Exclusive: Josh Alexander Discusses His Desire To Be In The NJPW G1 Climax

By: Lewis Carlan

The New Japan Pro-Wrestling G1 Climax is widely regarded as the most prestigious tournament in professional wrestling. With its roots dating back to 1974 when it was called the World League, the G1 is a tournament in which most professional wrestlers aspire to take part in. To be considered a participant, one must prove that they are in fact one of the very best in the world and able to compete at a top level during the G1 Climax’s grueling month long schedule. It’s a tournament that is not for everyone and only a few ever get to experience it. When you think of a wrestler who deserves an opportunity, one name comes to mind – TNA superstar Josh Alexander – and Will Ospreay is in complete agreement.

Back on October 22, 2023, Ospreay went one on one with Alexander in Chicago in a match that was taped for an IMPACT Wrestling TV show. The match was highly praised by many fans on social media as Alexander proved that he can go toe-to-toe with the absolute best in the world. The two met for a second time on January 14th, this time inside a TNA ring. That rematch between Alexander and Ospreay is now widely regarded as the best match in the history of the promotion. Following the first match between the both competitors, Ospreay proclaimed that Alexander belongs in the G1.

Put Josh Alexander in the G1.

— Will Ospreay • ウィル・オスプレイ (@WillOspreay) October 23, 2023

It’s no secret that Alexander has a great desire to be a part of the G1 Climax as he has stated in numerous past interviews. He traveled to Japan for the first time back in October 2023 as he teamed with Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin to challenge three of NJPW’s best in Kazuchika Okada, Hiroshi Tanahashi and Tomohiro Ishii for the NEVER Openweight Six Man Titles. Even though he was on the team that was defeated, Alexander once again proved himself to be a top competitor in the eyes of countless fans. Alexander, who is the longest reigning world champion in IMPACT/TNA history, holds singles victories over NJPW stars KENTA and Tomohiro Ishii as well as the legendary Minoru Suzuki. As the 2024 G1 Climax draws closer, a trend that is starting to pick up steam on social media are posts that indicate that Alexander deserves be a participant in the tournament.

Despite having an extremely busy schedule, Alexander graciously granted Monthly Puroresu an interview as he discussed his G1 Climax hopes for 2024.

Monthly Puroresu:
What is it about the G1 that gives you the desire to want to be part of it?

Josh Alexander:
I’ve been a wrestling fan for a very long time. When I was a teenager I discovered Japanese wrestling. The first DVD I got was the AJPW Champion Carnival. Then I discovered the NJPW G1. The who’s who of the best in ring talents from around the world have competed in the G1. I’d like nothing better than to test myself in one and show the world how good I am.

Monthly Puroresu:
With Kazuchika Okada, Will Ospreay and Tama Tonga departing, they will not be in the G1 this year. Do you think you can step in and fill that void they will be leaving?

Josh Alexander:
I’d absolutely say I could step in and fill part of the void left over from their departures from a match quality perspective. Of course, those are some enormous shoes to fill as far as their equity and star power built up across the world from their tenures in NJPW. But I’d love to try.

Monthly Puroresu:
Will Ospreay feels you should be in the G1 as he stated after your match, how important was that endorsement?

Josh Alexander:
Of course it’s huge. Will is one of the best in the world – a top guy in NJPW and known around the world. His endorsement carries weight. When he speaks people take notice. Now we wait and see if it is what can make it happen I suppose.

Monthly Puroresu:
Your two matches with Will Ospreay were simply outstanding. Would you consider those matches and your NEVER Openweight six man title match as possible G1 auditions? Do you think they caught the eye of President Tanahashi?

Josh Alexander:
Certainly any of the matches I’ve had over the years with NJPW talent ranging from Minoru Suzuki, to KENTA, to Tomohiro Ishii, is an audition. Getting to be in the ring and allow Tanahashi san to have a front row seat to what I’m capable of probably helped a lot. But those matches with Ospreay felt like they were my introduction to the entire wrestling world, not just NJPW.

Monthly Puroresu:
How was your experience in Japan back in October last year and did it leave you with a desire to want more?

Josh Alexander:
I landed in Tokyo at 3pm. We got to the venue as the show was starting. I boarded my flight home the next morning. So yes. I’m left wanting more. My experience couldn’t have gone better. I tagged with two trusted veterans and friends in Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin – the Motor City Machine Guns – against three of the top members of NJPW. To just get a taste of being in front of the Japanese crowd and leaving immediately left me hungry for more.

Monthly Puroresu:
What would be your dream G1 finals scenario for yourself?

Josh Alexander:
Oh, I don’t know. There’s so many guys there I have studied and admired for years. Shingo Takagi is someone I’ve never got to wrestle. Ishii is an absolute master of his craft and I learn so much everytime we wrestle. SANADA is someone I wrestled a decade ago in Canada and I feel we’re both in our primes. Shota Umino is very good and making waves right now. Is everyone and anyone a good enough answer?

Monthly Puroresu:
Would it be considered a disappointment if you weren’t in the G1 this year?

Josh Alexander:
No. This wrestling business is unpredictable. I’ve learnt over the years to not get your hopes up unless the flights are booked. To even compete in the G1 would take a lot of coordination and planning with regards to my other commitments. So I can cross my fingers. But I won’t be let down. Everything happens as and when it should.