Zack Sabre Jr has made history, becoming the first British wrestler to win the G1 Climax this weekend.
In fact, he is the first European to win the famous tournament too. The Englishman beat New Japan Cup winner Yota Tsuji in an incredible final to win the G1 Climax 34, on his eighth attempt in the competition.
It has been a long road for the 37-year-old. He debuted in 2004 at the age of 17, and has worked his way up through the UK and European scene to become a fixture of NJPW. He has held numerous titles, although the world title has always escaped him, at least up until now.
Zack Sabre Jr had previously commented that his career would be a “failure” if he never won the G1 Climax. Now that is complete, he is moving on to becoming a IWGP World Heavyweight Champion for the first time. However, his title match will not be at WrestleKingdom in 2025.
Instead of the tradition of the G1 Climax winner facing the champion, Zack Sabre Jr has decided to buck the trend. Instead, he has challenged IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Tetsuya Naito at King of Pro Wrestling on October 14 in Ryogoku Sumo Hall.
While many see this as a demotion of sorts, it seems like a better chance for him to win the title. Questions have been asked about Naito’s health this year, with many unsure if he can even last until WrestleKingdom.
As well as that is the fact that no gaijan has ever won the main event of Wrestle Kingdom. Even Kenny Omega and Will Ospreay failed in their attempts. If there’s any chance for Zack Sabre Jr to walk out of his title shot as world champion, having it away from the Tokyo Dome is his best bet.
The match being at King of Pro Wrestling also gives him an incredible opportunity. If he does beat Tetsuya Naito that night, it will mean that Zack Sabre Jr walks into Royal Quest IV a week later as the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion.
This will be an incredible homecoming for the Englishman, and would mark an all-time great moment in Zack Sabre Jr’s career.
