NJPW G1 Climax 29 continues to roll on with some of the most fantastic wrestling we’ll see all year, but it may be AEW’s own Jon Moxley that goes the distance and wins the tournament.
NJPW G1 Climax 29 is already living up the legacy of the G1 Climax tournament. One of the most interesting additions to the tournament this year was none other than “Death Rider” Jon Moxley.
After leaving WWE earlier this year, the former WWE Champion made his first mark by appearing at AEW Double or Nothing. In his first appearance with NJPW, Jon Moxley captured the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship.
The newly crowned champion quickly entered himself into the G1 Climax, and he’s been tearing through the competition so far. After a strong win over Tetsuya Naito, Jon Moxley remains undefeated in the G1 Climax and leads B-Block with a total of 10 points.
A lot can happen between now and the G1 Climax 29 Finals on August 12, but current standings look like Jon Moxley is destined for a finals collision with IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada. There are three key reasons why Moxley should be the man to win it all.
1. Maximize his time in NJPW
Jon Moxley has been an undeniable asset to NJPW since arriving and dethroning Juice Robinson for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Title. An entire swath of WWE fans who adored Dean Ambrose have likely taken the step to sign up for NJPW World and watch Jon Moxley in the G1 Climax.
However, Moxley has other obligations. He will be a staple of AEW on TNT beginning in October, which means it will be more difficult for him to appear with NJPW as time goes on.
We’ll surely still see Jon Moxley in Japan, but not as frequently. On top of that, it has to be noted that he will only be on NJPW shows that take place in Japan. Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated reported this back in May:
New Japan Pro Wrestling GM Michael Craven: "New Japan and Jon Moxley came to terms on an agreement some time ago, completely independently of All Elite. Our understanding is that he is free to wrestle in Japan. We wish AEW well, but have no working relationship as of now." pic.twitter.com/8lGczFo4Wp
— Justin Barrasso (@JustinBarrasso) May 27, 2019
With the potential for limited availability in the future, NJPW would be wise to maximize the impact Jon Moxley can have while he’s there. They’ve also been in dire need of a main event gaijin since Kenny Omega’s departure.
Of course, winning the G1 Climax would normally set Jon Moxley up for a shot at the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 14, but I believe NJPW has an interesting path available.
2. IWGP Heavyweight Championship
The next two reasons will tie together, and have the potential to deliver three unforgettable moments in professional wrestling history. Of course, it’ll also give us three truly spectacular matches.
One of the biggest stories going into G1 Climax 29 was the question of whether Kazuchika Okada could win the tournament while being IWGP Heavyweight Champion. The last man to do so was Kensuke Sasaki back in 2000.
Right now, Kazuchika Okada is on the path to pulling off that magnificent feat. He’s leading A-Block while Jon Moxley is leading B-Block. With the importance of winning as champion at play here, Okada could make a bold move and choose to put the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on the line in the G1 Climax 29 Final.
This would make the match that much more consequential, regardless of who walks out as the winner and IWGP Heavyweight Champion. Of course, a win by Jon Moxley would be truly stunning.
A mere 19 days later, Jon Moxley would enter AEW All Out as the reigning IWGP Heavyweight Champion. It would be a truly amazing sight, but it would also clear a path for the third reason Jon Moxley should win the G1 Climax 29.
3. Set the stage for Wrestle Kingdom 14
The third and final reason for Jon Moxley to win the G1 Climax 29 actually has nothing to do with Jon Moxley. With his role in AEW moving forward, Jon Moxley doesn’t need a lengthy reign with the IWGP Heavyweight Championship.
Simply winning the title and carrying it into AEW All Out would be an amazing moment in Jon Moxley’s career. Of course, we already know what else Jon Moxley is doing at AEW All Out.
More from NJPW
- AEW WrestleDream event card and information
- The new Bullet Club is obnoxious and it hurts to watch
- AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door II featured two epic matches packed with storytelling magic
- AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door II Full Card Predictions: Which promotion wins the show?
- Three women’s matches that would work on Forbidden Door II
Jon Moxley is set to face former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega. After Moxley’s vicious attack on Omega at AEW Double or Nothing, Omega looks for revenge at AEW All Out. That revenge could be even sweeter if Jon Moxley put his newly won IWGP Heavyweight Championship on the line in Chicago.
Kenny Omega would hand Jon Moxley his first singles loss in AEW or NJPW whilst capturing the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for the second time. This lays the foundation for what could be the most emotional Wrestle Kingdom main event we’ve ever witnessed.
Kenny Omega would then be able to walk into Wrestle Kingdom 14 to defend the IWGP Heavyweight Championship. Some might suggest opponents like Tetsuya Naito or Kazuchika Okada, but I feel there’s only one real choice.
Kenny Omega should defend the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom 14 against Kota Ibushi. The Golden Lovers could find themselves head to head in the Tokyo Dome.
Just imagine Kota Ibushi capturing the IWGP Heavyweight Championship in the Tokyo Dome with a Kamigoye to Kenny Omega. The history between them writes the story.
It would take the perfect things falling into place to create this moment, but it all begins with Jon Moxley winning the G1 Climax. This all would have been absurd to suggest just six months ago, but we have been shown that anything can happen in professional wrestling.