#4 Hiroshi Tanahashi

One of the most prolific performers in New Japan history, Hiroshi Tanahashi has had quite the rocky year ever since losing the IWGP Intercontinental Championship to Minoru Suzuki earlier this year.
The Ace of New Japan has failed in his quest to recapture the IWGP Heavyweight Championship not once but twice this year. First, he lost to Zack Sabre Jr. in the finals of this year's New Japan Cup which would've earned him an IWGP Heavyweight championship match.
He then lost to Kazuchika Okada in the main event of Wrestling Dontaku for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship where ironically Okada eclipsed Tanahashi record of 11 successful title defenses.
Tanahashi will be on a path of redemption at this year's G1 where he is placed in Block A with his arch nemesis Kazuchika Okada.