Does AEW need a G1-style tournament?

As All Elite Wrestling creates its identity, should they try to emulate the success of New Japan’s G1 tournament?

New Japan Pro Wrestling made a big statement this summer as it thundered into the US with the first night of its storied G1 Climax tournament. With Dallas being the home for Night 1 and AXS TV showcasing the entire tournament, new fans experienced an event unlike anything they were used to seeing in the US.

Even WWE seems to have been inspired by the G1’s success and resurrected their King of the Ring tournament with a focus on elevating talents to a new level. With All Elite Wrestling looking to establish itself as a promotion grounded in sports-based action, does the company need its own version of the G1?

One of the first statements Tony Kahn made when announcing AEW’s arrival was his plan to create a league where wins and losses matter. Tournaments are a big part of legitimate sports competition. Look no further than March Madness to see the impact a tournament can have on a fanbase.

Is there a more exciting time in the NBA, NHL, NFL or MLB seasons than the playoffs? Fans can be pulled into the idea of a drawn-out event with real stakes where any team on any night can win and advance to a championship. Cinderella stories and Wild Card success can sustain sports narratives for weeks. So why can’t pro wrestling adopt the same type of environment to create a unique experience that’s different than the standard ring matches?

The G1’s round-robin format allows 20 different stories to be told over the course of a month, which separates it from traditional single-elimination tournaments where a competitor’s journey is over once they lose. A round-robin format allows for a comeback story, much like Jay White’s run to this year’s G1 finals. The format also allows for these stories to play out over a longer period of time, which can actually elevate fan investment the longer the event draws out.

Of course, mirroring the G1 exactly wouldn’t be the best idea, but adopting some of the tournament’s elements can help give the new AEW program a narrative focus, as long as the stakes are legitimate and capture audience interest. A major tournament playing out on TV and social media over the course of weeks/months can help set AEW apart from WWE as they establish their identity and build fans’ familiarity with the roster.

AEW on TNT premieres October 2.