Who Could Lead NJPW’s Next Faction?

Credit: NJPW1972 Twitter

SANADA

Los Ingobernables de Japon are NJPW’s tightest unit. Five full-time performers, each of whom warrant their place in such an elite squad. That was not the original intention however.

Tetsuya Naito exiled himself to Mexico after being rejected by the Japanese fans. When he returned, his character was so vastly different and so wildly captivating, it spawned a new faction. However, recruiting BUSHI and EVIL simply made LIJ a vessel for Naito’s solo success. As the faction grew, they started to seek their own glory, and LIJ became about more than just Naito.

Now, a Heavyweight is jockeying for position while still under Naito’s leadership. NJPW management clearly know what they have in SANADA, a veteran of both Japan and abroad at only 29 years old. He has a less-intimidating gimmick now, and some entertaining holds in his arsenal, making him more of a babyface than his comrades. Unfortunately, he also has a team captain that will continue to overshadow him.

https://twitter.com/MrLARIATO/status/909013470775005184

SANADA has long been expected to break out from LIJ, but would he join CHAOS? Taguchi Japan? LIJ’s popularity means the group could rupture, with SANADA and Naito leading competing groups. It would open up room in one of the hottest products wrestling currently has.