The Young Lion system in NJPW is not an easy one to succeed in, and even when you graduate from Young Lion status, it doesn’t instantly make you a star. Rather, it’s just the first steps of a journey through NJPW. This can lead to some frustrations, as seen now with Karl Fredericks.
‘The Alpha Wolf’ is one of the students of the LA Dojo, having been trained by Katsuyori Shibata, and someone eager for a spot on the big stage for NJPW. However, he’s been firmly stuck in the US based NJPW Strong roster, and is fearing he will wait many years for a bigger chance.
Karl Fredericks Is Frustrated With His Spot In NJPW
In response to a fan on Twitter expressing interest in seeing Fredericks get a big chance in the G1 Climax or World Tag League – Fredericks would have the following to say.
”You like many many others are waiting. And it means the world to me. But no different than you I am subject to NJPW. And NJPW doesn’t believe in me nor do they respect the work that I’ve done here the last 4 years. I fear that we will be waiting for many years to come.”
World Tag League Could Still Be In The Cards For The Alpha Wolf
The field for the G1 Climax this year was announced, with 28 men in the mix. We have four blocks of seven, and while two names from NJPW Strong got in with Tom Lawlor & Jonah – Fredericks was not added to the field this year. That said, David Finlay is in the G1 Climax for the first time this year – after graduating from Young Lion status in 2016.
This is potentially the most similar case to that of Fredericks, and shows how a Young Lion doesn’t always get a chance to get into big spots. Fredericks is expected to be part of World Tag League later this year however, which would be the perfect chance for him to prove he belongs in bigger spots going forward.
Should Karl Fredericks have been put into the 2022 G1 Climax? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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