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NJPW Best of the Super Jr. 32 – May 24th, 2025 Preview: A Night of High-Stakes Junior Heavyweight Warfare
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The Best of the Super Jr. tournament is one of the most electrifying events in professional wrestling, a showcase of speed, skill, and heart-stopping action that defines New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s junior heavyweight division. As we approach May 24th, 2025, the 32nd edition of this legendary tournament reaches a critical juncture, with competitors battling not just for points but for legacy.
Tonight’s matches promise explosive rivalries, technical masterclasses, and the kind of high-flying drama that only NJPW can deliver. The standings are tight, the stakes are sky-high, and every single match could be the difference between advancing to the finals or going home empty-handed.
So, let’s break down every must-see matchup on this stacked card, analyze the tournament standings, and predict who will take one step closer to immortality in the Best of the Super Jr. 32!
Tournament Standings & Scenario Breakdown
Before diving into the matches, let’s look at the current standings (as of the last event). The Best of the Super Jr. operates on a round-robin format, with two blocks (A & B) where each wrestler faces every other competitor in their block. 2 points for a win, 1 for a draw, 0 for a loss. The top scorer from each block advances to the finals.
As of May 23rd, here’s where things stand:
Block A Standings (Top 4)
- El Desperado (10 pts) – The crafty veteran is leading the pack with a mix of brutality and technical mastery.
- TJP (8 pts) – The Fil-Am Flash is right behind, using his unparalleled agility to stay in contention.
- Hiromu Takahashi (8 pts) – The “Ticking Time Bomb” is always dangerous, and a single win could propel him forward.
- YOH (6 pts) – A dark horse with a lot to prove, YOH is still mathematically alive.
Block B Standings (Top 4)
- Master Wato (10 pts) – The “Grand Master” has been on a tear, proving his doubters wrong.
- Robbie Eagles (8 pts) – The “Sniper of the Skies” is lethal, and his technical prowess keeps him in the hunt.
- Francesco Akira (8 pts) – United Empire’s speedster is a constant threat with his explosive offense.
- SHO (6 pts) – The House of Torture’s wildcard could still play spoiler.
With only a few matches left, every single result matters. A loss tonight could mean elimination, while a win could set up a dramatic final block showdown.
Match-by-Match Preview & Predictions
1. Block A: El Desperado (5-1) vs. TJP (4-2)
The Story So Far: Two of the most cunning technicians in the tournament collide. Desperado has been dominant, using his hard-hitting style to wear down opponents. Meanwhile, TJP has relied on his unmatched agility and submission game to stay in contention.
Key Factors:
- Desperado’s Pinche Loco (stretch muffler) has been a match-ender.
- TJP’s Detonation Kick and Mamba Splash are instant game-changers.
- If Desperado wins, he locks up his spot in the finals. If TJP wins, he ties him at the top.
Prediction: This will be a 30-minute classic—a mix of strikes, counters, and near-falls. In the end, El Desperado outsmarts TJP with a Numero Dos roll-up to secure his finals berth.
2. Block A: Hiromu Takahashi (4-2) vs. YOH (3-3)
The Story So Far: Hiromu, the former champion, is in a must-win situation. YOH, the underdog, has shown flashes of brilliance but needs a miracle to stay alive.
Key Factors:
- Hiromu’s Time Bomb and Dynamite Plunger are always lethal.
- YOH’s Direct Drive and Dragon Suplex could steal the win.
- If Hiromu loses, he’s out. If YOH loses, his tournament is over.
Prediction: A chaotic, high-speed sprint with both men pulling out all the stops. Hiromu survives YOH’s onslaught and hits the Time Bomb II to keep his hopes alive.
3. Block B: Master Wato (5-1) vs. Robbie Eagles (4-2)
The Story So Far: Wato has been the breakout star of the tournament, while Eagles is looking to avenge last year’s shortcomings.
Key Factors:
- Wato’s Recientemente (modified German suplex) has been unstoppable.
- Eagles’ Ron Miller Special and Turbo Backpack are instant finishers.
- If Wato wins, he secures his finals spot. If Eagles wins, it’s a three-way tie at the top.
Prediction: A technical masterpiece with both men countering each other’s best moves. In the end, Wato counters the Turbo Backpack into Recientemente for the win, advancing to the finals.
4. Block B: Francesco Akira (4-2) vs. SHO (3-3)
The Story So Far: Akira’s speed has dazzled, but SHO’s House of Torture tactics lurk as a wildcard.
Key Factors:
- Akira’s Fluccara Driver is a match-ender.
- SHO’s Shock Arrow and underhanded tactics could steal it.
- If Akira wins, he stays in contention. If SHO wins, he plays spoiler.
Prediction: A wild brawl with interference from EVIL, but Akira overcomes the odds with a Fluccara Driver to keep his finals dream alive.
Final Thoughts: Who Survives? Who Advances?
After tonight’s matches:
- El Desperado will clinch Block A.
- Master Wato will secure Block B.
- Hiromu Takahashi & Robbie Eagles will still have slim chances heading into the final block matches.
But in the Best of the Super Jr., anything can happen. Betrayals, upsets, and last-minute surges are all part of the drama.
Will Desperado continue his dominance?
Can Wato complete his Cinderella run?
Or will a dark horse emerge in the final stretch?
One thing is certain: May 24th will be unmissable.
Final Card for May 24th, 2025
- Block A: El Desperado vs. TJP
- Block A: Hiromu Takahashi vs. YOH
- Block B: Master Wato vs. Robbie Eagles
- Block B: Francesco Akira vs. SHO
Don’t miss a second of the action—tune in live on NJPW World!
What do you think? Who’s your pick to win it all? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned for more Best of the Super Jr. 32 coverage!