After the G1 press conference, President Tanahashi mentioned it right away, but I wonder if the IWGP Executive Committee really exists? Even though we often hear about it, I can’t help but think it might not have substance.
All Japan Pro Wrestling also consults with the PWF on sudden Triple Crown match decisions, and they seem to exist over there.
While there may have been something like the IWGP at its inception, the “Greatest 18 Club,” known to a select few from days gone by, might have been more legitimate (laughs).
It was formed by 18 legendary wrestlers including Antonio Inoki and Stan Hansen, and it even had its own championship belt.
What they did (laughs), Shinya Hashimoto and Riki Choshu, who were expelled, competed for the first championship, which Choshu won. However, the Great Muta promptly sealed it away, leaving a somewhat dubious legacy.
【Members of the IWGP Executive Committee announced】
Yuji Nagata, Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Hattori, Naoki Sugabayashi, and Jinsei Shinzaki appointed.
Details https://t.co/R4SPCGqVbt #njpw #G1CLIMAX34 pic.twitter.com/q8poAGRzkl
— New Japan Pro-Wrestling Co., Ltd. (@njpw1972) July 18, 2024
Returning to the executive committee, former IWGP Heavyweight Champion Mr. Justice Yuji Nagata is a member.
It includes those with impressive IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship reigns like Jushin Thunder Liger, and referees like Tiger Hattori.
…Honestly, the impression is a bit modest.
Although I think they should invite Fujinami and maybe Norton from overseas, since its founding, the approach of making minor changes agilely rather than aiming for perfection with a waterfall is the trend today.
We hope the IWGP Executive Committee, strict in denying challenges only from the Torch, and not allowing AEW freedom, will occasionally surprise us!