Global attention is on Pro Wrestling NOAH as it began its prestigious 2024 N1 Victory tournament on August 4, in Yokohama. The tournament comprises sixteen illustrious wrestlers grouped into two blocks, A and B. The foremost wrestlers in each block will battle in a round-robin contest to clinch the title of N1 Victory champion.
Block A boasts competitors such as GHC Heavyweight Champion Kaito Kiyomiya, Masa Kitamiya, Ryohei Oiwa, Jack Morris, Dragon Bane, Luis Mante, and Josh Briggs. Last year’s champ, Go Shiozaki, could not return due to an injury and Atsushi Kotoge has replaced him.
Block B is graced by the likes of Kenoh, Manabu Soya, Ulka Sasaki, Yoshiki Inamura, Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr., Alpha Wolf, Titus Alexander, and Tavion Heights.
The current WWE NXT Superstars, Josh Briggs and Tavion Heights, have created a buzz as they mark their first appearance in the N1 Victory.
Josh Briggs: A Force to Reckon With
Josh Briggs, an impressive figure standing at 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches), is celebrated for his tremendous power and overwhelming presence. The Arizonian, who started his professional wrestling journey post his American football career, made his debut on December 14, 2016, and joined WWE within four years.
Briggs said reminiscing his journey, “About 10 years ago, I watched a Pro Wrestling NOAH match that blew me away with its incredible fights. It had me glued to it, and I fell for Japanese wrestling.”
Briggs’s Choke Bomb, his signature lethal move, has been pivotal at deciding moments. At his debut match of the tournament on August 4, he overpowered Ryohei Oiwa with a magnificent Choke Bomb and a clothesline.
Post the match, Briggs stated, “I’m determined to fight hard. I assure you, I won’t return home empty-handed. I aim to take something from every fighter here.”
NOAH Gets a Taste of Olympic Spirit with Tavion Heights
Tavion Heights, another fresh face in the N1 Victory, is a Greco-Roman wrestler who made his mark by finishing seventh in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Heights mentioned, “It’s been three years since my last visit to Japan during the Olympics. Despite the grueling 16-hour flight, my aim remains the same: to defeat everyone in B Block and be the best. My desire to top in Japan has only intensified since my Olympic days.”
Despite his initial loss to Titus Alexander, Heights is hopeful and eager to bounce back in the upcoming matches.
Results of N1 Victory Tournament So Far
The opening matches witnessed these outcomes:
- In Block A, Luis Mante overpowered current GHC Champion Kaito Kiyomiya.
- Masa Kitamiya triumphed over Jack Morris.
- Dragon Bane emerged victorious against Atsushi Kotoge.
And in Block B:
- Kenoh reigned over Manabu Soya.
- Ulka Sasaki defeated Yoshiki Inamura.
- Alpha Wolf won against Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr.
As the tournament has just commenced, the competitors are fiercely vying against each other and the final outcome remains uncertain.