10 Reasons To Get Into NJPW In 2019
4. An Unpredictable G1
In a testament to how well NJPW have loaded their midcard with believable stars and title challengers, there were several stronger candidates than Hiroshi Tanahashi for eventual winner when the 2018 G1 Climax brackets were first announced.
But 'The Ace' really was back. In stopping both Naito and Kenny Omega getting their second wins in three years, Kazuchika Okada rebounding from his Dominion defeat with an immediate Wrestle Kingdom rematch and even Kota Ibushi realising what many felt was his destiny from before the tournament even began, Tanahashi underscored the excellence of NJPW's forethought and deft booking strategy.
He was reborn as a babyface concern for the remainder of the year after a middling first few months, such was the excitement around his every move all over again. Such a pedestal will exist all over again for New Japan's rich roster in the summer of 2019.
Not every performer can be a Champion, but with plenty of titles to go for, enough of them can be believable contenders. The wrestling quality content is almost entirely without worry - Tama Tonga and Bad Luck Fale couldn't completely sh*t up either Block even when their matches weren't much to write home about - but the sheer breadth of opportunities offered for the winners and most popular runners up in such a massive year for the organisation should make it one of the most tantalising fields in recent memory.