NJPW G1 Climax 2018: 10 Things You NEED To Know
2. Can Naito Repeat?
Besting Kenny Omega for the G1 Climax 27 crown appeared to set Tetsuya Naito up for an overdue coronation at Wrestle Kingdom 12, but Japan's most popular wrestler fell short, reverting to his failed 'Stardust Genius' persona when he needed 'El Ingobernable' to topple Kazuchika Okada. He's been on an up-and-down ride since then, capturing the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, then losing it in a one-sided brawl with Chris Jericho, and there are now suggestions of discontent with stablemates EVIL and SANADA.
Interestingly, Naito will face the latter for the first time as part of the G1. Pegged as a potential breakout star years ago, 'Cold Skull' has since slipped down the pecking order, and knows claiming the scalp of the man who brought him to NJPW in the first place would springboard him back up. Keep an eye on their interactions, as they will likely forecast Los Ingobernables de Japon's short and medium term future.
Naito is on the downswing at the moment. Losing big matches has become a recurring theme, and as such, there's an outside chance he lays an egg in the G1. Similarly, he could well surge back to the top throughout July and August, reversing a trajectory currently mirroring that of his greatest rival...