NJPW crowns winner of G1 Climax 33

Tetsuya Naito has won the G1 Climax tournament for a third time.

In what ended up being a back and forth war, Naito defeated Kazuchika Okada in the finals of this year’s tournament Sunday morning at Sumo Hall. The finish had Naito hit one Destino, only for Okada to kick out. He then followed with two more Destinos and pinned Okada to pick up the victory.

After he was awarded the trophy, as well as the G1 flag by Masahiro Chono, Naito cut a promo thanking the fans at Sumo Hall. Due to Naito winning the tournament, he will now be eligible to challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight championship at Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4. That championship is currently held by SANADA, Naito’s former teammate in Los Ingobernables de Japon.

During a backstage interview, Naito was confronted by Jeff Cobb challenging him to a match, pointing out that Cobb defeated Naito during the second night of the tournament. When Naito asked when, Cobb said it would be soon before walking off.

As part of this year’s 32-man tournament, Tetsuya Naito placed on top of the D Block and advanced to the quarterfinals, defeating Hikuleo. He then defeated Will Ospreay in the semifinals to reach this morning’s finals.

This is Naito’s third G1 tournament win, ha ving previously won in 2013 and in 2017.