The bout started with both men exchanging strikes and shoulder tackles, but surprisingly, Takagi got the better of the exchange. The Los Ingobernables de Japon member would keep the advantage a bit by slowing down the match and stopping ‘The Stone Pitbull’ from utilizing his dangerous strikes.
The NEVER Openweight Champion would ultimately fire back with devastating strikes; however, it would be Takagi who gets the first near fall after a superplex. Ishii would return the favor with a powerbomb that almost put Takagi down for a three count.
The bout would continue to see both men exchange strikes, lariats, and headbutts until Takagi connected with Made In Japan for another strong nearfall. Takagi looked to end the match-up after he nailed a Pumping Bomber with Last of The Dragon; however, Ishii would counter with a forearm strike.
Ishii would put down Takagi with strikes, german suplexes, and an Emerald Fusion that got him another nearfall. However, in the end, Takagi would nail two lariats and then connect with Last of The Dragon for a three count. Shingo Takagi’s G1 Climax score is now 3-5 (6 points), whereas Tomohiro Ishii’s record is now 4-4 (8 points).