SANADA

Former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, IWGP Heavyweight Champion, IWGP Intercontinental Champion, IWGP United States Heavyweight Champion, three-time IWGP Tag Champion, and 2023 New Japan Cup winner, SANADA built his legacy in NJPW through technically polished, composed ring work — best exemplified by his Paradise Lock submission and a years-long ascent through Los Ingobernables de Japon. He defeated long-time rival Kazuchika Okada at Sakura Genesis in April 2023 and held the IWGP World Heavyweight belt for the rest of the year, losing it to Tetsuya Naito at Wrestle Kingdom 18.

After being away from NJPW since January 2026 — with many believing he was done with the company following a cryptic farewell — SANADA made his in-ring return at Wrestling Dontaku, attacking NJPW World Television Champion Konosuke Takeshita. Targeting his first singles gold since the IWGP World Heavyweight title reign ended in January 2024, he challenged Takeshita at Dominion on June 14 in Osaka-Jo Hall but came up short, with SANADA having previously appeared under a Noh theater-styled mask at Sakura Genesis in April before revealing himself fully at Dontaku.