3: Hulk Hogan
Hulk Hogan was a huge star in Japan long before he became a household name in the United States. Hogan first began appearing in NJPW in 1980 while he was still contracted to the WWF and was quickly nicknamed “Ichiban” (number one) by Japanese fans.
He toured Japan sporadically over the next 5 years using a more technical wrestling style than he did back home in the states and using a Crooked Arm Lariat as his finisher in the Land of the Rising Sun instead of his famous running leg drop.
Hogan faced a number of different opponents during his time in New Japan and even defeated Antonio Inoki by knockout in 1983 to win the first IWGP tournament. Hogan also tagged with Inoki during his time there, winning the MSN Tag-League two years in a row.
Hogan continued to appear in NJPW till 1985 until the WWF ended their relationship with New Japan but before the split happened, he even defended the WWF Championship against Antonio Inoki in a New Japan ring.
Bayley gives us a HUGE update on a top Superstar's upcoming return RIGHT HERE.
