Most Underrated NJPW stars

Hi guys,

In the crazy world of wrestling companies, there's always going to be a massive roster full of so many talented stars and nothing is more true for the likes of New Japan Pro Wrestling. With a roster full of such amazing wrestlers and hardly (if any) weak links within the company, it's unfortunately inevitable that wrestlers are either going to blend into the background, no matter how talented they are, or they're going to get overshadowed by other wrestlers. So, for this post, I'm going to look specifically at NJPW but there are so many promotions with underrated wrestlers that this could just be the start!

1. Rysuke Taguchi
The leader of Taguchi Japan and the funky weapon himself, I don't think that anyone can say that Taguchi isn't crazy popular (with me particularly), however I don't think that people appreciate how amazing of an in-ring talent Taguchi is rather than just a bit of fun in the ring. Taguchi is probably one of the most accomplished Jr Heavyweights in the company including a 3 time NEVER 6-man champion, Best of Super Jr 2012 winner, 2 time IWGP Jr Heavyweight champion and a crazy 6 times IWGP Jr Heavyweight tag champ (including 4 with Prince Devitt). Although he's always come out with flair whether it be his solo stuff or even the Apollo 55 era, when it comes to the ring, he puts everything on the line. Of course we've still got those hip attacks and channelling his inner Nakamura but, especially in high calibre matches, we see those suplexes, drop kicks and that dreaded ankle lock which has tapped out many a competitor. If you want a recent example of how good a wrestler is, just go and watch his recent feud with Taiji Ishmori for the Jr title where we actually saw Taguchi tap out Ishimori to win the 6 man titles off the Bullet Club! Although Taguchi is seen as a veteran, I still think there's a lot of fight left in the Funky Weapon and I just don't think the fans sometimes appreciate how good a wrestler he actually is rather than just the ass man.

2. David Finlay
When David Finlay first made his debut for NJPW at the BOSJ and then went on to be one of the rising stars in the NJPW Dojo amongst his classmates that included Jay White, Sho Tanaka and Yohei Komatsu. However, it seemed like once everyone went off for excursion, that it was actually going to be Finlay's time to shine and we saw some success in the form of winning the NEVER 6-man tag titles with his Taguchi Japan faction mates. However, fast forward and it seems like Finlay is one of the only guys from that graduated class who hasn't won one of the main titles in their chosen division and that makes me sad. It makes me sad because David Finlay is an amazing wrestler with a perfect mix of high flying offence and pure strength. Combine that with the love that the crowds have for the Celtic Prince and his vibrant personality and I'd have just assumed that a title would have been on the cards. It just seems like Finlay isn't getting those single title opportunities bar the US title match he had against Jay White earlier last year which, as White said, proved that Finlay deserved to be in main events of shows. You even saw in the post match comments the potential for a change in approach from the funny and kind to a more brutal and determined Finlay. I think the big issue is that Finlay is being overshadowed by those around him like his FinJuice partner Juice Robinson or the other colourful Taguchi Japan members. I just think that Finlay needs to be given a shot at the US title (I mean friend v friend would be amazing) or the IC title or even the Heavyweight tag titles with Juice. David Finlay has been more than ready for a long title reign and I just hope that NJPW gives Finlay those opportunities to shine because he's going to make an amazing champion! Get Well Soon Finlay!

3. Chase Owens
Like David Finlay, Chase Owens made a big splash on his debut against Bushi as the NWA Jr Heavyweight champion, where he won a damn big number of titles. However, after joining probably the biggest faction in the modern wrestling era, the Bullet Club, Owens fell victim to being pushed to the back with personalities like the Young Bucks (when he was in the Jr division) and then the likes of Omega, Hangman Page and Cody when he moved up to the Heavyweight division. What makes Chase Owens so underrated is that he's the perfect combination of being a subtle, dastardly heel as well as being uber talented in the ring. Owens is the kind of heel that's so sneaky and just oozes personality with even the smallest things, like the jabs at Kevin Kelly for not having him on commentary or the way he walks down to the ring. There's also the fact that Chase Owens is damn loyal and is really the perfect partner for anyone, as seen by him cornering both Kenny Omega and Hangman Page in last years G1 and Jay White and Fale this year. You also just can't forget that Owens is great in the ring with his combination offence, strength and ability to take any opponents weakness and use it to his advantage. After his matches with Juice for the US title, it's proof that Owens can hang with the big boys and titles. There are endless possibilities for Owens to get into title contention whether he moves to the Jr division and dominates the single or tag scene, or whether it's the heavyweight tag titles or IC title.

4. Yoshinobu Kanemaru
Part of Suzuki Gun and the second longest reign of IWGP Jr Heavyweight tag champions with El Desperado, people tend to forget that Yoshinobu Kanemaru has over 20 years of wrestling experience and is a Jr veteran in companies like NOAH and NJPW. He's been 3 time IWGP Jr Heavyweight tag team champ, 4 time NOAH Tag champ and a crazy 7 time NOAH GHC Jr Heavyweight champion!  I sometimes think that his experience and talent gets overshadowed by the whiskey and Suzuki Gun tactics and people just don't appreciate how talented Kanemaru is in the ring whether it be in a tag team or as a singles competitor. I mean I obviously can't disregard the blatant Suzuki Gun within Kanemaru, especially with his ability to know when a person is at their weakest and then exploit it whether it be with his whiskey or a chair or pulling a ref out of the ring, but I see it more like the veteran's ring awareness of doing anything to get the win. However, it's impossible for me not to recognise the pure wrestling talent from his speed and strength to using his surroundings for the most devastating moves like the leg scissors off the barricade onto his opponent. He also helps elevate everyone he's in the ring with and I've even seen El Desperado improve massively since being champion with Kanemaru and that's what a great wrestler does, he helps those around him. I'd love to see Kanemaru as tag champ again with Despy but also as Jr Heavyweight champ!

So, in a company full of amazing wrestlers, it's normal that people will fly under the radar - but these guys definitely don't deserve it! Let me know who you think is an underrated star!

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Until next time,

Bye