Updated talent lineup for NJPW all star junior festival in Philadelphia
New Japan Pro Wrestling issued the following:
All Star Junior Festival USA 2023 roster roundup??NJoA?
A look at the roster for the Philadelphia spectacular
On August 19, the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia plays host to the American version of All Star Junior Festival 2023. Earlier in March, the festival brought an incredible experience to Korakuen Hall, uniting wrestlers from all manner of promotions across the world. Now in the States, the roster is just as loaded- let’s see the names revealed so far.
Cheeseburger (ROH)
What would a festival be without good food? A Philly Cheesesteak ladder match is all well and good, but burgers deserve a place, and the All Star Junior Festival just wouldn’t be right without this world famous Ring of Honor staple.
Starboy Charlie (free)
A bright young prospect at just 20 years of age, Starboy Charlie has impressed in outings for AEW as well as across independents, including in recent teamings and battles with the Intergalactic Jet Setters Kevin Knight and KUSHIDA. Charlie is also very familiar with the East West Express of Nick Wayne and Jordan Oliver, with whom he represents the next generation of fast rising youth talents on the junior heavyweight scene in the US.
Jack Cartwheel (free)
HIgh flying sensation Jack Cartwheel is definitely one to watch on the lineup. As his name implies, this highly athletic rising star is nimble enough to escape all manner of predicaments, as well as launch all manner of innovative offense.
Francesco Akira (NJPW)
Former 2x IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion
Francesco Akira is currently in the midst of a big tour of the United States, with All Star Junior Festival being its focal point. Entered into the ASJF one day tournament, he’ll face Mike Bailey in the first round for a chance to meet either Clark Connors or Kevin Knight in the final. He has history with both, connected to Catch 2/2’s IWGP Jr. Tag reigns- will he lift the cup August 19?
Fugaz (CMLL)
Former Mexican National Tag Team Champion
CMLL’s Fugaz joins Soberano Jr. in representing the company in the All Star Junior Festival. Fugaz’s appearances outside of his native Mexico have been few and far between, and he’ll be looking to make a big impression on the Philadelphia fans when August 19 rolls round.
The DKC (NJPW)
The DKC’s irrepressible fire and drive will be a big part of All Star Junior Festival 2023. Looking to build on gritty performances in Korakuen Hall at Independence Day, as well as representing the teachings of the NJPW Academy and LA Dojo, DKC is doubtless one to watch on August 19.
Ryusuke Taguchi (NJPW)
Former 2x IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, former 3x NEVER Openweight 6 Man Champion, former 7x IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Champion
The highly decorated and ever funky Ryusuke Taguchi will be bringing his unique stylings to ASJF 2023. ‘Big Match Taguch’ has the potential of stealing the show, and at least, his… ‘antics’ are never to be missed.
Chris Bey (IMPACT)
Former IMPACT X Divsion Champion, former IMPACT Tag Team Champion
After he and A B C teammate Ace Austin made big waves in their Super Junior Tag League debut, Chris Bey joins his partner in the All Star lineup. The Ultimate Finesser is a proven phenomenon as both a singles and tag wrestler, and he’s sure to be the focal point of whatever match he may be in on August 19.
Kevin Knight (NJPW)
Former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion
Having won his first championship alongside KUSHIDA as the Intergalactic Jet Setters, as well as making his Best of the Super Jr. debut this year, 2023 has been a good one for Kevin Knight. He looks to build on his success by taking flight at ASJF2023 USA, where he’ll be one of four entered into the one night ASJF tournament.
Soberano Jr. (CMLL)
Former CMLL World Middleweight Champion, former Mexican National Middleweight Champion
Frequently stealing the show at Fantasticamania, Soberano Jr. is the very kind of international sensation that All Star Junior Festival was made for. With memories of Rey Misterio and Psicosis still resonating in veteran ECW Arena attendees’ minds, the 2300 could be the site of lucha libre spectacle this August.
Matt Sydal (AEW)
Former 2x IWGP Jr. Tag Team Champion, former NEVER Openweight 6 Man Tag Team Champion
Matt Sydal hasn’t been in an NJPW ring since 2016, but he’s been active all over the world since, including in AEW and ROH, where he wows audiences on a regular basis. Sydal’s incredible athleticism, grace and style in the ring have not waned one bit sicne the last time New Japan fans have seen him, and viewers of the Festival will find that out.
Rich Swann (IMPACT)
CZW World Champion, former WWE Cruiserweight Champion
IMPACT’s Rich Swann looks to go ‘all night long’ in Philly, and to make a spectacular mark on the All Star Junior Festival. Widely travelled and experienced beyond his 32 years, Swann is sure to be a standout in a competitive field.
Ace Austin (IMPACT)
Former IMPACT World Tag Team Champion, 3x IMPACT X Division Champion
After NJPW fans last saw Ace Austin during Super Jr. Tag League, the inevitable makes his presence felt in All Star Junior Festival USA. Though he certainly walks the junior and heavy weight limit, his dynamic style fits right in with the ASJF’s, and in the hallowed halls of the 2300 Arena.
Low Rider (Free)
A well experienced hand primarily on the Mexican independent scene, Low Rider has had runins both alongside and opposite DOUKI in the past. That connection has brought him together with Japones Del Mal, as part of the three way tag team ladder match on the card- can Low Rider shock the world with his efforts and make a big break for himself?
TJP (NJPW)
Former 2x IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, former 2x IMPACT X Division Champion, former WWE Cruiserweight Champion
Public Enemy TJP brings United Empire representation to the ASJF table. After Catch 2/2 were relieved of the IWGP Jr. Tag Team Championships by Clark Connors and Drilla Moloney, TJP has unfinished business with the BULLET CLUB War Dogs, but as perhaps the most versatile member of the entire roundup could just as easily show his prowess against any of our announced members.
Yoshinobu Kanemaru (NJPW)
6x former IWGP Junior heavyweight Tag Team Champion, 7x former GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion
Joining his Just 5 Guys stablemate DOUKI on the roster is Yoshinobu Kanemaru. With a glittering list of accomplishments across over 25 years in the business, there is nobody more refined than Kanemaru at every aspect of the game, and no trick that the Heel Master does not have up his sleeve.
Robbie Eagles (NJPW)
Former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion
After a perceived snubbing from the Japanese All Star Junior Festival, Robbie Eagles represents TMDK in the American lineup. Eagles’ reputation in Japan and his native Australia is well established, and the Sniper now has his sights set on arguably his biggest US platform to date.
Jordan Oliver (GCW)
GCW Tag team Champion
One half of the GCW Tag Team Champions with partner Nick Wayne, Jordan Oliver will be bringing the East West Express’ energy and dynamism to the All Star Junior Festival. No stranger to the 2300 Arena, the Philly fans are sure to get loud for Oliver and Wayne in the face of their Japanese competition.
MAO (DDT)
Former DDT Universal Champion
Promising ‘F’d up wrestling for an f’d up world,’ young DDT sensation MAO makes his way into the festival. Having gained titles in singles, tag, trios and ten man ranks in his home promotion, what can he show the world in Philly August 19?
YOH (NJPW)
5x former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion, former NEVER Openweight 6 man Tag Team Champion
After his career hit a new gear thanks to is autumn tag team with Lio Rush, YOH has enjoyed wrestling, and enjoyed success through 2023. Championship gold remains elusive though; with champions from all across Japan and the US part of this lineup, is this the place where YOH makes his move?
Clark Connors (NJPW)
IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion
100 Proof Clark Connors follows up on winning the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag Team Championships alongside Drilla Moloney to be a part of the ASJF 2023 USA lineup. The vicious new attitude for Connors in BULLET CLUB War Dogs has seen him turn a lot of heads; after completing his initiation into BULLET CLUB last time we were int he 2300 Arena for Collision, what will he have in store this August?
Blake Christian (GCW)
GCW World Champion
A mainstay on NJPW STRONG during its weekly format, Blake Christian got onto the map as far as El Desperado and Hiromu Takahashi were concerned with a thrilling three way performance last summer. Though Christian missed out on the call to Best of the Super Jr. 30, he continued to flourish in America, the 25 year old gaining a new meaner attitude and the GCW World Championship coming along with it. Set to bring even more spectacle to the 2300 Arena, keep your eyes on All Heart.
Master Wato (NJPW)
Former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion. Best of the Super Jr. 30 winner
Master Wato’s breakout 2023 continues, and after main eventing the Japanese All Star festival, the BOSJ30 winner wants to do the same in the US as well. This year has seen Wato turn corners and truly come into his own- will someone in Philadelphis get a taste of Osaka with the Tsutenkaku German suplex?
Hiromu Takahashi (NJPW)
5x & current IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion
After teaming with a pair of connections made int he UK long ago in the form of Fujita ‘Jr.’ Hayato and AMAKUSA in the Japanese ASJF, the mastermind of the All Star concept had to be the first name announced for the US running of the event. The five time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion is continuing in is quest for record defences, but with the belt or not, what might he have in store for Philadelphia?
Rocky Romero (NJPW)
8x former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champion. CMLL World Historic Welterweight Champion
It was during the Japanese All Star Junior Festival that fans in Korakuen Hall were surprised by a video message from Rocky Romero. Romero congratulated Hiromu Takahashi and crew on a spectacular event, and had one request- that the magic of the festival be brought to the US. Sure enough, when Collision hit the 2300 Arena, both Rocky and Hiromu were on hand to make the event official, and the CMLL World Historic Welterweight Champion was the second name announced for the card.
Nick Wayne (AEW)
Former DEFY World Champion, GCW Tag Team Champion
Thurd generation teenage prodigy, and protégé of Darby Allin, Nick Wayne had his AEW contract turn active with his 18th birthday, and to those in the know, is on the cusp of global stardom. With a potentially epic career in front of him, an early chapter sees him head into the All Star Jr. Festival, where he’s sure to grab a lot of attention.
El Desperado (NJPW)
2x former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion, 4x former IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Tag team Champion, former NEVER 6 Man Tag Team Champion
After forming an intriguing tag team with Volador Jr. during the Korakuen All Star Junior Festival, El Desperado is now officially part of the US version of the event. ‘Intriguing’ is quite the word to describe El Desperado’s 2023; after coming up short of Best of the Super Jr. 30 in the semifinal phase, the roguish luchador would put himself through hell across two nights of Independence Day in a pair of death matches with Jon Moxley. With the US ASJF 2023 taking place in the hallowed home of hardcore in the 2300 Arena, will Desperado be showing his technical skill or indulging in his bloodthirstiness come August 19?
Shun Skywalker (DRAGONGATE)
2x former Open the Dream Gate Champion
Certainly pushing the junior heavyweight limit, Shun Skywalker will likely be the largest competitor of this event. In Japan back in March he was somewhat of an unwilling participant, angered at weight class distinctions, and at the likes of Hiromu Takahashi and NJPW getting more press coming out of the card than Shun Skywalker, which is where he feels press belongs.
After being on the losing end of a five way bout against YO-HEY, Ninja Mack, Soberano Jr. and Taiji Ishimori back in March, Skywalker wants better results in Philly, and the attention that comes with it.
Mike Bailey (IMPACT)
Former IMPACT X Division Champion
In his first Best of the Super Junior tournament earlier this year, Mike Bailey made it all the way to the semifinals, and no pun intended, certainly made considerable impact on the fans across Japan. Stateside, Speedball’s fans will be expecting big things from the former X Division Champion, and Bailey is not known to disappoint.
DOUKI (NJPW)
A tag partner of HANAOKA at the Japanese running of the All Star festival, DOUKI heads to Philadelphia buoyed by a wildly successful appearance on AEW programming, where he came close to putting away Jack Perry on AEW Rampage to the delight of the crowd. The knowledgeable Philadelphia fans will likely be even more excited to see Japones Del mal do his thing at ASJF USA 2023.
Dragon Kid (DRAGONGATE)
4x former Open the Brave Gate Champion
Famed Protégé of Ultimo Dragon, Dragon Kid was on the losing end of eight man action in the Japanese ASJF, and seeks revenge in Philadelphia. Set for his first US appearance in 12 years, Dragon Kid is fresh off a victory that saw him retain his mask at DRAGONGATE’s big Kobe World Hall event lately, and is set to ride a wave of momentum into the States.
