KUSHIDA

One of the most accomplished juniors in NJPW history, the six-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Champion built his legacy over an eight-year run in Japan that included two IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team title reigns alongside Alex Shelley as the Time Splitters, Best of the Super Juniors victories in 2015 and 2017, and the 2016 Super J-Cup. Known for his innovative offense, time-bending quickness, and elite submission mastery, he also spent time in WWE NXT before returning to the global circuit.

At MLW Battle Riot VIII, KUSHIDA shocked the sport by dethroning Templario to capture the MLW World Middleweight Championship, and once celebrated for technical brilliance, he has since embraced a colder, more ruthless edge under the CONTRA Unit banner. On the June 13, 2026 episode of MLW Fusion, he defended the title against Alan Angels — a match originally delayed after Angels was beaten down by CONTRA — retaining via a post-match attack with Ikuro Kwon.