AEW star Konosuke Takeshita has added a major accolade to his career as he has emerged as the winner of the prestigious NJPW G1 Climax 35 tournament.
Takeshita defeated EVIL in the final match that took place on August 17, winning the match by hitting the Raging Fire on the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion to win the tournament for the first time in his career. While the match saw House of Torture interfere to give EIVIL the advantage, Zack Sabre Jr., Rocky Romero, and NJPW young lions evened the odds to allow a fair fight, clearing the way for the 30-year-old AEW star to pick up the victory. After the match, an emotional Takeshita stated that while anyone can become a pro wrestler, he is the best and he is The Alpha.
By winning the tournament, Takeshita has earned the right to challenge for the top prize in New Japan, which is currently held by British wrestler and the 2024 G1 winner Zack Sabre Jr. While not confirmed, it is likely that the match will take place at Wrestle Kingdom 20 on January 4, 2026.
Along with a previous reign as NEVER Openweight Champion and the aforementioned G1 Climax victory, Takeshita is also a former International Champion in AEW.
Konosuke Takeshita Joins Elite Club Of NJPW G1 Climax Winners
Takeshita now joins the likes of Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito and Kenny Omega as those who have emerged the winner of the greulling round robin tournament. At the time of writing, Takeshita is not scheduled to be at AEW Forbidden Door in London on August 24, but could still make an appearance at the crossover pay-per-view.
Featured image: AEW
