REBEL PRIDE:
THE RISE OF LOS INGOBERNABLES DE JAPON
By Jasmine Olan
They are one of the hottest factions on the international wrestling scene today, a group of misfits born out of a spirit of rebellion who challenged the establishment and found major success on their own terms along the way. Led by current IWGP Intercontinental Champion, Tetsuya Naito, Los Ingobernables de Japon surprised the industry and captured the hearts of wrestling fans who found it easy to relate to them. At the core of it all is six close friends who turned to each other when they were in need of a place to belong and became family. LIJ is also one of New Japan Pro Wrestling’s most decorated stables with each member of the group winning championship gold throughout its history. Their story is both relatable and impactful.
The story of Los Ingobernables de Japon began in Mexico after Tetsuya Naito briefly stepped away from NJPW in need of a major change. Feeling abandoned and mistreated by the promotion and its fans, Naito was dealing with a lot of frustration in 2014. During that time in Mexico, the former ‘Stardust Genius’ joined forces with CMLL’s Rush and La Sombra in the popular heel faction Los Ingobernables. This marked the the beginning of a huge period of reinvention for Naito that would lead to him becoming one of New Japan’s all time greatest anti heroes.
After his return to NJPW, Naito formed the Japanese branch of Los Ingobernables, Los Ingobernables de Japon. Over time he recruited The Jet Black Death Mask, Bushi; the King Of Darkness, Evil; and the Cold Skull, Seiya Sanada. The faction would soon go on to include the Ticking Timebomb, Hiromu Takahashi and later former Dragon Gate star, the Dragon, Shingo Takagi. Los Ingobernables de Japon would go on to be connected to some of NJPW’s biggest storylines. Naito would ultimately become a vital part of the main event picture while Hiromu and Bushi would become major assets to the junior division. Meanwhile Evil and Sanada would become a dominant force in the tag team division with two successful runs as IWGP Tag Team Champions. Shingo Takagi is currently proving himself as a future star within New Japan.
One of the most unique things about LIJ is their bond they’ve built with NJPW fans. As leader of the group, Tetsuya Naito has in many ways become a voice of the people very much along the lines of former North American stars like CM Punk and WWE Hall Of Famer, Stone Cold Steve Austin. LIJ itself has come to represent anyone that has ever felt disenfranchised or cast aside by society, looking for a sense of belonging. That relatability factor has played a huge role in why the group has become so popular among fans.
The momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing down for Los Ingobernables de Japon anytime soon. This family of incredibly talented misfits truly stand as living proof that anyone can find success and happiness on their own terms. All it takes is a solid work ethic and the will to fight for it. LIJ has played by its own rules and found massive success as well as a sense of family. Through their unbreakable bond of friendship they found a place to belong that will only serve to make them stronger. This spirit of rebel pride will without question have fans looking forward to the famous LIJ roll call and saying “Tranquilo! Assen nayo!” for years to come.
