Kota Ibushi vs. Taichi

[4.0] "A match based purely on kicks, very unique, fairly boring in execution. The emotion of this match was felt despite the action being tamed."

[5.0] "Kicks, kicks and only just kicks for a 20 minutes straight, had to force myself to sit through this boring match. I didn't get any fun and entertainment out of it. Also i don't get it why it has such high rating."

[7.0] "A really unique match. They kick the shit out of each other's legs. That's the whole match. I'm torn between absolute admiration of the whole thing, or complaining about some instances of no-selling or whatever. I'm somewhere in the middle. 6 is my rating, but I really advise watching it. I've never seen another match quite like it. 2024 EDIT: Updated rating to a 7 because I *still* think about this match all the time."

[8.0] "It's not about the moves, it is about the story. This was an art house wrestling match where they told a story surrounding kicks to the thigh. In the era of social distancing and quiet crowds in Japan, the more unique and brutal matches stood out and this was a unique match that I don't think would work outside of this context."

[5.0] "Im sorry but I dont get the score for this match. I can appreciate the idea and how dedicated they were to the match but its legit just them trading kicks back n fourth for like 20 minutes or whatever it was. One legitimate move was attempted and failed when tachi went for a suplex besides that it was just kick after kick. It was cool at first then I was just waiting for them to do something else. Unique but boring 2.75/5"

[9.0] "This was a spectacle. One of the best matches of 2020 and one of the most unique matches in quite some time. The comparisons to Kobashi/Sasaki are apt. This was a war despite its simplicity. This was a kickfest with no bullshit. Leg kicks, roundhouse kicks, kicks to the face, and it's never boring. Just amazing facial expressions and selling from both guys. Ibushi isn't known for selling a limb, but this match proved he could sell. This was also one of the best Taichi performances I've seen yet. I just loved it. ****1/2"

[7.0] "Kicks, Kicks, and more Kicks. The idea of the match is literally them just kicking eachother over and over again, and the last man standing wins. It's unique for sure, and I'd say it clicked with me for the most part. Both men sold well too, which helped a lot. 3.5 Stars."

[0.0] "The worst kicking match Puro History. It was so boring and looked so corny. It reminded why I went on a 2 year break from watching Modern Wrestling. They start literally by exchanging the least effective low kicks I've ever seen. The majority did not connect AT ALL. They just took the shot, looked at the floor, took a couple of steps, took a breath, looked at the crowd, looked at their opponents and repeat. I got no enjoyment from watching that but I'm also losing my patience as I'm expecting something really stiff to happen (which never does). I really can't imagine anyone picking this over any Nakajima match. This was lazy and unecessary for that lenght. I can't find a single good thing to say about this"

[10.0] "I'm not super into the New Japan big match style, so for the fact that they did something totally different and unique here I actually loved the match. Basically some opening fencing with simple kicks seemed to catch Ibushi's ire, and he dedicated the entire match to battling with kicks only, with Taichi responding in kind. It's weird but honestly I thought it ruled."

[7.0] "A classic example of why storytelling is superior/more-important than that of move-set diversity, but I can't say the bout resonated with me like the Main Event did. 3 1/2"

[9.0] "This is unlike any wrestling match I have ever seen before. The comparison was made on commentary to the legendary encounter between Kensuke Sasaki and Kenta Kobashi, and with good reason. These two spent the entire match trading strikes. Or, more specifically, kicks. What takes this to the point of legendary status, however, is the fact that the approach they took is truly unlike anything else. This is not to say it is better or worse, but that it is unique. The kicks to the chest, head, and jaw were difficult enough to stomach. But the story of this one began and ended with two competitors launching tenacious kicks to the hamstring and hip bone. It was about Kota Ibushi doing what he had done throughout G1 Climax 30 in his attempt to prove to himself that he deserved a second chance at the IWGP Heavyweight Title: Wrestle the style of his opponent and do not relent until he proves he can beat them at it. In this case, Taichi was happy to stand and throw kicks until one of the two could no longer stand. In the end, both of these warriors did so much damage to the other that it is a miracle either could walk the next day. A stunning match in every sense of the word, this was damn close to the pinnacle of violence. It provided a unique twist on something we had seen in the past, and have since seen play out across multiple companies and tournaments. As far as a rating is concerned, I am truthfully puzzled. Part of me agrees with WON and says 4 stars, 8 out of 10. Another part of me goes the full five stars. For now, I will land in the middle and say that this is one of the most breathtaking experiences of my wrestling fandom. 4.5 stars, 9 out of 10. What a match, what a battle, and more than anything, what a story of how far Taichi has come and how much Ibushi is willing to risk to prove himself right."

[9.0] "They build the match around kicks, and though the kicks are vicious, the selling and character work by both men is what makes this so captivating - I particularly love when Taichi tries a backdrop driver, only for Ibushi to flip out of it and tell him to kick. Completely unique and ambitious match. (****1/2)"

[9.0] "Two idiots just kicking each other for 17 minutes mixed in with one backdrop from Taichi and the Kamagoye from Ibushi. This match was all over the place for me. At first it was dumb fun, but then got into the category where I started to question why I like kicks as a move in pro wrestling. How instead of using it as a strike with impact like Katsuhiko Nakajima or Arisa Hoshiki would, they built a match around it. I started to dislike the match devaluing the kick as a strike in wrestling. They quickly sprint past that phase of doubt, to where I just think Fuck It, and enjoy the hell out of it. Awesome. Also bless Taichi for sacrificing getting to 10 points to save us from Ospreay getting to the finals. ****1/2"

[10.0] "My weirdest match of the year god I really loved this one. A total MOTYC for me and one of only 4 matches I gave the full 5 stars to this year. I love it when wrestlers go all in on a concept and make it engaging throughout and feel like it still has the same rises and falls of a normal match. The fact that these 2 put on a near perfect match where the only moves were kicks and one finisher, is a testament to their skills. MOTYC, watch it."

[9.0] "This is the best dick-measuring contest of the year. It's Ibushi & Dangerous T trading kicks literally for the entire duration of it with amazing facial expressions & body language. It's an amazing overall package -- it's so unique, yet so simple. The kind of a spectacle that would fit the Tokyo Dome, even. The best match of the 2020 G1 Climax."

[8.0] "Very different from my expectations, but holy shit did these two men brutalize each other. Over 20 minutes of straight kicks, seeing which man can take the pain more. Great storytelling, and it was one of the best matches of the night. The idea of a 20 minute match with the same spot made this a bang or bust situation, and this was definitely a banger, no doubt. (****1/4)"

[7.0] "I love the idea of more matches being based around kicks, but don't know if these guys are the ones for it."

[7.0] "This was very unique and I think that is what is needed every once in a while for a change of pace. This was quite good, but in the end, I think I expected more diverse kicks and as a standalone match would have preferred a regular match. However, as something different in the intense weeks of G1, this served its purpose."

[10.0] "They both put a stellar kickboxing performance. A great wrestling match that did not involve any actual wrestling. This was a really unique and different match concept. The storytelling was brilliant with both using their similar strong areas as the mode of offense against each other . It felt a bit boring in between but that was like for a few 40 seconds or something. It was repetitive but throughout it did not become stale . it was exciting and it was not too long which is a good thing. The selling by both individuals was also great I think the in-ring psychology was the aspect which required more work and stopped it from being a MOTY contender. I personally think they could have done something like Ibushi and Taichi getting annoyed when the other got the better of him in the battle of kick strikes. Still a really great match and in my opinion MOTN. A must watch at any cost. ****3/4. Both Ibushi and Taichi made this work and are f'n geniuses. I have not seen anything like this my whole life and I loved it. One of the most entertaining 17 minutes of my life."

[9.0] "Before the match I guess they told each other they? d rather start kick boxing then wrestling, which is perfectly fine by me because this was awesome. Probably the most unique match of the tournament, since they only ever kicked each other. The best part about it tho is that it never got dull because their selling was on point. Yes, Ibushi actually sold for once, which is my only criticism with his matches. Taichi surprised the shit out of me, giving the greatest performance i? ve seen from him. Seek this out if you? re a fan of stiff matches and two dudes kicking the hell out of each other. ****1/2"

[9.0] "Very unique spectacle. I don't think I've ever seen only kicking match. These two guys are amazing. Huge props to Taichi who adjust his skillset perfectly to every opponent."

[8.0] "The most unique match I've seen in this tournament. A 17 minute kicking contest could've gotten repetitive quickly, but the way both wrestlers sold each strike made it just the most captivating thing on the entire show."

[9.0] "After my second viewing, I feel comfortable calling this match incredible, and like nothing I've ever seen before in wrestling. Easily the best work Taichi's done in his career. Only one type move was hit for the entire 17 minutes, but it's the selling that carries this into MOTYC territory for me ****3/4."

[8.0] "This match was truly unique, different from everything we've seen thus far in the tournament. It might've felt repetitive at times because there was literally no wrestling in this match but both guys managed to keep it appealing. Moreover, I've loved that story told throughout this G1 Climax of Taichi transitioning from being basically a comedy act to a legit fighter who can hang with the best. ****"

[9.0] "This match is full of kicks. Kicks happen in the entire match and it ruled. Taichi, when not being lazy, can put on some finest performances. And this is one of them. Ibushi is great as always and his general selling is really good. It can felt a bit repetitive at times, but i appreciate something new and fresh rather than same old, generic formula. This match worked for me."

[9.0] "Nothing else but kicks. I have never ever watched this type of match in the 15 years that I have enjoyed Professional Wrestling. Kicks to the thighs, kicks to the head, big boots, round house kicks, etc. 15+ mins of these two trying to outdo each other woth nothing but kicks. I love Ibushi, he has tried to play a different theme in every match so far this G1. Taichi was very committed and fought really hard. This was fun, unexpected and very unique. The pacing and selling were great and 15 + mins just passed by. ****1/2"

[9.0] "I love Kawada. Taichi is known for being as Kawada's lowest pupil, and then having this kind of match, was nothing short of fantastic booking. This was a kickfest from start to finish, which you just don't see in the G1. It won't be for everyone but for me, it was amazing. ****1/4, 8. 5/10"

[8.0] "It was a fun kickfest, but not a 10 star match like everyone else is giving it. It was entertaining, but just not at the top notch level required for a 9 or 10 imo."

[8.0] "Well, this match was more compelling than I thought it would be. Going into this match I heard about how it was all basically kicks so I didn't know what to expect but it actually turned out really good. This was a story of one upsmanship of who was the better kicker. There was kicks to the legs, back, chest, head there was buzzsaw kicks and even a superkick with both men collapsing multiple times with at one point they even hold on to each other due to the sheer amount of punishment their legs receieved but what it boiled down too was who had more grittier determination to withstand it all and the answer was kota ibushi. Great kickboxing match with great storytelling"

[8.0] "Excellent kick battle. This match was better than their last one in my opinion. 17 minutes of non-stop kick exchanges. It was good. ****1/4"

[10.0] "Wow. I am utterly kickless. I kick believe that Kota Ibushi and Taichi Ishikari kicked forward to deliver this one with such beauty and passion. In absolute awe at the kick of this thing. This is my kick of the year so far, and I only kick them the very best in their future endeavors. (******+++++++)"

[10.0] "One of the most beast matches of the entire tournament, these men just kicked each other repeatedly for the entire runtime and it was unbelievably exciting. Chris Charlton compared it to Kobashi/Sasaki which is exactly what I thought watching it, with the thudding chops replaced with sickening leg kicks. Taichi has had such a tremendous tournament and Ibushi earned his way to the finals with this performance. Absolutely wonderful contest."

[10.0] "This was such a great match with nearly 150+ kicks being thrown. If you love kicking, this match is a must see. Very different and for that, I loved it. ****3/4"

[10.0] "The storytelling here was off the charts. They literally kicked the heck out of each other, great match that was about 20 minutes of entirely just kicks. They had me the entire match and I loved every second. ****3/4."

[9.0] "Their last match at the Second Round of the New Japan Cup was good, but this one... is simply amazing! All the build from the New Japan Cup to this awesome match was simply perfect and made 100% sense. This also reminded me of Kobashi vs Sasaki, but with nasty kicks that almost broke their legs. This is an original match, no slams/suplexes or beautiful counters from outtanowhere, it's just two wrestlers who hate each other kicking the shit out of each other until one is complete. Just magnific and beautiful. ****1/2"

[7.0] "This was awesome for what it was, a match built almost entirely around leg strikes. It got a little tiring towards the end, but I have nothing but praise to lay on these two guys. ***Ÿ"

[8.0] "the meager arsenal of techniques that the wrestlers used in the match did not prevent them from showing an excellent match. This was unusual on the good side. I liked the match and maybe someday I will want to watch it. My score for the match: 4. 25"

[8.0] "SWEEP THE LEG! Damn that was a lot of kicks. I like when this intensity gets brought out of Taichi. And a third trip to the G1 finals for Ibushi."

[8.0] "A sort of Jean Claude Van Damme in Bloodsport put into a puroresu bout. Ibushi won the Block A and Taichi confirm himself as hell of a competitor."

[9.0] "They just kicked each other for nearly 20 minutes, and it was awesome. Between the Suzuki match and this, Ibushi has put on some truly unique bouts in this G1, and Taichi continues to be entertaining as hell."

[10.0] "This was good, but not the Kawada-good that some people want to convey. I loved it as unique and it was truly great to see so many different styles of wrestling tonight."

[9.0] "That was unexpectedly great. A nearly 100% strike-based and absolutely brutal match, completely different from what I imagined this matchup would produce. A shining example of the Japanese style of match where you prevail through hardship and triumph. Wonderful."

[10.0] "81 matches deep into the G1, these two decided to do something completly different to anything that had come before. A kickboxing exhibition was the last thing I expected this to be, but my word was it great."