Hangman Page has reflected on his time competing in the G1 Climax.
Each year, wrestling fans across the world look forward to the G1 Climax as New Japan hosts its annual round-robin tournament to determine who will challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at Wrestle Kingdom. The tournament features performers from both the NJPW roster and the wider wrestling world, with many of the industry’s top names having taken part in the G1 as they were climbing the ranks. Now, one of AEW’s top stars has reflected on his experience back in 2018.
Speaking with SHAK Wrestling, Hangman Page recalled what it was like to take part in a tournament as prestigious as the G1, saying it was a huge confidence builder for him.
“That was one of the first times I felt like I got to be a part of something that was historic, that had prestige,” Page said. “It was an honor to get to be a part of something that I remember reading about when I was a kid, like this prestigious tournament. It was grueling, it’s tough because you are either wrestling a singles match that might go 15, 20, 30 minutes, and then a long ass bus ride, and then you might have a tag [match] the next day, but then you’re right back to the singles again. The expectations are so high from fans and of yourself, the expectations are so high, but it felt like halfway through, at least for me, felt like ‘Oh yeah, maybe the points aren’t necessarily all there, but like I’m hanging, I’m doing well.’ So that was a big confidence builder for me.”
-Hangman Page
As part of the 2018 tournament, Hangman picked up three wins and ended Block A with six points. This meant he didn’t progress further in the tournament, but experience against so many different opponents can only be a positive for any young wrestler looking to grow.
These days, Page is the current AEW World Champion, having defeated Jon Moxley in Texas, and is one of the biggest stars in the company.
As always, we’ll aim to provide any further updates on Hangman Page as soon as we hear more.
H/T to WrestlingInc for the transcription.
