NJPW Opens G1 Climax 36 in Chicago as 20 Wrestlers Chase Wrestle Kingdom Title Shot
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 10
NJPW Opens G1 Climax 36 in Chicago as 20 Wrestlers Chase Wrestle Kingdom Title Shot
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 10
Summary
Saturday’s opener at Chicago’s NOW Arena launches G1 Climax 36, only the second time New Japan Pro-Wrestling has started its marquee tournament in the U.S.
The 4-week, 20-wrestler event splits competitors into A and B blocks, with 2 points for a win, 1 for a draw and the winner earning an IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match at Wrestle Kingdom in January.
Rocky Romero called the G1 one of wrestling’s most prestigious and physically demanding tournaments, saying its league format and 30-day grind are what 'make legends.'
Romero pointed to Yota Tsuji and defending winner Konosuke Takeshita as leading favorites, while also highlighting Zack Sabre Jr., Olympic judo gold medalist Aaron Wolf and 23-year-old Callum Newman as threats.
For NJPW, the Chicago start is also a global showcase: Romero said a 4,000-5,000 U.S. crowd would help spotlight a younger generation trying to match stars such as Okada, Tanahashi and Kenny Omega.