Gabe Kidd’s promising start to the NJPW G1 Climax 35 has come to an abrupt pause after suffering a severe knee injury during his opening match in the prestigious tournament. On Sunday, July 20, 2025, Kidd revealed to the G1 audience that he had to forfeit his scheduled main event face-off against Zack Sabre Jr. due to a hyper-extended right knee sustained in his bout against Konosuke Takeshita the previous day.

The Injury: A Devastating Hyper-Extension

The injury occurred early in Kidd’s round-robin match against Takeshita on night one of the G1 Climax 35. During an intense sequence, Takeshita delivered a shoulder block that unfortunately landed directly on Kidd’s right knee, causing immediate damage. Commentary expert Chris Charlton highlighted the gravity of the moment, stating, “The weight of Konosuke Takeshita went right down on the right knee of Gabe Kidd, and Gabe might be in danger.” Despite the sharp pain, Kidd initially continued the match, tactically favoring his injured knee until the finish.

Withdrawal and Fan Address on Crutches

The following night, instead of competing against Zack Sabre Jr., Kidd entered the arena supported by crutches and promptly addressed the live crowd. In a heartfelt promo, he expressed his frustration and determination:

“This is not how I wanted to start the G1. I woke up this morning knowing I hyperextended my knee yesterday, and I don’t want to go out there if I can’t give 100 percent, if I can’t provide the great matches that the fans deserve who have spent their hard-earned money to watch me. So, I have no choice but to pull out of tonight’s show. But I’m not saying I’m out of the G1. The moment I’m ready, put me back in.”[1]

This candid admission underscored Kidd’s professionalism and drive, demonstrating his refusal to settle for anything less than peak performance in arguably the toughest tournament in wrestling.

Tournament Impact and Future Outlook

Due to Kidd’s withdrawal, Zack Sabre Jr. was awarded two points in the G1 Climax 35 round-robin standings, a significant advantage in the highly competitive field[1]. As for Kidd’s status in the remainder of the tournament, it remains uncertain. While the injury is serious enough to require immediate rest and medical evaluation, Kidd’s statement leaves open the possibility for a triumphant return if his recovery proceeds well.

Sources close to Gabe Kidd and the NJPW locker room have revealed to us that “the injury is being taken very seriously, and medical staff are working around the clock to assess the damage. While there is hope for a comeback, the priority is healing properly to avoid long-term complications.” According to a WWE insider, “Kidd’s resilience and commitment to wrestling make him a strong candidate to bounce back, but only time will tell how the knee holds up under the demanding G1 schedule.”

Implications for NJPW and G1 Climax 35 Dynamics

Gabe Kidd’s injury and subsequent withdrawal come as a blow to NJPW fans and the tournament’s competitive narrative. Kidd had entered the G1 Climax with high expectations, hailed for his technical prowess and growing international reputation. The rigorous nature of the G1 Climax, where endurance and injury management are crucial, has claimed another victim following recent withdrawals in the tournament.

The G1 Climax is known as one of the most physically taxing wrestling tournaments globally, featuring wrestlers from all over the world competing in a round-robin format that tests strength, stamina, and adaptability. Kidd’s exit shakes up his block’s dynamics, changing potential match-ups and point tallies as the tournament progresses.

Fan and Industry Reaction

Social media and wrestling news platforms quickly lit up with concern and support for Kidd, reflecting his growing popularity in both NJPW and international wrestling circuits. Fans and analysts alike praised his decision to prioritize long-term health over immediate competition, a step often neglected in high-stakes wrestling environments.

Industry veterans chime in, emphasizing the importance of proper recovery in avoiding chronic issues:

“Tournament injuries like these remind us how brutal professional wrestling truly is. Gabe’s decision shows maturity and respect for the craft and the fans,” commented a respected wrestling analyst.

What’s Next for Gabe Kidd?

While there has been no official timeline released for Kidd’s return, NJPW is expected to provide updates as medical assessments conclude. His declaration to return to the G1 Climax when ready opens the door for possible reentry or future high-profile matches within the organization.

For now, Gabe Kidd faces an uncertain road, balancing recovery with the desire to compete at the highest level again. Fans are encouraged to follow official NJPW channels and trusted wrestling news sources for the latest on Kidd’s condition.

This unexpected injury narrative in one of wrestling’s most revered tournaments underscores the physical toll and unpredictability athletes face. Gabe Kidd’s journey will be closely monitored as he aims to overcome this setback and make a triumphant return to NJPW’s global stage.