Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Taichi

[7.0] "Pretty solid main event here in the first match of Tanahashi's final G1 Climax. Huge props to him for even participating this year. It's clear he isn't the same performer he used to be, though he can still go for the most part. This is a grueling schedule, though, so I just hope he can keep up."

[4.0] "It was way too long, sadly Tanahashi just can't do it anymore for a main event, and Taichi wasn't good enough to carry him. While the match was coherent with Tana focusing on Taichi's knee, the pace was way too slow, and Tana is just too limited nowadays to wrestle a 20 minute singles match."

[6.0] "It went too long, but it was interesting nonetheless. Tanahashi does play a more heelish role (since he is the one with the heat segment) without taking it too far on that direction. His work on the leg has always been good and motivated by strategy. Taichi is good selling it, and does not overindulge in no selling as a form of resilience, instead taking advantage of openings to get big kicks in."

[4.0] "This was 20 minutes but felt much longer. The pace was slow and meandering and seeing Tanahashi slowing down is something that depresses me. A few good spots here and there but it's mostly sluggish and unpolished. **1/4"

[6.0] "Super slow even for a guy that loves slow action, however, okay. Tana is super old and cannot even run without his knees beg for mercy so Taichi had some trouble at adding intensity on a match over 20 minutes with him. I enjoyed the High Fly Flows in the ending, made Taichi look like a real threat for what is gonna happen in the tournament. Important for him."

[6.0] "The Main Event of Night one of G1 Climax is in and I thought it was fine! Tanahashi is riding the wind of his retirement tour and having him get the upper-hand on Taichi was nice to see. There were noticeable miscommunication that kinda derailed my enjoyment but didn't go too long as indeed."

[7.0] "It remains incredibly impressive to me how good Tanahashi remains even when his body is a broken down as it is. He may not be able to move like he once could, but that ability to manipulate a crowd is still as strong as ever. Not the best match you'll see in the tournament, but these two veterans still were able to put on a strong main event by relying on psychology and crowd control. Strong performance from Taichi as well. 3.5 stars."

[4.0] "It breaks my heart to say this about one of the greatest wrestlers ever who's produced some of my all-time favourite matches, but Tanahashi's retirement can't come soon enough. This was a pretty awful performance from him, filled with uncoordinated movements and unconvincing offence that resulted in many awkward moments. Taichi did his absolute best to put Tanahashi's offence over and manoeuvre them both into position for whatever spot or sequence was next whenever Tanahashi's broken-down body wasn't cooperating, and he also did really well selling his targeted leg and highlighting how he was exacerbating that injury by forcing himself to still use the leg quite explosively for all his usual signature offence. He also just did really well selling his general exhaustion and pain, plus his determination to keep fighting through both of those hindrances. So, I really wanted to like this match more because of how impressive Taichi was in his highlight moments and in keeping the match from completely derailing, but far too often Tanahashi was unable to physically perform whatever they were going for and it would cause the match to fall apart. His series of High Fly Flows while Taichi was standing were especially bad, and not just because they set up the ridiculous outcome of Tanahashi actually winning, though that definitely didn't help. I get that Taichi isn't exactly a spry up-and-comer since he's only 3 years younger than Tanahashi, and that Tanahashi's final G1 should *ideally* feature more wins than losses so that the opponents he *does* lose to (ideally the younger generation) get a more significant rub than if he just lost to everyone... but that plan didn't take into account just how truly TERRIBLE Tanahashi is right now, to the point that it was an outright joke seeing him beat the far more mobile, more athletic, and all-around more convincing Taichi, even with the excuse of Tanahashi targeting his leg to wear him down. I just felt really bad for both guys here. Taichi obviously deserves way better booking even outside of this one match, given he almost wasn't even included in the tournament at all, and Tanahashi certainly doesn't deserve the shame of being trotted out each week to make matches like THIS feature among our final memories of his all-time great wrestling career. Again, major props to Taichi for his incredible work keeping this match from completely destructing. **1/4"

[7.0] "While it wasn't all smooth sailing, this was a really nice end to the show. As he's shown over the course of his final year, with the right opponent Hiroshi Tanahashi can still turn it up. SINGLES RECORD: Tied 2-2"

[7.0] "Did not expect this match to be good but it over delivered, tons of fun and really great work from both men. The old guys fought to get a big win on day one and you could feel how much each wanted it."

[7.0] "A pretty good match and Tanahashi looked pretty good despite him aging and slowing down. Tanahashi couldn't keep Taichi down and finally ended up getting the win. The crowd was into it and it was a good way to end the first night of the G1."

[6.0] "Honestly this may be my favorite tanahashi match of 2025 so far. It felt like an old tanahashi match just of course without it being an old tanahashi match because he just simply isn't able to do that anymore. I just honestly think taichi isn't needed for this show although he had a good match here there are plenty of others i woulda rather seen. I mean even his tag parter ishii right now is rather see. Good match clunky at times but descent main event for night 1. Interested to see how far they allow tana go i predict semis. 3.50 stars"

[5.0] "Crowd was really into it, but it wasn't doing anything for me. I thought they told a decent story with Tana going after Taichi's leg in an effort to level the playing field so to speak, but the match was slow and sloppy at times and they almost got me back with the finish."

[6.0] "***3/4 good match, good chemistry, an interesting rhythm, surprising for what you could expect from Tanahashi with him following Taichi's rhythm and the latter helping to make Tana look better, interesting limbwork from Tanahashi to Taichi's legs and a good selling from the latter, the duration was risky, sending Tanahashi to fight for 20 minutes but it didn't feel heavy in my opinion, the end was good with Tanahashi reversing a Back suplex from the third into a crossbody, applying 2 High Fly Flow to Taichi who in both remained standing and kicking from the second but unable to get up, to Tanahashi finish with the High Fly Flow towards his opponent on the mat which was definitive, the problems of the match were how at times it hurts to see Tanahashi walk with difficulty or try to run with difficulty, also the lack of fluidity of Tana in several movements being somewhat clumsy"

[7.0] "A pretty good match all things considered, Although it is kind of sad to watch Tana now as his heart is still Clearly in it but his legs are shot to pieces. Taichi was the star as he managed to do most of the heavy lifting in ring also with some nice selling with his own knees giving out on him one time costing him a bridging cover. Whilst Tana kept the fans invested in the match and tried his hardest to get through it. The finish was nice with two Ace highs and then a High fly flow which all looked very good. Overall a match that started at slow and got much better as it went on Taichi making sure it was a decent match and We are in for one last ride with the ACE it might not be pretty but it will be fucking emotional. (***1/2)"

[8.0] "Great main event. Tanahashi's body may be a shell of what it used to be but the heart is still there and that's what makes him so good. Very good stuff between him and Taichi here, clunky at times but that's to be expected. Taichi's selling in this is so good and made the match for me. Everytime he took a dragon screw or got caught in a submission by Tana, I winced. Such a good performance from him. Tana was quite good here as well, he's still able to draw you in to the drama of a match like few else can. He was also somehow able to push his body to hit 3 high fly flows to end the match. Not the cleanest match in the world, but I think that created a sense of realism and struggle that really elevated the match. Great stuff from both guys, awesome selling from Taichi and a very hot crowd. ****"

[6.0] "This was alright. I understand why they wanted this to main event, but honestly it wasn't for me. Taichi looked good, Tana tried to keep up with his heart, but his body wouldn't let him. I hope we get some better matches out of Tanahashi in the G1, specifically against Tsuji and Yuya."

[7.0] "Tanahashi's heart is still there, but his body struggle to keep up. Taichi wisefully took charge of the heavy lifting with a passionate performance."

[7.0] "Other than in the beginning Taichi actually did it and dragged Tanahashi to an enjoyable match which still shouldn't have been this long and in the main-event spot, at least it was good though. ***1/2"

[7.0] "Thought this slightly over delivered, we all know Tanahashi's limitations at this point but both guys really had the crowd fully invested and I am in for one last ride for the Ace. 3.5 stars"

[6.0] "You think Tana is completely cooked, and then you get a finishing stretch like that. An honestly slow and plodding match with a GREAT finish, Taichi's knees giving out and Tana needing to put his own knees on the line to hit two Aces High and a final High Fly Flow to pull it out, solid high drama stuff that the crowd was with. So glad my GOAT the Emperor is getting back in the G1, and hopefully he can have some good ones going forward. ***"

[4.0] "God bless them, they both tried so hard, but it seems that Tanahashi might have used up the last of his powers in that match against Gabe Kidd. Very clunky and slow-paced match, though worth nothing that they have the crowd the entire time, and, psychologically speaking, it's very sound. The greatest babyface of all time still has his mind and heart, but even in a match designed to slow it down his broken body still holds it back."

[8.0] "THE ACE! Tanahashi can barely walk at this point, but the dude is still near unparalleled at making you enthralled in the matches he wrestles. He was kind of sloppy at points, which is to be expected at this point, still a great performance though. Taichi was also great and looks like he'll be a great replacement for Goto this tourney. His selling of the leg was really good, especially when it gave out on the bridge that allowed Tana to kick out. Overall, a good start to the Ace's final G1. ****"

[8.0] "Tanahashi does it again. The guy can barely move but he lifts his performances through pure passion and babyface fire. I can see why some people wouldn't like this as Tanahashi is visibly quite painful to watch at times, and it relies on his opponent to sell well which Taichi did, but this was still a lot of fun and better than what most in their prime can do. ****"

[9.0] "As the match started out slow, I wondered if this was a mistake to put Tanahashi, who's in-ring star is fading, up against Taichi, no spring chicken himself, in a match that seemed like it was only placed in the main because Taichi's in his home town. But after a few minutes, I got the point they were making that they weren't working slow; they were working methodical. And as the match went on, even I was surprised to admit that the Ace still has the juice to put on a hell of a show like no-else can, bolstered by a blistering hot cloud, with just the right amount of high-octane offence peppered with enough near-falls to keep you hooked for the entirety of the match. What an absolute belter. There's no way Tana can do this another eight to eleven more times, but he does make you believe, doesn't he?"

[8.0] "GREAT Main Event. Tanahashi's knees looked very rough here I can't lie, so Tana and Taichi worked a match that not only avoided Tana having to run a lot, but also a pace that complimented Taichi's hard hitting style. The last 5 minutes were incredibly entertaining. I'm so glad Taichi made it into the G1. Hopefully better days are ahead for Tana."

[5.0] "Suspension of disbelief is ruined before the match even starts as Tanahashi is visibly struggling to even walk to the ring. Taichi does a carry job and gets an okay match out of this guy somehow, one of the most underrated workers of the last 5 years. A crying shame he has to lay on the mat while Tanahashi's music plays at the end, he deserves better. The crowd was behind him most of the match, they know."

[4.0] "Ouch. Not the Tanahashi I want to see evolve, with such physical condition. The pace was horrendous. Sad the close the curtain on the first day like that. Nobody seemed to know what to do. We can clearly see them talk to each other after each sequence. Thanks to Taichi for trying to save the match, but Tanahashi, as much as I love him, must quit the square circle."

[7.0] "Tanahashi vs Taichi headlining night 1 of the G1 in 2025 does feel pretty special, Tanahashi comes out surprisingly vicious here and goes after the legs of Taichi pretty relentlessly. While the opening few minutes were a bit meandering and it dragged slightly in places, this still really felt special and built into a really good matchup with Taichi stealing the show. Tanahashi got the win with a High Fly Flow which I did not think was the best idea, but it did not prevent this from being a very enjoyable encounter, perhaps the last between Tanahashi and Taichi."

[9.0] "Nothing better than seeing old man hooping. Tana is not the same as he was years ago, but his passion, his fire, his willing to die in the ring, the Tanahashism aren't gone that still make him easy to watch. Taichi on the other hand is better than ever and him being in the G1 will be a treat for everyone to watch"

[8.0] "HOLY SHIT. I expected this match to be good but to be awesome? lmao. Tanahashi is completely cooked physically but the spirit remains. That alone is enough to carry Tanahashi to great to awesome matches in 2025. Taichi was awesome too my god. The way he sold his leg throughout the match was so sympathizing. Ig i was wrong to think Taichi is not the better Dangerous Tekker. This was my MOTN"

[7.0] "It was a very competent match, from two men whose bodies are giving up on them. Started out slowly, picked up some pace afterwards. The offense was believable and well executed from these two absolute pro wrestling demons. Tanahashi is having the best retirement tour I have ever seen from a wrestler. The knees and back of both men are completely destroyed after so many years of pure greatness. I couldn't rate it more than 7/10 because I also have to be realistic, despite this being a well executed love letter to both of their careers, the match was good, and just good."

[6.0] "As a consumer, I am unhappy that I paid to see G1 this year with the promise of no Taichi matches...but this guy's actually main eventing night one against the corpse of Tanahashi. This was not doing it for me until about halfway through. They looked really bad before that. Stinking out the joint hard. Taichi getting locked in a submission and selling his knee made the difference for the rest of the match. Getting clobbered by the Ace's finish many times to end everything was great too. This was better than Kidd vs Tanahashi for me, but I felt similar about the sadness of watching Tanahashi."