10 Best Non-WWE Wrestlers Of 2017

6. Tetsuya Naito

Kazuchika Okada Kenny Omega
NJPW World

If Kazuchika Okada is New Japan Pro Wrestling's ace and Kenny Omega the company's leading gaijin, Tetsuya Naito is their biggest homegrown star.

The charismatic Los Ingobernables De Japon leader has the world at his feet at the moment. It's widely thought that he'll defeat Okada at Wrestle Kingdom 12 on 4 January and embark on a long, successful run as IWGP Heavyweight Champion, delivering a year comparable to 'The Rainmaker's' incredible 2017. If so, he'll be doing it on the back of his own banner year

Naito started the year as IWGP Intercontinental Champion, defending the belt against opponents as diverse as company legend Hiroshi Tanahashi, powerhouse Michael Elgin, and the up-and-coming Juice Robinson. Tana would take his belt eventually, but Naito's excellence continued. He engaged in multiple wars of attrition with Tomohiro Ishii, a heart-in-mouth masterpiece with Kota Ibushi, and produced a flawless performance against Kenny Omega in the G1 Climax tournament finals, securing his Wrestle Kingdom headlining spot.

The undisputed coolest wrestler on the planet, Tetsuya Naito's work is carried by his carefree charisma, with the 'Ingobernables' gimmick as fresh today as it was at its inception. Okada's had a great run, but we can't wait for his rival to take the to spot.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.