NJPW Best of Super Juniors 31 will begin on May 11 and end on June 9th. NJPW announced the following participants for the annual tournament:
SHO (7th entry, 7th consecutive. IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion at time of writing). Career PB: 6-3 (2020)
Hiromu Takahashi (9th entry, 5th consecutive. 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 winner)
Ryusuke Taguchi (21st entry, 19th consecutive. 2012 winner)
El Desperado (8th entry, 5th conseuctive) Career PB: runner-up (2020, 2022)
Kevin Knight (2nd entry, 2nd consecutive) Career PB: 3-6 (2023)
YOH (7th entry, 4th consecutive) Career PB: Runner-up (2021)
BUSHI (12th entry, 9th consecutive) Career PB: 6-3 (2019)
Titan (5th entry, 3rd consecutive) Career PB: Runner-up (2023)
TJP (4th entry, 3rd consecutive) Career PB: 4-5 (2022, 2023)
Francesco Akira (3rd entry, 3rd consecutive) Career PB: 4-5 (2022, 2023)
DOUKI (6th entry, 6th consecutive) Career PB: 3-6 (2022, 2023)
Robbie Eagles (6th entry, 6th consecutive) career PB: 5-4 (2019, 2022, 2023)
Taiji Ishimori (8th entry, 7th consecutive) Career PB: runner-up (2018)
Yoshinobu Kanemaru (7th entry, 4th consecutive) Career PB: 4-3 (2017)
Clark Connors (3rd entry, 3rd consecutive) IWGP Junior Heravyweight Tag Champion at time of writing Career PB:4-5 (2022, 2023)
Drilla Moloney (2nd entry, 2nd consecutive) IWGP Junior Heravyweight Tag Champion at time of writing Career PB:4-5 (2023)
Kosei Fujita (debut entry)
Blake Christian (debut entry)
Ninja Mack (debut entry)
HAYATA (debut entry)
The NJPW Best of Super Juniors 31 tournament is set to kick off on May 11 and will run until June 9th. This annual event showcases some of the best junior heavyweight wrestlers in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). With a lineup of talented participants, fans can expect thrilling matches and intense competition throughout the tournament.
One of the standout participants in this year’s Best of Super Juniors is SHO. This will be his 7th entry and 7th consecutive appearance in the tournament. At the time of writing, SHO is the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, adding an extra layer of excitement to his matches. With a career personal best record of 6-3 in 2020, SHO is a strong contender to watch out for.
Another notable wrestler in the lineup is Hiromu Takahashi. This will be his 9th entry and 5th consecutive appearance in the tournament. Takahashi has an impressive track record, having won the Best of Super Juniors in 2018, 2020, 2021, and 2022. His past victories make him a formidable opponent and a favorite to win the tournament once again.
Ryusuke Taguchi, a veteran in the junior heavyweight division, will be making his 21st entry and 19th consecutive appearance in the Best of Super Juniors. Taguchi previously won the tournament in 2012 and has consistently showcased his skills throughout his career. His experience and expertise make him a tough competitor for anyone he faces.
El Desperado, another participant in this year’s tournament, will be making his 8th entry and 5th consecutive appearance. Although he has yet to win the Best of Super Juniors, El Desperado has come close, finishing as the runner-up in both 2020 and 2022. His determination to secure a victory adds an element of anticipation to his matches.
Kevin Knight, in his 2nd entry and 2nd consecutive appearance, will be looking to make a name for himself in the tournament. With a career personal best record of 3-6 in 2023, Knight will be aiming to improve his performance and make a strong impression.
YOH, in his 7th entry and 4th consecutive appearance, is another wrestler to keep an eye on. YOH finished as the runner-up in 2021, showcasing his potential to go far in the tournament. His previous success and experience make him a formidable opponent.
BUSHI, with his 12th entry and 9th consecutive appearance, has consistently delivered exciting performances in the Best of Super Juniors. With a career personal best record of 6-3 in 2019, BUSHI has proven his ability to compete at a high level.
Titan, TJP, Francesco Akira, DOUKI, Robbie Eagles, Taiji Ishimori, Yoshinobu Kanemaru, Clark Connors, Drilla Moloney, Kosei Fujita, Blake Christian, Ninja Mack, and HAYATA are all making their respective debuts in the tournament. These newcomers will be looking to make an impact and establish themselves as rising stars in the junior heavyweight division.
The NJPW Best of Super Juniors 31 promises to be an exciting and action-packed tournament. With a mix of established veterans and up-and-coming talent, fans can expect thrilling matches and unexpected outcomes. As the tournament unfolds, wrestling enthusiasts will witness the evolution of these wrestlers as they compete for the prestigious title of Best of Super Juniors champion.