10 Reasons For Wrestling Fans To Be Excited About July
4. G1 Special In USA
With the dawn of the internet, fans no longer need to swap rare VHS tapes in order to learn about the world of wrestling beyond their territory. One of the greatest beneficiaries of this change has been New Japan Pro Wrestling.
Japanese wrestling is now more available to Western audiences than ever before, and it just so happens that NJPW are experiencing a golden age. As a result, the company is hosting its first foray onto American soil with the G1 Specials in Long Beach, California.
Currently booked for the July 1st and 2nd shows are a whole host of talent from NJPW, Ring of Honor, and the Mexican promotion CMLL. The centrepiece of these shows are two title bouts featuring ex-WWE talent, and a single-elimination tournament to crown the first ever IWGP US Heavyweight Champion.
Kazuchika Okada, currently constructing a year for the ages as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, will defend his belt against the new Ring of Honor Champion, Cody Rhodes. This clash between the top guys in arguably the no. 2 and 3 promotions in the world is a clear indication that NJPW and ROH are mounting the offensive on WWE. Therefore, the success or failure of these shows could shape the future of pro wrestling as we know it.