20 Absolute Best Wrestlers In The World Right Now

4. Tetsuya Naito

Tetsuya Naito
NJPW1972.com

He might not be the best wrestler in the world, but Tetsuya Naito is definitely the coolest, and perhaps the most charismatic. His 'Ingobernable' persona is still as fresh as the day it debuted. It has transformed Naito from bland, babyface failure to the most popular wrestler in Japan, taking him all the way to Wrestle Kingdom 12's main event, but, ultimately, his grandest failure.

Naito lost to Kazuchika Okada by reverting to the gimmick that saw him plummet from the spotlight in the first place. The 'Stardust Genius' re-emerged, and a sure-fire victory turned to crushing defeat as he went for one Destino finisher too many. A long, gruelling redemption arc now begins, and if his recent output is anything to go by, it's going to be an incredible story.

Though his character work shines brightest among his attributes, Naito's in-ring pacing is an absolute joy. His quick shifts from slow to fast and back again mean you can't afford to take your eyes off his matches for a second. Combine this with his personality, flashy moveset, and expert storytelling, and you have a man ready to dominate the global stage for years to come.

In this post: 
Naito
 
Posted On: 
Channel Manager
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.