What Is 2015 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), spotlighting the world's top junior heavyweight talent. The 2015 edition marked the 22nd iteration of the event and featured a record 20 participants, expanding beyond the traditional 18-man format.

This year's tournament emphasized international representation, with competitors from North America, Mexico, and Japan. Matches were held across 11 cities in Japan and included one event in Long Beach, California, highlighting NJPW's growing global outreach.

• 20 participants competed in two blocks of ten, the largest field in the tournament’s history up to that point.
• Ricochet emerged as the winner, defeating Jushin Thunder Liger in the final on June 7, 2015, at the Ariake Coliseum.
• The tournament began on May 23, 2015, with preliminary matches held over three weeks leading to the final.
• Tiger Mask IV entered as defending champion but failed to advance past the block stage.
• International stars included Chuck Taylor from the U.S. and Volador Jr. from Mexico, showcasing global talent.

How It Works

The Best of the Super Juniors follows a round-robin format where wrestlers earn points based on match outcomes, with the top scorers advancing to the finals. In 2015, the expanded 20-man field required two blocks, with only the block winners moving forward.

• Round-Robin Format: Each wrestler competes against all others in their block; a win earns 2 points, a draw 1 point, and a loss 0 points.
• Block System: Wrestlers are divided into two blocks (A and B); the highest scorer in each block advances to the final match.
• Time Limit: Matches have a 30-minute time limit; if time expires, the wrestler with more points wins, or it ends in a draw.
• Weight Class: Competitors must be junior heavyweights, typically under 100 kg (220 lbs), emphasizing speed and high-flying moves.
• Scoring System: Points determine rankings; in case of ties, head-to-head results or judges’ discretion may be used.
• Championship Implications: The winner earns a future shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, though not immediately guaranteed.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key metrics across recent Best of the Super Juniors tournaments leading up to 2015:

The 2015 tournament stood out for expanding to 20 participants and including an overseas event in Long Beach. Ricochet’s victory marked the first time an American-born wrestler won the tournament, signaling a shift toward broader international inclusion in NJPW’s booking strategy.

Why It Matters

The 2015 Best of the Super Juniors had lasting implications for NJPW’s global expansion and junior heavyweight division. Ricochet’s win elevated his profile internationally, eventually leading to opportunities in WWE and AEW.

• Ricochet’s victory made him the first U.S.-born winner, boosting NJPW’s appeal in North American markets.
• The inclusion of 11 Japanese and 9 foreign wrestlers highlighted NJPW’s commitment to global talent integration.
• Increased media coverage in the U.S. followed the Long Beach event, expanding NJPW’s international fanbase.
• Kushida’s strong performance (undefeated in Block A) reinforced his status as a top junior star.
• The tournament helped establish high-flying wrestling as a signature style of NJPW’s junior division.
• Results influenced future booking decisions, including title matches at Dominion 2015 and Power Struggle.

The 2015 Best of the Super Juniors was a pivotal moment in NJPW history, blending elite in-ring action with strategic global outreach, and setting the stage for future international collaborations.