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