5 WWE superstars you didn't know once worked for NJPW

While the WWE might have been the only viable promotion for most professional wrestlers over the past fifteen years or so, there has recently been some huge opportunities on the indie circuit. Promotions like Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling are now legitimate alternatives to Vince McMahon's promotions and you see a lot of unwanted former WWE talent making waves in these companies.

But, did you know that there are some really big WWE names who have actually been to the Far East to try their luck in NJPW. So, without any further ado, here is our list of 5 WWE superstars you didn't know once worked for New Japan Pro Wrestling:

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#5) Xavier Woods

Omega isn't the only one in this photo to have wrestled in NJPW

Just to start things off, did you know that Xavier Woods was once a part of TNA as Austin Creed and then Consequences Creed? You learn something new every day. Well, it was with the latter name that he actually joined up with New Japan Pro Wrestling.

He was released from TNA in 2010 and wasted little time before going over to NJPW where spent a short amount of time before signing with the WWE's developmental program...and the rest, as they say, is history.

#4) The Dudley Boyz

The Dudleyz won tag team gold everywhere!

The Dudley Boyz's New Japan Pro Wrestling adventure didn't actually start until much later on in their careers. Whereas most veterans originally had their run in Japan early on, D-Von and Bubba Ray didn't get their taste of Japanese wrestling until their run with TNA.

TNA and NJPW's collaboration program saw the Dudleys win the IWGP World Tag Team Championships on two occasions and even attend the third and fourth annual Wrestle Kingdom shows - winning the belts at Wrestle Kingdom III and losing them for the final time at Wrestle Kingdom IV.

#3) Daniel Bryan

The American Dragon

Daniel Bryan is one of the most recognisable WWE superstars thanks to the success of his Yes Movement which ultimately led to him being the opportunity to be the face of the company. While it gained him global recognition, the hardcore wrestling fans knew of The American Dragon since his days in Ring of Honor.

But, before his ROH success, Bryan competed in New Japan Pro Wrestling where he competed in the Best of the Super Juniors and even picked up the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championships with one Mr Christopher Daniels.

It was a shortlived association, though, as his ROH commitments meant he couldn't return to NJPW.

#2) Sting

Everyone knows Sting as "Mr. WCW", so what exactly was he doing in New Japan Pro Wrestling back in the early 1990s? Well, the interesting thing is that WCW actually had a collaboration agreement with NJPW back then and The Stinger was very much a star attraction in the Far East.

Between 1991 and 1996, he competed in numerous matches under the New Japan Pro Wrestling banner including some high-profile matches in the legendary Tokyo Dome. It's safe to say that this Japanese education played its part in the success of The Icon.

#1) The Undertaker

Scott Hall (left) with "Punisher" Dice Morgan (a.k.a. Undertaker) standing next to him

Wait, what? The Undertaker? In New Japan Pro Wrestling? What the bloody hell am I talking about, right? Well, ladies and gentlemen, this is very much true.

Just before signing with the WWE, Taker had a short run with WCW - under the name of "Punisher" Dice Morgan - as a part of their collaboration agreement with NJPW. He was in the Land of the Rising Sun for three short weeks where he wrestled a few matches before returning stateside to sign with the WWE and embark on his journey to immortality.