New Japan Stars To Keep An Eye On

You know I said the first post of 2018 was going to be some inspirational post about how we all have a clean slate to change our lives in any way we see fit. Then Wrestle Kingdom 12 happened and I completely began nerding out again. So without further ado, I shall present to you 5 wrestlers whom I have never written about that the WWE would be fools not to at least attempt to sign.

5. Rocky Romero
Now I don't think he would be the best fit wrestling wise, but it would be awesome to have him come in as a manager. The guy is golden on the mic, and if need be can get a little physical. Side note, his train of clotheslines is downright hilarious to me given his short stature. He's been in the business quite a while so you know he has a ton of experience to share.


4.  Sanada

Formerly of TNA, Sanada went back to Japan and joined the ridiculously popular Los Ingobernobles de Japon faction. While he was somewhat succesful as a singles competitor now that he and EVIL are a tag team they won the Tag League tournament and at Wrestle Kingdom won the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Tiles. When he is in the ring he has a crispness to his moves and while it's not most important he has the look of a superstar.

3. Marty Scurll

The Villain Marty Scurll kinda jumped on everypne's radar when he won BOLA, the Battle of Los Angeles, a tournament by the independent promotion PWG.  Since then he has gone on to win the Ring of Honor TV Title, the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title and join the Bullet Club. His villain character is just interesting and in the ring he displays a ruthlessness that is at times cringeworthy.


2. "Switchblade"Jay White

The youngest person on the list Jay White is a name that is going to be very big and very soon. Trained the the famous New Japan dojo he has this anti-hero kind of vibe. Not a true babyface but he is definitely going to be too popular to be a true heel. It appears New Japan recognized this and has teamed him up with the Chaos faction which has some of the more true faces in the sport such as Will Ospreay and current champ Kazuchika Okada. Expect the Switchblade to have a path to the top similar to the ascent that Kenny Omega had when he joined the Bullet Club as the Cleaner.

1. Tetsuya Naito

Ah yes the top man who should be on the WWE radar is none other than the leader of Los Ingobernobles de Japon himself. The winner of the G1 Climax, former Intercontinental Champion, and the last person not named Okada to be the Heavyweight champ. He started in New Japan, the fans didn't seem to care about him. He left and came back as the man who believes in tranquilo. He doesn't care about anything really, he is just Naito.

Oh I just won the title? Eh.

He has gained so much popularity that if anyone is to dethrone Okada as the man at the top of the mountain it has to be Naito. He has a very diverse moveset and his entrance with the suit and the lucha mask is second to none. So hopefully sooner rather than later the WWE universe will be treated to the truly tranquilo Naito.


Well that's my list. I would be remiss if I didn't mention how in awe of Chris Jericho I am. The dude is 47 years old, goes to Japan, fights their MVP, and steals the show. The man has been doing this for over 28 years and still is bringing it. So in honor of that I shall leave you with my favorite promo of his career...THE MAN OF 1004 HOLDS!