In a decisive victory at the G1 Climax 35 final, Konosuke Takeshita defeated EVIL, solidifying his status as a top competitor and earning a shot at the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship. The match, which took place at the Ariake Arena in Tokyo, capped off a grueling tournament that saw both men overcome significant challenges to reach the final.
Takeshita’s journey included a hard-fought semifinal victory over IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr., while EVIL advanced after a controversial referee stoppage win against Yota Tsuji, aided by his House of Torture stablemates. The final match was a physical and intense affair, with Takeshita showcasing his power and athleticism against the tactical and often nefarious style of EVIL.
The dynamics of the crowd at the G1 Climax 35 final were a point of intrigue throughout the event. While Konosuke Takeshita is widely respected for his in-ring talent, his dual contracts with both New Japan Pro-Wrestling and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) created a subtle divide among the Japanese audience. As an international star who is also a significant presence in AEW, some fans viewed Takeshita as an "outsider" rather than a true NJPW homegrown talent.
This sentiment led to some surprising crowd reactions, with parts of the audience at times favoring EVIL, a heel who uses constant interference and underhanded tactics, over the clearly more heroic Takeshita. This complex fan response underscored the unique position Takeshita holds as a wrestler navigating the "forbidden door" between two major promotions, as he had to win over not just his opponent but also a portion of the crowd that was hesitant to fully embrace a champion with allegiances elsewhere.