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#9 Hiroshi Tanahashi
Known by many Japanese fans as the man who carried New Japan on his back during its difficult period, Hiroshi Tanahashi has become a legend in Japanese wrestling. ‘The Ace’ has had a roller coaster of a year in 2019.
After winning the G1 Climax in 2018, Tanahashi successfully challenged Kenny Omega for the IWGP Heavyweight Champion at Wrestle Kingdom 13. Hiroshi Tanahashi is the living testament that age is just a number. At 42 years young, Tanahashi seems to be getting better with each passing year.
His experience and skills show in the way he paints a beautiful picture across the wrestling canvas. This year, he has put on stellar matches against Will Ospreay, Evil, Kota Ibushi, and Sanada. One could argue that this may have been one of Tanahashi’s best years yet.
Let’s hope that Tanahashi’s match by match performance continues to rise. Maybe next year ‘The Ace’ will occupy the number one spot on this list.
