As somebody that adores New Japan Pro Wrestling, I absolutely love helping new and curious fans get into what I believe is the best quality grappling promotion in the world. In the past, I’ve written a beginner’s guide to the promotion’s biggest event, Wrestle Kingdom, and a guide to how to start watching NJPW. During my time trying to help New Japan Newbies, I’ve seen a few questions being asked repeatedly, both to myself and across social media and message boards: What is a “Young Lion”? Why are there wrestlers all wearing the exact same black boots and trunks? Why are people stood around the ring wearing red trousers and getting repeatedly beaten up?
Continue reading “The Young Lions Journey: A Guide to New Japan’s Rookie System”
