Shock and Awe: New Wave’s Surprise Entry at CJI 2 Ignites Grappling’s Hottest Rivalry

The grappling world just got a whole lot spicier. In a move that has BJJ fans everywhere dropping their açaí bowls in shock, New Wave has been announced as a surprise addition to the upcoming Craig Jones Invitational 2 (CJI 2). And let me tell you, this isn’t just another team announcement – this is like throwing gasoline on an already blazing fire.

Why? Because New Wave, led by the enigmatic John Danaher, emerged from the bitter split with what would become B-Team, creating one of the most compelling rivalries in modern jiu-jitsu.

The Rivalry That’s Reshaping Submission Grappling

If you’re new to this soap opera of the submission grappling world, let me catch you up. The original Danaher Death Squad (DDS) was once grappling’s most dominant force – think of them as the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls of submission wrestling. Then, seemingly overnight, they fractured into two competing camps: B-Team (led by Craig Jones) and New Wave (headed by John Danaher).

What makes this CJI 2 announcement so juicy is that Craig Jones – yes, the same Craig whose name is on the invitation – was among those who split from Danaher to form B-Team. Now he’s inviting his former mentor’s team into his competitive playground.

I’ve covered combat sports for years, and this kind of dramatic tension is what makes legends. It’s like if Tito Ortiz had invited Chuck Liddell to headline his own promotion at the height of their rivalry.

What to Expect When New Wave Hits CJI 2

So what does this mean for the actual competition? New Wave brings a murderers’ row of talent including Gordon Ryan (widely regarded as the greatest no-gi grappler alive) and a stable of technical wizards molded in Danaher’s methodical image.

The stylistic clash alone makes this fascinating. Danaher’s approach has always been systematic, almost scientific in its precision. B-Team, while still technical, has embraced a more creative, flowing style since the split. Watching these philosophies collide is like seeing two different martial arts battle for supremacy.

Behind the Scenes: The Business of Bitter Rivals

What’s particularly interesting is the business savvy behind this move. Craig Jones could have kept his invitational “friendly” by excluding New Wave. Instead, he’s leaning into the conflict, recognizing that nothing drives viewership like genuine animosity.

I spoke with a promotion insider who told me (off the record, of course): “This isn’t just about competition. The storylines here are worth their weight in gold for ticket sales and streaming numbers.”

They’re not wrong. The last time Gordon Ryan and Craig Jones were in the same building, social media exploded with speculation about potential confrontations.

Will This Rivalry Redefine Submission Grappling’s Future?

The implications extend beyond just one tournament. We’re witnessing the kind of rivalry that could reshape how submission grappling markets itself to a broader audience.

For years, BJJ has struggled to capture mainstream attention despite its technical brilliance. What often connects with casual fans aren’t just the techniques – it’s the stories behind them.

This New Wave vs. B-Team dynamic offers exactly the kind of compelling narrative that could elevate the entire sport. It’s personal. It’s technical. And now, it’s going to play out on one of the biggest stages in the sport.

What’s Next for CJI 2?

With this announcement dropping like a bombshell, fans are already speculating about potential matchups. Will we see Gordon Ryan take on B-Team’s best? Could Craig Jones and John Danaher find themselves strategizing against each other from opposite corners?

I’ll be watching this story develop closely, and you can bet I’ll be matside when these teams finally collide. In a sport where respect typically reigns supreme, this genuine rivalry feels refreshingly raw – and potentially revolutionary for jiu-jitsu’s mainstream appeal.

The question isn’t just who will win at CJI 2. It’s whether this moment will be remembered as when submission grappling finally found its perfect balance of technical brilliance and compelling drama.

Stay tuned, fight fans. This is going to be good.

What’s your take – are you Team New Wave or Team B-Team? Drop a comment below and let me know which squad you’re riding with at CJI 2!