Despite having to postpone the tournament, New Japan Pro-Wrestling is in the midst of their annual Best of the Super Jr. tournament. Some of the best Jr Heavyweights from across the world are fighting for a shot at the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship.
The Junior Heavyweight title was introduced in 1986 with 86 reigns shared by 39 of the best wrestlers in the world. Over the years, the title has developed and gained prestige. This is due to the division’s talent and the wrestlers who have held it over the years.
Here is a look at the top 5 IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions.
5. KUSHIDA
For many years during his time in New Japan, KUSHIDA was known as the standard-bearer for Junior Heavyweight wrestlers. With a hybrid style combining high-flying and submission style, he brought a new meaning to being a Junior wrestler.
After success during his Best of the Super Jr. debut in 2010, KUSHIDA signed a contract with New Japan in 2011. Unlike many wrestlers, KUSHIDA was unsuccessful in his first challenge for the Junior title against Prince Devitt. Although winning the tag titles with Alex Shelley, it was not until 2014 when he won his first title after beating Kota Ibushi.
Despite a slow start, it was this victory that helped KUSHIDA gain momentum in the Junior division. In total, he won the Junior title six times with a combined reign of 684 days. This was accompanied by two tag title reigns, two Best of the Super Jr. wins and a victory in the Super J-Cup.
Alongside his victories, it was also his Back to the Future gimmick that gained the attention of fans. As a member of Taguchi Japan, he was a staple of the company during his time there. He received a lot of love from fans across the world.
Despite leaving New Japan last year, KUSHIDA is still flying the flag for Junior Heavyweight wrestling. With years of wrestling ahead of him, many hope that KUSHIDA could make a return to New Japan. He may be able to take his place back at the top of the division.
4. Tiger Mask IV
Although there have been many Tiger Mask incarnations, it is the longevity and success which has earned Tiger Mask IV a spot on this list. Making his New Japan debut Japan in 2002, Tiger Mask quickly rose up the ranks in the Junior division.
Winning his first title in 2003 against champion Koji Kanemoto, it was only the start of a legacy that cemented him as one of New Japan’s best. With two Best of the Super Jr. wins and the 2005 Junior Heavyweight MVP Award, he has held the title on six different occasions. These reigns span a total of 858 days between 2003 and 2009.
Alongside his friend Jushin Thunder Liger, Tiger Mask’s offense is a mixture of high-flying and Japanese Strong Style. As much as Tiger Mask is not afraid to fly through the ropes, he is also well versed in the fundamentals and submission style. Even now, he has the same energy and determination in the ring that is synonymous with him.
Although less active nowadays, Tiger Mask is still an integral part of New Japan’s Junior Heavyweight division. With a career that has spanned over 25 years, he is key in training New Japan’s upcoming talent and will continue to keep wrestling to the best of his ability.
3. Hiromu Takahashi
Despite winning significantly fewer titles belt compared to others on the list, Hiromu Takahashi could not be missed out. From the minute Hiromu came back from his excursion, he made it his goal to be at the top of the Junior Heavyweight division. Since then, he has done exactly that.
After returning, Hiromu challenged then Junior Champion KUSHIDA for the title at Wrestle Kingdom 11 and won the title on his first attempt. Since then, Hiromu has won the title an additional two times with a total reign length of 468 days. He also won the Best of the Super Jr. tournament in 2018 which led him to his second title reign after defeating Will Ospreay.
During each reign, Hiromu raised the spotlight on the title with Match of the Year candidates. From his matches against Will Ospreay and his rivalry against Dragon Lee, the bouts have epitomized what it means to be a Junior Heavyweight wrestler.
The prestige and importance of Hiromu as Junior Champion spans more than just the length of his reigns. It is Hiromu’s dedication to raise the standards and focus on the division. Over the years, New Japan has lost many of its Junior wrestlers. However, Hiromu has made it clear that he wants to be the representative of the division to the best of his ability. He doesn’t see the Juniors as inferior and wants the world to realize that as well.
With three reigns as champion, Hiromu seems nowhere near close to slowing down. There are years of wrestling ahead of him with more title reigns in Hiromu’s future. This will cement him as one of the best Junior Champions in New Japan history.
2. Prince Devitt
Alongside being the founder of the Bullet Club, Prince Devitt is one of New Japan’s most successful IWGP Junior Champions. Like KUSHIDA, Devitt’s journey to the title was longer than other wrestlers. His first taste of gold in the company was teaming with Ryusuke Taguchi as part of Apollo 55.
However, singles glory was inevitable for Devitt, even if he had to wait a few years. His first title reign came in 2010, almost four years after his New Japan debut. After winning that year’s Best of the Super Jr. tournament, Devitt successfully beat champion Naomichi Marufuji at Dominion for the title.
Throughout his various reigns as champion, Devitt had some high caliber matches with many stars from Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi. He also made waves in 2013 when he challenged Hiroshi Tanahashi to a match to become the first person to hold both the Junior and Heavyweight championships. It was this goal that inspired many wrestlers after him such as Hiromu Takahashi to go after the same goal.
Like many wrestlers, what made Devitt such a successful champion was more than just his wrestling style. It was Prince Devitt as a person and a personality. Whether it was as a fun-loving member of Apollo 55 or the cut-throat Real Rock’n Rolla, he had the ability to entice fans into a story as well as a match.
In total, Devitt only had three reigns as IWGP Junior Champion. However, in that small number, the total number of days as champion was over 1,000. It is the second-highest in the history of the title. Each reign was meaningful and only helped the Jr title gain more recognition not only in New Japan but across the world.
1. Jushin Thunder Liger
There was only one man who could top this list. Not only is he one of New Japan’s top Junior Heavyweight champions but has been called the best Junior Heavyweight in the history of professional wrestling. That man is the legend Jushin Thunder Liger.
After debuting the Jushin Thunder Liger character in 1989, it quickly led to his first reign as IWGP Jr Champion after beating Hiroshi Hase that May. He only held the belt for less than three months. Yet, it was only the first of a record-breaking 11 reigns between 1989 and 1999. Not only does Liger hold the record for the most reigns, but also the most defenses at 31 and combined days as champion at 2,245 days.
During this time, Liger has travelled the world shining a spotlight not only on New Japan but on the Junior division in general. He did this by traveling to different countries and showcasing his talent. For many, Liger was their first introduction into the world of Japanese wrestling.
If his list of reigns seems impressive, it does not count the numerous other titles and accolades he achieved during his career. From Junior champion to Young Lion Cup and being a three-time Best of the Super Jr. winner, Liger has done it all.
Despite retiring earlier in the year at Wrestle Kingdom, Liger is still a huge part of New Japan. He will continue to be the standard-bearer for Junior Heavyweight wrestling in the company.
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