10 Wrestlers With The Most Five Star Matches
9. Jun Akiyama - 7
Though often branded AJPW's unofficial "Fifth Pillar," Jun Akiyama was never able to replicate the success of Mitsuharu Misawa, Toshiaki Kawada, Akira Taue, and Kenta Kobashi. He was always a phenomenal wrestler, even in his rookie years, but a major push never materialised, at least not during AJPW's heyday.
Uncle Jun left All Japan as part of Misawa's exodus in 2000. He was originally supposed to be built up as Pro Wrestling NOAH's ace, but his eventual 8-month GHC Heavyweight Title reign didn't go over as well as planned. Nonetheless, his lengthy career had no shortage of outstanding matches spanning both major companies.
The bulk of Akiyama's most notable work came in the mid-90s. He'd regularly team with Misawa against partnerships like The Holy Demon Army and Johnny Ace and Steve Williams, with tag bouts comprising six of his seven five-star matches. The apex of his career remains a singles contest, however. He and Kobashi faced off in one of the biggest matches in NOAH history at Departure 2004, and while Akiyama lost, it took a rare Burning Hammer to put him away.
Akiyama is still going strong today, even at 47 years old, although his ***** days are behind him.