Episode 122: Red-Hot Fukuoka
August 2, 2026
Today we are at Fukuoka Kokusai Center. Finally, we have reached Event 11 out of 19 for G1 CLIMAX 36. We have arrived right at the exact midpoint of this long journey.
In marathon terms, it's the hydration station. In my terms, it's the timing for a weigh-in (laughs). Although... my own personal journey toward 85 kg hasn't even reached its halfway point yet...
In both A Block and B Block, the wins and losses are intricately tangled up in a chaotic standings table. At this stage of the tournament, the "weight of a single win" grows heavier and heavier.
With the tension of having their backs against the wall if they lose, the faces of the wrestlers are showing deeper signs of fatigue. But now that we've reached the halfway turn, there's nowhere left to go but to charge straight up to the peak.
Our reigning IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Yota Tsuji—basking in the intense gazes of all the other wrestlers—how will he display his dignity and presence as champion?
And as for all the participating wrestlers, they too will surely grow one, if not two steps tougher over the course of this summer.
Carrying the frustration of those who were forced to withdraw due to injuries, these wrestlers are pouring their hearts into every single battle in the ring, and I truly hope you will watch over them until the very end.
Today's venue is Hakata, famous for its iconic Tonkotsu ramen. Just as a slow-simmered soup yields the richest flavor, tonight's matches will surely have a deep, flavorful taste precisely because of everything that has built up to this moment.
Matches and broth alike—as they say, "the real show begins once it boils down and concentrates." Heh heh heh.
The massive cheers tonight at Fukuoka Kokusai Center will become the energy that propels the wrestlers toward the next stage.
To everyone at the venue, and to everyone watching on the stream, please give the wrestlers tons of support!
Ah, I can already hear Fukuoka's wild excitement loud and clear through the air!