G1 Climax: Wrestling Elevated to Art

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The G1 Climax is wrestling elevated to Art. And New Japan’s annual tournament is where the wrestling ring is a canvas for the world’s greatest artists to paint on. Learn more

NJPW G1 Climax: The Rich History of Pro Wrestling’s Biggest Tournament

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While the G1 Climax has been a staple for the top Japanese promotion since 1991, it has gone through various other names and formats going back much further.

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Early Years (1974-1982): World League and MSG League

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1983-1989: Creation of the IWGP, IWGP League, and the World Cup Tournament

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Meanwhile, Antonio Inoki was still unsatisfied with the annual tournaments presented by NJPW and proposed the formation of a kayfabe wrestling governing body for the company: the International Wrestling Grand Prix, commonly known as the IWGP.

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The G1 Climax saw athletes from around the globe competing against Japanese wrestlers. However, things soon turned controversial!

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