MOTW 99: Uemura vs Tanahashi
"M.O.T.W. #99: Yuya Uemura vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi" - ink & digital illustration
So we're somehow up to the 99th addition to our 'Match of the Week' illustration series & this week I bring you my official favourite match from the recently concluded New Japan Pro Wrestling G1 Climax 35 Tournament!
This beautiful 'passing of the torch battle of generations match took place on August 1st of this year - the main event of Day 9 of the 2025 G1 Climax in Takamatsu, Kagawa.
So I need to start out in saying this was a very difficult decision! I jammed through as much of the greatest hits of this years' G1 last Friday to get caught up for what would be an ill-fated final stretch. And dang there were some doozy's! The Uemura vs Oiywa match was my other most-loved one, but Taichi vs Tsuji & ZSJ vs Shingo were also close contenders. As much as the end of the tournament was definitely a disappointment in my book, I think we can't forget that there still was some incredible Professional Wrestling that occurred before that. And this match for me was certainly a personal highlight.
Now we all know that I have a deep love for my mature-aged grapplers but this one just totally exceeded my expectations in every way! As the forever-Ace of New Japan nears the end of an all-time NJPW career (& final ever G1), I wasn't expecting the world here - especially on a smaller show such as this. But on this night, he gave it his everything. Even bringing back his old finisher that was a personal favourite of mine; the bridging Dragon Suplex!
I also adored this as a big fan of the 'Heat-Storm'; who in a lot of ways is reminiscent of a young Tanahashi (including recently adopting U30 Tana's 'Rooster-Boy' hairdo!). I felt this was just the perfect old Ace vs new Ace, Heisei Musketeer vs Reiwa Musketeer match that possibly could have been!
A beautiful story full of struggle, passion, Fighting Spirit & overall wonderful Pro Wrestling skill. That Double Underhook/Butterfly Suplex battle at the end got me so good! HIGHLY recommended!
ENJOY!!
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