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SANADA heads into his eighth G1 Climax this summer, his first as a singles champion, and the IWGP World Heavyweight Champion at that. In, surprisingly, the first ever block where he is playing the part of the veteran. A block full of younger contenders looking to make a mark and change the guard at the very top of New Japan, SANADA heads into this tournament with a bigger target on his back then ever before. With a desire to win G1 Climax 33, and nominate Just 5 Guys teammate Taichi as his challenger, SANADA is not lacking in motivation in the tournament of tournaments.
Nowhere is the pressure higher on a champion, let alone one in their first reign, than having to wear their title into a clash with an outside contender. At All Together Again, the SANADA led Just 5 Guys side fell to the Good Looking Guys headed up by GHC Heavyweight Champion Jake Lee; a loss, or even a draw against another Pro-Wrestling NOAH contender in Kaito Kiyomiya won’t just create a challenger to SANADA’s crown but cast aspersions on his reign as a whole.