Why Tony Khan Expects AEW Stars In NJPW G1 Tournament

Tony Khan has explained why he thinks AEW stars will be appearing in the New Japan Pro Wrestling G1 tournament in 2026.

Every year, the best of New Japan Pro Wrestling do battle over the summer in the vaunted G1 Climax. AEW star Konosuke Takeshita won the 2025 edition of that tournament and used that win to capture the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

Takeshita lost that title to Yota Tsuji at Wrestle Kingdom 20 before Tsuji made that title defunct as he reinstated the IWGP Heavyweight Title.

In 2026, the G1 kicks off on US soil in Chicago, so could AEW be involved once again?

Tony Khan Expects AEW Stars In G1

Speaking on Battleground with Tim & Battle, Tony Khan was asked about that possibility and said he believes AEW will be involved in the tournament based on initial discussions:

New Japan may come to me to book wrestlers into the tournament, but how they handle their business is completely New Japan’s prerogative. We may work together. I think there could potentially be involvement from AEW wrestlers. I believe there will be, based on our early talks. I’m excited about the G1 coming this summer to America.