By: Sonal Lad
The New Japan Pro Wrestling dojo system is one of the toughest and strictest in the industry. One Young Lion who has recently broken tradition is Kosei Fujita.
Like many Young Lions, Fujita was an amateur wrestler during his time in high school. He first entered the dojo in April 2021 before making his debut in August at Summer Struggle 2021.
Credit: NJPW1972
As expected, his partnership and rivalry with fellow Young Lion Ryohei Oiwa have been the basis of his time in NJPW. They spent many matches going to time-limit draws and trying to outdo each other in their bouts, but also teaming together.
こんにちは 藤田晃生 A型です。
度々ふざけてしまいましたが今回は真面目です。
ついにヤングライオンのカードが新日コレクションから出ました！ 「始まりを告げる歓声」
13日までなので是非ゲットしてください！報告お待ちしております！！
そして、これからも唯一の同期と共に頑張ります😎 pic.twitter.com/w6MbkYfbl4— 藤田晃生/ Kosei Fujita (@njpw_Fujita) October 8, 2022
Along with impressing in the ring, Fujita gained attention during the NJPW WORLD TV Championship Tournament, where he became Zack Sabre Jr. As well as appearing as Zack in the pre-show interview, he helped fool EVIL and Dick Togo during their match. Anticipating a pre-match beatdown, Fujita distracted the House of Torture members to allow Zack to get the advantage, along with Oiwa.
Amidst being a “Helping hand” for Zack Sabre Jr, Fujita made history at the recent New Year Dash show. At Wrestle Kingdom 17, ZSJ joined The Mighty Don’t Kneel (TMDK) with Shane Haste and Mikey Nicholls. On January 5, after their match, ZSJ offered Fujita a TMDK t-shirt and Fujita became the first young lion to join a faction.
The new 'Frontman' of #TMDK, Zack Sabre Jr. has recruited a new member… @njpw_Fujita??? #njdash report:https://t.co/h0maoPmY8q
Watch the replay FREE!https://t.co/XXudeQD5bC#njpw #njdash pic.twitter.com/LB4mVbNC4N
— NJPW Global (@njpwglobal) January 5, 2023
Whether this is Fujita’s unofficial and unconventional graduation from the dojo or not, the Young Lion’s future will be bright alongside TMDK.
Date:
January 9, 2023
Category:
The Midcard