Plans for one of NJPW’s biggest annual tournaments are beginning to take shape, with familiar names from AEW reportedly part of the conversation.
According to Dave Meltzer in the Wrestling Observer Daily Update, multiple talents from All Elite Wrestling are expected to be involved in this year’s G1 Climax 36. Among those connected to the event are Bryan Danielson, Will Ospreay, and Kenny Omega, all of whom have reportedly filmed promotional material for the opening night.
The tournament is set to begin on July 11 at the NOW Arena in Chicago. While discussions regarding AEW participation are ongoing, the report highlights the continued collaboration between AEW and New Japan Pro-Wrestling over recent years.
The involvement of Danielson, Ospreay, and Omega in promotional content suggests a notable level of crossover for the event, although it does not confirm that all three will compete in the tournament itself. At this stage, no official list of AEW entrants has been announced.
Cross-Promotional AEW & NJPW Star Konosuke Takeshita Won Last Year’s G1 Climax
Cross-promotional participation has become increasingly common. Konosuke Takeshita, who works across AEW, NJPW, and DDT Pro-Wrestling, won the 2025 G1 Climax 35 tournament by defeating Evil in the final. He later held the IWGP Heavyweight Championship for 83 days before losing the title at Wrestle Kingdom 20 in January.
It also remains unclear whether Danielson would be able to compete even if discussions progress further. He has not wrestled in over a year due to a neck issue and has previously spoken about uncertainty surrounding a potential return following his move away from full-time competition.
With the tournament approaching, attention now turns to whether AEW representation will once again play a role in shaping the G1 Climax field.
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