Ranking the G1 Climax Competitors: Block A

#9 Togi Makabe

Makabe's going to be some stiff competition for the top guys

For all his accomplishments in the past, Togi Makabe is pretty much on a downward turn in his career, or at least what could be termed as a simple cool down. He's an assured booking during the tournament. There's a doubt about whether Makabe can really reach the upper echelon of NJPW ever again, relegating to the ranks of the tag team division or the hard-hitting never Openweight title.

Even the,n with his popularity among the local contingent, the unchained gorilla provides a tough win with a great boost for the younger competitors in the block. This will be a simple run for Makabe with no real flash and maybe one token big victory.

Expect Makabe to hopefully return back to the tag ranks once Tomoaki Honma is fit after his debilitating injury last year. The two New Japan Bosses are likely to make a heartfelt showing at the World Tag League is possible, but here Makabe remains a grand stepping stone.

Best Possible Match: vs. Minoru Suzuki, Night 3

Makabe's brawler style is vividly set to match the vicious catch wrestling of Minoru Suzuki. The two brute veterans will have a frankly violent but fun clash in an early match that may have little value going forward. Still, if anything Suzuki's performance should prove he is far above other veterans while allowing Makabe to show he can still go.