12 Ups & 6 Downs From NJPW Best Of The Super Juniors 2019

10. Ren's Rise

Will Ospreay Ren Narita
NJPW

NJPW Young Lion Ren Narita wouldn't have been part of this year's BOSJ lineup had Flip Gordon not been forced to pull out, but the 21-year-old absolutely killed it throughout, putting forth a lengthy string of standout performances with trademark grit, fire, and fighting spirit.

Narita enjoys a special connection with New Japan crowds, particularly in Korakuen Hall. He was hugely over in clashes with Bandido, El Phantasmo, and Will Ospreay, despite going 0-9 throughout the tournament, with only two bouts stretching to double-digit runtimes. Such is the effectiveness of NJPW's star-making process. This guy is far from the finished article, but his bookers are so effective at building wrestlers that he still looked great in a BOSJ run that saw him fail to accumulate a single point.

Bandido and Ospreay gave Narita his strongest matches. The latter was particularly excellent, and Will was extremely giving his performance, allowing the rookie to push him all the way to his limits. It was the first truly great match of Narita's career - many more will now follow.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
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.