Ryohei Oiwa wasted no time firing back at MJF after winning the G1 Climax 36. The NJPW star issued a direct challenge to the former AEW World Champion, inviting him to enter the 2027 edition of the tournament.
The back-and-forth kicked off after Oiwa submitted Yuya Uemura in the G1 final on August 16 at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, capturing the tournament for the first time in his career.
MJF took to social media to respond to Oiwa’s win:
“I’m the superior headlock wrestler.”
The comment was brought up to Oiwa during his post-G1 press conference, and he responded by challenging MJF to back up his words in one of pro wrestling’s most storied tournaments.
“Well then, why don’t you bring that headlock and come up to next year’s G1? When that happens, I’ll take the title with a headlock myself.”
MJF didn’t let the challenge slide, firing back at Oiwa on X:
“Tell that fucking dork Oiwa he’d be lucky to lace my boots let alone meet me in a ring… About as much of a fake tough guy as Andrade, Ospreay and omega.”
When a fan later asked MJF if he would actually enter the next G1 Climax, he made it clear he has no plans to accept.
“You’re right, I won’t.
People who do that do it to prove they are the best in the world.
I got nothing to prove.
I already am.”
Drainmaker @TheDrainmaker Follow “I am the true headlock wrestler. I'm going to beat him, and wipe the floor with him. Well then, why doesn't he bring that headlock and enter next year's G1? When that happens, I’ll be the one to beat him… Show more
3:16 AM · Aug 18, 2026While any match between MJF and Oiwa remains strictly in the realm of social media trash talk, Oiwa already has his next major target locked in. As G1 winner, he will challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship on October 12 at King of Pro-Wrestling, facing the winner of Yota Tsuji’s title defense against Hirooki Goto on September 27.