Top 10 Anime for Wrestling Fans
If you're a fan of suplexes and high-octane action, then these anime might be for you. Welcome to Watchmojo where today we're counting down the Top 10 Anime for Wrestling Fans.
For this list, we're looking at shows that either pay homage, make references, embody the spirit or just plain focus on professional wrestling. So, if you're already a Jerichoholic, but not yet an anime fan, maybe this list'll convince you otherwise.
Top 10 Anime for Wrestling Fans
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If you’re a fan of suplexes and high-octane action, then these anime might be for you. Welcome to Watchmojo where today we’re counting down the Top 10 Anime for Wrestling Fans. For this list, we’re looking at shows that either pay homage, make references, embody the spirit or just plain focus on professional wrestling. So, if you’re already a Jerichoholic, but not yet an anime fan, maybe this list’ll convince you otherwise.
#10: “Wanna Be The Strongest In The World” (2013)
Forget the Diva revolution, it’s time for the waifu revolution. When the young idol, Elena, is injured by a professional wrestler, her singing partner and close friend, Sakura, vows to take revenge by becoming a wrestler herself. The show is loaded with all the Drop Kicks, lariats, and compromising submission holds you need for your fix. And while it’s true, ‘Wanna be the strongest’ certainly isn’t the most intellectually enriching anime around, you might just have a heap of fun watching.
#9: “Naruto” Franchise (2002-)
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Wait what? No seriously. Naruto actually contains a ton of wrestling references – especially when you get into the Shippuden series. Most notably of all: The Raikage. This absolute pinnacle of manliness lays the smackdown. His tools of destruction? Wrestling moves like the Lariat and a sit-out powerbomb that’ll make Dave Batista green with envy. Outside of that, if you’re a fan of the underdogs this series might have you rooting for Naruto as he goes from complete jobber to…well we’ll let you watch and see.
#8: “One-Punch Man” (2015)
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This series focuses on Saitama, a hero who’s name implies exactly what he’s capable of – defeating any opponent with a single punch. The only problem is that being the best can get pretty boring. He soon finds a new burst of inspiration when realizing he can find fame and fortune in becoming a pro hero – but his efforts go quite unnoticed, like an indie darling trying to make it in the WWE. Much like some wrestling segments, it combines the elements of action and comedy quite perfectly.
#7: “Jushin Liger” (a.k.a “Bio Armor Ryger”) (1989-90)
Does that name and theme song sound familiar to you? Well that’s because this is the series that the famous Junior heavyweight wrestler, Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger, originated from. Back in the late 80s he adopted this persona as a means to promote the anime series – it just so happens the gimmick has outlived the series by decades. It’s a little hard to get your hands on these days, but if you want to see the origins of the liger-bombing legend, it just might be worth it.
#6: “One Piece” (1999-)
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This anime is perhaps the most popular running series worldwide, and as you’d guess, it contains a feast of pro wrestling homages. You’ve got characters that are clear references to superstars, like Spandam and White Beard, and even a guest appearance from Minoru Suzuki. Needless to say the fights, drama and heelish villains will give you the same thrill as watching pro wrestling – plus, it seems like the rising star, ACH is quite a fan.
#5: “Fist of the North Star” (1984-87)
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This one’s an oldie-but-a-goodie. In the post apocalyptic age of 20XX, the lone wanderer Kenshiro steps up to take down the nastiest SOBs in town using the Hokuto Shinken, a technique that focuses on the body’s pressure points with some deadly results. Fist of the North Star holds some of the most brutal fights in anime, complete with broken arms and exploding heads. And if that’s not enough to sell it to you, rumour has it that its John Cena’s favourite show.
#4: “Hajime no Ippo” Series (2000-2014)
Alright, we know wrestling and Boxing are like apples and oranges but this show could grip anyone who isn’t interested in either. Following the story of Ippo, a young man who is constantly bullied, we see his untapped potential for throwing punches come in to bloom. From championship matches to fist fights with goddamn bears, Hajime no ippo has some hot blooded brawls that capture the intensity of some of your favourite wrestling bouts – end of the line, this series is gonna get you heated.
#3: “Dragon Ball Z” (1989-96)
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If you were wondering what the hell New Day was wearing at WrestleMania, look no further than Dragon Ball Z. Perhaps the most iconic anime series of all time, DBZ is a non-stop adrenaline rush. There’s super saiyans (the anime equivalent of HULKING UP), heated feuds, and a couple of references along the way, making it a treat for any wrestling fan. And if we’re preaching to the choir and you already love Dragon Ball, why not check out the new sequel “Dragon Ball Super”?
#2: “Kinnikuman” Franchise (1983-2004)
When people think wrestling anime, they usually think of this classic series. The show combines all the best fundamentals of pro wrestling with the imaginative nature of anime. Focusing primarily on Kinnikuman, an idiot prince who aims to become a hero, the show may look a little goofy at first glance, but its surprisingly intense. The 2000’s sequel, known as “Ultimate Muscle” in the west, added some even more awesome fights to the mix. Even modern wrestlers pay homage to the series, such as Samoa Joe with his finisher “The Muscle Buster”. Before we reveal our world heavyweight champion top pick, here are some honourable mentions: “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” (2012-) “Kuroko’s Basketball” (2012) “Attack on Titan” (2013)
#1: “Tiger Mask W” (2016)
Yep, THAT Tiger Mask. Similar to Jushin Liger, Tiger Mask found his origins in anime back in the late 60s. Fortunately for us, we have been graced with a new instalment to the series, Tiger Mask W. A new era means a new hero, and Naoto Azuma is just the man for the job, as he looks to fill the boots of the wrestling legend by donning the mask. Best of all, the show features cameos of some of the top wrestling stars in Japan today, including Hiroshi Tanahashi and Kazuchika Okada. If you’re a wrestling fan, this is the show to watch. Do you agree with our list? Which anime would you recommend to wrestling fans? For more Spinebusting top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to Watchmojo.
