NJPW G1 Climax 28: The Favorites, The Dark Horses, and The Longshots
The Dark Horses
Kenny Omega
Since the winner of the G1 Climax started receiving the Wrestle Kingdom main event contract in 2012, the IWGP Heavyweight Champion has never even made it to the final. This doesn’t bode well for Omega’s chances to win his second G1 this year. There’s definitely a chance that Omega could become the first Champion to pick his Tokyo Dome challenger, I just don’t think it’s all that likely.
Chance to win B Block: 15%
Chance to win G1 28: 5%
Minoru Suzuki
Suzuki may be the most legendary NJPW wrestler to never win the G1 Climax. Also, Suzuki is halfway to 100. As incredible as he is, his career is closer to its end than its beginning. Although it’s fairly unlikely, I could see the scariest man on Earth winning this year’s tournament as way to honor his remarkable career.
Chance to win A Block: 10%
Chance to win G1 28: 5%
Tomohiro Ishii
The Stone Pitbull is the most underappreciated wrestler on Earth. I truly think he’s every bit as incredible as Okada, Naito, Tanahashi, Omega, or anyone else on NJPW’s roster for that matter. He deserves a moment in the sun more than anyone. Also, who wouldn’t want to see his amazing rivalry with Omega renewed at Wrestle Kingdom?
Ishii should win G1 Climax 28. He probably won’t, but maybe he will. I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES.
Chance to win B Block: 10%
Chance to win G1 28: 5%
Tama Tonga
Before the G1 Special in San Francisco, I would’ve considered Tama Tonga to be the longest of longshots. Now, as the leader of the new Firing Squad faction, he has more of a chance to win it than ever.
There’s no way of knowing exactly how high the company is on Tama, but if they want to make him into a legit star, there’s no better way to do it than having him win the G1. An all-gaijin Wrestle Kingdom main event seems extremely unlikely, but if it were to happen, a fight for the fate of Bullet Club would be the only thing that fits the bill.
Chance to win B Block: 7%
Chance to win G1 28: 4%
Jay White
Contrary to what seems to be the popular take, I really enjoyed Switchblade’s US Title reign. I think he’s an interesting character and a nice change of pace in the ring. I wholeheartedly agree with my fellow contributor Martin that Jay White is ready for the NJPW main event. No better way to elevate someone to said main event than by booking them to win the G1. Admittedly, that kind of push this early in his career would be pretty insane.
Chance to win A Block: 7%
Chance to win G1 28: 3%
Zack Sabre Jr
ZSJ’s dominance in the New Japan Cup earlier this year is all the proof we need that NJPW is willing to push him to the moon. However, winning the G1 in the same year wouldn’t be a push to the moon, it’d be to the sun. I don’t see it happening, but I’d be remiss to say it’s not a possibility.