gold star for USAHOF

Jushin “Thunder” Liger

Jushin “Thunder” Liger
Pardon the pun, but we are not exaggerating when we say that Jushin “Thunder” Liger took aerial wrestling to new heights.

After initially competing in New Japan with limited success, Keiichi Yamada learned his craft overseas, and the undersized wrestler returned with a new move set; but more importantly with a full body costume reminiscent of Japanese Anime. Now dubbed Jushin “Thunder” Liger, Yamada became the focal point of Light Heavyweight wrestling in Japan (and some say the World) and dazzled audiences with his arsenal of top rope offense with a balanced chain wrestling attack. Young fans loved him, and older fans respected him. Liger was one of the main reasons that American tape traders sought after Japanese wrestling tapes.

Liger would usher in a new wave of flying wrestlers and colorful costumes. It is no understatement to say that the man New Japan barely wanted in the 80’s would become the most copied wrestler of the 90’s. He may never have competed in the WWE, but his work with WCW was well received and made him known to American audiences. This may not be as much of a dark horse candidate as you would think.

 

Should Jushin "Thunder" Liger be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 92.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 3.4%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 4.2%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%

The Bullet Points

  • Other Aliases: Keiichi Yamada (Real Name)
    “Flying” Fuji Yamada
  • Billed From: Hiroshima, Japan
  • Key Championships Held: World Heavy Middleweight Championship (Britain) (2)
    IWGP Junior Heavyweight (11)
    WCW Light Heavyweight
    WAR Junior Heavyweight Tag Team w/El Samurai
    J-Crown
    IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team (5) 1w/The Great Sasuke, 1w/El Samurai, 1w/Minour Tanaka, 1w/Koji Kanemoto & 1w/AKIRA
    GHC NOAH Junior Heavyweight
    Best/Top of the Super Juniors (3) (1994, 1997 & 2001)
    Super J Cup
  • Why they will get in: His innovative wrestling style is matched by few.
  • Why they won't get in: Although he competed numerous times for WCW, he only competed once under the WWE umbrella.
  • Five Greatest Matches/Moments: 1. Won his first IWGP Junior Heavyweight Title over Hiroshi Hase (5/25/89)
    2. Won the Junior Heavyweight Tournament (4/30/92)
    3. Wrestled the Great Sasuke in a 5 Star Match (7/8/94)
    4. Won the Super J Cup (12/13/95)
    5. Lost a very memorable match to the Great Muta, revealing his “Kishin Liger” Gimmick (10/20/96)

Should Jushin "Thunder" Liger be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 92.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 3.4%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 4.2%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%

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