AEW star Konosuke Takeshita has achieved the biggest milestone of his career, winning the New Japan Pro-Wrestling G1 Climax 35 tournament. He defeated EVIL in a final match at the Ariake Arena to win the tournament for the first time.
The final match was a classic battle that saw Takeshita have to overcome both his opponent and the constant threat of interference from EVIL’s House of Torture faction. In the closing moments of the bout, Zack Sabre Jr., Rocky Romero, and several NJPW young lions ran to the ring to brawl with the other members of the faction, leaving EVIL and Takeshita to settle things one-on-one. Despite favoring his knee, Takeshita was able to hit his Raging Fire finisher to secure the pinfall victory.
After the match, an emotional Takeshita gave a speech, declaring himself “The Alpha” and stating that while anyone can become a pro wrestler, he is the best. The G1 victory grants him a contract for a future IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match at Wrestle Kingdom against the current champion, Zack Sabre Jr., who he defeated to advance to the G1 finals.
— Konosuke Takeshita (@Takesoup) August 17, 2025
