10 Reasons Kenta Kobashi Is The Greatest Wrestler Of The Modern Era

Kenta Kobashi was a major draw for both All Japan and NOAH, and was a huge deal when he came to Ring of Honor. His retirement match sold out do quickly that the Wrestling Observer reported that, ‘you could not be late for this show’

As an example of his drawing power, let’s look at NOAH’s early history. The plan was for Kobashi to carry the company for their first few years and then crowd a younger new champion. But Kobashi had severe knee damage and had to undergo surgery that put him out of action for over a year. During that time, NOAH struggled financially, but as soon as Kobashi came back, NOAH’s popularity surged, and once again he was making the company tons of money.

But the best example of his drawing power was during his two-year period as GHC Heavyweight Champion. From March 1st, 2003 to March 5th, 2005, Kobashi was arguably the biggest draw in all of Japan, selling out venues left, right, and center.

With Kobashi main-eventing, NOAH jumped to the top of the wrestling industry in Japan, which was struggling in general from a post-2000 slump. For Kobashi to bring this small company out of near-obscurity and bring it to the forefront of all of wrestling during his reign as Champion demonstrated his incredibly drawing power.

This is one of the biggest reasons why he was such a great wrestler; not only did he have the look, the skills and the presentation of a top star, but he also brought in money to Pro Wrestling NOAH, which is always one of the most crucial aspects of being a top star.