Despite being over 50-years-old Minoru Suzuki remains a dangerous competitor. His training pedigree involves spending time training at the New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) Noge Dojo, under Karl Gotch, and Billy Robinson — giving Suzuki a unique blend of Freestyle and Catch wrestling expertise that few in professional wrestling have.
While his first-round New Japan Cup loss to classic rival Yuji Nagata was seen as a surprise, Suzuki is capable of putting himself in IWGP Heavyweight title contention at any moment. He’s never won the prestigious championship, and with Evil claiming the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental ‘Double Championship’ from Tetsuya Naito at Dominion, this could be the time for Suzuki to make his move.
Suzuki’s IWGP Heavyweight Narrative
NJPW is approaching G1 Climax 30. Last year Suzuki famously was omitted from G1 tournament competition and went on to challenge Kazuchika Okada for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at Royal Quest on August 31, 2019, at the Copper Box Arena.
It’s likely Suzuki will compete in this year’s tournament and make a run towards the top of bracket competition. In doing so, he could make a case for an eventual championship match.
He is in the unique position of always being one win away from being considered the most dangerous challenger within NJPW, and that opportunity may present itself in the near future.
Could Suzuki Bully His Way Through The Landscape?
While Minoru Suzuki isn’t currently a top contender for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship after his early New Japan Cup exit, he can bully his way to a title match much as he did against Jon Moxley over the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship.
Realistically, Suzuki would need a victory over Tetsuya Naito, Kazuchika Okada, or Jay White to solidify himself as the top contender if he wants to challenge without going through the G1 gauntlet.
Does Suzuki have what it takes to obtain the only major singles championship in Japan he’s yet to hold?
