NJPW Road to G1 CLIMAX 7/6/26 – Full Results, Match Highlights & Complete Review
The NJPW Road to G1 CLIMAX event took place on July 6, 2026, at the legendary Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, Japan. As the final stop before the opening night of G1 CLIMAX 36, the show carried major importance. Fans witnessed the last two qualifying matches for the tournament, two championship bouts, and several exciting tag team contests featuring many of New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s top stars.
The atmosphere inside Korakuen Hall was electric from the opening bell until the main event. Every match had something at stake, whether it was momentum heading into the G1 or championship gold.
Event Details
Event: NJPW Road to G1 CLIMAX
Date: July 6, 2026
Venue: Korakuen Hall
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Promotion: New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW)
Action Begins with Exciting Tag Team Wrestling
The show opened with several multi-man tag team matches featuring members of different NJPW factions. These contests highlighted the rivalries that have been developing throughout the Road to G1 tour.
Fast-paced exchanges, powerful strikes, and excellent teamwork kept the crowd entertained throughout the opening portion of the card. Younger wrestlers had opportunities to shine while experienced veterans controlled the pace with their ring awareness.
The tag matches also gave fans another preview of several competitors who will soon battle inside the G1 CLIMAX tournament.
OSKAR Earns His Spot in G1 CLIMAX 36
One of the biggest moments of the evening came during the first G1 CLIMAX 36 Play-In Match, where OSKAR faced veteran Yujiro Takahashi.
Yujiro attempted to use his experience and ring tactics to frustrate the younger competitor, but OSKAR stayed composed throughout the contest. He matched Yujiro strike for strike before taking control during the closing moments.
After connecting with his finishing move, OSKAR secured the three-count and officially earned his place in G1 CLIMAX 36.
Winner: OSKAR
The victory completed an impressive qualifying run and marked one of the biggest achievements of his NJPW career.
Ryohei Oiwa Claims the Final Tournament Position
The second and final qualifying match featured Ryohei Oiwa taking on El Phantasmo.
The match was one of the night’s most competitive encounters. El Phantasmo relied on his quickness, athleticism, and unpredictable offense, while Oiwa answered with powerful suplexes, technical wrestling, and relentless determination.
Both competitors came close to victory multiple times, creating several exciting near falls.
Late in the match, Oiwa countered a high-risk attack before delivering his finishing sequence for the decisive victory.
Winner: Ryohei Oiwa
With the win, Oiwa secured the final available place in G1 CLIMAX 36, completing this year’s tournament lineup.
IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship Match
Shota Umino (c) vs. Gabe Kidd
The co-main event featured Shota Umino defending the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship against longtime rival Gabe Kidd.
Both wrestlers wasted no time exchanging heavy forearms and powerful strikes. The championship battle quickly became one of the most physical matches on the card.
Umino showed incredible fighting spirit by surviving several dangerous attacks, but Gabe Kidd continued applying pressure with his aggressive offense.
The match reached another level during the closing minutes as both competitors traded dramatic near falls.
Finally, Kidd landed his finishing attack to score the pinfall.
Winner and NEW IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion: Gabe Kidd
The title victory gives Gabe Kidd enormous momentum heading into G1 CLIMAX 36 and establishes him as one of the tournament favorites.
Main Event
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
YOH (c) vs. Francesco Akira
The main event featured an outstanding championship match between YOH and challenger Francesco Akira.
From the opening bell, both competitors showcased exactly why NJPW’s junior heavyweight division remains one of the best in professional wrestling.
Akira used explosive kicks and incredible aerial offense to challenge the champion, while YOH answered with technical wrestling, counters, and excellent timing.
The pace never slowed as both men continued delivering spectacular sequences that had the Korakuen Hall crowd fully invested.
Akira nearly captured the championship after several close near falls, but YOH refused to stay down.
After escaping another dangerous attack, YOH connected with his finishing move to secure the victory.
Winner and STILL IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion: YOH
The successful title defense further strengthened YOH’s championship reign and positioned him for more major challenges later this year.
Complete Results
- Multi-Man Tag Team Match
- Multi-Man Tag Team Match
- Three-Way Tag Team Match
- OSKAR defeated Yujiro Takahashi (G1 CLIMAX 36 Play-In Match)
- Ryohei Oiwa defeated El Phantasmo (G1 CLIMAX 36 Play-In Match)
- Gabe Kidd defeated Shota Umino (c) to win the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship
- YOH (c) defeated Francesco Akira to retain the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
Top Highlights from NJPW Road to G1 CLIMAX
- OSKAR officially qualified for G1 CLIMAX 36.
- Ryohei Oiwa captured the final tournament spot.
- Gabe Kidd became the new IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion.
- YOH successfully retained the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.
- Korakuen Hall delivered another passionate atmosphere before the start of G1 CLIMAX 36.
- The tournament lineup for G1 CLIMAX 36 is now officially complete.
Final Thoughts
The NJPW Road to G1 CLIMAX event on July 6, 2026, successfully built excitement for one of the biggest tournaments of the year. The show combined meaningful tournament qualification matches, outstanding championship wrestling, and strong performances across the entire card.
The biggest story of the night was Gabe Kidd capturing the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship, while OSKAR and Ryohei Oiwa earned their places in G1 CLIMAX 36. Meanwhile, YOH closed the event with another impressive title defense, sending fans home excited for everything that lies ahead in the upcoming tournament.
