NJPW New Japan Cup 2017: Early Favourites To Win
2. Katsuyori Shibata
More than ever this seems like Shibata's time. His popularity has grown significantly over this past few years, and when you factor in that he does not have the overall marketability of an Okada or Naito, you realise this is down to sheer, in-ring class.
Much like the G1 Climax, the New Japan Cup gives wrestlers a platform to elevate themselves into the upper echelon of New Japan's talent. Shibata is yet to even compete in the finals of either tournament, let alone win one. Now that he has lost the NEVER Openweight Title, his pursuit of the IWGP Heavyweight Championship should begin. With their stellar development of Naito and Omega into top stars over the course of 2016, 2017 could very well be the year of Shibata, and it could begin in March with a New Japan Cup victory.