The Lesson WWE BADLY Needs To Learn From The NJPW G1 Climax

Zack Sabre Jr Hiroshi Tanahashi
NJPW

Tomohiro Ishii, the Ace of the G1, has fused his awesome performances with a very good record. Always the sentimental favourite, the word “sentimental” need no longer apply. Tetsuya Naito is approaching sudden death territory following a subdued start. This arc has accomplished two goals: protected as a megastar for years, his aura is bulletproof. A win over Naito means something. Moreover, his remaining matches will now take on an absurd strain of drama.

This mentality also applies to Jay White. Most expected the former IWGP Champion to have fared better thus far. That he hasn’t does not affect his standing in the ranks, because he has already amassed several major wins in 2019. The booking instead adds layers of intrigue to the complexion of the tournament.

Pro wrestling is a strange, incalculable thing because it is an art form. Much of what gets over cannot be designed, which seems counterintuitive, since it’s all predetermined. But that’s wrestling. Gedo’s genius approach to it is that he is both mathematician and architect. Gedo builds talent, carefully, constantly, precisely, and the effect creates a world in which so many of its inhabitants are over. The G1 is his masterpiece. An epic series of electric matches, it is also a framework in which wins and losses don’t merely “matter”; they are everything. The hopes of entire fandoms often live, die and live again within the last, scintillating five minutes of exhilarating, tortuous drama.

At time of writing, there are no fewer than seven viable winners still alive across each block. This number does not include Tanahashi, who at this period in his legendary career is forever over. Nor does it include Zack Sabre, Jr., whose audacious 2018 New Japan Cup win was booked with such conviction that it established him as a formidable player in storylines. Viewed strictly, Zack’s subsequent win/loss record probably veers close to 50/50.

This formula exists within the New Japan universe, but it just feels different.

CONT'D...(2 of 5)

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and surefire Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!