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#NewJapanWeek: Katsuya Kitamura: The Future Of New Japan

Katsuya Kitamura is big. Like legitimately scary big. He is also currently one of New Japan Pro Wrestling‘s Young Lions, a term used for newer wrestlers on their way out of the New Japan Dojo. The Young Lions run to the ring, wearing black trunks and black boots. But in a role where everyone dresses the same, has the same entrance theme, and the same moves, Katsuya Kitamura stands out.  That’s because he is roughly the width of all of the other Young Lions combined. It is no surprise then that in 2011, he was banned from amateur wrestling after testing positive for Drostanolone, an anabolic-androgenic steroid.

Katsuya Kitamura sits in a rather precarious position as NJPW looks to expand westward. Some fans have questioned whether he would be such a standout prospect if he didn’t look as he does. One of his more recent matches should answer that question immediately. His chops are ferocious, using his entire body to throw them. His spear and jackhammer combination are the best since Goldberg. He moves with an athleticism and agility you don’t find in most men of his stature.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BaMmQ2MHDsa/?hl=en&taken-by=katsuya.kitamura

American wrestling, and the WWE specifically, is a fan of big bodies, and bigger characters. John Cena, Batista, and Hulk Hogan all fit that bill. They might be giants, but they also are loaded with charisma. Kitamura has a build to rival these stars, but can he build the character?

After Lion’s Gate Project 10 on December 21st, Kitamura stated: “This tournament allowed me to take the next step as a pro wrestler. This was the last match of the year. Next year, I want to go overseas, and get even better. I’ll evolve, improve more. And when I come back, I’ll be even more awesome.” Continuing, he goes on to state that he wants to face the other super heavyweights in America.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc-XvunneCI/?hl=en&taken-by=katsuya.kitamura

Truthfully, that might be what makes the most sense. Wrestlers like him have been wildly successful in the WWE and other American promotions. While he definitely has the look, does he have the other attributes of western wrestling stars? Something has to separate John Cena from someone like Nathan Jones. And if it isn’t something Kitamura has now, can it be taught?

Kitamura’s personal Instagram

This is where excursions come into play. Spending that time in America will do wonders for the Beast From The Far East. We could see him being a total success in Impact Wrestling. While the two companies haven’t had the best relationship since Kazuchika Okada‘s excursion, Don Callis makes a great bridge to a working deal once again. The new co-executive president of Impact and English color commentator for NJPW has recently found himself a part of the storyline between Chris Jericho and Kenny Omega. This could be just because of the Winnipeg connection the three share, or it could be a sign that he is taking a bigger role within the company. Either way, he can definitely help out on the road to recovery between the two promotions.

Photo: Kitamura’s IG

With NJPW World, which is available worldwide, YouTube, and plenty of wrestling related webpages fans can easily find information on Kitamura. The company has a show that airs on AXS TV regularly as well. In some U.S. markets, it is easier to find New Japan than it is to find Ring of Honor. With that said, he doesn’t need to necessarily enter the promotion with much of a following. If he’s treated like the monster he can be, people will be intrigued by him quickly enough.

Considering how quickly he has developed, Katsuya Kitamura could be a major part of New Japan’s success in the west. He can represent Bushiroad’s answer to the Goliaths who have dominated the U.S. and global wrestling landscape. New Japan has a stellar track record with developing talent through the current system. A renewed emphasis on the Young Lions only builds more faith in the success Kitamura can be. Clearly his ceiling is high, it is just a matter of if he breaks beyond it or not.

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6ajlau

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Eric Thompson

Eric Thompson

Eric Thompson has been writing around the internet for nearly a decade. A fan of professional wrestling from all over the world, Eric also enjoys running, comics, and watching college and professional basketball.

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