G1 Climax 36 opened in Chicago this weekend with immediate storyline momentum, while title implications and surprise returns are reshaping NJPW’s landscape heading into the summer tournament sprint.
#1. Yota Tsuji
Headlined G1 Climax 36 Night One against Konosuke Takeshita in the main event, establishing himself as a tournament centerpiece. Still holds the IWGP Heavyweight Championship after his recent successful defense against Callum Newman at Dominion, making him the promotion’s most visible top-tier player.
🏆 IWGP Heavyweight Championship
#2. Konosuke Takeshita
Wrestled in the G1 Climax 36 main event on opening night against Yota Tsuji, positioning him as an immediate tournament threat. The tournament format guarantees him repeated high-profile matchups and significant television time over the next several weeks.
#3. Callum Newman
Made his return from shoulder injury at G1 Night One, defeating Yuya Uemura in a B Block match just days after being cleared. The narrative of a fighting champion’s challenger returning to pursue a title rematch is fresh heat heading into the tournament.
#4. Gabe Kidd
Defeated Shota Umino at NJPW Dominion and won the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship—a title change that had been planned for months, signaling major confidence in his push. His return from injury combined with gold makes him a key midcard centerpiece.
🏆 IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship
#5. Will Ospreay
Recently wrestled in AEW Forbidden Door 2026 against Swerve Strickland in a match that earned a controversial 5.5-star rating from Dave Meltzer. His cross-promotional visibility and debate-generating performance keep him prominent in wrestling discourse.
#6. Yuya Uemura
Competed in G1 Climax 36 Night One against Callum Newman in a B Block match. Tournament placement guarantees ongoing exposure and multiple featured matches throughout the G1 run.
#7. Shota Umino
Lost the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship to Gabe Kidd at NJPW Dominion, removing him from the immediate title picture. His involvement in the title change storyline keeps him relevant despite the loss.
Announced Axe Wang’s invitation to train with NJPW in September, positioning him as a key figure in talent development and recruitment. His role as NJPW President keeps him in the promotional conversation.
#9. Axe Wang
Confirmed to begin training with NJPW in September after NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi extended the invitation. As an incoming talent, he carries intrigue value for readers tracking the promotion’s depth and future pipeline.
Monitor Axe Wang closely—a President-level endorsement from Tanahashi suggests NJPW sees significant upside in the Taiwan-based wrestler joining their system.
