The NJPW G1 Climax 36 is one match away from crowning its winner. The promotion held the tournament’s semifinal round on Saturday, August 15, at Ryogoku Sumo Hall in Tokyo, with Yuya Uemura and Ryohei Oiwa advancing to the final.
Uemura scored what may be the biggest win of his career, defeating reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tsuji. After more than 25 minutes, Uemura hit the Deadbolt Suplex to pin the champion.
Oiwa advanced by defeating Callum Newman in 18 minutes and 44 seconds. Newman attacked the referee and hit a low blow during the match, but Oiwa recovered and put Newman away with The Grip.
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8:34 AM · Aug 15, 2026Neither finalist topped their block during the round-robin phase — both Uemura and Oiwa finished second. Oiwa even had to go through qualifying just to earn his spot in the G1.
Regardless of the outcome, NJPW will crown a first-time G1 Climax winner. Uemura, 31, and Oiwa, 27, have never won the tournament and have never held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. The winner earns a future shot at the company’s top title.
The final takes place Sunday, August 16, back at Ryogoku Sumo Hall. U.S. fans can catch the show live on NJPW World starting at 2 a.m. ET / 11 p.m. PT.