Clark Connors started with New Japan Pro-Wrestling in 2018 as a part of their Young Lion system. He’s been a constant on the weekly NJPW Strong show and has been training at the L.A. dojo with Katsuyori Shibata. Although Clark still trains at the dojo, he is no longer a Young Lion as he’s graduated from the dojo.
Shibata was interviewed by NJPW1972.com and shared the news that Connors graduated and moved out of the dojo house. Connors had a graduation ceremony and Shibata added that he really graduated when he won the Lion’s Break Crown tournament.
Before I went back to LA, I thought that Gabe [Kidd] had progressed the most, but when I was over there was when I saw for myself how far Clark (Connors) has come along. Then again, Clark isn’t a Young Lion anymore.
Really, he graduated the second he won Lion’s Break Crown. He just has to take that next step now. It’s all about timing.
Yeah, I’d say so [he’s graduated]. He still trains with everyone when he can. But now we have the second class in the Dojo house, so we had a little graduation ceremony and Clark moved out.
Connors will be in action on this week’s edition of NJPW Strong in an eight-man tag. Headlining that show is Jon Moxley defending the IWGP U.S. Heavyweight Championship against KENTA.
