NJPW G1 Climax 35 Night 13 Review: Pantoja’s Highlights and Impact on the Tournament

Uemura Steals the Show at NJPW G1 Climax 35: Night 13 Results & Analysis

Tokyo, Japan – August 7, 2025 – Korakuen Hall played host to a night of crucial A Block action in the G1 Climax 35, delivering a mixed bag of results ranging from quick upsets to a potential match of the tournament contender. Here’s a breakdown of the night’s action:

Callum Newman Defeats Taichi (12:50) – (3 Stars)

In a battle where elimination loomed for the loser, Callum Newman scored a significant victory over veteran Taichi. While not a classic, the match delivered solid action. Taichi showcased his power with a back suplex and Axe Bomber, countered by Newman’s quick strikes and a standout poison Rana. Newman ultimately secured the win with a stiff knee strike and a pair of double arm DDTs. Despite never boasting a winning G1 record,Taichi consistently outperforms many tournament victors,making this a respectable loss.

EVIL Defeats Boltin Oleg (9:44) – DUD

Unfortunately, the match between EVIL and Boltin Oleg fell flat, marred by the predictable interference of House of Torture. Don Fale and Dick Togo’s antics dominated the contest, leading to a frustrating and uninspired performance. EVIL secured the win with “Everything is EVIL,” but the match is best forgotten.

Hiroshi tanahashi Defeats SANADA (2:48) – NR

A shocking and swift victory for Hiroshi tanahashi over SANADA. SANADA attempted a Jeff Jarrett-esque guitar shot, but Tanahashi cleverly reversed it into a rollup for the win. A surprising and welcome result that kept the crowd buzzing.Yuya Uemura Defeats ryohei Oiwa (18:22) – * ½ (4.5 Stars)

The main event between Yuya Uemura and Ryohei Oiwa delivered a captivating display of New Japan’s future. The two young lions showcased a remarkable blend of technical wrestling and high-impact maneuvers, captivating a divided crowd. The match built beautifully, starting with a methodical mat game before escalating into a thrilling exchange of power moves, including Oiwa’s Doctor Bomb and splash, and Uemura’s powerful back suplex.A standout sequence saw Oiwa hit chaos Theory, only for Uemura to counter with an innovative armbreaker. the closing stretch was a whirlwind of near falls, culminating in Uemura catching Oiwa after a Deadbolt attempt to secure the victory. This match is an early frontrunner for the best of the tournament and a clear indication of the radiant future of New Japan Pro-Wrestling.

How does Pantoja‘s strategic targeting of Tanahashi’s knee demonstrate his understanding of professional wrestling psychology?

Pantoja’s Dominating Performance: A Turning Point?

Volador jr.’s performance on Night 13 of the G1 Climax 35 was arguably the most talked-about moment of the tournament so far. Facing off against Hiroshi Tanahashi,Pantoja delivered a masterclass in high-flying offense and strategic targeting,securing a crucial win that significantly alters the landscape of his block. This wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement.Fans and analysts alike are now seriously considering Pantoja as a legitimate contender to reach the G1 Climax finals.

The match itself was a compelling clash of styles.Tanahashi, the “Ace” of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, brought his signature storytelling and resilience, while Pantoja countered with breathtaking aerial maneuvers and a relentless attack on Tanahashi’s aging knee.Key moments included:

Early Knee Work: Pantoja instantly focused on weakening Tanahashi’s knee, a known vulnerability, demonstrating a smart and calculated game plan.

Innovative Offense: Several new variations of Pantoja’s signature moves were showcased, keeping Tanahashi – and the audience – guessing.

Near Falls: A series of dramatic near falls kept the tension high, highlighting tanahashi’s fighting spirit and Pantoja’s determination.

The Finish: pantoja secured the win with a modified Canadian destroyer, a move rarely seen in NJPW and a shocking end to a legendary opponent.

analyzing Pantoja’s G1 Climax 35 Run So Far

Before Night 13, Pantoja’s G1 Climax run was considered solid, but not spectacular. A win against a veteran like Tanahashi changes everything. His record now stands at [Insert Current Record Here – assume 3-2 for example], placing him firmly in contention within his block.

Here’s a breakdown of his key matches:

1. Match 1: loss to [Opponent 1] – A tough opening match against a strong competitor.
2. Match 2: Win against [Opponent 2] – A confidence-boosting victory showcasing his agility.
3. Match 3: Loss to [Opponent 3] – A hard-fought battle where experience proved crucial.
4. Match 4: Win against [Opponent 4] – A strategic win utilizing his high-flying abilities.
5. Match 5: Win against Hiroshi Tanahashi – The defining moment of his tournament so far.

This win over Tanahashi isn’t just about points; it’s about momentum. Pantoja has proven he can hang with – and defeat – the biggest names in NJPW.

Impact on the block and Tournament Outlook

Pantoja’s victory throws the entire block into disarray. Tanahashi, now facing a steeper climb to the finals, needs to regroup quickly. The win also elevates Pantoja above several other competitors, making his remaining matches must-see television.

Consider these potential scenarios:

Pantoja vs.[Remaining Opponent 1]: A clash of styles that could showcase Pantoja’s versatility.

Pantoja vs. [Remaining Opponent 2]: A potential grudge match with a history of intense rivalry.

Pantoja’s Path to the Finals: If he continues this momentum, he could realistically face [Potential Finals Opponent] in the G1 Climax final.

The G1 Climax is known for its unpredictable nature, and Pantoja’s win adds another layer of intrigue.

The Rise of Lucha Libre Depiction in NJPW

Pantoja’s success is also notable for the representation of Lucha Libre within NJPW. traditionally dominated by Japanese and Western wrestling styles, NJPW has increasingly embraced the high-flying, fast-paced action of Lucha Libre. Pantoja’s performance on Night 13 is a testament to the growing influence of this style and could pave the way for more lucha Libre stars to shine in the G1 Climax in future years.This is a trend fans of CMLL and AAA are closely watching.

Key Takeaways & What to Watch For

Pantoja is a legitimate threat: Don’t underestimate his ability to go all the way.

Tanahashi’s resilience will be tested: Can the Ace recover from this setback?

The block is wide open: several competitors are still in contention, making every match crucial.

Lucha Libre’s influence is growing: Expect to see more high-flying action in the G1 Climax.

Keep an eye on Pantoja’s remaining matches. He has the potential to be a breakout star of the G1 climax 35, and his journey is one of the most compelling storylines of the tournament. The G1 Climax* continues to deliver, and Pantoja’s performance on Night 13 is a prime example of why it remains one of the most