By: Sonal Lad
Since making his debut as one of the first LA Dojo young lions, Clark Connors has showcased unmatched potential to be a future New Japan Pro Wrestling superstar.
Wrestling is 90% mental and the other half is physical. pic.twitter.com/8h4PhzN6QZ
— Clark Connors (@ClarkConnors) December 21, 2022
Before going to New Japan, Clark Connors was already wrestling on the independent scene in mainly Canadian promotions like All-Star Wrestling and West Coast Wrestling Connection, but also in places like DEFY Wrestling in his hometown Washington in America.
In 2018, Clark Connors became one of the first wrestlers in the new New Japan LA Dojo class. After making his debut in America in a dark match during Fighting Spirit Unleashed, Connors traveled to Japan for the first time to compete in the 2019 Young Lion Cup. Throughout his time as a young lion, Connors impressed fans with his strength, power, and speed.
[Replay ‘DESTRUCTION in KAGOSHIMA’ on September 16th, 2019]
1ST MATCH: 12th Young Lion Cup League Match @YuyaUemura_njpw vs. Clark Connors!!
Watch on New Japan World▶︎https://t.co/Tj7UBINesh#njpw #njpwworld #njdest pic.twitter.com/GbCzUgEmmw— njpwworld (@njpwworld) September 16, 2019
After three years, Connors finally graduated from his young lion status in April 2021 at the LA Dojo showcase. Despite losing to fellow LA Dojo wrestler Karl Fredericks, Connor started to refer to himself as the “Wild Rhino.” Shibata confirmed he was no longer a young lion.
Young Lion no more!
Say hello to the Wild Rhino that is Clark Connors!
Watch NOW: https://t.co/gD9dF4gLgp#njcollision #njpwSTRONG pic.twitter.com/jfsxMuCuAg
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) May 15, 2021
After graduating from the LA Dojo, Connors chose to make a name for himself in the junior division. Yet, he was seemingly balancing on weight divisions. Along with runs in the Best of Super Junior tournament, achieving a good number of wins, he also took part in the Super Jr Tag tournament with Ryusuke Taguchi.
He also challenged for none Jr titles, including the Strong Openweight Championship, NJPW World TV title, and even the qualifying rounds for the All Elite Wrestling All-Atlantic Champion.
Yet, it seemed like Clark needed a change to get himself noticed.
Clark Connors became a hot topic during NJPW’s shows in America. During the first show of Capital Collision, Connors was part of the losing team in a 10-man tag match. When the bout ended, fans were shocked when Connors attacked LA Dojo teammate The DKC.
Why, Clark Connors, why!?!? #njcapital pic.twitter.com/N51wfACB3S
— FITE (@FiteTV) April 15, 2023
While the sudden change of personality and burst of anger was surprising, it seemed as if the future was set for Connors. After El Phantasmo got kicked out of Bullet Club, new leader David Finlay was easing a new member. After defeating AR Fox in his own singles match, Finlay called out Connors. The former Young Lion accepted a place in Bullet Club.
'Savages only'@clarkconnors aligned with @thedavidfinlay at Capital Collision: what does the next chapter of BULLET CLUB hold?
Order the #njcapital replay:https://t.co/poZQHcy5GN pic.twitter.com/3ZUyHe78of
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) April 19, 2023
Clark Connors is currently participating in the Best of Super Jr tournament and showcasing a tougher side suited to the Bullet Club. For many fans, he is one of the favorites to win and has continued to impress with his in-ring skills, despite his personality change. Unlike wrestlers such as SHO, Connors hasn’t resorted to cheating and wrestles with the same skill, just more aggression.
.@ClarkConnors "Powerslam"
Watch Free⏩ https://t.co/CcdQ1XamUA#BOSJ30 #njpw #njpwworld pic.twitter.com/IWjMOZrBHH
— njpwworld (@njpwworld) May 12, 2023
Bullet Club has already brought a more aggressive side out of Clark Connors. It could be the key to securing success in New Japan. With the Best of Super Junior tournament coming up, the change couldn’t have come soon enough.
Date:
May 15, 2023
Category:
The Midcard