G1 Special in USA

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
G1 Special in USA
Promotion
New Japan Pro-Wrestling
DateJuly 1 and 2, 2017[1]
CityLong Beach, California, U.S.[1]
VenueLong Beach Convention and Entertainment Center[1]
AttendanceNight 1:
2,370[2]
Night 2:
2,305[3]
Event chronology
← Previous
Kizuna Road 2017 		Next →
Lion's Gate Project 7
G1 Special chronology
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First 		Next →
G1 Special in San Francisco

G1 Special in USA

2017 G1 Climax
.

Production

Background

In December 2016, Pro Wrestling Insider reported that

Wrestle Kingdom 11 in Tokyo Dome, NJPW officially announced the shows for July 1 and 2, 2017, taking place at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. These shows, however, would not be part of the G1 Climax, but would instead serve as a prelude to the tournament, which would take place between July 17 and August 13.[7][8] The shows would mark the first time NJPW presented shows in the United States independently, as opposed to partnering with an American promotion.[9] NJPW had previously partnered with Jersey All Pro Wrestling (JAPW) for the NJPW Invasion Tour 2011 and since 2014 they have been partnered with Ring of Honor (ROH), co-producing shows annually in North America.[10][11]

Long Beach Arena, part of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center

After announcing the Long Beach shows, NJPW went public with their plan of an American expansion, which included establishing a subsidiary and running extended tours in the United States with California as the base, while also establishing a dojo for training Americans in Los Angeles, run by Rocky Romero. The full-scale running of the American market was set to launch in 2018.[12][13] According to NJPW owner Takaaki Kidani, the plan was a direct response to WWE taking four wrestlers, including AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura, from NJPW in January 2016.[14] Tickets for the shows as well as meet-and-greets were put on sale on April 1 and sold out within hours, despite NJPW not having announced any matches for the two shows.[1] Tickets were purchased in 37 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.[15] Three days later, NJPW announced the first group of wrestlers taking part in the event; Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kenny Omega.[16] In May, NJPW put additional seats for the shows on sale, which were also quickly sold out.[17] NJPW later claimed that the original tickets sold out in two hours and the additional tickets in two minutes.[13]

On May 12, during the third night of the NJPW and ROH co-produced

Raymond Rowe) from ROH and Dragon Lee, Titán and Volador Jr. from the Mexican Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) promotion. It was also announced that both the IWGP Tag Team and IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships would be defended during the weekend in addition to the previously announced titles.[22]

The two shows would air live through NJPW's internet streaming site,

NJPW World, with English commentary.[23] However, the first night would only air live outside of the United States, where both nights air on the AXS TV network; the first night live and the second night on tape delay on July 7.[22] The English commentary for the shows would be provided by Jim Ross and Josh Barnett.[24] On June 21, the Canadian Fight Network announced that it would also air the first night live.[25]

On June 12, NJPW announced the full card for the first night as well as a partial card for the second night.[26][27][28] The full card for night two was revealed after the conclusion of night one.[29] The release of the cards brought with them some negative reactions, mostly centered around American wrestlers Cody and Billy Gunn receiving shots at the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships, respectively.

Storylines

G1 Special in USA featured professional wrestling matches that involved different wrestlers from pre-existing scripted feuds and storylines. Wrestlers portrayed villains, heroes, or less distinguishable characters in the scripted events that built tension and culminated in a wrestling match or series of matches.[30]

Cody, who challenged for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in the main event of the first night

The first night would be headlined by Kazuchika Okada defending the IWGP Heavyweight Championship against Cody.

Triple Crown Heavyweight Champion Satoshi Kojima.[34][35]

In the second title match of the first night, Guerrillas of Destiny (Tama Tonga and Tanga Loa) were set to defend the IWGP Tag Team Championship against War Machine (Hanson and Raymond Rowe).[26] This would be a rematch from Dominion 6.11 in Osaka-jo Hall, where the Guerrillas of Destiny became the new champions through cheating after Loa hit Rowe with a steel chair behind the referee's back.[26][31]

The first night would also feature all four first round matches in the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship tournament.

2016 G1 Climax.[36]

The second night would see Hiroshi Tanahashi defend the IWGP Intercontinental Championship against Billy Gunn.

2016 World Tag League as part of Yoshitatsu's Hunter Club stable.[26] In May 2017, Yoshitatsu relayed a message from Gunn to Tanahashi, requesting a match between the two.[26] After capturing the IWGP Intercontinental Championship from Tetsuya Naito at Dominion 6.11 in Osaka-jo Hall, Tanahashi immediately nominated Gunn as his first challenger.[26][39]

The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship would be defended during the second night with champions

Beretta and Rocky Romero) in another rematch from Dominion 6.11 in Osaka-jo Hall, where The Young Bucks captured the title from Roppongi Vice.[26]

The second night would also feature the conclusion of the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship tournament with two semifinal matches and a final match.[36]

Reception

Following the event, it was noted that there were issues with AXS TV's production and commentary.[40] Tama Tonga commented on the announcing, stating that it "sucked", adding that Kevin Kelly, the regular English announcer on NJPW World who did not announce the shows, "at least [...] knows the storylines and our f#cking names".[41] Kenny Omega also voiced his support for Kelly and his broadcast partner Don Callis.[42] Dave Meltzer reported that Kelly and Callis were in Long Beach and wanted to announce the shows "really bad", but AXS TV made the call to use their regular announce team of Jim Ross and Josh Barnett, adding that there was "a lot of infighting".[43] Larry Csonka in his review of the first night for 411Mania, stated that Ross and Barnett "do a great job on the weekly, in studio and post produced calls for NJPW on AXS TV", but felt that the announcing on the live show was "really rough".[44] Csonka also noted other production issues, including cameras missing important shots, bumper music playing over theme music and ring announcers starting and stopping their announcements.[44]

Aftermath

Takaaki Kidani dubbed the event a big success, while announcing plans to tour the United States in March or April 2018 at the latest. He also stated that NJPW was going to open an office in Los Angeles before the end of 2017, with a dojo to be opened at the start of 2018.[45]

On November 5, 2017, NJPW announced Strong Style Evolved, the follow-up event to G1 Special in USA, which took place on March 25, 2018, at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach, California.[46] It was at that show that NJPW Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi announced there would be another G1 Special event taking place on July 7, 2018, in the San Francisco Bay Area at the Cow Palace in Daly City, California.[47]

Results

Night 1
No.Results
IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship tournament
22:31
9Kazuchika Okada (c) (with Gedo) defeated Cody (with Brandi Rhodes)Singles match for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship27:12
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match
Night 2
No.Results
IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion
31:20
(c) – the champion(s) heading into the match

Tournament bracket

IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion
First round
(July 1) 		Semifinals
(July 2) 		Final
(July 2)
         
Michael Elgin 22:31
Kenny Omega Pin[2]
Kenny Omega Pin
Jay Lethal 12:56[3]
Jay Lethal Pin
Hangman Page
08:30[2]
Kenny Omega Pin
Tomohiro Ishii 31:20[3]
Juice Robinson Sub
Zack Sabre Jr. 10:04[2]
Zack Sabre Jr. Pin
Tomohiro Ishii 11:42[3]
Tomohiro Ishii Pin
Tetsuya Naito 15:51[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Nason, Josh (April 1, 2017). "NJPW's two California U.S. shows, meet and greets sell out within hours". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "G1 Special in USA". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  3. ^ a b c d e "G1 Special in USA". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  4. ^ "G1 Special in USA". New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  5. ^ Johnson, Mike (December 13, 2016). "New Japan in United States update". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  6. ^ Johnson, Mike (December 29, 2016). "New Japan in California update". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  7. ^ Rose, Bryan; Currier, Joseph (January 4, 2017). "NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 11 live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  8. ^ 【年間スケジュール発表！】6月11日大阪城ホール！『G1』両国3連戦！ 現地時間・7月1日、2日にロサンゼルスで初のビッグマッチ！『G1 Special in USA』決定!!. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). January 4, 2017. Archived from the original on January 4, 2017. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  9. ^ Johnson, Mike (January 4, 2017). "New Japan to debut in United States this July". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  10. ^ Meltzer, Dave (October 3, 2010). "New Japan Pro Wrestling comes to the U.S." Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on October 6, 2010. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
  11. ^ Meltzer, Dave (January 15, 2017). "ROH announces War of the Worlds tour dates with NJPW". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved June 27, 2017.
  12. ISSN 1083-9593
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  13. ^ a b 戦略発表会で、木谷オーナーが「2020年の東京ドーム満員を目指す」とコメント！さらにアメリカへの“本格進出”、道場の設立も視野に!!. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). May 16, 2017. Archived from the original on June 13, 2017. Retrieved May 16, 2017.
  14. ^ 新日本、７月のロス興行はＷＷＥへ「反撃ののろし」. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). January 5, 2017. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  15. ISSN 1083-9593
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  16. ^ "G1 Special in USA Roster Announcements". New Japan Pro-Wrestling. April 4, 2017. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  17. ^ Currier, Joseph (May 12, 2017). "NJPW to crown first IWGP United States Champion in Long Beach". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
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  20. ^ 7月のロサンゼルス大会を前に“IWGP USヘビー級王座”の新設がアナウンス！ ROHのリング上でベルトがお披露目!!. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). May 13, 2017. Archived from the original on May 13, 2017. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  21. ^ Currier, Joseph (May 13, 2017). "Daily Update: WWE UK specials, War of the Worlds, NJPW". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved May 14, 2017.
  22. ^ a b c Meltzer, Dave (May 18, 2017). "NJPW announces broadcast plans and roster for Long Beach shows". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
  23. ^ Meltzer, Dave (January 13, 2017). "NJPW announces English commentary broadcast schedule". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved May 13, 2017.
  24. ^ Johnson, Mike (May 18, 2017). "AXS TV to broadcast New Japan United States debut live July 1st". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved May 18, 2017.
  25. ^ Johnson, Mike (June 21, 2017). "Fight Network carrying New Japan California debut live". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved June 22, 2017.
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h i 【ロス2連戦の主要カード決定！】初日は、“IWGPヘビー戦”オカダvsCody！ タマ＆タンガvウォーマシン！ 2日目は“インターコンチ戦”棚橋vsビリー・ガン！ヤングバックスvsロッポンギ！. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). June 12, 2017. Archived from the original on June 21, 2017. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
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  28. ^ Macklin, Matthew (June 12, 2017). "Cody Rhodes vs. Okada to headline New Japan United States debut in Long Beach, CA on AXS TV, full lineups for California events set". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  29. ^ Currier, Joseph (July 2, 2017). "NJPW reveals full G1 Special night two card". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  30. Discovery Communications. Archived from the original
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  31. ^ a b Rose, Bryan (June 10, 2017). "NJPW Dominion live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  32. ^ 【新日本】Ｃｏｄｙ ロスでのＩＷＧＰ挑戦決定的. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). June 12, 2017. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  33. ^ 【新日】ＩＷＧＰ王者オカダ　ＬＡ決戦でＣｏｄｙとＶ７戦「知名度を利用させてもらう」. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). June 12, 2017. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  34. ^ Meltzer, Dave (June 23, 2017). "Daily Update: WWE house shows, Cody Rhodes, Mr. Pogo". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved June 24, 2017.
  35. ^ Meltzer, Dave (June 24, 2017). "Cody Rhodes receives six stitches after ROH World title win". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved June 24, 2017.
  36. ^ a b c d e f g 【ロス2連戦の“USヘビー級王座決定トーナメント”詳細が決定！】 1回戦でケニーvsエルガン！ 内藤vs石井！ ジュースvsザック！ リーサルvsペイジ！. New Japan Pro-Wrestling (in Japanese). June 12, 2017. Archived from the original on June 18, 2017. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  37. ^ 【新日本】また不満！内藤がＵＳ王座のポイ捨て予告. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). June 19, 2017. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
  38. ^ Currier, Joseph (July 1, 2017). "Daily Update: NJPW in Long Beach, Impact ratings, Jim Breaks arrested". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  39. ^ 【新日本】棚橋が内藤からＩＣ王座奪取「ボロボロのベルトは俺がカッコよく着こなす」. Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). June 12, 2017. Retrieved June 12, 2017.
  40. ^ Currier, Joseph (July 2, 2017). "Daily Update: Smith Hart passes away, NJPW, Trump tweets". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  41. ^ "Tama Tonga rips NJPW G1 Special commentary". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. July 7, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  42. ^ Currier, Joseph (July 8, 2017). "Daily Update: UFC 213, Alberto El Patron, Impact ratings bounce back". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  43. Figure Four Online
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  44. ^ a b Csonka, Larry (July 2, 2017). "Csonka's NJPW G1 Special in The USA (Night 1) Review 7.01.17". 411Mania. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
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  49. ^ Powell, Jason (July 1, 2017). "Powell's NJPW G1 Special live review: Kazuchika Okada vs. Cody for the IWGP Championship, U.S. Championship tournament first-round matches including Kenny Omega vs. Michael Elgin, Tetsuya Naito vs. Tomohiro Ishii". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  50. ^ Radican, Sean (July 1, 2017). "Radican's 7/1 NJPW G1 Special In USA (night 1) report – tournament begins to crown first IWGP U.S. Champion, Okada defends IWGP Hvt. Championship against Cody (Rhodes)". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  51. ^ Johnson, Mike (July 1, 2017). "Okada vs. Cody: complete New Japan Pro Wrestling G1 Special coverage". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved July 1, 2017.
  52. ^ Fontaine, Paul; Currier, Joseph (July 2, 2017). "NJPW G1 Special live results: The first IWGP US Champion is crowned". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  53. ^ Pruett, Will (July 2, 2017). "7/2 Pruett's NJPW G1 Special Night 2 live report: U.S. Championship tournament semifinals and finals, Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Billy Gunn for the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, RPG Vice vs. The Young Bucks for the IWGP Jr. Hvt. Tag Titles". Pro Wrestling Dot Net. Retrieved July 2, 2017.
  54. ^ Radican, Sean (July 2, 2017). "Radican's 7/2 NJPW G1 Special in USA (night 2) report – semi-finals and finals of IWGP U.S. Title Tournament, Tanahashi defends IWGP IC Title vs. Gunn, Young Bucks-RPG Vice". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved July 3, 2017.
  55. ^ Trionfo, Richard (July 3, 2017). "Complete G1 Special in the USA night two report: a United States Champion is crowned, Young Bucks versus Roppongi Vice, Los Ingobernables de Japon, The Bullet Club, and more". Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved July 3, 2017.

External links

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