New Japan Pro Wrestling has officially announced both the participants and block assignments for the 2017 G1 Climax, the 27th incarnation of its summer round-robin tournament.
This year’s field, announced during intermission of last Monday’s Kizuna Road show, features eight former G1 Climax champions, one legend making his final appearance and the surprise return of international superstar Kota Ibushi. In addition, this year’s tournament boasts the G1 Climax debuts of two western talents, Juice Robinson and Zack Sabre Jr.
Here, we’ll break down each of the participants by taking a look at their G1 Climax history and their prospects for this year’s tournament.
NJPW G1 Climax 27 – A Block
Bad Luck Fale
For the last handful of years, Voices of Wrestling has hosted a G1 Climax pick’em game. Each of those year’s a few things are constant: people will grossly over-estimate the amount of points accumulated by Katsuyori Shibata & Kota Ibushi and egregiously under-estimate the amount of points accumulated by Bad Luck Fale.
Don’t make that mistake this year. Fale is a monster in the NJPW universe and one that doesn’t lose very often, especially in a tournament setting. Prepare yourself for at least two “shocking” Fale upsets of big names during the tournament. He has no chance of winning the whole thing, but Fale will end up with double-digit points once again.
- Last appearance: 2016
- First appearance: 2014
- Number of appearances: 3
- Best result: 12 points (2014)
Hirooki Goto
Look, there was a time when Goto wasn’t a massive choker. In 2008, Goto—in his first G1 Climax appearance—won the tournament, defeating Togi Makabe in the finals.
Last year, Goto shocked the world by making it all the way to the finals before falling to Kenny Omega. It’s hard to see a scenario in which Goto is a major player in this year’s tournament, but he’s a reliable hand and a guy who will put together a number of great matches along the way. Stranger things have happened.
- Last appearance: 2016
- First appearance: 2008
- Number of appearances: 9
- Best result: G1 Climax Champion (2008)
Kota Ibushi
The surprise of the tournament was the announcement that Kota Ibushi would appear in this year’s G1 Climax. This will be Ibushi’s first tournament since 2015 and his second overall appearance after missing 2014 with injury. That Ibushi has entered the tournament as Ibushi, not his alter ego Tiger Mask W, has many people (myself definitely included) eager to see a number of fresh matchups for the Golden★Star.
The big news out of this week’s block announcements is that Kota Ibushi is on the opposite side of long-time tag partner and former rival Kenny Omega. The two have made subtle references to one another for years now, and a potential match on the large stage of NJPW has many fans salivating. Looks like we’ll have to wait a little longer.
- Last appearance: 2015
- First appearance: 2013
- Number of appearances: 2
- Best result: 8 points (2013 & 2015)
Tomohiro Ishii
The Stone Pitbull Tomohiro Ishii became a worldwide sensation with his amazing run in the 2013 G1 Climax. Sure, he only had six points, but his never-say-die attitude and amazing performances set off his run as one of NJPW’s best performers.
The days of Ishii having any real chance at a G1 Climax tournament win are long gone, but you’re guaranteed at minimum two matches that will absolutely blow your mind.
- Last appearance: 2016
- First appearance: 2013
- Number of appearances: 4
- Best result: 10 points (2014 & 2015)
Togi Makabe
Believe it or not, there was a time when the former Shinya Makabe was a junior heavyweight who needed to gain weight to participate in this tournament. Now known as one of NJPW’s biggest bruisers, Makabe transformed his career in 2004, taking part in his first G1 Climax and changing his given name to “Togi”. Just five years later, Makabe was on top of the company, winning the 2009 G1 Climax tournament before defeating Shinsuke Nakamura for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in May 2010.
Makabe has fallen in the last few years as he approaches his mid-40s. He most likely will not be in the mix as far as winning the tournament, but he often provides a handful of memorable matches and moments throughout the month.
- Last appearance: 2016
- First appearance: 2004
- Number of appearances: 13
- Best result: G1 Climax Champion (2009)
Yuji Nagata
This will be a somber tournament for Blue Justice and Mr. IWGP, as Nagata makes his 19th and final tournament appearance this year. The question on a lot of people’s minds is how Nagata will be booked in this year’s G1. As we saw with Tenzan last year, there’s a real possibility Nagata struggles to consistently win. However, Nagata is nowhere near as broken down as Tenzan. Is there a chance Nagata makes a miracle run? Well, probably not,but I’d still have a hard time seeming him struggle to grab even one or two wins.
- Last appearance: 2016
- First appearance: 1999
- Number of appearances: 18
- Best result: G1 Climax Champion (2001)
Tetsuya Naito
The early favorite to win this year’s tournament, Naito will look to regain the glory he had in 2013, when he won the tournament and unsuccessfully challenged Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom.
Armed with his Los Ingobernables de Japon unit and a new attitude, Naito—who recently lost the IWGP Intercontinental Championship—seems more poised than ever to make a run at the finals.
- Last appearance: 2016
- First appearance: 2010
- Number of appearances: 7
- Best result: G1 Climax Champion (2013)
Zack Sabre Jr.
The technical wizard Zack Sabre Jr, long thought to be merely a junior in NJPW, has defied expectations and will make his first G1 Climax appearance. A tertiary member of the Suzuki-Gun stable, Sabre will finally have his chance to shine in a NJPW ring. If you’ve never or seen very little of Sabre, prepare to be wowed. It doesn’t always click with Sabre and he has his fair share of detractors. However, those who enjoy his work know what he’s capable of when given the go-ahead.
Given his size and stature within the company, Sabre will eat a lot of pin falls, but his performances will be too much to ignore.
- Last appearance: N/A
- First appearance: 2017
- Number of appearances: 0
- Best result: N/A
Hiroshi Tanahashi
Hiroshi Tanahashi will be making his 16th straight appearance in the tournament. Tanahashi is a two-time winner who has been in the mix each year since 2008—when he was uncharacteristically tied for last in his block.
This year has the potential to be Tanahashi’s worst showing in some time, but the newly-christened Intercontinental Champion is known for surprising people during the summer months. Don’t be shocked if he’s once again in the mix until the final few days.
- Last appearance: 2016
- First appearance: 2002
- Number of appearances: 15
- Best result: G1 Climax Champion (2007 & 2015)
YOSHI-HASHI
TACOS IS BACK! After making his G1 Climax debut last year, many assumed YOSHI-HASHI was destined for his first purposeful year in NJPW. That didn’t happen, and he’s been spinning his wheels since. Things could get real dicey for YOSHI-HASHI this year as his block features established names like Bad Luck Fale, Tetsuya Naito and Hiroshi Tanahashi as well as hyped outsiders Zack Sabre Jr and Kota Ibushi. Somebody has to lose in this tournament and that could be YOSHI … a lot.
- Last appearance: 2016
- First appearance: 2016
- Number of appearances: 1
- Best result: 6 points (2016)
NJPW G1 Climax 27 – B Block
Michael Elgin
When Michael Elgin was announced as a participant in the 2015 G1 Climax, many hardcore wrestling fans groaned. Elgin had fallen out of favor with the “smark” crowd after a series of uneven performances, a fallout with Ring of Honor and a collection of perplexing public statements. Then the 2015 G1 Climax happened. The tournament was transformative for Elgin and his career. Today, he’s one of the most respected workers in America, having built his own independent company from the ground up (Glory Pro) and earned his place as a NJPW mainstay.
Elgin won’t compete for the top spot in his block, but as evidenced by his 10 points in last year’s tournament, he’s not going to be a job guy. The matchup possibilities in his block are tantalizing including the likes of Kazuchika Okada, Kenny Omega, Minoru Suzuki and Satoshi Kojima.
- Last appearance: 2016
- First appearance: 2015
- Number of appearances: 2
- Best result: 10 points (2016)
EVIL
Los Ingobernables muscle EVIL made his first G1 Climax appearance last year and mustered only 8 points in a relatively weak block. That’s probably about where he’ll end up this year. EVIL is not a star-in-waiting like his stablemate SANADA but has potential as a “next tier” guy. His matches or appearances won’t be highlights, but he could pick up a few surprise wins here and there.
- Last appearance: 2016
- First appearance: 2016
- Number of appearances: 1
- Best result: 8 points (2016)
Satoshi Kojima
The legendary Kojima makes his return to the tournament after bowing out of last year’s G1 Climax, giving up his spot to fellow legend and TenKoji tag partner Hiroyoshi Tenzan. Kojima, the honorable friend, wanted to make sure his friend and partner got one last spin at the G1 Climax wheel. It ended up being more tragedy than joy, as Tenzan only won two matches.
This year, the 2010 G1 Climax champion looks to make a statement in his 15th tournament. Kojima won’t be in the mix as far as winning his block, but he will have more than the four points his buddy got last year. More than that, the ageless wonder is bound to have a handful of spectacular matches over the course of the tournament.
- Last appearance: 2015
- First appearance: 1996
- Number of appearances: 14
- Best result: G1 Climax Champion (2010)
Kazuchika Okada
In 2012, the then-24-year-old Kazuchika Okada became the youngest G1 Climax winner in history, breaking the record previously held by the then 27-year-old Masahiro Chono in 1991. This was also Okada’s first appearance in the tournament. This, along with his shocking title win in February 2012, kick-started the career of NJPW’s current ace. Okada has taken himself and NJPW to new heights since that G1 Climax win. He followed that victory up with another G1 Climax win in 2014 and just barely missed last year’s final.
If Okada were to win this year’s tournament, he would join Keiji Mutoh and Kensuke Sasaki as the only current IWGP Heavyweight Champions to capture the G1 Climax crown.
The big news surrounding Okada deals with his 2017 rival, Kenny Omega. The two were both placed in the B Block meaning Omega/Okada III will happen much sooner than we all thought. My guess would be Omega plays the role of spoiler and knocks Okada out of the final. You could also lead off the tournament with this match but the real money is in Omega getting his big win, then demanding a future title shot. We’ll have more clarity once we see the final schedule.
- Last appearance: 2016
- First appearance: 2012
- Number of appearances: 5
- Best result: G1 Climax Champion (2012 & 2014)
Kenny Omega
Last year, Omega joined Goto and Okada as the only men to win the G1 Climax tournament in their first appearance. Coupled with a few incredible matches in the latter half of the tournament, this victory propelled Omega’s career to new heights. Omega became a star last year and will only look to shine brighter in 2017.
Omega has a very real chance of joining Masahiro Chono (1991 & 1992) and Hiroyoshi Tenzan (2003 & 2004) as the only repeat G1 Climax champion. As mentioned above, even if Omega isn’t in play to win the tournament, him playing the role of spoiler to his year-long rival Kazuchika Okada seems like a perfect story to tell.
- Last appearance: 2016
- First appearance: 2016
- Number of appearances: 1
- Best result: G1 Climax Champion (2016)
Juice Robinson
The Juice is loose! Juice Robinson makes his G1 Climax debut this year, and man, what a story. Robinson moved away from WWE’s NXT developmental brand, bet on himself, went to NJPW, worked his way up through the young lion system and now, just a few year’s later, he’s in the G1 Climax tournament.
Robinson will struggle to win throughout the tournament, but just getting in the door and getting that first shot will do wonders for his career—just look at Michael Elgin.
- Last appearance: N/A
- First appearance: 2017
- Number of appearances: 0
- Best result: N/A
SANADA
SANADA and stablemate EVIL made their G1 debuts in last year’s tournament and was a popular sleeper pick in our pick’em game. He ended up with only eight points and is likely a year or two away from competing for the tournament win. Still, it will be interesting to see how he’s used. Arguably a star-in-waiting, the time may be right to start planting the seeds for his eventual arrival in the main event mix of NJPW.
- Last appearance: 2016
- First appearance: 2016
- Number of appearances: 1
- Best result: 8 points (2016)
Minoru Suzuki
He’s back! The leader of Suzuki-gun returns to the G1 Climax for the first time since 2014. After being sent away on a NOAH exodus, Suzuki—who took part in some of the G1 Climax’s most memorable matches ever—returns to his old stomping grounds. If Suzuki’s early 2017 is any indication, watch out. Suzuki is primed and ready to have a great tournament filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments.
Suzuki is the wild card in this year’s tournament. There is just as much chance he’s in the G1 Climax finals as it is for him to be eliminated at the mid-way point. The B Block is fairly open and depending on how Okada/Omega fall, Suzuki could slide into the finals. Keep an eye on him.
Regardless of whether he wins or loses, this is going to be fun.
- Last appearance: 2014
- First appearance: 2004
- Number of appearances: 6
- Best result: 10 points (2013 & 2014)
Tama Tonga
Tonga was one of many to make his G1 Climax debut last year. His eight points were much higher than anticipated and probably far above what he’ll have this year. Similar to the write-up on YOSHI-HASHI, somebody has to lose. Tonga could be that somebody quite a lot this year. What will help him, though , is that he is one-half of the IWGP Tag Team Champions. That will likely protect him from being a total boob throughout the tournament. Still, don’t be shocked to see him at or near the bottom of the B Block when it’s all said and done.
- Last appearance: 2016
- First appearance: 2016
- Number of appearances: 1
- Best result: 8 points (2016)
Toru Yano
The master of the roll-up, turnbuckle pads and low blows is back at it as Toru Yano makes his 11th G1 Climax appearance. There’s a few different ways to look at Yano’s inclusion in the tournament. His matches are almost never “good” in the traditional G1 Climax sense, as he spends a majority of them either running away from the opponent or finding nefarious ways to pick up a victory (Yano had 10 points in last year’s tournament).
Some people find it grating (myself included) and some find it hilarious. But either way, it serves a purpose. Yano is so utterly meaningless in the grand scheme of NJPW that his wins and losses matter so little. If he beats, say, Okada, nobody really bats an eye. If he loses to Juice Robinson, same deal. Yano acts as a neutral participant can win or lose on any given night. There’s also something to be said for Yano’s ability to give wrestlers a “night off”. The G1 Climax tournament is a grueling affair, and there’s a benefit to giving someone like Tanahashi a day of rest. Likewise, western fans find Yano grating, but the pops he gets among the native Japanese audience shows an undeniable connection he has to that audience. I’m not a fan and I’d rather he not be in the tournament, but the purpose is clear and transparent.
- Last appearance: 2016
- First appearance: 2007
- Number of appearances: 10
- Best result: 10 points (2011 & 2016)
