New Japan has started to run live shows again and audiences will return beginning on July 11 with a 33% capacity.
With the COVID-19 pandemic putting many things in flux across the wrestling world and forcing NJPW to delay/shorten the New Japan Cup and cancel the Best of Super Juniors, fans have wondered the fate of the annual G1 Climax. The event was pushed from the summer to the fall to accommodate the Summer Olympics in Japan, which have since been postponed.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, NJPW President Harold Meij provided an update on the tournament.
?As a result of the now-postponed Tokyo Olympics, we had already decided to move our annual G1 Climax tournament, which traditionally takes place during the summer months, to the autumn,? said Meij. ?It is still on the calendar, although again, venues and crowd capacity will be dependent on both our own and the local governments? guidelines. As for our previously scheduled tours like Best of the Super Juniors, both fans and wrestlers alike were disappointed at their cancellation. All of those voices will be taken into account in the second half of the year as we look to present something to fans that matches, or even surpasses, our initial plans.?
The G1 Climax is currently scheduled to begin on September 19 and run until October 18.
Along with the New Japan Cup, NJPW will hold Lion's Break Collision in the US every Friday night beginning tonight, July 3.
?Lion?s Break Collision is a very new and exciting prospect for us,? said Meij. ?The Lion?s Break concept is centered around presenting new talent from our American subsidiary, and establishing them against familiar big names. So you?ll see a lot of new faces, and also a new presentation. There?s a condensed, episodic, and high-paced feel to the program, but one that still offers the sports-centric presentation and focus on in-ring action.?
MLW star Tom Lawlor is set to compete on Lion's Break Collision along with NJPW along with Jeff Cobb, Rocky Romero, and more. The first episode will premiere on July 3 at 10 p.m. ET.
Fightful will have full results from Lion's Break Collision.