Every NJPW G1 Climax Entrant Ranked From Least To Most Likely To Win
Who stands a chance of booking their spot in the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 12?
New Japan Pro Wrestling have released the names of the twenty men entering the G1 Climax 27.
The annual tournament will have more eyes on it than ever before, as NJPW seek to break into new markets and build on their hugely successful past few years. Among the names were a few surprises, including the globetrotting Zack Sabre Jr., a returning Kota Ibushi, and no mention of Cody - despite his previous statements.
As though winning a tournament of this prestige was not enough incentive, the winner also punches their ticket to the main event of Wrestle Kingdom 12. The twenty participants will be jostling for position, each one trying to outlast the rest of his block and make it to the finals.
From there, two men collide in one final battle, determining who will be granted the G1 trophy and that all-important Tokyo Dome briefcase. With a field that includes timeless veterans, debutantes, and representatives from each of NJPW's major factions, sparks will fly starting July 17th.
Until then, let's all speculate to our hearts' content about who are the most and least likely wrestlers to go all the way in G1 Climax 27.
20. Toru Yano
Whatever your thoughts on the DVD-shilling comedy act, Toru Yano is in the company's good books, providing a rare silliness to NJPW's strong-style product. Believe it or not, YTR is going into his 11th G1 tournament. Sure enough he wasn't always the complete goof he is now - but that is good going for a comedy act.
Expect low-blows, exposed turnbuckles, and all nine of his matches to be less than five minutes a piece.
Comedy characters have their role, but that does not entail a victory in the hugely prestigious G1.