[5.0] "Didn't feel much for this one. It felt very average for a match between the two. Umino did get a concussion in this match so that hampers the performance level too. I don't have much else to add other than it was meh."
[8.0] "Technical abilities of Zack against passion and knee strikes from Shota. Zack tries all sorts of sleepers while Umino targets Zack's neck preparing for a lariat or a Second Chapter. Zack survives this attempts by locking an armbar and countering some time later with Zack Driver. 2 Drivers was enough to win this time. Unfortunately, Shota got injured during the match which means he's out of G1."
[7.0] "I really enjoy the way Zack Sabre Jr lets a match breath, particularly early in a match. Him and Umino have a great chemistry and it looked good here too. Not sure where Umino picked up the concussion though. Maybe one of the Sabre Drivers or the power bomb? SINGLES RECORD: Tied 4-4"
[8.0] "These two just always wrestle good (WK19 never happened) and this is another such case. As all the matches, Zack controls the pace and Umino has the fire in the comebacks and it always works. There's not much to say here as if you have seen an Umino/Sabre match then you know exactly what to expect from this. Standard good match from these two men. Truly sucks Umino was concussed here. (****)."
[7.0] "[3. 50*] Just pointing out something that doesn't change my rating, but this crowd stinks. It was very obvious that Umino was supposed to be the babyface in peril and Sabre was wrestling in America so go figure, but the Chicago crowd just cheered Sabre and the two wrestlers did not adjust. It stinks Umino got concussed, and that is likely why there was definitely a lack of a climax to this match, and I wish him the best. before that though, these two did great. Sabre in America is always super entertaining, I loved Umino's comebacks, and I wish he didn't get concussed."
[7.0] "****1/4 Very good match, as usual (most of the time) ZSJ vs Shota Umino doesn't disappoint and they have another very good match, great chemistry, these two work very well almost always and know how to manage their matches well, very good sequences, very good intensity, very good pace from slow to high but without going overboard, the match escalates but doesn't reach as good a climax as in some of their other matches, added to the concussion that Umino apparently suffered at some point in the match, good ending although somewhat improvised or rushed, after Umino's kick-out to the Zack Driver, Zack reverses a roll-pin attempt into a rear naked choke and you can see that Zack was saying something to Umino and the referee was also paying attention (probably instructions for the end) and that's when they stand up while in the hold and ZSJ applies a second Zack Driver to win the match, a somewhat cold ending but understandable given the circumstances"
[9.0] "I LOVED this and it's such a shame that Shota Umino got concussed from this, just like their block match last year ZSJ & Umino prove that their WK19 Match was a rare miss and that these two can deliver when opposite each other, I wish Shota Umino a speedy recovery and ZSJ a great G1 run, love these two. ****/12"
[7.0] "Now the show start. Let's forget the sadness related with the concusion Shooter suffered, that match really gave soul for the event. I still don't know who said to Shota he is a great striker, everything he do besides his knee and huge lariat aren't impactful. That match actually shows that ZSJ is way better as a striker than him. Great match, again with the right winner."
[8.0] "very technical match. both shota and Zack had counter for each other at every moment. and it was unexpected shota kick out of the Zack driver the first time."
[8.0] "Zack Sabre Jr. delivered exactly what fans expect from him: outstanding technical wrestling, creative submissions, and excellent control of the match's pace. Shota Umino played the role of the determined young star who refused to quit. The match lasted just over 16 minutes and worked very well as a tournament bout, building logically with several memorable sequences. It wasn't quite an all-time classic or a 5-star match, but it was a very strong and engaging contest. The unfortunate news that Umino suffered a concussion during the match and later withdrew from the tournament also adds a unique context to the performance."
[6.0] "[3 Stars] A really good match that, unfortunately, couldn't reach its potential due to Shota's concussion during the match. I think the English commentary feed being so quiet also meant I wasn't as engaged, cos it seems like the crowd were amazing but I couldn't hear much from them."
[8.0] "One hell of a match. At this point in their rivalry, Zack Sabre Jr. and Shota Umino have damn-near flawless chemistry together. The Chicago crowd didn't disappoint either, with them being piping hot for this entire match. Both of these guys should hopefully make it far into the G1 this year, as they're each on their A-game lately."
[8.0] "Really good match, always love Zack's technical work and the body maniputlation, and Umino shone here too. The spike to the apron really gave Zack a weakness that he worked very well with and adapted around, and gave Shota a great opportunity back into the match. When Shota reached the ropes on the submission sequence I thought he might get the comeback, and then after he missed the finisher I thought the first Zack Driver might wrap it up, but then after the kickout I was convinced it would be Shota. Match did a great job of keeping the winner ambiguous, which really helped justify the long runtime."
[8.0] "Going from arguably the worst match of the night to the best. This was great and the best match of the tournament so far for me. I've been critical of Shota in the past but even i can't deny that he's really started to put it together over the past few months. These two have had a couple of matches in the past but i think this just might be their best one yet. Great submission work from Zack as always but this match only works as well as it does because of how good Shota is at fighting from underneath. Some great comebacks from him in this and he even looked really good when he was on offence too. Great finish here too with Shota trying desperately to hold on whilst in a Zack submission only to get put down with a Zack Driver during the struggle. Really great match this, and im looking forward to what both of these guys do next in the tournament. ****"
[10.0] "Shota Umino & Zack Sabre Jr are brilliant together, though this is shorter than their other matches I don't feel like the length at all takes away from it, these guys just get it, beautiful strikes from both men."
[5.0] "These two are capable of much better, especially Umino. It wasn't a bad match, but I didn't find it significantly better than the previous four. In-ring quality: 1.5/5. Stakes: 0.75/2. Justification: 1/1. Card placement: 1/1. Suspense: 1/1. Bonus/penalty: none. Total: 5.25/10. Match watched on NJPW World."
[8.0] "This match between Shota Umino and Zack Sabre Jr was so good, so far it's the best match of this G1 Climax 36 Tag 1, and it's not very surprising knowing the talent of both wrestlers. I was very disapointed by Shota Umino a few months ago, but his attitude and momentum comes back, and it's so great to see. I am very excited for the rest of the Tournament, him and Yuya Uemura are two strong contenders to be in the G1 Climax 36 Final this year, and maybe win it."
[8.0] "Great round one contest between Shota and Zack, with Shota previously having won all the tournament encounters (G1, NJ Cup) between the two. The match was very technical and grounded but felt very exciting, eliciting this is awesome chants, which is rare in New Japan unless, obviously, they are in America. Umino is looking great still despite the recent loss to Gabe Kidd, he has improved his game a ton and could win the G1 this year. But for the time being, Zack picked up the win with the driver. Rating: ****1/4"
[7.0] "7.5 - One of my favourite pairings in New Japan's current landscape, and they added to their catalogue well here. Shota sometimes seems to be a bit unfit compared to other performers, needing to rest when his opponent doesn't want to."
[8.0] "Shota has been on a really good run of form lately, and this match only reinforces that impression. Pairing him with what feels like his wrestling soulmate was a brilliant decision, as their chemistry was evident from the opening bell. The two put on a terrific display, blending smooth exchanges, great timing, and a natural understanding of each other's style. Everything flowed effortlessly, making the match feel both competitive and highly enjoyable. A very strong performance from both men and another reminder that Shota is heading in the right direction. If he keeps wrestling at this level, there's every reason to be excited about what's next."
[8.0] "Blows every other match that has happened so far completely out of the water. Great selling from Sabre. Umino has been having some solid matches this year and I think this years tournament it geteeen him and uemera. (****)"
[7.0] "ZSJ twists Shota's body in every imaginable way while Shota answers with rough strikes and DDTs. More sequences follow and it's taking its toll on Shota's body but he still manages to get one last lariat in. My only criticism is that the ending felt somewhat abrupt as in I would've liked to see more back and forth before the finish, but it was still a good match overall."
[7.0] "Unsurprisingly, a very solid match, as these two have definitely wrestled enough at this point to have put together some good chemistry. ZSJ is his normal noodley, weaselly self, and the rise of hoss Shota has been good to witness. So far probably the match of the night, though honestly, that's not saying too much yet."
[8.0] "Finally a good match on night one only taken almost half the show for it to happen. These two have built great chemistry with each other in the times they have faced of since their disappointing WK main event and this was another good showing. I have to say i have now enjoyed 3 Shota matches in a row so that must be some sort of record. He some really good strikes in this match including a foreman, back elbow, A sick spike DDT and towards the end a sick lariat. He also had some good selling as well. As always Zack was just really good. A great mix of technical ability at the start and when he couldn't grind Shota down with it all the way a nice switch to striking towards the end. The finish was pretty cool with Zack unable to win with the rear choke he went for a massive Zack driver for the 3. Yeah this was a pretty good match with some cool spots and big moves best match of the night so far. (****)"
[7.0] "(Grade:C+/***1/4) Umino & Sabre Jr chemistry worked once again to put on a good match (the first good match so far on the card, thank goodness! ) I was expecting Umino to start off the G1 with some points. However, ZSJ came out on top and who knows could be looking at a 2x Gaijn as a G1 Climax winner!"
[8.0] "These two have developed some great chemistry, Shota hits an amazing looking lariat near the end of this one. Good Zack win to end an enjoyable match"
[6.0] "16 minutes that felt more like 30. They slow played this one a fair bit before ramping things up towards the end and while I criticised the pacing they did eventually get to having a good match. This was definitely nothing spectacular though. Umino just isn't that guy. ***1/4"
[7.0] "It was a great matchup worthy of the "G1 CLIMAX, " but it ended in a decisive victory for Zack Sabre Jr. Shota Umino's performance has improved significantly, and the power of his strikes, kicks, and closeline has increased compared to before. On the other hand, as the match went on, he began repeating the same moves over and over and throwing out a lot of punches without landing many effective strikes, and his actions--which seemed like he was just stalling to appeal to the crowd--began to stand out. Above all, Shota simply endured Zack's submission attempts without attempting to compete with him on the ground. This approach doesn't garner support for Zack, and his high level of technical skill doesn't come across to the audience at all. Zack completely controlled the flow of the match, ensuring that only Shota--playing the underdog--would win the crowd's support. He was being quite considerate of Shota, and Zack didn't seem to be enjoying himself very much."
[8.0] "[4.25] A very beautiful technical struggle. Zack despaired of his ability to submit Umino, so he targeted the other arm in order to either execute a full submission (by extending the arm) or a Zack Driver -- which is what happened. Excellent idea!"
[9.0] "So far, this was the best match in the G1 Climax. These guys had really good chemistry and put together a hard-hitting battle. I've been becoming a fan of Shota Umino this year and Zack has been one of my favorite New Japan wrestlers for a bit now. The strikes, maneuvers, sequences, and reversals were all great here. Zack was very stiff with Umino with those kicks and uppercuts, especially the first uppercut delivered, the sound off of that was something else. Umino delivered a wicked out of the ring DDT to Sabre who was still in-between the ropes and Zack just ate shit, he was spiked after that. Shota just delivered a brutal forearm and brutal back elbow to Zack, he tried to fight back but he got spiked with a wicked tornado DDT. Umino managed to fight back against Sabre with a wicked lariat and Zack then had energy to hit the Zack driver and Umino managed to kick out."
[6.0] "I know that these guys have long since redeemed themselves for laying an egg in the Big Egg but every time I see them facing off in a match graphic I shout "Oh, fuck off! " out of reflex. Some wounds run too deep. Not a terrible match but I zoned out a bit and it got a fairly muddied reaction from the fans since NJPW still seems to be under the delusion that the way to solve the Shota Umino problem is to keep giving us more Shota Umino until we eventually just accept that they're not gonna stop pushing him and we're just gonna have to deal with it."
[7.0] "[3.5*] Great match, by far the best of the night until this point. This was worse than their NJ Cup encounter, but also miles better than their WrestleKingdom Main Event. Zack dominated the majority of the match, working on Shota's limbs. Shota played the underdog and was really good at that, he got over with the crowd while Zack played the classic foreign heel role. Ending stretch was super nice and Shota's Lariat is one of the best on the game right now."
[6.0] "This was a good, but not great match. I felt like Umino went a bit missing here and while he's a fine partner for Zack, he didn't shine. The majority of the match was Zack working the arm and sort of dominating the action play. The work was good as usual but there wasn't much drama to it and without that forming the basis of the match, the result came out not so great. ***1/4"
[8.0] "Yet another really impressive showing between ZSJ and Shota Umino, while their WK main event was a clear misfire in hindsight, their subsequent matches have all been very good to great. Really smart and efficient neck targeting from Umino, and it was sold typically well by ZSJ. The Brit got the win with an emphatic second Zack Driver in just over 15 minutes, a brilliant showing from both men and the first great match of G1 Climax 36."
[8.0] "Finally, a great match. ZSJ's submission is always nice to watch and Shota brought some nice offense too. Not everything landed flush but enough did. This was a good slow burn and ended at a reasonable point. 3.75*"
[7.0] "Good through sheer force of these two's talent. Everything else outside of the ring puts me in a bad mood, from the terrible fucking production to the annoying-ass American crowd and their chants."
[7.0] "ZSJ shows us why he is so important to this company and that he is always going to give us something to look forward to during this tournament. This is a rivalry that feels important without having any over-the-top ridiculous storyline reasons for the intensity. They just wrestle to prove that they are better than the other, making the result feel important in a long tour that can feel like a drag at times. Umino is having the most consistent year of his career right now and more than carries his side of things, being must-see while in control and working from underneath. This is also a nice example of having a really good mid-card showing without having to try to steal the show and do everything the have in one match. ***3/4"
[9.0] "This 9/10 isn't because this match blew my socks off or anything but because I can't think of anything bad about it. This was a fantastic, clean, perfectly paced match where ZSJ played the mocking, suffocating heel perfectly and Shota played the fiery babyface perfectly. There wasn't a single moment I was taken out of the match, the minutes flew by toward a satisfying ending where ZSJ proved just a bit too fast and clever for Shota's toughness."
[7.0] "This one's decent. Thankfully it's not too long and not too over-the-top in terms of kickouts and finisher exchanges. ZSJ is in control for a lot of this and the Zack Drivers at the end look great. Otherwise, I don't have too much to say about this. Good, not their best effort, not their worst. ***1/2."
[6.0] "After a fairly even opening sequence, ZSJ takes control. As he continues to work over Shota, his cockiness grows. This allows Shota gets the better of him at times. A few noticeable whiffs on strikes/moves. Solid, but a little underwhelming."
[9.0] "It's so funny that these two just have awesome chemistry except the one time they needed to have a great match the most. Regardless, great stuff. Hard hitting, some sick bumps and sequences."
[7.0] "Wouldn't call this flawless but I liked it a fair bit! definitely better than their Wrestle Kingdom encounter. Shota is having a pretty good year all things considered and this adds to that. ZSJ has the more impressive performance though. Beautiful Zack Driver at the end."
[10.0] "This match was phenomenal it went the perfect length as i was watching i was worried that it was go end up at a time limit draw but it never 16 minutes of excellent wrestling zack sabre jr is an incredible technnical wrestler and shota umino seemed like the perfect opponent for his technical style one hell of a match 10/10"
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