– NJPW has announced the competitors for this year’s G1 Climax, and revealed that all shows will feature live English commentary. You can see the full list of competitors for the round-robin tournament below, which includes the likes of Kenny Omega, Michael Elgin, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Bad Luck Fale and Zack Sabre Jr.
The G1 runs through August 12th and the winner gets an opportunity to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 13.
* Kenny Omega
* Michael Elgin
* Jay White
* Hiroshi Tanahashi
* Togi Makabe
* Juice Robinson
* Kazuchika Okada
* Hirooki Goto
* Tomohiro Ishii
* Toru Yano
* YOSHI-HASHI
* Bad Luck Fale
* Tama Tonga
* Hangman Page
* Tetsuya Naito
* EVIL
* SANADA
* Minoru Suzuki
* Michael Elgin
* Jay White
* Hiroshi Tanahashi
* Togi Makabe
* Juice Robinson
* Kazuchika Okada
* Hirooki Goto
* Tomohiro Ishii
* Toru Yano
* YOSHI-HASHI
* Bad Luck Fale
* Tama Tonga
* Hangman Page
* Tetsuya Naito
* EVIL
* SANADA
* Minoru Suzuki
* Zack Sabre Jr.
* Kota Ibushi
* Kota Ibushi
Opinionated View- Well it all comes down how the line up the blocks but there are lot of good potential matches ups here. I saw some reaction and shock Cody isn't in it but given All In and the Rumors he's winning the ROH belt back time wise I don't think he can be in Japan for whole G-1. Here are my thoughts on each guy
Omega- Right now he's viewed by most as the best in the world. He's a guy that can out and have a different match each time out in this. Not likely to win. He's been in the finals the last 2 years and they don't have the reining IWGP champion win. Its sets up the WK title match. Plus havign Kenny drops some matches also will set up title matches later this year.
Elgin- Talented guy who seems to be getting back on track (I wrote this before watched his V1 Defense so he might dropped the NEVER belt) But again not likely to win as he's just lower on the card.
White- There guys with clear big plans. They have pushed him very hard since returning to Japan. He has the win over Kenny. I could see him making a deep run the finals and win unlikely. Maybe we get eitehr the rematch with Kenny or the first White vs. Okada match here.
Tanahshi- Realistically at this stage he should be in this to put guys over. But he's still mad over so I could see them giving them a deep run. And well there is always they give him "One last" shot at the top.
Makabe- At this stage unlikely to win it. He's in there more in there for the name value alone.
Juice- He's gotten over and they are setting up fo rhim vs. White. Mahybe pulls a big win or two seems like he's the guy in there score points on.
Okada- Wells the odds on favorite he's the Ace of New Japan. If I were booking I would have him drop some matches early and than need to make a run late. With the idea being that after 720 days on top he's been worn down.
Goto- He won it before was in the finals not that long ago. At this stage though I think he's past he point where winning doesn't make sense and frankly booking wise he hasn't been pushed strong enough to justify it.
Ishii- Maybe given his size and style people will buy it. Still a bit of a stretch. I think he's more be that "OH shit he just beat the crap out of _____ who has to face ______ next."
Yano- I love Yano but there is no way he's winning this. He will do his Yano stuff mess around score a few wins give guys a break from "Strong Style" and do his comedy things like the low blows.
HASHI- Well point blank on English commentary they said he was at best on the bubble for the tournaemnt so unless the plan some miracle run odds are he will be the guy that tanks low.
Fale- Fale will get soe wins. Again though he feels like the roadblock for other guys. I could see them giving him a few wins to set up a shot a singles belt at some point.
Tonga- A dark horse. They have hinted at some point The Bullet Club OG's will become a full on singles group. He's got the size, talent, and looks that could make for a strong run. IFhe's in the same block as Kenny I won't be shocked to see him win. Especially given there is a lot "He is the true leader" talk.
Page- Another guy New Japan seems to have big plans for. He main evneted a show vs. Kenny not that long ago. Given it's his first G-1 expect more loses than wins. But at this point just getting in the tournament is a big deal for him and his fans.
Naito- Defending winner he also won it in 2013. Back to back winners of the G-1 are rare but it has been done. Naito is super over with the fans in Japan. There is also a long running story of his dream being to win the main event at the Dome. Plus he and Kenny have history and a with Okada dropping the belt it feels like now's a good time to get him back in the HW title picture.
EVIL- Given the hints he will face Jericho I think he picks up some strong wins. Talented guy expect a middle of the back finish
SANADA- Again NJPW seems high on him. But I think he's get the more losses than wins treament.
Suzki- I hope he doesn't win because he's in that class of his best days are behind him. But you just never know. Odds are he gets some big wins and beats the crap out guys because he's Suzki
Sabre- Well a lot were stunned when he won the New Japan cup. Guy is talented always a joy to watch. I don't see him winning but yeah a strong tournament again maybe a upset win to set up a title match after the G-1 is over.
Ibushi- I think he has a chance to win it. The story is there with he and Kenny. I feel like New Japan wants to have it be an all Japan finals given how much the Foreingers have won lately. No denying the talent.
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