10 Wrestlers Who Saved World Championships

The debate over Inokiism has been overblown in the years since NJPW's resurgence. It was a fascinating era, filled with many low periods, but it had more quality matches and moments than its detractors give it credit for. However, it cannot be denied that after the controversial departure of IWGP Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar due to contract issues, the company's top prize was in danger.

The era had been defined by shorter, shoot style title matches and with Lesnar's exit, that style of wrestling was on the way out in New Japan. The company needed a reliable top champion, able to deliver with any opponent and bring prestige back to the title. Hiroshi Tanahashi was the person that they went with and it more than paid off.

Winning the vacated title at the end of a tournament, The Ace went on to hold the belt for 270 days, having acclaimed defences against men like Shinsuke Nakamura and rejuvenating interest in the promotion. He would go on to win the title 7 more times across his career, having some of the most critically acclaimed matches in wrestling history and cementing NJPW as one of the biggest promotions in the world.