The past few years have seen New Japan Pro Wrestling’s annual Best of Super Jr tournament be combined with World Tag League in December. Combining this with COVID-19 and a much smaller NJPW-orientated participants meant that the tournament hasn’t had the same impact as in previous years.
Luckily, this year seems to have changed it as not only is the tournament back to two blocks, but there are wrestlers from across different promotions worldwide. For many, it seems like New Japan is slowly getting back to where it was before the pandemic started by bringing together talent to showcase in their tournaments.
Here is a look at six possible winners of this year’s tournament.
6. El Lindaman
Credit: NJPW1972
When this year’s tournament participants were announced, many wrestling fans were excited to see El Lindaman’s name. El Lindaman made his New Japan debut with the rest of STRONG HEARTS back at Wrestle Kingdom in January. As soon as he appeared, he caught the attention of former champion El Desperado for his unpredictable talent.
When it comes to professional wrestling, El Lindaman is the perfect package. He is fast and unpredictable and has so much confidence and charisma both inside and outside of the ring. His wrestling style combines speed, danger, and a technically sound offence. With nearly ten years of experience, he has almost done it all.
As the GLEAT T-Rex Champion, El Lindaman has a target on his back like all other champions. His entry into the tournament shows that NJPW is ready to branch out to different promotions. El Lindaman taking part will bring fresh blood to the shows. He will definitely use his unfamiliarity with the other competitors to his advantage and add more gold to his waist.
5. Taiji Ishimori
Credit: NJPW1972
At Wrestling Dontaku, Ishimori shocked fans when he beat El Desperado and won the IWGP Jr Championship for the third time in his career. Yet, he couldn’t have won it at a worse time. The Best of Super Jr tournament means that Ishimori has a massive target on his back. Yet, it’s a challenge the Bone Soldier will gladly accept.
Considering how many tournaments Ishimori has been in and his experience, it’s surprising that the wrestler hasn’t already won a tournament. The gold around his waist could be the extra push to finally make it to the final and win. Yet, his block isn’t easy with the likes of Hiromu Takahashi and his nemesis Yoshinobu Kanemaru.
As the IWGP Jr Champion, it is a difficult position to win the tournament. The best that Ishimori can do is try to get as few losses as possible. Yet, if anyone can do it, the Bone Soldier can, as one of the veterans in NJPW. With his experience and skills, he could do what so many have wanted to do, win the BoSJ as champion.
4. Hiromu Takahashi
Credit: NJPW1972
It seems almost impossible not to have a list of possible BoSJ winners without including Hiromu Takahashi. After winning the tournament three times, including twice consecutively, the Ticking Time Bomb will be out to continue to make history. Each year, Hiromu has made his mark and this year will be no exception.
Despite the last few years being filled with injuries, Hiromu has continued to impress fans. In particular, his experience in Heavyweight tournaments has given the wrestler even more offense and skills to use in the BoSJ. Even though he’s not the champion, he’ll have a target on his back. A win over a former Jr champion and BoSJ winner would do so much for the newer wrestlers involved.
Although Hiromu has been seemingly out of the Jr championship scene, this is his perfect chance to get back to the top. Many people struggle in long and gruelling tournaments, but Hiromu thrives in these environments, despite his unpredictable style. With Hiromu dominating the Jr division for years, it is definitely hard to count him out for this year’s tournament.
3. Francesco Akira
Credit: NJPW1972
The newest member of The Empire quickly made his voice heard after revealing himself at the recent Hyper Battle show. Yet, the wrestler is far from a newbie to wrestling or even the Japanese wrestling scene. As a former AJPW Jr Champion, Akira is definitely someone ready to win the BoSJ on his first try.
The Empire has always lacked Jr talent and now it has all come at once, with a lot of experience. Akira is no exception and over the years, he has gained the attention of fans for his phenomenal wrestling style. He definitely won’t be out of place amongst the best in NJPW.
Not only will this be the first time fans see him wrestle in NJPW, but it may be the first time many have seen him wrestle. It will be interesting to see how he interacts with the rest of the wrestlers and how fans react. Whatever happens, he definitely won’t be nervous and will make sure to make an impact.
2. YOH
Credit: NJPW1972
Since splitting from Roppongi 3K partner SHO, YOH has had one of the most turbulent years of any wrestler. After a slump, the wrestler thrived in last year’s tournament, to lose momentum again in 2022. This year’s tournament could be the best chance for YOH to one of the best and more diverse wrestlers in the Jr division.
When it comes to his style, YOH is one of the best. He combines high-flying wrestling with traditional Japanese Strong Style, making him a formidable opponent to beat. Yet, his calm attitude has sometimes let him down, and he has been accused of being “lazy.” With SHO, Hiromu, and more in his block, he needs all the energy to beat his opponents.
YOH won’t want to lose that momentum after last year’s successful run in the tournament. The past few months could either push YOH to the top of the Jr division or be his downfall. If YOH can channel all his power and passion, he will be unbeatable and show the world just how good he can be, even without a tag partner.
1. El Desperado
Credit: NJPW1972
Some people might have their confidence knocked after losing a championship, but former IWGP Jr Champion El Desperado is definitely in a different league. After losing the title to Taiji Ishimori at Wrestling Dontaku, the Suzuki Gun member is even more motivated. In particular, after realizing he’s not in the same block as Ishimori, winning the tournament is the only chance he has for another title shot.
El Desperado has showcased his talent more than ever during the past year when it comes to wrestling style. Despy has always had a style combining submission and Lucha wrestling, but he’s proven that he can adapt to any opponent. With such a diverse line-up in the tournament, it will be vital to get wins.
Although it might seem odd to have El Desperado win after losing the title, it would be the perfect story. After a successful reign, Despy wants to achieve everything and finally win the tournament. To have a shot at getting his title back would be a bonus many fans would happily take. El Desperado is one of the best in the world and this tournament is his chance to show it again.
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