10 Wrestlers WWE Could Poach From NJPW Next

8. Katsuyori Shibata

Tanahashi Shibata.JPG
NJPW

Even just a year ago, we’d have said that Shinsuke Nakamura was much too stiff a worker for WWE to seriously consider as their next internet darling-cum-NXT-import – but look how that turned out.

Shibata if anything is even more of a bruiser than ‘The King of Strong Style’, but the difference is that, despite his nickname, Nakamura is less reliant on strikes than his hard-hitting counterpart. While the in-ring style of WWE has diversified significantly in recent years, the thought of Vince McMahon allowing Shibata to perform his routine undiluted remains unfathomable.

If Tanahashi, who is no soft touch himself, poured scorn over Shibata’s famous no-sell wars with Tomohiro Ishii, it is very reasonable to infer that WWE officials would follow suit.

In his favour, Shibata is a good-looking chap with a very honed physique, so he would look great on the billboards NJPW still won’t let him take front and centre on following his perceived betrayal many years ago. Of the current NJPW roster, only Tanahashi and Okada have more WON five star match ratings under their belt, yet NJPW don’t – or won’t – consider Shibata their next star-in-waiting.

If WWE came calling, a sense of loyalty would not hold him back.

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Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!