Grimmas

Control21 said: Karl Gotch’s unheralded student and “son.” Kido was a proficient technician and became a staple in NJPW from its conception all the way into the 1980s and 1990s. Kido was also a key piece in the early years of the UWF revolution, participating in its first iteration. Later in the 2000s, Kido would make a stop in Big Mouth Loud and had a hand in training Shinsuke Nakamura in the NJPW dojo. A very underrated wrestler and one that probably merits his own thread based on a very consistent body of work. Recommended matches - vs Yoshiaki Fujiwara (9/6/1985) w/Akira Maeda vs Kengo Kimura & Tatsumi Fujinami (8/5/1986) w/Keith Haward vs Akira Maeda & Pete Roberts (12/5/1984) w/Akira Maeda vs Antonio Inoki & Yoshiaki Fujiwara (12/10/1986) vs Tatsumi Fujinami (2/6/1991)

Control21 said: Ueyama was one of the last UWFi dojo trainees along with Daijiro Matsui. Both would become JMMA-focused guys but Ueyama had some runs in the squared circle as well. After the end of UWFi, Ueyama would try his luck in KINGDOM, RINGS (although most of these matches were probably shoots), U-Style, DDT, HEAT-UP, and even a match in AJPW! As you would expect from someone who was trained in the UWFi dojo, Ueyama was technically proficient and capable of working a sound match. Another guy who I think deserves some examination here. vs Seichi Ikemoto (10/9/2004) vs Hiroyuki Ito (2/15/2003) w/Seichi Ikemoto vs Kiyoshi Tamura & Takaku Fuke (12/7/2004) vs Ryuji Hijikata (4/12/2003) vs Daisuke Nakamura (3/19/2015) w/Kiyoshi Tamura vs Hidehisa Matsuda & Yuki Kotake (6/29/2007)

Control21 said: Sakata was a RINGS dojo product and spent most of his career in shoot-style before working Zero-1 and HUSTLE in the 2000s. He wasn’t the flashiest of wrestlers but was a solid hand for the RINGS undercard for several years before becoming a similar roster member for more diverse promotions. He went from facing the likes of Tsuyoshi Kohsaka, Nikolai Zouev, and Kiyoshi Tamura to going face-to-face with CW Anderson, Jun Kasai, Tenryu, and Super Crazy. Certainly a colorful career worth examining. Recommended matches – vs Hiromitsu Kanehara (6/20/1998) vs Kiyoshi Tamura (7/20/1998) vs Masayuki Naruse (12/13/1997) vs Naohiro Hoshikawa (12/15/2002) vs Genichiro Tenryu (3/12/2006)

Control21 said: Dokon only had a brief run in U-Style, but he delivered in almost all of them. One of the most unique JMMA fighters also proved why he could have been one of the most unique wrestlers in the 2000s if he had continued his career. He’s a bit like Megumi Fujii in the sense that he deserves a nomination based on how unreal he was in a worked format. His matches against Tamura, Manabu Hara, and Kyosuke Sasaki are worth checking out. Recommended matches – vs Kiyoshi Tamura (4/6/2003) vs Manabu Hara (2/4/2004) vs Kyosuke Sasaki (6/29/2003) vs Kiyoshi Tamura (8/7/2004) vs Crafter M (12/7/2004)

Control21 said: One of the best junior heavyweights over the past decade. Hiromu Takahashi is a very gifted wrestler who knows how to work the modern NJPW formula, and by extension, most other modern styles as well. Hiromu Takahashi is also a master of conveying emotion and utilizing psychology in his matches to insert a vivid sense of tension and danger. He has developed memorable rivalries with the likes of KUSHIDA, Dragon Lee, El Desperado, and Taiji Ishimori. While he is still relatively early in his career, I think he has put together a very solid case for one of the best junior heavyweights of all time and could be a contender for some Top 100 lists. Recommended matches - Hiromu Takahashi vs Taiji Ishimori (6/4/2018) Hiromu Takahashi vs Will Ospreay (1/4/2020) Hiromu Takahashi vs Will Ospreay (2/10/2018) Hiromu Takahashi vs Will Ospreay (6/9/2018) Hiromu Takahashi vs KUSHIDA (6/11/2017) Hiromu Takahashi vs KUSHIDA (1/4/2017) Hiromu Takahashi vs Dragon Lee (2/11/2017) Hiromu Takahashi vs Ryu Lee (2/9/2020) Dragon Lee vs Kamaitachi (1/24/2016) Dragon Lee vs Kamaitachi (3/20/2015) Dragon Lee vs Kamaitachi (12/4/2015)

Control21 said: A very talented wrestler that has vastly improved his resume over the past four years or so. The "lost" NJPW young lion has become a very versatile wrestler proficient in technical wrestling, Lucha Libre, the modern NJPW "house style," and even deathmatches. He has become an important piece to the NJPW Junior Heavyweight division and is a fan favorite for many. In many ways, he mirrors Hiromu Takahashi to some degree. Desperado is able to convey emotion in his matches to a very palpable degree, a gift that not many wrestlers have. Certainly, someone that could contend for the lower half of a few Top 100 lists. Recommended matches - El Desperado vs Jun Kasai (9/12/2022) El Desperado vs Hiromu Takahashi (12/11/2020) El Desperado vs Francesco Akira (5/21/2023) El Desperado vs Kazuchika Okada (3/2/2022) El Desperado vs Kota Ibushi (3/4/2021) El Desperado vs Titan (5/26/2023) El Desperado vs Dragon Lee (6/3/2018) El Desperado vs Hiromu Takahashi (5/22/2018) El Desperado vs Kota Ibushi (2/11/2014) Kyosuke Mikami vs Hiromu Takahashi (8/24/2010)

NotJayTabb said: I mean, we've got both Nasty Boys listed, but not arguably the best tag team in WWF/E history. To survive over 13yrs in a company that is notoriously not a tag team territory, never breaking up, constantly staying fresh to the point that they're arguably the most over they've ever been, is an incredible achievement. Work superbly as a face team or a heel team, a ton of great matches, and there's still potential for either to have a solo run if needed. Jey has already had a well-received main event slot against Roman Reigns, he could well get there again. There are other nominees who are arguably mainly tag guys, but the Usos are better than most, if not all of them. MATCHES vs The Wyatt Family (Money In The Bank 2014) vs The New Day (Hell In A Cell 2017) vs Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn (Wrestlemania 2023)

NotJayTabb said: I mean, we've got both Nasty Boys listed, but not arguably the best tag team in WWF/E history. To survive over 13yrs in a company that is notoriously not a tag team territory, never breaking up, constantly staying fresh to the point that they're arguably the most over they've ever been, is an incredible achievement. Work superbly as a face team or a heel team, a ton of great matches, and there's still potential for either to have a solo run if needed. Jey has already had a well-received main event slot against Roman Reigns, he could well get there again. There are other nominees who are arguably mainly tag guys, but the Usos are better than most, if not all of them. MATCHES vs The Wyatt Family (Money In The Bank 2014) vs The New Day (Hell In A Cell 2017) vs Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn (Wrestlemania 2023)

Elliott said: I've been watching some Don Frye matches and my goodness what an awesome wrestler. Super charismatic shootstyle heel ass kicker who will punch people in the groin or bite them in the knee if that's what it takes. I kind of figured I was in for a charismatic ass kicker and he has delivered in that regard. I've watched ~15 matches and he is a lot more well rounded than I was expecting. The charisma & aura are there & he brings the violence as you would expect. But what has stood out as a pleasant surprise is his bumping, selling & willingness to completely put over his opponent on the way to beating them. He will absolutely let Yuji Nagata beat the shit out of him & dominate him before finding his opening & beating him thoroughly or he'll sell Akitoshi Saito's kicks like they're the most devastating thing in the world. Watching an American shoot-style guy in the late 90s dominate people in short but convincing fashion I can't help but think about Goldberg and Frye is so much better & more well rounded it's rude to even compare the two. Frye can put over his opponents in ways Goldberg never could while maintaining that badass aura. Given his look, aura & ability it is kind of crazy to me that WCW or WWE never tried to sign him. Anyway, just a super pro-wrestler a couple of years into his career. I'm excited to watch more. Shoot style fans seriously need to give this guy a look. Don Frye vs Kazuo Yamazaki (NJPW - 11/2/97) Don Frye vs Naoya Ogawa (NJPW - 1/4/98) Don Frye vs Kensuke Sasaki (NJPW - 8/8/98)

HowtobeaMark said: One of the many New Japan Pro Wrestling nearly men, flirting with the top of the card but always falling back down to upper midcard/midcard, which may hurt his chances here but his skills between the ropes cannot be denied. He feels like an old soul in NJPW by old soul I mean harping back to the days of the Samurai. A warrior of honour, determination, and fearlessness. Most recently has been paired with YOSHI-HASHI as a tag team. YOSHI-HASHI has always been seen as a bit of a loser but is now seen as a genuine player to the point the team beat aces Kazuchika Okada & Hiroshi Tanahashi and it never felt wrong. Recommended matches Vs Katsuyori Shibata – 22 June 2013 Vs Kenny Omega -14 August 2016 Vs Tomohiro Ishii – 21 July 2018 With YOSHI-Hashi vs Kazuchika Okada & Hiroshi Tanahashi – 6 March 2023

GraveyardMurmurs said: One of the best Japanese wrestlers of the last 5 years, in my opinion. Has done great work with a crazy variety of opponents. From Kohei Sato & Yuji Hino to Arisa Nakajima & Mei Suruga. They can play cocky heel or valiant underdog. They have an impressive move set, and is a consistent and precise wrestler. vs. Akito 07/15/2019 vs. Syuri 05/23/2022 vs. Kagetsu 05/23/2021

HowtobeaMark said: Perhaps a little early for him but he has carried Impact as the man for over a year now. Has produced great matches in that time and has felt like the company's most important home grown talent for years. His matches feel like they mean something and he has elevated the Impact title by wearing it around his waist. Tenure will hurt him, but lets look at him. Josh Alexander & The Besties in the World vs British Strong Style - 24 June 2018 Josh Alexander vs TJP - 3 June 2021 Josh Alexander vs Mike Bailey - 19 November 2022

HowtobeaMark said: Has transformed himself into one of the most important wrestlers in the world today. Has shown great character diversity with Legacy, Dashing, Stardust, American Nightmare etc. Has had some of the most emotionally charged matches of recent years and is proving himself to be one of the best on the mic. Think it is time he gets at least evaluated amongst the top names the business has ever produced. Recommended Matches Cody Rhodes & Goldust vs The Shield - 6 October 2013 Cody Rhodes vs Dustin Rhodes - 25 May 2019 Cody Rhodes vs Seth Rollins - 5 June 2022

CheapPop1999 said (from discord): A fantastic modern day big man who used his size to his advantage in every single match in a very old-school way. He's always the center of attention in every match he's in because he's a massive behemoth of a man no matter who else in there. He was a very reliable presence in puro for a ten year run, and is one of the best flavor of the month monsters for your ace to climb of all time. Match recs: w/ Takeshi Rikio vs Kenta Kobashi and Jun Izumida (NOAH 1/22/2006) vs. Brock Lesnar (NJPW 3/19/2006) w/ Ryoto Hama vs Strong BJ (AJPW 1/3/2012) vs. Masakatsu Funaki (AJPW 1/26/2013) Anything against Akiyama (my fav is AJPW 4/25/2013) w/ Ryoto Hama vs Burning (Akiyama and Shiozaki) (AJPW 6/23/2013) vs. Go Shiozaki (AJPW 5/21/2015)

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club said: Starts off (at least in terms of footage) as a versatile WoS babyface who could work technical matches and get rough when required. Found his true calling sometime in 1977 when he became an heel. His tag team with Dave Bond, The Caribbean Sunshine Boys, caused such heat that they were disbanded, and sadly leave us with but one televised match. He has some great singles performances from this era however. His heel offence is basic and his heel antics - strut, choke, devious inward smile - are nothing you haven’t seen before. It’s just that it so well executed that his matches are never not fun and are often a joy to watch. His match with Tony St Clair is a wonderful synthesis of his strengths as a performer. My main concern with nominating him is that seemingly few matches made tape. Hopefully this is not the case. Recommended matches: vs. Peter Rann - 22nd March 1972 w/Dave Bond vs. Kung Fu & Pete Roberts - 8th October 1977 vs. Tony St Clair - 18th February 1978

Wild she hasn't been talked about for GWE26, as her prime is unbelievable. From a great underdog in awesome tags and singles, to amazing death matches! She seems like she could get into many people's lists.

My nominee She was my #1 wrestler in 2022 and anyone who can do that deserves a nomination. Giulia is essentially the new CM Punk, someone who is so cool and charismatic and smart in the ring, it makes up for their little sloppyness. She has a knack for stepping it up in the big stage with some classics under her belt in those settings. Not to mention her taking people who seemed worthless like Mai Saukura, and making them look legit. Rec Matches 2022 12 29 Stardom Dream Queendom Giulia vs Syuri 2021 3 3 Stardom 10th Anniversary: All-Star Dream Cinderella Giulia vs Tam Nakano Hair vs Hair 2022 1 29 Stardom Nagoya Supreme Fight Giulia vs Mayu Iwatani 2022 10 1 Stardom 5 Star Grand Prix Giulia vs Tam Nakano 2022 3 26 Stardom World Climax 2022 - The Best Giulia vs Syuri 2022 8 27 Stardom 5 Star Grand Prix Giulia vs Starlight Kid 2022 10 1 Stardom 5 Star Grand Prix Giulia vs Suzu Suzuki

My nominee: Tam Nakano is one of the greatest babyface wrestlers of all-time, but can also go well as a heel or subtle heel. She is a master of storytelling and brings so much into her angles and lets that go front and center in her matches. She is littered with high end matches, but her ability to make anything work really puts her into contention. Recs: 2019 6 16 Stardom Shining Destiny Arisa Hoshiki vs Tam Nakano 2021 3 3 Stardom 10th Anniversary: All-Star Dream Cinderella Giulia vs Tam Nakano Hair vs Hair 2022 10 1 Stardom 5 Star Grand Prix Giulia vs Tam Nakano 2019 11 24 Stardom Goddess of Stars Arisa Hoshiki & Tam Nakano vs Jungle Kyona & Konami 2022 3 27 Stardom World Climax 2022 - The Top Saya Kamitani vs Tam Nakano 2022 6 26 Stardom Fight in The Top Natsupoi vs Tam Nakano Cage 2022 9 23 Stardom 5 Star Grand Prix Syuri vs Tam Nakano

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MichaelZ said: Emi Sakura is effective at creating a connection with the crowd and getting across the story of the match in any environment. She is capable of having lengthy matches with a big-fight feel, such as her epic vs Yoneyama. But she makes the most out of whatever time she is given and gives you a little something to sink your teeth into regardless of placement on the card. vs Kaori Yoneyama (JWP, 9/19/2010) w Kaori Yoneyama vs Arisa Nakajima and Command Bolshoi (JWP, 8/19/2012) vs Shazza McKenzie (SPW, 12/18/2018) vs Hikaru Shida (AEW, 8/24/2022)

No critiera. Have fun and vote in 2026!

mmcoor: Antonio Koinoki/small Antonio inoki The greatest parody wrestler ever, the greatest tribute wrestler ever and possibly the greatest comedy wrestler ever. Koinoki isn’t just some dude making fun of inoki, you get the sense that he truly believes he is Antonio inoki. He has matches with tons of gwe candidates and was not outshined in any of them. Vs genichiro tenryu Vs akibono Vs koriki choshu

Ma Stump Puller: The self-described "Mr Squeeze" for his many showcases of just completely running over rookies and making them tap out endlessly, Wilkins starts off on the surface as a unimportant and immensely disliked American jobber and UWF undercard guy before getting thrown into very early Michinoku Pro and bizarrely blowing it out of the park most of the time. He's like Finlay, only if he did lucha sequences alongside stiff strikes and old-school catch. Also like Finlay he's harmed by mostly not being a top billing guy, but the man has some pretty great showings otherwise alongside a consistent stream of entertaining work with green talent and Great Sasuke trainees: on top of arguably pioneering the future Western/DDT hardcore divisions with his infamous feud with Yone Genjin, where the pair would go everywhere and anywhere in the arena and beyond to do all kinds of nonsense with whatever they could find. Massively underrated worker. Vs. Minoru Suzuki (UWF 16.01.1990) Vs. Naoki Sano (SWS 07.12.1990) Vs. Fujiwara (PWFG 16.05.1991) Vs. Lightning Kid (PWA 16.06.1991) Vs. Kazuhiko Matsuzaki (Oriental Pro 14.09.1992) Vs. Naohiro Hoshikawa: 1993 series (Michinoku Pro 24.07/24.08/21.10.1993) Vs. Yone Genjin (Michinoku Pro 29.04.1994) Vs. Masato Yakushiji (Michinoku Pro 30.10.1994) W/Naohiro Hoshiawa Vs. Masato Yakushiji & Yoshito Sugamoto (Michinoku Pro 14.01.1997)

My new favourite wrestler, more so then Earthquake. Just a tremendous bad ass wrestler who will destroy fools with great offense. Something I learned is he is a tremendous seller too and works great underneath. Every G1 he has a classic too, including 91 vs Vader and 97 vs Muta. So excited to share him on the watch party today! Recs: 1997 8 2 NJPW G1 Climax The Great Muta vs Scott Norton 1991 8 9 NJPW G1 Climax Scott Norton vs Vader 2002 3 21 NJPW Hyper Battle Scott Norton vs Yuji Nagata 2000 1 4 NJPW Wrestling World Don Frye vs Scott Norton 1997 8 3 NJPW G1 Climax Kensuke Sasaki vs Scott Norton 1992 8 6 NJPW G1 Climax Bam Bam Bigelow vs Scott Norton 1999 8 28 NJPW Jingu Climax Don Frye vs Scott Norton 1993 5 3 NJPW Wrestling Dontaku in Fukuoka Dome Scott Norton vs Sting 2001 3 17 NJPW Hyper Battle Kensuke Sasaki vs Scott Norton 1993 6 30 NJPW Summer Struggle Brad Armstrong, Hercules, & Scott Norton vs Hiroshi Hase, Riki Choshu, & Tatsumi Fujinami 1995 9 11 WCW Nitro Randy Savage vs Scott Norton