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#8 Hiroshi Tanahashi - 42
Hiroshi Tanahashi has been described as NJPW's version of John Cena. For the better part of the 2000s and into the 2010s, both men were atop their respective promotions. That might be true, but Tanahashi is at least still wrestling, whereas Cena has transitioned into a successful Hollywood career. 'The Ace' won the IWGP Heavyweight Championship from Kenny Omega at Wrestle Kingdom 13 in January, but dropped it shortly thereafter to Jay White.
Some stars might slow down once they get up there in age, and Tanahashi has suffered his share of injuries over the last few years, but is still one of the biggest names in NJPW and all of pro wrestling. When Okada isn't holding the top belt in NJPW, it's likely Tanahashi is.
Star power is hard to maintain and create in the business, but Tanahashi certainly still has it. While his time atop the promotion may soon be coming to a close, he remains a top performer that helps out in the mid-card and can still provide a main-event level presence when needed. That's being proven at Wrestle Kingdom 14 in January when 'The Ace' will face off against another big name on this list, Chris Jericho.
