10 Biggest Stories From NJPW's Wrestling Dontaku And What They Mean Going Forward

6. El Phantasmo Impresses In Debut Ahead Of BOSJ

Chris Jericho New Japan NJPW
njpw1972.com

In less than one week, New Japan's aforementioned Best of the Super Juniors will begin before concluding on 5 June. The company had previously announced nineteen of the twenty participants, and on Saturday in Fukuoka, the final tournament entrant was revealed. El Phantasmo--a Canadian-born aerialist who has built a following in the UK's RevPro--debuted as the newest member of the Bullet Club.

Alongside former fellow BOSJ competitor, Taiji Ishimori, Phantasmo quickly displayed his unique skillset against Will Ospreay and reigning Junior Heavyweight Champion Dragon Lee. At several points in the match, ELP effortlessly walked along the top rope before launching into a high-flying attack. Then, to the further shock of many, the new star escaped an OsCutter before planting Ospreay face-first to pick up the victory.

In what was one of the most impressive debuts in recent memory, El Phantasmo not only scored a big win over the current Junior Heavyweight title holder but also one of New Japan's fastest rising stars. Furthermore, ELP staked his early claim to the title of Best of the Super Juniors ahead of the upcoming tournament.

 
Posted On: 
Contributor

Douglas Scarpa is a freelance writer, independent filmmaker, art school graduate, and pro wrestling aficionado -- all of which mean he is in financial ruin. He has no backup plan to speak of, yet maintains his abnormally high spirits. If he had only listened to the scorn of his childhood teachers, he wouldn't be in this situation.