THE 2019 LOOKOUT LIST
By Jasmine Olan
New Japan Pro Wrestling’s roster is filled with incredible talent. While Its established veterans carry the banner for the promotion, its up and coming talent are the ones who NJPW’s future will be built around. All of them are well prepared, many molded by the very stars who paved the way for them. Here are the talented young performers to really keep an eye in this year.
WILL OSPREAY: At just 25 years of age, the Aerial assassin has been making history as a junior in New Japan since he first arrived. With his sights now set on moving up to the heavyweight division, He is kicking off the year by challenging the Golden Star, Kota Ibushi for the NEVER Openweight Championship at WRESTLE KINGDOM 13. A win in the Tokyo Dome could be the beginning of another history making year for Ospreay who is widely regarded as one of the best high flyers of his generation. The possibilities are truly limitless here.
SHOTA UMINO: The son of main event referee, Red Shoes Unno, 21 year old Shota Umino spent much of 2018 as one of the biggest prospects within probably the most competitive classes of young lions New Japan has seen in quite some time. Soon to be excursion bound, look for this hungry young rookie to continue proving himself in 2019 with NJPW fans watching very proudly.
JAY WHITE: 2018 was a big year for the New Zealand native, as he became the second ever IWGP United States Champion and feuded with some of the biggest names in New Japan. Now essentially the new leader of the BULLET CLUB, he’s looking to take 2019 by storm, starting with his IWGP United States Championship match against Juice Robinson at WRESTLE KINGDOM 13. Look for the Switchblade to keep moving closer to the main event picture in 2019.
HIRAI KAWATO: This talented young lion first arrived in New Japan when he was just 18 years old. Due to return from excursion soon, 21 year old Hirai Kawato has many people looking at him as the potential heir apparent to current junior Ace, KUSHIDA. Look for him to become a major new asset to NJPW’s junior division.
TAIJI ISHIMORI: A decorated champion long before his 2018 arrival in New Japan, Ishimori has quickly become an important part of the junior division. The Bone Soldier is now set to go to war against current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, KUSHIDA at WRESTLE KINGDOM 13. Look for his momentum to continue building in 2019.
AYATO YOSHIDA: The former graduate of Kaientai Dojo, Yoshida is looked at by many as one of the big blue chip prospects within the current class of young lions. 2019 will no doubt be another year of rock solid performances from the talented 25 year old.
JUICE ROBINSON: 2018 was a big year of progress for the flamboyant moon child as he won his first championship and got to mix it up with the best of the best. With a second run as United States Champion looming on the horizon, 2019 could be the year Juice Robinson makes even bigger moves.
ROPPONGI 3K: Since returning from excursion at WRESTLE KINGDOM 12, SHO and YOH have become a vital part of New Japan’s junior tag team division. The potential is limitless for both of them heading into 2019 as a tag team and as singles competitors.
SHINGO TAKAGI: As the newest addition to Los Ingobernables de Japon, Shingo Takagi has been making his mark in NJPW since arriving in 2018 after his departure from Dragon Gate. He has proven himself to be a great partner for LIJ stable mate, BUSHI and will no doubt find even greater success in 2019.
TOA HENARE: This young Maori warrior made some major improvements in 2018. Mentored by the Bosu King Kong, Togi Makabe, Henare is on his way to making some big waves in 2019.
2019 is sure to be another huge year for New Japan Pro Wrestling. Only time will tell which of these talented performers will rise to the top this year. The one thing that can be said for sure is that it’s going to be fun to find out. Fas and critics alike will just have to be on the lookout.
