NJPW Reveals Best of Super Juniors 31 Participants
The anticipation is building as New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) gears up for its highly anticipated tournament, the "Best of the Super Juniors 31."
Among the standout competitors in this year's tournament are some familiar faces as well as promising newcomers.
Leading the pack is SHO, making his seventh consecutive appearance and currently holding the prestigious IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship. With a career highlight of 6-3 in 2020, SHO brings a wealth of experience and skill to the ring.
Joining SHO is the dynamic Hiromu Takahashi, a nine-time participant and a four-time winner of the tournament. With an impressive track record that includes victories in 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022, Takahashi is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.
Rounding out the field are established stars such as Ryusuke Taguchi, El Desperado, and BUSHI, each with their own impressive resumes and championship accolades. Additionally, rising talents like Kevin Knight, Francesco Akira, and Drilla Moloney will be looking to make a name for themselves on the grand stage of NJPW.
Among the debut entries are Kosei Fujita, Blake Christian, Ninja Mack, and HAYATA, eager to prove themselves against the established veterans of the junior heavyweight division.
With such a diverse and talented roster, the "Best of the Super Juniors 31" promises to be an electrifying showcase of athleticism, skill, and passion for professional wrestling. As the participants prepare to step into the ring and vie for glory, fans can expect nothing short of epic battles and jaw-dropping moments that will leave a lasting impression on the world of NJPW. Stay tuned as the action unfolds and the journey to crown the next junior heavyweight champion begins.
FULL LIST
* SHO (7th entry, 7th consecutive. IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion at time of writing). Career PB:
6-3 (2020)
* Hiromu Takahashi (9th entry, 5th consecutive. 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 winner)
* Ryusuke Taguchi (21st entry, 19th consecutive. 2012 winner)
* El Desperado (8th entry, 5th conseuctive) Career PB: runner-up (2020, 2022)
* Kevin Knight (2nd entry, 2nd consecutive) Career PB: 3-6 (2023)
* YOH (7th entry, 4th consecutive) Career PB: Runner-up (2021)
* BUSHI (12th entry, 9th consecutive) Career PB: 6-3 (2019)
* Titan (5th entry, 3rd consecutive) Career PB: Runner-up (2023)
* TJP (4th entry, 3rd consecutive) Career PB: 4-5 (2022, 2023)
* Francesco Akira (3rd entry, 3rd consecutive) Career PB: 4-5 (2022, 2023)
* DOUKI (6th entry, 6th consecutive) Career PB: 3-6 (2022, 2023)
* Robbie Eagles (6th entry, 6th consecutive) career PB: 5-4 (2019, 2022, 2023)
* Taiji Ishimori (8th entry, 7th consecutive) Career PB: runner-up (2018)
* Yoshinobu Kanemaru (7th entry, 4th consecutive) Career PB: 4-3 (2017)
* Clark Connors (3rd entry, 3rd consecutive) IWGP Junior Heravyweight Tag Champion at time of writing Career PB:4-5 (2022, 2023)
* Drilla Moloney (2nd entry, 2nd consecutive) IWGP Junior Heravyweight Tag Champion at time of writing Career PB:4-5 (2023)
* Kosei Fujita (debut entry)
* Blake Christian (debut entry)
* Ninja Mack (debut entry)
* HAYATA (debut entry)