The Steady Rise of Juice Robinson in NJPW

Juice Robinson has some major wins under his belt recently.  The former NXT star is certainly no fluke.

Juice Robinson would leave NXT in the spring of 2015 after WrestleMania.  The former CJ Parker had worked in the developmental brand for about four years without making it to the main roster.  But fast forward to 2017 and the Juice Robinson story continues to build.

Of course fans had probably heard of his New Japan work via social media and dirtsheets mentioning him ever so often.  Truth is Robinson is gaining steam over in New Japan and fans are definitely taking notice of him now.

Perhaps the G1 Climax tournament was his coming out party recently.  There he would shock fans by claiming a win over The Cleaner Kenny Omega.  Robinson’s victory over Omega has to be considered one of the biggest upsets in G1 history.

Omega is one of NJPW’s most successful stars thanks to his role in the Bullet Club and all around performances he has put on.  The current United States Champion was last year’s G1 Climax winner and has been a force on the New Japan scene.

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As Jim Ross pointed out during the G1 broadcast, Robinson’s goal was to make an impression at the G1 Climax.  With a record of 4 wins and 5 losses in his block, Robinson has certainly accomplished that feat.  Robinson displayed resilience and willpower in his match with Omega.  It was clear that he had done his homework, which is why he was able to overcome Omega at the G1 Climax.  Omega had underestimated Robinson from the beginning, allowing Robinson to counter the One-Winged Angel with a roll up for the victory.

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Robinson recently challenged Omega in a losing effort at the Destruction in Kobe event that took place.  He had went into the match ready to upset Omega once more.  Robinson brought his best effort, but Omega learned his lesson from their previous encounter.  As one commentator said during the event, “Robinson is a great wrestler, but he’s no Kenny Omega.”

Omega proved him right in efforts not to be upsetted on a grand stage this time around.  With that being said, both men put on great performances in their matches together.  Whether their beef is over or not remains to be seen. If he continues a program with Omega, that is nothing but good news for both parties.

With an upset of epic proportions under his belt, Robinson has to prove that the win wasn’t a fluke.  While it is a great moment for his career, his win over Omega shouldn’t define his career.  In addition, he has a victory over Hirooki Goto as well that had happened earlier in the year.  If Robinson can build on to his success, then things will indeed look promising for him.  Robinson has improved by leaps and bounds from his NXT days.

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Will Juice Robinson make an even bigger name for himself as 2017 closes and 2018 approaches?  Things are certainly heading that way for him.  Time will tell what his success will bring.