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NJPW Best of the Super Jr. 32 – May 22nd, 2025: Live Preview & Must-See Matches
By Watch Wrestling – NJPW Insider & Event Specialist
The Best of the Super Jr. 32 tournament is reaching its boiling point, and the May 22nd, 2025, event is shaping up to be an unforgettable night of high-flying, hard-hitting junior heavyweight action. With tournament standings tightening and rivalries reaching their peak, every match carries immense stakes. Will a frontrunner solidify their path to the finals, or will an underdog pull off a shocking upset?
In this exclusive live preview, we’ll break down every match on the card, analyze the tournament standings, and highlight the must-see moments you cannot miss. From technical masterclasses to all-out brawls, this night promises to deliver the very best of New Japan’s junior heavyweight division.
Best of the Super Jr. 32 – Current Standings & Tournament Landscape
Before diving into the May 22nd card, let’s take a quick look at the current tournament standings (as of May 21st). The Best of the Super Jr. 32 follows a round-robin format, with two blocks (A & B) competing for the top spots. The winners of each block will collide in the grand finals, and the ultimate victor earns a future shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.
Block A Standings (Top Contenders)
- Hiromu Takahashi (5-1) – The “Ticking Time Bomb” is on a warpath, but one slip could cost him.
- El Desperado (4-2) – The cunning veteran is always a threat, especially in must-win matches.
- TJP (4-2) – The technical wizard has been a dark horse, pulling off surprising upsets.
- YOH (3-3) – Needs a strong finish to stay in contention.
Block B Standings (Bloodbath Brewing)
- SHO (5-1) – The House of Torture leader is dominating, but can he hold off challengers?
- Francesco Akira (4-2) – The speedster is a breakout star, but the pressure is mounting.
- Robbie Eagles (4-2) – The “Sniper of the Skies” is always dangerous in tournament settings.
- KUSHIDA (3-3) – The Time Splitter needs a miracle to stay alive.
With only a few matches left in the round-robin stage, every point matters. The May 22nd show could make or break several contenders’ chances.
May 22nd, 2025 – Full Match Card & Predictions
1. Block A: Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Desperado
The Story So Far: A clash of two of NJPW’s most explosive juniors. Hiromu has been dominant, but Desperado thrives in chaos. Their history is legendary—brutal matches, stolen victories, and pure hatred.
What’s at Stake? If Hiromu wins, he likely secures his spot in the finals. If Desperado triumphs, Block A becomes a three-way race.
Prediction: Expect absolute carnage. Desperado will target Hiromu’s neck, but the “Time Bomb” always finds a way to explode. Hiromu wins via Dynamite Plunger, but not without a war.
2. Block B: SHO vs. Robbie Eagles
The Story So Far: SHO has been a dominant force, using House of Torture tactics to bulldoze opponents. Robbie Eagles, however, is a master technician who can dismantle SHO’s brute strength with precision.
What’s at Stake? SHO is on the verge of locking up Block B, but Eagles cannot afford another loss. A win here keeps his finals hopes alive.
Prediction: SHO will cheat, use weapons, and bend the rules—but Eagles is resilient. After a 25-minute classic, Eagles pulls off the shocking upset with the Ron Miller Special.
3. Block A: TJP vs. YOH
The Story So Far: TJP has been one of the tournament’s biggest surprises, while YOH has struggled to find consistency. Both need this win to stay in contention.
What’s at Stake? If TJP wins, he stays neck-and-neck with Hiromu. If YOH loses, he’s mathematically eliminated.
Prediction: A technical chess match with rapid counters. TJP outsmarts YOH and locks in the Detonation Kick for the win.
4. Block B: Francesco Akira vs. KUSHIDA
The Story So Far: Akira has been a breakout star, while KUSHIDA is fighting to stay relevant. The veteran vs. the rising ace—who wants it more?
What’s at Stake? Akira needs this to keep pace with SHO. KUSHIDA is fighting for pride—and possibly his tournament life.
Prediction: Akira’s speed vs. KUSHIDA’s grappling leads to an insane 20-minute sprint. Akira finally hits the Fireball Splash to win, but KUSHIDA earns respect in defeat.
5. Special Tag Match: Lio Rush & Titan vs. DOUKI & Yoshinobu Kanemaru
The Story So Far: A non-tournament match, but crucial for momentum. Lio Rush has been electric, and Titan is a fan favorite. DOUKI & Kanemaru will bring the brawling.
What’s at Stake? Bragging rights and potential future title implications.
Prediction: High-flying chaos. Lio Rush pins DOUKI after a Final Hour Frog Splash.
Final Thoughts: Who Survives? Who Gets Eliminated?
After May 22nd, the tournament landscape will look very different. Here’s what we expect:
- Hiromu Takahashi (Block A leader) will be one win away from the finals.
- SHO’s loss to Robbie Eagles throws Block B into complete chaos.
- Francesco Akira emerges as a serious finals threat.
- YOH & KUSHIDA are officially eliminated, shifting focus to the remaining contenders.
Why You CANNOT Miss This Show
- Hiromu vs. Desperado is always a match of the year candidate.
- Robbie Eagles vs. SHO could be the breakout performance of the tournament.
- TJP’s Cinderella story continues—can he actually win the whole thing?
- Akira vs. KUSHIDA will be a technical masterpiece.
The Best of the Super Jr. 32 has been one of the most unpredictable tournaments in years, and May 22nd will be the turning point. Will we see new stars rise, or will the veterans prove why they’re legends?
Final Verdict: Tune In or Regret It
If you love high-stakes wrestling, insane athleticism, and dramatic storytelling, this is a must-watch event. The road to the finals is heating up, and after May 22nd, we’ll know exactly who’s still in the hunt.
Don’t miss NJPW Best of the Super Jr. 32 – May 22nd, 2025, LIVE on NJPW World!
What do YOU think will happen? Will Hiromu cruise to the finals, or will Desperado play spoiler? Can Robbie Eagles shock SHO? Sound off in the comments!