Wrestling fans were surprised when New Japan Pro Wrestling announced on June 4 that Eddie Kingston would compete in the G1 Climax 33. It was Kingston’s first time participating in the tournament and a goal he wanted to accomplish for his career. Although he didn’t make it to the semi-finals, Kingston has shared that the experience was something he’ll never forget.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated Justin Barrasso, Kingston reflected on competing in his first G1 Climax. He also admitted to being nervous to the point of throwing up before his first match against Shingo Takagi at NJPW G1 Climax in July.
“I threw up before my match against Shingo,” said Kingston. He explained, “I always get nervous before matches, but I’ve never been that nervous. So I got to the ring, talked to myself, and said, ‘Yup, I’m in the G1.’ That helped. Then Shingo hit me really hard with the first forearm, and I knew I was ready.”
The NJPW Strong Champion would win four matches to earn eight points in the G1 Climax 33. Kingston was eliminated from the tournament after losing to David Finlay.
Despite not winning, Kingston enjoyed traveling to Japan and competing in famous venues like the Sumo Hall.
“Walking through the curtain at Sumo Hall, and I’ve seen so many great matches there, like the first G1 Finals between Keiji Mutoh and Masahiro Chono, I couldn’t believe I was there,” said Kingston. He added, “There’s a picture of me with my mouth open, looking around in astonishment, at Sumo Hall.”
Eddie Kingston On NJPW Locker Room Environment
In the interview, Kingston also spoke highly of the NJPW locker room. The NJPW Strong Champion expressed that he had a great time being around roster members and went as far as to say that it was the best locker room he’d been a part of.
“I had a lot of good guys around me in Japan. The New Japan locker room is the best locker room I’ve ever been part of,” said Kingston. He continued, “They showed me around, and I tried everything. I don’t like fish, but I did in Japan. I loved it there.”
It’s unclear when Kingston will return to Japan for NJPW. He’s competing in AEW’s Continental Classic, putting the NJPW Strong and Ring Of Honor World Championship on the line for the tournament winner. Kingston is currently scheduled to face Bryan Danielson in the Blue League finals at Wednesday’s Dynamite.
If he can make it through as NJPW Strong Champion, he could have a match at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 on January 4, 2024. An opportunity to potentially return to Japan and compete in the Tokyo Dome would be another career highlight for the “Mad King.”
