Every G1 Climax 30 Participant’s Odds Of Winning

Jay White – A Block – 8/10

Jay White has not been able to make his way back to Japan since the pandemic began. While Bullet Club has made use of their time without their leader, White will now make his return. We have yet to see what White and EVIL’s dynamic will be in Bullet Club but fans will be dying to find out. White has been as dastardly a heel as you can imagine, but a clash between Bullet Club members will need to happen in the Finals.

White will have to make it through the stacked A Block to secure his place in the finals. That being said, we know he can do it, having made the finals last year as well. White has clearly been a top star in the eyes of New Japan Pro Wrestling since his return in 2017. This may finally be the year he finds himself atop the G1 Climax mountain. With a long history with Naito, White should be looked at as another heavy favourite.

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KENTA – B Block – 7/10

Despite being Japanese, KENTA has been in the United States for the duration of the pandemic. This means he has not been involved in New Japan since their return. It also means he has yet to interact with new Bullet Club frontman EVIL. Jay White and KENTA seemed to be on the same page before the pandemic, but the same may not be true for their relationship with EVIL.

KENTA got a shot at Naito’s titles earlier this year. While he was unsuccessful in his attempt to become champion, it is clear New Japan has high hopes for him. KENTA lost his final five matches in last year’s tournament so he needs to come out strong early to get back on the right track. His first match will be a Wrestle Kingdom rematch against Hirooki Goto. A test it will surely be.

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Yujiro Takahashi – A Block – 1/10

To be frank, there is a clear and steep drop in talent level from almost everyone else in this tournament and Yujiro Takahashi. Takahashi has long since stopped being a main eventer in New Japan. Gone are the days where his heel turn in 2014 was seen as a big deal. Now, he is near the bottom of Bullet Club but his recent rivalry with Kazuchika Okada has seen him get a spot in this tournament.

If there was anyone who was a slam dunk answer for who isn’t going to win, it is Yujiro. If you’re not booked for a single main event in your block, it is usually not a good sign for your chances.

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EVIL – B Block – 9/10

From the least likely participant to maybe the front-runner. EVIL’s reign as IWGP Double Champion may not have been a home run but he was the latest New Japan Pro Wrestling star to be elevated to main event status. Such is a rare thing and they would not have done it if they didn’t have plans for him.

EVIL’s ascent is reminiscent of Kazuchika Okada’s in 2012 and Okada’s rise saw him win the G1 Climax after a brief title reign. History could repeat itself with EVIL. He will face both Tetsuya Naito and SANADA in the B Block but it is entirely possible that he will earn himself another shot at the gold. Winning the G1 Climax and the New Japan Cup in the same year would be a hell of an achievement but it could be the way to cement EVIL as a new top guy.

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