Many wrestlers have tried to conquer New Japan Pro Wrestling’s (NJPW) prestigious annual G1 Climax Tournament, with only a select few managing to win. Notable champions include Kenny Omega, Kazuchika Okada, and Tetsuya Naito. However, some might forget that AEW’s Hangman Adam Page also competed in the 2018 tournament. Although he finished with just six points, achieving victories over Togi Makabe, Bad Luck Fale, and Minoru Suzuki, Page recently reflected on that campaign during an interview on “Shak Wrestling,” describing the experience as a tremendous learning opportunity.
Page remarked, “It was one of the first moments where I truly felt like I was part of something historic and reputable. Being involved in a tournament I had admired since childhood was an honor. It was tough—grappling in matches lasting 15, 20, or even 30 minutes, enduring long bus rides, sometimes alternating between singles and tag matches the next day. Fan and personal expectations were incredibly high. But along the way, I realized, ‘Maybe the score isn’t everything, but I’m hanging in there and doing well.’ It became a major confidence booster for me.”
He took great pride in developing as a wrestler in a country and environment that was unfamiliar to him at the time. This experience significantly boosted his confidence, positively impacting his later tenure in Ring of Honor (ROH), NJPW, and the early days of All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
When quoting this article, please credit “Shak Wrestling” and Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.
Fan Take: This insight into Hangman Adam Page’s growth highlights the invaluable international experiences that shape AEW’s stars. It also shows how high-level competition in NJPW can pave the way for greater success and deeper storytelling in AEW, benefiting the sport globally.
