Every NJPW G1 Climax 28 Entrant Ranked From Least To Most Likely To Win

17. Tama Tonga

Kota Ibushi G1 Climax
NJPW World

Time has likely passed Tama Tonga by.

Pinpointed as one of the most underrated wrestlers in the company and a potential singles star years ago, the 35-year-old has never quite looked like breaking out. This is despite an impressive string of G1 Climax performances dating back to 2016, when he first entered the competition, showing flashes of genuine brilliance in bouts with Hiroshi Tanahashi, Tomohiro Ishii, and Naomichi Marufuji.

It's now unlikely that Tonga will ever be pushed beyond his current level. He'll shine, and announcer Kevin Kelly will wax lyrical about his serpentine style, but he's a midcard tag wrestler. He isn't winning the G1.

In this post: 
Kenny Omega
 
Posted On: 
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

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.