NJPW G1 Special IWGP US Championship Tournament: Preview and predictions

Quarterfinal 2: Juice Robinson vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

Admittedly, all four of the quarterfinal matches should be phenomenal. It’s not just blowing smoke when I say that these are eight of the most talented wrestlers in the world, regardless of promotion. That’s why you shouldn’t take it lightly when I say that this is the match I’m most excited for on Day 1.

Since leaving NXT and the C.J. Parker gimmick behind, Juice Robinson has worked his way up the ranks in NJPW. He’s received title shots recently, even though he fell short. What’s more, he’s put on a quality show every time he’s been in the ring. And with a fanbase that will wholly get behind quality wrestling, he’s also been developing more of a following in Japan.

Meanwhile, Zack Sabre Jr. recently joined the New Japan ranks as the newest member of Suzuki-Gun. ZSJ currently holds three championships from around the world — hence his new Zacky Three Belts moniker — and is arguably the best technical wrestler on the planet. He’s starting to make a name for himself in NJPW, without question, and should be popular in California where he frequents PWG.

With that being said, I’m calling for the upset in this quarterfinal. I know I spoke about stacking Day 2 when previewing the first quarterfinal match, but they need to have a shock and this is where I see it coming. Robinson has the look of someone they’re going to continue to get behind, and this could be the start of it with a victory over Sabre.

Predicted Winner: Juice Robinson