What Is 2017 Best of the Super Juniors

Overview

The 2017 Best of the Super Juniors was the 24th edition of New Japan Pro-Wrestling's annual junior heavyweight tournament, designed to showcase the world’s top high-flying and technical wrestlers. Held from May 20 to June 3, it featured a round-robin format with 20 competitors divided into two blocks, A and B, competing for a shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.

This year marked a historic milestone as British wrestler Will Ospreay claimed victory, becoming the first non-Japanese wrestler to win the tournament. His performance was widely praised for its athleticism and innovation, helping elevate the global profile of NJPW’s junior division.

• 20 participants competed across two blocks, with the top finishers advancing to a final match at Power Struggle 2017.
• Each match awarded 2 points for a win, 1 for a time-limit draw, and 0 for a loss, determining block standings.
• Will Ospreay finished Block A with a perfect 8-1 record, defeating notable names like Hiromu Takahashi and Dragon Lee.
• Kushida won Block B with 12 points, remaining undefeated and setting up a final against Ospreay.
• The final match took place on November 5, 2017, at Power Struggle in Osaka, where Ospreay won in 22 minutes.

How It Works

The Best of the Super Juniors is structured as a round-robin tournament, where wrestlers face every opponent in their block, earning points to determine advancement. The top finisher from each block meets in a final match, typically at a major NJPW event weeks after the round-robin concludes.

• Format: A two-block, round-robin system with 10 wrestlers per block; matches are 30 minutes unless otherwise specified.
• Scoring: A win earns 2 points, a draw gives 1 point, and a loss results in 0, determining block rankings.
• Eligibility: Only junior heavyweight wrestlers (under 100 kg / 220 lbs) are allowed, emphasizing speed and aerial technique.
• Final Match: The winners of each block face off in a singles match, often at Power Struggle or Wrestle Kingdom.
• Tournament Duration: The 2017 edition spanned 15 days of matches, from May 20 to June 3, with the final in November.
• Prize: The winner earns a future title shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, usually at Wrestle Kingdom.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2017 Best of the Super Juniors stood out due to its international roster and historic outcome. Below is a comparison of key elements across recent editions:

The 2017 tournament was unique in that it crowned Will Ospreay, who had only recently joined NJPW full-time. His victory signaled a shift toward international talent being trusted with top storylines and titles, reshaping the promotion’s booking philosophy.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Best of the Super Juniors had a lasting impact on NJPW’s global strategy and junior heavyweight division. Its outcome helped solidify the credibility of foreign wrestlers in a traditionally Japan-centric roster.

• Historic win: Will Ospreay became the first non-Japanese winner, breaking a long-standing trend in NJPW tournaments.
• Global exposure: Ospreay’s victory boosted international interest in NJPW, especially in the UK and North America.
• Elevated junior division: The tournament highlighted the athleticism and storytelling potential of junior heavyweights.
• Storyline momentum: Ospreay’s win led to a high-profile title match against Hiromu Takahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 12.
• Legacy impact: Future tournaments began featuring more international stars, such as Marty Scurll and Jeff Cobb.
• Match quality: The final between Ospreay and Kushida was rated 5 stars by Dave Meltzer, one of the highest-rated matches of 2017.

The 2017 Best of the Super Juniors not only delivered elite in-ring action but also marked a turning point in NJPW’s evolution into a truly global wrestling promotion.