Inside G128 is an in-depth look at the 20 participants of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s 2018 version of the G1 Climax tournament. The G1 is considered to be the most prestigious tournament in wrestling. Every individual in the field has their own unique story, as they prepare to make their claim as the best endurance wrestler in the world.
The young Hangman Page is on the cusp of breaking through and becoming one of the best in-ring performers in the wrestling business. He has yet to win a major singles title in his young career, yet that will definitely change sooner rather than later. There may not be another with as much potential as Page in the entire industry, his career takes a big step as he makes his first ever G1 entry this year.
Is Hangman Page Ready To Take A Big Step?
Page made his New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) debut in June 2016, and his Bullet Club stock has been on the rise since. His biggest singles victories of 2018 have both come in Ring of Honor (ROH). He defeated Christopher Daniels [8:51] in February and gained a shocking victory over Hiroshi Tanahashi [11:26] in May at ROH Honor United in the United Kingdom.
Page gave both members of the Golden Lovers a battle earlier in the year. In April at Ring of Honor’s Supercard Of Honor XII, he lost to Kota Ibushi [14:30], followed by falling to IWGP Heavyweight Champion Kenny Omega [18:23] at Wrestling Dontaku in May. His performances against Ibushi, Omega, and Tanahashi made his case for being a G1 entry this year. Below is a list of Page’s G1 opponents and the date he wrestles them:
Bad Luck Fale, July 14th
Michale Elgin, July 16th
Kazuchika Okada, July 20th
Hiroshi Tanahashi, July 22nd
Evil, July 27th
Jay White, July 30th
Togi Makabe, August 2nd
Minoru Suzuki, August 5th
Yoshi-Hashi, August 10th
His opening match against Bad Luck Fale will put Bullet Club against Bullet Club, in what is an ever-evolving inter-faction relationship. The rematch between Tanahashi and Page will be an interesting encounter for Hangman. In March of this year at Strong Style Evolved, Hagman lost to Jay White [25:00] when he challenged for the IWGP United States Heavyweight Championship, their match on July 30th could be one of the better matches of the G1.
Page’s match against Minoru Suzuki on August 5th could represent a measuring stick for Hangman Page. Everyone will be dealing with soreness by that time in the tournament, if he is able to will a victory against Suzuki it could represent Hangman being closer to greatness than previously believed by some.
How Hangman will fare in the G1 is an interesting thought experience. If he ends with six points (three wins) it would be hard to criticize him. However, if Page finishes the ‘A Block’ with eight (four wins) or ten (five wins) it would be one of the storylines coming out of the tournament.
Keep a close eye on Hangman Page during the G1 as you could witness him turning into an international star and headliner.
