There are few companies in professional wrestling that honor their history more than New Japan Pro Wrestling. For the past 50 years, NJPW has been one of the gold standards in the industry – and there have been distinct eras.
From the companies roots and the dominance of Antonio Inoki, to a group of three legends in Keiji Muto, Masahiro Chono & Shinya Hashimoto making their mark as The Three Muskeeters – this company acknowledges it’s history like few others.
After Kazuchika Okada paid tribute to Inoki in 2022, we now see the Three Muskeeters reborn in the form of Shota Umino, Ren Narita, and Yota Tsuji.
NJPW Names A New Generation In Legacy Of The Three Musketeers
In a post to NJPW1972 – it would be made official that there is a new set of top names in the future of New Japan Pro Wrestling.
“In recognition of their quick ascension in the ranks of New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and clear desire to lead a new generation within NJPW, Shota Umino, Ren Narita and Yota Tsuji will together be officially named the Reiwa Three Musketeers.
The distinction harkens back to 1988, where Masahiro Chono, Shinya Hashimoto and Keiji Muto were named the original Three Muskeeters of the Fighting Spirit. As rivals and partners, the three spearheaded NJPW at the end of Japan’s Showa period and into the Heisei era.
2004 would see Hiroshi Tanahashi, Shinsuke Nakamura and Katsuyori Shibata labelled the New Three Musketeers, with each becoming indelible figures in New Japan Pro-Wrestling history.
Reflecting the current Reiwa period in Japan under its current emperor, Tsuji, Umino and Narita will now be considered the Reiwa Three Musketeers. With hopes high for all three, they look forward to your continued support. “
Not A Faction, But Three Future Main Event Names On A Rapid Rise
This will not be a faction however. All three men have alliances in NJPW already. Ren Narita is part of Strong Style with El Desperado & Minoru Suzuki, while Yota Tsuji has joined Los Ingobernables de Japon. Shota Umino meanwhile is a member of AEW faction the Blackpool Combat Club due to his links to Jon Moxley.
Instead of a faction, this is an earmarked group of main event names. Three men who will push each other to new heights as they look to carry the company into a new era.
This is an incredible vote of confidence in three rising stars, and will only put pressure on them as they all enter their first G1 Climax this month.
Who from the Reiwa Three Musketeers will win the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship first? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
SUBSCRIBE NOW: Get TheOvertimer’s Hottest Stories, Breaking News and Special Features in your email, CLICK HERE!
