dragon* for the pin to score the win.

## Information

### City

Yamagata City, Yamagata, Japan

The eight night of the B Block took place on October 14, 2021 at Yamagata City General Sports Center in Yamagata, Japan. The event was broadcasted live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World.

The first match of the night saw Los Ingobernables de Japón (Hiromu Takahashi and BUSHI) taking on Ryohei Oiwa and Kosei Fujita. The end saw Hiromu sending Oiwa into the barricade, while BUSHI traped Fujita in the *Boston Crab* to force Fujita to submit for the win.

The next match saw a tournament match with Chase Owens taking on Taichi. The end saw Taichi going for the *Axe Bomber*, only to Owens counter and hit two *Running Knee Strike*s, Owens hit a leg drop followed by the *Package Driver* for the win. The third match saw another tournament match with Hirooki Goto taking on SANADA. The finish saw SANADA going for the *Skull End*, only to Goto reverses into a *Neckbreaker* for a near-fall. Goto went for a mid-kick, only to SANADA block it. SANADA went for a cradle, followed by the *Japanese leg roll clutch* for the near-falls. SANADA traped Goto in the *Skull End*, only to Goto cradle SANADA to a near-fall. Goto would hit the *GTR*. Goto went for a *Lariat*, only to SANADA counter into the *Japanese Leg Roll Clutch* for the win.

The fourth match saw Hiroshi Tanahashi taking on Yoshi-Hashi in another tournament match. The end saw Tanahashi hitting the *Slingblade*, only to Yoshi-Hashi got to his feet and hit a *Lariat*. Tanahashi hit another *Sling Blade* for another near-fall. Tanahashi hit the *High Fly Attack* followed by the *High Fly Flow* for the win.

In the semi-main event, Jeff Cobb took on EVIL in another tournament match. The conclusion saw Cobb going for the *Tour of the Islands*, only to Dick Togo to interfere and Cobb hit a *Spin Cycle*, only to bump the referee. Togo choked Cobb with his ligature, Cobb hit a thrust kick to Togo. EVIL then hit Cobb with a low blow and went for a chair shot. Cobb hit a thrust kick sending the chair into EVIL and afterward, hit the *Tour of Islands* to score the pin for the win.

In the main event Kazuchika Okada took on Tama Tonga in the final tournament match of the night. The end saw Tonga going for the *Gun Stun*, only to Okada blocks it, Tonga avoided a *Dropkick* attempt by Okada. Okada went for the *Rainmaker*, only to Tonga counter into the *Headshrinker*. Tonga went for a *Gun Stun* attempt, only to Okada go for a *Landslide* attempt, only to Tonga hit the *Gun Stun* followed by the *DSD* to score the pin for the upset win.

## Information

### City

Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

The ninth and final night of the A Block took place on October 18, 2021 at Yokohama Budokan in Yokohama, Japan. The event was broadcasted live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World and TV Asahi.

The first match of the night saw a non-tournament match with Satoshi Kojima taking on Great-O-Khan. The end of the match saw O-Khan going for the *Iron Claw* to set up the *Eliminator*, only to Kojima block it. Afterward, both hit simultaneous *Lariat*s. O-Khan went for the *Oozora Subaru Sheep Killer*, only to set up the *Eliminator* to score the pin for the win.

The next match saw a tournament match between CHAOS stablemates Toru Yano and Tomohiro Ishii. The finish saw Ishii hitting a *Sliding Lariat*, followed by a headbutt. Ishii went for the *Vertical Drop Brainbuster*, only to Yano hit a low blow, and go for the *Backslide* to score the pin for the win. The third match saw Shingo Takagi taking on Yujiro Takahashi in another tournament match. The end saw Yujiro sending Takagi into the fence repeatedly to win by countout, both men beat the count. Both men continued to brawl outside the ring, only to Takahashi hit the *Pimp Juice* on the floor. Takagi hit the *Death Valley Driver* on the floor. Takahashi hooked his ankle to Takagi's, causing both men into a double countout, leading the referee to declare a draw.

The semi-final match saw another tournament match with Zack Sabre Jr. taking on Tanga Loa. The conclusion of the match saw Loa hitting a *Powerbomb* for a near-fall. Sabre trapped Loa in the *Octopus Hold*, only to afterward hit a *Sunset-flip Powerbomb* for a near-fall. Sabre kicked Loa's arm, afterward, Sabre hit two *Penalty Kick*s, only to Loa kick out at one. Afterward, both men began striking each other, Sabre went for the *European Clutch*, only to Loa reverse into a *O'Connor Roll* for the win.

In the main event, A Block finalists Kota Ibushi and KENTA took on each other to decide the winner of the A Block. The end saw Ibushi hitting a kick into KENTA's head. KENTA sent Ibushi into an exposed turnbuckle and rolled up for the *Schoolboy* for a near-fall. KENTA hit the *Busaiku Knee Kick* for another near-fall. KENTA went for the *Go 2 Sleep*, only to Ibushi hit a running bicycle knee strike followed by a *Kamigoye* into KENTA's back and another *Kamigoye* to score the pin to win the block.

## Information

### City

Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

The ninth and final night of the B Block took place on October 20, 2021 at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. The event was broadcasted live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World and TV Asahi.

The first match of the night saw Los Ingobernables de Japón (Hiromu Takahashi and BUSHI) taking on Ryohei Oiwa and Kosei Fujita on the pre-show. The end saw Oiwa and Fujita hit a double dropkick to Hiromu. Oiwa try to put a *Boston Crab* on Hiromu, but Hiromu forced a break. Hiromu applied Oiwa in the *Boston Crab* to force Oiwa to submit for the win. Long after the match, Japanese band JAM Project would perform the song of the tournament "Max the Max", the event would return shortly after.

The next match saw a tournament match with Yoshi-Hashi taking on Chase Owens. The end saw Owens avoid a Rewind Kick and hit a Shining Wizard. Owens went for a Package Driver, but Yoshi-Hashi fought out. Yoshi-Hashi hit a sloppy neckbreaker over his knee for a two-count. Owens blocked *Kharma* and used an inside cradle for a near fall. Owens hit a Running knee strike. Yoshi-Hashi blocked a *Gun Stun* and hit *Kharma* to get the pin. The third match saw Hirooki Goto taking on Tama Tonga in another tournament match. The end saw Goto reversed a *DSD* into an *Ushigoroshi* for a near-fall. Goto hit a neckbreaker for a near-fall and Tonga blocked a *GTR*. Goto hit a reverse *GTR* and a *Lariat* into a double down. Tonga pancaked to avoid a mid-kick attempt. Tonga blocked a kick and Goto blocked a *Gun Stun*. A series of misdirection spots set up a headbutt from Goto, a head kick from Tonga, and a *Headshrinker* for another near-fall. Tonga went for *Gun Stun* again but Goto blocked and used a leg sweep to set up a *Goto-Sanshiki* cradle to score the pin for the win.

The fourth match saw Hiroshi Tanahashi taking on Taichi in another tournament match. The end saw Tanahashi use his *Texas Cloverleaf*, but Taichi forced a break. Taichi fired up and hit a forearm strike. Tanahashi reversed *Black Mephisto* into a *Twist and Shout*, then hit a *Slingblade*. Tanahashi hit a standing *High Fly Flow* and went for a standard *High Fly Flow*, but Taichi rolled out of the way, then used the *Taichi-style Gedo Clutch* while holding the tights to steal the win.

The semi-final match saw another tournament match with SANADA taking on EVIL. The conclusion of the match saw EVIL hit a steel chair shot on SANADA and hit *Everything is EVIL* to get the pin. After the match, EVIL tightened SANADA's neck with a spoiler's choker.

In the main event, B Block finalists Kazuchika Okada and Jeff Cobb took on each other to decide the winner of the B Block. The end saw Cobb block an *Heavy Rain* and hit a dropkick with Okada seated on the top buckle. Okada blocked a *Superplex* then blocked a second *Superplex* attempt with a DDT off the top rope. Okada tried to hit a *Rainmaker* but missed. Cobb went for a *Tour of the Islands* but Okada slid out and hit a dropkick. Okada hit a *Landslide* then followed with a *Rainmaker* to score the pin to win the block.

## Information

### City

Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan

The final night of the tournament took place on October 21, 2021 at the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo, Japan. The event was broadcasted live on New Japan Pro Wrestling World and TV Asahi. The event saw Kazuchika Okada defeating Kota Ibushi to be declared the winner of the tournament.

#### Non-tournament matches

The show kicked off with a tag team match between Suzuki-gun (El Desperado and Yoshinobu Kanemaru) defeated Ryohei Oiwa and Kosei Fujita. The end saw, Desperado holding Oiwa, while Kanemaru trapped Fujita in the *Boston Crab*, forcing him to submit for the win. The second non-tournament match saw Toru Yano and Yuji Nagata facing off United Empire (Jeff Cobb and Great O-Khan). The end of the match saw Yano and O-Khan threwing each other while Cobb and Nagata brawled to the ringside. Yano hit a low blow and cradled O-Khan to score the pin for the win.

The third match saw the House of Torture (EVIL, Yujiro Takahashi and Sho) taking on NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team Champions CHAOS (Hirooki Goto, Tomohiro Ishii and Yoshi-Hashi). The end saw, referee go down and Dick Togo interfering and choking Yoshi-Hashi with his ligature. Sho hit Yoshi-Hashi with a chair, allowing EVIL to hit the *EVIL* to score the pin for the win. After the match, EVIL, Takahashi, Sho dragged Goto, Yoshi-Hashi and Ishii and posed with their NEVER 6-Man Tag Team Championship belts. The fourth match saw, Bullet Club (KENTA, Tama Tonga, Tanga Loa and Chase Owens) taking on Hiroshi Tanahashi, Togi Makabe, Tomoaki Honma and Tiger Mask. The finish saw, Honma hitting the *Kokeshi*, only to the Bullet Club jump in and cut him off. Owens hit the *Package Driver* to score the pin for the win. After the match, KENTA attacked Tanahashi and stole the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship belt from him. KENTA and Bullet Club stablemate Chase Owens argued as to who was going to challenge Tanahashi, before Owens relently allowed KENTA to have the first title shot.

The following match saw, Zack Sabre Jr. having an impromptu 5-minutes, UWF rules exhibition grappling match with Katsuyori Shibata, marking Shibata's return to in-ring action since suffering a subdural hematoma at the 2017 Sakura Genesis, which put him out of action for over 4 years. The bout went to the time limit and no winner was declared. Afterwards, Shibata addressed the crowd, saying the next time he will step back into the ring, it will be in his ring gear.

The next match saw Los Ingobernables de Japón (Shingo Takagi, SANADA, Hiromu Takahashi and BUSHI) taking on Hiroyoshi Tenzan, Satoshi Kojima, Ryusuke Taguchi and Master Wato. The conclusion saw Takagi hitting the *Death Valley Driver*, Takagi went for the *Pumping Bomber*, only to Wato with a springboard forearm, laying everyone down and leaving Takagi and Tenzan in the ring. Takagi hit a *Superplex* followed by the *Pumping Bomber* on Tenzan to score the pin for the win.

#### Final

In the the main event, featured Kota Ibushi taking on Kazuchika Okada to decide the winner of the tournament. In the end, Ibushi went for the *Kamigoye*, only to Okada reverse into a cradle for a near-fall. Ibushi went for the *Bicycle Knee Strike*, only to Okada avoid and Ibushi hit a *Lariat*. As Ibushi went for the *Pheonix Splash*, after Ibushi dislocated his right shoulder, after landing with it on the mat, leading Red Shoes Unno to stop the match and awarding the win to Okada. Afterwards, medical personnel made their way to the ring to check Ibushi, and afterwards Okada cut a promo showed signs of respect for him. In a post match interview, Tama Tonga entered and challenged Okada to a match for his contract, due to losing to him during the tournament, which Okada accepted.

### Final Standings

 Block A
 Tetsuya Naito | 0 | Chase Owens | 4

## Results

### Night 1

 2
 3
 4
 5
 6

* (c) – refers to the champion(s) heading into the match
* – refers to the video of that match

### Night 2

 2
 3
 4
 5
 6

### Night 3

 2
 3
 4
 5

### Night 4

 2
 3
 4
 5

### Night 5

 2
 3
 4
 5

### Night 6

 2
 3
 4
 5

### Night 7

 2
 3
 4
 5

### Night 8

 2
 3
 4
 5
 6

### Night 9

 2
 3
 4
 5
 6

### Night 10

 2
 3
 4
 5

### Night 11

 2
 3
 4
 5
 6

### Night 12

 2
 3
 4
 5
 6

### Night 13

 2
 3
 4
 5
 6

### Night 14

 2
 3
 4
 5
 6

### Night 15

 2
 3
 4
 5
 6

### Night 16

 2
 3
 4
 5
 6

### Night 17

 2
 3
 4
 5

### Night 18

 2
 3
 4
 5
 6

## Notes

1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 Tetsuya Naito suffered a legitimate knee injury in his first round match against Zack Sabre Jr.. All of Naito's remaining tournament matches were pre-emptively declared forfeit wins for his opponents.

## Aftermath

After winning the tournament, in a press conference, Okada proposed to NJPW chairman Naoki Sugabayashi to hold and defend the previous version of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship belt, seen from 2008–2021, instead of the usual briefcase which holds the Tokyo Dome IWGP World Heavyweight Championship challenge rights certificate. Sugabayashi accepted the proposal, and the former title belt returned to represent Okada's G1 win on the first show of the Road to Power Struggle tour.

## References

1. ↑ Big matches forthcoming as G1 Climax 31 cards are set 【G131】  (in English). New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2021-09-07). Retrieved on 2021-09-17.
2. ↑ 【新日本プロレス】G1 CLIMAX 31 出場選手&ブロック分け&大会テーマソング発表！【秋の最強戦士決定戦】 . New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2021-09-05). Retrieved on 2021-09-17.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 NJPW ANNOUNCES DATES FOR G1 CLIMAX 31 TOURNAMENT . Wrestling Observer Newsletter (2021-07-08). Retrieved on 2021-07-08.
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Paez-Pumar, Luis 2019-07-02. A Guide To New Japan Pro Wrestling's G1 Climax, The Best Wrestling Event In The World . Deadspin. Retrieved on 2019-07-24.
5. ↑ ja:【G131】灼熱の秋！最強戦士決定戦『G1 CLIMAX 31』大会日程が決定！開幕戦は9.18＆19大阪2連戦！最終戦は10.20＆21武道館2連戦！さらに、大阪・大田区・神戸・浜松・広島・高知・仙台・横浜のチケット販売概要も発表！ . New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2021-07-08). Retrieved on 2021-07-08.
6. ↑ NJPW finalize plans for upcoming G1 Climax tournament  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-06-25).
7. ↑ Burch, Liz 2020-03-10. How coronavirus concerns are impacting Tampa Bay area events . *WTSP*. Tegna Inc.. Retrieved on 2020-09-07.
8. ↑ NJPW events cancelled until Saturday March 21 . New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2020-03-10). Retrieved on 2020-09-07.
9. ↑ Regarding refunds for Sakura Genesis 2020 . New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2020-03-31). Retrieved on 2020-09-07.
10. ↑ April 12-18 events cancelled . New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2020-03-31). Retrieved on 2020-09-07.
11. ↑ NJPW events cancelled until May 4 . New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2020-04-08). Retrieved on 2020-09-07.
12. ↑ More incredible content coming as part of the NJPW Together Project! . New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2020-03-05). Retrieved on 2020-09-07.
13. ↑ NJPW postpones Wrestle Dynasty at Madison Square Garden to 2021  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2020-04-07).
14. ↑ Special Online Press Conference (EN subtitles) . New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2020-06-08). Retrieved on 2020-09-07.
15. ↑ G1 Climax 31 to be presented live in English on NJPW World! 【G131】 . New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2021-08-16). Retrieved on 2021-08-16.
16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 New Japan Pro Wrestling’s G1 Climax: All you need to know as tournament kicks off . Daily Mirror (2018-07-14). Retrieved on 2019-07-24.
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-09-18). Retrieved on 2021-09-18.
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-09-19). Retrieved on 2021-09-19.
19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-09-23). Retrieved on 2021-09-24.
20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-09-24). Retrieved on 2021-09-24.
21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-09-26). Retrieved on 2021-09-26.
22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-09-29). Retrieved on 2021-09-29.
23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-09-30). Retrieved on 2021-09-30.
24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-10-01). Retrieved on 2021-10-01.
25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 25.3 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-10-03). Retrieved on 2021-10-03.
26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-10-03). Retrieved on 2021-10-04.
27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 27.3 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-10-07). Retrieved on 2021-10-08.
28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 28.4 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-10-08). Retrieved on 2021-10-08.
29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 29.3 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-10-09). Retrieved on 2021-10-09.
30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-10-12). Retrieved on 2021-10-13.
31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 31.3 31.4 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-10-13). Retrieved on 2021-10-14.
32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-10-15). Retrieved on 2021-10-14.
33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 33.2 33.3 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-10-18). Retrieved on 2021-10-19.
34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 34.4 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-10-20). Retrieved on 2021-10-20.
35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 G1 CLIMAX 31  (in Japanese). *New Japan Pro-Wrestling* (2021-10-21). Retrieved on 2021-10-23.
36. ↑ NJPW reveals participants for G1 Climax 31  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-09-05). Retrieved on 2021-09-09.
37. ↑ ja:【『G1 CLIMAX 31』出場選手＆ブロック分けが決定！】グレート-O-カーン、タンガ・ロア、チェーズ・オーエンズが初出場！ 3年ぶりにタマ・トンガがエントリー!!【G131】  (in Japanese). New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2021-09-05). Retrieved on 2021-09-07.
38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 G1 CLIMAX 31 Entrants announced! 【G131】  (in English). New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2021-09-05). Retrieved on 2021-09-07.
39. ↑ Osumi, Magdalena 2021-06-25. The rules of travel: Japan’s latest quarantine measures  (in English). The Japan Times. Retrieved on 2021-09-09.
40. ↑ Tetsuya Naito suffers knee injury; to withdraw from G1 Climax 31 【G131】  (in English). New Japan Pro-Wrestling (2021-09-21). Retrieved on 2021-09-21.
41. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 night one results: Shingo vs. Ishii  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-09-18). Retrieved on 2021-09-18.
42. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 night two results: Okada vs. Tanahashi  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-09-19). Retrieved on 2021-09-21.
43. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 night three results: Shingo vs. Sabre  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-09-23). Retrieved on 2021-09-23.
44. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 night four results: Okada vs. EVIL  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-09-24). Retrieved on 2021-09-24.
45. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 night five results: Ibushi vs. Sabre  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-09-26). Retrieved on 2021-09-27.
46. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night Six Results: Okada vs. YOSHI-HASHI  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-09-29). Retrieved on 2021-09-29.
47. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night Seven Results: Shingo Takagi vs. KENTA  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-09-29). Retrieved on 2021-09-30.
48. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night Eight Results: Tanahashi vs. SANADA  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-10-01). Retrieved on 2021-10-01.
49. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night Nine Results: Shingo vs. Ibushi  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-10-03). Retrieved on 2021-10-03.
50. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night 10 Results: Okada vs. SANADA  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-10-04). Retrieved on 2021-10-04.
51. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night 11 Results: Ishii vs. Great O-Khan  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-10-07). Retrieved on 2021-10-08.
52. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night 12 Results: Okada vs. Taichi  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-10-08). Retrieved on 2021-10-08.
53. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night 13 Results: Ibushi vs. Great-O-Khan  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-10-09). Retrieved on 2021-10-09.
54. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night 14 Results: Tanahashi vs. Cobb  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-10-12). Retrieved on 2021-10-12.
55. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night 15 Results: Shingo vs. Great-O-Khan  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-10-13). Retrieved on 2021-10-14.
56. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night 16 Results: Cobb vs. Evil  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-10-15). Retrieved on 2021-10-15.
57. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 Night 17 Results: A Block Finals  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-10-18). Retrieved on 2021-10-18.
58. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 night 18 results: B Block finals  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-10-20). Retrieved on 2021-10-20.
59. ↑ NJPW G1 Climax 31 finals live results: Okada vs. Ibushi  (in English). *Wrestling Observer Newsletter* (2021-10-21). Retrieved on 2021-10-21.
60. ↑ NJPW. Chairman Sugabayashi, Kazuchika Okada issue post G1 Statements 【G131】 | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING  (in en).