Ranking NJPW’s Factions Post-WK12: Worst To Best

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Credit: NJPW Twitter

3. Los Ingobernables de Japon

Down 2

It was the scene so many fans around the world envisioned: Tetsuya Naito addressing the Tokyo Dome after fulfilling his destiny; SANADA, EVIL and Hiromu joining their leader, brand new titles held aloft; and lil’ BUSHI’s there too.

It was not to be. Naito fell short in what was a thrilling contest with an unexpected result. Fans can debate about this decision until the cows come home, but the group lost out big-time at WK12. They’ve made a quick turnaround though, leaving their stamp on CHAOS at the end of New Year’s Dash. SANADA will be taking on Okada, meaning Naito is still only fingertips away. EVIL and Hiromu will also get their chance to accrue more gold at The New Beginning.

For now though, LIJ cannot be seen as the all-out dominators of New Japan that we expected them to be post-Tokyo Dome. They’re still the most popular unit, but they don’t have the victories to back it up.

LIJ is also unlikely to try and boost their ranks, given their air of exclusivity and superiority. One suggestion though: recruit BUSHI a damn tag team partner. The Jr. Tag division is lacking, and the masked Ingobernable is a rebel without a cause. Adding members is not their style, but a little bit of a shake-up wouldn’t hurt.