The A Block
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Sanada: Sanada, here. Champ, here. A Block, with the Reiwa Three Musketeers, certainly has the future of professional wrestling here. It seems as if Sanada, the oldest champ here, is in a different conversation. I am the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, but I’m not going to be arrogant. I’m the oldest here, but I’ll wrestle with the energy of the youngest.
Shota Umino: Good evening. New Japan’s Roughneck, Shota Umino, here. As you can see, the new generation is here in A Block. This is a battle for survival. Who is the strongest of this generation? They put us here on purpose. We will find out, but all I’m thinking about is victory. No doubt, you can expect some hot and intense matches from this group. I won’t be thinking of this Three Musketeer thing, just wrestling the way I want to wrestler and winning overall.
Ren Narita: My first G1. The champion, the NOAH guy, my peers here. This loud-mouthed foreigner. I’ll beat them all. That’s it.
Yota Tsuji: I have to apologize for a couple of things. First, for my lack of class throwing nicknames around. Talking smack about this guy who wants a paradigm shift, a guy that wants to change the guard. I talked all that mess, and now look where we are. I really have to take notice of Gabe Kidd winning a belt here. Got to reflect. Then for criticizing the company about this Reiwa Three Musketeers thing.
This was right when I went to see Kioymiya in NOAH, and he shut me down. So, I was little frustrated and took him out on the company. Mr. Kidani, Mr. Ohbari, thank you for your work. When I went to NOAH, Kiyomiya wasn’t the bad guy. Just that green matchstick was a little dulled. But look, it got everyone talking. Tomorrow, in that ring in Sapporo, I’ll try and get that little green matchstick lit.
Hikuleo: Last year’s A Block had monsters. Lance Archer, Bad Luck Fale, JONAH, Jeff Cobb. This year, it’s just one beast, Hikuleo. Don’t forget how I got here. I ended an era, The Switchblade Era. I became a singles champion, the Strong Openweight Championship. And now this G1 is mine. The G stands for Guerrilla. Ain’t nobody realer.
Chase Owens: My first two G1s didn’t quite go the way that we wanted them to, but I’m excited for this one because the A Block is full of the future of New Japan. But more importantly, Sanada. Because everybody’s goal is to win the G1, but the A Block has the advantage because even if you don’t win the G1, you beat Sanada and you get an IWGP Heavyweight Champion Title Shot. August 5, better be ready.
Gabriel Kidd: Shut up (to Kazuchika Okada). Shut up, you’re lucky that I’m not in your block, I would beat the shit out of you. Look at me, I would beat the shit out of you, bruv. You think you own this company?You think you run this. I would end your career. Alright, then, there’s not that much to talk about in this G1. Was I going to talk about how this company gives me no press?
Am I gonna talk about how this company left me down and out. No, real talk, let’s get this shit clear. You name me one wrestler who went in 16 months from being locked up and sectioned to being in the G1? There’s only one, “War Ready” Gabriel Kidd. So, as far as I’m concerned, I’ve already won this. I ain’t got anything else to say. Listen, why am I going to wait to beat any of these lads up, when they’re all right here? Kidd proceeded to attack Yota Tsuji and Kaito Kiyomiya.
Kaito Kiyomiya: This is my first time seeing the NJPW fans since All Together. Good evening. Once again, I am Kaito Kiyomiya of Pro Wrestling NOAH. This is a warm welcome from you, but I have to say I’m here to be the star of this G1. Sitting right here, there’s someone here I have unfinished business with, but first, I said, I wasn’t looking at anyone but Sanada, but people have a lot more energy than I thought here. First, this ‘green boy’ Tsuji, who I’ll crush tomorrow.
The B Block
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Kazuchika Okada: Evening! I am Okada Kazuchika, the 2012, 2014, 2021 and 2022 G1 Climax Champion. Lil Kiyo, are you okay? I’m worried about my play buddy. This press conference has everyone hyped for the start of G1 tomorrow. I won the last two G1s, but without cheers, so tomorrow, bring the noise. Looking around the room, B Block have a very strange interpretation of the word suit. But all the same, we will tear it up. Everyone, enjoy G1 Climax. Okada will win. Thanks.
Will Ospreay: Sorry about Gabriel Kidd, I think one too many highballs. Everyone here’s feeling good, especially your boy who walked into Canada, 13,000 people and took back the IWGP US Championship. Nobody has said anything about me in this conference yet, because they know nobody is on my level. The B in B Block stands for Billy and G stands for Goat. It is my time now. I am the Billy Goat and I will be the G1 Climax Winner, bet on it.
Taichi: Hey, Taichi, here. I said before, now that Sanada has it, I want that IWGP World Heavyweight Title for the first time. It’s because he’s got it that it looks so good. And if I want a shot, I better get it done here in G1. The quickest way is by winning this thing. Which means I have to win as much as possible. I’m here as a dual carer pro wrestler and YouTuber, so I’ll do all I have to. I say this because I’m enjoying my life inside and outside this ring. More results mean more subscribers. That’s extra motivation for winning this G1. Love or hate me, like, share and subscribe. Thank you.
KENTA: Hello Sapporo, G1 Climax 33 is going to be my G1. Look at my block. so many ugly faces. As you can see, I won best looking in my block already. So tomorrow, I will beat everyone and win. Get ready.
Yoshi Hashi: To be honest, I was very nervous about something today. I didn’t wear a suit. I figured it would be hot, so a sport jacket and tee would be fine. But then I worried, what if everyone would be in suits? I’m glad only Okada is wearing a suit. You look cool. I am an IWGP Tag Champion, but this is a singles tournament and I want a singles belt. I will do all I can to last and show KENTA what a real handsome man looks like.
El Phantasmo: I am so happy to be competing again in the G1 Climax. And I am so happy for the fans, this time, there’ll be full cheering and support the way pro wrestling is intended. But I’m even happier that I didn’t have to BOSJ and G1 as my body felt like 10 pounds of shit in a five pound bag. Last year, I said a few inappropriate things that I’d like to address. First, Will, recently you said that all Canadiens are assholes. And considering the names I’ve called you in the past, you are not wrong. I’m sorry. I also said that you look like Jake Paul shagged the Abominable snowman. The ironic thing is, ever since that moment, I get called Logan Paul all around the world.
Seriously, I couldn’t even fart in a corner of a party without people coming up to me and saying that I look like Logan Paul. Speaking of Juicy Farts, Yoshi Hashi, I am sorry I said you always look like you smelled a fart. The thing is, you’re probably the only guy in the locker room who rips ass and laughs. Kenta, Kenta, we could’ve had it all. You had my heart and soul, but you played it with a beating, rolled in the deep. Taichi, you are cool. I want to drink some time. I hope we could be friends, maybe Eskimo Brothers.
Perhaps you can lend the lyrics to my theme song and you can sing it with me. I’m looking forward to it. T, I only have one thing to say to you and I say it on behalf of these people. Please, take your damn shirt off. You got the sweetest tits. You got the sweetest tits I’ve ever seen. I am not going to fight you. I am going to spend 20 minute wrestling that t-shirt off your chiseled slab of meat for everyone’s eyes to feast on. And, finally, Great O-Khan. I got no beef with you. In fact, you and I both like cartoons. The only difference is, I’d sit on the computer and create a cartoons, while you sit on the couch and .. to cartoons. Anyways, G1 Climax 33, let’s do our best. Thank you, Sapporo. Sorry, I forgot about Okada. Treat me like a young boy and I’ll twist your nipples off and cook them in a frying pan, like sausages and eat them with Pierogis.
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Tanga Loa: Thank you. It warms my heart to hear your voices again. I’ve been gone for a year, I apologize for my injury. I’m just so happy right now to see all of you here at this press conference, it’s a beautiful thing. I will say, it’s an honor to be in the G1 for my return. I’m part of a very talented block. These gentlemen behind me are some of the best in the world. I’ll tell you that I’m not 100%, but every night I perform in front of you, I will give you everything that I have. I’m honored to be here and I’m grateful to be here. Thank you for having me. I appreciate you very, very much.
The Great O-Khan: No comment.
The C Block
Tama Tonga: Wow, C Block. I know you got Ishii. We got a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion. The NEVER Openweight Champion. I won’t forget, Finlay, your day will come tho. We got new faces. We got Henare’s new spirit found, new fighting spirit that I faced in the New Japan Cup. Man, I got history with Mikey or Shane from the World Tag League, which one is which. Then we got, EVIL. I’ve got a lot of history with EVIL, don’t we. I mean, these guys, they’ve proven themselves in and out of the ring.
I’ve had a lot of history here, but it doesn’t matters. Every year that I’m in the G1, I move forward. The last time I was in the New Japan ring, that man (Finlay) sent me out in a stretcher. And I had two months, two months at home thinking about this, to be pissed off about this. In this year’s G1, I’m moving forward. And I’m going to show each and everyone of these guys here why I’m better. Why I’m better than Ishii. Why I’m better than Shingo. And definitely why I’m better than Finlay. This G1, this is Tama’s G1. Thank you.
Tomohiro Ishii: I will beat the crap out of everyone here.
Shingo Takagi: The time is finally here. I said this to Tokyo Sports. First off, there’s so many competitors. And a lot of international wrestlers as well. Half my block. Actually, one guy is from parts unknown. In the last New Japan Cup, 3 of the final 4 were foreigners. That’s because we Japanese wrestlers haven’t been strong enough, so I will change that. It’s not enough to stand here and say I’ll win the block and the whole thing. Of course, I’m aiming for the top, with that conviction. And I’ll do it in my own style to the end. 32 wrestlers here, but I’m the toughest, the wildest and the most energetic.
David Finlay: I’ve heard C Block is murder’s row, and while I agree with that sentiment, it’s a bit misleading because nobody is on the level and nobody has had the year that I’ve had. I accomplished the greatest hostile takeover of the greatest wrestling faction in history. I took the lead of Bullet Club, formed a team of killers loyal to me. Dominated all in front of me. Tama said it himself, I sent him out of Fukuoka on a stretcher and this is the first time we’ve seen him since then. I am the NEVER Openweight Champion, which makes me the baddest man in this company. So, the question is, what can anyone in this block do to stop me? This is my G1. I’m going all the way. I will win it all. And to answer my own question, there’s absolutely nothing anyone can do to stop me.
Mikey Nicholls: It’s a great honor to be a part of G1, so really I’m happy to be here. Everyone knows me as a tag team wrestler, but I’ve had a successful singles career before that and I have picked up some new holds. You’ll see a whole new side of Mikey Nicholls in the G1. And none of these guys have any idea what to expect. On top of that, as well, I’ll miss my daughters’ birthdays to be here, but I told them the best birthday present I can bring is that G1 trophy. Either way, that trophy is coming home with me.
Aaron Henare: So, The C Block. NJPW went around the world and chose the toughest MFers there are. I like it. This is my block. I have a score to settle with each of them. From here on out, each of you will see a different form of Henare that none of you will be expecting. I’m here to steal this G1.
EVIL: Look at C Block. Bland, dull as dishwater. There’s no way I’m losing a match. I don’t even need a strategy. If I lose to these amateurs, I’d shave my head bald. That’s how big a difference there is between us. And I’d like to say something to Finlay. We might both be in Bullet Club, but I’m at its fore. Remember that.
Eddie Kingston: I heard what you said, Finlay, you want to get into deep water, let’s get into deep water, dog. Let’s get in deep water. Yeah, I’ll let you know who I am, dog. For real, keep playing with me. Hey, what’s up, how are you doing? I just got off the plane, they got me here because I wanted everyone to know something real quick. I am humbled. And I am honored to be invited to the best tournament in professional wrestling. But that does not mean that I’m coming here just to participate. I am bringing this home with me to Yonkers, New York. That’s why I’m here. I’m here to win. That’s it, that’s all I got to say. I’m gonna sit down and try to relax. Where do I sit?
The D Block
Hiroshi Tanahashi: The Master Of The Century, Hiroshi Tanahashis is here. The theme this G1 is change. I’ve been too set in my ways. The Tanahashi there’s been up to now can’t win the G1. So I promise a different Tanahashi this year. The one thing that won’t change is this. I’ll win the G1 in a snap.
Tetsuya Naito: LIJ’s Tetsuya Naito, here. The G1 is finally starting tomorrow. I’m excited for the tournament and most excited for the final to be in Ryogoku. For a summer final in Ryogoku, the last one was in 2017. And guess who won then? So look forward to summer in Ryogoku and a mid summer chant of De Ja Pon! Until the final Tranquilo!
Zack Sabre Jr: I’ll do my best.
Jeff Cobb: So what do you guys want to talk about? Should we talk about these sweet Japanese funeral suit or this bad ass tie or this sweet ass new hair. You’re guys are sitting there listening to 30 guys tonight talking about how they’ll win the G1 and main event the Tokyo Dome and win the championship. Eddie would say the same thing. But my story isn’t about that, winning is inevitable. For me, it’s redemption against the guys that beat me. It starts Sunday against Naito. My actions will speak louder than words and I’ll see you guys January 4.
Hirooki Goto: Good evening. This year marks 20 for me in pro wrestling. I want to enjoy this 20th summer to the fullest. A lot are talking about the young kids, but our generation isn’t done yet, and I want to show that.
Toru Yano: They say that humans have a 90-minute attention span, this has gone 86 so I need to hurry. My attention span is only 90 seconds. So, I’ll do my best, see ya.
Shane Haste: Everyone here is very dapper and strong. This block is thick and full of experience. Nobody here has beaten me in singles competition, so I have nothing to prove, but I hope that everyone gets along and has a real fun G1.
Alex Coughlin: I’ve been in this company five years and only been in Japan five times. Where’ve I been? Well, 2018 I moved from the east coast to the west coast. While I was in LA Dojo, my grandmother died, but I didn’t as for time off to go to her funeral. I stayed, I trained. I thought it would all pay off. One year later, my uncle, Turnbuckle Tim, he had a radio show in Florida. He died. Did I go to his funeral? I stayed and trained because I’m a wrestler, it’ll be worth it.
When I finally got my first piece of merch, I wasn’t even allowed a pair of free t-shirts for my parents to thank them for standing by me. Fast forward to now, this is the biggest G1, a big pool. But I wasn’t in the lineup. It took a couple of Aussies leaving for me to finally be in on six weeks notice. F this and F you. Finlay said that instead of waiting for what I wanted, I should take it. So, like a dog, I bit. And the second I did, I won this Strong Openweight Tag Team Championship. The future isn’t these fashion idol kids, the Reiwa Musketeers. The future is Bullet Club War Dogs. I’m not doing this for the trophy. I’m doing this to show that we’re here, there’s nothing you can do about it.
Checkout Episode 369 of The Hoots Podcast
Pro Wrestling Transcriptions 