New Japan Pro-Wrestling’s (NJPW) IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion Gabe Kidd has been forced to withdraw from the prestigious 2025 G1 Climax tournament after sustaining a knee injury during his opening match, sources reveal. This unexpected setback has led NJPW officials to make significant adjustments to the tournament format while prioritizing Kidd’s health and recovery.

Kidd suffered a hyperextension of his knee during the B Block opener against Konosuke Takeshita on July 19, 2025—an injury initially feared to be a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL)[1][2]. Despite hopes that Kidd might continue competing, the severity of the injury ultimately made it unsafe for him to wrestle further matches. NJPW made the decision to pull Kidd from the competition to prevent aggravating the damage and to allow him to recover fully[1][3].

According to a detailed report by Sean Ross Sapp for Fightful Select, NJPW insiders revealed that Kidd already entered the tournament carrying some physical strain, which complicated the situation. Although he was medically cleared to start the event, the knee hyperextension effectively ended his participation[1]. A source close to NJPW told Fightful, “The situation was touch and go at first, but after evaluating the risk, the company determined it was safer to have Kidd sit out the remainder of the tournament rather than risk a serious injury”[2][3].

How NJPW Adjusted the G1 Climax Tournament in Kidd’s Absence

With Kidd out, NJPW faced immediate logistical challenges. The organizers decided that all of Kidd’s scheduled opponents would receive two points each by forfeit for their upcoming matches against him[1][2]. This decision streamlined the tournament’s schedule, as trying to rearrange or rebook matches was deemed unnecessary.

Interestingly, NJPW sources also confirmed that the injury and subsequent withdrawal did not heavily disrupt booking plans. Kidd was not expected to advance to the tournament’s semifinal rounds, which made the point redistribution and match adjustments somewhat simpler[1][3]. A NJPW insider commented, “If Kidd was a guaranteed finalist, this injury would have forced a complete overhaul of the bracket. Thankfully, the changes were minimal given the tournament dynamics”[1].

The ramifications for the other wrestlers are noteworthy. Some competitors who were originally projected to lose against Kidd now gained points by default, potentially altering the balance of competition in the block standings. However, NJPW has made no public statements about further changes beyond these point assignments[1].

Impact on Gabe Kidd’s Upcoming Appearances

At the moment, the precise timeline for Kidd’s return remains uncertain. Wrestling analyst reports suggest that Kidd will likely miss NJPW’s upcoming major event—the joint Forbidden Door pay-per-view with AEW scheduled for August 24, 2025, in London, England[1]. This is a high-profile event that would have been an ideal stage for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion.

Despite the setback, Kidd remains optimistic. On the night following his injury, he addressed fans while on crutches, expressing his desire to make a strong comeback as “the best version” of himself[2][3]. WWE.com also notes the significance of Kidd’s injury in the global pro wrestling landscape, where the G1 Climax is seen as one of the toughest and most grueling annual tournaments in the sport[2].

Backstage Reactions and Industry Perspectives

WWE and AEW insiders have been closely following Kidd’s status given his rising international profile. According to a WWE insider who spoke on condition of anonymity, “Gabe Kidd’s injury is a blow not just to NJPW but to the pro wrestling world. His unique style and championship presence have elevated the Global Heavyweight title’s prestige. Fans and promoters alike will watch closely as he recovers”[1].

Podcasts such as “Fightful Wrestling” have discussed the injury’s impact on Wrestle Kingdom’s road and the general momentum of NJPW’s expansion outside Japan. The joint NJPW-AEW Forbidden Door event especially stands to feel Kidd’s absence, as his UK roots and championship status made him a centerpiece for international audiences[1][2].

What This Means for the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship

NJPW has not yet issued an official update regarding the status of the IWGP Global Heavyweight Championship since Kidd’s injury. Debate among fans and analysts centers on whether Kidd can defend his title during recovery or if NJPW may need to adjust title defenses and plans around his time off[3].

Sources note that NJPW typically prefers to keep storylines grounded in realistic injury recoveries rather than vacate titles hastily, suggesting that Kidd’s championship reign could continue once fully healed[3]. However, the coming weeks will likely bring more clarity depending on medical updates and Kidd’s rehab progress.

In conclusion, Gabe Kidd’s withdrawal from the G1 Climax 35 due to a hyperextended knee has forced NJPW to redistribute points and tweak the tournament brackets minimally, thanks to Kidd not being a semifinal favorite. While this is a setback for the champion and the tournament, the situation has been handled with wrestler safety as a priority. Pro wrestling fans worldwide will now watch carefully as Kidd begins his road to recovery with hopes of returning stronger for NJPW and the larger wrestling world.

Sources: Fightful Select, Wrestling Inc., Sports Illustrated Wrestling, WrestlingNews.co, WWE.com