10 best non-WWE wrestlers in the world

#4 Hiroshi Tanahashi

At number 4, we have the IWGP Intercontinental Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi. If you're familiar with NJPW, the majority of the credit for its popularity should go to him. Once upon a time, NJPW was in a similar situation as Impact Wrestling, and they needed someone to save them.

In walked Tanahashi, and the IWGP Intercontinental Champion single-handedly pulled them out of trouble by putting on great matches and drawing in huge crowds. He also became the face of NJPW in the process.

He went on to win multiple title belts in the company, including the IWGP Heavyweight Championship, IWGP Intercontinental Championship, IWGP Tag Team Championship, and even won the G1 Climax twice. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter also named him “Wrestler of the Year” from 2011-2013.

Putting his accolades aside, Tanahashi, even at 41 years of age, is one of the best performers in the ring. The current IWGP Intercontinental Champion has been known to deliver outstanding matches on a regular basis. He participated in the G1 Climax with a bicep injury, showing the world just how strong mentally and physically he is.

His best performances of the year came against the likes of Kota Ibushi, Tetsuya Naito, Zack Sabre Jr., and Tomohiro Ishii. The Japanese Ace proves that he isn’t afraid to defend his title against the best, making him one of the greatest champions in NJPW history.