20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now

2. Hiromu Takahashi

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NJPW

That Hiromu Takahashi was even able to return from a broken neck suffered while wrestling Dragon Lee in July 2018 is impressive enough; that he was able to return without sacrificing any aspect of his ballistic style is as insane as the man himself.

Running his own bumps in an electrifying Power Struggle comeback, Hiromu's ensuing Korakuen Hall performances were powered by the zest, life, and danger of old, leading to a note-perfect Wrestle Kingdom 14 clash with Will Ospreay informed by his 16-month absence. Such an exuberant performance woke the world up, reminding those with short attention spans that NJPW's 'Ticking Time Bomb' was a Best in the World contender at the time of injury. Now, he has a chance to become the best. The injury has cost him nothing but time.

A fearless professional wrestler, Takahashi is partly defined by his character's mania. This, his daredevil style, and overwhelming rockstar charisma are why he connects with so many. Even when he does have to slow down (one can't wrestle like he did against Ospreay forever, after all) his magnetic personality guarantees a lengthy career.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.