With G1 Climax qualification underway and Forbidden Door days away, NJPW is in full swing — but the promotion’s inability to generate new stars is generating as much conversation as any match result this week.
#1. YOH
The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion has a confirmed number one contender heading his way, with Francesco Akira earning a title shot set for Korakuen Hall on July 6. That kind of clear, forward-moving booking puts YOH at the top of the NJPW-specific food chain this week. 🏆 IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship
#2. Francesco Akira
Won a four-way match on Tuesday to become the number one contender for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title — clean, decisive, and with a date and venue already locked in. That’s exactly the kind of momentum that earns a top spot. ↑ Rising
#3. Yuto-Ice
A Road to G1 play-in win over Taichi is no small feat, and earning a first-ever G1 Climax berth in A Block puts Yuto-Ice firmly on the radar. First-timers with momentum heading into the G1 are always worth watching. ↑ Rising
#4. Aaron Wolf
Like Yuto-Ice, Wolf punched his ticket to the G1 Climax for the first time this week with a play-in victory. Two debuts in one night signals NJPW is investing in fresh blood, and Wolf’s placement suggests the company sees something in him. ↑ Rising
#5. Taichi
He’s in the news for losing to Yuto-Ice in a G1 qualifier, which is a notable result even in defeat — you don’t get used as the gatekeeper unless you’re still considered a credible name. The loss stings, but Taichi’s presence in these Road to G1 stakes keeps him relevant. ↓ Sliding
#6. Master Wato
Competed in the four-way that determined the IWGP Junior Heavyweight number one contender, which means he’s at least being positioned in that title picture conversation. Didn’t win, but being in the match counts for something. ↓ Sliding
#7. SHO
Another entrant in the Junior Heavyweight contender’s four-way, SHO’s continued presence in these multi-man title contention matches keeps him in the mix even without the win. Consistent visibility at least. ↓ Sliding
#8. Kosei Fujita
The youngest entrant in that four-way contender’s match, Fujita’s inclusion signals NJPW is giving him reps at this level. Didn’t get the nod, but being in the conversation at all for a junior title shot is a step forward. ↑ Rising
Keep an eye on Kevin Knight — name-dropped by Swerve Strickland as one of the AEW-side rising stars emerging from the NJPW relationship, which means his cross-promotional stock is quietly climbing heading into Forbidden Door season.
