10 NJPW Stars Who NEED A Memorable G1 Climax Run

5. Minoru Suzuki

Tetsuya Naito Table
NJPW1972.com

Minoru Suzuki is in the midst of an incredible year.

Entering a superb, stiff story match opposite Hirooki Goto at Wrestle Kingdom; systemically destroying Hiroshi Tanahashi; propping up Togi Makabe for one last classic match stand; teaming with stablemate Zack Sabre, Jr. in several minor tag team classics: Suzuki is on a tear.

This is in stark contrast to his 2017 annus horribilis, in which his matches almost bordered on tawdry, one-dimensional sports entertainment. The danger is that, should Suzuki once more relinquish his terrifying presence, last year may not be categorised as an aberration. This is dangerous territory because Suzuki is the ideal early-run IWGP Heavyweight Title challenger - provided that inimitable, sadistic, blackly comedic aura remains aglow. Fans approach a Suzuki challenge with reassurance; they know he isn't at all likely to capture the crown, but is deeply convincing at obscuring that within the match, the aftermath of which sees the Champion bolstered through taking his scalp.

Makabe, YOSHI-HASHI, Bad Luck Fale, Hangman Page, Michael Elgin - Suzuki must blitz through the rank-and-file, fading veterans and rising gaijin midcard acts alike for the long-term benefit of his credentials.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!