10 Things You Learn Converting From WWE To New Japan Pro Wrestling
4. Young Lions
An outstanding way to build talent on and off screen, the Young Lions rookie development programme cannily spotlights the well-trodden path NJPW icons have to travel down en route to glory with the organisation.
It has been - and remains - for generations the best reflection of a meritocracy in pro wrestling, capturing a semblance of reality in a fictional and scripted world. Young Lions train through the brutal NJPW dojo, working on their in-ring skill whilst working as baggage handlers to the stars, ring crew and arena security at shows. Entrenched in the business by the time they make their debut, they're still only afforded black trunks and boots by New Japan as they work to get themselves over ahead of an excursion ordinarily to an American or Mexican promotion to further find themselves as a performer.
The formula doesn't have a 100% success rate, but it does craft an arc for virtually every talent that travels through it and countless huge names have benefitted from the richly-drawn ascension. Jushin Liger, The Great Muta, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kazuchika Okada and Hiroshi Tanahashi are just a handful of the globally recognised megastars to start life as a Young Lion. There may be bruises under the eyes of those surrounding the ring at every NJPW show - but the stars deep within them shine brightest.