Josh Barnett Advocates for Headlock as a Finishing Move After NJPW G1 Climax

Josh Barnett, a former UFC Champion and professional wrestler, has expressed his support for headlocks as finishing moves in response to discussions that arose after the NJPW 2026 G1 Climax final.

Ryohei Oiwa triumphed in the tournament by defeating Yuya Uemura with a submission known as the Big Lock in a 35-minute match. This finish sparked conversations among fans and wrestling figures about the legitimacy of headlocks as effective techniques.

In a social media exchange, Barnett countered claims made by Dave Meltzer regarding the realism of Oiwa's headlock. He referenced UWF veteran Masahiro Kakihara, who utilized a similar headlock as a finisher, and offered to teach the technique to demonstrate its effectiveness. Following the G1 final, Oiwa announced his intention to challenge for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship at the upcoming King of Pro-Wrestling event.