Future World Champions Of 10 Wrestling Brands
3. New Japan Pro Wrestling - SANADA
Currently the hottest wrestling product going, New Japan Pro Wrestling's 2017 has been akin to no other year in recent memory. A roster of pure talent; their first expedition to American soil; and at the very top, an IWGP Heavyweight Champion putting on unmissable contests again and again.
Many would agree that the IWGP Heavyweight Title is safe and secure around the waist of Kazuchika Okada. He has been unstoppable since moving into the role of Ace, and is still only reaching his peak.
What Okada needs however, are credible opponents. The New Japan Cup and the G1 Climax are the perfect arenas to mould Okada's foes, churning out the likes of Tetsuya Naito, Kenny Omega, and Katsuyori Shibata. However, the company cannot take it for granted that these guys will be mainstays, evidenced by Shibata's freak injury or Tanahashi's recurring ailments.
Looking through the heavyweight roster, one man ripe for building is SANADA. Currently a lieutenant in Naito's LIJ, SANADA is in the process of forging his own identity as a singles competitor. His look and athleticism strongly compliment Okada's, and at only 29 years of age, these two could have a terrific feud for years to come.
While the money feud in NJPW is currently Okada/Naito, SANADA will continue to creep out of his leader's shadow. An IWGP Heavyweight Title run looks entirely possible for him.