One of the biggest tournaments in New Japan Pro Wrestling is the annual Best of Super Junior tournament and it is once again being held alongside World Tag League.
Like last year, the tournament consists of one block of wrestlers going against each other to win points.
With 12 very unique and diverse wrestlers in the mix for a potential shot at the IWGP Jr Heavyweight Championship, which is held by El Desperado, the stakes are as high as ever.
This is every participant in the 2021 Best of the Super Jr. tournament’s chance of winning ranked from worst to best.
12. Master Wato
As the youngest wrestler in the Best of the Super Jr., Master Wato has shown that he is capable of putting on good matches.
Yet, his lack of experience can often be seen in mistakes done in the ring and his inability to connect to audiences.
He will no doubt know that he is not going in as the firm favourite but will be out to prove everyone wrong.
With friends in Taguchi and enemies like Kanemaru in the tournament, this is the perfect chance to gain some experience and maybe cause some upsets for his senpais.
11. BUSHI
As one of the Jr veterans in New Japan, Los Ingobernables de Japon’s BUSHI has definitely had a rollercoaster career.
From title reigns, injuries and many losses, he hasn’t had the most consistent luck in winning matches over the past few years.
In particular, BUSHI has been accused of being lazy and almost indifferent in matches.
His carefree attitude has sometimes lost him points but has also caught opponents off guard.
With a long-time rivalry with fellow masked wrestler El Desperado and a chance to battle with LIJ member Hiromu, the tournament could either be BUSHI’s redemption or downfall.
10. DOUKI
Since coming to New Japan, DOUKI has been seen as a scapegoat. He picks up losses in almost all of his matches.
Now in his third consecutive Best of the Super Jr. tournament, many expect that it could be the same.
However, over the last year, DOUKI has shown considerable improvement going against some of the toughest opponents in the company, including heavyweights like Tomohiro Ishii.
With his fighting spirit and determination, fans have fallen in love with DOUKI and showcase this by supporting him in matches.
With a chance to battle fellow Suzuki Gun member and IWGP Jr. Champion El Desperado, he will no doubt be more motivated than ever.
9. Ryusuke Taguchi
It seems impossible to have a Best of the Super Jr. tournament without the Funky Weapon.
Now in his 18th tournament, many always tend to underestimate Ryusuke Taguchi in these matches. Yet, fans have learnt never to doubt him.
When he is put in big matches, he can deliver and sometimes cause huge upsets. He has the most experience out of any of the wrestlers and he will no doubt use it to his advantage.
Whether he is having fun with some hip attacks or getting serious with his “Oh my and Garankle” submission, the other participants need to be wary of his skills and mind games.
Taguchi will be out to have some fun and cause some trouble in this year’s Best of the Super Jr.
8. Taiji Ishimori
Normally, Taiji Ishimori would be a firm favourite going into the tournament. With years of experience and a wrestling style that can be rivalled by few, he should be one of the front runners.
Yet, since going to America to showcase his skills, a lot has happened in Japan. He might no longer be one of the main guys.
The tournament will be his chance to remind fans why he is such a tough opponent. It is also his chance to work his way back into the title picture.
With matches against old enemies like Kanemaru and his own partner El Phantasmo, will fans see the pure wrestler in Ishimori or the true Bullet Club member?
7. YOH
After making a dramatic return at Power Struggle, YOH seems to have made it clear that he has a new mentality ahead of the tournament.
In the past, many have looked overlooked YOH in favour of his former tag partner SHO.
Yet, with the end of that chapter, YOH is out to cement himself as a strong singles wrestler.
In particular, he will want retribution against SHO in their meeting after he not only betrayed him but cheated during their last meeting.
As expected, YOH will continue to showcase his heart and determination.
After so much betrayal, he might finally have that rough edge he’s always needed to go to the next level.
6. El Phantasmo
Since coming to New Japan, El Phantasmo quickly made his mark winning titles, causing chaos and showcasing his cocky attitude.
While wrestling in America, he would no doubt have been preparing for the moment he could go back to Japan and get a shot at the Jr title.
Looking at his skills, there is no denying that it could be possible. He has a style that is the true epitome of junior wrestling.
However, his attitude and cockiness can act as a help and hindrance in matches. This could be an issue in the tournament.
It will take focus and control for El Phantasmo to pick up points and pave his way to Wrestle Kingdom.
5. Yoshinobu Kanemaru
Every year, Yoshinobu Kanemaru is described as underrated talent as he continuously impresses in matches.
Yet, when it comes to the tournament, he hasn’t had the best luck. From ranking low in his block or withdrawing due to injury, he has never made it to the top of the company.
In particular, the stakes are even higher this year with fellow Suzuki Gun member and tag team partner El Desperado holding the title.
The two have had their matches over the years but it now means more. Kanemaru will continue to prove why he is a veteran.
The extra motivation could be enough to earn him more points in this year’s Best of the Super Jr.
4. Robbie Eagles
Since he joined New Japan, Robbie Eagles has impressed fans with his diverse wrestling style combining high flying and submissions.
He showcased this after winning the title earlier in the year. After losing his title to El Desperado at Power Struggle, Eagles will be desperate to find a way back to the title.
This tournament could be that chance. With years of experience in the ring and the love from fans, Robbie will no doubt showcase why he is such a good wrestler.
Yet, winning the tournament won’t be tough. There is some tough opposition, especially with men like El Phantasmo and other Bullet Club to ruin his fun.
3. Hiromu Takahashi
After returning from a long-standing injury, Hiromu Takahashi proved that he is still as wild and unpredictable in the ring. Going into this tournament, it will be no different.
The Ticking Time Bomb will be out to win his second consecutive Best of the Super Jr. win. He will also want to take back his vacated title again.
Yet, after his loss to Robbie Eagles at Met Life, he might not have the momentum needed to win the whole thing.
However, he will undoubtedly put in his all and produce some possible match-of-the-year candidates with the opponents he knows so well, especially his rival El Desperado.
2. SHO
Since returning from his excursion, fans always willed SHO to win the tournament. He has always been seen as the true hybrid athlete.
The only criticism he had was too much passion and emotions when he wrestled.
Yet, going into this year, the crowd definitely will have different feelings after he betrayed CHAOS and joined Bullet Club.
With a new mean streak and tendency to cheat, SHO seems a world away from the Shock Arrow from Roppongi 3K.
However, this could have been the change he needed to reach the top. It will be interesting to see how SHO approaches matches against his old partner and new faction members.
1. El Desperado
El Desperado has rivalries with many of the wrestlers in this tournament. With the added pressure of being the IWGP Jr Champion, the target on his back is even bigger.
Yet, fans have seen a new side to El Desperado during the last year. He has shown heart, passion, and a strong desire to win.
It is exactly the momentum he needs going into wrestling guys like SHO, Hiromu Takahashi and even his own tag partner Kanemaru.
Most champions crumble under the pressure. Yet, Desperado could be the one to win the whole thing while holding the title.
However, it won’t be easy as everyone will be out to beat him in any way possible.
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