Ranking NJPW’s Factions: Worst To Best

Credit: NJPW1972 Instagram

2. CHAOS

5* Talent: Kazuchika Okada; Tomohiro Ishii; Will Ospreay

Underrated Talent: Hirooki Goto; Baretta

The CHAOS stable was originally the brainchild of Shinsuke Nakamura, who wanted to gather traditional wrestlers under his ‘Strong Style’ banner. The group has evolved since then, but they still work to uphold the values NJPW stands for.

Taking over in the leadership role is the New Ace of NJPW, ‘The Rainmaker’ Kazuchika Okada. His current run as IWGP Heavyweight Champion is legacy-defining, and has been a major reason behind the rapidly increasing viewership the promotion is receiving. He is flanked by perhaps the strongest lieutenant in the company, Tomohiro Ishii. ‘The Stone Pitbull’ acts as Okada’s gatekeeper, with potential challengers having to go through the no-necked bruiser first.

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CHAOS had been lacking in Junior Heavyweight talent, but that quickly changed when they enlisted the gravity-defying Will ospreay. ‘The Aerial Assassin’ is carving a new path for foreign superstars in Japan and on the independent scene as a whole.

The faction’s most recent addition, Hirooki Goto, is a terrific performer, but is still finding his role. He can do much more than just babysit Yoshi-Hashi. Baretta recently decided he will give the Heavyweight division a go. The former WWE Superstar could make some noise if he is given a chance in future feuds and tournaments.

CHAOS doesn’t have many game-changers beyond that. Rocky Romero, Gedo, Jado and Toru Yano are all serviceable veterans, but the group is truly defined by the exploits of their leader, lieutenant, and Junior sensation.