WWE has been home to extraordinary wrestlers from all around the globe. Irrespective of the ethnicity and religion of the wrestler, WWE unites them by calling each and every one of them “Superstars.”
A significant portion of these Superstars come from the country of Rising Sun: Japan. Wrestling is one of the largest sports entertainment forms of media in Japan and it is no surprise that WWE has some of the greatest Japanese Wrestlers on their roster.
Let us take a look at some of the greatest wrestlers and know more about the Top 10 Japanese Wrestlers in WWE History.
10. Yoshi Tatsu
Tatsu was a significant personality in the WWE NXT storyline. He was mostly seen competing in team competitions. Some of his major stints involve participation in the inaugural NXT Tag Team Championship Tournament and also the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania XXX.
9. Kenzo Suzuki
Kenzo Suzuki may not be a very influential figure in the WWE Universe and you might not remember him. However, an avid WWE enthusiast would definitely remember him having a rap battle with the 13-time World Champion John Cena who was also the United States Champion at that time. Suzuki challenged the leader of Cenation twice for the title but was unsuccessful in both.
8. Tatsumi Fujinami
One of the starting pillars of WWE, Tatsumi was among the very few wrestlers who were there for the making of wrestling as an entertainment industry. He won the WWF International Heavyweight Championship a total of three times and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in the class of 2015 by none other than Ric Flair.
7. Hideo Itami
Even though Itami’s stint was short with WWE, it was still an influential one. He was an already established professional wrestler by the ring name “KENTA” prior to joining hands with WWE. He was instantly seen climbing the ranks because of his popularity but was inconsistent due to his injury while his tenure.
6. Tajiri
One of the most explosive wrestlers of his era, Yoshihiro Tajiri is no doubt one of the greatest Japanese influencers in the company. He was a hit instantly after his debut in 2001. The 3-time WWE Cruiserweight Champion was involved in many of the major storylines and later joined the Tag Team faction. During his 7 years with the company, Tajiri formed various teams with many esteemed superstars and won the World Tag Team Championship with William Regal.
5. Satoru Sayama
Also known as the original Tiger Mask and the creator of the concept that would go a long way with the Japanese people that wrestled in the professional background, Satoru Sayama is the origin of it all. In 1982, Sayama was one of the most prominent wrestlers and held the WWF Junior Heavyweight Championship title to his name. Sadly enough, he had to leave the stage and went back to his hometown after an injury.
4. Ultimo Dragon
Ultimo enjoyed a very short time with the company. But suing his stay he was an integral part of some of the major storylines and helped build the Japanese culture inside the company with fellow countrymate Tajiri. However, after a sweet year, Tajiri had to withdraw and went back home when WWE asked him to fight without a mask, and hi obligated not to.
3. Kota Ibushi
Kota Ibushi might not be a great influence in WWE, but he was one of the greatest wrestlers before joining WWE in 2016. He competed in the Cruiserweight championship and lost in the semifinals. His term with the company was just for a year and he returned back to NJPW later on.
2. Asuka
It would have been an incomplete list without the “Empress of Tomorrow” in it. Asuka has proven to be one of the greatest wrestlers from WWE’s main women’s roster. Asuka won the inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble match and after winning the Elimination Chamber match recently she became the first woman to ever win a Royal Rumble, Money in the Bank, and Elimination Chamber altogether.
1. Shinsuke Nakamura
For someone who follows WWE to not know about Shinsuke is like a borderline crime. The greatest Japanese wrestler in WWE, Shinsuke Nakamura was one of the most unique and starlike personalities on the main roster. He instantly rose in fame and also became the NXT Champion in the process. He is also 2-times Intercontinental and United States Champion.
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