19 Ups & 4 Downs From NJPW G1 Climax 2019

17. A Gentler Schedule

Jay White Hirooki Goto
NJPW

The G1 Climax's grind can be brutal.

While no other tournament provides such a high volume of outstanding matches, that's part of the problem. Watching 5+ shows of breathless action a week is exhausting. Its excess often necessitates a wrestling vacation once it's done, no matter how great the highs.

This year's schedule was met with great relief. NJPW stretched the tournament out, going seven days between the first show in the United States and second in Japan, before settling into a groove that rarely exceeded 3-4 weekly shows. Tired fans were regularly granted two days to ready themselves for the next event. Burnout was alleviated.

From the performer's standpoint, the increased rest time meant less wear and tear, allowing them to work harder far deeper into the tournament. Yes, most of them were almost certainly working hurt by the end, but this is a tough sport and a tough competition. Anything done to ease that should be celebrated.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.