The IWGP Heavyweight Champion continues to be strong within the early goings of the G1 Climax tournament this far; “The Rainmaker” scored a clean win over his long-time rival Hiroshi Tanahashi back at the Opening G1 Climax in Dallas, Texas, and did the same with Zack Sabre Jr.
Okada is no stranger to his opponent Zack Sabre Jr., with the master of technical wrestling coming into the bout with a 0-1 record due to his loss to Sanada at the Opening G1 Climax. Not surprisingly, Sabre Jr. used to his technical in-ring skills to out maneuver the IWGP Heavyweight Champion early in the match-up; however, Okada would be able to fight back and connected with a Rainmaker for a strong nearfall.
Sabre Jr. tried another submission hold, but the IWGP Heavyweight Champion would escape by hitting the Rainmaker. To make sure his opponent wouldn’t get up from the count of three this time, Okada nailed the Rainmaker once again and scored the pin.
Okada now ties Lance Archer and KENTA in the early goings of the A-block with 2-0, whereas Zack Sabre Jr. ties Kota Ibushi and Hiroshi Tanahashi with a record of 0-2.