While the Bullet Club is internationally the most famous New Japan Pro Wrestling faction, it is the Los Ingobernables De Japon (LIJ) is the hottest and coolest group in Japan. Despite starting as a branch of the CMLL faction Los Ingobernables (that featured Pierroth, Rush, and current NXT Champion, Andrade ‘Cien’ Almas as La Sombra), this version has gained a life of its own. This is due to the alternative non-conformist image of the group. By collecting some of the best talent in Japan, LIJ has grown bigger than any one member ever could have. Here’s a look at the LIJ roster.
Bushi
The masked luchador Bushi is the fall guy of the group. He is lowest on the LIJ totem pole but is invaluable to the group. He is a great wrestler and works well as a potential IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship challenger. As well as that he is vital to the groups tag success. He has a very interesting Junior team with Hiromu Takahashi and acts as the third man in the record breaking NEVER Openweight 6-Man Tag Team championship reign along with Evil And SANDA. Not a headline grabber, but very essential to the group. His interesting look also helps the groups overall counter culture image.
Hiromu Takahashi
The ‘Ticking Time Bomb’ was for awhile the clear No. 2 of the group. The eccentric, charismatic killer has wowed audiences all year. Ever since returning from excursion to Mexico and the US, he has killed it in ring, often trying to kill his opponents in the process. He really fits LIJ as the wild Junior that can play the anti-hero role superbly well. Since losing the IWGP Junior Heavyweight title, he has slipped into comedy with his toy cat mascot Daryl but remains a threat in the division and may walk out of Wrestle Kingdom as Junior Heavyweight Champion. Has a very bright future and adds an element of danger to the Los Ingobernables De Japon.
EVIL
The breakout star of this year’s G1 Climax, EVIL is an original member of LIJ. The year was a big one for EVIL who became the first man to defeat Kazuchika Okada in singles competition in over a year. The big brawler often teams with SANADA as the groups heavyweight tag team. Really jumps off the page with his unique look and gimmick. His mix of power and athleticism makes him a big threat to anyone. The gatekeeper of LIJ who’s versatility really helps the group
SANADA
The Cold Skull adds a sense of danger to LIJ. The rising star of the group, SANADA has undergone a transformation similar to leader Naito. Once a generic high flier that had tons of potential, he has abandoned it for a newer, cold persona. He has the best future of any member outside of Naito and has spent the last year teaming with EVIL and Bushi in trios title matches. He recently won the World tag League tournament with EVIL and will challenge for the tag team championships at Wrestle Kingdom 12. His masks and overall look are also an important addition to LIJ. Look for him to break out from under Naito in the next year or two
Tetsuya Naito
The leader and biggest star of Los Ingobernables De Japon (and NJPW itself). Learning the ways of tranquilo and forming this faction took Naito’s career to the next level and has transformed him into a superstar. The success of the group has propelled him to a career defining Intercontinental title reign and winning the G1 Climax 2017, setting up a huge encounter with CHAOS leader Kazuchika Okada. Naito represents everything the group stands for, he doesn’t care about what others think and remains calm in every match no matter how important.
Miss a day of #NewJapanWeek? You can catch up below!
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12.22.2017: Preview: The History of NJPW
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12.25.2017: Preview: Wrestle Kingdom 12 (1/4/2018)
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12.26.2017: Tetsuya Naito: Stardust Champion to Ingobernable
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12.27.2017: The Record Breaker: Kazuchika Okada
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12.27.2017: Lionheart: Chris Jericho’s Return to Japan
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12.27.2017: Takeshi Puroresu Gundan and The Last Laugh
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12.28.2017: Switchblade: Jay White is NJPW’s Next Breakout Star
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12.28.2017: Ace Under Pressure: Hiroshi Tanahashi
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12.29.2017: Katsuya Kitamura: The Future of New Japan
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12.29.2017: Kenny Omega: From Golden Love to Being The Elite
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12.30.2017: Lion’s Gate: The Young Lions of NJPW
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12.30.2017: Gang Warfare: Los Ingobernables de Japon
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BONUS: Could Jericho vs. Naito Be Next on The List?
