NJPW crowns G1 Climax 35 winner

Konosuke Takeshita has won the G1 Climax.

Takeshita defeated EVIL in the finals of Sunday’s match in Ariake Arena to win the tournament for the first time. Despite interference early on, the end of the match became competitive and free from the usual House of Torture interference once Zack Sabre Jr., Rocky Romero, and NJPW young lions helped drag out the HoT members, leaving EVIL and Takeshita by themselves. Despite favoring his knee throughohut the match, Takeshita overcame the injury and pinned EVIL with the Raging Fire to win his first-ever G1.

After the match, an emotional Takeshita said he was glad he became a professional wrestler. He said anyone in the crowd or watching at home could become a pro wrestler, but they would have to know that he is the best. He finished by declaring himself The Alpha.

The win gives Takeshita the right to challenge for the IWGP World Championship, which is currently held by Zack Sabre Jr. Takeshita beat Sabre to advance to the G1 finals, while EVIL defeated Yota Tsuji.

Prior to the main event, it was pushed that House of Torture had won most of the weekend, including all of their multi-man tag team matches that took place on Sunday’s undercard.