12 Ups & 5 Downs From NJPW The New Beginning In Osaka 2019

9. Young Lions Impress In Defeat

SANADA Shota Umino
NJPW

The way NJPW build and develop their Young Lion trainees is always one of the most satisfying aspects of following this promotion long-term, and as two of the current class' most exciting prospects, Ayato Yoshida and Shota Umino have been gaining traction as a team lately.

They went winless in December's World Tag League tournament, but overcame Yota Tsuji and Toa Henare (clearly their senior) on 30 January. Yoshida and Umino have since come close to defeating veterans Tiger Mask and Manabu Nakanishi on a couple of occasions, overcame Tsuji and Hiroyoshi Tenzan on 9 February, and faced IWGP Tag Team Champions EVIL and SANADA in a fun, spirited bout last night.

Here, their slow journey up the rankings continued. Yoshida and Umino never looked like beating the LIJ duo, and it was barely even teased, but that's exactly what this match needed to be. There's a ladder to climb in NJPW. The Young Lions are doing it, but doing it slowly.

Those who didn't catch this match live need only watch it for completionism's sake, but Yoshida and Umino made it worthwhile.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.