Episode 71: Young Lions ③
May 11, 2026
The final installment of my Young Lion trilogy.
The name 【Young Lion】 originally comes from our organization’s symbol—the lion. They are also sometimes referred to as "Wakajishi" (Young Lions).
In appearance, they are basic: a buzz cut, black short tights, and black boots. While there isn’t a strict rulebook, their move sets center around fundamentals like elbows, chops, body slams, and dropkicks.
When we have enough Young Lions ready, we hold a tournament called the 【Young Lion Cup】. The winner usually receives the "prize" of an overseas excursion. I competed in the Young Lion Cup myself, but I’m actually one of the few wrestlers who never went on an overseas excursion—partly because I didn't win, and partly due to... let's just say, "various organizational circumstances" (omitted).
The history of the 【Young Lion Cup】 is deep. New Japan Pro-Wrestling was founded in 1972, and the first-ever cup was held just two years later in 1974. The winner back then was Fujinami-san. Wait, hold on a second! Fujinami-san is still an active wrestler today! ((((；ﾟДﾟ))))
Because of this history, expectations for the winners are high. On the flip side, those who didn't win burn with a fighting spirit, thinking, "I won't lose next time!"
Looking at our current crop: Murashima, who is currently on excursion, was hilarious right before he left—he was basically "exploding" with rage in his post-match comments. Kato, who is in Mexico, is working hard and has even bleached his hair blonde.
Back here in Japan, Nagai is already starting to stand out, and Matsumoto has an absolutely unbelievable physique. Yasuda is quite a handsome guy, and while Zane Jay has already moved past being called a Young Lion, he’s even more handsome. As for Nakahara, he endured three long years as a trainee—the longest period on record—while watching his juniors debut one after another. Now that he’s finally debuted, I’m really looking forward to seeing his hard work pay off.
Their growth is truly rapid. The generation just before them—Fujita, Oiwa, and Nakashima (now Yuto-ice)—are already producing results as top-tier wrestlers. As you can see from the relationship between Oiwa and Yuto, these generational bonds and rivalries will continue for their entire careers.
Writing this trilogy has made me even more excited for the future of NJPW. I have high expectations.
On a side note—and perhaps this isn't the best thing to end on—but my entrance theme during my Young Lion days was titled 【Strange】. Yes... apparently, I’ve been "strange" since the very beginning of my career! (Laughs).