10 Things WWE Fans Need To Know About Jushin Liger

6. His Gimmick

Liger certainly has an eye-catching appearance, with his colourful horned mask and bodysuit. He looks like a Power Ranger, a stigma that would be difficult to overcome in America (just ask MVP) but was accepted by Japanese fans because of the popularity of manga/anime culture. Jushin Liger himself is based on a popular manga of the same name. New Japan wanted Liger to play the character due to the success of previous manga-inspired junior heavyweight sensation Tiger Mask. The character made its debut on April 25th 1989, defeating Kuniaki Kobayashi at the Tokyo Dome. When Liger debuted he sported the same look as the original manga superhero, which was a markedly different red and gold ensemble. The look, and Liger's character changed over the years but he kept his infectious entrance music, the opening theme to the manga TV series, Ikari no Jyushin. Watch the NXT crowd erupt when the opening beats of this iconic theme ring out over the arena. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2L5lOh1CJIQ