Welcome to the second issue of Wrestle Threads, your go-to source for thoughtful wrestling discussions! In this second issue, we’ll dive into Japanese wrestling headlines that have shaped the wresting online discourse recently.
Let’s get started!
📰 Internet Wrestling Community Chatter 📰
Should ZSJ win the G1 and beat Naito to become the new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion at Wrestle Kingdom 19?
Zack Sabre Jr. has an overwhelming amount of support for him to win the G1 Climax and fight Naito at Wrestle Kingdom 19 to become the new IWGP Champion. But my question is simply: why? Well, none of my questioning is ever that simple. Every wrestler is different, but there comes a time and a point in one’s career to elevate themselves and add more to their character or even change up how they do things. ZSJ is just a pure wrestler with a personality that isn’t memorable or connectable with fans unless you understand British humor and choice personalities. Most times, he comes off as a dickhead in his promos and can be random talk.
I appreciate the wrestling ability of ZSJ but to think that he’ll be a good IWGP Champion is a little delusional. New Japan Pro Wrestling management — even though they abide by tradition and for wrestlers to be a warrior and embody the NJPW ways — gives their top titles to those who have the full package: wrestling skills and personalities that’ll capture the crowd. There’s a reason why Kenny Omega, David Finlay, Jay White, and others have held the IWGP Championship. NJPW gave ZSJ the IWGP Tag Team Titles, made him 2x NJPW World TV champ, won the New Japan Cup, and challenged for the IWGP Championship 3 times but never got it. NJPW would have made him IWGP champion already rather than having him go through losses. NJPW needs to believe that ZSJ can carry the company.
Imagine if, in a different lifetime, Gedo was ZSJ’s manager? Being under Gedo gives a wrestler perks. Look at Jay White. Look at Bullet Club. Look at David Finlay.
I don’t mean to dissect ZSJ like this, even if I dislike his personality, but it needs to be talked about because as wrestling fans, even though ZSJ is your favorite, being honest about the situation will help when ZSJ doesn’t win the G1.
Why does ZSJ need this win?
I thought NJPW and wrestling fans wanted the younger generation to be in the spotlight. But again, why does ZSJ need this win when he can insert himself into the title match on the Road to Wrestle Kingdom 19.
Think about it for a moment. While a win during the G1 Climax guarantees a title shot at Wrestle Kingdom 19 against the champion, why does ZSJ need to prove himself in a tournament just to get that when he can just take it?
Why is ZSJ following the rules? Look at who on the NJPW roster stopped following the rules and it granted them gold, fame, money, sold out merchandise and meet and greet lines with the Japanese fans at these events. ZSJ has always played it safe and it never come across as “he’s the guy” for NJPW. Dangerous Tekkers was fun because of Taichi — yeah, I said it. When I covered Dangerous Tekkers vs Guerillas of Destiny over the Iron Claw that Taichi had — it was all Taichi and the unfolding story that I was invested. ZSJ didn’t help with that story.
If ZSJ turns heel, then maybe I’ll be interested. Let him take what he believes to be his rather than taking the nice route.
Sabre: “But I am the best out of those options to lead and I don’t think anyone can keep up with the pressure like I can.”
While ZSJ has the accomplishments in NJPW, NJPW never truly gave him the “pressure” like he mentions here. They never gave him the ball to run with it. His run with the NJPW World TV Title doesn’t mean much because there wasn’t an increase for the NJPW World TV Subscriptions.
Sabre: “Obviously a lot of foreign wrestlers have held that title but I’m going to be the only one to win it while living in Japan. I’ll be on every event, in every town.” Sabre: “I see myself not only doing what those foreigners haven’t done but elevating the title beyond what any Japanese wrestler has been able to do.”
Kenny Omega lived in Japan for the 10 years he was there and won the IWGP Championship and defended it everywhere and on every event. How will ZSJ elevate the championship title? By just wrestling and cutting nonsense promos that doesn’t make sense? A story has yet to be strung together that we as the Internet Wrestling Community still talk about till this day. We can talk about Shingo’s reign. We can talk about Okada’s reign. We can talk about other champions’ reign. So, what can ZSJ do that no other Japanese wrestler has been able to do? We talk about ZSJ because of his wrestling ability and not being the full package.
💭 - Without answering like a super fan, why does ZSJ need to win the G1? How could ZSJ elevate NJPW and the IWGP title that can guarantee they make money and have sold out shows and do what no other Japanese wrestler has yet to do?
💭 - What is ZSJ’s character and story and in what ways is it relatable to fans?
A Block is exciting. During the press conference, we have 3 big personalities that needs to be closely watched and talked about. Those 3 are: Gabe Kidd, Jake Lee, and Evil. Those three tell a lot and have a lot of sub-contexts with their words.
Jake Lee is the anime villain we need in NJPW and he fits right in with Bullet Club. But Bullet Club members and NJPW need to keep their eyes open just in case he betrays them too. Jake Lees tells the NJPW press conference and fans who watching the livestream about his horrible past and the horrible past actions of betraying wrestling companies like All Japan Pro Wrestling, NOAH, and his team Good Looking Guys. He tells us we can doubt everything he does and says. He tells you how to perceive who Jake Lee is. That is top level character design and work and the best story elements to have.
EVIL has some choice words which is very fitting as well. EVIL told the NJPW press conference and fans that he’ll lost every match during the G1 but he’ll get results. EVIL has an interesting track record in NJPW as a whole. He wins. He loses. But he gets results either way. He doesn’t hold so dear the win/loss record in pro wrestling. If he wins, it’s a result. If he loses, it’s a result. If he gets a different outcome, it’s still a result.
There was an interesting confrontation between Gabe Kidd and Evil. Gabe Kidd told EVIL exactly what he thinks and what we’ve all been thinking. I’ve questioned EVIL’s loyalty to Bullet Club from time to time. EVIL no longer represents Bullet Club on his merchandise, and they are introduced as a subsection to Bullet Club during introductions. Evil, Togo, Sho, Kanemaru, Ren Narita, and I’m not counting Jack Perry JUST for this statement to say that those men make up HOUSE OF TORTURE and not BULLET CLUB HOUSE OF TORTURE.
💭 - Will Gabe Kidd be the one to start feuding with EVIL and eventually kick out House of Torture by himself?
Gabe Kidd is a menace. Gabe Kidd curses worse than a sailor. Gabe Kidd talks trash to everyone and calls Shota Umino to do a face off. Gabe Kidd not only gets under people’s skin but the trash talking helps to bring the best out in his opponents. Shota Umino showed some emotion when Gabe Kidd grabbed Shota’s neck while talking shit to him. Then Gabe Kidd was escorted out. While Gabe Kidd is an unhinge wrestler, he can back up his trash talk and fighting.
Both New Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Noah have their round robin style tournaments roughly around the same time. The G1 Climax 34 will have special review episodes since that is up first. However, let’s chat about Pro Wrestling Noah for a bit.
Ever since the handshake agreement between WWE and Noah began, it has already become fruitful on the surface. WWE allowed AJ Styles and Iyo Sky to fight in Japan and this week all WWE shows in Japan are sold out. WWE has now sent over Josh Briggs and Tavion Heights from NXT to compete in the N-1 Victory tournament. Some in the IWC would have you believe that WWE sent over jobber, but that’s far from the truth. Just because they still have some time to developed and may not catch your eye just yet because they haven’t found a way to connect with the audience or with you, doesn’t automatically make Josh Briggs and Tavion Heights a “jobber.” A wrestler can’t win them all; and getting in reps in important than the win/loss debate.
Reader Engagement
💬 Join the Conversation We want to hear from you! What are your thoughts on Stephanie Vaquer's contract situation? The internet has been buzzing with opinions, and we'd love to hear yours. Do you think her decision will impact the industry? Share your insights!
🤔 Spotlight on WWE's Japan Plans WWE heading to Japan to have amazing matches with Pro Wrestling Noah and Marigold is big news! What do you think this collaboration means for the future of wrestling in Japan?
Are there any dream matches you’re hoping to see? Let’s discuss!
Use the following emoji legend to organize your comments:
📝 - General Feedback/thoughts (opinions, comments, thoughts)
❓- Questions on wrestling, the Wrestle Threads Issue
🧠- Insights
🔥- hot takes
😍 - Dream Matches
🔍 Discussion Note: Please note that your comments may be featured or discussed in future editions of Wrestle Threads, on the Squared Circle Podcast, on livestreams, and more. We value your insights and look forward to continuing the conversation with you!
Thank you for reading & commenting on issue #2! Did you enjoy Wrestle Threads #2? If so, please tell a friend, share with a friend as those a priceless and grateful gestures. Clicking the ❤️ button lets me know how much you liked this issue!
Stay tuned for more in-depth wrestling discussions and insights. Until next time, keep the conversation going and keep enjoying the world of wrestling!
Squared Circle Podcast Hub is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
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Wrestle Threads #2: G1 Climax 34 + N-1 Victory Season | Fan Favorite ZSJ to win it all?
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Welcome to the second issue of Wrestle Threads, your go-to source for thoughtful wrestling discussions! In this second issue, we’ll dive into Japanese wrestling headlines that have shaped the wresting online discourse recently.
Let’s get started!
📰 Internet Wrestling Community Chatter 📰
Should ZSJ win the G1 and beat Naito to become the new IWGP World Heavyweight Champion at Wrestle Kingdom 19?
Zack Sabre Jr. has an overwhelming amount of support for him to win the G1 Climax and fight Naito at Wrestle Kingdom 19 to become the new IWGP Champion. But my question is simply: why? Well, none of my questioning is ever that simple. Every wrestler is different, but there comes a time and a point in one’s career to elevate themselves and add more to their character or even change up how they do things. ZSJ is just a pure wrestler with a personality that isn’t memorable or connectable with fans unless you understand British humor and choice personalities. Most times, he comes off as a dickhead in his promos and can be random talk.
I appreciate the wrestling ability of ZSJ but to think that he’ll be a good IWGP Champion is a little delusional. New Japan Pro Wrestling management — even though they abide by tradition and for wrestlers to be a warrior and embody the NJPW ways — gives their top titles to those who have the full package: wrestling skills and personalities that’ll capture the crowd. There’s a reason why Kenny Omega, David Finlay, Jay White, and others have held the IWGP Championship. NJPW gave ZSJ the IWGP Tag Team Titles, made him 2x NJPW World TV champ, won the New Japan Cup, and challenged for the IWGP Championship 3 times but never got it. NJPW would have made him IWGP champion already rather than having him go through losses. NJPW needs to believe that ZSJ can carry the company.
Imagine if, in a different lifetime, Gedo was ZSJ’s manager? Being under Gedo gives a wrestler perks. Look at Jay White. Look at Bullet Club. Look at David Finlay.
I don’t mean to dissect ZSJ like this, even if I dislike his personality, but it needs to be talked about because as wrestling fans, even though ZSJ is your favorite, being honest about the situation will help when ZSJ doesn’t win the G1.
Why does ZSJ need this win?
I thought NJPW and wrestling fans wanted the younger generation to be in the spotlight. But again, why does ZSJ need this win when he can insert himself into the title match on the Road to Wrestle Kingdom 19.
Think about it for a moment. While a win during the G1 Climax guarantees a title shot at Wrestle Kingdom 19 against the champion, why does ZSJ need to prove himself in a tournament just to get that when he can just take it?
Why is ZSJ following the rules? Look at who on the NJPW roster stopped following the rules and it granted them gold, fame, money, sold out merchandise and meet and greet lines with the Japanese fans at these events. ZSJ has always played it safe and it never come across as “he’s the guy” for NJPW. Dangerous Tekkers was fun because of Taichi — yeah, I said it. When I covered Dangerous Tekkers vs Guerillas of Destiny over the Iron Claw that Taichi had — it was all Taichi and the unfolding story that I was invested. ZSJ didn’t help with that story.
If ZSJ turns heel, then maybe I’ll be interested. Let him take what he believes to be his rather than taking the nice route.
While ZSJ has the accomplishments in NJPW, NJPW never truly gave him the “pressure” like he mentions here. They never gave him the ball to run with it. His run with the NJPW World TV Title doesn’t mean much because there wasn’t an increase for the NJPW World TV Subscriptions.
Kenny Omega lived in Japan for the 10 years he was there and won the IWGP Championship and defended it everywhere and on every event. How will ZSJ elevate the championship title? By just wrestling and cutting nonsense promos that doesn’t make sense? A story has yet to be strung together that we as the Internet Wrestling Community still talk about till this day. We can talk about Shingo’s reign. We can talk about Okada’s reign. We can talk about other champions’ reign. So, what can ZSJ do that no other Japanese wrestler has been able to do? We talk about ZSJ because of his wrestling ability and not being the full package.
Full interview with ZSJ and NJPW here.
💭 - Without answering like a super fan, why does ZSJ need to win the G1? How could ZSJ elevate NJPW and the IWGP title that can guarantee they make money and have sold out shows and do what no other Japanese wrestler has yet to do?
💭 - What is ZSJ’s character and story and in what ways is it relatable to fans?
Leave a comment
🗒️Noteworthy - G1 Climax 34 press conference
A Block is exciting. During the press conference, we have 3 big personalities that needs to be closely watched and talked about. Those 3 are: Gabe Kidd, Jake Lee, and Evil. Those three tell a lot and have a lot of sub-contexts with their words.
Jake Lee is the anime villain we need in NJPW and he fits right in with Bullet Club. But Bullet Club members and NJPW need to keep their eyes open just in case he betrays them too. Jake Lees tells the NJPW press conference and fans who watching the livestream about his horrible past and the horrible past actions of betraying wrestling companies like All Japan Pro Wrestling, NOAH, and his team Good Looking Guys. He tells us we can doubt everything he does and says. He tells you how to perceive who Jake Lee is. That is top level character design and work and the best story elements to have.
EVIL has some choice words which is very fitting as well. EVIL told the NJPW press conference and fans that he’ll lost every match during the G1 but he’ll get results. EVIL has an interesting track record in NJPW as a whole. He wins. He loses. But he gets results either way. He doesn’t hold so dear the win/loss record in pro wrestling. If he wins, it’s a result. If he loses, it’s a result. If he gets a different outcome, it’s still a result.
There was an interesting confrontation between Gabe Kidd and Evil. Gabe Kidd told EVIL exactly what he thinks and what we’ve all been thinking. I’ve questioned EVIL’s loyalty to Bullet Club from time to time. EVIL no longer represents Bullet Club on his merchandise, and they are introduced as a subsection to Bullet Club during introductions. Evil, Togo, Sho, Kanemaru, Ren Narita, and I’m not counting Jack Perry JUST for this statement to say that those men make up HOUSE OF TORTURE and not BULLET CLUB HOUSE OF TORTURE.
💭 - Will Gabe Kidd be the one to start feuding with EVIL and eventually kick out House of Torture by himself?
Gabe Kidd is a menace. Gabe Kidd curses worse than a sailor. Gabe Kidd talks trash to everyone and calls Shota Umino to do a face off. Gabe Kidd not only gets under people’s skin but the trash talking helps to bring the best out in his opponents. Shota Umino showed some emotion when Gabe Kidd grabbed Shota’s neck while talking shit to him. Then Gabe Kidd was escorted out. While Gabe Kidd is an unhinge wrestler, he can back up his trash talk and fighting.
Leave a comment
N-1 - Pro Wrestling Noah’s N-1 tournament
Both New Japan Pro Wrestling and Pro Wrestling Noah have their round robin style tournaments roughly around the same time. The G1 Climax 34 will have special review episodes since that is up first. However, let’s chat about Pro Wrestling Noah for a bit.
Ever since the handshake agreement between WWE and Noah began, it has already become fruitful on the surface. WWE allowed AJ Styles and Iyo Sky to fight in Japan and this week all WWE shows in Japan are sold out. WWE has now sent over Josh Briggs and Tavion Heights from NXT to compete in the N-1 Victory tournament. Some in the IWC would have you believe that WWE sent over jobber, but that’s far from the truth. Just because they still have some time to developed and may not catch your eye just yet because they haven’t found a way to connect with the audience or with you, doesn’t automatically make Josh Briggs and Tavion Heights a “jobber.” A wrestler can’t win them all; and getting in reps in important than the win/loss debate.
Reader Engagement
💬 Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you! What are your thoughts on Stephanie Vaquer's contract situation? The internet has been buzzing with opinions, and we'd love to hear yours. Do you think her decision will impact the industry? Share your insights!
🤔 Spotlight on WWE's Japan Plans
WWE heading to Japan to have amazing matches with Pro Wrestling Noah and Marigold is big news! What do you think this collaboration means for the future of wrestling in Japan?
Are there any dream matches you’re hoping to see? Let’s discuss!
Use the following emoji legend to organize your comments:
📝 - General Feedback/thoughts (opinions, comments, thoughts)
❓- Questions on wrestling, the Wrestle Threads Issue
🧠- Insights
🔥- hot takes
😍 - Dream Matches
🔍 Discussion Note:
Please note that your comments may be featured or discussed in future editions of Wrestle Threads, on the Squared Circle Podcast, on livestreams, and more. We value your insights and look forward to continuing the conversation with you!
Thank you for reading & commenting on issue #2! Did you enjoy Wrestle Threads #2? If so, please tell a friend, share with a friend as those a priceless and grateful gestures. Clicking the ❤️ button lets me know how much you liked this issue!
Stay tuned for more in-depth wrestling discussions and insights. Until next time, keep the conversation going and keep enjoying the world of wrestling!
Squared Circle Podcast Hub is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.
Leave a comment