This kind of "main event" match structure is why I enjoyed the Okada/Omega G1 Climax match-up so much: it simplifies the bombastic formula, condenses it, utilizing offensive targeting to build drama without dragging out the nearfalls in order to produce excitement for the sake of excitement. In other words, I really enjoyed this. The hero, Kenta Kobashi, comes into the match with a taped right knee but he's still able to say "not today, kid" with the opening exchange. Kobashi controls early on after taking over on the outside, chopping Akiyama over the barricade and powerbombing him onto the floor. He works a slower, more methodical pace, bringing him back into the ring with a great stalling suplex from the apron before trying to wear him out with a facelock. Then he'll explode with chops on Akiyama, breaking down his defense for the half nelson suplex.
Akiyama's able to dropkick the bum knee out from Kobashi and I love the follow-up dropkick just as Kobashi had struggled back to his feet. With the follow up submission attempt, Akiyama turns the sasori-gatame into the STF, and then starts trying to hamper Kobashi from making the break by grabbing the arm and covering his eyes. And after he makes the break, Jun immediately pulls him back to the middle with a cross kneelock. The frustrated boots to the knee after Kobashi makes it to the ropes shows Jun's hunger. Kobashi counters the Northern Lights suplex attempt with a necklock>necklock suplex, then catches him in the sleeper>sleeper suplex. Kobashi puffs up again with his offense, and even after Akiyama delivers a German suplex hold, he quickly grabs a kimura off the bridge, which was unexpected but awesome. In the end, however, Akiyama is younger, healthier, and the more aggressive, dropping Kobashi with three Exploder suplexes before cinching in the front necklock for the huge submission victory, not letting go after the referee calls it as if he wants to be sure he's actually beaten Kobashi. Great stuff.
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