Ranking Wrestling’s Greatest Friendships: Can Anyone Top The New Day?

2. Los Ingobernables de Japon

The truest friendships are those which last through hard times as well as the good. And it’s fair to say that Hiromu Takahashi has had a hard time lately. Suffering a suspected broken neck on the first defence of his IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship, Hiromu has since had to vacate his title due to the length of time required for him to recover fully. And while Belt-san remains sanguine about the whole affair, Hiromu’s absence from the LIJ fold has been keenly felt.

Which is why it mattered so much when Naito brought out Hiromu’s empty jacket during the G1. There’s no reason Naito had to acknowledge Hiromu’s absence – the G1 is a tournament for heavyweights, and Hiromu wouldn’t have competed regardless – but he did it because he cares about his injured comrade. That Naito would share his victory with his absent friend speaks volumes about what friendship actually means to LIJ.

It’s not just Naito, though. Evil was the one who brought Hiromu’s jacket to the ring. And Evil sported a brand new red streak in his hair in the days after Hiromu’s injury. (Hiromu himself is no stranger to paying tribute to injured friends: he wore an Evil shirt to the ring the last time his comrade was out hurt).

Like the Elite, LIJ have one another’s backs in victory and defeat. And even the heat of competition can’t come between them. The tension between Sanada and Naito in the run-up to their G1 match was dispelled following Naito’s victory – though not before they teased a will-they, won’t-they LIJ fistbump. Thankfully, the spirit of tranquilo saved the day.