20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now
3. Kazuchika Okada
Though Kazuchika's big match record wasn't as spectacular in 2018 as it was the year prior, this was by design.
'The Rainmaker' broke in June. Losing the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to Kenny Omega had a catastrophic impact on his psyche. He let himself go, losing his cocksure arrogance in a pseudo-meltdown that saw him dye his hair red, switch from primarily gold attire to darker hues, remixing his entrance theme to a garbled mess, and, most bizarre of all, carrying balloons to the ring. It was a full-on identity crisis, and that Okada absolutely shone in this role is a credit to him and his versatility as a performer.
Okada's excellence throughout the "Broken Little Kazu" arc kept him among NJPW's top performers even as he was cycled out of the main event scene. He came full circle at Wrestle Kingdom 13, but even his 'Rainmaker' reversion couldn't topple Bullet Club leader Jay White, who, in a star-making performance, proved himself Okada's kryptonite once more, setting them up for another big bout later down the road.
The past few months have taught us that the 31-year-old is a more adaptable and diverse wrestler than even his biggest cheerleaders could've known. For that, he earns this lofty spot.
2018 ranking: 1.