Top NJPW Names To MISS G1 Climax 2021?
An update on this year's NJPW G1 Climax field, and who WON'T be part of it.
Several American-based wrestlers originally pegged for this year's NJPW G1 Climax have declined the chance to work the tournament, reports Voices of Wrestling's Joe Lanza.
VOW's New Japan source states that "at least three" wrestlers have opted out and will work in the United States instead. Each will be replaced, though there's no word on who, exactly, has decided against competing.
Fatigue relating to the need to quarantine and live within the NJPW bubble in Japan is said to be the reason. This follows on from reports of unrest amongst New Japan's foreign wrestlers earlier this year, which coincided with the injured Will Ospreay's decision to leave Japan for his native United Kingdom in May.
Per the report, a number of wrestlers who reside in the US plan on living in Japan for three months so that they can work the G1 while avoiding quarantine-related problems, including KENTA, Jeff Cobb, and Chase Owens.
Jay White, David Finlay, and Juice Robinson will stay in the US during G1 season. Each has confirmed American bookings between 18 September and 21 October, which is when the tournament takes place. Elsewhere, NJPW officials are confident Kota Ibushi will be involved in the G1 following his battle with aspiration pneumonia, though it depends on his recovery. Ospreay isn't expected to be ready in time for the tournament.