Predicting Where EVERY NJPW Wrestler Will Be In 5 Years Time

51. Hirai Kawato

The Golden Elite WWE
NJPW

Kawato has been on loan with Mexico's CMLL for most of 2018. He'll come back a stronger wrestler than when he left, and he's still only 21 years old. New Japan have no need to rush him up the card whatsoever.

Prediction: Scrappy, popular Junior Heavyweight underdog.

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.