Ranking NJPW’s Factions: Worst To Best

Credit: NJPW1972 Instagram

1. Los Ingobernables de Japon

5* Talent: Tetsuya Naito; Hiromu Takahashi; EVIL

Underrated Talent: BUSHI

Being the smallest of NJPW’s five major groups, Los Ingobernables de Japon have no room for mediocrity.

Originally an extension of a Mexican team in CMLL, Tetsuya Naito completely overhauled his gimmick after being rejected by the Japanese fans. Embracing a more recalcitrant attitude, Naito turned his back on the fans and the company as a whole, and soon found other souls who liked his methods. EVIL and BUSHI would side with Naito, and Los Ingobernables de Japon was born.

Each addition since then has been stellar. The world-travelled SANADA joined the group, after losing his way in America. Then, Kamaitachi returned to Japan and quickly found a home amongst his fellow outcasts. Since then, the group has been almost unstoppable in their acquisition of both gold and fan adoration. LIJ shirts cover most of the arenas that NJPW runs, and Naito has become the star he always believed he could be.

The group have all bases covered: Naito is a main-event stalwart; EVIL and SANADA are both ready to break into that upper echelon, but could also make a formidable Heavyweight tag team if they see fit; and Hiromu is the Junior star of the group.

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That development has overshadowed BUSHI, a former IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion in his own right. Those who have been following him will know how talented he is, as displays like the Best of the Super Juniors have shown. Hopefully, Hiromu and BUSHI will make strides in the Super Jr. Tag Tournament slated for later this year.