10 Best NJPW Wrestlers Of 2016

10. Michael Elgin

Unbreakable Michael Elgin has blossomed into a popular babyface in an arena where gaijin wrestlers don't often cover themselves in glory. But through his impressive mix of strength and athleticism Big Mike has climbed the New Japan ladder with some serious pace. His 2016 started slowly with a Wrestle Kingdom loss to ROH Champion Jay Lethal but he quickly rebounded, utilising his chemistry with the ACE Tanahashi to capture the NEVER Six-Man Titles along with, of all people, Yoshi Tatsu.

Battles with The ELITE continued until Elgin and Kenny Omega threw down in NJPW's first ever ladder match for the IC Championship. This match lived up to the hype and Elgin went on to carry the title through an impressive G1 showing before losing it to Naito.

Worryingly he also suffered a facial fracture in this clash, which to this point means he won't be at WK11 barring a rapid recovery. Either way Big Mike will surely regain his momentum once he's back in front of the Japanese crowd.