Gabe Kidd, the current IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion, was a strong contender in this year’s NJPW G1 Climax tournament. However, due to an injury, he had to withdraw from the competition. NJPW decided to award two points to the wrestlers who were scheduled to face Kidd as a result of his withdrawal. Sources revealed that Kidd was already dealing with an injury going into the tournament and was unsure if he was ready for his opening match against Takeshita Konosuke on July 19. Unfortunately, Kidd overstretched his knees, with fears of a torn MCL, prompting NJPW to advise him to sit out the rest of the event to prevent further damage.
Kidd’s absence forced adjustments in the tournament, as some competitors who were initially given points due to Kidd’s forfeits might have lost had they faced him. Despite the setback, NJPW sources believe Kidd had the potential to reach the semi-finals. It remains uncertain how long Kidd will be sidelined, but there is speculation he might miss NJPW’s upcoming major event—a co-promoted pay-per-view in London with AEW scheduled for August 24.
Fan Take: This news is significant for AEW fans as Kidd’s injury could impact his participation in the highly anticipated NJPW-AEW joint event, potentially shaking up match lineups and storylines. It highlights the unpredictable nature of pro wrestling, where injuries can reshape tournaments and cross-promotional collaborations, affecting the broader wrestling landscape.
