Each year, New Japan Pro Wrestling brings together some of the best wrestlers in the company for their annual G1 Climax tournament.
Despite the pandemic and worries from fans about the seemingly predictable line-up, the wrestlers once again produced spectacular matches throughout.
Despite all the wrestlers showcasing their true talent and putting everything into each match, some stood out more than others.
Here is a look at the six MVPs from this year’s G1 Climax 31.
6. Tanga Loa
Despite debuting in New Japan in 2016, the 2021 G1 Climax was Tanga Loa’s first taste at the tournament.
Being a formidable force in G.O.D (Guerrillas of Destiny) with his brother, Tanga Loa continues to dominate the tag division.
After years of asking for a spot in the singles tournament, Tanga Loa got his wish. He got to showcase how talented he is as a singles wrestler.
Going into his first tournament, it wasn’t surprising that he didn’t achieve as many points as other wrestlers.
However, with every loss, fans noticed that Tanga Loa was growing as a wrestler fighting against some of the best, like Tomohiro Ishii, Kota Ibushi, and Shingo Takagi.
Also, aside from his bout with KENTA, Tanga Loa fought clean without any Bullet Club shenanigans.
Although he lost most of his matches, his phenomenal win against Zack Sabre Jr contributed to a very different G1 result.
Whether in defeat or victory, Tanga Loa gained the respect of fans for his passion and determination.
Despite only wrestling a handful of singles matches in 2021, Tanga Loa showcased that he definitely cannot be classed as just a singles wrestler.
With so much potential shown, there is no doubt he will continue to shine in New Japan.
5. Shingo Takagi
The one person who always has the most challenging time in the G1 Climax is the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
Going into the tournament, Shingo had a massive target on his back. There was also an expectation of producing MOTY candidates every match.
Yet, as a veteran in the business, there was no need for fans to worry about the pressure as he proved himself.
Takagi showcased his power and athleticism throughout, from his excellent match against Ishii on the first night to his bout against Tanga Loa.
In particular, he brought this unrivalled determination out of every opponent. Even in his defeats against Kota Ibushi and Zack Sabre Jr, he cemented himself as a diverse and capable wrestler.
Throughout, Shingo showcased his fighting spirit. Even though Shingo narrowly missed out on being winning the tournament, he cemented his place at the top of New Japan.
Yet, with two losses, the road to Wrestle Kingdom won’t be easy but, if anyone can do it, it is Shingo Takagi.
4. Tomohiro Ishii
In his ninth consecutive G1 Climax, Tomohiro Ishii again proved why he is always a fan favourite to win.
Although it was another year without winning, he once again showcased why he should never be missed out of the line-up. With his NEVER tag titles, the Stone Pitbull was determined as ever.
Every match brought out the fire in Ishii, and he never seemed to have an off day with his offence. In particular, his matches with the debuting O-Khan caught the attention of fans.
Even with an impressive 10 points, Ishii would’ve wanted more. However, he will continue this momentum and showcase the power of NEVER.
It seems as if a year or tournament doesn’t go by without Ishii being on the MVP list. The G1 Climax 31 was no different.
Although it seems like New Japan will never give Ishii the win, he can always be relied on to produce excellent matches.
He also brings out the best in newer talent. It cements his status as the workhorse of New Japan.
3. Kazuchika Okada
2021 had seen a mixed set of results for Kazuchika Okada in terms. It was a tough year after being eliminated in the first round of the New Japan Cup, taking time off for injury and getting COVID.
Even after returning, there was a mix of wins and losses, including one with Jeff Cobb. The tournament was his chance for retribution.
From the very beginning of the tournament, Okada showed that he meant business. On the first night, he beat his long-time rival Tanahashi in a match of the year candidate.
After conquering this hurdle, he continued producing excellent matches with YOSHI HASHI, Jeff Cobb, and many more.
He showcased his speed and athleticism. With only a loss to Tama Tonga, there is no denying that fans saw an Okada that is worthy of the IWGP title.
Despite losing due to unforeseen circumstances, there is no taking away from the tournament Okada had.
From possible match-of-the-year candidates to the return of the real Rainmaker, the G1 31 saw Okada rise to the top of the company. Could he be back as champion by the start of the year?
2. Jeff Cobb
After his change in personality in moving to the United Empire, fans have seen a more aggressive side to Jeff Cobb.
After previous years with average tournament scores, this was the pure test to see how far this new approach could take him.
As expected, it completely changed the complexion of the tournament and made Cobb a formidable opponent.
Jeff proved to be a formidable opponent and someone to be watched in the tournament from the very beginning.
As always, Cobb showcased an offence that combined strength, athleticism, and agility. Yet, with his mean streak, it was even more dangerous.
Even in his final match, which saw his only loss against Okada, it was amazing and showed just how much he’s grown with his character.
Although his winning streak was broken in his last match against Okada and ruined his chances of winning the tournament, it was a stand-out tournament.
However, there is no denying that he had one of the best G1’s the company has seen for many years.
With this newfound confidence, the world is his oyster and Cobb will continue to be a dangerous force.
1. Zack Sabre Jr
Going into this year’s G1, Zack Sabre Jr. had a mixed bag of results in the company.
While focusing his efforts on the tag division alongside Suzuki Gun member TAICHI, ZSJ had shown another side to him, which earned the respect of fans.
Yet, when it came to previous New Japan Cups and G1, he had lost momentum. However, this tournament was a different story.
On the first night of the tournament, Zack came out with a bang. Not only did he defeat his rival Tetsuya Naito with a beautiful submission, but it was enough to injure Naito and remove him from the rest of the tournament.
From there, Zack continued his dominance submitting many of his opponents from Tomohiro Ishii and Kota Ibushi.
His most important win came against the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Shingo Takagi. He got retribution for his loss in Germany back in 2009.
Although many thought he would go unbeaten, two losses to Bullet Club members stopped his dreams of winning the G1.
They believed that the decision to have Zack Sabre Jr failing to win the tournament and his block was wrong.
However, it can never take away from the success and momentum gained. With a title shot set for Power Struggle, Zack has proved that he is one of the best submission wrestlers in the world.
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