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NJPW BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. 32 (2025) Live Online Preview: The Ultimate Junior Heavyweight Showdown
By [Watch Wrestling]
The NJPW BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. 32 (2025) tournament is upon us, and the excitement is at a fever pitch! For over three decades, this prestigious tournament has showcased the fastest, most innovative, and most daring junior heavyweights in professional wrestling. This year’s edition promises to be no different—expect high-flying action, shocking upsets, and career-defining performances as the best luchadores, high-flyers, and technical masters collide in a round-robin war.
With the tournament set to stream live online for fans worldwide, there’s never been a better time to dive into the chaos, drama, and athletic brilliance of the BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. Let’s break down everything you need to know—the competitors, the stakes, the must-watch matches, and why this could be the most unpredictable tournament yet.
The Legacy of BEST OF THE SUPER Jr.
Before diving into this year’s field, it’s essential to understand the weight of this tournament. Since its inception in 1994, the BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. has been the proving ground for junior heavyweights. Legends like Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask, Prince Devitt (Finn Bálor), Will Ospreay, and Hiromu Takahashi have all etched their names into history here.
Winning the tournament doesn’t just earn a trophy—it often propels wrestlers into IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship contention and cements their legacy as one of the best in the world. Past winners have gone on to become international superstars, and this year’s winner will join that elite list.
The 2025 Tournament Structure
Like previous years, the BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. 32 follows a round-robin format, with two blocks (A Block & B Block) of competitors facing off in a series of singles matches. The top point-scorers from each block advance to the final, where one man will be crowned the tournament’s winner.
- Matches: Each wrestler faces every other competitor in their block once.
- Points System:
- Win = 2 points
- Draw = 1 point
- Loss = 0 points
- Tiebreakers: If two or more wrestlers are tied, head-to-head results decide who advances.
The tournament is known for its grueling schedule, with wrestlers competing nearly every night in different cities across Japan. Endurance, adaptability, and sheer willpower are just as important as in-ring skill.
The 2025 Competitors: A Stacked Field of High-Flyers & Technical Wizards
This year’s lineup is a perfect blend of established stars, returning legends, and hungry newcomers. Let’s break down the confirmed participants (as of this writing) and what they bring to the tournament.
A Block: Speed, Innovation, and Unpredictability
- Hiromu Takahashi – The “Ticking Time Bomb” is a three-time winner (2018, 2020, 2022) and one of the most explosive juniors in history. His matches are must-see, blending insane high spots with raw emotion.
- El Desperado – The gruff, hard-hitting veteran is always a threat. A former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, he brings a brawling style that contrasts with the high-flyers.
- Francesco Akira – The Italian high-flyer from United Empire has been on a meteoric rise. His chemistry with TJP last year was electric—can he break out as a solo star?
- Robbie Eagles – “The Sniper of the Skies” is back, armed with his lethal Ron Miller Special submission. A technical master who can outwrestle anyone.
- TJP (Trevor Mann) – The former Cruiserweight Classic winner is a veteran with an endless move set. His creativity makes every match unique.
- Clark Connors – The LA Dojo product is a powerhouse junior with a stiff, physical style. Could this be his breakout tournament?
- YOH – After years of tag success with SHO, YOH is looking to prove himself as a singles star. His speed and technique make him a dark horse.
- Ninja Mack – The high-flying freelancer has been turning heads worldwide. His daredevil style could steal the show.
B Block: A Mix of Veterans & Rising Stars
- Master Wato – The “Grandmaster” has evolved into a fan favorite. Can he finally win his first BOSJ?
- SHO – Now fully embraced by House of Torture, SHO’s brutal, cheating-heavy style could cause major upsets.
- El Phantasmo – “ELP” is one of the most charismatic wrestlers in NJPW. His blend of comedy and high-risk offense makes every match unpredictable.
- KUSHIDA – The returning Time Splitter is a former winner and one of the best technical wrestlers in the world.
- Blake Christian – The GCW standout makes his BOSJ debut. His aerial arsenal is among the best in wrestling today.
- Titan (CMLL) – The masked luchador brings authentic Mexican lucha libre to the mix. His exchanges with Hiromu in past years were incredible.
- Kevin Knight – The “Jet” has been improving rapidly. His athleticism is off the charts—could he be this year’s breakout star?
- DOUKI – The underdog of Suzuki-gun always brings fire. Don’t sleep on him causing a major upset.
Key Storylines to Watch
1. Hiromu Takahashi’s Quest for a Record Fourth Win
No one has won the BOSJ four times. Hiromu is tied with legends like Jushin Liger, Koji Kanemoto, and Prince Devitt at three victories. If he wins this year, he cements himself as the greatest BOSJ competitor ever. But with a stacked field, it won’t be easy.
2. The Rise of the New Generation (Akira, Knight, Christian, Connors)
This tournament often serves as a launching pad for new stars. Last year, Kevin Knight impressed, and this year, Blake Christian and Clark Connors could make huge statements. Will one of them reach the finals?
3. KUSHIDA’s Redemption Arc
After years in WWE, KUSHIDA is back in NJPW and hungrier than ever. A BOSJ win would re-establish him as a top junior heavyweight.
4. House of Torture’s Shenanigans
SHO is no longer the pure technician he once was—now, he’s a cheating, chair-wielding menace. How many matches will he steal thanks to Dick Togo’s interference?
5. The International Influence
With Blake Christian (USA), Titan (Mexico), Francesco Akira (Italy), and TJP (USA), this is one of the most globally diverse BOSJ lineups ever. Their clashes with NJPW’s homegrown talent will be fascinating.
Must-Watch First Round Matches
While every match in the tournament matters, some early bouts are absolute must-see attractions:
- Hiromu Takahashi vs. Robbie Eagles (A Block) – Speed vs. technical mastery. Their past matches have been classics.
- El Phantasmo vs. Blake Christian (B Block) – Two of the most creative high-flyers in wrestling today. Expect insanity.
- KUSHIDA vs. Titan (B Block) – A dream match between two of the smoothest workers in the world.
- Master Wato vs. Kevin Knight (B Block) – Can Wato’s experience overcome Knight’s explosive athleticism?
Predictions: Who Will Win BOSJ 32?
This year’s tournament is wide open, but here are the top contenders:
- Hiromu Takahashi – The favorite. If he wins, he makes history.
- El Desperado – Always a threat, and fans would love to see him get a big win.
- KUSHIDA – A veteran’s resurgence story is always compelling.
- Blake Christian – A dark horse, but if NJPW wants to push a new international star, he could shock the world.
Final Prediction: Hiromu Takahashi defeats KUSHIDA in the finals to become the first four-time BOSJ winner.
How to Watch NJPW BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. 32 (2025) Live Online
All tournament matches will be streaming live on NJPW World. If you’re not already subscribed, now is the perfect time to sign up—this tournament alone is worth the price.
- Dates: [Exact tournament dates TBA, but typically late May to early June]
- Schedule: Matches take place almost daily, with the finals on the last weekend.
- English Commentary: Available for all major shows.
Final Thoughts: Why You Can’t Miss BOSJ 32
The BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. is more than just a tournament—it’s a celebration of the best high-speed wrestling on the planet. Every year delivers unforgettable moments, and with this stacked lineup, 2025 could be the best edition yet.
Will Hiromu make history? Will a newcomer shock the world? Will KUSHIDA reclaim his throne? There’s only one way to find out—tune in LIVE and witness the chaos unfold!
Are you ready for the BEST OF THE SUPER Jr. 32? Let us know your predictions in the comments!
[Watch Wrestling]
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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?