KENTA has been on a roll ever since making his debut for New Japan Pro Wrestling by defeating former NEVER Openweight and IWGP Intercontinental Champion Kota Ibushi and former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi.
The former WWE star continues to showcase what made him special back in his Pro Wrestling Noah days, as New Japan’s newest talent was able to overcome a very game Lance Archer. The bout was structured as your classic big man vs. small man dynamic, with Archer using his power moves to get the best of the former GHC Heavyweight Champion throughout a good portion of the match-up.
However, KENTA used his technical prowess and striking ability to mow the former IWGP Tag Team Champion down, as he was able to apply his submission finisher Game Over (omoplata crossface) for the win around the 12-minute mark.
KENTA remains undefeated in the G1 Climax with his score being 3-0, whereas Lance Archer’s first loss scales him back to a 2-1 record.