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 Since forming in 1972, one of New Japan's strongest and proudest features has been what it affectionately refers to as it's "young lion" system. With scarce exceptions, each year sees a new crop of rookies debut, and each class usually produces at least one future superstar. From eventual legends (Tatsumi Fujinami, Riki Choshu, Yoshiaki Fujiwara) to pioneers (Satoru "Tiger Mask" Sayama, Akira Maeda, Jushin Thunder Liger) to vale tudo sensations (Masakatsu Funaki, Nobuhiko Takada, Kazuyuki Fujita) to men controlling companies that currently dominate the scene (Masahiro Chono, Shinya Hashimoto, Keiji Muto, Riki Choshu again) to even Death Match superstars (Tetsuo "Mr. Pogo" Sekikawa), New Japan has produced some of the greatest or most important wrestlers to ever live. It's common knowledge that the Japanese wrestling industry is undergoing a major slump, with almost every company struggling, and New Japan is part of that. New Japan has a good set of wrestlers holding fort, but many look towards the unspoilt next generation to truly revive the company. It's now that New Japan's elite young lion system may be more important than ever before, because it's now that emerging stars are needed more than ever before. Luckily for New Japan, it's present young generation shows much promise, perhaps the most since the 1984 to 1986 generation (Chono, Hashimoto, Muto, Kensuke, Yamada, Sano, Funaki, and Hase being some of the graduates during that time) that set up New Japan's future so well. This article covers the current generation of young men, 30 and under, who New Japan will be counting on to play a major role in the company's future (all heights and weights are accurate as of most recent New Japan updates).
Ryusuke Taguchi was an all-around sportsman during his school days, avidly pursuing sports such as baseball, track and field, and soccer. Yearning for a career in New Japan Pro-Wrestling as early as his high school days, he joined Tokai University's wrestling section, competing well in freestyle events (76kg class). He joined New Japan in March, 2002, after passing the stern entry test, and was the only junior heavyweight of his class. His debut, scheduled for 10/12/02, was postponed due to a head injury, and he eventually started up against Toru Yano on 11/22/02. Taguchi expressed his ambition early, devoting himself to the junior division and saying he wanted to become a good all-around wrestler of the Jushin Thunder Liger kind. Smartly, he hasn't gotten ahead of himself, and is content to learn things slowly. For example, he has practiced his dropkick to such an extent that he executes it better than almost anyone at this stage, and even wins matches with it! Taguchi continues to learn the basics of professional wrestling, but just recently has stepped ahead of opening match sparring partner and heavyweight prospect, Naofumi Yamamoto, with many victories over him. When Heat cancelled appearances and forfeited entry to the tenth annual Best of the Super Jr., Taguchi was given an early chance in his career, and stepped in as Heat's replacement. Although Taguchi's career is still young, he shows the natural spark of a future name, and could be an instrumental player in New Japan's junior division one day.
Before entering professional wrestling, Katsushi Takemura was an avid bodybuilder, volleyballer and basketballer. He entered the dojo of Tatsumi Fujinami's Muga promotion in April, 1996, and was sent to Great Britain to study the European style of wrestling. Takemura debuted for Muga at Hakata Star Lane in July, 1997, against Alexander Otsuka in the third Lancashire Wrestling Tournament. Because of Muga's part-time nature, Takemura spent a lot of time wandering the independent scene, competing in BattlARTS, Wrestle Yume Factory, and other small promotions. He also made an expedition to CMLL in Mexico, a promotion that would change his career, but not on this trip. Takemura's career lacked stability, and he didn't really make much progress, wrestling like a rookie long beyond he had passed that point. He received a big break, when in February, 2001, he joined New Japan and began young lion duties there. Still, even in this environment, progress was slow, even after he developed a cockier, more confident attitude and banded with fellow young lion juniors, Katsuyori Shibata and Wataru Inoue. In April, 2002, the three of them headed to Mexico for an excursion in CMLL. Shibata and Wataru returned quickly, showing a couple of new lucha techniques, but no major stylistic modifications. Takemura was nowhere to be found though, as he had opted to stay in Mexico and learn more. To say Takemura made one of the most incredible transformations ever might be an understatement. He entered Mexico lacking confidence, image, and any great ability, but as a major bad boy in Mexico, a member of Team Japon, he reinvented himself with a new style. He returned to New Japan three months after leaving, and undertook a seven match trial series against other juniors. Despite his incredible transformation, which amazed a lot of fans, his results were unconvincing, Takemura suffering complete defeat, then losing to Wataru at the end of his return tour. Furious with his lack of results, Takemura stormed back to Mexico, and hasn't been seen in New Japan since. He has been in Mexico for close to a year now, and has learnt a lot more. He recently stole the show above Toryumon Japan wrestlers and Mexican superstars in CMLL's Torneo Cibernetico, being named MVP. When Takemura returns to New Japan is anyone's guess, but speculation suggests that it could be soon. And when he does, he could shake up the junior division in a major way. Takemura's style is totally unique to New Japan, because he merges traditional Japanese and popular Mexican techniques in a way few others have. Takemura's role in the future of New Japan will be important, because amongst the mass of new generation prospects in New Japan, only a few of them are junior heavyweights, so Takemura will be one of the men counted on to take New Japan's prestigious, world-beating junior division into it's next generation.
Wataru Inoue absorbed himself in swimming, baseball, and running events during his school days. During university, he trained at Animal Hamaguchi's esteemed dojo, practicing there for three years. He joined New Japan in March, 1998, and wouldn't debut until October, 1999. He and Katsuyori Shibata were opening match sparring partners for a long time, and became good friends. Wataru showed a good sense for wrestling, and understood many of it's intangibles quickly. After learning all the basics of professional wrestling, the two began teaming up against more established juniors. To compliment their charge, they developed cocky attitudes, and would disrespect their peers. Their greatest accomplishment as a team came in the 2001 G1 Jr. Tag League when they headlined Korakuen Hall and upset Jushin Thunder Liger & El Samurai, Wataru submitting the mighty Liger in the center of the ring! Seemingly, a new star had been born in the junior division. However, despite a tremendous performance on 2/17/02 in NOAH, progress was slow for Wataru in 2002, and he often found himself back in opening matches. In August, 2002, his career was boosted again when he defended New Japan boldly and defeated NOAH's own young junior prospect, KENTA, with Antonio Inoki's vaunted Octopus hold. However, in October, 2002, he was sidelined because of an eye injury that required an operation. Wataru has been out of action long beyond his scheduled return, and many speculate on his current status. Is he overseas? Is he one of the masked Makai Club members? Is he waiting for Takemura to return so they can make an impact together? No one knows for sure. What is for sure though, is that Wataru is an excellent young talent with wonderful ability. His style is a little unconventional, a hybrid of many forms, including Muga and lucha libre. Because of his youthful vigor and handsome looks, Wataru also has a big female fanbase, and won a lot of popularity before his injury. Wataru Inoue is New Japan's only trueborn junior young lion with any sort of seniority at present, so his return and ascent up the ranks is eagerly anticipated. Like Takemura, Wataru will be counted on heavily to help lead New Japan's junior division into it's next generation.
Hiroshi Nagao pursued basketball during his childhood, assisted by his uncanny height. After that, he entered volleyball events, where a great vertical leap and in general very good athletic ability for his size made him a big name. Following selection for Osaka's all-star team, Nagao entered professional volleyball competition, joining the Sakai Blazers in 1998. Nagao was scouted by New Japan, and passed an admission test in April, 2002. He spent much of the year training both in New Japan's main dojo, and also Antonio Inoki's Los Angeles dojo, in preparation for his debut. In January, 2003, he got a big break, when before even debuting, Yoshihiro Takayama nominated Nagao as his tag partner in February's IWGP Tag Team Title #1 Contender Tournament. Takayama displayed Nagao to the Korakuen Hall crowd at the end of January, but a freak accident when slingshotting over the ropes and to the floor caused ligament damage in one of Nagao's knees. Nagao went ahead with his debut match, teaming with Takayama against the Makai Club's Tadao Yasuda & Kazunari Murakami. Nagao was slaughtered and had no idea how to effectively fight the diabolical invaders opposite him. He was easily beaten, his debut a largely disappointing affair. Nagao was really in no condition to debut, and has since been out of action recovering from his injury. There will be a lot of anticipation for his return, as he is New Japan's tallest contracted wrestler since Seiji Sakaguchi, and large-sized native wrestlers have always intrigued and often charmed fans, with Sakaguchi, Giant Baba, and Akira Taue being good examples. Nagao's much hyped vertical leap has yet to be seen, it's said that he can jump higher than most junior heavyweights. Although it's very early in his career, Nagao's size and athletic ability could make him one of the future names of New Japan.
Naofumi Yamamoto entered professional wrestling with many fighting credentials to his name. He competed in both boxing and wrestling events at Kokushikan University, earning good results in amaresu and shootboxing competitions. After passing an admission test in September, 2001, Yamamoto joined New Japan, signing in March, 2002. Yamamoto was one of the hardest working trainees of his class in the dojo, and also spent a month training at Inoki's dojo in L.A., where he learnt many vital skills. He debuted by his own request at Tokyo Korakuen Hall on 10/12/02 against Wataru Inoue, and scored his first victory on 12/23/02 at that same building against opening match sparring partner, Ryusuke Taguchi. As mentioned in the Taguchi profile, Yamamoto's junior rival gained successive victories over him early in 2003, surpassing him for the time being. Yamamoto is a natural talent, already possessing good technical ability. His size, skill, and background suggest that one day he will be a pivotal member of the heavyweight division, but for now he must continue to learn the basics and progress steadily.
Toru Yano is one of the most decorated amaresu graduates to professional wrestling in some time. His list of accomplishments and top standings in competitions is large, a mile long. So it's natural that New Japan scouts went gunning for his services, and got them when he joined New Japan's amaresu section, the Toukon (Fighting Spirit) Club in April, 2001. He formally joined New Japan on January 21st, 2002, and passed through severe training in that same year. He debuted in May, facing dojo classmate, Blue Wolf. Because Wolf had debuted close to ten months before Yano, he was well ahead of him by now, and Yano hasn't been able to defeat him yet. After thirty-nine successive singles losses, he won his first match on 10/21/02, beating the only man (at the time) in New Japan he was the senior of, Naofumi Yamamoto. Yano has been slowly climbing the ladder and improving as a wrestler since then. Now, he's become an opening match peer above Yamamoto and Ryusuke Taguchi, and is being positioned in more tag matches with established names. Although he rarely wins them, the experience is vital and a major part of ascent in the New Japan system. Yano is currently developing his style, but it's quite unique. Like most New Japan rookies, there are signs of vale tudo training, but Yano also utilizes some very effective throws, as well as traditional submissions like the Canadian backbreaker. Yano is only just starting to gain attention, but could quietly (for now) be one of New Japan's greatest prospects. His background speaks for itself, and he is developing into a strong wrestler at a good pace. A year or two from now, he'll be able to compete with seniors like Blue Wolf is, and from there has the world at his feet. For now, his main aim seems to be to defeat Blue Wolf, and when he can do that, will have taken his next major step. Although he is a joker out of the ring, as documented by his tomfoolery at various wrestlers' weddings aired on SXW broadcasts, in the ring Yano is a serious, fiery, and powerful young warrior, and is another man who should be instrumental to New Japan's future success.
During his university days, Makabe's fighting code of choice was judo. He threw his dream to wrestle away, but after graduating from Teikyo University, he decided to give it a try, and passed a New Japan admission test in February, 1996. Makabe trained for over ten months, before debuting against Shinjiro Otani in February, 1997. It took him a very long time to obtain his first victory, that hurdle finally being passed when he defeated Yutaka Yoshie in October, 1998. He made steady growth after this, and entered the junior division from November, 1999. Although his power-based style seemed more suited for the heavyweight division, it helped him gain results as a junior, his first notable win coming on 12/5/99 when he toppled El Samurai. His first big break came in April, 2000, when he represented New Japan in the third Super J Cup, facing Gran Hamada in the first round. Step by step, he rose in the junior division, but in February, 2001, he got the chance to test himself in the heavyweight division. Riki Choshu's scheduled partner to fight IWGP Tag Team Champions, Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Satoshi Kojima, was Kenzo Suzuki, but after an injury to Kenzo, Choshu nominated Makabe as his replacement. Makabe turned heads on 2/18/01 at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan when he and Choshu took TenKoji past the 15 minute mark before succumbing to their superior teamwork. However, Makabe managed to avoid a direct loss, as Tenzan pinned Choshu. Choshu and Makabe were granted an IWGP Tag Team Title shot a month later, and although they lost in under 10 minutes this time, Makabe had shown good skill as a heavyweight, and began to lean towards that division. In August, he announced that he would be leaving for an indefinite overseas excursion, and set off on an expedition to Canada, Great Britain (where he won his first title), and Puerto Rico. Makabe added a lot of bulk, becoming a legitimate heavyweight, and returned to New Japan on 10/14/02 at the Tokyo Dome, teaming with close friend, Minoru Fujita, to defeat Kenzo Suzuki & Hiroshi Tanahashi. He made steady progress, and earned a non-title match with IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Yuji Nagata, late in 2002. In January, 2003, he became a rebel, suspending his New Japan contract and competing for the company under his own terms. He targetted site foreman, Masahiro Chono, and formed a tag team with fellow outsider, Yoshihiro Takayama. Makabe's grudge against Chono led to a new feud, resulting in a range of matches between the two, singles and tags. Makabe fought hard for a good position in New Japan, putting his own health on the line, and the result was mass bloodshed on a regular basis. In fact, such was the frequency of his bloodshed, that a white bandage on his head became a patent for him. Step by step, Makabe has been winning fans over with his fighting spirit and desire for victory. He reached the final of the G2 U-30 Climax in April, losing by a narrow margin to nemesis, Hiroshi Tanahashi, in a very good match that helped the standing of both men. Now, as Takayama's regular tag partner and a member of the revived No Fear faction, Makabe is gunning for more success. He is one of the more advanced young generation wrestlers at present, and recently defeated Chono in a singles match by countout. Makabe is a ruffian, a power fighter with a mean streak and aggressive, taunting charisma. He has become one of the young peers in New Japan, and unless he decides to change his main battlefield to another promotion, he is surely going to be one of the major emerging warriors in the upcoming years.
Katsuyori Shibata has professional wrestling in his blood, because his father, Katsuhisa Shibata, is a retired New Japan wrestler and referee. Katsuyori was a major amaresu star during his school days, competing at national level in 1997. He joined New Japan in March, 1998, and like close friend Wataru Inoue, wouldn't debut until October, 1999. As covered in the Wataru profile, the two worked their way up the junior ranks together. Shibata was a slight step ahead of Inoue throughout their joint rise, and subsequently challenged for the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Title first, facing Kendo Kashin in October, 2001. He seemed to be on his way to the top of the junior division when he won singles matches against both Masahito Kakihara and Black Tiger in the 2002 Best of the Super Jr., doing well in the tournament, but he was injured shortly after. On 1/4/03 at the Tokyo Dome, two new masked members of the Makai Club, Makais #4 and #5, debuted. Although it was quickly revealed that Makai #5 was Mitsuya Nagai, the identity of Makai #4 remained secret. The motion and several familiar signature moves suggested that it was Shibata though. But recently, at Korakuen Hall on 5/25 to be precise, Shibata returned, and Makai #4 was also present, seemingly ruling Shibata out as the occupier of that role. This Katsuyori Shibata was a totally different one than the one who got injured in mid-2002. Wearing open finger fighting gloves and sporting a mean, almost psychotic expression on his face (as pictured above), Shibata announced himself as a member of the Makai Club and fought wildly with Yuji Nagata. Shibata is not a short man, standing close to 6'0", and with added bulk had now graduated from the junior division, and was truly a heavyweight. Shibata raged with jealously at "Super Rookie" Shinsuke Nakamura, a man with a similar background to him, yet a man who in months had risen to a role far beyond that of Shibata's. Shibata declared war on both Nagata and Nakamura, exclaiming that he would revive the strong New Japan. Shibata "left" New Japan as a junior struggling to climb the ladder of that division. He returned to New Japan as a heavyweight competing fiercely with the most successful IWGP Heavyweight Champion of all time, and will face Nagata in a high profile singles match at Tokyo Nippon Budokan on 6/13. Shibata's skill has never been doubted, but it was often argued that he had the raw potential to become a star well beyond the junior division. Now he has the chance. Shibata claims to have spent the last year training in fighting codes such as vale tudo, and mixed with his professional wrestling skill and a new vicious streak, this could result in a deadly combination. Shibata is still very young, hungry for success, and is extremely talented. He could be one of the men that force a change of generation leadership.
Yutaka Yoshie was an avid judo fighter during his school days, and not a sumo wrestler as many think. He joined New Japan shortly after his 20th birthday in February, 1994, and debuted against Satoshi Kojima in December of that year. Almost a year was cut from his career though, when in just his second match he broke his leg. The injury kept him sidelined until December, 1995, when he had to start all over again. Yoshie was one of the slowest developing young lions, and became an almost obscure opening match wrestler for years. His first big match was on 1/4/98 at the Tokyo Dome, when he was one of the five men selected to face Riki Choshu in his retirement countdown. It was after this that he finally began to grow as a wrestler, and singles victories over both Tatsuhito Takaiwa and El Samurai in 1999 were the sign that he was ready for the next step. In August, 1999, he left for Europe, where he competed for the CWA promotion in Germany. It was at this time that he studied sumo wrestling, and bulked up massively so that he could fully utilize the sumo knowledge. He returned to Japan in March, 2000, and was met at the airport by Yuji Nagata, who wanted to recruit Yoshie for his new Fighting Club G-EGGS army. Yoshie agreed, and made his triumphant return at the Tokyo Dome on 4/7/00, with a new look and style. He lost to Hiroyoshi Tenzan, but a month later at the Fukuoka Dome pinned Satoshi Kojima in his biggest victory to date. Yoshie became a major emerging figure in 2000 New Japan, picking up lots of wins. In the last two months of 2000, he defeated Masahiro Chono in a tag, Kojima once more in a singles match, and Tenzan also in a singles match. A major slump in 2001 saw him drop down the card again, and he abandoned his image, starting from scratch to reinvigorate himself. Although it was a slow process, he climbed back up the card, and his comeback was boosted by a singles victory over GHC Tag Team Title co-holder, Takeshi Morishima, in NOAH on 5/26/02. Yoshie was back, and by the time the 2002 G1 Climax arrived, was a much improved wrestler. Teaming with good friend, Manabu Nakanishi, and Osamu Nishimura, Yoshie won his first major tournament in December, 2002, the Triathlon Survivor, and was finally really back as a threat. Yoshie gained popularity in 2002 as an enforcer of New Japan, fighting hard to fend off the repeated waves of attack from the Makai Club, and defeating former Pancrase, RINGS, and K-1 fighter, Ryushi Yanagisawa, in a heated match at the Tokyo Dome in October of that year. Now, Yoshie is one of the peers of the young generation. He and Hiroshi Tanahashi recently took IWGP Tag Team Champions, Chono & Tenzan, to a tough 20 minute match, and will re-challenge for the belts at Tokyo Nippon Budokan on 6/13. This could finally be the next step up the ladder for Yoshie, who has yet to win a title. Yoshie could easily trim down and become a more coordinated, quicker wrestler, but considers his bulk a gift, and uses it to effect by basing his moveset around it. His skill and fire have already made him a recognizable name in New Japan, and if he continues to grow as a wrestler, he could become something more. What is certain though is that Yoshie is an important piece of the puzzle, and will play a key part in New Japan's next generation.
Dolgorsuren Serjbudee was one of the most hyped New Japan entrants ever. He was known as "Asashoryu's brother", meaning the brother of one of the most famous sporting personalities in Japan, sumo wrestling yokozuna, Asashoryu (meaning Blue Dragon). Also, he was the first ever Mongolian professional wrestler (Masashi "Killer Khan" Ozawa doesn't count), which also meant press galore. When they had the joining press conference for Serjbudee, Toru Yano, and Masaaki Saimaru (an American Football star, who left the dojo shortly after beginning practice), Serjbudee was clad in somewhat stereotypical Mongolian clothing. Serjbudee was well equipped to enter professional wrestling, not someone entering on name value alone, having fought with great success in amaresu and sumo wrestling back in Mongolia since the age of 15. He debuted at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan during the 2001 G1 Climax, facing Shinya Makabe. He showed immediate skill, displaying great strength and significant submission knowledge. It took him barely a month to get his first win, defeating Katsushi Takemura in September. His growth was remarkable, and going into 2002 he was already putting up good fights against established names. In January, 2002, he changed his ring name to Blue Wolf, perhaps because of it's similarity to that of Blue Dragon, which would make it much easier to promote Serjbudee. He grew and grew in 2002, pinning some big name junior heavyweights such as Masahito Kakihara and Masayuki Naruse, in addition to exceeding senior young lions, Katsuyori Shibata and Wataru Inoue, with victories over both. He joined Kensuke Sasaki's short-lived SWING-LOWS army in July, 2002, which got him into more feature matches. Even though he was often the loser in these matches, just the fact that he was even in such a position as a rookie was quite amazing. His biggest win to date came in February, 2003, in the building he debuted at, Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan, when he teamed with Yuji Nagata against Josh Barnett & Perry Saturn. Even with Wolf's brothers at ringside, few expected this team to win, because Barnett & Saturn had been unbeaten on the tour, and even defeated IWGP Tag Team Champions, Chono & Tenzan, in a non-title match. But as Nagata had Barnett neutralized, Wolf dropped Saturn with a Mongol slam for the huge win! Instantly, Wolf's name value rose, and the next day the press covered the match, showing pictures of Wolf celebrating with his brothers. Wolf has recently been off tours, training with Manabu Nakanishi. He'll return with Nakanishi in June, and it appears that the two will form a mentor and pupil team in Nakanishi's new PUREBRED faction. Wolf has been doing a lot of vale tudo training too, and has expressed interest in fighting under that code at some point. Wolf's primary wrestling style is anything but vale tudo though. He resembles a young and dare I say it, evolved, Kensuke Sasaki in many ways, with more throws and submissions than Kensuke uses. Wolf's power is a sight to behold, he is surely one of the strongest pro wrestlers out there. He throws big men around with shocking ease, and throws a wicked lariat, not even flinching after impact. For sure, Blue Wolf is a massive prospect for New Japan. He has all the tools to become a major superstar; skill, strength, size, background, family name. It's almost a given that Wolf is going to be one of New Japan's front line in the next generation.
Hiroshi Tanahashi pursued baseball during his high school days, before entering amaresu competitions while at Ritsumeikan University. He played an active part in the 85kg class, with good results, and always yearned to be a professional wrestler. Growing up, his favourite wrestler was Kenta Kobashi, and his dream to wrestle became a reality when in April, 1999, he joined New Japan. He debuted in October, 1999, against future enemy, Shinya Makabe, and aimed to be a Japanese-made Dynamite Kid early in his career. With a great physique that most young wrestlers take a long time to develop, Tanahashi was viewed as a big prospect in his early days by both fans and New Japan management. A victory over Mexican great, Negro Casas, in July, 2000, indicated that he was making progress. His most surprising victory came in September, 2001, when Tanahashi caught an overconfident Scott Hall with a cradle for a singles victory over the nWo co-founder. Tanahashi formed a new generation team with fellow young lion, Kenzo Suzuki, and the two made the difficult, but rewarding climb up the ladder together. They struggled for victories, but by the middle of 2002, were making great progress. Tanahashi was always the more skillful and vibrant of the two, but in terms of success, was a step behind Kenzo. In the 2002 G1 Climax, Tanahashi shocked the world by pinning brief mentor, Kensuke Sasaki, in just 100 seconds! Late in 2002, in the midst of a New Japan tour, Tanahashi was stabbed in the back by an estranged female, and doctors said he was lucky to live, extra layers of muscle in his well developed body saving his lungs from being pierced. The story made news headlines across Japan, and in the strangest way possible, Hiroshi Tanahashi had become a mainstream name. When Kenzo left New Japan at the beginning of 2003, Tanahashi lost his friend and tag partner. Tanahashi returned in a non-wrestling capacity at the Tokyo Dome on 1/4/03, seconding Masahiro Chono and Manabu Nakanishi in their match against Hiroyoshi Tenzan and Satoshi Kojima. Following the match, Tanahashi attacked All Japan's Kojima in a selfish attempt to gain the spotlight. Chono and Nakanishi berated Tanahashi, and he was quick to apologize on the microphone. On 2/16/03 at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan, Tanahashi finally returned to action, sporting a new look, and facing Nakanishi. The two formed a tag team, but with Nakanishi's recent pursuit into vale tudo, something Tanahashi has kept himself away from, their tandem appears to have dissolved. Tanahashi suggested a tournament for New Japan wrestlers aged 30 and under, and his proposal was accepted. The G2 U-30 Climax was born, and Tanahashi was the poster boy for the event. He lost on the opening day to Makabe, but was unbeaten for the rest of the group stage. He scored his first singles victory over Yutaka Yoshie in the semi final round, setting up a rematch with Makabe in the final on 4/23. Tanahashi's popularity had never been more apparent, because in Hiroshima when he tackled Makabe in the final, fans were literally dancing and screaming in the stands, a scene rarely witnessed in recent New Japan history. Tanahashi defeated Makabe, and was crowned the U-30 champion, earning himself both a place in August's G1 Climax and an IWGP Heavyweight Title #1 Contender Match with Hiroyoshi Tenzan (which he lost). In April, Tanahashi made his first title challenge, teaming with rival turned ally, Yoshie, against IWGP Tag Team Champions, Chono & Tenzan. The U-30 team lost a near-20 minute clash, but after more success recently, could cause a major upset in their second attempt at Tokyo Nippon Budokan on 6/13. Tanahashi is the textbook definition of a great professional wrestling prospect. He already has the skill of a veteran and can wrestle a diverse range of styles, has good looks, great charisma, and is the most popular of New Japan's young wrestlers. He resembles the man he idolized in the past, Kenta Kobashi, taking vicious beatings, but making spirited comebacks. For the last year or two, most have unanimously agreed that Tanahashi is going to be New Japan's uncontested ace in the next generation. However, there is one more young lion who has people reconsidering now...
Shinsuke Nakamura began amaresu during his high school days, and stuck with it after joining Aoyama Gakuin University. He captained his university team, and left shining results, winning tournaments and representing his country at a world meet. He easily passed a New Japan admission test in September, 2001, formally joining the company in March, 2002. He made a high profile debut at Tokyo Nippon Budokan on 8/29/02, facing much hated Makai Club leader, Tadao Yasuda. Nakamura was nicknamed "Super Rookie", and before he even made contact with Yasuda, fans were chanting his name in unison. Instantly, a connection many wrestlers strive for had been made between Nakamura and the fans, and he hadn't even done anything! The "Super Rookie" title, which many wrestlers lose quickly, stuck, and Nakamura headed over to America and the L.A. Dojo. Nakamura trained hard for a vale tudo fight at Antonio Inoki's 12/31/02 festival, receiving much guidance from Inoki himself. Although Nakamura lost to Daniel Gracie in his vale tudo debut, the fans were very impressed by his effort, and the loss only boosted his status. On 1/4/03 at the Tokyo Dome, Nakamura wrestled his second match for New Japan, teaming with Michiyoshi Ohara against Yasuda & Kazunari Murakami. Again, the fans rallied behind Nakamura, especially after he was beaten to a bloody pulp, his face almost unrecognizable because of the amount of blood coating it. Yet in the end, in his second pro wrestling match, Nakamura trapped Yasuda, a former IWGP Heavyweight Champion, in a front sleeper, forcing a referee stoppage! After completing his first full tour in February, Nakamura again left for Los Angeles. He trained even harder this time, practicing at various fighting dojos across the U.S., and learning as much as he could. On 5/2/03, once more at the Tokyo Dome, Nakamura returned in triumph, entering his second vale tudo fight. He faced a much taller, much heavier, much more experienced K-1 fighter named Jan "The Giant" Nortje. And Nakamura almost toyed with him, beating his face bloody en route to an easy victory. A new hero was born, the press calling Nakamura a "supernova" the next day, and some going as far as to call him New Japan's new ace. Nakamura is currently involved in his second New Japan tour, and after all the vale tudo training, is now learning more professional wrestling. Tag victories over Dan Devine, Masahito Kakihara, and even the highly ranked Takashi Iizuka, have established him already as probably New Japan's young generation leader. Nakamura challenges Yoshihiro Takayama for the NWF Heavyweight Title in the main event of the 6/13 Budokan event. It's almost unspeakable that a rookie be headlining such a large building, but Nakamura is no normal rookie. Nakamura is the new bearer of "toukon", which if you don't know, means "fighting spirit". He is endorsed by the increasingly difficult to please Antonio Inoki, and his tag win over Iizuka was even more remarkable, because not one other young generation wrestler, even Yoshie, has pinned or submitted Iizuka ever. Shinsuke Nakamura may be the perfect balance between a professional wrestler and vale tudo fighter that New Japan needs in it's ongoing attempt to make professional wrestling the leading fighting code in Japan again. A man who considers professional wrestling his sport, yet who can step into vale tudo fights with a great chance of winning. Nakamura is a tall man, standing 6'2", and although he isn't as muscular as some other young lions, is well built. He is also currently the youngest active member of the roster, having just recently turned 23. In theory, at this stage of his career and in terms of naturally ability and the potential to be a very profitable superstar, Nakamura may be the greatest prospect in the modern history of Japanese professional wrestling. He is the supernova, he is the super rookie, he is the man who already defends professional wrestling by attacking the fighting code that has overtaken it, and in the end, if his progress continues, he could be something very special.
Although many of New Japan's young wrestlers are still in the primitive stage of their career, on paper this crew could be one of, if not the best of the bunch. The wrestlers involved have a broad range of styles, and several of them are already showing the potential to be one of the best at their specific style in the not too distant future. But who leads New Japan in the next generation? Will it be Nakamura? Or will Tanahashi be the man to challenge him for that title? Rarely have two prospects like those two been side by side in a company. What about Blue Wolf or Makabe, or even Yano or Yamamoto? Well, it's impossible to say anything for sure at this point, New Japan is always changing, and a few years can modify everything. As if this group wasn't enough, New Japan recruited four more prospects into the dojo late last year. Apparently, one of them has already left, but the three remaining are amaresu champions. They should be displayed soon, and given the recent entrants, this could be another bunch of promising wrestlers. So, although people may say New Japan is dying, because after some serious mistakes in the last few years, combined with an unavoidable downswing for the entire professional wrestling industry, it is struggling somewhat, with a cast of young fighters like these, there is always more than a little hope.
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