10 Best Male Japanese Imports In WWE History
Proof that Japanese wrestlers in WWE can be so much more than "choppy choppy pee pee".
The country of Japan has produced a wealth of legendary performers and iconic matches over the years, with the likes of Mitsuharu Misawa, Kenta Kobashi, and Keiji Mutoh reaching near mythical status in the country.
However, while there are countless superstars in the world of Japanese wrestling, a surprisingly small number have made their way across to WWE. Smaller still is the number of those imports that made a lasting impact during their stay in Vince McMahon’s global territory.
Big stars in Japan, the likes of Tenryu and Hakushi, would frequently come and go to little fanfare. Meanwhile, WWE's tendency to give Japanese stars silly comedy gimmicks based on their ethnicity (e.g. Taka Michinoku and Kenzo Suzuki) did nothing for their US credibility in the long-term. Others, like Mr Fuji, while legendary, made a bigger name for themselves on the apron than they did in the ring.
Notwithstanding, there have been several men that made a lasting impression during their time across the Pacific Ocean. Whether it’s from a historical aspect, a work rate standpoint, or simply getting over with the fans, a number of Japanese wrestlers made the most of their opportunities and the results have been historic.
11. Honourable Mention: The Great Sasuke
Having already made a name for himself in Japan, The Great Sasuke made his way to the WWF in 1997 as part of a cross-promotional deal between Vince McMahon and Michinoku Pro.
Sasuke was scheduled to be part of a tournament to crown the inaugural WWF Light Heavyweight Champion. A clear favourite, his high flying exploits were quickly becoming a highlight of WWF programming and a great counter to WCW’s mask-heavy Cruiserweight Division.
Sadly, an unfortunate incident would stop Sasuke's momentum dead in its tracks. Back in Japan, it was alleged that Sasuke let slip to the Japanese media that, should he win, he would only defend the title on home soil. This prompted WWF to not only change course but cease dealing with him and Michinoku Pro altogether.
Despite the brevity of his stay, his two televised matches with Taka Michinoku in 1997 were groundbreaking at the time. While other Japanese stars were around longer - such as Hakushi in the mid-90s - the impact left from Sasuke's appearances and his swift exit only add further to his WWF legend.
WWE would later include Sasuke matches in a number of their DVD releases - notably Chris Benoit: Hard Knocks and ECW Unreleased Vol. 2 - reaffirming his status as one of the greats.