Last month, Bryan Danielson stated that he might never wrestle in the NJPW G1 Climax tournament, calling it “irresponsible” at this stage of his career.
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Danielson once again reiterated his doubts about his participation in the NJPW G1 Climax, noting that his physical condition as well as family commitments may refrain him from ever competing in the annual tournament.
You can check out some highlights from the interview below:
On a return to Japan: “I’d love to be able to go back to Japan, but I just don’t know if that’s a realistic possibility for me at this point in my career. I’ve always wanted to do the G1, but now that’s starting to fade. At this point in my life, it wouldn’t make sense.”
On watching NJPW: “I love watching Tanahashi matches. And Okada. Shingo, Ospreay, Zack Sabre Jr. When I watch, I realize how good they are. I loved watching Kenny’s matches when he was in New Japan. I thought I would need to go to Japan to wrestle the style I wanted to wrestle. Then AEW started, and I came here.”
On his busy schedule: “I have this whole full-time job in AEW, and I’m focused on everything I’m doing here. And as much as I like the idea of doing the G1, the whole idea of leaving my wife and kids for a month to go wrestle the hardest tournament in wrestling? At 42 while the injuries start to pile up? That’s one of those things that’s going to pass me by.”
