NJPW of America returns with Lion’s Break Collision

With New Japan Pro Wrestling back in Japan, it was only a matter of time before they started running matches in the US as well, and that time is now!

NJPW of America will run a weekly empty arena webseries, Lion’s Break Collision, on NJPW World starting on July 3 at 10PM Eastern / 7PM Pacific. In the age of Corona, one of the first thing we have to ask ourselves is “Just what kind of talent is available for this?” and, well, let’s list ‘em out and break ‘em down!

• Alex Coughlin
• Clark Connors
• Danny Limelight
• Jeff Cobb
• Karl Fredericks
• Misterioso
• Rocky Romero
• Rust Taylor
• The DKC
• TJ Perkins TJP
• “Filthy” Tom Lawlor

So, starting with the veterans and NJPW regulars, we’ve got longtime Chaos junior heavyweight mainstay Rocky Romero, one-time lucha libre monster “Mr. Athletic” Jeff Cobb, former WWE Cruiserweight Champion TJ Perkins, and southern California lucha libre mainstay Misterioso holding down the fort, a darn good start to be sure.

Naturally enough, LA Dojo Young Lions Fredericks, Coughlin, and Connors are along for the ride, as is to be expected since they’ve been a key component to ensure NJPW America isn’t just a vehicle for New Japan’s expansion into the United States, but also a source of fresh western talent.

And then we get to the exciting part— the new talent! You clicked on the article folks, I ain’t hiding it— I am excited for Filthy Tom to come to New Japan! His pro wrestling credentials are well-established at this point, with reigns as AIW Absolute Champion, BLP Heavyweight Champion, and MLW World Heavyweight Champion, the Filthy Father is for sure the real deal, and the only question is how long until things open back up enough for him to go compete in Japan for the mothership.

Our three other newbies aren’t chopped liver, of course— Rust Taylor is the biggest name, having had a long stint in PWG in the early 2010s as one of them Fightin’ Taylor Boys alongside Chuck Taylor and Brian Cage, and has competed for wXw as part of their shoot-style tournament AMBITION, while Danny Limelight is a Championship Wrestling From Hollywood regular, and the DKC has been tearing it up in the smaller SoCal indies.

The first broadcast will have two matches on the card, Alex Coughlin vs. Clark Connors in the opener and a tag team main event of Jeff Cobb & Rocky Romero vs. Karl Fredericks & TJP. I could wish for a hotter start (Lawlor vs. Cobb, anyone?) but those are two fine matches all the same.

There you have it, folks

Excited to tune in for Lion’s Break Collision on your Friday nights all next month, Cagesiders?