LA Dojo end an era on NJPW STRONG

After over a year of bringing action to Friday nights, this week saw the second LA Dojo Showcase end a chapter on NJPW STRONG, next week bringing the first matches in front of crowds for STRONG in its new home on Saturdays at 8/7c. The LA Dojo were keen to show that they’re able and qualified to lead this new era, with Ren Narita and Karl Fredericks tackling one another in the main event. 

Narita owned a win over Karl Fredericks in the Young Lion Cup two years ago, a tournament that the Alpha Wolf would go onto win while Narita was runner-up. That meant Narita was doubly eager to show his superiority over Fredericks, and opened up early with strikes, before Fredericks was able to bury knees into his opponent to drive the air out of Narita.  

After firing back with a spinning heel kick, and half hatch suplex, Narita looked for the Narita Special #3, ut Fredericks resisted submission, and bought space with an overhead kick. Following a corner splash, Fredericks wanted the MD, but was denied, settling for a neckbreaker instead. Yet there was too much tenacity in Narita, who doggedly went for the Narita Special #4 suplex, eventually scoring for the three count. 

Post match, Fred Rosser headed to ringside, congratulating Narita and offering a handshake the Dojo member declined. As Rosser grew angry at Narita’s disrespect, it seemed as if a one on one collision is guaranteed somewhere down the line. 

Also this week on STRONG, Alex Coughlin and Clark Connors continued their long history against one another. Both men brought the expected strength and intensity. Coughlin came close on numerous occasions, but a Connors powerslam and the Trophy Kill ended the match in the Wild Rhino’s favour.

 The night started with Kevin Knight getting a victory over the DKC via a Boston Crab submission. Evening the men at one win apiece against one another, it was indicative of the competitive spirit that exists and thrives in the LA Dojo.