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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!