What Is 2016 Best of the Super Juniors

Overview

The 2016 Best of the Super Juniors was the 23rd edition of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's annual junior heavyweight tournament. It showcased high-flying, fast-paced action from some of the world's top cruiserweight-style wrestlers, drawing significant international attention.

Running over a three-week span, the tournament featured a round-robin format with two blocks. The winner earned a future shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, making it a pivotal event for title contention.

• Kenny Omega won the tournament, defeating Ryusuke Taguchi in the final on June 7, 2016, at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan in Tokyo.
• The tournament included 18 participants, divided into Block A and Block B, each with nine wrestlers competing in round-robin matches.
• Omega became the first non-Japanese wrestler to win the Best of the Super Juniors two years in a row, having also won in 2015.
• Each win in the round-robin stage awarded two points, a draw gave one point, and a loss gave zero, determining block standings.
• The final match drew over 13,000 fans to Ryōgoku Sumo Hall, highlighting the growing popularity of junior heavyweight wrestling in NJPW.

How It Works

The Best of the Super Juniors is structured to test endurance, consistency, and adaptability over multiple high-intensity matches. Wrestlers face nearly every opponent in their block, making scheduling and injury management crucial.

• Round-Robin Format: Each wrestler competes against all others in their block. The top point-earner from each block advances to the final.
• Block System: With two nine-man blocks, the format ensures a balanced schedule and reduces the chance of ties in qualification.
• Scoring System: Wins earn two points, draws give one point, and losses yield zero; tiebreakers are decided by head-to-head results.
• Tournament Duration: Spanning 16 event dates from May 23 to June 7, wrestlers often compete every other day, testing physical resilience.
• Championship Implication: The winner receives a future title shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, typically at Wrestle Kingdom.
• International Talent: The 2016 edition featured wrestlers from Japan, Canada, the U.S., and Mexico, reflecting NJPW's global outreach.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2016 Best of the Super Juniors compared to recent editions in key metrics:

The 2016 tournament marked a turning point in both scale and prestige. With increased participation and rising attendance, it solidified the Best of the Super Juniors as a cornerstone of NJPW’s annual calendar, especially for showcasing international stars like Omega and Will Ospreay.

Why It Matters

The 2016 Best of the Super Juniors had lasting implications for NJPW’s global expansion and the careers of several wrestlers. Its success helped elevate junior heavyweight wrestling to new prominence within the company.

• Kenny Omega’s dominance established him as a top-tier star, paving the way for his eventual move to All Elite Wrestling.
• The tournament highlighted Will Ospreay’s debut, who finished with a strong 6-2 record, signaling the arrival of a future main eventer.
• Increased international media coverage helped NJPW grow its U.S. streaming audience on platforms like NJPW World.
• Taguchi’s runner-up finish revitalized his career, leading to a successful tag team run with Hiroshi Tanahashi.
• The expanded 18-man format allowed for more diverse matchups and better injury buffer, influencing future tournament designs.
• Omega’s second consecutive win underscored the shift toward non-Japanese wrestlers headlining major NJPW events.

The 2016 Best of the Super Juniors was not just a tournament—it was a catalyst for change in NJPW’s storytelling and global strategy, blending athleticism, drama, and international appeal in a way that redefined modern junior heavyweight wrestling.