2. Hiroshi Tanahashi
In most of the microcosms of pro wrestling, there's usually an "ace" to whom you can point someone who does every single little aspect of the sport so well, that it's impossible not to become a fan of his, even if you're only a casual viewer. In WWE, it's Daniel Bryan not only is he a phenomenal talent in the ring, but he's also great at playing his role, no matter what it is. Just as any fan could become emotionally involved in his journey to the main event of WrestleMania, we could all laugh heartily when Bryan angrily asked a confused psychiatrist if Charlie Sheen put him up to showing him a picture of a goat. In New Japan, the ace is Hiroshi Tananashi, known as the "Once in a Century Talent." It's not a misnomer Tanahashi is widely considered the best wrestler in the world (yes, including Bryan) and one of three men to win the Wrestling Observer's "Wrestler of the Year" award three consecutive times. He was a first-ballot inductee into the WO Hall of Fame last year, and he continues to wow audiences with his performances, showing no signs of resting on his laurels. His feud with younger star Kazuchika Okada was seen as a passing of the torch of sorts, paving the way for a new generation of talent, but Tanahashi is still the most popular grappler in the company and another IWGP Heavyweight Title reign seems likely. And while he's never had to yell at a muppet like Bryan has, Tanahashi's got a charisma to his performance and body language that makes him riveting, just like any true master of the sport.