10 Wrestlers Who Reward You For Paying Attention

10. Hiroshi Tanahashi

Hiroshi Tanahashi uses a signature move to unbelievably dramatic effect.

His dragon screw is phenomenal because he uses it repeatedly in every match, it always makes perfect strategic sense, and you still never see it coming. It draws a gasp of fist-pumping triumph every damn time, and "every damn time" has spanned well over a decade of high-profile output in lengthy, main event classics. It is a perfectly safe pro wrestling manoeuvre, almost the antithesis of a high spot, and he positions it with such ingenious working nous that it invariably generates the rush of adrenaline that we are all here for.

Tanahashi is exceptional, and he's so exceptional that he gets even better the more his body falls apart. Those invested in the performer - and they are legion, for this is a babyface so incredible that he almost singlehandedly restored a dying promotion to prominence - are rewarded with an undying attachment.

That phrases accurately describes his application of the dragon screw to Jay White at the Best of the Super Juniors Final last year. He used both arms to twist the knee - one has been battered into oblivion in recent years - and he cut an almost pitiable sight.

His physical decline informs his constant psychological genius. He's long since lost Ace status, but there's a reason why he will forever go by the nickname.