Bryan Danielson would love to see Zack Sabre Jr. win the NJPW G1 Climax 34 tournament.
Danielson recently spoke with Sports Illustrated to discuss Sabre’s potential in the tournament. For those unaware, Sabre is currently tied for first place in this year’s G1 Climax.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On wanting Sabre to win: “As a fan of the New Japan product, I would love to see Zack Sabre win the G1 and go on to become IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. If you were to ask me whose matches I enjoy the most and what personalities I enjoy the most in New Japan Pro-Wrestling, it’s Zack Sabre Jr.”
On his appreciation of Sabre: “I don’t know the business metrics and all that kind of stuff. But his interviews are the most compelling to me, and in a very real way. He’s the guy I enjoy watching the most.”
Speaking of the G1 Climax 34 tournament, Konosuke Takeshita is competing in it and he recently spoke with Tokyo Sports to discuss his current run, his friendship with Shinsuke Nakamura, and more.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On his relationship with Shinsuka Nakamura: “Isn’t he the top of the top as a Japanese player? In terms of achievements and influence. I am probably the closest to him as a Japanese wrestler, and I have met and talked with him many times, and he has said to me, ‘The future is Take-chan. It’s a heavy cross to bear, but more than anything, it’s my confidence.”
On his G1 Climax run: “I am often told, ‘Do it for your own sake,’ and ‘Don’t be nice. I always keep that in mind when I fight. That’s why I can’t play even one half-hearted or lukewarm match in this official G1 tournament. The mentors are watching me. I think my mentor would not be happy to see me win, but would say, ‘You deserve to win. They would say, ‘You deserve to win. In order for me to be on the same level as my mentor someday, I absolutely have to go through the G1. I will go there without hesitation.”
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