Various: Jeff Cobb on His Surprise NJPW Return at G1 Climax 2026 Finals, NJPW Reveals Winners Of 2026 G1 Climax Awards, Julia Hart Gives Backstage Promo Following Her Last Match in Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Tournament

Jeff Cobb Comments on His Surprise NJPW Return at G1 Climax 2026 Finals

As noted before, Sunday’s G1 Climax 2026 Finals event in Tokyo, Japan featured Jeff Cobb making his surprise return to New Japan Pro Wrestling. Cobb refused Callum Newman’s offer to “kiss the crown” to rejoin the United Empire and joined the Unbound Co. group instead.

Following his appearance on the show, Cobb gave his thoughts about his surprise return to NJPW in a backstage press conference.

“Hey, I didn’t lie. Jeff Cobb didn’t leave New Japan. I was just on hiatus. I was on the beaches relaxing, trying to remember what was going on, and I tune into NJPW1972.com… I watched all the matches; I know what’s going on. I saw what happened with the United Empire. Callum (Newman), your attitude needs checking. In my mind, you’re still that young kid that, ‘Hey, Jeff, help me. Help me!’ The reason why I took a little hiatus is because when (Will) Ospreay left, I, myself, and the Great-O-Khan, we tried to carry the United Empire into a new generation, into a new high, and you guys let some Hot Topic manager almost kill the Empire. Where were you guys!? All of you Empire members shut your mouth and just let that emo kid talk sh*t to me. Well no more, no more. See, I’m back here in New Japan where the real wrestling is, and I plan to join Unbound Co., because I’m not bounded by anything anymore. I’m not bounded by the knockout corporation. The only knockout I need are the Knock Out Brothers, and the only thing that I need now is to take Callum to the woodshed. Something your mama never did.”

Transcript h/t: Fightful.com

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NJPW Reveals Winners Of 2026 G1 Climax Awards

Sunday’s NJPW G1 Climax 2026 Finals event in Tokyo, Japan featured NJPW President Hiroshi Tanahashi announcing the winners of the fan vote for this year’s G1 Climax awards.

Boltin Oleg won the Outstanding Achievement Award, Yuto-Ice won the Fighting Spirit Award, and Ryohei Oiwa won the Technique Award.

NJPW’s official website:

Boltin, Ice, Oiwa take G1 awards! 【G136】

Winners celebrated in Ryogoku

After fans voted in their thousands for Outstanding Achievement, Fighting Spirit and Technique awards during the G1 Climax league phase, winners were celebrated in Ryogoku Sumo Hall.

The winners were as follows:

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT WINNER

Boltin Oleg: 40.09% (2nd: Ryohei Oiwa 21.46% 3rd: Drilla Moloney 8.5%)

Boltin’s incredible power and determination saw him to five wins over the course of the league phase, including a knockout victory over  Yuto-Ice, a lightning quick win against SANADA and biggest of all, a victory over IWGP Heavyweight Champion Yota Tauji in Korakuen Hall.

FIGHTING SPIRIT WINNER

Yuto-Ice: 36.93% (2nd: Boltin Oleg 12.75% 3rd: Ryohei Oiwa 10.13%)

Bringing a pro-wrestling high to every one of his performances, Ice brought the hardest fight out of everyone in this tournament, including eating 278 chops from Yota Tsuji in Osaka.

TECHNIQUE AWARD

Ryohei Oiwa 30.17% (2nd: Ren Narita 10.57% 3rd: Zack Sabre Jr. 9.15%)

Oiwa’s Big Lock headlock has changed perceptions of pro-wrestling this tour and brought excitement throughout. The skill and technique Oiwa brings to the table has been well rewarded with both popular and in ring success as Oiwa blazed a trail to the final. 

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Julia Hart Gives Backstage Promo Following Her Last Match in Stardom 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 Tournament

Sunday’s 5STAR Grand Prix 2026 event in Hamamatsu, Japan featured Julia Hart competing in her final Blue Stars A Block group stage match against Suzu Suzuki, which was won by Suzuki who also won the group.

Hart finished with a record of 4-3 for 8 points which was not enough for her to advance to the playoffs round.

Following her match, Hart gave her thoughts thanking Stardom for her time in the company and her gaining confidence and growth after competing in this year’s 5STAR Grand Prix tournament.

“I’ve seen a lot of people say I’ve gained confidence in this tournament. It’s because I have.

Stardom, thank you.

You know, the Hart may not have won the tournament, but I won here because the Hart grows harder. And it grew from this tournament.

And I’m f—king Julia Hart.”

Julia Hart had her last match in 5★STAR GP today against Suzu Suzuki & cut this promo:

“I've gained a lot of confidence. STARDOM, thank you. The Hart may not have won… BUT I WON IN MY HEART. Cause The Hart grows harder. AND I'M JULIA FUCKING HART.” ♥️pic.twitter.com/EuW8uTzJIu

— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) August 16, 2026

Transcript h/t: F4WOnline.com