Jyushin Thunder Liger

A living legend and role model to many of today's wrestlers. He made his first appearance in NJPW as Liger in 1989, at the first ever wrestling event inside the Tokyo Dome. Displaying strength usually seen in Heavyweight contenders, he has been a long-standing superstar in the Jr. Heavyweight division, while having some memorable contests with legendary heavyweights like Shinya Hashimoto. His techniques have inspired many around the world and impacted the way pro wrestling has evolved to this day. Among his many accomplishments, he holds the record for most IWGP Jr. Heavyweight titles won at 11. While one of the most active performers on the NJPW roster with regular excursions all over the world, Liger has also been selfless with his experience and knowledge, taking an active role in the development of new wrestlers; so much so that he still has a room reserved for him at the New Japan Dojo well over 30 years after his graduation. In 2019, after a 47th Anniversary event loss to IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion Taiji Ishimori, Liger announced that he would retire in the same arena that he debuted in- the Tokyo Dome- in January 2020. Liger seemed to be heading to a fairytale retirement, but Minoru Suzuki stood in his way. Bringing up his Pancrase MMA fight against Liger back in 2002 as the origin of his disdain for Liger, Suzuki would repeatedly assault the legend. This happened until Liger voluntarily de-masked to reveal Kishin Liger, his fierce, violent form. Nevertheless, Suzuki continued to push events past the point of no return, until Liger threatened to kill the King at King of Pro Wrestling in October. After a hard fought match, Suzuki won, and bowed his head to the Living Legend in a rare mark of respect. Liger had retirement matches on January 4 & 5 at Wrestle Kingdom14. Next day at NEW YEAR DASH!!, Liger had a retirement ceremony and bid farewell to NJPW and his glorious wrestling career.