10 Best Wrestlers Of 2019 (So Far)
6. Hiroshi Tanahashi
It's unlikely that Hiroshi Tanahashi somehow can recapture the magnetic form that led him to out-of-nowhere 2018 G1 Climax glory in this year's tournament, but the 'Ace Of The Universe' continues to defy expectations and his own aging frame with evocative encounters that refuse to compromise on the requisite NJPW physicality.
A symbolic and sensational Wrestle Kingdom 13 IWGP Heavyweight Championship victory over Kenny Omega in January proved Tana's sustained worth at the very highest level before he used some of his seemingly-limitless star-making finesse in surrendering the strap to Jay White at New Beginning a month later. Injuries forced him out of action in an interim that saw 'Switch Blade' drop the prize to Kazuchika Okada, but a rematch between the pair underneath the Best Of The Super Juniors Final was a contest that rivaled the titular headliners and revealed yet another level to their incredible chemistry.
Ailing frame notwithstanding, Tanahashi will tangle with Okada, Ospreay, Zack Sabre Jr and Kota Ibushi in G1 A Block battles sure to steal the shows they're on and remains a vital part of the organisation as they continue their post-Elite rebrand.