Underrated Pro Wrestlers #1: Katsuyori Shibata

So my Powerbomb Jutsu podcast homie Dom recently got me into watching Puroresu (Japanese Pro Wrestling). I must say that I’m pretty upset that I didn’t get into the greatness that is puroresu much sooner but back to what I want to talk about, Katsuyori Shibata.

As I began to watch NJPW (New Japan Pro Wrestling) one out of many of their wrestlers caught my attention, Shibata being was one of them. Shibata is what I call a true professional wrestler. Shibata just wrestles and I mean he WRESTLES! He is hard hitting, tough, and he’s like a pro wrestling specialist that is accurate with his moves.


As far as his gimmick, from what I seen of his matches it doesn’t seem like he has one but his matches make up for what I call lack of character. Remember that puroresu is more focused on the wrestling aspect then on the gimmicks and storylines. Each time I watch Shibata wrestle, he tells his story in the ring (a very good story each time).

I honestly think that Shibata deservers way more recognition than what he gets. I’m happy that he is now the IWGP tag team champion along with Hirooki Goto and 2015 will be another year for Shibata to shine.

If you’re not familiar with Shibata’s work check out these two recent matches from him.

Hiroshi Tanahashi vs. Katsuyori Shibata

IWGP IC Title Match Shinsuke Nakamura(c) vs Katsuyori Shibata

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