10 Greatest IWGP Heavyweight Champions

The Dragon of New Japan, Fujinami is the mastermind behind the dragon suplex and dragon sleeper manoeuvres and a six time IWGP heavyweight champion. His six reigns with the big one was a long standing record all the way until 2014. Fujinami’s first title win came over Big Van Vader for the vacant title in May 1988. He was only the second man to hold the title after inaugural champ Antonio Inoki relinquished the title due to injury.

Lasting just 19 days, Fujinami’s first title run wasn’t exactly his best. It was with his second title reign that Fujinami really came into his own. At 285 days, Fujinami was fully solidified as one of New Japan’s top dogs and most successful champions. In the years after, Fujinami held the title for several shorter, more transitional reigns and continued to be a dependable crowd pleaser.

A WWE Hall of Famer, Fujinami is not only one of New Japan’s finest champions, he is also acknowledged as one of its founding fathers.