10 Strongest Champions In Wrestling Today
7. KUSHIDA (IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion)
The ace of NJPW’s Junior Heavyweight division, KUSHIDA endured a rough start to 2017. He was defeated for his championship by the returning Hiromu Takahashi at Wrestle Kingdom 11, and when they faced off again in April, he was squashed in just under two minutes. A tough redemption arc followed, with KUSHIDA grinding his way through the Best Of Super Juniors tournament, overcoming Will Ospreay in a stunning final, then meeting Hiromu on 11 June.
KUSHIDA finally solved the puzzle at Dominion 6.11, ending his rival’s reign in one of the night’s strongest matches. He then mounted his first successful title defence against BUSHI on 26 June, and while KUSHIDA’s 5th IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title reign is still in its infancy, it is built on rock solid foundations.
His runs with the belt in 2016 did wonders to revive its reputation, and Takahashi took things one step further with a series of outstanding defences this year. KUSHIDA has taken back the JHW Title at a time when its prestige is through the roof, and he has re-established himself as the ace. Further rematches with Takahashi seem inevitable, but for now, the former Time Splitter is the undisputed standard-bearer for wrestling’s lighter weight classes.