10 Greatest IWGP Heavyweight Champions

Another of the Three Musketeers of New Japan, Hashimoto’s brutally stiff strikes, general intensity and overall hatred of opponents’ necks made him a wrestling sensation throughout the '90s.

A three time IWGP Heavyweight Champion, Hashimoto’s first title reign began in September 1993 with a victory over fellow Musketeer The Great Muta. At 196 days, Hashimoto’s first reign is also his shortest and not up to par with the astonishing work he’d eventually do with the title.

In May 1994, Hashimoto bagged the championship for a second time, holding the belt for more than a year and solidifying himself as one of New Japan’s most vital stars.

Hashimoto’s third reign lasted a whopping 489 days. A monumental record until a certain someone broke it last year, this epic reign is the stuff of wrestling legend. Drawing huge gates for his ferocious defences, Hashimoto eventually dropped the title to up and coming star Kensuke Sasaki in August 1997.

One of New Japan’s most legendary and notoriously tough figures, Hashimoto’s martial arts oriented persona and style proved hugely influential on the generation that followed.