Zack Sabre Jr. says he represents a generational shift in NJPW.
Zack Sabre Jr. won the NJPW G1 Climax 34 by defeating Yota Tsuji in the finals. Sabre Jr.'s triumph was long-awaited, as he had been aiming to win the tournament for quite some time. Ahead of the tournament, Sabre Jr. made it clear that he aimed to lead NJPW into the future.
Zack Sabre Jr. spoke to the media following his victory in the NJPW G1 Climax 34. NJPW's website shared Sabre Jr.'s comments, and he commented on his win.
"I’m still overwhelmed from the reaction from the fans not just from this weekend, but all through the G1. From people I met on the street to everyone I’ve met over the course of the series, everyone has the belief I was going to win the G1. I’ve spent most of my adult life in Japan, but I feel that this last month in particular was one where I made a connection with Japanese fans, and these two nights in Ryogoku was the best atmosphere I’ve ever had in my career," Sabre Jr. said.
Sabre Jr. also encouraged younger wrestlers to be patient for the right opportunities. He then stated that he felt overqualified to lead NJPW into the future. Sabre Jr. went on to say that he was ready to be the best in the world.
"If you have skill, the right mindset and dedication then opportunities will come when you’re properly prepared. I feel I’m overqualified now to lead New Japan into the future, and there’s no doubt in my mind I will be the next IWGP World Heavyweight Champion. It’s very clear how much I love Japan and New Japan and I’m ready to be the best in the world now," Sabre Jr. said.
While Sabre Jr. noted that he was ready to lead NJPW forward, he was asked about the rise of the new generation, especially with Yota Tsuji making it to the tournament finals. Sabre Jr. gave Tsuji credit but stated that it was always his G1 to win.
"There’s a reason why he was the first of his generation to win a New Japan Cup and come so close to the G1. He has achieved a lot in a short soace of time. There’s no shame in him losing, I think he overachieved, but it was always my G1 to win. I still represent a generational shift, with this being my first G1, so it’s my role and motivation to bring up the young generation with me. The future will be very strong, Sabre Jr. said.
Sabre Jr. will challenge for the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship at NJPW King of Pro-Wrestling. More information is available here.
