Best of the Super Juniors
The Best of the Super Juniors (often abbreviated BOSJ) is an annual professional wrestling tournament held by New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), typically in May or June. The wrestlers in the tournament are typically junior heavyweight wrestlers from promotions all over the world.[1] NJPW has held 24 Super Juniors tournaments. Two wrestlers have won the tournament three times, Jushin Thunder Liger and Koji Kanemoto, while only one wrestler has won the tournament in two consecutive years as Tiger Mask IV won the tournament in both 2004 and 2005. Liger has participated in the most tournaments as he has wrestled in all tournaments except the 1995 and 2000 tournaments. His participation in the 2015 tournament marked his 24th Super Junior tournament.
History and format
The tournament was formed in 1988 by NJPW. It was originally called the Top of the Super Juniors.[1] The tournament is a round-robin style tournament where a wrestler scores points.[1] The winner, assuming they are not already the champion, receives an opportunity to wrestle for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship not long after the tournament is over. Since 2010, the title match has taken place at June/July's Dominion event.
In 1994, the tournament was renamed to the Best of the Super Juniors. Since 1996 the tournament has been divided into a two-block system used in many other puroresu tournaments. In this format the top two scorers in each block advance to the semifinals, at which point single-elimination rules take effect. During the round-robin portion, a win is worth two points, a draw is worth one, and a loss zero; all matches have a 30-minute time limit, though in the past it has been twenty minutes.
Tournament winners
1988
The 1988 Top of the Super Juniors was a 12-man tournament held from January 4 to February 7. The points system at this time was different from today's, though exactly how is unclear. The two wrestlers with the most points at the end of the tournament, Shiro Koshinaka and Hiroshi Hase, faced off in a singles match to determine the winner. The winner, Koshinaka, went on to win the Junior Heavyweight Championship from Owen Hart on June 24, 1988, after failing to win the title from Hiroshi Hase twice on March 19 and May 8.[2][3]
Wrestler | Score |
---|---|
Shiro Koshinaka | 41 |
Hiroshi Hase | 41 |
Nobuhiko Takada | 40 |
Owen Hart | 39 |
Kazuo Yamazaki | 38 |
Keiichi Yamada | 31 |
Kuniaki Kobayashi | 24 |
Hiro Saito | 24 |
Tony St. Clair | 14 |
Tatsutoshi Goto | 9 |
Masakatsu Funaki | 8 |
Norio Honaga | 0 |
Final | ||||
1 | Shiro Koshinaka | Pin | ||
2 | Hiroshi Hase | 16:43 | ||
1991
The 1991 Top of the Super Juniors was a seven-man tournament held from April 15 to April 30, and the first to use the modern points system. Prior to the tournament, the reigning Junior Heavyweight Champion, Jushin Thunder Liger, vacated the title so the winner of the 1991 Top of the Super Juniors also became the champion; with his victory over Liger in the final, Norio Honaga also won the championship.[2][4]
Wrestler | Score |
---|---|
Norio Honaga | 8 |
Jushin Thunder Liger | 8 |
Pegasus Kid | 8 |
Negro Casas | 8 |
Owen Hart | 6 |
David Finlay | 4 |
Flyin' Scorpio | 0 |
Semifinals | Final | ||||||||
1 | Norio Honaga | Pin | |||||||
3 | Pegasus Kid | ||||||||
1 | Norio Honaga | Pin | |||||||
2 | Jushin Thunder Liger | 21:54 | |||||||
2 | Jushin Thunder Liger | Pin | |||||||
4 | Negro Casas | ||||||||
1992
The 1992 Top of the Super Juniors was a nine-man tournament, held from April 16 to April 30. The winner, Jushin Thunder Liger, became the first man to win the tournament while holding the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.[2][5]
Wrestler | Score |
---|---|
El Samurai | 14 |
Jushin Thunder Liger | 12 |
Norio Honaga | 12 |
Negro Casas | 10 |
Pegasus Kid | 10 |
David Finlay | 6 |
Eddie Guerrero | 4 |
Flyin' Scorpio | 2 |
Koji Kanemoto | 2 |
Semifinal | Final | |||||||
1 | El Samurai | Pin | ||||||
2 | Jushin Thunder Liger | Pin | 2 | Jushin Thunder Liger | 21:15 | |||
3 | Norio Honaga |
1993
The 1993 Top of the Super Juniors was an 11-man tournament held from May 26 to June 14. As the result of a four-way tie for second place (Jushin Thunder Liger was also tied, but was eliminated due to injury), the four men held a playoff tournament to challenge first-place Pegasus Kid (better known as Chris Benoit) in the final; this ended up being El Samurai, who would nonetheless fall against Pegasus Kid. Pegasus became the first foreign wrestler to win the tournament as a result.[6] He also went on to challenge the champion Liger unsuccessfully on August 8. Eddie Guerrero participated in the 1992 tournament under his real name, but wrestled in the 1993 tournament as "Black Tiger"[2][5]
Wrestler | Score |
---|---|
Pegasus Kid | 14 |
El Samurai | 12 |
Dean Malenko | 12 |
Flyin' Scorpio | 12 |
Black Tiger II | 12 |
Jushin Thunder Liger | 12 |
David Finlay | 10 |
Norio Honaga | 10 |
Lightning Kid | 8 |
Shinjiro Otani | 4 |
Masao Orihara | 4 |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Final | |||||||||||
N/A | |||||||||||||
N/A | |||||||||||||
1 | Pegasus Kid | Pin | |||||||||||
2 | El Samurai | 18:44 | |||||||||||
5 | Black Tiger II | Sub | |||||||||||
3 | Dean Malenko | ||||||||||||
3 | Dean Malenko | Pin | |||||||||||
2 | El Samurai | ||||||||||||
4 | Flyin' Scorpio | Pin | |||||||||||
2 | El Samurai |
1994
The 1994 Best of the Super Juniors, the first tournament to be held under that name, was an 11-man tournament contested from May 26 to June 13. Jushin Thunder Liger once again won while also the reigning Junior Heavyweight champion, and also became the first wrestler to win the tournament twice. Guest natives included Super Delfin and Taka Michinoku from Michinoku Pro Wrestling and Masayoshi Motegi from Wrestle Dream Factory.[2][7]
Wrestler | Score |
---|---|
Jushin Thunder Liger | 14 |
Super Delfin | 14 |
El Samurai | 12 |
Wild Pegasus | 12 |
Black Tiger II | 12 |
Dean Malenko | 12 |
Shinjiro Otani | 10 |
Tokimitsu Ishizawa | 8 |
David Finlay | 8 |
Taka Michinoku | 4 |
Masayoshi Motegi | 2 |
Final | ||||
1 | Jushin Thunder Liger | Pin | ||
2 | Super Delfin | 18:29 | ||
1995
The 1995 Best of the Super Juniors was a 10-man tournament held from June 23 to July 13. Like Jushin Thunder Liger the year prior, Wild Pegasus (formerly Pegasus Kid) won the tournament for the second time, and was the only gaijin ("foreigner") to do so until Prince Devitt won the tournament in 2010.[2][8] Like in 1993, Pegasus failed in his championship challenge, this time against Koji Kanemoto on September 25, 1995. Gran Hamada from Michinoku Pro Wrestling was the guest native.
Wrestler | Score |
---|---|
Wild Pegasus | 10 |
Shinjiro Otani | 10 |
Black Tiger II | 10 |
Koji Kanemoto | 10 |
Dean Malenko | 8 |
Gran Hamada | 8 |
Brian Pillman | 8 |
El Samurai | 8 |
Alex Wright | 8 |
Norio Honaga | 4 |
Semifinals | Final | ||||||||
1 | Wild Pegasus | Pin | |||||||
3 | Black Tiger II | 16:37 | |||||||
1 | Wild Pegasus | Pin | |||||||
2 | Shinjiro Otani | 19:16 | |||||||
2 | Shinjiro Otani | Pin | |||||||
4 | Koji Kanemoto | 15:24 | |||||||
1996
The 1996 Best of the Super Juniors was held from May 24 to June 12, and was the first to use the two-block format, featuring seven wrestlers in each block. The winner, Black Tiger, would unsuccessfully challenge The Great Sasuke for the championship on June 17, 1996. Note that some tournament scores for lower-ranked wrestlers are unknown.[2][9]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
El Samurai | 10 | Black Tiger II | 10 |
Wild Pegasus | 10 | Jushin Thunder Liger | 8 |
Tatsuhito Takaiwa | 8 | Shinjiro Otani | 6 |
Franz Schumann | ? | Dean Malenko | 6 |
Emilio Charles, Jr. | ? | Norio Honaga | ? |
Mr. J.L. | ? | Tokimitsu Ishizawa | 4 |
Koji Kanemoto | ? | Villano IV | ? |
Semifinals | Final | ||||||||
A1 | El Samurai | Pin | |||||||
B2 | Jushin Thunder Liger | 15:11 | |||||||
B2 | Jushin Thunder Liger | Pin | |||||||
B1 | Black Tiger II | 18:44 | |||||||
B1 | Black Tiger II | Pin | |||||||
A2 | Wild Pegasus | 20:17 | |||||||
1997
The 1997 Best of the Super Juniors was a two-block, 14-man tournament held from May 16 to June 5. This and the following tournament in 1998 would utilize a points system that involved simply one point for a win, and zero for a loss or draw. The winner, El Samurai, went on to defeat Jushin Thunder Liger for the championship on July 6. Guest natives included Gran Naniwa and Hanzo Nakajima from Michinoku Pro Wrestling and Yoshihiro Tajiri from Big Japan Pro Wrestling.[2][10]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Koji Kanemoto | 5 | El Samurai | 5 |
Jushin Thunder Liger | 4 | Shinjiro Otani | 4 |
Tatsuhito Takaiwa | 4 | Chris Jericho | 4 |
Gran Naniwa | 3 | Hanzo Nakajima | 3 |
Dr. Wagner, Jr. | 2 | Yoshihiro Tajiri | 3 |
Doc Dean | 2 | Scorpio, Jr. | 1 |
Chavo Guerrero, Jr. | 1 | Robbie Brookside | 1 |
Block A | Dean | Guerrero | Kanemoto | Liger | Naniwa | Takaiwa | Wagner |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dean | X | Dean (16:04) | Kanemoto (10:27) | Dean (11:51) | Naniwa (12:29) | Takaiwa (11:36) | Wagner (7:29) |
Guerrero | Dean (16:04) | X | Kanemoto (15:12) | Liger (10:20) | Guerrero (11:05) | Takaiwa (12:14) | Wagner (11:13) |
Kanemoto | Kan. (10:27) | Kan. (15:12) | X | Kan. (16:32) | Kan. (14:53) | Takaiwa (18:09) | Kan. (12:11) |
Liger | Dean (11:51) | Liger (10:20) | Kanemoto (16:32) | X | Liger (16:32) | Liger (15:53) | Liger (12:59) |
Naniwa | Naniwa (12:29) | Guerrero (11:05) | Kanemoto (14:53) | Liger (16:32) | X | Naniwa (15:41) | Naniwa (12:39) |
Takaiwa | Takaiwa (11:36) | Takaiwa (12:14) | Takaiwa (18:09) | Liger (15:53) | Naniwa (15:41) | X | Takaiwa (9:53) |
Wagner | Wagner (7:29) | Wagner (11:13) | Kanemoto (12:11) | Liger (12:59) | Naniwa (12:39) | Takaiwa (9:53) | X |
Block B | Brookside | Jericho | Nakajima | Otani | El Samurai | Scorpio | Tajiri |
Brookside | X | Brookside (13:43) | Nakajima (12:23) | Otani (15:31) | Samurai (11:32) | Scorpio (10:07) | Tajiri (11:34) |
Jericho | Brookside (13:43) | X | Jericho (10:53) | Otani (12:59) | Jericho (15:12) | Jericho (11:16) | Jericho (13:36) |
Nakajima | Nakajima (12:23) | Jericho (10:53) | X | Otani (12:26) | Samurai (14:30) | Nakajima (8:05) | Nakajima (9:18) |
Otani | Otani (15:31) | Otani (12:59) | Otani (12:26) | X | Samurai (18:35) | Otani (7:55) | Tajiri (11:44) |
Samurai | Samurai (11:32) | Jericho (15:12) | Samurai (14:30) | Samurai (18:35) | X | Samurai (9:00) | Samurai (13:42) |
Scorpio | Scorpio (10:07) | Jericho (11:16) | Nakajima (8:05) | Otani (7:55) | Samurai (9:00) | X | Tajiri (9:16) |
Tajiri | Tajiri (11:34) | Jericho (13:36) | Nakajima (9:18) | Tajiri (11:44) | Samurai (13:42) | Tajiri (9:16) | X |
Final | ||||
A1 | Koji Kanemoto | Pin | ||
B1 | El Samurai | 23:51 | ||
1998
The 1998 Best of the Super Juniors was a two-block, 12-man tournament held from May 16 to June 3. Like the previous year, it used a simpler points system, including one point for a win and zero for a loss or draw. The winner, Koji Kanemoto, would make an unsuccessful challenge to the champion, Jushin Thunder Liger, on July 15, as well as an equally unsuccessful rematch on January 4, 1999, before beating Liger for the title on March 17, 1999.[2][11]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Wagner, Jr. | 4 | Koji Kanemoto | 4 |
Jushin Thunder Liger | 3 | Shiryu | 3 |
El Samurai | 3 | Kendo Kashin | 3 |
Shinjiro Otani | 2 | El Felino | 2 |
Tatsuhito Takaiwa | 2 | Nanjyo Hayato | 2 |
Masakazu Fukuda | 1 | Yuji Yasuraoka | 1 |
Final | ||||
A1 | Dr. Wagner, Jr. | Pin | ||
B1 | Koji Kanemoto | 26:17 | ||
1999
The 1999 Best of the Super Juniors was a two-block, 12-man tournament held from May 19 to June 8. The winner, Kendo Kashin, went on to defeat the champion Koji Kanemoto for the title on August 28, who he had also defeated in the BOSJ finals. Kanemoto became the first person to reach the finals three years in a row.[2][12]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Koji Kanemoto | 8 | Kendo Kashin | 8 |
Gran Hamada | 6 | Shinjiro Otani | 7 |
Jushin Thunder Liger | 6 | El Samurai | 5 |
Masaaki Mochizuki | 4 | Dr. Wagner, Jr. | 4 |
Tatsuhito Takaiwa | 4 | Minoru Tanaka | 4 |
Super Shocker | 2 | Masao Orihara | 2 |
Block A | Gran Hamada | Koji Kanemoto | Jushin Thunder Liger | Masaaki Mochizuki | Super Shocker | Tatsuhito Takaiwa |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gran Hamada | X | Kanemoto (15:46) | Hamada (10:08) | Hamada (10:47) | Hamada (10:17) | Takaiwa (12:32) |
Koji Kanemoto | Kanemoto (15:46) | X | Liger (20:29) | Kanemoto (9:40) | Kanemoto (10:19) | Kanemoto (13:29) |
Jushin Thunder Liger | Hamada (10:08) | Liger (20:29) | X | Liger (11:13) | Liger (13:59) | Takaiwa (17:47) |
Masaaki Mochizuki | Hamada (10:47) | Kanemoto (9:40) | Liger (11:13) | X | Mochizuki (10:44) | Mochizuki (13:11) |
Super Shocker | Hamada (10:17) | Kanemoto (10:19) | Liger (13:59) | Mochizuki (10:44) | X | Shocker (13:50) |
Tatsuhito Takaiwa | Takaiwa (12:32) | Kanemoto (13:29) | Takaiwa (17:47) | Mochizuki (13:11) | Shocker (13:50) | X |
Block B | Kendo Kashin | Masao Orihara | Shinjiro Otani | El Samurai | Minoru Tanaka | Dr. Wagner, Jr. |
Kendo Kashin | X | Kashin (7:06) | Otani (9:34) | Kashin (10:00) | Kashin (10:21) | Kashin (8:58) |
Masao Orihara | Kashin (7:06) | X | Otani (9:37) | Samurai (12:52) | Orihara (10:52) | Wagner (10:08) |
Shinjiro Otani | Otani (9:34) | Otani (9:37) | X | Draw (30:00) | Tanaka (13:57) | Otani (11:19) |
El Samurai | Kashin (10:00) | Samurai (12:52) | Draw (30:00) | X | Tanaka (10:32) | Samurai (11:42) |
Minoru Tanaka | Kashin (10:21) | Orihara (10:52) | Tanaka (13:57) | Tanaka (10:32) | X | Wagner (10:09) |
Dr. Wagner, Jr. | Kashin (8:58) | Wagner (10:08) | Otani (11:19) | Samurai (11:42) | Wagner (10:09) | X |
Final | ||||
A1 | Koji Kanemoto | Sub | ||
B1 | Kendo Kashin | 13:15 | ||
2000
The 2000 Best of the Super Juniors was a two-block, 12-man tournament held from May 19 to June 9. The winner, Tatsuhito Takaiwa, would go on to defeat Jushin Thunder Liger for the title on July 20, 2000 ending Liger's last reign with the championship so far.[13]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Tatsuhito Takaiwa | 8 | Shinjiro Otani | 10 |
Gran Hamada | 6 | Minoru Tanaka | 6 |
Koji Kanemoto | 6 | Kendo Kashin | 6 |
El Samurai | 4 | Katsumi Usuda | 4 |
Dr. Wagner, Jr. | 4 | Kid Romeo | 2 |
Shinya Makabe | 2 | Minoru Fujita | 2 |
Block A | Gran Hamada | Koji Kanemoto | Shinya Makabe | El Samurai | Tatsuhito Takaiwa | Dr. Wagner, Jr. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gran Hamada | X | Hamada (13:00) | Hamada (8:37) | Hamada (8:16) | Takaiwa (6:39) | Wagner (10:24) |
Koji Kanemoto | Hamada (13:00) | X | Kanemoto (10:37) | Kanemoto (8:14) | Kanemoto (14:04) | Wagner (10:30) |
Shinya Makabe | Hamada (8:37) | Kanemoto (10:37) | X | Samurai (9:52) | Takaiwa (11:11) | Makabe (12:38) |
El Samurai | Hamada (8:16) | Kanemoto (8:14) | Samurai (9:52) | X | Takaiwa (9:34) | Samurai (13:51) |
Tatsuhito Takaiwa | Takaiwa (6:39) | Kanemoto (14:04) | Takaiwa (11:11) | Takaiwa (9:34) | X | Takaiwa (13:06) |
Dr. Wagner, Jr. | Wagner (10:24) | Wagner (10:30) | Makabe (12:38) | Samurai (13:51) | Takaiwa (13:06) | X |
Block B | Minoru Fujita | Kendo Kashin | Kid Romeo | Shinjiro Otani | Minoru Tanaka | Katsumi Usuda |
Minoru Fujita | X | Kashin (5:56) | Romeo (6:06) | Otani (9:16) | Tanaka (11:20) | Fujita (10:08) |
Kendo Kashin | Kashin (5:56) | X | Kashin (4:51) | Otani (9:59) | Tanaka (9:10) | Kashin (8:30) |
Kid Romeo | Romeo (6:06) | Kashin (4:51) | X | Otani (5:37) | Tanaka (5:15) | Usuda (6:16) |
Shinjiro Otani | Otani (9:16) | Otani (9:59) | Otani (5:37) | X | Otani (12:14) | Otani (12:55) |
Minoru Tanaka | Tanaka (11:20) | Tanaka (9:10) | Tanaka (5:15) | Otani (12:14) | X | Usuda (11:56) |
Katsumi Usuda | Fujita (10:08) | Kashin (8:30) | Usuda (6:16) | Otani (12:55) | Usuda (11:56) | X |
Final | ||||
A1 | Tatsuhito Takaiwa | Pin | ||
B1 | Shinjiro Otani | 18:35 | ||
2001
The 2001 Best of the Super Juniors was a two-block, 12-man tournament held from May 18 to June 4. With his victory, Jushin Thunder Liger became both the first person to win the tournament three times, and the first to not lose a single match during the tournament.[14] For reasons that are unclear, Liger did not receive a championship match as a reward for his victory.
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Jushin Thunder Liger | 10 | Minoru Tanaka | 8 |
El Samurai | 6 | Akira | 6 |
Silver King | 6 | Super Shocker | 6 |
Chris Candido | 4 | Dr. Wagner, Jr. | 6 |
Gran Naniwa | 4 | Shinya Makabe | 4 |
Wataru Inoue | 0 | Katsuyori Shibata | 0 |
Block A | Chris Candido | Wataru Inoue | Jushin Thunder Liger | Gran Naniwa | El Samurai | Silver King |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chris Candido | X | Candido (5:10) | Liger (5:48) | Candido (8:01) | Samurai (4:53) | King (7:40) |
Wataru Inoue | Candido (5:10) | X | Liger (13:56) | Naniwa (10:48) | Samurai (14:29) | King (8:26) |
Jushin Thunder Liger | Liger (5:48) | Liger (13:56) | X | Liger (14:05) | Liger (13:26) | Liger (12:32) |
Gran Naniwa | Candido (8:01) | Naniwa (10:48) | Liger (14:05) | X | Naniwa (11:29) | King (10:01) |
El Samurai | Samurai (4:53) | Samurai (14:29) | Liger (13:26) | Naniwa (11:29) | X | Samurai (10:33) |
Silver King | King (7:40) | King (8:26) | Liger (12:32) | King (10:01) | Samurai (10:33) | X |
Block B | Akira | Shinya Makabe | Katsuyori Shibata | Super Shocker | Minoru Tanaka | Dr. Wagner, Jr. |
Akira | X | Makabe (10:15) | Akira (6:18) | Akira (10:10) | Akira (23:22) | Wagner (11:38) |
Shinya Makabe | Makabe (10:15) | X | Makabe (6:23) | Shocker (9:41) | Tanaka (16:34) | Wagner (9:03) |
Katsuyori Shibata | Akira (6:18) | Makabe (6:23) | X | Shocker (9:07) | Tanaka (6:24) | Wagner (9:28) |
Super Shocker | Akira (10:10) | Shocker (9:41) | Shocker (9:07) | X | Tanaka (12:53) | Shocker (14:23) |
Minoru Tanaka | Akira (23:22) | Tanaka (16:34) | Tanaka (6:24) | Tanaka (12:53) | X | Tanaka (14:45) |
Dr. Wagner, Jr. | Wagner (11:38) | Wagner (9:03) | Wagner (9:28) | Shocker (14:23) | Tanaka (14:45) | X |
Final | ||||
A1 | Jushin Thunder Liger | Pin | ||
B1 | Minoru Tanaka | 26:12 | ||
2002
The 2002 Best of the Super Juniors was a 14-man, two-block tournament held from May 18 to June 5. It once again used the 1997-98 system of one point for a win, and zero for a loss or draw. The two-time winner, Koji Kanemoto, went on to defeat champion Minoru Tanaka for the title on July 19, the same man he defeated in the finals of the tournament. The Black Tiger who wrestled in the 2002 event was not Eddie Guerrero who had previously participated in the tournament under that name, but luchador Silver King, who had taken over the character in the preceding year.[15]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Koji Kanemoto | 4 | Minoru Tanaka | 4 |
Jushin Thunder Liger | 4 | El Samurai | 4 |
Katsuyori Shibata | 3 | Gedo | 3 |
Black Tiger III | 3 | Masayuki Naruse | 3 |
Masahito Kakihara | 3 | Akira | 3 |
Curry Man | 2 | Tiger Mask IV | 3 |
Jado | 1 | Wataru Inoue | 2 |
Block A | B. Tiger | Curry | Jado | Kakihara | Kanemoto | Liger | Shibata |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
B. Tiger | X | Curry (8:46) | B. Tiger (5:00) | B. Tiger (8:20) | B. Tiger (13:35) | Liger (13:30) | Shibata (8:20) |
Curry | Curry (8:46) | X | Jado (10:47) | Kakihara (9:23) | Kanemoto (10:50) | Liger (12:58) | Curry (7:14) |
Jado | B. Tiger (5:00) | Jado (10:47) | X | Kakihara (forfeit) | Kanemoto (12:06) | Draw (3:10) | Shibata (forfeit) |
Kakihara | B. Tiger (8:20) | Kakihara (9:23) | Kakihara (forfeit) | X | Kakihara (12:28) | Liger (14:06) | Shibata (5:39) |
Kanemoto | B. Tiger (13:35) | Kanemoto (10:50) | Kanemoto (12:06) | Kakihara (12:28) | X | Kanemoto (17:17) | Kanemoto (6:12) |
Liger | Liger (13:30) | Liger (12:58) | Draw (3:10) | Liger (14:06) | Kanemoto (17:17) | X | Liger (9:45) |
Shibata | Shibata (8:20) | Curry (7:14) | Shibata (forfeit) | Shibata (5:39) | Kanemoto (6:12) | Liger (9:45) | X |
Block B | Akira | Gedo | Inoue | Naruse | Samurai | Tanaka | T. Mask |
Akira | X | Gedo (11:12) | Akira (7:47) | Naruse (9:37) | Samurai (11:48) | Akira (16:13) | Akira (10:36) |
Gedo | Gedo (11:12) | X | Inoue (11:19) | Gedo (10:41) | Samurai (13:25) | Gedo (12:51) | T. Mask (14:49) |
Inoue | Akira (7:47) | Inoue (11:19) | X | Naruse (10:23) | Inoue (7:21) | Tanaka (8:13) | T. Mask (8:16) |
Naruse | Naruse (9:37) | Gedo (10:41) | Naruse (10:23) | X | Samurai (9:19) | Tanaka (12:14) | Naruse (6:54) |
Samurai | Samurai (11:48) | Samurai (13:25) | Inoue (7:21) | Samurai (9:19) | X | Tanaka (13:01) | T. Mask (12:08) |
Tanaka | Akira (16:13) | Gedo (12:51) | Tanaka (8:13) | Tanaka (12:14) | Tanaka (13:01) | X | Tanaka (10:22) |
T. Mask | Akira (10:36) | T. Mask (14:49) | T. Mask (8:16) | Naruse (6:54) | T. Mask (12:08) | Tanaka (10:22) | X |
Final | ||||
A1 | Koji Kanemoto | Pin | ||
B1 | Minoru Tanaka | 14:12 | ||
2003
The 2003 Best of the Super Juniors was a 14-man, two-block tournament held from May 23 to June 11. It introduced the modern system of each block's top two scorers advancing to the semifinals with Masahito Kakihara winning the tournament.[29] The winner, would unsuccessfully challenge champion Tiger Mask IV on July 6, despite having beaten him in the tournament.[16]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Akira | 10 | Koji Kanemoto | 8 |
Takashi Sugiura | 8 | Masahito Kakihara | 8 |
Jushin Thunder Liger | 8 | Tiger Mask IV | 8 |
Minoru Fujita | 8 | Masayuki Naruse | 6 |
Ebessan | 4 | Stampede Kid | 4 |
Gedo | 4 | El Samurai | 4 |
Ryusuke Taguchi | 0 | Jado | 4 |
Block A | Akira | Ebessan | Fujita | Gedo | Liger | Sugiura | Taguchi |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Akira | X | Akira (8:24) | Fujita (12:34) | Akira (11:49) | Akira (16:04) | Akira (12:10) | Akira (8:34) |
Ebessan | Akira (8:24) | X | Fujita (8:24) | Ebessan (9:09) | Liger (10:56) | Sugiura (11:52) | Ebessan (7:14) |
Fujita | Fujita (12:34) | Fujita (8:24) | X | Fujita (11:41) | Liger (11:27) | Sugiura (11:27) | Fujita (10:26) |
Gedo | Akira (11:49) | Ebessan (9:09) | Fujita (11:41) | X | Liger (14:09) | Gedo (12:16) | Gedo (8:39) |
Liger | Akira (16:04) | Liger (10:56) | Liger (11:27) | Liger (14:09) | X | Sugiura (12:06) | Liger (6:53) |
Sugiura | Akira (12:10) | Sugiura (11:52) | Sugiura (11:27) | Gedo (12:16) | Sugiura (12:06) | X | Sugiura (9:13) |
Taguchi | Akira (8:34) | Ebessan (7:14) | Fujita (10:26) | Gedo (8:39) | Liger (6:53) | Sugiura (9:13) | X |
Block B | Jado | Kakihara | Kanemoto | Naruse | Samurai | Stampede | T. Mask |
Jado | X | Kakihara (6:56) | Jado (5:23) | Jado (7:38) | Samurai (12:26) | Stampede (5:13) | T. Mask (9:59) |
Kakihara | Kakihara (6:56) | X | Kanemoto (11:07) | Naruse (9:15) | Kakihara (8:13) | Kakihara (7:06) | Kakihara (10:31) |
Kanemoto | Jado (5:23) | Kanemoto (11:07) | X | Kanemoto (10:56) | Samurai (8:29) | Kanemoto (8:50) | Kanemoto (10:45) |
Naruse | Jado (7:38) | Naruse (9:15) | Kanemoto (10:56) | X | Naruse (9:07) | Naruse (9:09) | T. Mask (10:05) |
Samurai | Samurai (12:26) | Kakihara (8:13) | Samurai (8:29) | Naruse (9:07) | X | Stampede (9:41) | T. Mask (12:09) |
Stampede | Stampede (5:13) | Kakihara (7:06) | Kanemoto (8:50) | Naruse (9:09) | Stampede (9:41) | X | T. Mask (7:38) |
T. Mask | T. Mask (9:59) | Kakihara (10:31) | Kanemoto (10:45) | T. Mask (10:05) | T. Mask (12:09) | T. Mask (7:38) | X |
Semifinals | Final | ||||||||
A1 | Akira | Sub | |||||||
B2 | Masahito Kakihara | 8:28 | |||||||
B2 | Masahito Kakihara | Pin | |||||||
B1 | Koji Kanemoto | 15:33 | |||||||
B1 | Koji Kanemoto | Sub | |||||||
A2 | Takashi Sugiura | 12:48 | |||||||
2004
The 2004 Best of the Super Juniors was a 16-man, two-block tournament held from May 22 to June 13. It featured a unique structure from other years: the top scorer from each block would advance to the semifinals, while the second and third-place finishers in each block would start in the quarterfinals. Jushin Thunder Liger, after finishing first in Block A, was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to a spinal injury, leaving American Dragon to go to the semifinals instead. The eventual winner, Tiger Mask IV, would unsuccessfully challenge Heat for the title on July 19, though he would defeat him in a rematch on January 4, 2005.[17]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Jushin Thunder Liger (withdrew) | 9 | Tiger Mask IV | 12 |
American Dragon | 9 | Último Dragón | 11 |
Masahito Kakihara | 9 | Heat | 10 |
Koji Kanemoto | 7 | Masayuki Naruse | 10 |
El Samurai | 7 | Rocky Romero | 7 |
Big Boss Ma-g-ma | 7 | Garuda | 3 |
Wataru Inoue | 4 | Katsuhiko Nakajima | 2 |
Ryusuke Taguchi | 4 | Curry Man | 1 |
Block A | Dragon | Inoue | Kakihara | Kanemoto | Liger | Ma-g-ma | Samurai | Taguchi |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dragon | X | Dragon (12:34) | Dragon (9:44) | Dragon (11:51) | Liger (13:10) | Ma-g-ma (14:35) | Dragon (12:58) | Draw (20:00) |
Inoue | Dragon(12:34) | X | Kakihara (10:37) | Inoue (11:44) | Liger (5:46) | Ma-g-ma (11:16) | Samurai (10:39) | Inoue (10:19) |
Kakihara | Dragon (9:44) | Kakihara (10:37) | X | Kakihara (10:55) | Draw (20:00) | Kakihara (10:33) | Samurai (9:50) | Kakihara (7:32) |
Kanemoto | Dragon (11:51) | Inoue (11:44) | Kakihara (10:55) | X | Kanemoto (16:33) | Draw (20:00) | Kanemoto (13:58) | Kanemoto (8:50) |
Liger | Liger (13:10) | Liger (5:46) | Draw (20:00) | Kanemoto (16:33) | X | Liger (7:07) | Liger (14:08) | Taguchi (0:45) |
Ma-g-ma | Ma-g-ma (14:35) | Ma-g-ma (11:16) | Kakihara (10:33) | Draw (20:00) | Liger (7:07) | X | Samurai (11:56) | Ma-g-ma (8:48) |
Samurai | Dragon (12:58) | Samurai (10:39) | Samurai (9:50) | Kanemoto (13:58) | Liger (14:08) | Samurai (11:56) | X | Draw (20:00) |
Taguchi | Draw (20:00) | Inoue (10:19) | Kakihara (7:32) | Kanemoto (8:50) | Taguchi (0:45) | Ma-g-ma (8:48) | Draw (20:00) | X |
Block B | Curry | Dragón | Garuda | HEAT | Nakajima | Naruse | Romero | T. Mask |
Curry | X | Dragón (forfeit) | Draw (20:00) | Heat (11:19) | Nakajima (8:20) | Naruse (forfeit) | Romero (forfeit) | T. Mask (forfeit) |
Dragón | Dragón (forfeit) | X | Dragón (8:46) | Draw (20:00) | Dragón (9:07) | Naruse (11:06) | Dragón (12:10) | Dragón (12:01) |
Garuda | Draw (20:00) | Dragón (8:46) | X | Heat (5:11) | Garuda (8:41) | Naruse (11:06) | Romero (9:55) | T. Mask (10:42) |
Heat | Heat (11:19) | Draw (20:00) | Heat (5:11) | X | Heat (11:26) | Heat (15:38) | Draw (20:00) | T. Mask (14:08) |
Nakajima | Nakajima (8:20) | Dragón (9:07) | Garuda (8:41) | Heat (11:26) | X | Naruse (1:41) | Romero (8:39) | T. Mask (7:11) |
Naruse | Naruse (forfeit) | Naruse (11:06) | Naruse (11:06) | Heat (15:38) | Naruse (1:41) | X | Naruse (8:41) | T. Mask (3:32) |
Romero | Romero (forfeit) | Dragón (12:10) | Romero (9:55) | Draw (20:00) | Romero (8:39) | Naruse (8:41) | X | T. Mask (13:14) |
T. Mask | T. Mask (forfeit) | Dragón (12:01) | T. Mask (10:42) | T. Mask (14:08) | T. Mask (7:11) | T. Mask (3:32) | T. Mask (13:14) | X |
Quarterfinals | Semifinals | Final | |||||||||||
A1 | American Dragon | Sub | |||||||||||
A3 | Koji Kanemoto | 13:34 | |||||||||||
B2 | Último Dragón | Pin | |||||||||||
A3 | Koji Kanemoto | 5:30 | |||||||||||
A3 | Koji Kanemoto | Pin | |||||||||||
B1 | Tiger Mask IV | 11:26 | |||||||||||
B1 | Tiger Mask IV | Pin | |||||||||||
B3 | Heat | 15:14 | |||||||||||
A2 | Masahito Kakihara | Sub | |||||||||||
B3 | Heat | 12:52 |
2005
The 2005 Best of the Super Juniors was a 14-man, two-block tournament held from May 21 to June 19. The winner, Tiger Mask IV, became the first and so far only person in history to win the tournament in consecutive years, as well as the first since Jushin Thunder Liger in 1994 to win the tournament as champion. 2005 saw the participation of the third wrestler under the Black Tiger mask as Rocky Romero had begun working as Black Tiger IV in the preceding year.[18]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Minoru | 8 | Gedo | 10 |
Koji Kanemoto | 8 | Tiger Mask IV | 8 |
Hirooki Goto | 6 | Jushin Thunder Liger | 8 |
El Samurai | 6 | Wataru Inoue | 6 |
Masahito Kakihara | 6 | Black Tiger IV | 4 |
Stampede Kid | 4 | Katsushi Takemura | 4 |
Jado | 4 | Akiya Anzawa | 2 |
Block A | Goto | Jado | Kakihara | Kanemoto | Minoru | Samurai | Stampede |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Goto | X | Jado (11:31) | Goto (10:16) | Kanemoto (11:28) | Minoru (11:28) | Goto (10:08) | Goto (7:57) |
Jado | Jado (11:31) | X | Kakihara (8:02) | Kanemoto (10:40) | Minoru (12:29) | Jado (14:04) | Stampede (9:59) |
Kakihara | Goto (10:16) | Kakihara (8:02) | X | Kanemoto (10:29) | Kakihara (10:04) | Samurai (10:47) | Kakihara (8:30) |
Kanemoto | Kanemoto (11:28) | Kanemoto (10:40) | Kanemoto (10:29) | X | Minoru (19:38) | Samurai (12:15) | Kanemoto (9:34) |
Minoru | Minoru (11:28) | Minoru (12:29) | Kakihara (10:04) | Minoru (19:38) | X | Minoru (13:04) | Stampede (11:30) |
Samurai | Goto (10:08) | Jado (14:04) | Samurai (10:47) | Samurai (12:15) | Minoru (13:04) | X | Samurai (9:31) |
Stampede | Goto (7:57) | Stampede (9:59) | Kakihara (8:30) | Kanemoto (9:34) | Stampede (11:30) | Samurai (9:31) | X |
Block B | Anzawa | B. Tiger | Gedo | Inoue | Liger | Takemura | T. Mask |
Anzawa | X | B. Tiger (6:13) | Gedo (10:21) | Anzawa (forfeit) | Liger (8:36) | Takemura (7:46) | T. Mask (5:34) |
B. Tiger | B. Tiger (6:13) | X | Gedo (forfeit) | Inoue (11:01) | Liger (forfeit) | B. Tiger (6:46) | T. Mask (forfeit) |
Gedo | Gedo (10:21) | Gedo (forfeit) | X | Inoue (15:13) | Gedo (17:24) | Gedo (11:29) | Gedo (11:25) |
Inoue | Anzawa (forfeit) | Inoue (11:01) | Inoue (15:13) | X | Liger (16:50) | Takemura (forfeit) | Inoue (11:53) |
Liger | Liger (8:36) | Liger (forfeit) | Gedo (17:24) | Liger (16:50) | X | Liger (12:12) | T. Mask (8:58) |
Takemura | Takemura (7:46) | B. Tiger (6:46) | Gedo (11:29) | Takemura (forfeit) | Liger (12:12) | X | T. Mask (6:12) |
T. Mask | T. Mask (5:34) | T. Mask (forfeit) | Gedo (11:25) | Inoue (11:53) | T. Mask (8:58) | T. Mask (6:12) | X |
Semifinals | Final | ||||||||
A1 | Minoru | Pin | |||||||
B2 | Tiger Mask IV | 12:03 | |||||||
B2 | Tiger Mask IV | Pin | |||||||
B1 | Gedo | 16:03 | |||||||
B1 | Gedo | Pin | |||||||
A2 | Koji Kanemoto | 10:54 | |||||||
2006
The 2006 Best of the Super Juniors was a 14-man, two-block tournament held from May 27 to June 18. The winner, Minoru, went on to defeat Koji Kanemoto for the title in December, 2006. This tournament marked the first time that neither block winner made it to the finals.[19]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Jushin Thunder Liger | 10 | Wataru Inoue | 10 |
Minoru | 8 | Tiger Mask IV | 8 |
El Samurai | 7 | Koji Kanemoto | 7 |
Ryusuke Taguchi | 7 | Gedo | 5 |
Jado | 6 | Black Tiger IV | 4 |
Sangre Azteca | 2 | Hirooki Goto | 4 |
Fuego | 2 | Gentaro | 4 |
Block A | Azteca | Fuego | Jado | Liger | Minoru | Samurai | Taguchi |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Azteca | X | Azteca (10:28) | Jado (7:41) | Liger (12:12) | Minoru (12:26) | Samurai (11:08) | Taguchi (12:50) |
Fuego | Azteca (10:28) | X | Jado (11:14) | Liger (7:12) | Fuego (4:40) | Samurai (9:51) | Taguchi (6:06) |
Jado | Jado (7:41) | Jado (11:14) | X | Liger (15:19) | Minoru (12:54) | Draw (30:00) | Draw (6:01) |
Liger | Liger (12:12) | Liger (7:12) | Liger (15:19) | X | Liger (21:20) | Liger (12:16) | Taguchi (15:30) |
Minoru | Minoru (12:26) | Fuego (4:40) | Minoru (12:54) | Liger (21:20) | X | Minoru (13:24) | Minoru (19:18) |
Samurai | Samurai (11:08) | Samurai (9:51) | Draw (30:00) | Liger (12:16) | Minoru (13:24) | X | Samurai (12:02) |
Taguchi | Taguchi (12:50) | Taguchi (6:06) | Draw (6:01) | Taguchi (15:30) | Minoru (19:18) | Samurai (12:02) | X |
Block B | B. Tiger | Gedo | Gentaro | Goto | Inoue | Kanemoto | T. Mask |
B. Tiger | X | Gedo (10:59) | B. Tiger (14:21) | B. Tiger (12:04) | Inoue (11:41) | Kan. (16:35) | T. Mask (9:36) |
Gedo | Gedo (10:59) | X | Gedo (12:32) | Goto (15:21) | Inoue (13:17) | Draw (15:06) | T. Mask (12:59) |
Gentaro | B. Tiger (14:21) | Gedo (12:32) | X | Goto (8:27) | Gentaro (14:31) | Kan. (12:18) | Gentaro (10:22) |
Goto | B. Tiger (12:04) | Goto (15:21) | Goto (8:27) | X | Inoue (9:57) | Kan. (9:49) | T. Mask (10:58) |
Inoue | Inoue (11:41) | Inoue (13:17) | Gentaro (14:31) | Inoue (9:57) | X | Inoue (16:46) | Inoue (5:57) |
Kanemoto | Kan. (16:35) | Draw (15:06) | Kan. (12:18) | Kan. (9:49) | Inoue (16:46) | X | T. Mask (12:58) |
T. Mask | T. Mask (9:36) | T. Mask (12:59) | Gentaro (10:22) | T. Mask (10:58) | Inoue (5:57) | T. Mask (12:58) | X |
Semifinals | Final | ||||||||
A1 | Jushin Thunder Liger | Pin | |||||||
B2 | Tiger Mask IV | 10:27 | |||||||
B2 | Tiger Mask IV | Sub | |||||||
A2 | Minoru | 22:52 | |||||||
B1 | Wataru Inoue | Sub | |||||||
A2 | Minoru | 18:42 | |||||||
2007
The 2007 Best of the Super Juniors was a 14-man, two-block tournament held from June 1 to June 17. On June 7, it was announced that Prince Devitt would be forced to withdraw from the tournament due to an injury, forfeiting all scheduled matches in the process.[20] Milano Collection AT became the first wrestler since Shiro Koshinaka to win the tournament on his first try, but would fail to capture the Junior Heavyweight championship.
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Wataru Inoue | 10 | Ryusuke Taguchi | 10 |
Milano Collection AT | 8 | Minoru | 8 |
Tiger Mask IV | 8 | Koji Kanemoto | 7 |
Jushin Thunder Liger | 8 | Gedo | 5 |
Taichi Ishikari | 4 | BxB Hulk | 4 |
Yujiro | 4 | El Samurai | 4 |
Prince Devitt (withdrew) | 0 | Tetsuya Naito | 4 |
Block A | Inoue | Ishikari | Liger | Milano | Devitt | T. Mask | Yujiro |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Inoue | X | Inoue (13:33) | Liger (15:47) | Inoue (14:22) | Inoue (forf.) | Inoue (11:36) | Inoue (10:47) |
Ishikari | Inoue (13:33) | X | Liger (12:29) | Milano (11:25) | Ishikari (11:40) | T. Mask (8:59) | Ishikari (10:41) |
Liger | Liger (15:47) | Liger (12:29) | X | Milano (16:41) | Liger (forfeit) | T. Mask (14:08) | Liger (11:19) |
Milano | Inoue (14:22) | Milano (11:25) | Milano (16:41) | X | Milano (10:18) | Milano (11:23) | Yujiro (10:35) |
Devitt | Inoue (forfeit) | Ishikari (11:40) | Liger (forfeit) | Milano (10:18) | X | T. Mask (forfeit) | Yujiro (forfeit) |
T. Mask | Inoue (11:36) | T. Mask (8:59) | T. Mask (14:08) | Milano (11:23) | T. Mask (forfeit) | X | T. Mask (10:34) |
Yujiro | Inoue (10:47) | Ishikari (10:41) | Liger (11:19) | Yujiro (10:35) | Yujiro (forfeit) | T. Mask (10:34) | X |
Block B | Hulk | Gedo | Naito | Kanemoto | Minoru | Samurai | Taguchi |
Hulk | X | Hulk (11:03) | Hulk (11:10) | Kanemoto (12:05) | Minoru (11:52) | Samurai (8:53) | Taguchi (12:30) |
Gedo | Hulk (11:03) | X | Naito (9:29) | Draw (15:50) | Minoru (13:26) | Gedo (14:13) | Gedo (11:36) |
Naito | Hulk (11:10) | Naito (9:29) | X | Kanemoto (10:16) | Minoru (9:01) | Naito (9:27) | Taguchi (9:47) |
Kanemoto | Kanemoto (12:05) | Draw (15:50) | Kanemoto (10:16) | X | Kanemoto (16:32) | Samurai (16:19) | Taguchi (12:07) |
Minoru | Minoru (11:52) | Minoru (13:26) | Minoru (9:01) | Kanemoto (16:32) | X | Minoru (11:36) | Taguchi (14:15) |
Samurai | Samurai (8:53) | Gedo (14:13) | Naito (9:27) | Samurai (16:19) | Minoru (11:36) | X | Taguchi (10:26) |
Taguchi | Taguchi (12:30) | Gedo (11:36) | Taguchi (9:47) | Taguchi (12:07) | Taguchi (14:15) | Taguchi (10:26) | X |
Semifinals | Final | ||||||||
A1 | Wataru Inoue | Sub | |||||||
B2 | Minoru | 14:45 | |||||||
A1 | Wataru Inoue | Pin | |||||||
A2 | Milano Collection AT | 19:37 | |||||||
B1 | Ryusuke Taguchi | Pin | |||||||
A2 | Milano Collection AT | 12:47 | |||||||
2008
The 2008 Best of the Super Juniors featured 12 participants in two blocks, and was held from May 31 to June 15.[21] Outside entrants include Tatsuhito Takaiwa from Pro Wrestling Zero1 and Jimmy Rave from Total Nonstop Action Wrestling. Prince Devitt was again forced out due to injury following his match with Tiger Mask IV, forfeiting his remaining matches. Immediately after the tournament, winner Wataru Inoue graduated to the heavyweight division, vacating the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship in the process.
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Ryusuke Taguchi | 8 | Tiger Mask IV | 10 |
Wataru Inoue | 8 | Koji Kanemoto | 6 |
Minoru | 4 | Jimmy Rave | 6 |
Jushin Thunder Liger | 4 | Tetsuya Naito | 4 |
Tatsuhito Takaiwa | 4 | Akira | 4 |
Yujiro | 2 | Prince Devitt (withdrew) | 0 |
Block A | Wataru Inoue | Jushin Thunder Liger | Minoru | Ryusuke Taguchi | Tatsuhito Takaiwa | Yujiro |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wataru Inoue | X | Inoue (17:13) | Inoue (19:14) | Taguchi (17:44) | Inoue (13:24) | Inoue (11:19) |
Jushin Thunder Liger | Inoue (17:13) | X | Minoru (13:32) | Taguchi (14:31) | Liger (14:49) | Liger (9:57) |
Minoru | Inoue (19:14) | Minoru (13:32) | X | Taguchi (14:29) | Minoru (11:31) | Yujiro (11:58) |
Ryusuke Taguchi | Taguchi (17:44) | Taguchi (14:31) | Taguchi (14:29) | X | Takaiwa (14:39) | Taguchi (13:20) |
Tatsuhito Takaiwa | Inoue (13:24) | Liger (14:49) | Minoru (11:31) | Takaiwa (14:39) | X | Takaiwa (10:47) |
Yujiro | Inoue (11:19) | Liger (9:57) | Yujiro (11:58) | Taguchi (13:20) | Takaiwa (10:47) | X |
Block B | Akira | Prince Devitt | Koji Kanemoto | Tetsuya Naito | Jimmy Rave | Tiger Mask IV |
Akira | X | Akira (forfeit) | Akira (18:14) | Naito (13:56) | Rave (11:25) | T. Mask (10:22) |
Prince Devitt | Akira (forfeit) | X | Kanemoto (forfeit) | Naito (forfeit) | Rave (forfeit) | T. Mask (1:40) |
Koji Kanemoto | Akira (18:14) | Kanemoto (forfeit) | X | Kanemoto (10:43) | Kanemoto (13:57) | T. Mask (10:16) |
Tetsuya Naito | Naito (13:56) | Naito (forfeit) | Kanemoto (10:43) | X | Rave (8:01) | T. Mask (11:10) |
Jimmy Rave | Rave (11:25) | Rave (forfeit) | Kanemoto (13:57) | Rave (8:01) | X | T. Mask (14:03) |
Tiger Mask IV | T. Mask (10:22) | T. Mask (1:40) | T. Mask (10:16) | T. Mask (11:10) | T. Mask (14:03) | X |
Semifinals | Finals | ||||||||
A1 | Ryusuke Taguchi | Sub | |||||||
B2 | Koji Kanemoto | 9:22 | |||||||
B2 | Koji Kanemoto | Sub | |||||||
A2 | Wataru Inoue | 27:50 | |||||||
B1 | Tiger Mask IV | Pin | |||||||
A2 | Wataru Inoue | 9:03 | |||||||
2009
The 2009 Best of the Super Juniors featured 14 participants in two blocks, and was held from May 30 to June 14. With his victory Koji Kanemoto became only the second wrestler to win the tournament three times in total.[22] He lost a title match on July 20 against the defending champion Tiger Mask IV.
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Prince Devitt | 8 | Koji Kanemoto | 8 |
Atsushi Aoki | 8 | Kota Ibushi | 8 |
Akira | 6 | Jushin Thunder Liger | 6 |
Jado | 6 | Ryusuke Taguchi | 6 |
Milano Collection A.T. | 6 | Tsuyoshi Kikuchi | 6 |
Tiger Mask IV | 6 | Taichi | 4 |
Black Tiger V | 2 | Yamato | 4 |
Block A | Akira | Atsushi Aoki | Black Tiger V | Jado | Milano Collection A.T. | Prince Devitt | Tiger Mask IV |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Akira | X | Aoki (15:00) | Akira (12:52) | Jado (14:58) | Akira (11:17) | Devitt (9:53) | Akira (10:05) |
Atsushi Aoki | Aoki (15:00) | X | Aoki (9:36) | Aoki (10:00) | Aoki (11:12) | Devitt (11:16) | T. Mask (10:27) |
Black Tiger V | Akira (12:52) | Aoki (9:36) | X | Jado (11:26) | Milano (10:29) | Devitt (7:20) | B. Tiger (3:51) |
Jado | Jado (14:58) | Aoki (10:00) | Jado (11:26) | X | Milano (16:22) | Devitt (12:54) | Jado (10:48) |
Milano Collection A.T. | Akira (11:17) | Aoki (11:12) | Milano (10:29) | Milano (16:22) | X | Milano (15:22) | T. Mask (16:12) |
Prince Devitt | Devitt (9:53) | Devitt (11:16) | Devitt (7:20) | Devitt (12:54) | Milano (15:22) | X | T. Mask (11:19) |
Tiger Mask IV | Akira (10:05) | T. Mask (10:27) | B. Tiger (3:51) | Jado (10:48) | T. Mask (16:12) | T.Mask (11:19) | X |
Block B | Jushin Thunder Liger | Koji Kanemoto | Kota Ibushi | Ryusuke Taguchi | Taichi | Tsuyoshi Kikuchi | Yamato |
Jushin Thunder Liger | X | Kanemoto (17:27) | Ibushi (16:35) | Liger (10:08) | Liger (11:11) | Liger (8:30) | Yamato (3:38) |
Koji Kanemoto | Kanemoto (17:27) | X | Kanemoto (14:18) | Kanemoto (17:11) | Kanemoto (12:05) | Kikuchi (9:18) | Yamato (9:40) |
Kota Ibushi | Ibushi (16:35) | Kanemoto (14:18) | X | Taguchi (10:13) | Ibushi (11:59) | Ibushi (9:56) | Ibushi (10:13) |
Ryusuke Taguchi | Liger (10:08) | Kanemoto (17:11) | Taguchi (10:13) | X | Taichi (10:01) | Taguchi (11:31) | Taguchi (13:17) |
Taichi | Liger (11:11) | Kanemoto (12:05) | Ibushi (11:59) | Taichi (10:01) | X | Kikuchi (9:24) | Taichi (9:31) |
Tsuyoshi Kikuchi | Liger (8:30) | Kikuchi (9:18) | Ibushi (9:56) | Taguchi (11:31) | Kikuchi (9:24) | X | Kikuchi (10:54) |
Yamato | Yamato (3:38) | Yamato (9:40) | Ibushi (10:13) | Taguchi (13:17) | Taichi (9:31) | Kikuchi (10:54) | X |
Semifinals | Finals | ||||||||
A1 | Prince Devitt | Pin | |||||||
B2 | Kota Ibushi | 8:14 | |||||||
B2 | Prince Devitt | Sub | |||||||
A2 | Koji Kanemoto | 19:55 | |||||||
B1 | Koji Kanemoto | Stop | |||||||
A2 | Atsushi Aoki | 6:27 | |||||||
2010
The 2010 Best of the Super Juniors featured 16 participants in two blocks, and was held from May 30 to June 13. Outside entrants included Fujita "Jr." Hayato (Michinoku Pro), Kota Ibushi (Dramatic Dream Team), Kenny Omega (DDT/Ring of Honor/Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, United States), Kushida (Smash), La Sombra (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, Mexico), Davey Richards (ROH/PWG, United States) and Taiji Ishimori (Pro Wrestling Noah).[30] On May 31, 2010 it was announced that Tiger Mask IV had suffered a vertebra injury during his match against La Sombra and was forced out of action for two months. As a result of his injury Tiger Mask IV withdrew from the competition, forfeiting the rest of his matches, automatically giving all of his opponents two points.[31] On June 6, 2010 Fujita Hayato had to forfeit his match against Akira due to an injury and also forfeit the rest of the tournament.[32] The winner of the tournament, Prince Devitt, went on to defeat Naomichi Marufuji on June 19, 2010, at Dominion 6.19 to become the new IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.[33]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Kota Ibushi | 12 | Taiji Ishimori | 10 |
Prince Devitt | 10 | Ryusuke Taguchi | 10 |
Davey Richards | 10 | Akira | 8 |
Jushin Thunder Liger | 8 | Kenny Omega | 8 |
Kushida | 8 | Koji Kanemoto | 8 |
La Sombra | 6 | Fujita Hayato (withdrew) | 6 |
Gedo | 2 | Tama Tonga | 4 |
Tiger Mask IV (withdrew) | 0 | Nobuo Yoshihashi | 2 |
Block A | Davey Richards | Gedo | Jushin Thunder Liger | Kota Ibushi | Kushida | La Sombra | Prince Devitt | Tiger Mask IV |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Davey Richards | X | Richards (11:13)[34] | Richards (09:14)[35] | Ibushi (11:27)[36] | Richards (11:13)[32] | Richards (12:06)[37] | Devitt (16:26)[38] | Richards (forfeit)[31] |
Gedo | Richards (11:13)[34] | X | Liger (11:27)[39] | Ibushi (09:42)[40] | Kushida (10:09)[41] | Sombra (11:25)[42] | Devitt (12:13)[32] | Gedo (forfeit)[31] |
Jushin Thunder Liger | Richards (09:14)[35] | Liger (11:27)[39] | X | Liger (13:35)[32] | Liger (12:44)[38] | Sombra (04:31)[36] | Devitt (10:18)[37] | Liger (forfeit)[31] |
Kota Ibushi | Ibushi (11:27)[36] | Ibushi (09:42)[40] | Liger (13:35)[32] | X | Ibushi (12:03)[42] | Ibushi (11:49)[39] | Ibushi (10:59)[41] | Ibushi (forfeit)[31] |
Kushida | Richards (11:13)[32] | Kushida (10:09)[41] | Liger (12:44)[38] | Ibushi (12:03)[42] | X | Kushida (08:17)[40] | Kushida (07:15)[39] | Kushida (forfeit)[31] |
La Sombra | Richards (12:06)[37] | Sombra (11:25)[42] | Sombra (04:31)[36] | Ibushi (11:49)[39] | Kushida (08:17)[40] | X | Devitt (07:29)[35] | La Sombra (10:33)[38] |
Prince Devitt | Devitt (16:26)[38] | Devitt (12:13)[32] | Devitt (10:18)[37] | Ibushi (10:59)[41] | Kushida (07:15)[39] | Devitt (07:29)[35] | X | Devitt (forfeit)[31] |
Tiger Mask IV | Richards (forfeit)[31] | Gedo (forfeit)[31] | Liger (forfeit)[31] | Ibushi (forfeit)[31] | Kushida (forfeit)[31] | La Sombra (10:33)[38] | Devitt (forfeit)[31] | X |
Block B | Akira | Fujita Hayato | Kenny Omega | Koji Kanemoto | Nobuo Yoshihashi | Ryusuke Taguchi | Taiji Ishimori | Tama Tonga |
Akira | X | Akira (forfeit)[32] | Akira (11:26)[36] | Akira (11:27)[34] | Yoshihashi (12:45)[38] | Taguchi (12:45)[35] | Akira (09:17)[42] | Tonga (10:22)[37] |
Fujita Hayato | Akira (forfeit)[32] | X | Hayato (12:14)[34] | Kanemoto (15:38)[38] | Hayato (09:00)[39] | Taguchi (forfeit)[41] | Ishimori (forfeit)[32] | Hayato (09:12)[42] |
Kenny Omega | Akira (11:26)[36] | Hayato (12:14)[34] | X | Omega (11:29)[39] | Omega (14:30)[41] | Omega (14:12)[42] | Ishimori (09:54)[40] | Omega (10:15)[32] |
Koji Kanemoto | Akira (11:27)[34] | Kanemoto (15:38)[38] | Omega (11:29)[39] | X | Kanemoto (13:01)[32] | Taguchi (12:57)[36] | Kanemoto (13:13)[41] | Kanemoto (09:21)[40] |
Nobuo Yoshihashi | Yoshihashi (12:45)[38] | Hayato (09:00)[39] | Omega (14:30)[41] | Kanemoto (13:01)[32] | X | Taguchi (10:45)[40] | Ishimori (09:03)[37] | Tonga (06:19)[34] |
Ryusuke Taguchi | Taguchi (12:45) | Taguchi (forfeit)[41] | Omega (14:12)[42] | Taguchi (12:57)[36] | Taguchi (10:45)[40] | X | Ishimori (11:40)[38] | Taguchi (07:41)[39] |
Taiji Ishimori | Akira (09:17)[42] | Ishimori (forfeit)[32] | Ishimori (09:54)[40] | Kanemoto (13:13)[41] | Ishimori (09:03)[37] | Ishimori (11:40)[38] | X | Ishimori (07:55)[35] |
Tama Tonga | Tonga (10:22)[37] | Hayato (09:12)[42] | Omega (10:15)[32] | Kanemoto (09:21)[40] | Tonga (06:19)[34] | Taguchi (07:41)[39] | Ishimori (07:55)[35] | X |
Semifinals | Finals | ||||||||
A1 | Kota Ibushi | Pin | |||||||
B2 | Ryusuke Taguchi | 10:14[23] | |||||||
Kota Ibushi | Pin | ||||||||
Prince Devitt | 14:34[23] | ||||||||
B1 | Taiji Ishimori | Pin | |||||||
A2 | Prince Devitt | 6:56[23] | |||||||
2011
The 2011 Best of the Super Juniors featured 18 participants in two blocks, and was held from May 26 to June 10. This marked the largest number of entrants in the history of the tournament. Outside entrants included Daisuke Sasaki (freelancer), Fujita "Jr." Hayato (Michinoku Pro), Great Sasuke (Michinoku Pro), Kenny Omega (Dramatic Dream Team, United States), Kota Ibushi (DDT), Máscara Dorada (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre, Mexico) and TJP (freelancer, United States).[43] Sasaki and Taichi earned their spots in the tournament by winning Road to the Super Jr. 2Days Tournaments on April 8, 2011.[44] Kota Ibushi became the first wrestler not affiliated with New Japan Pro Wrestling to win the tournament.[24] He went on to defeat Prince Devitt for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on June 18, 2011.[45]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Prince Devitt | 14 | Kota Ibushi | 12 |
Davey Richards | 12 | Ryusuke Taguchi | 10 |
Kenny Omega | 10 | Great Sasuke | 10 |
Koji Kanemoto | 8 | Kushida | 10 |
Tiger Mask IV | 8 | Taka Michinoku | 8 |
Fujita Hayato | 6 | Máscara Dorada | 8 |
TJP | 6 | Jushin Thunder Liger | 8 |
Taichi | 4 | Gedo | 4 |
Jado | 4 | Daisuke Sasaki | 2 |
Block A | Davey Richards | Fujita Hayato | Jado | Kenny Omega | Koji Kanemoto | Prince Devitt | Taichi | Tiger Mask IV | TJP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Davey Richards | X | Richards (10:03)[46] | Richards (13:01)[47] | Richards (9:55)[48] | Richards (12:06)[49] | Richards (13:18)[50] | Richards (10:06)[51] | T. Mask (9:56)[52] | TJP (9:51)[53] |
Fujita Hayato | Richards (10:03)[46] | X | Jado (7:11)[48] | Omega (10:43)[54] | Hayato (10:18)[50] | Devitt (8:09)[52] | Hayato (8:34)[47] | T. Mask (9:00)[51] | Hayato (7:44)[49] |
Jado | Richards (13:01)[47] | Jado (7:11)[48] | X | Jado (9:42)[49] | Kanemoto (9:15)[51] | Devitt (12:14)[46] | Taichi (10:04)[53] | T. Mask (8:27)[54] | TJP (12:07)[52] |
Kenny Omega | Richards (9:55)[48] | Omega (10:43)[54] | Jado (9:42)[49] | X | Omega (11:43)[47] | Devitt (12:08)[53] | Omega (8:59)[50] | Omega (9:05)[46] | Omega (8:20)[51] |
Koji Kanemoto | Richards (12:06)[49] | Hayato (10:18)[50] | Kanemoto (9:15)[51] | Omega (11:43)[47] | X | Devitt (7:22)[48] | Kanemoto (10:37)[52] | Kanemoto (9:59)[53] | Kanemoto (8:11)[54] |
Prince Devitt | Richards (13:18)[50] | Devitt (8:09)[52] | Devitt (12:14)[46] | Devitt (12:08)[53] | Devitt (7:22)[48] | X | Devitt (9:45)[54] | Devitt (6:54)[49] | Devitt (8:51)[47] |
Taichi | Richards (10:06)[51] | Hayato (8:34)[47] | Taichi (10:04)[53] | Omega (8:59)[50] | Kanemoto (10:37)[52] | Devitt (9:45)[54] | X | Taichi (7:04)[48] | TJP (8:29)[46] |
Tiger Mask IV | T. Mask (9:56)[52] | T. Mask (9:00)[51] | T. Mask (8:27)[54] | Omega (9:05)[46] | Kanemoto (9:59)[53] | Devitt (6:54)[49] | Taichi (7:04)[48] | X | T. Mask (8:06)[50] |
TJP | TJP (9:51)[53] | Hayato (7:44)[49] | TJP (12:07)[52] | Omega (8:20)[51] | Kanemoto (8:11)[54] | Devitt (8:51)[47] | TJP (8:29)[46] | T. Mask (8:06)[50] | X |
Block B | Daisuke Sasaki | Gedo | Great Sasuke | Jushin Thunder Liger | Kota Ibushi | Kushida | Máscara Dorada | Ryusuke Taguchi | Taka Michinoku |
Daisuke Sasaki | X | Sasaki (11:10)[52] | Sasuke (4:05)[51] | Liger (8:06)[54] | Ibushi (10:39)[46] | Kushida (6:53)[50] | Dorada (8:02)[53] | Taguchi (7:18)[47] | Michinoku (7:19)[49] |
Gedo | Sasaki (11:10)[52] | X | Gedo (9:09)[48] | Liger (7:27)[51] | Ibushi (10:10)[53] | Kushida (8:02)[46] | Dorada (7:37)[49] | Gedo (11:29)[54] | Michinoku (10:01)[47] |
Great Sasuke | Sasuke (4:05)[51] | Gedo (9:09)[48] | X | Sasuke (17:35)[47] | Ibushi (11:46)[49] | Sasuke (2:47)[54] | Sasuke (4:28)[46] | Taguchi (15:39)[52] | Sasuke (9:57)[50] |
Jushin Thunder Liger | Liger (8:06)[54] | Liger (7:27)[51] | Sasuke (17:35)[47] | X | Ibushi (8:47)[48] | Liger (10:45)[52] | Dorada (3:18)[50] | Liger (9:20)[53] | Michinoku (8:57)[46] |
Kota Ibushi | Ibushi (10:39)[46] | Ibushi (10:10)[53] | Ibushi (11:46)[49] | Ibushi (8:47)[48] | X | Kushida (12:46)[47] | Ibushi (7:28)[54] | Taguchi (13:21)[50] | Ibushi (9:40)[51] |
Kushida | Kushida (6:53)[50] | Kushida (8:02)[46] | Sasuke (2:47)[54] | Liger (10:45)[52] | Kushida (12:46)[47] | X | Kushida (6:25)[48] | Taguchi (10:14)[49] | Kushida (9:29)[53] |
Máscara Dorada | Dorada (8:02)[53] | Dorada (7:37)[49] | Sasuke (4:28)[46] | Dorada (3:18)[50] | Ibushi (7:28)[54] | Kushida (6:25)[48] | X | Dorada (7:02)[51] | Michinoku (9:45)[52] |
Ryusuke Taguchi | Taguchi (7:18)[47] | Gedo (11:29)[54] | Taguchi (15:39)[52] | Liger (9:20)[53] | Taguchi (13:21)[50] | Taguchi (10:14)[49] | Dorada (7:02)[51] | X | Taguchi (9:26)[48] |
Taka Michinoku | Michinoku (7:19)[49] | Michinoku (10:01)[47] | Sasuke (9:57)[50] | Michinoku (8:57)[46] | Ibushi (9:40)[51] | Kushida (9:29)[53] | Michinoku (9:45)[52] | Taguchi (9:26)[48] | X |
Semifinals | Finals | ||||||||
A1 | Prince Devitt | Pin | |||||||
B2 | Ryusuke Taguchi | 8:29[24] | |||||||
Ryusuke Taguchi | Pin | ||||||||
Kota Ibushi | 20:22[24] | ||||||||
B1 | Kota Ibushi | Pin | |||||||
A2 | Davey Richards | 11:17[24] | |||||||
2012
The 2012 Best of the Super Juniors featured 18 participants and took place from May 27 to June 10.[55][56] Outside entrants included Alex Koslov (American independents), Ángel de Oro (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre), Brian Kendrick (American independents), Daisuke Sasaki (freelancer) and Pac (Dragon Gate).[57] Black Tiger earned his spot in the tournament by winning the Road to the Super Jr. 2Days Tournament on April 15, 2012.[58] On May 9, New Japan announced that Davey Richards had to pull out of the tournament, following his doctor's orders after a car accident.[59] He was replaced by Brian Kendrick.[60] On May 25, New Japan announced that Black Tiger had been pulled from the tournament, two days after the character's performer Kazushige Nosawa had been arrested for smuggling marijuana.[61][62] He was replaced by Hiromu Takahashi.[63] The tagline of the event was "The door to the glory".[64] For the fifth year in a row, the previous year's runner-up, this time Ryusuke Taguchi, came back to win the tournament.[25] Taguchi went on to unsuccessfully challenge Low Ki for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship on June 16 at Dominion 6.16.[65]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Pac | 10 | Low Ki | 16 |
Prince Devitt | 10 | Ryusuke Taguchi | 10 |
Jushin Thunder Liger | 8 | Brian Kendrick | 10 |
Ángel de Oro | 8 | Alex Koslov | 10 |
Rocky Romero | 8 | Tiger Mask IV | 8 |
Taichi | 8 | Taka Michinoku | 8 |
Kushida | 8 | Daisuke Sasaki | 4 |
Bushi | 6 | Jado | 4 |
Gedo | 6 | Hiromu Takahashi | 2 |
Block A | Ángel de Oro | Bushi | Gedo | Jushin Thunder Liger | Kushida | Pac | Prince Devitt | Rocky Romero | Taichi |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ángel de Oro | X | Bushi (9:50)[66] | Ángel de Oro (8:15)[67] | Ángel de Oro (8:21)[68] | Kushida (8:22)[69] | Ángel de Oro (9:46)[70] | Devitt (8:10)[71] | Romero (10:38)[72] | Ángel de Oro (9:28)[64] |
Bushi | Bushi (9:50)[66] | X | Bushi (8:16)[68] | Liger (7:10)[72] | Kushida (10:51)[73] | Pac (8:35)[74] | Devitt (8:03)[70] | Bushi (5:23)[64] | Taichi (9:33)[69] |
Gedo | Ángel de Oro (8:15)[67] | Bushi (8:16)[68] | X | Gedo (7:43)[73] | Gedo (10:32)[74] | Pac (14:36)[71] | Devitt (11:14)[75] | Romero (8:41)[69] | Gedo (9:49)[66] |
Jushin Thunder Liger | Ángel de Oro (8:21)[68] | Liger (7:10)[72] | Gedo (7:43)[73] | X | Liger (8:18)[71] | Pac (10:20)[64] | Devitt (12:13)[74] | Liger (7:53)[75] | Liger (7:35)[70] |
Kushida | Kushida (8:22)[69] | Kushida (10:51)[73] | Gedo (10:32)[74] | Liger (8:18)[71] | X | Kushida (9:33)[75] | Kushida (12:56)[64] | Romero (12:15)[68] | Taichi (2:33)[72] |
Pac | Ángel de Oro (9:46)[70] | Pac (8:35)[74] | Pac (14:36)[71] | Pac (10:20)[64] | Kushida (9:33)[75] | X | Pac (17:24)[72] | Romero (10:14)[66] | Pac (10:43)[67] |
Prince Devitt | Devitt (8:10)[71] | Devitt (8:03)[70] | Devitt (11:14)[75] | Devitt (12:13)[74] | Kushida (12:56)[64] | Pac (17:24)[72] | X | Devitt (11:15)[67] | Taichi (10:59)[73] |
Rocky Romero | Romero (10:38)[72] | Bushi (5:23)[64] | Romero (8:41)[69] | Liger (7:53)[75] | Romero (12:15)[68] | Romero (10:14)[66] | Devitt (11:15)[67] | X | Taichi (9:58)[74] |
Taichi | Ángel de Oro (9:28)[64] | Taichi (9:33)[69] | Gedo (9:49)[66] | Liger (7:35)[70] | Taichi (2:33)[72] | Pac (10:43)[67] | Taichi (10:59)[73] | Taichi (9:58)[74] | X |
Block B | Alex Koslov | Brian Kendrick | Daisuke Sasaki | Hiromu Takahashi | Jado | Low Ki | Ryusuke Taguchi | Taka Michinoku | Tiger Mask IV |
Alex Koslov | X | Kendrick (6:31)[75] | Koslov (10:05)[72] | Koslov (6:43)[73] | Koslov (9:57)[67] | Low Ki (10:14)[74] | Taguchi (14:54)[70] | Koslov (8:22)[64] | Koslov (10:30)[69] |
Brian Kendrick | Kendrick (6:31)[75] | X | Kendrick (10:21)[66] | Kendrick (5:50)[68] | Kendrick (8:31)[69] | Low Ki (10:37)[72] | Taguchi (9:59)[74] | Michinoku (10:51)[73] | Kendrick (6:34)[64] |
Daisuke Sasaki | Koslov (10:05)[72] | Kendrick (10:21)[66] | X | Sasaki (5:02)[67] | Sasaki (8:57)[64] | Low Ki (8:03)[73] | Taguchi (6:55)[71] | Michinoku (6:22)[69] | T. Mask (7:14)[70] |
Hiromu Takahashi | Koslov (6:43)[73] | Kendrick (5:50)[68] | Sasaki (5:02)[67] | X | Jado (5:55)[70] | Low Ki (7:43)[75] | Taguchi (6:12)[66] | Takahashi (3:30)[74] | T. Mask (6:50)[72] |
Jado | Koslov (9:57)[67] | Kendrick (8:31)[69] | Sasaki (8:57)[64] | Jado (5:55)[70] | X | Low Ki (10:14)[66] | Taguchi (9:43)[68] | Michinoku (8:31)[71] | Jado (7:26)[74] |
Low Ki | Low Ki (10:14)[74] | Low Ki (10:37)[72] | Low Ki (8:03)[73] | Low Ki (7:43)[75] | Low Ki (10:14)[66] | X | Low Ki (14:10)[64] | Low Ki (10:24)[68] | Low Ki (11:14)[71] |
Ryusuke Taguchi | Taguchi (14:54)[70] | Taguchi (9:59)[74] | Taguchi (6:55)[71] | Taguchi (6:12)[66] | Taguchi (9:43)[68] | Low Ki (14:10)[64] | X | Michinoku (11:11)[72] | T. Mask (9:41)[67] |
Taka Michinoku | Koslov (8:22)[64] | Michinoku (10:51)[73] | Michinoku (6:22)[69] | Takahashi (3:30)[74] | Michinoku (8:31)[71] | Low Ki (10:24)[68] | Michinoku (11:11)[72] | X | T. Mask (6:40)[75] |
Tiger Mask IV | Koslov (10:30)[69] | Kendrick (6:34)[64] | T. Mask (7:14)[70] | T. Mask (6:50)[72] | Jado (7:26)[74] | Low Ki (11:14)[71] | T. Mask (9:41)[67] | T. Mask (6:40)[75] | X |
Semifinals | Finals | ||||||||
A1 | Pac | Pin | |||||||
B2 | Ryusuke Taguchi | 10:38[25] | |||||||
Ryusuke Taguchi | Pin | ||||||||
Low Ki | 17:01[25] | ||||||||
B1 | Low Ki | Sub | |||||||
A2 | Prince Devitt | 8:50[25] | |||||||
2013
The twentieth Best of the Super Juniors tournament was officially announced on March 28, 2013, and took place over ten shows between May 24 and June 9.[76][77] The participants were announced on May 3; outside entrants included Beretta (American independents), Brian Kendrick (American independents), Kenny Omega (DDT), Ricochet (Dragon Gate) and Titán (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre).[78][79] Ryusuke Taguchi, who originally won Block B, was sidelined with a hip injury following June 6 and was replaced in his semifinal match by Taka Michinoku, who had finished third in the block.[80] The winner, Prince Devitt, became only the second wrestler to win all of his matches in the tournament. It should be noted that when Jushin Thunder Liger achieved the feat in 2001, his tournament comprised only six matches, while Devitt's comprised ten.[81][82]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Prince Devitt | 16 | Ryusuke Taguchi (withdrew) | 10 |
Alex Shelley | 10 | Kenny Omega | 10 |
Ricochet | 10 | Taka Michinoku | 8 |
Taichi | 8 | Kushida | 8 |
Rocky Romero | 8 | Alex Koslov | 8 |
Jushin Thunder Liger | 8 | Brian Kendrick | 8 |
Beretta | 6 | Tiger Mask IV | 8 |
Titán | 6 | Bushi | 6 |
Hiromu Takahashi | 0 | Jado | 6 |
Block A | Alex Shelley | Beretta | Hiromu Takahashi | Jushin Thunder Liger | Prince Devitt | Ricochet | Rocky Romero | Taichi | Titán |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alex Shelley | X | Shelley (9:38)[83] | Shelley (6:17)[84] | Liger (9:23)[85] | Devitt (12:44)[86] | Shelley (16:33)[87] | Shelley (14:03)[88] | Taichi (8:58)[89] | Shelley (3:36)[90] |
Beretta | Shelley (9:38)[83] | X | Beretta (7:14)[85] | Liger (6:46)[90] | Devitt (10:12)[91] | Ricochet (11:56)[86] | Romero (8:00)[84] | Beretta (9:23)[87] | Beretta (7:56)[89] |
Hiromu Takahashi | Shelley (6:17)[84] | Beretta (7:14)[85] | X | Liger (7:49)[86] | Devitt (6:20)[89] | Ricochet (6:39)[83] | Romero (6:10)[90] | Taichi (7:08)[88] | Titán (5:26)[91] |
Jushin Thunder Liger | Liger (9:23)[85] | Liger (6:46)[90] | Liger (7:49)[86] | X | Devitt (6:27)[87] | Ricochet (7:26)[84] | Romero (8:15)[89] | Taichi (7:50)[91] | Liger (8:27)[88] |
Prince Devitt | Devitt (12:44)[86] | Devitt (10:12)[91] | Devitt (6:20)[89] | Devitt (6:27)[87] | X | Devitt (13:27)[88] | Devitt (9:39)[83] | Devitt (7:07)[85] | Devitt (5:24)[84] |
Ricochet | Shelley (16:33)[87] | Ricochet (11:56)[86] | Ricochet (6:39)[83] | Ricochet (7:26)[84] | Devitt (13:27)[88] | X | Romero (10:58)[91] | Ricochet (7:42)[90] | Ricochet (7:23)[85] |
Rocky Romero | Shelley (14:03)[88] | Romero (8:00)[84] | Romero (6:10)[90] | Romero (8:15)[89] | Devitt (9:39)[83] | Romero (10:58)[91] | X | Taichi (8:30)[86] | Titán (7:14)[87] |
Taichi | Taichi (8:58)[89] | Beretta (9:23)[87] | Taichi (7:08)[88] | Taichi (7:50)[91] | Devitt (7:07)[85] | Ricochet (7:42)[90] | Taichi (8:30)[86] | X | Titán (8:17)[83] |
Titán | Shelley (3:36)[90] | Beretta (7:56)[89] | Titán (5:26)[91] | Liger (8:27)[88] | Devitt (5:24)[84] | Ricochet (7:23)[85] | Titán (7:14)[87] | Titán (8:17)[83] | X |
Block B | Alex Koslov | Brian Kendrick | Bushi | Jado | Kenny Omega | Kushida | Ryusuke Taguchi | Taka Michinoku | Tiger Mask IV |
Alex Koslov | X | Kendrick (9:47)[87] | Koslov (5:07)[90] | Koslov (8:48)[85] | Omega (9:57)[83] | Kushida (10:45)[88] | Koslov (12:25)[86] | Michinoku (9:12)[84] | Koslov (8:14)[89] |
Brian Kendrick | Kendrick (9:47)[87] | X | Kendrick (5:56)[85] | Kendrick (8:24)[83] | Omega (9:40)[90] | Kushida (9:13)[91] | Kendrick (3:38)[89] | Michinoku (7:39)[88] | T. Mask (6:44)[84] |
Bushi | Koslov (5:07)[90] | Kendrick (5:56)[85] | X | Bushi (9:17)[89] | Omega (8:35)[84] | Bushi (9:25)[86] | Taguchi (11:05)[83] | Bushi (5:47)[91] | T. Mask (7:19)[88] |
Jado | Koslov (8:48)[85] | Kendrick (8:24)[83] | Bushi (9:17)[89] | X | Jado (9:37)[86] | Kushida (10:03)[84] | Jado (10:31)[91] | Jado (7:27)[87] | T. Mask (8:01)[90] |
Kenny Omega | Omega (9:57)[83] | Omega (9:40)[90] | Omega (8:35)[84] | Jado (9:37)[86] | X | Omega (16:10)[87] | Taguchi (13:23)[88] | Omega (10:12)[85] | T. Mask (8:14)[91] |
Kushida | Kushida (10:45)[88] | Kushida (9:13)[91] | Bushi (9:25)[86] | Kushida (10:03)[84] | Omega (16:10)[87] | X | Taguchi (11:27)[85] | Michinoku (12:11)[89] | Kushida (9:17)[83] |
Ryusuke Taguchi | Koslov (12:25)[86] | Kendrick (3:38)[89] | Taguchi (11:05)[83] | Jado (10:31)[91] | Taguchi (13:23)[88] | Taguchi (11:27)[85] | X | Taguchi (7:31)[90] | Taguchi (7:14)[87] |
Taka Michinoku | Michinoku (9:12)[84] | Michinoku (7:39)[88] | Bushi (5:47)[91] | Jado (7:27)[87] | Omega (10:12)[85] | Michinoku (12:11)[89] | Taguchi (7:31)[90] | X | Michinoku (4:00)[86] |
Tiger Mask IV | Koslov (8:14)[89] | T. Mask (6:44)[84] | T. Mask (7:19)[88] | T. Mask (8:01)[90] | T. Mask (8:14)[91] | Kushida (9:17)[83] | Taguchi (7:14)[87] | Michinoku (4:00)[86] | X |
Semifinals | Finals | ||||||||
A1 | Prince Devitt | Pin | |||||||
B2 | Kenny Omega | 9:09[26] | |||||||
Prince Devitt | Pin | ||||||||
Alex Shelley | 18:25[26] | ||||||||
B3 | Taka Michinoku | Pin | |||||||
A2 | Alex Shelley | 10:14[26] | |||||||
2014
The twenty-first Best of the Super Juniors tournament was officially announced on March 14, 2014, and took place between May 30 and June 8.[92] The participants were announced on May 4; outside entrants included Kenny Omega (DDT), Máscara Dorada (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre) and Ricochet (Dragon Gate).[93] For the first time in four years, the reigning IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion did not take part in the tournament as Kota Ibushi was concentrating on chasing the NEVER Openweight Championship.[93] Alex Koslov dislocated his left shoulder in his first match against Ricochet on May 30 and was forced to pull out of the tournament, forfeiting all of his matches.[94] Alex Shelley won block B of the tournament, but was forced to pull out of the semifinals after suffering a shoulder injury in his final round-robin match. As a result, Taichi, who had finished third in the block, advanced to the semifinals.[95]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Kushida | 10 | Alex Shelley (withdrew) | 8 |
Ricochet | 10 | Ryusuke Taguchi | 8 |
Taka Michinoku | 8 | Taichi | 8 |
Matt Jackson | 8 | Nick Jackson | 8 |
Bushi | 8 | Kenny Omega | 6 |
Máscara Dorada | 6 | Tiger Mask IV | 6 |
Jushin Thunder Liger | 6 | El Desperado | 6 |
Alex Koslov (withdrew) | 0 | Rocky Romero | 6 |
Block A | Alex Koslov | Bushi | Jushin Thunder Liger | Kushida | Máscara Dorada | Matt Jackson | Ricochet | Taka Michinoku |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Alex Koslov | X | Bushi (forfeit) | Liger (forfeit) | Kushida (forfeit) | Dorada (forfeit) | Jackson (forfeit) | Ricochet (14:29)[96] | Michinoku (forfeit) |
Bushi | Bushi (forfeit) | X | Bushi (8:51)[96] | Bushi (9:58)[97] | Bushi (5:32)[98] | Jackson (8:51)[99] | Ricochet (7:31)[100] | Michinoku (7:55)[101] |
Jushin Thunder Liger | Liger (forfeit) | Bushi (8:51)[96] | X | Kushida (14:15)[100] | Dorada (7:06)[101] | Jackson (6:52)[102] | Liger (10:39)[97] | Liger (10:54)[98] |
Kushida | Kushida (forfeit) | Bushi (9:58)[97] | Kushida (14:15)[100] | X | Dorada (7:57)[102] | Kushida (11:44)[96] | Kushida (12:10)[101] | Kushida (10:29)[99] |
Máscara Dorada | Dorada (forfeit) | Bushi (5:32)[98] | Dorada (7:06)[101] | Dorada (7:57)[102] | X | Jackson (8:04)[100] | Ricochet (8:59)[99] | Michinoku (5:31)[96] |
Matt Jackson | Jackson (forfeit) | Jackson (8:51)[99] | Jackson (6:52)[102] | Kushida (11:44)[96] | Jackson (8:04)[100] | X | Ricochet (11:09)[98] | Michinoku (5:25)[97] |
Ricochet | Ricochet (14:29)[96] | Ricochet (7:31)[100] | Liger (10:39)[97] | Kushida (12:10)[101] | Ricochet (8:59)[99] | Ricochet (11:09)[98] | X | Ricochet (8:51)[102] |
Taka Michinoku | Michinoku (forfeit) | Michinoku (7:55)[101] | Liger (10:54)[98] | Kushida (10:29)[99] | Michinoku (5:31)[96] | Michinoku (5:25)[97] | Ricochet (8:51)[102] | X |
Block B | Alex Shelley | El Desperado | Kenny Omega | Nick Jackson | Rocky Romero | Ryusuke Taguchi | Taichi | Tiger Mask IV |
Alex Shelley | X | Desperado (9:57)[102] | Omega (11:30)[101] | Shelley (10:38)[96] | Romero (11:03)[99] | Shelley (14:09)[97] | Shelley (4:28)[98] | Shelley (3:13)[100] |
El Desperado | Desperado (9:57)[102] | X | Desperado (14:12)[97] | Jackson (9:07)[99] | Desperado (9:30)[98] | Taguchi (10:43)[100] | Taichi (5:33)[96] | Tiger Mask (8:33)[101] |
Kenny Omega | Omega (11:30)[101] | Desperado (14:12)[97] | X | Jackson (9:09)[98] | Romero (11:36)[102] | Omega (16:19)[96] | Taichi (8:22)[100] | Omega (10:50)[99] |
Nick Jackson | Shelley (10:38)[96] | Jackson (9:07)[99] | Jackson (9:09)[98] | X | Jackson (8:17)[100] | Taguchi (9:01)[102] | Taichi (6:17)[101] | Jackson (8:07)[97] |
Rocky Romero | Romero (11:03)[99] | Desperado (9:30)[98] | Romero (11:36)[102] | Jackson (8:17)[100] | X | Taguchi (11:42)[101] | Romero (7:14)[97] | Tiger Mask (8:45)[96] |
Ryusuke Taguchi | Shelley (14:09)[97] | Taguchi (10:43)[100] | Omega (16:19)[96] | Taguchi (9:01)[102] | Taguchi (11:42)[101] | X | Taguchi (9:32)[99] | Tiger Mask (11:29)[98] |
Taichi | Shelley (4:28)[98] | Taichi (5:33)[96] | Taichi (8:22)[100] | Taichi (6:17)[101] | Romero (7:14)[97] | Taguchi (9:32)[99] | X | Taichi (6:36)[102] |
Tiger Mask IV | Shelley (3:13)[100] | Tiger Mask (8:33)[101] | Omega (10:50)[99] | Jackson (8:07)[97] | Tiger Mask (8:45)[96] | Tiger Mask (11:29)[98] | Taichi (6:36)[102] | X |
Semifinals | Finals | ||||||||
A1 | Kushida | Sub | |||||||
B3 | Taichi | 7:29[27] | |||||||
Kushida | Pin | ||||||||
Ricochet | 23:06[27] | ||||||||
B2 | Ryusuke Taguchi | Pin | |||||||
A2 | Ricochet | 5:49[27] | |||||||
2015
The twenty-second Best of the Super Juniors tournament was officially announced on March 4, 2015, and took place between May 22 and June 7.[103] The participants were announced on May 7; outside entrants included Bárbaro Cavernario (Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre), Bobby Fish (Ring of Honor), Chase Owens (National Wrestling Alliance), Kyle O'Reilly (ROH) and the debuting David Finlay, the son of Dave Finlay.[104] For the second year in a row, the reigning IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, Kenny Omega, did not enter the tournament. Instead, the winner of the tournament would challenge for his title at Dominion 7.5 in Osaka-jo Hall.[105] Alex Shelley was forced to pull out of the tournament after his opening match with a foot injury, forcing him to forfeit the rest of his matches.[106]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Kyle O'Reilly | 12 | Kushida | 12 |
Ryusuke Taguchi | 10 | Bobby Fish | 10 |
Beretta | 8 | Máscara Dorada | 10 |
Chase Owens | 8 | Rocky Romero | 8 |
Jushin Thunder Liger | 8 | Tiger Mask IV | 8 |
Bárbaro Cavernario | 6 | Nick Jackson | 6 |
Gedo | 4 | Alex Shelley (withdrew) | 2 |
Yohei Komatsu | 0 | David Finlay | 0 |
Block A | Bárbaro Cavernario | Beretta | Chase Owens | Gedo | Jushin Thunder Liger | Kyle O'Reilly | Ryusuke Taguchi | Yohei Komatsu |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bárbaro Cavernario | X | Beretta (13:46)[107] | Cavernario (7:15)[108] | Cavernario (10:53)[109] | Liger (6:11)[110] | O'Reilly (7:50)[111] | Taguchi (8:43)[112] | Cavernario (8:32)[113] |
Beretta | Beretta (13:46)[107] | X | Beretta (10:19)[114] | Beretta (8:07)[115] | Liger (7:55)[116] | O'Reilly (13:04)[108] | Taguchi (10:58)[109] | Beretta (10:20)[110] |
Chase Owens | Cavernario (7:15)[108] | Beretta (10:19)[114] | X | Owens (7:57)[116] | Owens (8:07)[117] | O'Reilly (11:54)[113] | Owens (18:27)[110] | Owens (7:42)[107] |
Gedo | Cavernario (10:53)[109] | Beretta (8:07)[115] | Owens (7:57)[116] | X | Liger (12:36)[118] | O'Reilly (14:15)[110] | Gedo (14:00)[108] | Gedo (10:01)[112] |
Jushin Thunder Liger | Liger (6:11)[110] | Liger (7:55)[116] | Owens (8:07)[117] | Liger (12:36)[118] | X | O'Reilly (8:52)[114] | Taguchi (8:34)[115] | Liger (8:36)[108] |
Kyle O'Reilly | O'Reilly (7:50)[111] | O'Reilly (13:04)[108] | O'Reilly (11:54)[113] | O'Reilly (14:15)[110] | O'Reilly (8:52)[114] | X | Taguchi (13:15)[118] | O'Reilly (10:14)[117] |
Ryusuke Taguchi | Taguchi (8:43)[112] | Taguchi (10:58)[109] | Owens (18:27)[110] | Gedo (14:00)[108] | Taguchi (8:34)[115] | Taguchi (13:15)[118] | X | Taguchi (11:33)[111] |
Yohei Komatsu | Cavernario (8:32)[113] | Beretta (10:20)[110] | Owens (7:42)[107] | Gedo (10:01)[112] | Liger (8:36)[108] | O'Reilly (10:14)[117] | Taguchi (11:33)[111] | X |
Block B | Alex Shelley | Bobby Fish | David Finlay | Kushida | Máscara Dorada | Nick Jackson | Rocky Romero | Tiger Mask IV |
Alex Shelley | X | Fish (forfeit) | Shelley (5:32)[108] | Kushida (forfeit) | Dorada (forfeit) | Jackson (forfeit) | Romero (forfeit) | Tiger (forfeit) |
Bobby Fish | Fish (forfeit) | X | Fish (8:18)[113] | Kushida (16:29)[118] | Fish (10:43)[111] | Fish (11:31)[110] | Fish (13:06)[108] | Tiger (9:22)[114] |
David Finlay | Shelley (5:32)[108] | Fish (8:18)[113] | X | Kushida (9:40)[109] | Dorada (7:46)[114] | Jackson (9:39)[107] | Romero (10:50)[111] | Tiger (7:21)[110] |
Kushida | Kushida (forfeit) | Kushida (16:29)[118] | Kushida (9:40)[109] | X | Kushida (8:53)[108] | Jackson (9:08)[112] | Kushida (15:53)[115] | Kushida (11:44)[116] |
Máscara Dorada | Dorada (forfeit) | Fish (10:43)[111] | Dorada (7:46)[114] | Kushida (8:53)[108] | X | Dorada (9:44)[113] | Dorada (10:19)[110] | Dorada (10:05)[117] |
Nick Jackson | Jackson (forfeit) | Fish (11:31)[110] | Jackson (9:39)[107] | Jackson (9:08)[112] | Dorada (9:44)[113] | X | Romero (13:05)[109] | Tiger (8:03)[108] |
Rocky Romero | Romero (forfeit) | Fish (13:06) | Romero (10:50)[111] | Kushida (15:53)[115] | Dorada (10:19)[110] | Romero (13:05)[109] | X | Romero (11:01)[107] |
Tiger Mask IV | Tiger (forfeit) | Tiger (9:22)[114] | Tiger (7:21)[110] | Kushida (11:44)[116] | Dorada (10:05)[117] | Tiger (8:03)[108] | Romero (11:01)[107] | X |
Final | ||||
A1 | Kyle O'Reilly | Sub | ||
B1 | Kushida | 30:45[28] | ||
2016
The twenty-third Best of the Super Juniors tournament is scheduled to take place between May 21 and June 7, 2016.[119] The participants were announced on May 3. Included were tournament debutants Matt Sydal, Volador Jr. and Will Ospreay.[120]
Block A | Block B | ||
---|---|---|---|
Bushi | 0 | Beretta | 0 |
Gedo | 0 | Bobby Fish | 0 |
Kushida | 0 | Jushin Thunder Liger | 0 |
Kyle O'Reilly | 0 | Nick Jackson | 0 |
Matt Jackson | 0 | Ricochet | 0 |
Matt Sydal | 0 | Tiger Mask IV | 0 |
Rocky Romero | 0 | Volador Jr. | 0 |
Ryusuke Taguchi | 0 | Will Ospreay | 0 |
Block A | Bushi | Gedo | Kushida | Kyle O'Reilly | Matt Jackson | Matt Sydal | Rocky Romero | Ryusuke Taguchi |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bushi | X | |||||||
Gedo | X | |||||||
Kushida | X | |||||||
Kyle O'Reilly | X | |||||||
Matt Jackson | X | |||||||
Matt Sydal | X | |||||||
Rocky Romero | X | |||||||
Ryusuke Taguchi | X | |||||||
Block B | Beretta | Bobby Fish | Jushin Thunder Liger | Nick Jackson | Ricochet | Tiger Mask IV | Volador Jr. | Will Ospreay |
Beretta | X | |||||||
Bobby Fish | X | |||||||
Jushin Thunder Liger | X | |||||||
Nick Jackson | X | |||||||
Ricochet | X | |||||||
Tiger Mask IV | X | |||||||
Volador Jr. | X | |||||||
Will Ospreay | X |
Final | ||||
A1 | ||||
B1 | ||||
References
- 1 2 3 Guerrero, Eddie (2005). Cheating Death, Stealing Life: The Eddie Guerrero Story. Simon and Schuster. p. 75. ISBN 0-7434-9353-2.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Royal Duncan & Gary Will (2000). "Japan; Top of the Super Junior Heavyweight Champions". Wrestling Title Histories. Archeus Communications. p. 375. ISBN 0-9698161-5-4.
- 1 2 "Top of the Super Junior 1988". ProWrestlingHistory.com. January 4 – February 7, 1988. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Top of the Super Junior 1991". ProWrestlingHistory.com. April 15–30, 1991. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 3 "Top of the Super Junior 1992". ProWrestlingHistory.com. April 16–30, 1992. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Top of the Super Junior 1993". ProWrestlingHistory.com. May 25 – June 15, 1993. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 1994". ProWrestlingHistory.com. May 26 – June 13, 1994. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 1995". ProWrestlingHistory.com. June 23 – July 13, 1995. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 1996". ProWrestlingHistory.com. May 24 – June 12, 1996. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 1997". ProWrestlingHistory.com. May 16 – June 5, 1997. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 1998". ProWrestlingHistory.com. May 16 – June 3, 1998. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 1999". ProWrestlingHistory.com. May 19 – June 8, 1999. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 2000". ProWrestlingHistory.com. May 19 – June 9, 2000. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 2001". ProWrestlingHistory.com. May 18 – June 4, 2001. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 2002". ProWrestlingHistory.com. May 14 – June 5, 2002. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 2003". ProWrestlingHistory.com. May 23 – June 11, 2003. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 2004". ProWrestlingHistory.com. May 22 – June 13, 2004. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 2005". ProWrestlingHistory.com. May 21 – June 19, 2005. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 2006". ProWrestlingHistory.com. May 27 – June 18, 2006. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 2007". ProWrestlingHistory.com. June 1–17, 2007. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 2008". ProWrestlingHistory.com. May 31 – June 15, 2008. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Juniors 2009". ProWrestlingHistory.com. May 30 – June 14, 2009. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 "(Results) New Japan, 6/13/10". Strong Style Spirit. June 13, 2010. Retrieved June 13, 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 "(Results) New Japan, 6/10/11". Strong Style Spirit. June 10, 2011. Retrieved June 10, 2011.
- 1 2 3 4 5 2012/06/10(日)18:30 東京・後楽園ホール 優勝決定戦~. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). June 10, 2012. Retrieved June 10, 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 "Best of the Super Jr. XX". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 9, 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 "Best of the Super Jr.XXI". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 8, 2014.
- 1 2 "Best of the Super Jr.XXII". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 7, 2015.
- ↑ "What's going down... Japan". Power Slam Magazine (Lancaster, Lancashire, England: SW Publishing LTD). August 2003. p. 7. 109.
- ↑ "リーグ戦表も更新! ノア・石森太二参戦!『Best of the Super Jr. ⅩⅦ 』ブロック分け、全日程決定!" (in Japanese). New Japan Pro Wrestling. May 12, 2010. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 "Tiger Mask fuera del Best Of the Super Juniors XVII". SuperLuchas (in Spanish). May 31, 2010. Retrieved May 31, 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "(Results) New Japan 6/6/10". Strong Style Spirit.
- ↑ "(Results) New Japan "Dominion 6.19", 6/19". Strong Style Spirit. June 19, 2010. Retrieved June 20, 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "(Results) New Japan 6/2/10". Strong Style Spirit. June 2, 2010. Retrieved June 2, 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "(Results) New Japan 6/11/10". Strong Style Spirit. June 1, 2010. Retrieved June 11, 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "(Results) New Japan 6/12/10". Strong Style Spirit. May 30, 2010. Retrieved June 12, 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "(Results) New Japan, 6/5/10". Strong Style Spirit. June 5, 2010. Retrieved June 6, 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "(Results) New Japan 5/30/10". Strong Style Spirit. May 30, 2010. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "(Results) New Japan 6/1/10". Strong Style Spirit. June 1, 2010. Retrieved June 1, 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "(Results) New Japan 6/10/10". Strong Style Spirit. June 10, 2010. Retrieved June 10, 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "(Results) New Japan 6/8/10". Strong Style Spirit. June 8, 2010. Retrieved June 8, 2010.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "(Results) New Japan 6/4/10". Strong Style Spirit. June 4, 2010. Retrieved June 4, 2010.
- ↑ "Japan News: "Best of Super Juniors 18" field announced - Richards, Taka, Sasuke, Liger, Omega, TJP, Tiger Mask, Devitt". Pro Wrestling Torch. April 19, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2011.
- ↑ "(Results) NEVER.6 Part II, 4/8/11". Strong Style Spirit. April 8, 2011. Retrieved April 19, 2011.
- ↑ "(Results) New Japan, 6/18/11". Strong Style Spirit. June 18, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2011.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "(Results) New Japan, 6/4/11". Strong Style Spirit. June 4, 2011. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "(Results) New Japan, 5/28/11". Strong Style Spirit. May 28, 2011. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "(Results) New Japan, 6/8/11". Strong Style Spirit. June 8, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "(Results) New Japan, 6/7/11". Strong Style Spirit. June 7, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "(Results) New Japan, 5/26/11". Strong Style Spirit. May 26, 2011. Retrieved May 26, 2011.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "(Results) New Japan, 6/3/11". Strong Style Spirit. June 3, 2011. Retrieved June 3, 2011.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "(Results) New Japan, 5/29/11". Strong Style Spirit. May 29, 2011. Retrieved May 29, 2011.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "(Results) New Japan, 6/5/11". Strong Style Spirit. June 5, 2011. Retrieved June 5, 2011.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "(Results) New Japan, 6/2/11". Strong Style Spirit. June 2, 2011. Retrieved June 2, 2011.
- ↑ "5月27日~6月10日開催!"ジュニアの祭典"『Best of the Super Jr.ⅩⅨ』シリーズ日程が決定!!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). March 22, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2012.
- ↑ "大注目のデヴィvsPac、ライガーvsBushiは6.6後楽園!田口vsロウ・キーは5.27後楽園!『Super Jr.』ブロック分け&公式戦日程!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 7, 2012. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
- ↑ "『Super Jr.』参戦選手! 全日本から "レンタル移籍"のBushi、ロウ・キー、アレックス・コズロフ、アンヘル・デ・オロ、そしてドラゲーのPacが初参戦!!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). April 16, 2012. Retrieved April 16, 2012.
- ↑ "NEVER.9 ~Road to the Super Jr.2Days Tournament Final~". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 7, 2012.
- ↑ "デイビー・リチャーズ選手、『Super Jr.』全戦欠場のお知らせ". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 9, 2012. Retrieved May 9, 2012.
- ↑ "Spanky is Coming!! リチャーズの代替選手は、あのブライアン・ケンドリック!! 『Super Jr.』出場が電撃決定!!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 11, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
- ↑ "ブラックタイガー選手、『Super Jr.』全戦欠場のお知らせ". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 25, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
- ↑ "Nosawa論外と紫雷イオ、大麻取締法違反で逮捕". Sports Navi (in Japanese). Yahoo!. May 25, 2012. Retrieved May 25, 2012.
- ↑ "超豪華! 『Super Jr.』参戦選手が大集結!! 最後の1ワクに、高橋広夢が直訴して電撃出場が決定!!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 26, 2012. Retrieved May 26, 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 2012/05/27(日)18:30 東京・後楽園ホール ~開幕戦~. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 27, 2012. Retrieved May 27, 2012.
- ↑ "Dominion 6.16". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 16, 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2012/06/05(火)18:30 埼玉・春日部コンベンションホール. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). June 5, 2012. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2012/05/30(水)18:30 長野・信州スカイパーク体育館. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 30, 2012. Retrieved May 30, 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2012/05/31(木)18:30 福井・ニューサンピア敦賀. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 31, 2012. Retrieved May 31, 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2012/06/07(木)19:00 栃木・栃木県総合文化センターサブホール. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). June 7, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2012/06/01(金)18:30 和歌山・岩出市立市民総合体育館. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). June 1, 2012. Retrieved June 1, 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2012/06/03(日)17:00 兵庫・明石市立産業交流センター. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). June 3, 2012. Retrieved June 3, 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 2012/06/06(水)18:30 東京・後楽園ホール. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). June 6, 2012. Retrieved June 6, 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2012/05/28(月)18:30 千葉・千葉ポートアリーナ・サブアリーナ. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 28, 2012. Retrieved May 28, 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 2012/06/09(土)17:00 愛知・名古屋国際会議場・イベントホール. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). June 9, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2012.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2012/06/02(土)18:00 京都・KBSホール. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). June 2, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2012.
- ↑ "【追加情報】「Best of Super Jr.XX」5.26沼津大会のチケット情報が決定!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). March 28, 2013. Retrieved March 28, 2013.
- ↑ "【追加情報】「Best of Super Jr.XX」6.4テクスピア大阪大会の開催が決定!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). April 2, 2013. Retrieved April 2, 2013.
- ↑ "『Super Jr.』出場メンバー決定!! DDTからケニー・オメガ! ドラゲーからリコシェ! CMLLのティタンも再来日!!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 3, 2013. Retrieved May 3, 2013.
- ↑ "『Best of the Super Jr.XX』各ブロック&公式戦日程発表!!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 7, 2013. Retrieved May 7, 2013.
- ↑ 田口隆祐選手欠場とそれに伴うカード変更のお知らせ【6月9日後楽園ホール大会】. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). June 9, 2013. Retrieved June 9, 2013.
- ↑ 王者デヴィット完全制覇/新日本. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). June 10, 2013. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
- ↑ デヴィット完全V!12年ぶりライガー以来の快挙「次はタナハシだ」. Sports Navi (in Japanese). Yahoo!. June 10, 2013. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Best of the Super Jr. XX". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 1, 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Best of the Super Jr. XX". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 4, 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Best of the Super Jr. XX". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 2, 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Best of the Super Jr. XX". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 24, 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Best of the Super Jr. XX". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 6, 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Best of the Super Jr. XX". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 30, 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Best of the Super Jr. XX". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 26, 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Best of the Super Jr. XX". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 3, 2013.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Best of the Super Jr. XX". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 28, 2013.
- ↑ "今年の『Best of the Super Jr.』の日程が決定!! 開幕は5.30後楽園!! 決勝は6.8代々木第二!! チケット概要も続々決定!!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). March 14, 2014. Retrieved March 14, 2014.
- 1 2 "ドラゲーからリコシェ! DDTからケニー!! ドラダ、ヤングバックスも初参戦!! 『Super Jr.』出場選手&全カード決定!!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 4, 2014. Retrieved May 4, 2014.
- ↑ "コズロフ選手が左肩関節脱臼で『Super Jr.』を全戦欠場。". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 31, 2014. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
- ↑ 【お知らせ】アレックス・シェリー選手が負傷、代々木大会を欠場へ. New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). June 6, 2014. Retrieved June 6, 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "Best of the Super Jr.XXI". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 30, 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "Best of the Super Jr.XXI". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 3, 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "Best of the Super Jr.XXI". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 5, 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "Best of the Super Jr.XXI". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 4, 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "Best of the Super Jr.XXI". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 6, 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "Best of the Super Jr.XXI". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 1, 2014.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "Best of the Super Jr.XXI". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 31, 2014.
- ↑ "『Best of the Super Jr. XXII』の日程が決定! 5・22後楽園(開幕戦)、5・30後楽園、6・5後楽園、6・7代々木(優勝決定戦)のチケット情報が早くも確定!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). March 4, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2015.
- ↑ "『Super Jr.』メンバー&全カード決定! 外道が3年ぶり出場! フィッシュ、オライリー、小松、カベルナリオ、フィンレーらが初出場!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 7, 2015. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
- ↑ "『Dominion7.5』大阪城ホール追加カード! 後藤vs中邑、真壁vs石井、棚橋vs矢野、柴田vs桜庭、IWGPタッグ、ジュニア選手権が決定!!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 7, 2015. Retrieved May 7, 2015.
- ↑ "【お詫びとお知らせ】アレックス・シェリー選手が負傷により『Super Jr.』を全戦欠場。公式戦は不戦敗に". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 25, 2015. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Best of the Super Jr.XXII". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 29, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "Best of the Super Jr.XXII". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 22, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Best of the Super Jr.XXII". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 26, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "Best of the Super Jr.XXII". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 5, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Best of the Super Jr.XXII". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 2, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Best of the Super Jr.XXII". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 23, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Best of the Super Jr.XXII". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 4, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Best of the Super Jr.XXII". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 25, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Best of the Super Jr.XXII". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved June 3, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Best of the Super Jr.XXII". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 31, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Best of the Super Jr.XXII". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 27, 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Best of the Super Jr.XXII". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). Retrieved May 30, 2015.
- ↑ "“ジュニア最強決定戦”『Best of the Super Jr. XXⅢ』の日程が決定!優勝決定戦は6月7日(火)仙台サンプラザホール!!". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). March 23, 2016. Retrieved March 23, 2016.
- ↑ "【『Super Jr.』出場メンバーが決定!】オスプレイ、ボラドール、サイダルが初出場! “14年覇者”リコシェ!“昨年準優勝”オライリーも参戦!【SJ23】". New Japan Pro Wrestling (in Japanese). May 3, 2016. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
External links
- Best of the Super Juniors at NJPW.co.jp (Japanese)