It’s almost time for the biggest annual tournament that New Japan Pro Wrestling runs, that being the G1 Climax. Every single year, 20 of NJPW’s best enter the field, with a main event match for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in the main event of their iconic January 4th Tokyo Dome show on the line. However, the field is always changing. Just because you got in the previous year doesn’t mean anything, and one of the openings from 2020 might already be filled.
Chase Owens Is Being Built Up For A Run In The G1 Climax
During the preshow of yesterdays NJPW Wrestle Grand Slam event, Chase Owens claimed his first singles accolade in the company. He won the New Japan Rambo to become the current holder of the King of Pro Wrestling 2021 provisional championship, finally taking that title from Toru Yano. This comes after months of trying to best Yano, and after getting some serious help from his Bullet Club allies.
With Owens being built up by NJPW with this win, he’s now expected to be one of the 20 men in this years G1 Climax. Adding fuel to this fire of speculation is Dave Meltzer, who had the following to say on the Wrestling Observer Radio. “They are trying to build Chase up, in fact, I probably shouldn’t say this, but Chase is in the G1 and this is part of the build for him to be a credible guy in the G1 this year.”
A Reward For Being A Consistent Force In NJPW
This has not gotten a strong reaction from fans, who would have preferred someone such as David Finlay or even Aaron Henare get this spot. Presumably, Owens will be replacing Yujiro Takahashi, who was widely considered to be the work part of the 2020 G1 Climax, and was only involved due to their very limited roster. However, Owens might surprise people with his run in the G1.
While he’s never been portrayed as a top name in NJPW, when you watch his tag team matches closely, you will notice that he is truly one of the more solid all around workers on their roster. Owens is the quiet type on a roster who can often go overlooked, but is someone constantly putting on strong performances. This will truly be his biggest chance ever in NJPW, and if it goes badly, likely his first and last time in the G1.
Are you excited to see Chase Owens in the 2021 G1 Climax tournament? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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