10 Most Realistic Wrestlers In The World Right Now

Kensuke Sasaki's world beating protege has been working high profile matches since he was 15. Nakajima puts his lifelong training in karate to good use in the squared circle, throwing the smoothest, most blistering kicks in the business.

As crowd pleasing (and loud) as his stiff leg strikes are, it's only the tip of the iceberg for Nakajima's MMA-inspired style. On the mat, his chain wrestling and timing is smooth without looking overly choreographed. Finding that perfect point between entertaining and realistic, 'The Genius of the Kick' is arguably the most underrated technical wrestler in the world today.

For a long time, the prodigy's talents were undercut by his rather flat character work. Criticised for being a bit of a stick in the mud on the mic, Nakajima's overall reputation suffered during the mid-2010s. After a subpar run with the GHC Heavyweight Championship, he gradually discovered his voice and persona after turning heel.

In 2022, his rebellious renegade persona is reminiscent of Tetsuya Naito's earlier work in Los Ingobernables de Japon. Blending his fearsome, grounded approach to the ring with his colourful, dangerous character, Nakajima's body language, crowd working and facial expressions as he goes to war are first class. Now NOAH's top champ once more, he is one of wrestling's most engaging and dynamic performers.