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NJPW Best of the Super Jr. 32 – May 20th, 2025 Preview: A Night of High-Stakes Junior Heavyweight Warfare
By [Watch Wrestling]
The stage is set. The lights are bright. The stakes? Higher than ever.
New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s Best of the Super Jr. 32 tournament is in full swing, and as we approach the May 20th, 2025 showdown, the landscape of the junior heavyweight division is more electrifying than ever. With rivalries intensifying, points tables tightening, and potential tournament-altering matches on the horizon, this night promises to be one of the most pivotal in the entire tournament.
For those uninitiated, the Best of the Super Jr. (BOSJ) is NJPW’s annual round-robin tournament featuring the fastest, most technically gifted, and most daring junior heavyweights in the world. Past winners include legends like Jushin Thunder Liger, Prince Devitt (Finn Bálor), Will Ospreay, and Hiromu Takahashi. This year’s field is stacked with veterans and hungry newcomers alike, all vying for a shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship and eternal glory.
Tonight’s card is loaded with must-see matchups that could redefine the tournament standings. Let’s break it down.
The Current BOSJ 32 Landscape: Who’s Leading the Pack?
Before diving into the May 20th card, let’s quickly recap where we stand in the tournament.
- Block A has seen a brutal battle between high-flyers and technical masters. Frontrunners include Hiromu Takahashi, El Desperado, and TJP, each bringing a unique style to the table.
- Block B is just as chaotic, with Master Wato, Robbie Eagles, and YOH locked in a tight race for dominance.
Every win matters. Every loss could spell disaster. And with only a handful of matches left before the finals, tonight’s clashes could make or break a contender’s chances.
May 20th, 2025 – Match-by-Match Preview
1. Block A: Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Desperado
The Stakes: A clash of titans. A battle of wills. A match that could decide Block A.
Hiromu Takahashi, the “Ticking Time Bomb,” is a former multi-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion and one of the most unpredictable forces in wrestling. His wild offense and unshakable confidence make him a nightmare for any opponent.
But standing across from him is El Desperado, the sinister luchador-masked warrior who thrives in brutality. Desperado’s hard-hitting strikes, submission mastery, and psychological warfare make him a perfect foil for Hiromu’s explosive style.
Why This Matters: Both men are likely near the top of Block A. A win here could propel one into the finals, while a loss could derail everything. Expect a match filled with near-falls, mind games, and an atmosphere thick with tension.
Prediction: Hiromu wins after a grueling battle, but Desperado ensures he leaves with scars.
2. Block B: Master Wato vs. Robbie Eagles
The Stakes: A high-speed chess match between two of the best technicians in the division.
Master Wato, the self-proclaimed “Grand Master,” has been on a mission to prove he belongs among the elite. His combination of striking, aerial assaults, and mat wrestling makes him a well-rounded threat.
Robbie Eagles, the “Sniper of the Skies,” is a master of precision. His kicks are lethal, his submissions are airtight, and his ability to counter at lightning speed makes him one of the most dangerous men in the tournament.
Why This Matters: Both are in the hunt for Block B’s top spot. A win here keeps their finals hopes alive, while a loss could be catastrophic.
Prediction: Robbie Eagles steals it with the Ron Miller Special, forcing Wato to tap.
3. Block A: TJP vs. Clark Connors
The Stakes: The crafty veteran vs. the young lion hungry for validation.
TJP, the former WWE Cruiserweight Champion, is one of the most experienced competitors in the field. His smooth transitions, innovative offense, and ring IQ make him a constant threat.
Clark Connors, the LA Dojo product, is a powerhouse junior with a relentless, hard-nosed style. He’s out to prove that he belongs in the upper echelon of NJPW’s junior division.
Why This Matters: TJP needs a win to stay in contention, while Connors is fighting to play spoiler and build momentum for his own future.
Prediction: TJP outsmarts Connors with a Detonation Kick and the Mamba Splash for the win.
4. Block B: YOH vs. Titan
The Stakes: High-flying chaos meets technical mastery.
YOH, one-half of the former Roppongi 3K, has evolved into a versatile singles star. His mix of speed, agility, and striking keeps opponents guessing.
Titan, the CMLL luchador, is a master of acrobatics and lucha libre innovation. His aerial assaults and unorthodox offense make him a wildcard in any match.
Why This Matters: Both are on the fringe of contention—a win here keeps their slim finals hopes alive.
Prediction: Titan stuns YOH with a breathtaking top-rope maneuver for the upset.
5. Block A: Yoshinobu Kanemaru vs. Bushi
The Stakes: A battle of cunning veterans with everything to prove.
Kanemaru, the “Heel Master,” is a crafty, dirty fighter who uses every trick in the book to secure victories.
Bushi, the masked LIJ member, is a high-risk attacker with a deadly mist and a never-say-die attitude.
Why This Matters: Neither is likely to win the block, but pride and positioning for future matches are on the line.
Prediction: Bushi steals it with the MX, but Kanemaru makes him suffer first.
Final Thoughts: The Road to the Finals Heats Up
After tonight, the tournament picture will become much clearer. Will Hiromu solidify his place as the favorite? Can Robbie Eagles or Master Wato make a statement in Block B? And will we see any surprise upsets that throw the standings into chaos?
One thing is certain: May 20th, 2025, will be a night that shapes the destiny of the Best of the Super Jr. 32.
Don’t miss it.
What do you think? Who are your picks to win tonight? Let us know in the comments below!
Very good show
I think his Ic run being so long hurt him as a credible world champion. It’s like he fought all the same guys and crushed them for a mid card belt now we are supposed to believe they are an actual challenge to him as a world champion? Lol when they took the intercontinental title off of him they should have moved him to SmackDown and put a new list of challengers in front of him. And moved Cody and the WWE championship to raw
Very good episode,
imagine being deluded enough to think a multi billion dollar company with guys who literally have wrestling in their blood hot shoted a heel turn storyline because they booked themselves into a corner. are you serious dude? that is the most ridiculous thing i have read in a minute lol. good luck bro.
Great episode.
Punk/Cody was there for the taking and Cena could’ve gone up against Gunther.
They knee jerked a heel turn because they booked themselves into a nepotism corner
Very good show
honestly don’t get the hate. like sure, there’s no major story here YET. But Punk/Rollins/Reigns has a lot of potential to be a high quality match. I’m legit looking forward to it and love that these three have wound up in a match together.
Great episode.
The triple threat match between them at Wrestlemania is gonna be awesome. Super stoked for this match
Great show
Let’s mention the women’s match in every live/hate challenge. Easiest task for this group of “journalists” ever. Each one of these love/hates are more embarrassing than the last. We get it, women’s wrestling is amazing and should main event every show and if a women’s match is bad it’s because where it is on the card or the booking it’s never the talent, all the women are top tier wrestlers.
Very good show
You wanna find out who the real simps and shills are? Mark down anybody who defends that main event match! Even the diehard AEW fans are crapping on that main event. It was terrible.
This Moxley stuff is stinking out the entire show and the dude seems to think he is Brock Lesnar.
The sad part is that this wasn’t a terrible show overall and with all things taken into an account. But at the end of the day, a bad ending can ruin a whole show for a lot of people. “Game of Thrones season 8” style.
Great show
So the crux of it all is that the PLE started strong…then ended with a sour belch.
The fans most remember how you left them and the fans are going to remember this show with a resounding “bleh”!
And any casual fan who watched with their buddies who are more diehard fans, may have left the viewing saying aloud, “That guy was pretty good. He should go to WWE”.
Great show.
I’ve said before but I think one of the issues here is that Tony is a massive fan of NJPW and often looks to emulate their PPV card structure. NJPW cards typically build to a climax with the big matches back to back and tend not to feature cool down matches or spots. Problem is western audiences haven’t been conditioned for that over the last 40 years, so often results in burnout. Personally I would have laid out the card like below giving breathing spaces, opening with the Steel Cage match and building to the Hollywood Ending as the main event.
Storm vs. May
Mox vs. Cope
Hangman vs. MJF
Hurt Syndicate vs. Outrunners
Takeshita vs. Omega
Swerve vs. Ricochet
Okada vs. King
Mone vs. Watanabe
Ospreay vs. Fletcher
Great episode.
Very good show, but the ending is what people remember. WWE ended Elimination Chamber with a huge heel turn. AEW ended Revolution with that abominable ending.
it doesn’t totally undo a great show, but it might have done more harm than good.
Very good show
I can already see Trips the mark statues, Trips the mark with a 20 minutes speech, the camera focusing onTrips the mark every 30 seconds when he is on the crowd.
Great show.
I’m glad they are bringing it back to a nice venue. The idea of hosting it immediately after Smackdown is insane. Why not put a highlight show or broadcast the Hall of Fame instead of airing Smackdown that week.
best of the best
Very good show tonight
clickbait
clickbait
It’s good
Yes
Loving it
Fantastic Article
Raw vs SD
The only switches from Raw vs SD were Breakker, and Jax?
Super excited about Kiana James to Raw.
Super excited about Kiana James to Raw. She’s been great on NXT so hopefully they don’t ruin her momentum.
I dunno what the Final
I dunno what the Final Testament want, but at this point I am afraid to ask.
Save yourself time and money a
Save yourself time and money and just say everyone on smackdown will stay on smackdown, everyone on raw will stay on raw. What clown wrote this episode?!
Willow should NOT lose
Willow should NOT lose to Moñe at Double or Nothing.
I love the work Mariah’s done with Toni,
I love the work Mariah’s done with Toni, but Ngl I would also love her just gal-palling around with Mina for a spell
I’m all in on joshi invasion of AEW.
I’m all in on joshi invasion of AEW. I’m kinda down for joshi invasion of all promotions honestly
Danielson is also a 21st century
That line makes me laugh like Danielson is also a 21st century wrestler
I’ve never heard of.
Uhg, some other random wrestler from a promotion I’ve never heard of.
This is going to be a squash match right?
Wait, Anna Jay isn’t in Dark Order?
not even the security guard
not even the security guard with the hogan beard is dragging me out of daily’s rn
Kurt V Bret V Perfect
Three other Ospreay dream matches
V Kurt V Bret V Perfect
I have never seen mina before.
I have never seen mina before…. But from the entrance alone i am a fan
I’ve ever seen. Good lord
Anna Jay one of the finest women I’ve ever seen. Good lord
May gets all the ladies.
May gets all the ladies.
Daily’s Place just feels right
Anna Jay match in Daily’s Place just feels right
Is Mina’s theme
Is Mina’s theme a rip of Danza Kaduro? 🕺🏻
I enjoy Fallon’s work in ring,
I enjoy Fallon’s work in ring, and her character work. I just wish she didn’t scream so much- every single move.
Was late tuning in tonight,
Was late tuning in tonight, went and watched the women’s title match, Tatum showed up and showed tf out. Sad she didn’t win but the sky’s the limit
Jensen getting back together
first step to Briggs and Jensen getting back together
I wonder if Fallon Henley gets called up,
I wonder if Fallon Henley gets called up, she’s not really in any important angles in NXT.
John Cena style
Jasmyn has that chiseled chin. John Cena style
“Thank you, Trish Jacey”
Jacey Jayne wants Thea to say “Thank you, Trish Jacey”
What a woman
Her weave fallen off and her not skipping a beat. What a woman. I’m all in on jaida parker
Jaida to get her feet
This OTM side quest was good for Jaida to get her feet wet but her ceiling is sooo much higher than Lucien, Bronco & SCRYPTS
Really don’t like that it’s the Women’s NXT North American Championship.
Really don’t like that it’s the Women’s NXT North American Championship. Besides being an awkward mouthful, it’s too derivative of Men’s midcard title.
Gratitude is not an option
“Gratitude is not an option but a debt that you will repay to me” lmao damn Jacy sounds so badass and ominous 😭
She’s got a really bright future.
Jaida’s only been doing this for a year and a half. She’s got a really bright future.
I love the implied narrative that
I love the implied narrative that it’s Nattie who is singlehandedly selling out a WWE tour of Europe
All these talks about call-ups,
All these talks about call-ups, I feel Jacy Jayne is more overdue than most. One of the best character workers around.
I feel like Jaida has been winning every week
I feel like Jaida has been winning every week for a while now but it hasn’t really gotten her anywhere lol
Booker’s about to faint during
Booker’s about to faint during the sexiest contract signing of all time.
SOMEONE CLIP THAT LEXIS KING
SOMEONE CLIP THAT LEXIS KING PART IN THE NXT SHOP COMMERCIAL AND MAKE IT A MEME
So.. Natalya had a ton of work done
So.. Natalya had a ton of work done on her face right? She had some weird angles to it when the camera followed her walking
Any recognise the photographer
Any recognise the photographer in the Baron/Lexis segment?