11 Most Influential Japanese Wrestlers Of All Time

7. Jushin 'Thunder' Liger

Jushin Liger is quite possibly the greatest junior heavyweight of all time. Though not as speedy or involved in the luchadore style as Ultimo Dragon, Liger is still a formidable wrestler, having spent years as both an incredible high flyer and a dramatic storyteller through his matches. Capitalizing on the success of earlier masked wrestlers, Keiichi Yamada was christened Jushin €˜Thunder€™ Liger on April 24th, 1989. Taking on the appearance of an anime superhero of sorts, Liger wowed the audience with his wide array of aerial maneuvers, including his now-legendary creation, the Shooting Star Press. In later years, he would incorporate more power moves into his arsenal, as well as more submission-based wrestling, proving that changing one€™s style and adapting to physical limitations are essential to being a long-term star. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHMCpiM2zzc His career accomplishments include light heavyweight title reigns in Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), Pro Wrestling NOAH, WCW and a staggering 11 reigns as New Japan€™s IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion. He has also won numerous Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards, including Most Outstanding Wrestler (1990-1992), Best Technical Wrestler (1989-1992), and Best Flying Wrestler (1989-1993). The junior heavyweight division of pro wrestling would€™ve been a different place without Jushin Liger. Not only did he come up with one of the most impressive aerial maneuvers of all time, but he helped build and showcase the cruiserweight style to North American fans, especially in WCW. It also helps that he has one of the most recognizable wrestling costumes of all time.