10 Best NJPW Wrestlers Of 2016
5. Katsuyori Shibata
Like most of the top half of this list, Katsuyori Shibata started the year off with a bang. At Wrestle Kingdom 10 he went toe-to-toe with Ishii, one of the few performers on the planet who can match his in-ring brutality. Shibata left this gruelling affair with his hand raised and his first ever singles championship.
His NEVER Openweight title run has been perhaps the most engaging run in the company this year. He started by showing heinous disrespect towards the New Japan old guard, eventually losing the strap to veteran Yuji Nagata, only to reclaim it and learn humility in the process. He also enjoyed wars with LIJ's EVIL, NOAH's Go Shiozaki and both members of the ROH team ReDragon. In the G1 he bested both of the favourites in his block, Naito and Omega, meaning an IC or world title shot could be in the works for 2017. Outside of the promotion Shibata was also able to defeat Zack Sabre Jr. to become British Heavyweight Champion, showing the level of respect the pro wrestling world has for his talents.
Perhaps the most intriguing angle of Shibata's 2016 was his journey from intentional outcast to fan favourite, going so far as to defend the company's honour alongside former rivals Tenzan and Nagata when the Pro Wrestling NOAH newcomers invaded. It is a subtle but amazing transition to watch, but he will still gladly fracture the skull of anyone who gets in his way.