Summertime in Japan means two things: the main event of Wrestle Kingdom is on the cusp of being made official, and more importantly, we’re in for over a month of arguably the best wrestling of the entire year. If the last two years are any indication, this G1 Climax is going to be one to remember, and the best thing about this one is that it’s genuinely unpredictable.

In the last two years it may have seemed something of a formality that Tetsuya Naito and, to a lesser extent, Hiroshi Tanahashi would be winning the 27th and 28th tournaments, but this year there’s a wide variety of stars set to be involved that makes the 29th incarnation of the G1 Climax something you’re going to have to watch every minute of to get even the slightest idea of who might be main eventing in the Tokyo Dome on January 4th (or 5th) 2019.

As New Japan did a few years back when the top stars such as Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles left the company, they’ve managed to keep fans interested in the company, and this G1, with their recent talent acquisitions and the stars they’ve built up as genuine superstars. Kenny Omega leaving the company to sign with AEW has seen the likes of Will Ospreay and Shingo Takagi – who both competed in the Best of the Super Juniors this year, which Ospreay won – step up to excite fans with the possibilities of fresh new matches, while the signings of KENTA and Jon Moxley (formerly Hideo Itami and Dean Ambrose in WWE) has the NJPW fanbase beaming with delight over potential matchups. Of course, even without the involvement of these four, there are the New Japan regulars such as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tetsuya Naito, Kota Ibushi and ‘Switchblade‘ Jay White who you can count on to put on potential match of the year candidates every night of this tournament. Newer fans might be confused as to why Okada is competing in the G1, given he’s the champion, but that is a testament to how prestigious winning the G1 Climax is. It’s not just about main eventing Wrestle Kingdom, it’s about proving you’re the best, and as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Kazuchika Okada must prove that constantly. It’s also worth mentioning that if Okada was to win, he would then be able to choose his opponent at Wrestle Kingdom, providing he’s still champion as anyone who beats him will receive a championship match at King of Pro-Wrestling and/or Power Struggle later in the year.

There’s only one downside to this year’s tournament for me personally; not the absence of Omega, but instead the absence of Minoru Suzuki, who in recent shows has shown anger at being left out and has told the “Suzuki-gun armies over the world to riot“, meaning we might see him getting involved in random matches, or at least those featuring Suzuki-gun members, Zack Sabre Jr. and Taichi. Another star to keep an eye out for to interfere during the tournament is Chris Jericho, who seemed to insinuate as much following his defeat to Kazuchika Okada in the main event of Dominion earlier in June. It’s looking likely he’ll be facing Hiroshi Tanahashi at some point in the next several months, so don’t be surprised if he shows up in Japan, or in the U.S.A. as the first show of the tournament is set to take place in Dallas – and is being headlined by Okada and Tana.

Early Prediction for G1 Climax 29 winner: Will Ospreay defeats Jon Moxley in the final.

Matches To Check Out:

With the amount of shows and matches taking place between July 6th and August 11th, it’ll take a lot of time and dedication to watch everything, so in the event you haven’t got all of that time on your hands, here are the matches that are intriguing me most at the minute.

July 6th, A-Block

SANADA vs Zack Sabre Jr.

These two aren’t in the top tier of stars in NJPW at the moment, but they’re definitely on the cusp and this match will show why. I’m expecting great things from SANADA and ZSJ during this tournament and this opener is one of them.

These two aren’t in the top tier of stars in NJPW at the moment, but they’re definitely on the cusp and this match will show why. I’m expecting great things from SANADA and ZSJ during this tournament and this opener is one of them. Kota Ibushi vs. KENTA

KENTA’s first match in New Japan is going to be a sight in itself, but with it being against Ibushi who is in insane form this year makes this one you need to watch.

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kazuchika Okada

Whether you want to see another chapter in their rivalry, a potential Chris Jericho run-in or just a great wrestling match, you can’t not watch Tanahashi vs Okada.

July 13th, B-Block

Juice Robinson vs. Shingo Takagi

Juice has something to prove after his performance last year and it’ll be interesting to see how Shingo adapts to the heavyweight style given he’s been performing in the Junior division since his arrival in NJPW.

Juice has something to prove after his performance last year and it’ll be interesting to see how Shingo adapts to the heavyweight style given he’s been performing in the Junior division since his arrival in NJPW. Toru Yano vs Tetsuya Naito

I’m not sure what Yano’s tactics are for this year’s G1, whether he’ll do what he said he was going to do last year and take the tournament seriously with proper wrestling, or do what he actually did and always does in wrestling the amazing Toru Yano style. This match will give us an idea, and against Naito there’s not really a better opponent for him to start the tour with. This should be gold.

I’m not sure what Yano’s tactics are for this year’s G1, whether he’ll do what he said he was going to do last year and take the tournament seriously with proper wrestling, or do what he actually did and always does in wrestling the amazing Toru Yano style. This match will give us an idea, and against Naito there’s not really a better opponent for him to start the tour with. This should be gold. Tomohiro Ishii vs. Jeff Cobb

Jeff Cobb is another one making his G1 debut and kicking it off against Ishii, who brings it every year in every G1 match of his, means this one is going to be a tremendous hoss brawl.

Jeff Cobb is another one making his G1 debut and kicking it off against Ishii, who brings it every year in every G1 match of his, means this one is going to be a tremendous hoss brawl. Jon Moxley vs. Taichi

While it’s not the most appealing first G1 match for Moxley, it’ll be more than worth the watch to see him finally competing in this tournament. Taichi is also ever improving and has a chip on his shoulder meaning this won’t be a squash win for Moxley, this should be a good back and forth matchup.

July 14th, A-Block

Will Ospreay vs. SANADA

While he’s not as aerial as Ospreay, SANADA is really athletic and it should be interesting to see how he counters Ospreay’s Junior style, while Ospreay attempts to counter SANADA’s heavyweight advantage.

While he’s not as aerial as Ospreay, SANADA is really athletic and it should be interesting to see how he counters Ospreay’s Junior style, while Ospreay attempts to counter SANADA’s heavyweight advantage. Kazuchika Okada vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

Okada has struggled in the past against ZSJ, so this has the potential to be a spoiler for Okada so early in the tournament, which could have a massive impact on the rest of the G1. Of course, this match taking place at all depends on whether Zack successfully defends his G1 spot against YOSHI-HASHI, another G1 regular that is absent from this year’s tournament alongside Suzuki and Togi Makabe.

Okada has struggled in the past against ZSJ, so this has the potential to be a spoiler for Okada so early in the tournament, which could have a massive impact on the rest of the G1. Of course, this match taking place at all depends on whether Zack successfully defends his G1 spot against YOSHI-HASHI, another G1 regular that is absent from this year’s tournament alongside Suzuki and Togi Makabe. Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. KENTA

As Tana gets older he’s getting more injuries, whether it be tears in the bicep or in the knee, so if you want to see KENTA go all out trying to kick the life out his opponent, this might be the match where that’s best showcased.

July 15th, B-Block

Tomohiro Ishii vs Jay White

With Ishii being on top form every G1 and with Jay White getting even better every time he steps into the ring, this one is bound to be thrilling, hard-hitting and outright enjoyable. It’s early days, but this could also have big implications on the final standings of B-Block in general, as White’s a favourite to get to the final and Ishii’s day is hopefully coming soon.

With Ishii being on top form every G1 and with Jay White getting even better every time he steps into the ring, this one is bound to be thrilling, hard-hitting and outright enjoyable. It’s early days, but this could also have big implications on the final standings of B-Block in general, as White’s a favourite to get to the final and Ishii’s day is hopefully coming soon. Juice Robinson vs Hirooki Goto

I don’t think anyone expects these two to be at the top of the block come August 11th, but that doesn’t mean Juice and Goto won’t be giving everything to put on excellent matches during the tournament and I get the feeling this is going to be a very good back and forth match. It’s also worth remembering that, against all odds, Goto made the final in 2016 where he was bested by Kenny Omega, so you never can tell what will happen in the G1 Climax.

July 18th, A-Block

EVIL vs. SANADA

There’ll be two LIJ vs LIJ matches this year, and this one I feel will be the most interesting with two teammates and former tag champions going up against one another. There’s been some tension in LIJ recently, and it might implode here.

There’ll be two LIJ vs LIJ matches this year, and this one I feel will be the most interesting with two teammates and former tag champions going up against one another. There’s been some tension in LIJ recently, and it might implode here. Kota Ibushi vs. Will Ospreay

A Wrestle Kingdom 13 rematch. Ibushi and Ospreay battered each other in the Tokyo Dome in January this year, leaving Ibushi with a concussion. I have no doubts that this will be just as brutal.

July 19, B-Block

Toru Yano vs. Jay White

Yano matches are a nice breather during a gruelling tournament, but if you want to see Jay White be truly vindictive and go out of his way to inflict pain on his opponent, I can’t help but think this will be the match to watch.

Yano matches are a nice breather during a gruelling tournament, but if you want to see Jay White be truly vindictive and go out of his way to inflict pain on his opponent, I can’t help but think this will be the match to watch. Tomohiro Ishii vs. Jon Moxley

When Moxley first appeared in New Japan it was the thought of matches like this that made it so exciting. I think this could be Moxley’s first defeat in the company, but you never know with the G1 and it’s going to be great watching to find out if it is.

July 20th, A-Block

Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay

While Ibushi vs SANADA and EVIL vs KENTA are likely to be great matches, this is nailed on to be one of the matches of the tournament. I said that the ZSJ is a potential spoiler for Okada, but I can’t help but think this will be his first defeat in the tournament – and Ospreay’s first win for the matter after a 0-3 start. These two had excellent chemistry in their previous match with one another, and I think it’ll be even better here when there’s more than champions pride on the line.

July 24th, B-Block

Jeff Cobb vs. Jay White

While the Yano match could see Jay giving a sinister beating, I can definitely see the opposite happening in this one, which makes it more than worth watching if you love to hate the Switchblade.

While the Yano match could see Jay giving a sinister beating, I can definitely see the opposite happening in this one, which makes it more than worth watching if you love to hate the Switchblade. Jon Moxley vs. Shingo Takagi

These two actually have a bit of history going back to Moxley’s pre-WWE days, so not only will there be more to this than two points on the board, but expect to see these two wrestlers with completely different styles have amazing chemistry with one another.

These two actually have a bit of history going back to Moxley’s pre-WWE days, so not only will there be more to this than two points on the board, but expect to see these two wrestlers with completely different styles have amazing chemistry with one another. Tomohiro Ishii vs. Tetsuya Naito

Ishii and Naito matches are always spectacular, so you’d be hard done by if you happened to miss this. Like I’ve said about previous Ishii matches as well, his performances in the G1 mean there’s every chance in the world he’ll beat Naito here – like he did in 2017 – and cause a possible disruption to the final standings of the B-Block table.

July 27th, A-Block

Kazuchika Okada vs. KENTA

This is essentially the poster boy of New Japan Pro-Wrestling against the long-time poster boy of Pro Wrestling Noah, so it’s a match that both man has to win, and neither can afford to lose, especially this far into the tournament. How good it’ll be in the ring also goes without saying, and I’m really looking forward to seeing these two face each other for the very first time.

July 28th, B-Block

Shingo Takagi vs Jay White

I’m expecting big things from Shingo during this year’s G1 and this match against the Switchblade is no exception and the more I think about the prospect of this match the more I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait to see Shingo’s heavy-hitting style matched with Jay’s cynical and dastardly tactics.

I’m expecting big things from Shingo during this year’s G1 and this match against the Switchblade is no exception and the more I think about the prospect of this match the more I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait to see Shingo’s heavy-hitting style matched with Jay’s cynical and dastardly tactics. Tetsuya Naito vs. Jon Moxley

This might well be the match everyone is looking forward to. The two men in New Japan who don’t give a damn what anyone thinks, and you can be sure that these two will go to any measure to ensure they come out of this one with the two points. For what I’m predicting, this is also the most important match in B-Block as it’ll have massive implications as to who’s wrestling in the final on August 12th.

August 3rd, A-Block

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Kota Ibushi

A repeat of last year’s final, similarly to the match above, could be a deciding factor as to whether either of these two are wrestling in the final again this year. I can’t see past Ibushi getting some retribution for his loss last August, but you never can tell in New Japan, and if it’s anywhere near as good as that final, we’re in for a good night of wrestling on August 3rd.

A repeat of last year’s final, similarly to the match above, could be a deciding factor as to whether either of these two are wrestling in the final again this year. I can’t see past Ibushi getting some retribution for his loss last August, but you never can tell in New Japan, and if it’s anywhere near as good as that final, we’re in for a good night of wrestling on August 3rd. Kazuchika Okada vs. SANADA

At this point I’ve lost count of how many times Okada has beaten SANADA in singles competition (I think he’s 6-0 up at the minute), so surely something has to give here and SANADA has to cause an upset? The last time Okada walked into the G1 as champion he was pretty much unstoppable and that’s likely to be the case this year too, but with Okada winning their two singles matches this year, I’ve got to think SANADA is winning this one.

August 4th, B-Block

Jon Moxley vs. Jay White

While I don’t think this will be as important as Moxley/Naito, I do think we’re in for a surprise result here with White getting the upset, so I’d advise you to check this one out. As well as that, I think this will be similar to the above-mentioned match in how both of these two men will pull out every dastardly trick in the book to win, with White’s nefarious tactics being countered carelessly by Moxley.

While I don’t think this will be as important as Moxley/Naito, I do think we’re in for a surprise result here with White getting the upset, so I’d advise you to check this one out. As well as that, I think this will be similar to the above-mentioned match in how both of these two men will pull out every dastardly trick in the book to win, with White’s nefarious tactics being countered carelessly by Moxley. Tetsuya Naito vs. Shingo Takagi

This is the second LIJ vs LIJ match of the tournament and, with the exception of that context, I’m honestly just looking forward to this one to see Shingo up against another top talent. He’s really impressed me this year and Naito is arguably top 3 in the company, so this is just about nailed on to be one of the matches everyone is talking about coming out of the tournament.

August 7th, A-Block

Kota Ibushi vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

On the penultimate night of the block this match could definitely see ZSJ ruining Ibushi’s chances of reaching the final. The previous G1 and New Japan Cup matches these two have had were fantastic, and that should be the case here – though it might be worth keeping in mind that at this point of the tournament all wrestlers could be carrying injuries, and that is more than likely going to be the case for the reckless Ibushi, so be cautious about what to expect from him.

On the penultimate night of the block this match could definitely see ZSJ ruining Ibushi’s chances of reaching the final. The previous G1 and New Japan Cup matches these two have had were fantastic, and that should be the case here – though it might be worth keeping in mind that at this point of the tournament all wrestlers could be carrying injuries, and that is more than likely going to be the case for the reckless Ibushi, so be cautious about what to expect from him. Will Ospreay vs. KENTA

Another first time match and another one that I feel will be important leading into the final day and the final itself. Likewise with Ibushi I’d be amazed if Ospreay isn’t injured at this point of the tournament, but regardless of whether he is, he and KENTA will be going all out to hurt each other here. It’ll be tough, but enjoyable, to watch.

Another first time match and another one that I feel will be important leading into the final day and the final itself. Likewise with Ibushi I’d be amazed if Ospreay isn’t injured at this point of the tournament, but regardless of whether he is, he and KENTA will be going all out to hurt each other here. It’ll be tough, but enjoyable, to watch. Kazuchika Okada vs. EVIL

It was in 2017 when IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kazuchika Okada was bested by EVIL very late into the block matches for his first defeat. History has the potential to repeat itself here, but I’ve picked this one as a match to watch as their two matches in 2017 were really good and EVIL has only gotten better since, so this should be even better.

August 8th, B-Block

While around this point of the tournament I’d like to imagine you’ll be heavily invested in every match, real life still could be getting in the way. This penultimate night of B-Block is absolutely stacked and if you’re going to invest your time in just one full night of G1 matches during this tournament before the semi-finals, this night’s offerings of Cobb/Naito, Goto/Moxley, Juice/White, Yano/Taichi and Ishii/Shingo is what I’d suggest checking out. However, if there’s just two matches out of these you can watch, I’d go with Goto/Moxley and Juice/White. I haven’t recommenced a Hirooki Goto match yet, but that isn’t a slight on him at all, as there’s every chance each one of his matches will have you on the edge of your seat, and the Moxley fight will be no different. As for Juice vs Jay, this could be the match that not only sees Jay’s desires of a G1 final vanish, but it could also be the night where Juice truly arrives as a top star in the company with a win over a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion. I’m really looking forward to this night – and it’s still June!

August 10th, A-Block

Will Ospreay vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Like I said above, I’d hope the semi-finals are where you’re giving your full attention to the G1 Climax, but on this particular night there are these two matches that stand out above the rest. I don’t think Tana will do particularly well this year in comparison to what we’ve seen him achieve in the past, let alone last year, so my reasoning for suggesting this match lies solely on my expectations of Will Ospreay getting to the final, or at the very least getting twelve points. This is something of a dream match in the company at the moment, with the New Junior Ace facing The Ace, so even if these two have zero points this far into the tournament, you’re going to want to check this out.

Like I said above, I’d hope the semi-finals are where you’re giving your full attention to the G1 Climax, but on this particular night there are these two matches that stand out above the rest. I don’t think Tana will do particularly well this year in comparison to what we’ve seen him achieve in the past, let alone last year, so my reasoning for suggesting this match lies solely on my expectations of Will Ospreay getting to the final, or at the very least getting twelve points. This is something of a dream match in the company at the moment, with the New Junior Ace facing The Ace, so even if these two have zero points this far into the tournament, you’re going to want to check this out. Kazuchika Okada vs. Kota Ibushi

We could easily be seeing this main event Wrestle Kingdom – though it’s unlikely for G1 block matches to be repeated five months later – so this is definitely worth watching in that regard. Most importantly though, it’s Okada vs Ibushi, arguably a bigger dream match than Ospreay vs Tanahashi and a strong contender for what will be the match of the tournament. Whatever you do, don’t miss this one.

August 11th, B-Block

Tetsuya Naito vs. Jay White

While every match is important during the semi-finals and on this night I sense importance in every match – Ishii/Taichi, Goto/Shingo and especially Juice/Moxley – with the exception of Cobb/Yano, which should serve as a nice breather, it’s this one that I think will determine who reaches the final from B-Block, and I don’t think it’ll be either of these two men. I can see Moxley beating Juice with that seemingly being in vain, with him having been defeated by Naito and White earlier in the tournament, however I really think a thirty minute time limit draw is what’s in store here, opening the door for Moxley to meet Ospreay in the final. As a brief aside, if Moxley and Naito or White, or anyone for that matter, were to be tied on points at the top of their respective block, who goes through would be decided on who came out on top in their singles match against one another.

The most exciting thing about the G1 though, is that my predictions could be disregarded within in three days of B-Block matches. The G1 Climax is so incredibly surprising that anything could happen, meaning that even Cobb/Yano could be the most important match of the night. You’ve just got to watch it to find out.

The twenty-ninth G1 Climax begins on July 6th in Dallas, TX. Unfortunately there’ll be a delay for fans waiting to watch it on New Japan World, as it’s set to air on AXS TV. The tournament begins in Japan on July 13th and ends with the final on August 12th where the A-Block winner meets the B-Block winner to determine who main events Wrestle Kingdom 14 – providing they get through the shows in the next few months without losing their contract to anyone who defeat them during the tournament in block competition.

Enjoy the G1, it’s going to be amazing!