The 29th annual G1 Climax begins in Dallas at 6pm ET. For those unfamiliar with the most prestigious tournament in all of professional wrestling, here’s a primer for the G1 Climax 29 A Block.
WHAT IS THE G1 CLIMAX?
20 men are split into two blocks of 10, A Block & B Block. Everyone in A block wrestles everyone in A Block. Everyone in B Block wrestles everyone in B Block. A win is worth 2 points, a draw is worth 1 point, and a loss/double DQ is worth 0 points. The wrestlers with the most points in their block will advance to the finals on Aug. 12th. The winner of the final match receives the opportunity to main event Wrestle Kingdom, against the IWGP Heavyweight Champion.
WHO IS IN THE A BLOCK?
Here’s a brief breakdown of the wrestlers in this year’s A Block.
Kazuchika Okada- The IWGP Heavyweight Champion is a two-time winner of the tournament, and has a tough start to the tournament. Such a dominant talent that he’ll continue to be people’s pick for G1 Climax winner well after his retirement, Okada will start the tournament against his greatest rival, Hiroshi Tanahashi. Okada is the face of the franchise, and noted in the G1 Press Conference that he’s proud his rivalry with Tanahashi has made it to American shores.
Hiroshi Tanahashi- The Ace of New Japan Pro Wrestling is a three-time G1 Climax winner. Tanahashi has held seemingly every main event title in the company, and despite having nothing left to accomplish in NJPW, always comes into G1 Season ready to break people’s expectations. He noted in the G1 Press Conference that his knees and his recently repaired elbow are not 100%, and without the likes of Tenzan, Kojima, Makabe, and the other New Japan Dads, Tanahashi is one of the oldest men in the tournament. Despite his health and his age, Tanahashi is looking to prove once again that he is the true Ace of NJPW, and that his win in last year’s tournament wasn’t a fluke.
Kota Ibushi- The former-IWGP Intercontinental Champion feels that he has a lot to prove. The runner-up in last year’s tournament is looking to avenge his loss to Hiroshi Tanahashi in last year’s finals, and said as much in the G1 Press Conference. Having just signed a multi-year deal with NJPW, Ibushi has made it clear that he wants to end his career in NJPW. He will likely use his first G1 Climax as a fully-contracted talent to show the world exactly why many have been rooting for the company to sign him officially.
Will Ospreay- The IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion is having a year unlike any other. His G1 Climax debut marks the first time that the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Champion has competed in the New Japan Cup, Best Of Super Juniors, and the G1 Climax. He said in the G1 Press Conference that he’s not trying to “be the best,” but simply trying to “do [his] best,” and promises to win and become king of both divisions.
Zack Sabre Jr.- The RevPro British Heavyweight Champion is taking a more intellectual approach to the G1 Climax. Instead of the usual goal of winning the entire, grueling tournament, Sabre’s only goal is submitting Kazuchika Okada, which would earn him a match against the IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Expect Sabre to remind viewers that NJPW is running London’s Copper Box Arena in August, and that he plans on challenging Okada.
SANADA- SANADA came within inches of winning this year’s New Japan Cup, and will be looking to avenge his two losses to Kazuchika Okada this year. SANADA has been a fan favorite for ages, and every G1 Climax feels like the year that he might breakout.
EVIL- Much like his tag partner, SANADA, EVIL is criminally underrated as a singles wrestler. In the buildup to the G1 Climax, EVIL has been tense around his Los Ingobernables de Japon stablemates, and not joining the group’s usual post-match fist bump. With a match against SANADA looming, EVIL will look to get out of his tag partner’s shadow and show what he can really do.
Bad Luck Fale- Hates everyone and hopes they die. Last year his motto was “F*ck ’em!” This year his motto is “F*ck ’em again!”
Lance Archer- Mainly a tag wrestler, Archer will be looking to prove that he’s just as dominant in singles competition. He faces Will Ospreay in a New Japan Cup rematch in the opening night of competition. As a proud Texan, he’ll be looking to make a big statement in his hometown.
KENTA- Making his G1 Climax debut, KENTA is out to show the world exactly who he is. Saying that no one has been able to show is style of wrestling in WWE, and now he’s back in a promotion where he has the freedom to be himself. Noted for his invented offense and stiff strikes, KENTA likely has the most to prove in this year’s G1 Climax.
B BLOCK PRIMER COMING BEFORE THE B BLOCK OPENER ON JULY 13TH
