SWA/NJPW G1 Supercard Preview

Saturday, April Week 1, 2019
Big Garden Arena, New York City
Referee: Mr. Judgement

This weekend, SWA and New Japan Pro-Wrestling combine forces for a loaded G1 Supercard that promises to be a defining moment for the SWA’s standing in the international landscape. With SWA as NJPW’s U.S. partner, and this card—fifteen matches deep—is a statement that the SWA is ready to make.

From major NJPW title defenses to SWA’s own flagship championship bouts, this show looks to blend the prestige of Japanese strong style with the pulpy, character-driven storytelling that SWA has built its brand around.

Here’s a match-by-match look at what’s on tap:

Match #1–#3: Battle Royals (8-Man Over-the-Top-Rope)

Participants:

Match 1: Shingo Takagi, Marty Scurll, SHO, YOH, Ryusuke Taguchi, BUSHI, Jyushin Thunder Liger, Rocky Romero
Match 2: “The Vulture” Karts Rowdy, Allen Hawkins, Edward Joseph, Soji Kanda, Dai Fugo, Damon Smith, Koichiro Togashi, Robert Moore
Match 3: Colt Cabana, Tomohiro Ishii, Will Ospreay, Toru Yano, Hirooki Goto, YOSHI-HASHI, Jay White, Chase Owens

Preview:
Three battle royals will kick off the night, a move that feels designed both to get as many names on the card as possible and to fire up the crowd early. The first and third stand out for their star power—Shingo, Ospreay, Ishii, and Jay White all bring main-event credibility—and could easily set up contenders for the IWGP Junior or NEVER titles. Look for these matches to blend comedy (Taguchi, Yano) with a few heated sequences as Shingo or Ishii likely dominate their fields.

Prediction: Shingo takes the first, Jay White steals the third, while the second serves to showcase SWA originals like Karts Rowdy.

Match #4: SWA Light Heavyweight Championship

“Sandstorm” Leonardo Pascual (c) vs. “Shock Bringer” Blood Angel

Preview:
Leonardo Pascual has quietly built one of SWA’s most decorated title reigns (six reigns, three successful defenses so far) and is often the steady hand in the midcard. Blood Angel is pulling double-duty as one half of the Light Heavyweight Tag Champs, and this is his opportunity to cement himself as a breakout star. Expect an ambitious, high-paced match with plenty of near-falls.

Prediction: Pascual retains but Blood Angel leaves looking like a future singles ace.

Match #5: NEVER Openweight Championship

Minoru Suzuki (c) vs. Jeff Cobb

Preview:
An old-school slugfest is almost guaranteed here. Suzuki’s current reign has been defined by vicious, minimalist storytelling, while Cobb’s power game should give Suzuki plenty to counter. This could quietly be one of the better pure fights on the show if given time.

Prediction: Suzuki retains in a gritty, snug battle.

Match #6: Singles Match

“Howling Beast” Blan Fleming vs. “The Strongest” Red Dragon

Preview:
A clash of former SWA Heavyweight Champions, this feels like a de facto eliminator for a future title opportunity. Fleming’s brawling style versus Red Dragon’s power moves could create a fun contrast, though placement on a 15-match card may limit time.

Prediction: Red Dragon gets the win to reestablish momentum.

Match #7: Singles Match

“Death Prince” Ernest Miller vs. “Suplex Hurricane” Max Bertrand

Preview:
Bertrand has been circling the SWA main event for months, and this could finally punch his ticket to a Heavyweight title shot. Ernest Miller is no slouch, though—he’s coming off a run as champion himself. Expect a semi-main event level intensity, even this early in the show.

Prediction: Bertrand wins clean to set up a summer title program.

Match #8: SWA Six-Man Tag Team Championship (No DQ)

Cesar Rodriguez, Sergeant Steel Johnson & “Genocider” Sam Blocks (c) vs. “Holy Hooligan” Trevor Darius, “Great Bishop” Mr Cobra & “The Wall” Alex Thompson

Preview:
This No DQ stipulation favors the challengers, who have proven more than willing to turn any match into chaos. Cesar Rodriguez’s trio have held the titles since September, an impressive run in a division known for volatility. This could be one of the night’s sleeper matches—if they lean into plunder and big crowd-pleasing spots.

Prediction: The champions survive in a brawl that spills all over Big Garden Arena.

Match #9: IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship

Taiji Ishimori (c) vs. Dragon Lee

Preview:
These two have excellent chemistry, and if they’re given a semi-main slot later in the card, it could be the night’s most exciting sprint. Expect high-speed counters, crazy apron spots, and a hot crowd.

Prediction: Ishimori retains in a potential show-stealer.

Match #10: SWA Heavyweight Tag Team Championship

“Black Devil” Jose Santos & “The Witch” Sophia Rodrigues (c) vs. The Vanishing (Blade Saeba & Notorious)

Preview:
The Vanishing have been one of SWA’s fastest-rising teams, making waves in Japan before heading stateside. Santos & Rodrigues, in their fourth reign, remain the standard-bearers for the division. This has potential to blend technical submission work with fast-paced double teams.

Prediction: Santos & Rodrigues retain but The Vanishing get a rematch down the line.

Match #11: IWGP Tag Team Championship

The Guerrillas of Destiny (c) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL & SANADA)

Preview:
This is classic NJPW tag territory—consistent work, established teams, and big finishing stretches. EVIL & SANADA have plenty of momentum, but G.O.D. have proven hard to unseat.

Prediction: Guerrillas retain after a ref distraction or underhanded tactics.

Match #12: Singles Match

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Zack Sabre Jr.

Preview:
A rematch of their New Japan Cup encounters, this is guaranteed to be technically strong. Tanahashi working from underneath against Sabre’s submissions has delivered repeatedly, and the crowd should be fully invested.

Prediction: Tanahashi sneaks out a win with a flash pin.

Match #13: IWGP Intercontinental Championship

Michael Elgin (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada

Preview:
Okada challenging for the IC belt always feels like a big deal, and Elgin has quietly been one of NJPW’s most consistent champions in this universe. This could end up being the most “epic” match on the card if they’re slotted late.

Prediction: Okada wins to reset the Intercontinental title scene.

Match #14: SWA Heavyweight Championship

“Yellow Devil” Dag Boomer (c) vs. “Strong Heart” Keiichiro Asakawa

Preview:
This is SWA’s most important match of the night. Asakawa has been the clear breakout babyface, winning January’s Battle Royal and defending his title shot last month. Boomer is in his second reign and remains the company’s top heel. The story is simple but effective: Asakawa fighting from underneath to dethrone the monster.

Prediction: Asakawa gets the feel-good win in front of a big NYC crowd.

Main Event – IWGP Heavyweight Championship

Bad Luck Fale (c) vs. Juice Robinson

Preview:
While some fans may see Fale as a placeholder, he’s been built credibly here with a 3-defense reign, and Juice is an inspired choice for a challenger. If Juice is ever going to get a heavyweight title moment, this could be the time. Expect heavy interference from BULLET CLUB.

Prediction: Fale retains in controversial fashion, continuing the chase.

Final Thoughts

This show is a massive undertaking—15 matches, a blend of SWA’s colorful originals and NJPW’s elite. Expect a little bit of everything: comedy, technical showcases, plunder brawls, and big title bouts.

If SWA wants to fully establish itself in this NJPW partnership, G1 Supercard will be the proving ground.

Predicted Show Stealers:

Ishimori vs. Dragon Lee
Tanahashi vs. Zack Sabre Jr.
Elgin vs. Okada

Potential Hidden Gem:

SWA Six-Man No DQ Tag

Coverage courtesy of Fire Pro Press.

Ice Chilled Gaming

Sunday, July 6, 2025

Fire Pro Press: SWA/NJPW G1 Supercard Preview