20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now

13. Hiroshi Tanahashi

That Hiroshi Tanahashi, 43, is still able to perform at such a high level is one of modern wrestling's greatest phenomena. We often hear stories of the man hobbling around backstage, his body seemingly held together by Blu Tack and duct tape, and he's certainly not as explosive as he once was. On top of this, the man's such an outstanding seller and storyteller that he could be perfectly healthy and still convince you he's falling to pieces.

The drama generated from this is vital for this stage in his career. No longer New Japan's one true ace, he's a beloved, ageing figurehead still struggling to come to terms with his deposal, his name now removed from the traditional 'big four' in NJPW main event scene (today, that's Kazuchika Okada, Tetsuya Naito, Kota Ibushi, and Jay White). It's a phase no less compelling than any other in his legendary 20-year run and while big singles matches are fewer and further between, the old master still delivers (see: Wrestle Kingdom 14) when needed.

Few have ever possessed such mastery of pro-wrestling's intricacies, and Tanahashi's continues to elevate him above 99.99% of the world's performers.