What Is 2012 Best of the Super Juniors

Overview

The Best of the Super Juniors is an annual professional wrestling tournament hosted by New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) to determine the top junior heavyweight wrestler. The 2012 edition marked the 19th iteration of the event and featured a competitive field of 16 athletes from NJPW and international promotions.

This year’s tournament emphasized high-flying action, technical mastery, and international talent, with participants including Japanese stars and foreign competitors. The winner earned not only prestige but also a future shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, making it a pivotal event in the NJPW calendar.

• Prince Devitt emerged victorious by defeating Tetsuya Naito in the final on June 10, 2012, at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo, securing his first Super Juniors win.
• The tournament spanned 15 days, beginning on May 27 and concluding with the final on June 10, with matches held in multiple cities across Japan.
• It featured a two-block round-robin format, where the top finisher from each block advanced to the final match.
• Competitors were limited to the junior heavyweight division, with a weight limit of 100 kg (220 lbs), emphasizing speed and agility.
• Prince Devitt’s victory solidified his status as a top star and set up a future title opportunity against the reigning IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion.

How It Works

The Best of the Super Juniors follows a structured tournament format designed to test endurance, skill, and consistency over multiple high-stakes matches.

• Round-Robin Format: Wrestlers compete in one-block round-robin pools, earning 2 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss, with the top point-earner advancing.
• Match Time Limit: Each match has a 30-minute time limit; if the time expires, the wrestler with more points wins, or it’s ruled a draw.
• Weight Class: Only junior heavyweights under 100 kg (220 lbs) are eligible, ensuring a fast-paced, high-flying style distinct from heavyweight bouts.
• Scoring System: Wins earn 2 points, draws 1 point, and losses 0, with tiebreakers based on head-to-head results or total match time.
• Final Match: The winners of each block face off in a single elimination final, typically held at Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
• Championship Opportunity: The winner receives a future championship match for the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, usually at NJPW’s next major event.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2012 Best of the Super Juniors compared to other years highlights key differences in participants, format, and outcomes.

This table illustrates the consistency in format and stakes across years, with the 2012 tournament continuing the tradition of featuring 16 competitors and offering a title shot. Prince Devitt’s repeat win in 2011 and 2012 marked a rare achievement, underscoring his dominance in the junior division during this period.

Why It Matters

The 2012 Best of the Super Juniors had lasting implications for NJPW’s junior heavyweight division and the careers of its participants. It elevated Prince Devitt as a cornerstone of the division and showcased the global appeal of NJPW’s talent.

• Prince Devitt’s victory reinforced his credibility and led to a high-profile title match against Hiromu Takahashi, boosting fan interest.
• The tournament helped popularize junior heavyweight wrestling internationally, especially in the United States and United Kingdom, where NJPW had growing audiences.
• It provided exposure for foreign talent like Ricochet and El Ligero, strengthening NJPW’s global partnerships.
• Winning twice in a row, as Devitt did in 2011 and 2012, became a rare feat, placing him among the elite in tournament history.
• The event contributed to the resurgence of NJPW’s popularity during the early 2010s, a period of major growth for the promotion.
• It set a template for future tournaments, influencing how NJPW structured storylines and title opportunities for junior heavyweights.

The 2012 Best of the Super Juniors remains a significant chapter in NJPW history, combining athletic excellence with long-term booking strategy to elevate both individual stars and the promotion as a whole.