One thing was obvious when Dragon Gate USA presented its first event about 10 months ago- you were going to witness the most skilled, elite wrestlers from Dragon Gate in Japan in the best matches possible. However, many people didn't anticipate the impact that American talent would make in DGUSA. In the last year opportunities were given and fresh faces made the most of it.
 
In fact, just look at the premiere "Open The Historic Gate" event. The CHIKARA eight man tag stole the show, highlighted by Jigsaw immediately making his mark by winning the fall. The Young Bucks scored an upset in the match that many called the best on that show. Since that time, Jigsaw and mentor Mike Quackenbush have risen as not just one of the top teams in the DGUSA, but in the entire North American wrestling scene. The Young Bucks dazzled all over the independents before signing a contract with TNA. The Bonus Card FRAY! also saw Johnny Gargano first really gain the attention of the Northeast fans.
 
Gargano has gone on to sign a DGUSA contract and is now primed to make an impact, especially in the race for the Dragon Gate stables to find American Representatives. Jon Moxley has exploded on the DGUSA landscape with the formation of Kamikaze USA, a victory over Tommy Dreamer and by just causing mayhem. Here are some other names that have made an impression during the first year of DGUSA:
 
Gran Akuma: He didn't waste any time turning his back on his home CHIKARA promotion to join forces with YAMATO. Akuma made his name by going to the finals of the Open The Freedom Gate Title tournament. He is now a fixture in Kamikaze USA.
 
Lince Dorado: He won the first FRAY! and had a good showing in the Open The Freedom Gate Title tourney.
 
Hallowicked: He went bell-to-bell in the second FRAY! and Mike Quackenbush has added this CHIKARA veteran to CHIKARA Sekigun.
 
TJP: He scored what can be called a minor upset by defeating Gran Akuma at "Fearless" and then he went on to give Open The Dream Gate Champion YAMATO a battle at "Open The Ultimate Gate."
 
Brodie Lee: This giant used pure force to make a statement at the recent Toronto event. We'll have video footage of this soon.
 
PAC: He can be called the most spectacular wrestler on the planet. He blew everyone away at the Canada events. You will see more of him in DGUSA.
 
Several other talents have made an impression including Arik Cannon, Kyle O'Reilly, Brad Allen, Flip Kendrick, Louis Lyndon, The Cutler Brothers, Mustafa Ali, Cheech & Cloudy, Xtremo, Tyson Dux and Phil Atlas among others. Christina Von Eerie, who seconded Jon Moxley at the "Mercury Rising" pay-per-view, deserves mention.
 
The DGUSA Seminars/Tryouts will also give wrestlers of all experience levels another outlet to impress and earn a spot in DGUSA. CIMA is also looking for new talent to bring to Japan to train in the Dragon Gate system. The Seminars/Tryouts on July 24th in Philadelphia and September 25th in Chicago are sure to open more doors and provide a great opportunity.
 
Who do you think will break out of the pack in DGUSA's second year? Who has made the biggest impression on you during DGUSA's eight events so far? What wrestlers do you think deserve a shot in the future? Leave your feedback in the comments section below. Give us your opinion.
 
DGUSA is much more than simply the most exciting talent from Japan. It is the place for new stars to be born.