9 Things You Need To Know About The G1 Climax 25 Tournament

9. The History Of G1 Climax

The G1 Climax tournament has been going strong since 1991, but its history goes back even further, just under different names. In 1974, it started as the World League, changing to MSG League, International Wrestling Grand Prix, and finally the World Cup Tournament in 1989.

During these years it was dominated by the founding star wrestler of NJPW, Antonio Inoki, who won an impressive 10 times. Other winners included: Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Seiji Sakaguchi, and Riki Choshu.

Inoki's dominance lessened over time and in 1990 no tournament was held. In 1991, the first G1 Climax was held, and it brought on a new era of champions.