Top 7 NJPW Best of Super Jr Tournament MVPs

Due to the pandemic, New Japan Pro Wrestling’s past few Best of Super Junior tournaments have been smaller affairs. However, this year was back to regular business as twenty wrestlers from across the world came together to win a chance at the IWGP Jr Championship. With so many wrestlers, every style, personality, faction, and company was represented in the best way possible.

Here is a look at the seven wrestlers who stood out the most during the tournament.

7. DOUKI

Going into the tournament with such huge names, nobody really expected much from Suzuki Gun’s DOUKI. Although he has constantly been improving, he didn’t seem a match for some of the biggest names in wrestling. However, this tournament proved many people wrong and made more true DOUKI fans.

DOUKI might have only got 6 points last year, but they were more significant. He not only got the upset win over El Phantasmo but shocked fans by beating champion El Lindaman. His main event match against Suzuki Gun stablemate El Desperado also had fans on the edge of their seats.

DOUKI gets more confident and gains more experience after every match. From debuting and being one of the weakest, DOUKI has not only showcased his talent but has become a firm crowd favourite. Although a title reign might not be in his immediate future, he will undoubtedly continue to grow and reach the top of the division.

6. TJP

After 11 years, TJP finally returned to the Best of Super Junior tournament. As one of the newest members of the Empire, TJP had a lot to prove not only as an individual but also as the newest faction in New Japan. The wrestler has always been known for his diverse wrestling style, and it was highlighted through the tournament.

TJP shined throughout the tournament. Whether it was his athleticism or submission skills, TJP brought his best game and also helped bring out the best in the young wrestlers. One of his most significant wins was over Master Wato. After beating the young wrestler in the tournament and Taguchi in the finals, TJP has earnt himself a shot at the IWGP Jr tag titles.

TJP might have expected more points, but he shouldn’t be disappointed with the results. As one of the veteran wrestlers in the tournament, he held his own throughout. Combining style, flair, and athleticism, TJP shows why he’s lasted so long in the industry and is still a top player.

5. Alex Zayne

When Alex Zayne was announced for the tournament, many New Japan fans didn’t know what to expect. From the minute he stepped onto Japanese soil, he instantly caught viewers’ attention with his style, personality, and wrestling style.

Although he lost more than he won, Zayne showcased a new and fresh style for Japanese crowds. Zayne was athletic and fast despite his huge size, combining his strength and agility in his move set. He also got wins over some huge names, including veterans Yoshinobu Kanemaru and Ryusuke Taguchi.

For his first tournament, Alex Zayne shined. He might have narrowly missed out on a shot at the final, but he captured the hearts of Japanese fans and those watching internationally. He will definitely be welcomed back no matter what happens, although it might be part of the heavyweight division with his size and stature.

4. El Desperado

After losing the IWGP Jr Championship to Taiji Ishimori, the BoSJ tournament was the best way to get another chance at the title. Many wrestlers lose momentum after losing a title, but it seemed like the opposite happened for El Desperado. He had a renewed sense of passion and motivation to achieve his dream of winning back the championship.

El Desperado continuously shined throughout the tournament as he was put in the main event position several times. Not only did he put on great matches with guys like Robbie Eagles and El Phantasmo but showcased some of the newer faces to NJPW like Wheeler Yuta. Each match cemented Despy’s diversity and charisma in the ring.

Although the tournament didn’t go exactly how El Desperado planned, he was a firm favourite to win for most fans. Despite losing to Hiromu again in the final, Despy continuously put on high-standard matches. He also proved why he had been the standard-bearer of the Jr division during the pandemic. Hopefully, it isn’t long before he gets back to the top of the division.

3. Yoshinobu Kanemaru

When it comes to the most underrated wrestlers in New Japan, Yoshinobu Kanemaru is always on the list. Despite being a veteran, Kanemaru is still quick and nimble in the ring combining a fast pace with a strong submission game. Once again, the wrestler shined in the tournament despite not picking up many wins.

Kanemaru started on a losing streak in the tournament but quickly turned it around using his smarts and cementing his status as the “Heel Master.” Whether it was targeting Hiromu’s leg or using weapons against the dastardly Bullet Club, Kanemaru wasn’t phased and picked up some huge wins.

Once again, Kanemaru has proved why he’s such a veteran. Sometimes, the best strategy is to win in the quickest time in a long tournament no matter what it takes. He got a significant number of wins, but it was over some of the best in the company, including IWGP Jr Champion Taiji Ishimori.

2. El Phantasmo

When it comes to El Phantasmo, there is no doubt he’s a fantastic wrestler but his Bullet Club shenanigans can sometimes overshadow it. Going into this tournament, many fans expected the same that they saw in matches with SHO and Ishimori. Yet, it couldn’t have been further from the truth as he gained the respect of many viewers and wrestlers.

Throughout the tournament, ELP had some stand-out matches with Robbie Eagles, Titan, and many more. The big thing for fans was that, even with the back raking and teasing, El Phantasmo played pretty clean for a member of the Bullet Club. He relied more on his talent and in-ring experience to get the wins.

After his final match with El Desperado, ELP revealed he wants a place in the G1. ELP has done nothing but impresses during the tournament with some of the best matches, whether this means a move to heavyweight or not. His talent is unlike anyone else and, combined with his personality, makes him the perfect wrestler.

1. Robbie Eagles

Many New Japan fans would say Robbie Eagles is truly the MVP of this year’s tournament. Robbie has always been popular. With a much larger field of participants, Robbie managed to stand out and cement his place as one of the best in the world.

Although Robbie got some significant wins over guys like former champion El Desperado, El Lindaman, and Wheeler Yuta, the biggest was against El Phantasmo. For many, it was one of the best matches in the tournament. It was between two men who despise each other so much. It showed off Robbie’s talent, charisma, and passion for wrestling.

Despite narrowly missing out a place in the final after losing to Titan, the Sniper of the Skies didn’t disappoint in any of the matches. Robbie not only cemented himself as a truly diverse and spectacular wrestler but the amount of love he has from both Japanese and global fans. It wouldn’t be surprising if he sees a title shot soon if he continues this momentum.

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