10 Greatest IWGP Heavyweight Champions

Vader’s New Japan debut is a seminal moment in the history of the promotion. The big man nearly caused a riot when he demolished the legendary Antonio Inoki in quick fashion. Booking himself as something of a wrestling god, Inoki had never been so swiftly and soundly beaten before and it left the New Japan faithful in a state of total shock. So riotous was their reaction that New Japan was banned from Sumo Hall for two years.

The first non-Japanese talent to win the IWGP Heavyweight title, Vader secured his first reign with a victory over Shinya Hashimoto. A three time champion, it is Vader’s second run that proved his most impressive with him dominating the heavyweight scene for a whopping 374 days.

A long reigning monster heel champion, Vader’s wild entrance, his stiff strikes and his 400lb moonsaults blew audiences away and added to a time when New Japan was thriving. His work in New Japan gained him notoriety worldwide and led to his popular run in WCW.