G1 Climax 35: Favorites to Win This Year
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G1 Climax 35 is upon us, and as always, there’s plenty of buzz surrounding what many consider the most prestigious tournament in all of professional wrestling. This year, however, the stakes feel even higher. Not only is the lineup stacked, but there’s a deeply emotional note to the proceedings. Hiroshi Tanahashi, the Ace of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, is competing in his final G1.
Fans around the world are brimming with anticipation, and the confirmed participants have only fueled the hype. While the emotional pull of Tanahashi’s farewell tour is undeniable, this year’s G1 also signals a major shift for NJPW—a shift toward the future.
Hiroshi Tanahashi: The Farewell Tour
As mentioned, this will be Hiroshi Tanahashi’s final G1 Climax, marking the end of an era. The idea of The Ace winning one last tournament and earning a final Wrestle Kingdom main event is certainly poetic. It would be a fairytale ending to one of the greatest careers in pro wrestling history.
But fairytales don’t always serve the long-term interests of a promotion. Even Tanahashi himself would likely argue that the time has come to pass the torch. NJPW cannot afford to use another G1 to relive past glory. The promotion must look ahead and start building the next generation of main event talent.
The G1 Climax has always been a kingmaker, a proving ground where future stars are born. 2025 needs to be no different.
Gabe Kidd: The Wild Card with Something to Prove
Gabe Kidd has been one of NJPW’s breakout stars in recent years. His aggressive style, charisma, and commitment to the craft have made him a fan favorite. While he’s lost a bit of momentum heading into this year’s tournament, he still stands as one of the dark horse contenders.
There’s historical precedent here… Kenny Omega in 2016 and Zack Sabre Jr. in 2024 proved that foreign wrestlers can not only win the G1, but reshape the company’s future. That bodes well for Kidd. However, two major obstacles stand in his way: his recent cooling-off period, and the unlikelihood of NJPW booking back-to-back foreign winners.
Moreover, there are rumors swirling about AEW’s interest in signing Kidd. If NJPW suspects his long-term future might lie elsewhere, they may be reluctant to strap a rocket to his back. Still, don’t count him out, especially if he can make a strong statement early in the tournament.
Konosuke Takeshita: The Total Package with Divided Loyalties
Konosuke Takeshita checks nearly every box NJPW could want in a future ace: athleticism, in-ring storytelling, star aura. But there’s one problem… He’s not fully theirs.
With a dual contract between AEW and NJPW, and residence in the United States alongside his wife (fellow wrestler Yuka Sakazaki), Takeshita may be seen as a part-time asset. NJPW has had successful part-timers before, Jon Moxley, Kenny Omega, among others. But, crowning a G1 winner who isn’t fully committed to the company may not be the move in 2025.
It’s not impossible for Takeshita to win, especially if AEW and NJPW continue to strengthen their partnership. But the safer bet is that he’ll have a strong showing without actually taking the whole tournament.
Ren Narita: The Dark Horse from the Shadows
Ren Narita is a fascinating case. NJPW desperately needs to build young Japanese stars, and Narita fits that mold. The catch? He’s associated with House of Torture, one of NJPW’s most controversial factions.
Led by EVIL, House of Torture has divided fans for years with its heel antics, interference-heavy matches, and chaotic booking. Yet, it’s clear that Gedo, NJPW’s longtime booker, sees value in them, and Narita has benefited from that association.
Recent booking decisions at Dominion suggest House of Torture will continue to be featured prominently. If Gedo wants to kill two birds with one stone (elevate a young star and maintain House of Torture’s relevance) Narita could be the guy. He may not be a fan-favorite, but he’s someone to keep an eye on.
G1 Climax 35 kicks off on July 19 and will run through August 17. It will be a full month of top-tier wrestling action. While the sentimental favorite may be Tanahashi, the real story is who will carry NJPW into its next chapter.
Will it be a hard-hitting gaijin like Gabe Kidd? A dynamic phenom like Takeshita? Or will someone unexpected—like Ren Narita—seize the moment?
Either way, G1 Climax 35 promises to be historic. Whether it marks the end of an era or the birth of a new one, the road to Wrestle Kingdom has never felt more important.
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