To allow both Block A and Block B to get there proper spotlights I will be splitting them into two articles and instead of breaking it down and talking out of my a** I will let New Japan do the talking for me!! For the full article check out G1 Climax Preview B

The ironman of the G1 Climax, Hiroshi Tanahashi has already wrestled and won more matches in G1 Climax competition than anyone else, and with his 19th consecutive entry, ties Yuji Nagata for most years in succession at the top flight of wrestling tournaments. The question is whether The Ace has a fourth overall victory in him. 
Tanahashi was not the pick of many in 2018 when his G1 entry came off the back of a debilitating knee injury but time and again Tanahashi pulls out all of the stops in order to compete at the very top of his game during the G1. In 2020, though, singles success has proven elusive. The year started with a loss to Chris Jericho in the Tokyo Dome, and on NJPW’s return to action for the New Japan Cup, a first round exit to Taichi was the result. In the ensuing IWGP Tag Team Championship feud with Dangerous Tekkers, Tanahashi proved to be the weaker link of the Golden ☆ Ace team before Kota Ibushi elected to break the duo up at least on a temporary basis after Summer Struggle in Jingu; can G1 Climax 30 once again spark a Tanahashi resurgence and prove that the Ace’s time isn’t over yet?
Key match Ryogoku October 17 vs Zack Sabre Jr. 
Tanahashi and ZSJ have been all but joined at the hip over the last two years; their tag team wars through the summer of 2020 the continuation of a singles feud that saw five matches in 2019 alone. Now meeting one on one for the ninth time, the win:loss record stands at 4:4. A win over the British submission master would not only put the Ace ahead in their feud, but would also be a key indicator of Tanahashi being back in peak form if he can use victory to book his place in the final. 

It’s been 12 years since Hirooki Goto made his G1 Climax debut, and with the assertion that ‘The G in G1 stands for Goto!’ became the first outside of the inaugural 1991 tournament to win the G1 on his first attempt. Hopes were high in the summer of 2008 that his G1 Climax victory would put Goto on a fast track to the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, but Goto was unable to wrest control of the title in the coming years, nor has he won another G1 tournament. 
Yet Goto is always in the mix, and capable of putting together hot streaks that make him a clear and distinct threat. In 2016, he would make the final after Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi wrestled to a draw ahead of him in the block, and in 2019, despite questions over whether he would check out after defeating his rival Switchblade Jay White in his first match, he was present until the bitter end. Overlooking the fierce warrior would be a grave mistake indeed. 
Key match Yokohama October 14 vs EVIL
When EVIL first debuted in NJPW as Tetsuya Naito’s pareja in what would become Los Ingobernables De Japon, EVIL was his first singles opponent, in a match that ended in disqualification. Almost five years later and many would argue that a disqualification should have been the result in the quarterfinals of the New Japan Cup, and a vicious assault from the King of Darkness that served as a prelude to EVIL’s betrayal of LIJ to join BULLET CLUB. There’s certainly a lot of history between EVIL and Goto, and all of it dominated by bad blood. Yokohama will see the next chapter. 

To allow both Block A and Block B to get there proper spotlights I will be splitting them into two articles and instead of breaking it down and talking out of my a** I will let New Japan do the talking for me!! For the full article check out G1 Climax Preview 1

Jeff Cobb’s 4-5 record in last year’s G1 Climax wasn’t the positive win:loss record the Olympian wanted in his debut outing, but he nevertheless put in some impressive performances, including a spectacular win over Shingo Takagi. One of the most active wrestlers on NJPW of America’s roster, Cobb was itching to get back to action all the way through COVID enforced lockdown, getting right back into the swing of in-ring action on Lion’s Break Collision and then entering New Japan Cup USA. Cobb would crash out of the tournament, but only as a result of a low blow from KENTA after having a clear visual pinfall. It was a performance that helped re-establish Cobb’s reputation as a dangerous tournament wrestler, a reputation he seeks to build now back in Japan and in front of crowds for G1 Climax 30. 
Key match Takamatsu October 5 vs Jay White
Much like Kota Ibushi, Cobb will have his sights set on Jay White in A Block competition. BULLET CLUB’s dominance Friday nights on NJPW STRONG is yet to be broken, and a win over the Switchblade will make a lot of difference when it comes to each man’s respective standing when back in the US. 

2nd entry, 2nd consecutive
Will Ospreay’s 2019 G1 Climax debut campaign ended with a landmark victory over Hiroshi Tanahashi that seemed set to propel him to brand new heights. After losing the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship to Hiromu Takahashi in the Tokyo Dome, Ospreay formally transitioned to heavyweight on winning RPW’s British Heavyweight Championship, and in his time away from the ring during lockdown, has removed the ‘aerial’ aspect of his nickname, preferring to be known simply as ‘The Assassin’ Will Ospreay from here on out. 
It’s a hint as to his possible style in the tournament, and his attitude to boot. No longer aiming to impress with acrobatic ability, Ospreay will be focused and driven to pick up results, and to be in the mix come Ryogoku. 
Key match Kobe September 27 vs Shingo Takagi
Their Best of the Super Jr. 27 final confrontation was head and shoulders ahead in 2019 match of the year polls worldwide, making a sequel a dead certainty. It seemed as if that match would come in March in the first round of the New japan Cup, but when Coronavirus played haywire with match schedules, many wondered if the bout would ever come. Now Kobe will see a dream bout that will have serious implications on the end block results. 

​As always wrestling gives us both great memories and memories we try and forget, but with the amount of moments worth remembering that have happened we are bound to forget some. The same could be said about some talent that were very much underrated during their career or never at the top of a company during a run this unfortunately makes it easier for fans to forget certain talent. These two are very different talent and had two very different careers while they worked in this great business. Sometimes we encounter those that deserve to be remembered and acknowledged. I would like to wish a very big Happy Birthday to all who are celebrating their special day today and especially to the one featured below.

​As always wrestling gives us both great memories and memories we try and forget, but with the amount of moments worth remembering that have happened we are bound to forget some. The same could be said about some talent that were very much underrated during their career or never at the top of a company during a run this unfortunately makes it easier for fans to forget certain talent. These two are very different talent and had two very different careers while they worked in this great business. Sometimes we encounter those that deserve to be remembered and acknowledged. I would like to wish a very big Happy Birthday to all who are celebrating their special day today and especially to the one featured below.​

Nerd Note: Kota Ibushi has found his footing in the upper echelon of New Japan and is one of only a handful of wrestlers to have held two different sets of tag team gold with two former World Champions. Ibushi is a former Junior Heavyweight tag team champion with Kenny Omega and is the current IWGP Tag Team champions with Hiroshi Tanahashi. 

Since the very beginning of this terrible situation earlier this year I've spoken very highly of New Japan and their handling of this incredibly unfortunate situation. From the start there has been little to no hesitation in the decision making from top to bottom by New Japan and they've have put the talent and fans first. President Meij realizes the pivitol role that wrestling can play for people and wants to ensure the safety for all involved before allowing anyone to return to normal work activities. As I mentioned in the previous update New Japan and other wrestling organizations on the island are working with the government to bring wrestling back. 

New Japan stated that they will not risk the safety of wrestlers by running empty arena shows which in my opinion shows how they value the presence of fans over everything else. It wasn't a shot at American wrestling even if it could be consider to be that now isn't the time for companies to be taking petty jabs at each other. The best thing for everyone to do is to figure out the best way to help and refocus on recovery as we change the current situation. Though the situation might be different in Japan then it is here at least the wrestling world in the country is united together and helping each other which is a lot more then I can say for American wrestling. Either way I will continue to praise Harold Meij and I to believe that through their handling of this situation this will only make NJPW stronger in the long run. Take a look!! 

I've spoke about the way New Japan has handled the current pandemic plaguing society and they have done an amazing job in my opinion. A few weeks ago pro-wrestling united in Japan to help figure out what the next move will be and where to go from here. I would like to break it down for you, but there was a lot included in the article so I will post part of it and allow you to visit the link provided to read the entire article. We will be this and recover! Link here  

"On Wednesday April 15, led by Bushiroad Company Director Takaaki Kidani, Hiroshi Tanahashi and NJPW Chairman Naoki Sugabayashi joined representatives from STARDOM, Pro Wrestling NOAH, All Japan Pro-Wrestling, DDT Pro-Wrestling, Diana and Tokyo Joshi Pro-Wrestling at Tokyo’s Lower House Assembly Hall. Together the company representatives were present to consult with the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, (and former NJPW wrestler) Hiroshi Hase to discuss how the COVID-19 crisis has affected the professional wrestling industry in Japan."

Hiroshi Tanahashi, New Japan Pro-Wrestling
"‘While events have been cancelled, our wrestlers have been training diligently and maintaining their focus for an eventual return. Yes, not being able to wrestle does make a lot of us concerned for our livelihoods, but in the world of sports, be that baseball, soccer, or sumo, I feel that professional wrestling should be the anchor. I think it should be acceptable for professional wrestling to be the last sport to return to full activity. I want people to know that when professional wrestling is back, then and only then it means truly that Japanese entertainment has properly recovered.’"

Hiroshi Hase, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
‘Thank you to the representatives of the professional wrestling industry for sharing their plight, as well as to for the explanations from official bodies today. There are measures we can enact to assist enterprises, promotions and wrestlers during these times, and I would like to continue to discuss them further. This situation will not last forever. Speedy and accurate testing, effective treatment and medicinal development are all things the whole world is working together on. Professional wrestling has a huge and very important role in raising the flag of victory over COVID-19. I ask all staff members and all wrestlers to keep working to be in the best shape possible to spread joy to the fans with incredible matches very soon.’

As I’m sure you’re aware, last week we announced the cancellation of the remainder of the events on the Road to Dontaku Tour. Our latest 12 cancellations from April 19 in Korakuen to May 4 in Fukuoka join other events already cancelled from March 1 onward.
I know how much of a disappointment this is to fans who were looking forward to attending these events. Ticket holders are all being refunded however, and as we closely monitor the situation with regards to events after May 4, ticket sales have been suspended or delayed accordingly to make the process as easy as possible for fans.
NJPW have been taking the ongoing global situation very seriously from an early stage. Currently over 90% of our employees are working from home as we continue to do our civic duty as a company to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We, like you, are disappointed and frustrated at not being able to present the best professional wrestling on the planet on a live basis at the current moment in time.

For the full letter check here!! 

In my opinion, this is the complete opposite of how WWE has handled this current situation. New Japan has been leaning on their vast archive and other unique content to help until this situation becomes a little more manageable. If you go back to early March though New Japan has taken this situation from very seriously from the start and will not let up until the situation changes. I give props to New Japan for handling the situation as well as they have and attempting to make best out of a terrible situation. For more stay tuned here for updates or head over to New Japan's Main Site!

It is a rarity that I find two stars from New Japan celebrating their birthdays on the same day, but low and behold it had to happen once. As always wrestling gives us both great memories and memories we try and forget, but with the amount of moments worth remembering that have happened we are bound to forget some. The same could be said about some talent that were very much underrated during their career or never at the top of a company during a run this unfortunately makes it easier for fans to forget certain talent. These two are very different talent and had two very different careers while they worked in this great business. Sometimes we encounter those that deserve to be remembered and acknowledged. I would like to wish a very big Happy Birthday to all who are celebrating their special day today and especially to the one featured below.​

Nerd Note: Hiroyoshi Tenzan is one of only a handful of wrestlers to have held the NWA World Tag Team & IWGP Tag Team Titles. Tenzan actually would win both sets of tag titles with the same partner both times and in many cases is considered a legend of New Japan. 

First order of business is that Minoru Suzuki is one crazy ass mother-fucker like he is the stuff nightmares are made of and this post match interview Minoru proved my point. Moxley vs Suzuki wasn't a match it was a fight and fight that fit the reputation both men have developed over the years. Since arriving in New Japan last year it has been a bumpy ride for Moxley, but after finding his footing in Japan it seems like New Japan has found themselves another star in there IWGP United States Champion Jon Moxley. 

However, it doesn't seem like Moxley's feud with Suzuki-Gun is over yet with Zack Sabre Jr attacking Jon Moxley after the match not giving him a chance to breath. It was interesting hearing Sabre explain his history with Jon Moxley going all the way back to when Moxley would tour in Europe. I've always been a fan of Sabre's in ring ability, but this was really the first time I've heard him talk. Hearing him speak you can hear a sense of entitlement and ego in his voice it seemed like he knows he is amazing and doesn't have to hide it. In my opinion, Sabre has seen his stock rise loads in probably the last two years almost like New Japan told him we pick you to push just as a random person on the roster. Imagine Sabre Jr make a move over to AEW for a dream match in America which could be possible if New Japan and All Elite still have a positive relationship. 

For the full results of New Beginning take a look here!!