NJPW’s Top 5 IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champions

2. Prince Devitt

Alongside being the founder of the Bullet Club, Prince Devitt is one of New Japan’s most successful IWGP Junior Champions. Like KUSHIDA, Devitt’s journey to the title was longer than other wrestlers. His first taste of gold in the company was teaming with Ryusuke Taguchi as part of Apollo 55.

However, singles glory was inevitable for Devitt, even if he had to wait a few years. His first title reign came in 2010, almost four years after his New Japan debut. After winning that year’s Best of the Super Jr. tournament, Devitt successfully beat champion Naomichi Marufuji at Dominion for the title.

Throughout his various reigns as champion, Devitt had some high caliber matches with many stars from Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi. He also made waves in 2013 when he challenged Hiroshi Tanahashi to a match to become the first person to hold both the Junior and Heavyweight championships. It was this goal that inspired many wrestlers after him such as Hiromu Takahashi to go after the same goal.

Like many wrestlers, what made Devitt such a successful champion was more than just his wrestling style. It was Prince Devitt as a person and a personality. Whether it was as a fun-loving member of Apollo 55 or the cut-throat Real Rock’n Rolla, he had the ability to entice fans into a story as well as a match.

In total, Devitt only had three reigns as IWGP Junior Champion. However, in that small number, the total number of days as champion was over 1,000. It is the second-highest in the history of the title. Each reign was meaningful and only helped the Jr title gain more recognition not only in New Japan but across the world.

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1. Jushin Thunder Liger

There was only one man who could top this list. Not only is he one of New Japan’s top Junior Heavyweight champions but has been called the best Junior Heavyweight in the history of professional wrestling. That man is the legend Jushin Thunder Liger.

After debuting the Jushin Thunder Liger character in 1989, it quickly led to his first reign as IWGP Jr Champion after beating Hiroshi Hase that May. He only held the belt for less than three months. Yet, it was only the first of a record-breaking 11 reigns between 1989 and 1999. Not only does Liger hold the record for the most reigns, but also the most defenses at 31 and combined days as champion at 2,245 days.

During this time, Liger has travelled the world shining a spotlight not only on New Japan but on the Junior division in general. He did this by traveling to different countries and showcasing his talent. For many, Liger was their first introduction into the world of Japanese wrestling.

If his list of reigns seems impressive, it does not count the numerous other titles and accolades he achieved during his career. From Junior champion to Young Lion Cup and being a three-time Best of the Super Jr. winner, Liger has done it all.

Despite retiring earlier in the year at Wrestle Kingdom, Liger is still a huge part of New Japan. He will continue to be the standard-bearer for Junior Heavyweight wrestling in the company.

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• Jushin Thunder Liger
• best of super jr
• Hiromu Takahashi
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